47Hello, everyone!
I now it is taking me forever to update these chapters, but if there are any people still reading this rest assured that I do plan of finishing this story! I don't think there will be more than 10 chapters left for this story. Especially since I'm coming up on the last few episodes in the TV show..
Anyway, I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. I do apologize, however, since I think I made Shin a little too OOC towards the end.
Don't forget you can keep track of what chapter I'm working on by checking my profile page. (Or at least the story I'm supposed to be working on lol)
I attempted to find all grammar errors and misspelled words.
Enjoy!
Third Times the Charm
"Hitomi just let us show you where it's at."
"No, I can find it myself."
"Just give it up, when she gets that look she won't quit."
"Hitomi, I'm starving here."
"Hold on Kuma-chan, just a few more minutes."
"We've already been sitting here for 30 minutes. Just tell us what you want and we'll order it."
"Shin, Uchi come on. Talk some sense into her."
It's only been a day since the whole fiasco with Yuta, and since the today was Friday we were going to hit up one of the guy's hangout spots. I couldn't want to see it and play this 'pool' game that before I could only listen to them play. Before going there the 6 of us decided to grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. The current crisis facing our group was the lack of pictures on the menu and my determination to find the dish that I wanted on my own. If only there wasn't so much kanji to look through. Last time I went out to eat Kyo taught me a few of the kanji for the food I usually eat, but for some reason I was drawing a blank and everything was starting to look the same. Still, I refused to tell them what I wanted. While one reason was because I desired to become independent, I also wanted to show them how much I improved. They would often hover over my shoulder and help me with difficult readings - mainly Shin - or correct my penmanship and stroke order. I wanted to let them know that all of their help wasn't going to waste.
With a defeated sigh I put down the menu, shoulders sagging along with my confidence.
"You don't need to be so sad Hitomi." Kuma quickly jumped in, "If you try to force it it'll just be harder."
"Yeah, besides it's only been a few weeks since the operation and you can already read basic kanji and books."
Appreciative of their attempts to make me feel better I smiled, but my heart wasn't in it.
"Seriously, no need to force it." Uchi placed a hand on my shoulder then looked at the menu, "So what exactly were you searching for so?"
Much to Kuma's joy, after letting the others find the dish I wanted, it didn't take too long for our meals to come. After our midday meal they guys took me to their regular hangout; a huge super center arcade called Port 24. It was a huge 2 floor building packed with people from all ages, and the noise was highly disorienting.
"This is nothing like the other arcade." I blinked in awe. "What's that huge machine over there? Are those drums?"
A haughty chuckle from Noda pulled my attention, and at his smirk I raised a brow. "My dear Hitomi. What you see there is the Taiko arcade game aaaand, I'll have you know, no one can beat me at it."
"There he goes again." Minami rolled his eyes.
"Is he really that good?"
Noda threw his arm around my shoulders, "Come, young one. Let me show you exactly what you've been missing." I giggled and let him lead me over to the game. Seeing as he was hyping himself up I had high expectations. He quickly explained the rules to me, telling me that a series of blue and red circles would appear. For the red circles I had to hit the large drum in the center and for the blue circles I needed to hit the rim of the drum. When the circles were large I needed to hit with both mallets.
"Sounds easy enough." I smiled unable to hide my excitement as I watched him cycle through the playable songs. I tried to read them but Noda was passing though them so quickly all of the letters blurred together. Eventually he ended on a song I often heard on the radio.
"You ready? Try not to be distracted by my amazing skill." He grinned as he picked the most difficult level while I settled for the easiest.
"I'll have you know I'm a fast learner."
"What's this? Is that a challenge I hear?"
"Just give me a few days at this and I'll give you a run for your money."
He quirked his brow at my words but as the game was starting we shifted our focus. And once the game started I realized that I may need more than a few days to catch up to Noda's skill. The times I had to hit the drum were few and far in between that it left me plenty of time to gape in awe at Noda while not missing a beat. Where my beats had prominent rests between notes, Noda's bar was completely filled with circles to hit and they were scrunched together so tightly that I would've thought it was impossible to hit the drum so many times within a second. Still Noda pressed on, even adding some fancy arm crossing tricks and a spin without missing a single note. When we finished I couldn't help but stare at him wide eyed.
"Yes, yes I know. I'm amazing." Noda smirked with an air of smugness while idly twirling one of the drum sticks in his hand.
"Um, if I may. I'd like to recant on my earlier statement."
"No, no it's too late. There's no backing out now."
Ugh, me and my big mouth.
We were able to play two more songs before the game ended and I have to say it was very fun. Even if Noda was being super extra with the added flair while he played. Still it was fun to watch him. After that they guys pulled me to every single one of their favorite games and teaching me how to play it. Kuma's favorite was a punching machine and with his large build he was easily able to grab the highest score out of the group. When I tried, I surprised them with a score of 379, beating Noda and Minami who scored 290 and 375 respectively. Apparently I never told them that I learned Taekwondo since they were surprised at the revelation. The next few games were shooting games which Uchi and Minami stepped forward to show their stuff. With perfect team work the two of them tore through the first two levels with ease before Minami waved me over to give it a try. I eagerly took the invitation and allowed Minami to maneuver my body into the proper gun wielding position. It was really fun especially with the guys shouting behind me in excitement when I would actually hit something or even when they were stressing me out by yelling when something was coming closer to me. By time the game was over my adrenaline was pumping and a wide grin was plastered on my face.
"What else is there?"
We passed by a basketball game and I couldn't help but blush and glance over at Shin who quickly caught my gaze and smirked in response. After a bit more playing around they brought me to an area that was slightly less populated. Five long tables were in the room and they were covered with something green with 6 holes along the sides. Luckily there was a table unoccupied and our group was quick to claim it.
"Here." Uchi handed me a long stick that thinned out as it got to the tip. "It's called a Q-stick."
"What game is this?"
"Pool. See the balls they're setting up?" He nudged his head to the guys, "You have to use the white ball to hit the others into the pockets on the table."
"Pockets? You mean the wholes?"
"Yeah, we call them pockets. One person has to hit the stripe balls and the other person hits the solid colored balls in, but you want to avoid the 8-ball, that's the black one, last. First one to clear all of their balls and finally the 8-ball wins. There are some different rules depending on how you play but that's the basic game."
"That sounds fun! Let's play!"
Since there were six of us we broke into two teams, and I was on the same team as Uchi and Shin and our balls were solid colors. A quick 'rock-scissors-paper-' match and Uchi took the first hit, breaking the balls that were set in a perfect triangular shape. There was a sharp crack as the white ball hit the others, making them scatter.
"Nice hit." Minami smirked, "But watch the pro at work."
He aimed and easily hit the 11-ball in. I clapped which made Minami give an over exaggerated bow.
"Stop fraternizing with the enemy." Uchi chided and plucked my forehead.
When it came to my turn Uchi was quick to guide me through the motions, and though I was thankful I couldn't help with wish that it was Shin helping me. With Uchi's help I hit the white ball but it lacked any real power and didn't roll very far, though it apparently rolled into a difficult spot since Kuma - who was up next - grumbled about not being able to get a good shot, and was forced to use his shot to scatter the grouped together balls. Shin silently moved to the pool table, and my attention was quickly stolen, the words Uchi saying dying on my ears.
'He's so handsome when he's focused on something.' I managed to catch myself from sighing out loud as I continued to gush over Shin in my head.
The game soon came to an end with Kuma and the others taking the victory, mainly because the only two balls I managed to get in the pocket were their balls. They decided to play another game but I opted to sit out since I was getting tired, and it sounded like they were getting a bit more heated in their competition. Best I not get in their way. I took a seat on one of the chairs to watch, and moments later the other seat was taken by Shin. My heart fluttered in my chest at being -somewhat- alone with him, but I tried to hide my surging happiness as I looked at him.
"Not going to play?"
"No."
I couldn't help but smile at his typical monosyllabic answer. "You guys must play a lot. You all are really good. Then again I don't really have much to compare to."
He shrugged but didn't reply and we fell into a silence as we watched the others play.
'Maybe I could use this chance to ask him out.' I stole a glance at his bored expression, 'Now is as good a time as any.' Even as I thought that I made no further attempt at a conversation. Cursing my lack of courage I frowned and anxiously began tapping my foot.
'Whats wrong with you? Didn't you say that you would be proactive in trying to get him? Then why are you hesitating?' I chanced another glance at him and a lump formed in my throat keeping me from saying anything. 'Maybe I should just wait...I mean, who says I have to do it now? I can always just send him a text.'
Almost immediately after that thought I shook my head roughly, the action catching Shin's attention but I didn't realize.
'No! This is something I should do face to face! I can't run! I'll do it! I'll do it right now!'
Suddenly burning with a confidence I didn't have before I faced Shin with even intention of asking him out on a date, but I wasn't prepared for him to be staring at me. So instead of actual words a strange sound that was a mix between his name and a gurgle of surprise left my mouth.
"What was that?" He chuckled through his nose with a raised brow.
"N-nothing!" I coughed into my hand to regain my composure. I needed to ask before my courage faded, however, once again Shin surprised me.
"By the way, you figure out what you want for winning our bet?"
"Huh?"
"Don't tell me you're still thinking about it. You aren't thinking of some terrible dare or something, are you?"
I shook my head, "Of course not!"
"Ok, then. You must have some idea, so let's hear it."
'Ok, Hitomi. This is the perfect chance. Now just tell him that you want to go on a date and it'll be all good.'
I opened my mouth, but instead of speaking I just turned into a fish. I must've looked funny because the corners of Shin's mouth curled up into a smirk. That darn adorable smirk that sent my heart into a frenzy every time I saw it.
"I -uh-"
'Say it!'
"..I want..."
Ugh I couldn't get the words out, and my throat was drying up the longer it took for me to say it. It was so frustrating! My hands were also really sweaty making me constantly wipe them on my uniform's skirt. Seeing how nervous I was, and that it was only growing by the moment, Shin's smirk fell a bit and his brow creased slightly in worry as he sat a bit straighter in his seat.
"You alright there?"
"Mm-hm." I nodded strongly once.
"Could've fooled me." He teased not looking away from my skittering gaze.
Finally resting my gaze on the small table between us I forced myself to get the words out. Sadly what I ended up saying didn't really portray my true intentions, but at least it was a start.
"I...I have this new book that I bought. It's a bit difficult...Could...Could you help me read through it?" Yeah it was definitely easier to speak without trying to make myself meet his eyes. "If you're free tomorrow...M-maybe we could also - I don't know - get lunch together while we're out. And j-just hang out- you know - just u-us."
"So like a date?"
"Y-yes!"
My true feelings blurted out on there own, using the opportunity to not actually having to say the D-word myself. At that time my head also shot up to see Shin's reaction but noticed he was looking of to the side, and when I followed his gaze I was met with 4 identical teasing smirks. It was then I realized that it wasn't Shin who asked the earlier question, but Minami.
"Oi, oi, don't tell me you two are planning to have fun without us?" Noda's smirk widened while my face turned a rosy shade of red. "That's no fair. We could also help with your reading too."
"Y-yeah but-"
"Hey, Noda don't be so dense." Minami shook his head with an exaggerated sigh. "Hitomi obviously doesn't want us around - and why would she?" Slowly a mischievous smirk pulled at his lips as he look at me. "After all, then she couldn't-" He turned his back to us and hugged himself so his fingers were peaking out from either side of his waist. From there he began rubbing his sides while making loud kissing noises, and to make matters worse Noda happily joined him in teasing me.
If possible my face burned brighter and I was sure I would pass out any moment.
"If you know, then don't bother us tomorrow."
Shin's cool words cut through their teasing, leaving them all to stare wide-eyed not expecting Shin, of all people, to say something like that. I was also shocked by his words but also gripped by a sudden tightness in my chest from how happy his words made me. Even if he said them just throw their teasing back at them.
Their shocked faces didn't stay long, and while three faces warped into more teasing gestures - this time not sparing Shin - one face turned contemplative. No one paid it any mind until a question, asked with such seriousness that all mirth in the atmosphere was instantly dispelled.
"Is it really a date?"
All eyes turned to Uchi, but he only had eyes for Shin and I.
The silence following his question burned in my ears. Of course I wanted to wholeheartedly confirm that it was but Shin's silence to the question that had me unwilling to say anything. The only reason Shin would go with me is because of our bet, and I had no way of knowing if this would even bring us closer. But I was sure that he was going to kiss me the other day. That must mean he is at least thinking about me as more than just a friend. Right? Was I reading into everything too much? I knew from the start that doing this was a leap of faith, and honestly I was afraid of rejection. It could ruin the friendship we already had, and if that was the case it was better to stay as we were.
But still...I wanted to take that chance. I wanted to be able to say that Shin is my boyfriend and that I am his girlfriend. With this in mind I gathered what courage I could and met Uchi's eyes, ignoring how hot my face felt.
"From...From my standpoint I...I would like it to be."
Shin's POV
"From...From my standpoint I...I would like it to be."
Her shy, quiet statement continued to buzz around my mind long after we all parted ways and into the dead of night when most people would already be asleep. Slowly I dragged my eyes towards the analog clock at my bed side and was greeted by the bright red numbers reading '2:13'. My eyes burned with the desire for sleep yet every time I closed my eyes I would picture Hitomi's face.
The way she fidgeted in her seat and blushed when she spoke to me. The cute way she bit her bottom lip when lost in thought, or how she could barely look me in the eye without losing all of her nerve. How she pouted in frustration when she couldn't seem to find the exact words she wanted to say, and then finally the gentleness and vulnerability in her gaze as she admitted to wanting our time together to be something more than just the reading session her words suggested.
With a reluctant groan I pulled myself into the kitchen to get a glass of water before sitting on the floor, leaning against the sofa. I didn't bother turning on the light as my eyes had already adjusted enough to move around well enough. The water was soothing to my dry throat and I felt myself relaxing against the sofa. As I sat staring at nothing a brief conversation I had with Uchi played across my mind.
It was right after we left the arcade.
"Hey Shin." Uchi called, and our pace slowed until there was a bit of distance between us and the others.
I had an idea of what he wanted to talk about, but would let him bring it up. Honestly, I didn't really know what to say, so I was pushing the responsibility onto him. It was more cowardly than I cared to admit.
Uchi ran a hand through his hair in hopes of brushing off the sudden awkward atmosphere. "You and Hitomi-"
I tensed defensively not at all comfortable, or use to, talking about such sensitive topics, let alone with the others. Given that the topic revolved around my friend's younger sister only made it more uncomfortable.
"-are things going ok?" Realizing the question was a bit vague he added, "I mean you two are about to go on a date, and it's not exactly hard to read her."
That was an understatement. Her gazes always left my skin searing and during those times I hoped that my expression didn't give away how anxious I felt under them. Always carefully trying to hide how I felt with teasing smirks or casual comments. Though that day we went to help Yankumi babysit Yuta, I had almost lost every bit of control I had.
I almost kissed her and though it appeared as though she wouldn't have complained, I panicked.
"And you're the exact opposite." Uchi's annoyed quip pulled my attention back to him. "Look, we're buds. We've been though a lot of shit together and I know the kind of guy you are. What I'm trying to say is, if it's you I don't mind if you two get together."
I stared at Uchi surprised, suddenly unable to walk another step. It wasn't like I was looking for his - or anyone's approval for my feelings - but it was relieving to know that Uchi wasn't opposed. Just what was I doing? Why was I hesitating? With his words it only made everything seem doubly pointless.
"But, as I said earlier. Hitomi wears her thoughts on her sleeves, but it's harder to tell with you. It's a little weird but I have to ask," Uchi stared into my eyes unflinchingly, "Do you like Hitomi?"
"...Yeah."
Next time I opened my eyes there were beams of light crashing through the few small windows in the room, and my phone was buzzing in the next room. I stretched, wincing at the pain shooting down my neck from the awkward sleeping position, and pushed myself up to answer the phone. I mumbled a greeting in my still half-asleep state.
"Oh...Did I wake you?"
Hitomi's voice was instant in cutting through the grogginess. "No, I was already up."
"Ok, well. I was wondering where you wanted to meet."
Glancing at the time I was shocked to see it was already 11. Probably why she called me. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"No...I was hoping we could eat together."
"Sure."
I could hear the smile in her voice. "G-great! Then let's meet at the Yoshinoya near the arcade we went to last night. I'm really craving some gyudon."
Once things were finalized we ended the call and I quickly got ready, having to rush through my normal morning routine. As I headed towards our meeting place my stomach did flips in excitement, but I was use to the feeling by now. It was something I always felt when I was around or even thinking about Hitomi. If there was ever a time I was grateful for my personality it was now. Being able to mask my emotions behind a facade of nonchalance saved me from the embarrassment of becoming a bumbling fool in front of her.
As I was coming up to the place I quickly slowed down my walking speed, having unconsciously been moving faster from excitement. I tried not to look too concerned as I scanned the area for Hitomi's familiar face. Guess she wasn't here yet.
It was then my phone buzzed with a Line message.
'Sorry! I'll attach it after 3 minutes!'
The corners of my mouth twitched with a smile. Just how much cuter could she get? She obviously meant to say 'I'll get there' but had used the wrong kanji, thus the sentence was bit strange. Realizing how foolish I must look smiling at my phone I cleared my throat and sent a quick reply.
"Shin!"
It wasn't long before I heard her voice call out to me, however, my reply died in the back of my throat. In fact I was sure that maybe I had died as well. That was the only explanation for this angel before me.
Hitomi came running towards me, carrying a black tote bag and a bright smile lighting her face. She was wearing a white off the shoulder sundress that stopped right above her slender legs. The dress was tight around her waist, but loosened up around the chest area and below, allowing it to flow gracefully with her every movement. Along the hem of her dress, both top and bottom, were sewn in frills that were lined with blue stitching. And on the shoulders was s single ribbon of the same color on each side. Around her neck was the only accessory she wore, a simple silver necklace with a small, dark blue gem hanging from it. It rested almost perfectly at the junction where, if anyone were to take the time to focus long enough, a hint of cleavage was visible. The problem was that the gem was so eye catching - being so dark in color- it was almost inviting me to look lower. Though I'd have to say the most beautiful shade of blue she had were her eyes. Many times I've looked at them only to see a grey'd out blue, like a murky film over water, but now they stared back at me with such vibrant intensity I couldn't help but feel my pulse racing.
I felt a bit self conscious at how under dressed in comparison I was. Clearly she had taken the time to coordinate everything, yet here I am with some old pair of black skinny jeans, a grey shirt and a thin jacket thrown over it.
Her face was a bit different though...
'Ah, she's wearing make-up.' After taking a few moments to assess it I decided that it didn't look bad, just a little strange. I preferred her face without it, but that was a personal preference than anything. As long as it wasn't too heavy.
"Shin are you ok?"
Damn it. I was supposed to not be making a fool out of myself. How long was I staring for? I ran a hand through my hair and smirked. "Yeah, just hungry. Let's go eat."
"Sure thing." She smiled again, eyes sparkling even more. Was she even nervous? It didn't seem like it.
We quickly took our seats at a small table in the back corner and ordered. It was pretty busy and I noticed the glances we got from people as we passed. Yeah, I'm sure to them we were a strange pair. Hitomi, who seemed to radiate everything that was good in this world, and then there was me, shuffling behind her like a thief waiting to attack her. The blemish to her perfect picture.
"Um..." She shifted in her seat looking down in embarrassment. It wasn't until then I realized I had been staring at her again.
To cover my own embarrassment I asked, "Did you bring the book?"
She fished around in her bag and pulled out a book I hadn't read in a long time. I chuckled through my nose as she handed me the book.
"Momotaro?"
Detecting the jest in my voice she crossed her arms with a frown, "You're supposed to be helping me, not laughing at me."
I held my hands up in surrender, "I'm not laughing at you at all."
"Then I guess I'm imagining that smirk on your face."
"Yes."
"Come'on, the kanji in that book is super hard."
It was thicker than the typical story book, this one having been adapted to be a bit more advance than the one sentence-per-page version. I flipped through it and while it was still mostly hiragana and katakana, there was definitely more kanji used in this version.
"By the way you used the wrong kanji in the text message."
"R-really?"
I pulled out my phone and showed her the correct kanji. When I did her ears turned red and she looked away. In order to keep from smiling I looked at the menu and suggested that we order. I was too worked up over this. My emotions kept rampaging in my chest and my mind was finding it difficult to focus. It was a feeling I wasn't sure if I liked. Not being able to control my emotions or my expressions made me feel uncomfortable, yet I'm sure that I had smiled more times within the past 30 minutes than I ever had in my entire life. Being around Hitomi was the cause of this feeling but even if I disliked this sense of restlessness, parting with her left a worse taste in my mouth.
"Um..."
I met her concerned gaze, and seeing that she had her menu in her hands I thought it was because she needed help. When I offered to help she shook her head.
"No, it's not that." Her brow knitted together with a frown. "...It's just...You look-"
Her voice trailed off until I could no longer hear her. Though before I could question her she smiled brightly, completely catching me of guard.
"No, it's nothing. Let's hurry up and order so we can eat."
'Sometimes I just don't understand her.'
After ordering it didn't take long for our food to arrive. While we ate we made small talk, and for a moment I forgot about the weight of the word 'date' that seemed to be silently hanging over the both of us. It felt like any other time the two of us gotten together. Talking about nothing and everything all at once. After eating and clearing off the table, Hitomi opened the book on the table.
"Um, Shin." She cleared her throat and though her ears were bright red she still smiled. "M-maybe it'll be easier if you sit over here. To see the book a-and if I make any mistakes."
Her reasoning pulled at the corners of my mouth. Where I sat didn't matter as far as helping her, but the excuse to sit beside her was too perfect to pass up. So without giving away my eagerness I carefully slid into the seat on her right side. As I got comfortable my leg brushed against hers. My initial reaction was to move away but squashed it down and instead relaxed more, which pushed my leg against hers more. Beside me she tensed and seemed extremely interested in thumbing through the book pages but she didn't pull away.
I couldn't help but sigh at this strange round-a-bout the both of us were playing. Like neither one of us wanted to make that first move. But I had to admit it was fun testing how far I could go with teasing her.
"Let's start from the first page." I reached across for the book and held open the page. In this position my upper body was facing her and since I was leaning forward it brought our faces closer together.
"O-ok." Her voice cracked and her eyes stayed glued to the book. After gently clearing her throat she began reading.
"A long time ago in a small house by a ri...riv-um,"
"River."
"Ah, by a river lived a..."
"Woodcutter."
"A woodcutter and his wife. The two of them loved each other very much. The...wo...woodcutter and his wife lived a pea-peace...peacef-ful life but...but they f-felt like something was...mi...missing." She smiled very having been able to read through the first few sentences.
"They wanted a...How do I read this?"
"Child."
"They wanted a child. Every night they p-ray-ed...Oh, prayed. Every night they prayed to the heav...heavens to send them a child."
Hitomi continued to read and every so often I would help her through the reading if she seemed to be having difficulties. As I listened to her I couldn't help but feel immensely proud of her. Less then a month has passed yet here she was reading, mostly on her own, and recognizing more and more kanji by the day. She tackled every challenge that came her way with a smile and such infectious optimism. An existence like hers was something I never thought I would have in my life. Other than my sister and friends I wouldn't have thought I would find someone I would want to protect.
Hitomi's smile, her gentle laughter and even her tears. I wanted them to be mine to protect, and to be the cause of them even if they were her tears. These possessive thoughts steadily grew in my heart but I couldn't bring myself to push them away like I normally would have. Would she still be able to smile at me if she knew what I really thought? That I wanted her to see only me. To look only at me.
At that moment she turned her head, asking me a question with a worried expression. It was only then I realized that I went completely silent and to have her look at me as I was thinking it kept me silent. I saw myself reflected in her large blue eyes, searching my face for the reason behind my sudden silence. I could see every change in her face as it tightened with frustration at her lack of answers. Eventually her eyes fell away and back to the table.
"No." I muttered and with my right hand I cupped her cheek to make her face me again. "Don't look away."
"Shin?"
She was confused but did as I said and slowly her gaze turned expectant. Waiting for my next move. The hand that rested on her cheek felt scolding hot I wanted to snatch my hand away, but the imploring look in her eyes had me frozen. A sense of deja-vu hit me as I realized that this situation was quite similar to the last time we were alone with one another. She was as still as a statue save for the rise and fall of her chest that would push a trembling breath pass her lips. They looked so soft and plump against her skin, gently tinted red and glistening from what I assumed was lip-gloss. Suddenly her tongue peaked out, running across her bottom lip as though to tease me.
Slowly I removed my hand from her cheek, instantly longing for the warmth her skin shared with me. With out a word I stood to my feet and marched over to the register, receipt in hand. My heart hammered in my chest and I couldn't stop my hand from combing through my hair; once, twice, three times. I could only hope I didn't look as lame as I felt. After paying I returned to our table only to find Hitomi looking down on the verge of tears.
'Shit.'
In hindsight I should have said something before walking off. Somehow I couldn't think properly today.
"Hitomi, let's go b-back to my place." I cursed myself for stuttering and cleared my throat that went dry in the middle of my sentence.
Her head shot up so quickly I thought she would hurt herself. "Your home?"
"Yeah. It's a bit noisy here." And too many eyes that couldn't seem to to mind their own business.
"Where is the receipt?"
"I paid already. Don't worry about it."
"You've always been kind about that." She smiled slightly, "Don't spoil me too much, or I'll get complacent."
I chuckled but much like the atmosphere between us, it felt awkward. There wasn't any conversation as we walked back to my place making it feel twice as long. Eventually we arrived and I let Hitomi towards the coach as she curiously looked around the apartment.
"Somehow it's not as large as I imagined." I heard her mumble as I sat beside her
...
...
...
...
"Shin/Hitomi."
We both called each other at the same time and stared at each other, first in surprise and then laughing at the situation. Well, smirking in my case. Hitomi drew her legs to her chest, hugging them close, and even that movement had me captivated.
"Can I go first?"
When I nodded she took a deep breath, and though her eyes didn't leave her legs she began speaking. Her voice was soft and shaking slightly from what I figured was nerves.
"I...I was glad that you agreed to meet me today. Even if it was because of a bet because...because I wanted to, well, b-be with you more." She shifted uncomfortably, aware of my gaze that had yet to leave her face. "A-and even after today I want...I want to do this more. W-with just th-the-" She cleared her throat, "-The two of us."
"Are you sure?" Was my immediate reply. "With someone whom society has deemed a lost cause?"
"Why should I care about what society thinks?" She frowned, her grip tightening. "For a long time I was seen as a burden and the butt of mean jokes. People who were nice to me only to make them selves look better and not because they actually wanted to know me. But ever since I came back to Japan and met you all, I was able to smile from the heart again. You guys didn't care that I was blind and treated me normally." Her ears went red and she buried her face into her legs, muffling her voice only slightly.
"And...For the first time...I was a bit happy I was blind. Because as I began to realize how...how I felt I had an excuse to be close to you. I...I like you. I think I have for a long time."
By now her voice was barely a whisper and I had to strain my ears to hear her. But her next words threatened to blow away any scraps of composure I managed to keep. It was pure will power that kept my face neutral. I think I had known how she felt for a while, but hearing her say it was an experience all on it's own. Now that she had said it it was only fair I did the same. It was embarrassing to express my true feelings to anyone, hell even to myself, but I fought with myself that this wasn't the time to worry.
"At first," I began the words flowing without much thought, "I thought it was strange for someone like you to be here. You were firstly a girl, and secondly you were blind...but you were interesting and different from the norm. It was so surprise to me the others fell for you at first sight. Before I knew it I kept watching you, and was impressed by you. You were so strong and still smiled so happily despite everything that happened to you."
It felt like I was blabbering, but I had hoped that it somehow made sense and expressed how I felt. Still it was weird to hear how quiet my own voice was.
"After your surgery I was," I licked my dry lips to no avail, my nerves from being so open keeping them dry as a desert, "I was scared. Afraid that I wouldn't be what you imagined me to be. It was then I fully realized what I was feeling."
She tensed at this but she still refused to look at me.
"Why every time I saw you I had to fight a smile. Why when you touched me I silently prayed you couldn't feel my trembling. Or why I would feel irrationally irritated when I wasn't the one who helped you get around."
I wanted to see her face so I turned her to me, holding her chin gently yet firmly between my thumb and index finger. Now seeing her I noticed her eyes were red and wet with tears. She was so expressive, a stark contrast to myself, and her eyes widened cutely as I leaned forward to rest my forehead against hers.
"W-wha- Shin! Y-you, I-"
"Listen Hitomi," I cut her off chuckling softly, "whether or not you were blind wouldn't have changed what I'm about to say." I made sure to stare into her eyes to ensure she knew I was telling the truth.
"I like you."
Any tears she had been holding back came rushing down her face. Without warning she threw her arms around my neck, tackling me in a tight hug as her shoulders shook with her sobs. I caught myself from falling back by bracing myself with my right hand, with my left resting on the back of her head.
"These are happy tears I hope."
A rapid nod against my wet shoulder was my answer. While she was crying I re-positioned ourselves so that she was sitting on her knees between my legs.
"I-i'm sorry." She sniffled her make-up was completely ruined, most of it having been rubbed off by her tears and my shoulder. I looked down and noticed the stain. Apparently she noticed too.
"About that too..."
"It's ok."
She leaned back far enough so I could see her face once she had calmed down, but didn't remove her arms from my neck. This kept her soft body pressed against mine and I almost sighed from the contact. Slowly I threaded my fingers through her hair which pulled an appreciative sigh from her lips that spread across my face.
"Shin..." Her voise was airy. Like she was in a daze. "If...if you don't kiss me this time...I might actually get angry."
Her words surprised me, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "That wouldn't be good."
"Yeah."
"Guess I should kiss you then."
Red dusted her cheekbones, "Y-yeah."
Confidently I closed what little space between lingered between us, claiming her lips as mine as though they had always belonged to me. The electricity that shot through me was harder than any punch I received from a fight. It was enough to knock the breath from my lunges. Her lips were soft, gently molding around my own in a welcoming gesture that had me craving for more. They were also a bit wet due to her crying but it didn't stop me. I moved the kiss slowly, testing the waters, and was pleased to fine Hitomi eagerly responding. My grip on her head tightened as I pushed harder into the kiss.
Before I realized it I was supporting her full weight and feeling her trembling against me sent my heart fluttering even more. She was so delicate, gentle and sweet. Someone like me would be good for her. I was too rough around the edges and would only cause her trouble. Those nagging thoughts persisted in the back of my mind and maybe if I were a better person I would listen to them.
...But I wasn't.
When we finally parted our heavy pants synchronized and there was a permanent blush on her cheeks. Everything about her was beautiful to me. Her swollen eyes from crying, her ruined make-up and, my favorite, her reddened lips. And they were all finally mine.
As I moved in for another kiss, Momotaro was forgotten inside of Hitomi's bag.
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I'll see you in 2034 for the next one!
