My hands were quivering as I gently placed the pencil on paper before me. Squinting, I brought my face closer to the page, pushing up my loose, black rimmed glasses. Words formed, swirls, circles and lines. I smiled, it was all like magic. Thoughts were pouring out through my pencil, creating something, something that was all my own. Suddenly, I could feel myself collapsing over my desk. Who am I kidding? I held the paper up my trusty lamp. I sighed, Just a bunch of resolutions aren't getting me anywhere. I rested my chin on my fist, staring at the list.
Get better grades. Pssshawww like I can…I'm already the highest scorer my school has ever seen.
Be more exciting…How vague…but I guess….
Get a girlfriend…
I stared at number three for a bit. Why did I even put that on there? Once again I sighed, louder and more exasperated then before. I'll never get a girlfriend. I turned towards my books and videogames scattered on the floor and the comics haphazardly scattered on my bed. I'm just another run of the mill otaku…I felt a faint vibrating in my pocket and frantically tried to grab my phone, my endeavors rewarded by having me falling to the floor. Great. I can't even check my phone without being awkward. With a quick facepalm I answered the call.
"Kiyoteruuuu!"
"Yes, that's me. And this is…"
I could hear a deep smooth laugh, "Kaito! Kiyoooo, Piko and I are already here! I mean it's my house, so it would make sense that I would already be here…"
Damn. My, ummm, eccentric best friends had been planning this for months. I can't really see why though… I hastily stuffed the slip of paper in my pocket, threw on my coat, and ran out into the cold, embraced by the freezing winter wind. I checked my watch, 22:28 p.m. Okay gotta hurry. Luckily, Kaito's house was only 3 blocks away. I sprinted the entire way, without slipping, or falling for that matter, to my surprise. Kaito's house was faded blue with an ash grey roof revealing itself under a thick layer of snow. Dodging the icicles hanging from the rafters, I pushed open the door, not bothering to knock. I felt Kaito's strong grip pull me inside as a rush of warmth seeped into my bones. I spotted Piko lying back on a bean back chair, hugging a bowl of popcorn tight to his chest. He turned towards me, thrusting the bowl in front,
"Want some?"
I managed to put my hands up before Kaito cut me off, "Nah. You know I prefer ice cream." He said pulling a huge tub out of the freezer.
Piko tightened his loose grey hoodie and turned back towards the television,
"Suit yourself."
I stifled a laugh at his indifference. I swear I could see his ears twitch,
"What was that?"
Ahh…here comes the rage…
"Nothing?" I replied
Clusters of popcorn flew through the air, leaving butter smudges on my glasses. I smiled, here we go… Soon a full out popcorn war broke out, me, of course, being the underdog. Piko emerged victorious, standing atop his beanbag like a knight returning from battle before collapsing into his original position. Kaito plopped down beside him, clearly savoring his ice cream. I inspected the tub. Mint Peanut Butter Mega Chocolate Cookie Dough. Kaito caught my stare.
"It's the best. I swear."
"I bet…"
"You're not getting any."
His appearance was kindof hilarious. He was wearing a fitted tuxedo with a navy bowtie that complimented his loose sea blue hair. His legs were donned in formal black trousers, and were resting on top of a cardboard box. And then there was Piko, holding his popcorn like Golem would hold the Ring. Did I really just think that? Once again, I sighed. I really am an otaku.
"What's wrong?" The silver haired boy asked, clearly sensing something was wrong.
"N-nothing." I could feel heat rushing to my cheeks.
He rose from his seat, and slowly walked towards me, "C'mon something's up?"
"Can I tell you something?"
He placed his hands on his hips, "Anything."
I turned towards Kaito, "Can I trust," I gestured towards both of them, "To not tell anyone what I'm about to say."
They both yelled in unison, "Yes. JUST SAY IT."
I stuttered, "D-d-do you guys think…that…" I turned away, forcing the words out, "I could get a…" I could feel the sweat dripping down my face, "a…girlfriend.'
Silence fell over the room. My breaths were the only sound I could hear. Finally, one word broke the silence,
"Sure." Kaito stood up, his lopsided smile revealing his dazzling white teeth.
"Really!?"
"Yeah. but it might take some work." He pouted and slightly tilted his head, "Maybe fade that 'good boy' vibe a bit."
I guess he noticed my expression fall, "It doesn't mean your grades will fall!" He shook his hands up defensively, "Just stop seeming, so, perfect."
Piko stepped in, "We'll help of course." He turned towards Kaito and winked, "I think this year is going to be pretty great."
