Chappie 3 is finally here! I sincerely thank those who have left reviews and of course, those who have read my story!~ It just fills my heart with glee when I check the Statistics stuff. It makes me soooo happy I could just forget about all the stressful events I am handling from time to time. Haha! Enjoy!
The Third Shot: Our First Touch
"Pedophile!" Tainaka-san shouted as she entered the room while pointing at Akiyama-san. I would want to say a word that rhymes with dam but I am not that vulgar. She just had to ruin the moment! Argh..when I finally thought I could have her all to my—Wait, what the heck am I saying?! I scratched my head in the craziest manner I never would have imagined. There are times like these when I wish I were actually older. This might be the first, though. I then heard Akiyama-san speak,
"Oi, Ritsu! Nothing happened, okay?"
"O fair Romio, I read about these in mangas you know! Think about it—an infirmary, a boy and a girl together. Nee~ Lover boy, you better watch out! Especially you, Mio! You should never give in and have yourself violated by the likes of these creatures!"
"V-violated?! You might be going to far! I mean I'm not—We're not—" She was strawberry red. Cute. Come to think of it, I never used the word "cute" before. I'm going out of topic here, aren't I? Gosh, I better stay away from the rotten orange. I'm becoming more and more like him as every minute passes.. I want to puke like hell. My mind then started processing what was actually happening in front of me. Crepes—That's another term for a type-c rap, if you know what I mean. What if something really did happen between us? Oh gosh.. If our lips met and our hands touch then her scent, her taste and everything else would linger. A perfect first kiss. "Hey Hideo. You look high." What? Did Ms. Forehead just call me high and my first name too? I quickly gained my composure and pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose. "I shall take my leave now," I said and walked outside, closing the door behind me. I took a few steps thn decided to stay near the door to listen for a bit. Nothing and no one used to make me so curious of what they think.
"Mio, you're not looking for a boyfriend now, right?" Just this statement alone made my eyes wide.
"Of course not! If I were then you'd be the first one to know and besides... I'm already contented with what I have now."
"Going deep eh, Mio-kun? Who are you writing about? An ex-boyfriend or ex-boyfriends with their long hair slicked back, white T-shirt?"
"I never had one! Aren't we aiming for Budokan?!..Baka!"
"Itai... You didn't have to hit me in the head!"
"It's your fault for having a big forehead! Anyways, what do you plan with Akihiko-san? I don't think forcing him into this would help."
"You worry a lot, next thing you'll know you'll be thanking me for it! I heard he's not only a photographer, he can draw too! It was Sawa-chan's idea!"
I sighed and was actually quite disappointed. I left and felt guilty for invading their best friend-ish conversation. I decided to go back home and actually try to exceed their expectations. I know what they will ask of me—costumes...but I guess that could wait. I want to chill out for a while without thinking of any of them.
On my way home, I saw the person I least wanted to see. It was the annoying orange. "Splendid man! Going home early, aren't you? Hey listen, I'm going to my part-time job, wanna tag along?" I wanted to say no but I also thought if how my mom was providing for me and her so I guess I'll give it a shot.
"Uh.. Sure. What kind of job is it?"
"I'm just a cleaner 'cause I didn't pass the test"
"A janitorial position?"
"Yep, that's another way to put it but the pay's good and you might even get into the kitchen! Let's go!"
I was pulled by my collar and ended up in a café not too far away from school nor from home. It's pretty much midway, I guess. The place looks grand but comfy too. Girls are hovering over what cake too choose and the guys seemed as if they were just persuaded into coming here by a girlfriend, a dream or a nightmare. I follow Tachibana-san—whom I know only came for the ladies— into the kitchen, "Hey there, Master-sama-san!" he shouted with all his might and excitement upon seeing a man with gray hair and sincere eyes with clothing that seems of a butler's uniform. "Ah... Shiki-kun, how was your day? I see you brought a friend here. A fine young lad as you have told me so." The old man smiled and introduced himself as Mr. Souma Hamilton. He must be a half judging from how his name is not usually used here in Japan, that or he must be really coming of age. I was told of the basic rules, and asked what I can do. Apart from that, he demonstrated and allowed me to try decorating the cakes. Before I knew it, that was already my certified part-time job but I was also told to prepare whenever someone needs filling in for when there's a shortage of waiters. Tachibana-san flashed a huge grin and an approving thumb at me.
Another week later, I find myself getting used to my part-time job and especially the Light Music Club. There are less awkward moments and strange conversations and the root of all that may be what happened in the infirmary back then. I do get glares from a certain twin-tailed girl especially when I have small talks with Akiyama-san. Whenever it feels too threatening for me to handle, I volunteer to help in serving the cakes and let Kotobuki-san join the others. She thanks me everyday when I see her, does she possibly know of my part-time job and why?
Speaking of Kotobuki-san, I saw her being honored and acknowledged as she entered the café. It is my first time to see her here but everyone seems to know her. "Hideo-san, Kotobuki-sama here is the daughter of the owner of this cafe, and.." Souma-san said and kept going on and on of the properties that the Kotobuki family owns. Just how rich is this girl?! That's insane! I felt my jaw drop slightly when the other members and Sawako-sensei entered. Why did they have to come when I'm filling in for the sickly waiter? They were seated by the window in the couch area and it seems as if I'm the only vacant waiter. I am secretly hoping they would not recognize me for I am only wearing my contact lenses today since my eyeglasses broke when the Tachibana-san played with them on the way here. "Don't be shy, Hideo-san, go ahead and take their order, they won't bite you." "Uh, yes, of course they won't" I sighed then headed into the direction of their table. I got my pen and my notepad out as I tried to hide my face with these as I said, "May I take your order?"
"Now isn't that red hair familiar?" Sawako-sensei said then Hirasawa-san butted in by saying, "And he looks like him too" as she stood and looked through the space between paper and me. "Akihiko-kun, there's no need to hide, I've already told them about this and we came to see how you work." I couldn't fight for what my mind is telling me to anymore. I reveal my face and got all of their attention.
"I knew you were boyfriend-material!" Sawako-sensei said as she swooned then looked over to Akiyama-san's direction who was seated just beside her. She was actually seated between the two perverts named Sawako-sensei and Tainaka-san. "What do you think, Mio-chan?" There was a long pause then something caused her to blush and jolt toward the table a bit with a suppressed sexy scream—I mean suppressed scream that made me want to do things—Urgh.. Want to just take their order. That's it. The girls looked at her while the culprit, as expected, was Tainaka-san who was laughing out loud and finally earned herself one tough pinch on the cheek. Nakano-san who was seated across her blushed madly and I think I was blushing just 30% compared to hers. Akiyama-san seems pretty annoyed as she said, "Ritsu, stop—" then it happened again but it was Sawako-sensei's muffled laugh that gave her away while saying, "You're too young for that, Mio-chan~". Tainaka-san and Sawako-sensei both earned two large hits on the head and a bit of a sermon about acting modest and polite. I'm betting my shade of red was nearing Nakano-san's level. "Ehem.. Your orders please?" I said as calm and collected as I ever could. Kotobuki-san seems to be enjoying this as she stares at them with both hands on her cheeks.
"What do you want to order?" Kotobuki-san asked but I am not sure if she was going along with Sawako-sensei's prank or just being kind. It's probably the latter.
"Isn't that what you wanted to order? Or maybe something more than squeezing her leg and hearing her scream your name instead?" Sawako-sensei said but stopped as she earned a glare from the girl involved. I definitely beat Nakano-san right now.
Hirasawa-san then ordered tons of things, finally changing the topic somehow. I can't believe that having all my senpais here would make everything in this café much more comedic rather than peaceful and relaxing.
An hour or two went on normally after they had their orders and I went back beside Souma-san. "You can go home early if you'd like, Hideo-san. Thanks for your help. Bring this cake with you, too." I tried to insist on staying but he doesn't permit me to. "Walk the girls home, ensure they are safe, lad," just after he said that, the girls already approached me as if they knew what he just said. Nakano-san didn't want to be a bother since her house was just across this café and went on ahead with Hirasawa-san following behind as she was worried about her 'Azu-nyan'. Kotobuki-san said someone would fetch her soon then Sawako-sensei has her car and will go back to the school. That leaves me with Tainaka-san, Akiyama-san and Tachibana-san who tagged along. As expected, he would be picking up a fight with Tainaka-san about video games and lagged behind Akiyama-san and I as we headed down the road. By instinct, I grabbed her hand and held out my other hand to signal for the cars as we crossed the road like what I always do when I'm with my mother.
"Akihiko-san?"
"Yes, Akiyama-senpai? I mean, Akiyama-san?"
"You don't really have to do that."
"Do what?"
She tried wriggling her hands away from mine and I released it and quickly apologized for what I had done. I just gained an achievement but I'm not sure if she's happy about it but a slight tint of pink on her cheeks is enough to make my day. Being this close to her, I am enjoying my newly gained fetish which is what I have said was her scent. Aphrodite must be working a spell on me with the help of her child, Cupid. My heart thumps in the strangest rhythms when she's around. I can't say that I hate it but... It's a very weird and unusual feeling for me. Before we knew it, Tainaka-san and Tachibana-san were out of sight. I went looking around, they might have gotten lost.
"Ritsu's house is the other way."
"Ah... I see. Is it tough? You know, being friends with someone that almost an opposite of you"
"It isn't actually. It's pretty fun. We've been best friends ever since. If not for her, I probably pushed through with the life of being just a writer. I liked writing but music is my passion too."
"Oh gods.. I wish you would say that about me." Crepes. I instantly slapped myself and my mouth shut as quicky as ever.
"P-pardon..?"
"I, uh, said about the sea. That's it.. About the sea."
"Speaking of the sea, the club planned to go to the beach soon. Probably in a month or two. You're included as well. We'll be buying some stuff next weekend, too."
"Sure. That would be nice." Despite the fact that I couldn't swim, what else can I say when I couldn't say no to her?
"Really? I'll tell the others soon that you finally said yes without actually forcing you!" Fun fact: My heart forced me.
Then she stopped on her tracks. It's just a few blocks away from my home, too.
"T-thank you very much, Akihiko-san," she said with a bow. I just stared at her without saying anything then she also looked at me straight in the eyes afterwards. Should I say something? Or should I just flash a smile and leave?
"Akiyama-san, should I..?"
"Nani?"
"Should I, um...Could I...?" Without myself even knowing it, I leaned but quickly straightened my body as soon as I realized what I just tried to ask and attempt.
"U-um, A.. A-akihiko-san.. Are you asking for—Well, I guess one wouldn't hurt. This is the least I could do to thank you." She sighed then our eyes met. She cupped my cheek, causing me to lean forward a bit then she gave a quick peck on my other cheek. She quickly let go of my face then turned around and bid her last farewell with her back facing towards me then she went inside her home. I was in a trance. I felt my hand creep into the spot where the kiss was planted. The feelings linger as I replayed it over and over again in my mind. I slowly walked away and headed into the direction of my house. I felt my feet's pace go faster as a smile formed on my face. It's been a while since I've actually felt joy as great as this one. One thing I am sure of is that I can't wait for next week.
As usual, see you next week (or later). Please do leave reviews and suggestions! ^.^
