Kai
"Keep your hands to yourself, there will be no funny business!"
I lean my head against the window as my sister annoys me with rules.
Truthfully, I'm too afraid to do anything remotely intimate.
I'm freaking out over the thought of holding her hand! How could I do anything more than that?
"Kinda lay off with the rock band talk too."
"What? Band is life!" I defend.
"Well. Yes. But you want her to be included and not feel like she's competing with it. We get it! You can play the guitar. Very cute. However, girls don't want to hear about it every damn second!"
"Girls don't want to hear about saving the rainforest either." I say under my breath.
My sister pulls into the pizzeria parking lot, and undoes her seat belt.
"Hey? They're still on their way, can we wait in the car until they arrive?You know? Open their car door and be polite?" I ask, trying to hide my nerves.
"Pfft. I'm not opening anyone's car door, that would be weird. Shit! I would be terrified if a couple of strangers bombarded me at my door."
Before I enter the unknown of the world, Korra locks the door.
"We can wait here for awhile, I really like this song." She says, turning up the radio.
I'm super excited, but also very nervous about meeting Jinora.
Ever since I got her number, we have been talking non-stop on the phone.
Even her sense of humor transcribes into our phone calls. Not just that. I was able to perform new songs the band and I have been working on. I'm not sure who invented technology, but I want to thank the contributors of such communication.
In fear of being stood up, none of the boys know about the date. And hoenstly, I don't really need them because Korra has been the greatest support system.
Am I going to tell her that? No! I would never be able to live it down.
Despite not giving a vocal confirmation of appreciation, I hope one day I can return the favor.
"Do you think my outfit is too much?" I ask, looking down at my long sleeve pineapple print collared shirt, black skater shorts and maroon vans.
My sister doesn't even look up from her phone.
" Yeah! Very cool, Dude."
I can't really complain about her bland response, because she did drive all this way to get me here. Not to mention, she'll be sharing a table with Asami.
From what Jinora told me about her sister, she's just as boring as mines.
I'm pretty sure the whole dinner might just be the two girls texting on their phones.
As long as they aren't inteferring with my date, they can do whatever they want.
Mom and dad, didn't even question our whereabouts. We just told them we were going to dinner and they cried about us spending bonding time togther. It was pretty embarrassing really.
I look out the window and it's the perfect evening for such a low key date.
Just the patterns of the colorful sky inspires me.
I wished I brought my guitar.
"I hope Asami isn't one of those stuck up girls I heard about at Republic Charter ." My sister says, still not tearing her eyes away from her phone.
"Even if she is, please don't make anything difficult." I whine.
My sister finally looks up and laughs.
"Me? I never been the type to start an altercation, i'm either the one who prevents them." She defends.
"Says the one wearing her' Nuture Nature' black t shirts." I tease.
Due to my sister's vegan lifestyle, we had to eat at a pizza joint. Honestly, I was craving a burger. But hey! I can't drive!
"Listen Kid. I'm not one of those control freak activists. I can respect that people might not agree with me. However, I refuse to have someone belittle me just because they disagree. My mind and soul might be at peace, but these hands aren't."
I stare at my sister in shock and she stares back. After an intense stare down session, we both burst into laughter.
"Haha. I'm just kidding. I couldn't hurt a fly." She says.
"You almost had me believing you. Thanks, I needed a laugh." I reply wiping the tears from my eyes.
My sister frowns, as I try to get them to stop.
I'm just so nervous. What if everything goes wrong? I don't want our communication to end. I don't want to be the reason why we grew apart. This is all exciting, but also overwhelming.
"Kai. You're going to be fine, I promise. Do you not want to do this?" She asks, lowly.
Her question triggers me.
"NO! I do. I'm just not sure if I'm the person she's expecting."
"Why wouldn't you be?" She asks, shutting off the music.
"I don't know. Sometimes I put my feelings aside to focus on just hers. And maybe that whole approach has her expecting that boy. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% honest with her, but I rather talk about good things instead of bad. And isn't that unfair for her? To only get the good side of me and not my worse?"
I didn't expect for all of this to hit all at once. Why couldn't I have this breakdown last night or at home?
" Being considerate has always been the real you, Kai. No one is perfect, so of course she knows you have your bad days. Psyching yourself out now, won't help. First dates can be scary, but overtime it will become exciting/normal. Regardless of what happens in there, if you feel uncomfortable, I'll be right there. You can either shoot me a text or shout 'Hootie Hoo."
I can't help but laugh through my tears.
"Hootie Hoo."?" I ask.
"Yep. We use it all the time at parties. Just in case the police show up and stuff."
My sister and parties? More like Party City.
No longer feeling terrible, I take a deep breath.
"Thanks, Korra."
"No problem, Bro. You got the date. The goal isn't to get the job, but get a call back. Remember that."
That's a nice way to put it.
The more dates we go on, the better we can get to know each other.
Jinora
"Keep your hands to yourself! Don't be afraid to speak up if something is making you uncomfortable. There will be no funny business, especially on my watch." Asami stresses.
I smile to myself as I look at the sunset.
It's a lovely day for a date. Actually, it could be a category 4 tornado and I would still be delighted to spend my final hours with Kai.
I can't believe this is finally happening!
I spent the past week pumping myself up for this interaction, our frequent phone calls just added to it. You can even hear the shyness/concern in his voice just like in his texts!
Now I know what those Seventeen magazines Asami keeps hidden under her bed mean.
Boys are too adorable.
I read an article that stated, boys usually get more nervous on dates, than girls. I highly doubt it though.
Most guys keep a 'I'm too cool' demeanor to them.
Kai sometimes keep such a front, but maybe he's used to going on dates and mastered his nerves?
This is the first time I ever been on a date and I'm nervous.
However, I watched enough rom-com films to know that worst case scenarios, can exchance the relationship. Wait. Did I just say relationship? I need to collect my words before I say something I might regret. Well,not regret, because I would love nothing more than to be Kai's girlfriend.
Ugh.
Maybe Asami has some advice? She has been on a couple of dates.
"Asami? Do boys really get more nervous when it comes to girls?"
My sister laughs.
"Where did you hear such trash?" She ask, amused.
"I didn't hear it. I read it in one of your magazines you keep under your bed. Thinking of that. Why do you even hide them?"
My sister slams onto the breaks even though we could have made the yellow light.
"Why are you looking through my room?" She asks, discombobulated.
I'm not sure why she's getting all flustered, I just asked a question.
My sister is very stylish, having a style guide would be completely understandable. She keeps all her other magazines like, Cosmopolitan or Vogue laying around her room. Why are these hidden?
"I was looking for some inspiration before the mall, because I thought you were going to drop me off."
My sister nods.
"Oh. Well. Stay out of my room, I don't snoop through your paintbrushes or textbooks." She replies annoyed.
I guess she has a point, but I still don't understand why she hides them in the first place. If they were laying around, I could easily grab it and leave.
Wait…. Now I know why she might have them away.
"Oooohhh. You keep the summer editions under your bed because it's not in season. That's really smart. No wonder you have a great sense of style." I explain.
My sister doesn't say anything, but pushes onto the gas as soon as the light turns green.
I wonder what Kai's wearing? I'm wearing a maroon dress, with my hair in a bun. I'm really loving this look right now.
Would I dress more like this if we didn't have a dress code?
I wouldn't mind it. Maybe then, people wouldn't see me as a book worm and maybe a fashionable one. You know? Like Meredith grey or Annalise Keating.
"What do you think his sister is like?" Asami asks.
I shrug.
"From what Kai told me, she's a true tree hugger."
My sister groans in irritation .
"I'm spending my night with a vegan. Ughh! You owe me so much for this, Jinora!"
I giggle at my sister's frustration and squeeze her hand.
"I'm going to remember this day forever and it's all because I have the greatest sister in the world."
I'm not just saying that. Without Asami's understanding and license, this whole trip wouldn't be happening.
I thought she wasn't cool, but the fact she did all of this, makes her the coolest. Sneaking behind my parents' back and lying? I'm thinking this isn't her first time.
When she talked to parents, she sounded so believable and smooth.
Even I thought she was taking us to the movies and dinner.
"I'll do anything for you, Jinora. Regardless of how this night goes, I got your back. If you aren't feeling it, don't hesitate to get up and let me know."
I smile at my sister once again.
"Thanks. But I think I'll be fine."
Traffic was hectic due to it being a nice day and everyone wanting to hit the streets. Despite the hassle, we finally made it to the pizzeria.
I never been here before, but you can't really mess up pizza. Even if the food is complete trash, I know being with Kai won't be.
I don't even think I can eat due to my nerves.
To know Kai is somewhere in this parking lot, is crazy!
Someone pinch me.
*Pinch*
" Wake up, Princess. We're here." Asami says, taking off her seat belt.
I shoot Kai a quick text before opening the door.
Jinora- We're here. Our car is the Green Honda Civic.
Kai- Sweet! We're in a blue Jeep Wrangler. We'll be standing outside, for better view.
"Are they here?" My sister asks.
I smile down at my phone and nod.
"Yes! They'll be standing near a blue Jeep."
" The vegan is driving a Jeep? Hm. Thought it would be a smart car."
I glare at my sister.
"Be nice!"
"Ha! I am! I'm just using some humor, I'm sure his sister is nice."
She has to be! She agreed to eat with my sister, despite not knowing how extra and complicated she can be. I kinda feel sorry for Korra to be honest.
Outside the car, I hug my body due to the night's breeze.
It was like the flash of lighting before the sound of thunder. I felt my heart flutter, before my giant smile appeared spotting Kai.
I probably look dorky right now, but I can't get my face to calm down. He looks so handsome in his outfit. Even though his back is turned away from me, he's hugging his body too. He's just like I pictured him, if not only taller.
His sister is quite attractive herself, which has me guessing if she's really as boring as he says she is.
Korra waves at us, which causes the boy to turn around.
He sees me and frantically waves, making his sister stop and physically grab his arm.
He's such a dork. My dork though.
"He's cute." I tell, Asami through gritted teeth as we walk closer.
She doesn't say anything, so I know she's judging.
Hopefully, it's nothing too bad. Asami can be overprotective at times, I hope that doesn't affect her interaction too much.
Once we're all together, Kai and I continue to smile like idiots.
My intelligent mind has been replaced with static, instead of proper sentences to speak.
A light shove from his sister causes the boy of my dreams to talk.
"You look beautiful, Jinora. I bought. I mean.. I brought these flowers for you." Kai says, while handing me roses.
"Thank you, Kai. They're lovely. That was very sweet of you." I thank.
The boy blushes and it makes me feel good for some reason.
He has an adorable smile. Heck! His sister has a nice one too! She looks friendly, so hopefully she can try with Asami. I doubt Asami will start a conversation first.
I look up to see how my sister is reacting with all of this, and she looks unreadable. As if she were a statue.
"I'm Korra, by the way."
The older sister states, offering her hand for me to shake.
"Nice to meet you Jinora. I like your tattoos! You're seventeen, right? How did your parents sign off on it?" I ask, as she allows me to touch them.
"Haha. It wasn't an easy task, but my parents allow us to make choices for ourselves. Also, it was a present for winning a $50,000 scholarship."
I nod impressed.
"That's an outstanding accomplishment, you're an intelligent woman." I stress.
"As of you, Jinora. My brother talks non-stop about how smart you're."
I look over at Kai, and now I blush.
"Aww. Your brother is an amazing performer. So, Asami hears quite a lot about that. isn't that right?" I ask my sister, in hopes of her returning the compliment.
"Absolutely! I heard you have a gift with the guitar. Do you plan to make a career out of it?" My sister asks, making me roll my eyes.
What does she have to judge his passion? Just because he plays, doesn't mean that's the only thing he's good at. And even if he did want to make it a career, why does she care? Musicians can be successful too!
"Not sure yet. I still have a long way to go with my talent. Hopefully I have an idea before I graduate. Until then, I have to focus on school and hopefully not make myself look like a fool." He teases to my sister, which makes her laugh.
"Ha! I'm graduating next year and I still have your mentality."
I'm surprised that my sister is actually enjoying having a conversation with my date. If Asami likes him, that makes us even more compatible because my sister means a lot to me.
Kai
Jinora is more beautiful than I imagined.
If I thought the sunset was beautiful before, she's in a whole new category.
I'm trying everything in my power to keep my cool, but the more she smiles, the more I die inside.
Luckily, Korra is doing a great job breaking the ice for us. She has always been a people person, and without her, I would be a nervous wreck.
Asami seems pretty cool as well, she's just as pretty, but my focus is on the hazel eyed girl in front of me.
From the smile on Korra's face, I know she agrees with me about her sister.
It's really hard to tell when Korra's flirting, because everything she says sounds so smooth.
If only I was blessed with such a gift.
"Do you play the guitar too?" Asami asks, my sister.
This question makes me laugh, because Korra has no taste in music nor the ability to play it.
"Sadly. I was just given the gift of good looks, soccer skills, and brains. Kai just has music going for him. Therefore, I'm not really missing out on much. I have other ways to put my hands to use in a good way."
I know my sister didn't just try to spit game at Asami right in front of me? Jinora's sister doesn't even look gay! My sister is just showing off!
I smile through my disgust look and continue standing awkwardly.
"Last time I checked, you didn't use your hands in soccer. So, that's clearly not what you were referring to." Asami, replies.
A girl who can carry her own against my sister? I'm liking Asami already.
"I could be a goalie for all you know." My sister says, a little more flirtatious than before.
"You don't strike me as a goalie type though." Asami counters.
"Why do you say that?" She replies, stepping a little closer.
"When things get thrown your way, you don't seem like the person to defend it. You're a 'Go with the flow' type of person."
Jinora and I look at each other confused by our sisters' strange conversation.
"You're right. I'm not a goalie and I'm a laid back person. But don't let figuring that out, confuse you. When you play midfield, you tend to defend and move forward. With you, I think I'll be doing a lot of that tonight..."
"Since you have an advantage then, don't whine when I play unfair."
My sister smiles at Asami's response and does the unexpected.
She steps forward and kisses her hand.
Who's date is this?
To my surprise our chaperones sit the furthest away from us.
I'm not too mad about that, it gives me more time to make up for my sister's shenanigans!
Like? Wtf was my sister thinking? What happened to keeping your hands to yourself? Or asking for permission? If that just implies to boys, she should put her focus on feminism and not the environment!
"What's wrong?" Jinora asks.
Nothing! I'm having a great time here with you." I reply, with a smile.
"I know that, Silly. It's just you seem elsewhere. You can tell me, it'll start a nice conversation as we wait for our food."
I nod, appreciating how she always has the best ideas.
"It's my sister. I don't know what has gotten into her. I apologize if she made you or Asami feel uncomfortable. I never seen her act like this with girls before, It's usually the other way around." I complain, sipping my Sprite.
"Korra's gay?"
I nod.
"Yep. I can't remember a time she ever liked or brought a boy home." I reply.
"How do you feel about that?"
Jinora's question takes me off guard.
"No. I'm not homophobic or anything. I'm just curious. It must be cool having a sister who has the same attraction as you. I'm sorry. Does that make sense or am I making myself sound worse?" She asks, trying to get her face to cool down.
I forget about my sister's rules and reach across the table to grab her hand.
"It's alright, I'm not offended. I admire these questionably unsafe discussions we have. It's what adds to our specialiness. Never feel the need to apologize for asking or speaking what's on your mind."
The lovely girl smiles and that's all ever I wanted.
"Having a gay sister is alright. It's kinda a bummer because most of the girls in my grade have a crush on her, which makes dating rather difficult. "
"I don't see that as a problem. You know? Not finding it hard to date those girls."
Jinora's jealousy makes me laugh.
"Ha! I guess you're right. None of those girls are my type. But overall, Korra's attraction Is all I ever known really. It's not a life changing thing. Korra's a great sister in general, so her sexuality doesn't play a factor. I'm not saying that to make you feel bad, I'm just answering you."
Jinora nods, understanding.
"The way you interact with your sister and answered my question, makes you a great brother as well. You're quite the sweetheart, Kai. And if it helps. Korra's an attractive girl, but I think you have her beat ."
Now I'm the one who's blushing.
"Thanks! I just hope your sister isnt too uncomfortable." I reply.
"Yeah. I don't know about that….Asami looked like she was enjoying her interaction with your sister. I never seen her like that before. I wonder what they're talking about?"
We both turn and put our attention onto the booth in the back, where we see both our sisters on their phone.
"Ugh. Millennials. Always on their phones." Jinora teases.
"Let's be a better example and appreciate being in the moment." I reply, making a toast.
For new beginnings too.
Author's Note
Turns out the next chapter is longer than I expected.
I'll post the final on Valentines Day.
Yes. You're welcome.
Thoughts are Appreciated.
