Chapter 9:
Miki:
I still can't believe that Kentin walked me home. No, I couldn't believe that he put his arm around me and that I even put an arm around his waist. That was something couples did, so was I overstepping the limits? He was just trying to keep me warm. But why did I like it so much? Why did the gesture seem… right? Did I want over step limits to see how far those limits went to see where Kentin and I stand? Does he even like me? Because I liked him- after yesterday, I felt I liked him more than a friend.
I shook my head. I needed to get those thoughts out of my mind. There was no possible way that Kentin liked me more than a friend. Rosayla mentioned it, but she misread stuff all the time. He put his arm around me to keep me warm like any friend would've. He punched Nathaniel because he always wanted to not because he was angry at Nathaniel for making me cry and especially not because he liked me in that sense. Besides, today, I didn't really see him at all so what happened yesterday was probably already forgotten. Though at least today Lysander was nice enough to hang out with me. He was pretty cool and very nice, but honestly, I couldn't picture myself in a relationship with him.
It was all so confusing. Why was it confusing? Wasn't emotions supposed to be easy? Love at first sight and all that? Then again, all my 'love at first sight's didn't end well and there really wasn't a love at first sight anyway. You had to get to know someone first before you developed feelings… And my feelings were developing a bit more towards Kentin.
Sighing, I logged onto Skype. In just a few minutes, my parents' faces appeared on the screen.
"This is so confusing," Dad whined, "What does that red button mean?"
"Just focus," Father sighed, "Look, there's Miki."
Dad's face brightened and both of them looked at me with grins.
"Hey sweetie, how's school been going for you?"
"C-Confusing," I admitted, "S-S-See t-there's this b-boy and I don't know w-what I s-sh-should do."
I looked down as my bangs covered my eyes. Father looked aghast while Dad looked cheerful.
"Sweetie, if there's a boy involved then you better get with it," Dad said happily.
"No she most certainly doesn't need to 'get with it'," Father snapped, "Miki, dear, just tell us about this boy."
"Y-you aren't mad," I asked shocked at Father.
"Feelings are natural," Father sighed and then gave a small smile at Dad, "And he managed to knock some sense into me after I said no dating."
"Not the only thing I knocked," Dad winked and I just sighed.
There was one thing that I didn't appreciate- hearing about their love lives. Sex was uninteresting enough without them adding onto it. Father smacked Dad upside the head,
"Ow," Dad whined, "That hurt…"
"Good," Father huffed, "Now the boy, Miki…"
With that, I explained everything to them. I first started with how I met him and he swore to protect me from 'the harsh world' because I was too precious. I told them about every incident since then, even telling them about what happened yesterday and today. I even explained my own feelings.
"Oh they got it bad," Dad whistled, "I didn't think we raised her to be so oblivious and clueless and he's just as bad!"
Father glared at Dad, who put his hands up in defense.
"Just saying, dear," Dad said in his defense.
I looked at them confused.
"What do you mean?"
"He means, dear, that it sounds like you really like this boy and that he likes you as well," Father explained, "But as for what to do, that's something only you two can figure out. I'm sure if you asked him out that he would say yes. Just remember to get to know him well before taking it too far- like what's his favorite color, what's his favorite type of music, does he like sweets… And you can ask him these things, or figure it out yourself by observing. Though if he already knows these things by just observing you- then that's something special. You understand?"
I slowly nodded,
"I-I think I d-do…"
I needed to get closer to Kentin so tomorrow, I had a plan in mind.
The next day at school, I looked all around until I found Kentin. A small smile was on my face as I made my way toward him. I needed to get to know him better. If Dad and Father were right, then Kentin could like me and that… I found myself a bit faint and it wasn't because of my anxiety. I was stopped, however, by Lysander. He looked at me for a brief moment before he looked away, looking to where Rosayla was waving at him and giving him a thumbs up. He glared at her before looking at me. His expression softened, but something about his posture suggested that he felt awkward like how he was standing up perfectly straight and not looking me in the eyes. He coughed into his hand,
"M-Miki," he said, "It has come to my attention that perhaps you have gained feelings towards me. While I am flattered, I must inform you that I do not-"
"-W-What," I asked confused, "L-L-Lysander, I d-don't have feelings towards y-you…"
My brows furrowed. Ten to one it was Rosayla who told him. She misread things a bit too much for my liking. Lysander instantly relaxed and let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness. While I did possess feelings towards you not but a month ago, I'm sorry to say that those feelings have long since passed and I think of you more like a close friend or a sister…"
I smiled softly,
"I-It's o-o-okay," I reassured him, "I h-have t-to find K- There he i-is!"
I ran past Lysander smoothly and dodged a few other students in my way. I caught a glimpse of Kentin's hair as he walked into the courtyard with his lunch. It took a bit more running, but I was able to catch up with him. He stopped and looked at me surprised as I grabbed his arm. I leaned over slightly, wheezing from the running.
"I-I," I panted, "I w-was w-wondering if you'd l-like to h-have lunch w-with me?"
"Of course," he smiled, the shock and confusion disappeared from his face.
He helped me get back steady on my feet and we both headed to an area in the courtyard to eat lunch. We settled near the fountain.
"So Miki," he asked, "I was being to think I scared you off."
He laughed slightly as he scratched at the back of his neck. I just titled my head slightly,
"What d-do you m-mean?"
"Well," he shifted slightly, "I didn't see you yesterday at all- I looked for you and I couldn't find you. I was beginning to think that since I had p-put my arm around you the other day that I scared you off. But I'd very much like to stay your friend."
He looked at me with a slight blush on his face. I smiled brightly,
"I'd like that too," I whispered slightly.
His eyes widened and when I realized what I said, mine did as well. I didn't stutter. A large grin broke out on his face,
"You know Miki, I think that you're comfortable with me now."
"Woah," a voice laughed, "Isn't that a bit much?"
We turned to see Alexy and Armin- both were laughing their heads off. I blushed heavily and attempted to bury my head in my hands. Kentin just stood up with a large blush, his fists clenching,
"S-Shut up! It's not like that!"
Though one day it might be.