It's getting late now. Akia and Mi are watching some strange movie on TV. They asked me about five times to join them, but I declined each time. I keep staring out the window. It's still raining. I get up for a moment to go use the bathroom, but Mi stops me before I can go in there,
"Hey, wouldn't go in there if I were you. I think the toilet's busted."
Um..I'm about to ask about that. I glance at Mi for a moment, then open the door to the other room. Guess I'll just have to use the bathroom in there. I don't really pay any attention at first, but after I leave the bathroom, I notice Taio lying on one of the beds, asleep, faint wheezing noises accompanying his breathing. It's an interesting sight to see him resting so calmly. He seemed so tense earlier. I sit down on the edge of the bed, watching him. I really don't care what Mi thinks. Sure Taio's got some..issues, but that doesn't mean I can't try to help him. He moves slightly, and I figure I've probably overstayed my welcome. But before I can make a move to leave, he's already awake.
"Ah, what do ya want?" he groans, yawning slightly.
For a moment, I don't have the slightest idea what to say, but maybe I don't really have to say anything.
"Oh, nothing. I was just..just…"
I have no idea whatsoever.
Taio sits up, stretches, then says, "Forget it. Ya don't have to answer that."
He looks at me.
"What I want to know..is the same thing your idiot cousin asked..why..are ya helpin' me?"
The look in Taio's eyes freezes me to the spot. He wants a straightforward, honest answer from me. And unfortunately, I'm afraid to give him one. But he never breaks his gaze.
"Answer me this at least," he says, "Do ya like me? And don't even ask me 'how so?', 'cause ya know what I mean… Just tell me the truth."
Of course he'd ask that. I don't blame him, especially with the way I've been acting around him. I mean..of course I like him. Far more than I would expect to like someone that I've only known for what..a little over two days? But I don't know what to tell him. what does he want me to tell him? If I say "yes" will he just get mad at me again? And what if I say "no"? But..that would be lying to him. And I..I don't want to lie to him..I can't. I breathe slowly, trying to stave off my hesitation, then say,
"Yes, Taio-san, I do."
I watch him for a moment, waiting for his reaction, but his expression never changes. So I just look away. Then I hear Taio slowly mutter,
"Ok."
I whip my head back in his direction.
"What..what do you mean..'ok'?" I ask, confused.
Taio shrugs. "Just..ok," he replies, "That's all I wanted to know."
I blink a couple of times, then stand up.
"Oh..well..o-okay then," I say, "I guess I'll just..go then..so you can sleep."
I walk to the door, and just as soon as I place my hand on the doorknob, I hear Taio say,
"Ya know, Taro-kun..you're actually kinda cute."
My hand slips off the doorknob a few times, as I fumble with opening the door. I just hope Mi and Akia don't ask why my face is so red…