A/N: Hello everyone, it has been a while. How are you guys doing? I am sorry I haven't updated any of my stories in almost a year, I have been busy with other things and also I just lost motivation to write. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I got inspired again after stumbling upon an old draft of one of my other stories and that helped me to start writing again. This chapter is short and might not be my best work but I hope you still enjoy this.

Chapter 21: The One With The First Date

[Misaki's POV]

I adjusted the hem of my dress before slipping into a pair of black stilettos. My eyes checking my reflection on the mirror once again to make sure that my hair was in place and everything looked perfect. A smile tugged on the corner of my lips, it has been a while since the last time I put this much effort to look nice in front of someone. Just looking at my reflection caused my stomach to knot up and my heart to pound loudly against my chest. It was an awful and an exciting feeling. What the hell happened to me?

I checked the time on my phone and headed out of my room, a smile was plastered on my face and it didn't go unnoticed by my observant roommate.

"Where are you going?" Sakura gave me a once over before breaking into a grin, "Are you going on a date?"

"N-no! My friends and I are going out for dinner," I tried to explain without looking directly into her eyes.

"Why do you look so dressed up? Trying to impress someone?" she smirked

"It's a formal dinner!" I huffed, "What time are you leaving?"

"I will be out of your hair in a few minutes and you can enjoy your time with your secret date," she rolled her eyes at me and gave me her 'I know you're hiding something, but I will find out soon' smile. She usually does but this time I was adamant in keeping this a secret as long as I could.

"I am not going on a date," I called out to her as she walked back into her room with a playful grin on her face.

"Whatever you say," she yelled back

-x

My eyes darted towards the wall clock once again, it has been two hours since I finished getting ready and two hours past the arranged time. The small butterflies in my stomach was replaced with uneasiness, did something happen to him? I checked my phone and he still hasn't responded to my calls. Did he change his mind about me? A heavy sigh escaped my lips and I immediately shook my head to get the thoughts out of my mind. It wasn't the time to doubt him after everything he has done for me and the number of times he proved his sincerity towards me. He must have a good reason but for now I couldn't shake this anxiety out.

Another half hour passed before my phone began ringing, the caller ID was unfamiliar. I immediately picked up, holding my breath in the process and imagining the worst-case scenario.

"Misaki?" his velvety voice was on the other line and I sighed in relief.

"Are you okay?"

"I am fine. Sorry, I didn't get the chance to call you right away," he paused for a second, "and I am sorry, but I don't think I can make it tonight. There was a car accident downtown,"

I nodded my head understanding the situation, his work needed him more, "It is okay, I understand,"

"Dr. Walker, I need a consult," I heard someone calling out to him in a hurry,

I forced a smile, "Don't worry about it,"

He paused once again, "I will talk to you later. Okay?"

Before I could reply the line ended.

With a disheartened sigh, I stood up and tossed my phone on the couch before heading back to my bedroom to change out of my dress and into my pajamas. I couldn't shrug off the feeling of dismay, I couldn't fully admit it to myself, but I was looking forward to finally spend some quality time with him outside of the hospital. I scoffed at my irrational feelings, he was there saving lives and I was sulking in the corner because of a cancelled date.

I slumped down on the couch and wrapped myself with a blanket. But deep down I know it was more than a cancelled date and a simple rain check, it all boils down to my inability to give my full trust, my ridiculous flaw of always trying to find a fault on a person and use it as a reason to run away. I have been trying my best to not let my own insecurities get the better of me, I promised myself that I will give him my full trust and slowly break down this wall I have put up to protect myself but slowly I feel like I'm reverting to my old self and I don't want to end what might be something beautiful and worth keeping because of my own issues.

I closed my eyes and exhaled in frustration, I also might be falling for him too hard and that's another reason to run away. I closed my eyes to try to stop more thoughts from clouding my mind.

-xxxx-

The ringing of my phone stirred me back to consciousness, with eyes still closed I reached towards the center table to grab my phone.

"Hello?" I said still half-asleep

"Hi," my eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice.

I jolted up from the couch, "Hey," I said in surprise

"Are you already sleeping?" he asked

"No. Are you still in the hospital?"

"On my way home now," he sighed, "About tonight-"

I immediately cut him off, "Don't worry about it. We can plan something again next time," he doesn't have any reason to apologize and feel guilty about tonight.

He paused for a second, "Really?" he asked, he seemed a little bit caught of guard with my answer.

"Yeah,"

"So, I guess I should just stop waiting in front of your door and go back into my apartment?"

My eyes widened in disbelief, "What?" I hurriedly walked towards the door.

I opened the door and there he was standing outside, cheeks red from the cold, the circles beneath his eyes has darkened since the last time I saw him.

"I am so sorry. Can I still make it up to you?" he offered me his boyish grin.

I was speechless. As I stared into his captivating eyes, I couldn't help but shake my head in astonishment, I was washed over with admiration for this wonderful man in front of me.

"You don't have to," I smiled.

"I brought take out food and your favorite ice cream," he lifted the plastic bag he was holding, "I know it is not the perfect first date but-"

I took a step forward and brought my arms around him, "This will do," I mumbled.

-xxxx-

Time passed quickly, and we found ourselves lying down on the couch facing each other, we spent the last two hours just talking about work and everything. It wasn't how I thought our date would go and it was certainly not how I planned it to be, I imagined our first date to be romantic, consisting of a candle light dinner, a tender moment as we hold each others' hands while walking around the city and sharing a sweet kiss before parting at the end of the night. But eating take out food in my pajamas with an old movie playing in the background and sharing embarrassing stories beats the date I have planned in my mind. I guess, if you are with the right person, anything as simple as lying down on the couch together can turn into something special. I looked up at him and planted a small kiss on his lips.

He smiled at my small gesture, "You should get some sleep now. You have been up for more than 12 hours and you have an early shift tomorrow. Sakura might also come home soon, what if-"

"Stop worrying for a second," he wrapped his arm around my waist, "Let me just stay here for a few more minutes, I like being here,"

"We can't stay here for too long, okay?" I added before getting comfortable in his arms.

"Okay," he chuckled at my constant complains.

"I mean it,"

"Shhhhhhh,"

I opened my left eye and caught him closing his eyes, "Takumi, what if you fall asleep?"

"I will leave in 30 minutes," he assured me, he tightened his hold around me and I could feel the steady beat of his heart.

"I like being here too," I whispered

"I know," I could picture him smirking after hearing my sentiment.

"Takumi,"

"Hm?

"Thanks," I buried my head in the crook of his neck and wrapped my left arm around his torso, pulling him as close as I possibly could.

"You always amaze me," he chuckled.

I was too exhausted to reply to his remark. I could still hear his voice, but I was too tired to make out what he was saying,

"Misaki-" before I realized it I have completely dozed off.

Next Chapter:

"How long are you staying here for?" Takumi asked

"I am just staying for a week," Aoi replied

"I am surprised that you didn't follow your friends here,"

"Well I have my own life back home unlike these two," Aoi smirked at his friends direction.

"It was a new start for us, okay. Not everyone here was lucky enough to have their own business to keep their selves busy,"

Aoi rolled his eyes at Sakura's comment, "Anyway, when are you going to start dating again?"

"I will take my time, I am sure I will meet someone in the hospital," Sakura said nonchalantly.

"Enough about Sakura,"Aoi faced the couple,

"Aoi!" They chuckled at their little banter.

"How about you, are you guys thinking about marriage yet?" he frankly asked.

Misaki choked on her food, "What?"

"That is something to think about, you are not getting any younger Misaki,"

Misaki glared at her friend, why did she think it was a good idea to introduce Takumi to her friends. She glanced at Takumi to see his reaction.

"I dont really see myself getting married," Takumi replied.