21: Chocolate Dreams

My heart raced as I entered the grocery store. Seriously? Ayumu's house?

"Why are you so sweaty? It's still winter!" Yu chided, arriving with a basket.

"Um, well…"

"Yeah, yeah, I know you're excited to go to Ayumu's house. Just make sure to keep your self control, alright?" Yu shook her head. "Let's go find some ingredients." It was Valentine's Day, and we were going to have a sleepover at Ayumu's, after making chocolate to give to the others at school on Monday. Yu and I were stopping by the grocery store to buy some ingredients before heading over.

"We need to get this," I said, picking up a giant bag of cocoa powder from the shelf.

"Yep. Next, we need to get… some milk powder and syrup?" Yu confirmed, reading off a recipe website on her phone. We spent a while circling the store, gathering ingredients. "Okay. Now we need to get the molds. What shapes do you want?"

"Uhh, the heart one, of course," I replied, snatching a few heart molds for the chocolate.

Yu rolled her eyes, saying, "I know what you're planning… you're gonna make heart shaped chocolate, and when we're all finished, you'll turn to Ayumu- and then you'll say HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! And Ayumu will be like KYAAAAAA and you'll feed her the chocolate and you two will kiss and get married happily ever after. Am I correct?!"

"Gosh, you're so smart," I said sarcastically. "That's exactly what I planned."

"Ughhh… anyway-"

Suddenly, a voice interrupted us.

"What the hell? It's you again?!" An angry boy was in front of us, fist raised. I recognized him as the guy who had tripped me a few months ago, causing me to spill water on Ayumu and Yu at the cafe, and then we met again on the train before the Christmas party, when he was absolutely triggered that I was hanging out with a bunch of cute girls.

"What do you want?!" I shot back, ready to fight. "Mind your own business!"

"My own business?" He chuckled bitterly. "Damn it, this is my business! How can you, such an ugly loser, get to hang out with all these cute girls?! Come on, you're a foreigner! You don't even belong here! This is my business- I'm trying to protect my home and my country. I don't need some goddamn scum invading my home and stealing my women! Why don't you go back to your country and get with the women there, huh?! I just don't understand! I don't get it- I wouldn't have a problem with you if you just knew your place and acted like a normal person. But why do you have to come for OUR people? Like, why? Do you really think you're so superior or something? Is there something that you have that we don't?! How about you, girl?" He turned to Yu. "Answer me! What is it about him that I don't have?!"

"Shut up, Kenta!" Yu shouted. "Why are you always like this, since we were little? You're always so angry and bitter at everyone! Have you ever thought for a moment to think about how you appear to others?"

"Hahah, YU, you really think I'm that evil, huh. Well, trust me- once you stay with this… this foreign spy long enough… you'll see. You'll see who's REALLY evil. Trust me." Kenta shoved his middle finger in front of my face.

"Shut up! Don't talk like that to Derrick-senpai!" Yu grasped my hand in hers tightly to make a point. "You don't know anything about Derrick-senpai!"

"Oh, Yu. I already know everything. I know he had a part in helping you create that little Youtube channel of yours. Seriously, do you really think you're good at dancing and singing or something? You really believed all the lies this guy told you? Can't you tell all he wants is to get you in bed with him?! He's just showering you with praise and what you want to hear so he can get on your good side!" Kenta screamed.

"Huh?! Well, I'd rather get in bed with him than you any day, jerk!" Yu was on the verge of tears. "And it's not only him who thinks my channel is good!"

I was holding my fury as best as I could, trying not to lash out and beat the lights out of this Kenta dude. And how did they know each other?

"Look, you wanna fight?!" I blurted, lips moving faster than my brain.

"Huh?" Kenta glared at me. "Sure, man. Come on. I'm a black belt in karate bro."

"The hell do I care?!" I said with a toxic smile.

"STOPPPPP! What are you guys doing?!" Kasumi appeared out of nowhere, wearing a puffy pink dress and red heart earrings.

"Kasumi?!" I said, mind blown. "What?!"

Kasumi noticed Yu and I holding hands, but quickly refocused on the situation at hand.

"Get away from them! Come on, let's go!" Kasumi grabbed Yu and I and pulled us away.

"I'll get you next time! You better watch out! You're not safe!" Kenta called after me.

"What the hell was that?!" Kasumi said, exasperated.

"It's Kenta," Yu replied. "I've known him since elementary school. He's a total jerk. He's always so mean."

"Gosh, I'm just trying to live my life, then he accuses me of being a foreign spy or something. That guy needs to stop reading the news all the time, like what is going on in his mind?!" I said.

"Well, apparently, he only lives with his dad. His mom ran away with some foreign guy and left overseas. I mean, I can see why he's really bitter towards outsiders, but you can't just assume they're evil!" Yu explained as we paid for the ingredients.

"Yeah, that's messed up!" Kasumi agreed. "By the way, why are you guys here on Valentine's Day, anyway?" she suddenly grinned as we exited the doors, helping us carry a couple bags.

Yu and I looked at each other.

"Uhhh… we're going to Ayumu's house for a sleepover!" we replied in unison.

"Ohhhh, a sleepover!?" Kasumi latched onto my arm. "On Valentine's Day? Don't do anything naughty, alright?!" She winked.

"Oh, just stop," Yu sighed. "Nothing weird is going to happen!"

"Hmmm, really?"

"Well, what are YOU doing here on Valentine's?" I asked, turning the question around.

"Uhhh…" Kasumi looked away and chuckled. "Errr…. Just trying to get some things for making chocolate…"

"Woahhhhhhh! You're gonna give chocolate to a boy?!" I said, extra loud to embarrass her.

"What?! Of course not!" Kasumi rolled her eyes. "But continuing with my interrogation, how can I be sure you three aren't going to do anything weird? I mean, after all the drama we've seen, it's not impossible…"

"Fine, you wanna come join us?" Yu suggested.

"Huh? Really!?" Kasumi changed attitudes like black and white, giddly grasping Yu's hand.

"I mean, if senpai's okay with it… I know Ayumu won't mind."

"Well, I guess it's fine," I answered. "Now I have to deal with two tsunderes."

"Wh-what?! I'm not a tsundere!" Yu objected, turning her head with such force that her twintails whacked me in the face.

"Ow! Yeah, you kinda are!"

"How am I a tsundere in any way?!" Kasumi questioned.

"Uhh, how do I explain this? Both of you act kind of mean sometimes, then get all embarrassed and have your little cute moments… am I wrong?" We stood at the crosswalk, waiting to cross the street.

"Well, if you say so…" Yu smiled. "I guess you could call me a half-tsundere, then. I'm actually pretty conscious of whenever I act like that. I just like to tease you because it's fun! And besides, I only do that to boys. Even so, I think I'm pretty nice most of the time, right, Kasumi?"

"Eh? Only to Ayumu and Setsuna, what are you talking about!?" Kasumi replied. "And I'm not a tsundere. The only reason I get annoyed is because NO ONE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT I'M CUTE! Like every time I try to contribute to our idol group by suggesting something cute everyone just cringes and rolls their eyes!"

"Because it's always cringe," Yu stated plainly, to which she received a punch in the stomach.

"Hey, hey, don't worry, I think you're cute!" I said, patting Kasumi on the head. "Seriously."

Kasumi blushed, lightly punching me on the arm. "Stop lying," she said quietly.

"There it is! Ladies and gentlemen, Kasumi tsundere confirmed!" Yu said, laughing.

"Hey!" Kasumi retorted, and we went all the way to Ayumu's house, teasing and berating each other.


"Welcome! Happy Valentine's Day!" Ayumu said warmly, opening the door to us. She was wearing a pink, short, tu-tu style skirt that barely reached down her legs, as well as a sleeveless white button-up. She had a pink headband adorned with a bow tie. My jaw almost dropped, causing Ayumu to giggle. Yu and Kasumi punched me at the same time from each side. "Come on in! I'm so glad you can join us, Kasumi!"

We followed Ayumu into the house, which was warm and smelled like strawberries.

"Mom, they're here!" Ayumu called. "Is the kitchen ready?"

"Yup!" A voice called back. "Come on over!"

We entered the kitchen to meet Ayumu's mom.

"Ohh! Hi, Yu-chan! And you two, we've never met? Can I know your names?" Mrs. Uehara said. Wow, how many families do I have to meet within a week?

"I'm Takasu Kasumi," Kasumi said. "This is Derrick-senpai!"

"Hello, nice to meet you!"

"Oh, I'm so glad Ayumu has more boy friends now! Are you guys dating?" Mrs. Uehara questioned. "What college are you going to? Do you know what profession you plan to pursue?"

"No, we're not dating!" Ayumu and I said in a panic.

"Mom, don't ask those types of questions! You'll creep him out!"

"Eheh… it's fine… I don't really know what to do in the future yet…" I said awkwardly. Why are both of their moms the total troll type? Kinda funny though, not gonna lie.

"Mrs. Uehara, I brought the mixing utensils! We can start now!" another voice appeared, entering the kitchen. ECK!

"Oh, thank you, Takeshi-kun! Okay, I'll leave it to you guys, okay? Have fun!" Mrs. Uehara left, waving.

"TAKESHI-SAN!?" I said in surprise.

"ONII-CHAN!? WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" Yu screamed.

"Calm down, please! I can explain!" Ayumu said, trying to defuse the situation. "I invited him over, because he said that he was really good at making chocolate! I figured he could help us."

"Hehheh, hey there, Yu." Takeshi grinned.

"Oh my gosh." Yu facepalmed.

"Oh yeah, lemme introduce you to Kasumi! This is Takeshi-nii-chan, Yu's older brother! He's a second year in college! He's really cool," Ayumu said, pulling Kasumi over.

"Nice to meet you." Takeshi, instead of bowing, reached out and grabbed Kasumi firmly by the hand, shaking it. Kasumi was blushing like crazy, and her knees looked as if they were about to buckle.

"N-n-n-nice to meet you!" Kasumi squeaked.

"Feeling nervous? That's fine. I don't bite." Takeshi ran his hand through his hair, then turned to open the bags of ingredients we had brought.

Kasumi stood wide eyed, as if paralyzed.

"Bro, stop trying to seduce my friends," Yu said angrily, putting an arm around Kasumi.

"Woah, woah, chill," Takeshi replied, holding both of his hands up with a nonchalant expression. YUUUUUUUUCKKKK.

"Anyway, guys, let's start making chocolate! I'll start getting the ingredients ready!" Ayumu interrupted.

We spent the next hour making chocolate (I had no idea how to, but Takeshi literally stole the show, impressing Ayumu and Kasumi with his smarts).

"Wowwww! It came out so nice!" Ayumu squealed, holding up the tray of fresh chocolate hearts. "Here, try one!" She took a piece and held it out to me, the curves of her body underscored by the tight fitting clothes she wore. I reached out to take it, but she popped it into my mouth. She giggled. "Happy Valentine's Day."

My heart stopped for an instant, and the chocolate began to melt in my mouth.

"Is it good?"

"It's great," I exclaimed.

"See? I knew it would be great! Thanks, Takeshi-onii-chan!" Ayumu hugged Takeshi. "Aaaaaaahh!" She held open her mouth, and he fed her a chocolate. I choked on my chocolate, coughing. What the hell?!

"Are you okay, senpai?!" Yu said, putting a hand on by back. "Here, lemme get you some water." She came back with a cup of water.

"Thanks…" I sipped it, watching bitterly as Ayumu and Takeshi were hitting it off.

"Hey! I want to get fed too," Kasumi said, jealous. We all stared at her. "Please?"

"No prob," Takeshi answered, and handed her a chocolate. She was a little too enthusiastic, because as she lunged to munch it, she bit him on the finger.

"Yeeow!"

"AHHHH sorry, Takeshi-onii-san! I didn't mean to!" Kasumi was so sad.

"Oh, it's fine!" Takeshi replied, sucking on his finger.

"I can't take this anymore," Yu said. She pulled me by the hand. "Let's go enjoy our chocolate outside!"

I followed Yu into the yard, and we took a breath of fresh air.

"Ahhh! Freedom!" Yu remarked, stretching. She looked at me. "You hate my brother, don't you?"

"Well… I can't say I like him… then again, he's not actually a bad guy…" I said.

"Hahah. Well, that's the way siblings work." Yu took a piece of chocolate and held it out to me. "Here."

Raising my eyebrows, I let her feed me.

"Thanks…" I said awkwardly.

"I know I'm not as good as Ayumu, but if it'll make you feel a little better after what happened back there…" Yu gave me a warm hug. She stepped back with slightly pink cheeks. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Y-you too…"

"Hey! Where are you guys going! I didn't forget about you!" Kasumi called, running out to meet us. She slammed a chocolate into my hand. "I'm not gonna feed you, okay?! Happy Valentine's, jerk." Kasumi hid a smile as I ate it.

"You guys wanna go to this Italian place for dinner? It's really good," Takeshi said, appearing with Ayumu.

"An Italian restaurant? We don't have one nearby," Kasumi responded.

"Oh no, my brother's gonna show off his car again," Yu sighed.

"Don't worry, we can take my car!" Takeshi grinned, twirling a set of keys with his fingers.


The next thing we knew, we were zooming down the street in Takeshi's modified sports car.

"Bro! Stop driving so fast! You're responsible for all of us!" Yu shouted at Takeshi, as he cranked up his hip-hop music and pressed the pedal to the metal. I was sitting in the middle back seat, clutching the leather, scared for my life. On my left and right, Ayumu and Kasumi were rocking out, putting their hands in the air with massive smiles on their faces.

"Guys! Please calm down! I want to live!" I pleaded, hoping they would cease their savagery.

"Chiillllll! I'm a professional!" Takeshi shouted back, rolling down the windows. He swerved erratically as he cut in front of another car.

"What the f*uck!?" The other driver screamed out of his window. Five seconds later, we were street racing. Why did I ever agree to get into this car?!

We finally parked on the street, next to a fancy looking Italian restaurant. We were out of breath.

"I'm NOT going through that again," I said, getting out of the car.

"I have to put up with this all the time," Yu complained. "Every time you get on, it may be your last moments."

"That was pretty fun though," Ayumu said.

"Yeah! I want a fast car too!" Kasumi agreed.

"Hey, don't wanna miss our reservation," Takeshi said slickly, and we entered the restaurant.

We were seated at a booth, warmly illuminated by yellow and orange lighting. Couples were all around us having "romantic" dinners.

"Hmmm… I'll take this alfredo pasta," I said, ordering.

"Ohh! I wanna try this special vodka sauce dish!" Ayumu said. "But I probably can't finish it…"

"We can share one," Takeshi suggested.

"Oh? Okay!" Ayumu replied.

"Bruh… I was gonna share with you Ayumu-chan…" Yu said, disappointed. "Kasumi?"

"Sure! I'll share with you, Yu-senpai!" Kasumi agreed.

"Heheh, sorry… but he asked first…" Ayumu chuckled. "Don't worry, okay? I'll pay for it!"

"No no no, that's my job," Takeshi interjected. "Also, imma order some wine, please."

We spent the next hour or so conversating (which was mostly just Takeshi bragging about his bio STEM internships and scholarships and competitions etc etc etc).


After a wild ride back, we returned to Ayumu's house. I was pooped. I didn't really have that much fun… Takeshi! Why did Ayumu have to invite him!?

"Alright, how's the sleeping arrangement going to work?!" Kasumi asked as we went upstairs.

"Oh, didn't we decide on that already?" Takeshi grinned, trying to open the door to Ayumu's room.

"Woah, hold on," Ayumu said, blushing. She blocked her door. "Takeshi… I think you should sleep downstairs in the living room…"

"What?! But I thought we were super close and all…" Takeshi said, dejected.

"Yeah, but… I'm sorry… I originally planned to have this sleepover with Yu and Derrick-senpai… I don't think they would be too happy if too many people barged in…" Ayumu apologized.

"B-but, Derrick's a boy too!" Takeshi objected. "Why does he get special privileges?"

"Maybe because he isn't a pervert like you!" Yu said, grabbing my arm. What the heck, Yu not calling me a pervert?! That's a first.

"No, it's not that…" Ayumu said. "Takeshi, I really like you, and I think you're a great guy, but I just want this night for the three of us, okay? Oh, and Kasumi, you can join us if you like."

"Fine… I'll sleep downstairs," Takeshi said.

"Don't worry, Takeshi-nii-chan!" Kasumi called out after him. "I'll come sleep with you!"

With that, the two disappeared downstairs. Ayumu let us into her room, which was really pink and adorned with heart plushies. It smelled like perfume.

"Oh! Hold on," Ayumu said frantically, stuffing some clothes into her closet and shutting it.

"Ayumu-chan, why are you suddenly so into my brother?" Yu questioned, sitting down on Ayumu's bed.

"W-what?!" Ayumu turned, accused. "I- I'm not…"

"Then explain the way you've been acting."

"Well, he's my old friend and all… my first guy friend too. I just really like him. And look how much he's grown! You should be proud of having a brother like that!" Ayumu smiled shyly.

"Whatever. But I think you saying that is gonna make Derrick here jealous…" Yu eyed me.

"Oh, sorry! Wait, did I hurt your feelings, senpai!?" Ayumu said, holding my hand.

"N-no, it's fine. I'm not that petty," I replied. "You can be whoever you want, I can't stop you. Besides, we're all just good friends, right?"

"Yeah, good friends," Yu confirmed. "Let's get ready for bed."

Ayumu lent me a futon, and I laid it out on the floor. The girls would sleep on the bed.

"Okay, we're gonna go take a shower and get changed, so don't go poking around my room, okay?" Ayumu said.

"Wait, a shower at the same time?!" I said, shocked.

"Shut up, pervert," Yu snapped, and the two left. I laid down on the futon, sighing. What a wild day. But seriously, what was it with Ayumu and Takeshi? Also, I wonder what he's doing to Kasumi right now. You know, they're both perverts, and they're sleeping… ugh I don't wanna think about it.

I waited until the girls came back, wearing their pyjamas and with slightly wet hair. Ayumu blushed when she saw me stare at her.

"Derrick-senpai, you can take your turn now…"

"Make it quick, okay? Don't think of taking a bath," Yu chided.

"Okay, okay." I quickly took a shower and came back. When I arrived, I was greeted by a "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Ayumu and Yu hopped in front of me, presenting me with a box of chocolates adorned with a letter.

"What?! Th-thank you!" I said, completely surprised.

"We prepared this gift for you," Yu said, smiling warmly.

"Mm-hm! There's milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and a whole bunch of other flavors like lemon and mint!" Ayumu said enthusiastically.

"I hope you like it."

"Read the letter!"

I opened the envelope, and took out a letter. The first paragraph was written by Ayumu and the second was written by Yu.

I read it out loud:

"Dear Derrick-senpai, thank you for all the things you've done for us. You're always so nice and sweet and I really enjoy being with you. You've taught me so many things (like how to talk to boys hahaha)! I think I will always remember that day when you just happened to run into me at the hot pot restaurant. I was so embarrassed! At that time, I was so nervous around guys so I said I was too busy to hang out… but you still found me out! At first I was afraid you would hate me, but you were so kind and understanding, and even told me that you would help support me. I'm so grateful! You really helped me break out of my shell and I'm really glad. I hope you enjoy these chocolates Yu and I prepared for you. And good luck on your guitar! You're getting pretty good now and I would love to perform with you on stage~! :)"

"Kyaaaaaa! Ayumu-chan kawaiiiiiiii!" Yu exclaimed, hugging Ayumu, who had her face in her hands, trying to bury herself in her blankets.

"Ss-stop! Wait 'till he reads your part!" Ayumu said.

I continued:

"Hey Derrick, here's a gift for Valentine's Day! It's not much, but I hope you enjoy it :) You don't have to try and act cool all the time, because I know you're not! Don't worry, I don't care if you're cool, I still think you're really fun to be around. And even though I don't act like it all the time, I really care about you… if you ever have something on your heart you need to say, just talk to me, okay? I'll try my best to hear you out :) I know we have misunderstandings sometimes, but I hope that together, we can work them out! So, have a happy Valentine's, perv! -P.S., which one do you think looks better on me? Messy bangs or straighter bangs like Ayumu-chan's?"

"AHHHHHHHHH!" Yu hopped onto Ayumu's bed and threw the blankets over herself.

"AHHHHHHHH YU-CHAN KAWAIIII!" Ayumu screamed, trying to tickle her.

I grinned, feeling touched and elated at the same time.

"Ayumu, Yu, thank you so much!" I said, joining them and hugging them.

Ayumu smiled at me, pointing at the blob which was Yu under the covers.

"So are you going to answer her question?" She said, fighting back a grin.

I bent down and pulled the blanket off of Yu, revealing her head. She was blushing and tried to turn away from me. I used my hands to hold her head in place, so she couldn't hide.

"Hold still, Yu-chan, or else I can't see clearly!" I said, examining her face. "Hmmm…"

Yu kept looking down.

"Yo! Look me in the eyes! I'm trying to answer your question!" I chided. Yu slowly met my eyes. "Hmm…. I think you should get straighter bangs like Ayumu's. It gives you a smoother, more refined and warm look. Just like your heart!"

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Yu objected, prying my hands off. "I-I'm going to sleep! Good night!" She went back under the covers, and Ayumu and I giggled at each other.

"Alright, night, senpai," Ayumu whispered, getting up to turn out the lights.

"Night!"

I laid down on my futon, dreaming of chocolate.