Chapter 3: Sooner or Later

I realized what I had been missing; it wasn't my ex, or the blonde harlot strutting about in cheap lingerie, and definitely not the days where I've sulked like a thirty-year old woman getting her first divorce. My days had been neglecting a certain feminine phenomenon referred to as a 'girls day out'. Haruka introduced the idea at the beginning of the workweek, and scheduled a whole best friend play date for Saturday, which was today.

It was the typical kind of girl date you would imagine: some quirky physical activity in the morning, a healthy lunch, then some window shopping and hopeful purchases by late afternoon. And after all that was said and done, I'm happy to say I took the initiative and invited Haruka over to the apartment for the very first time. I'm excited, and partially worried when I finally introduce my roommate to her. I can only imagine what she'll say, and I'm praying to every god known to every religion that she'll behave.

For now, my roommate still hasn't returned from his training (or whatever he usually does) allowing Haruka and I to continue conversing in private. We are sitting comfortably close to another on the sofa, me sipping at my coffee while she prefers to lap up the finest Maharaja Chai Oolong tea she bought today.

"It's weird, Haruka," I say after a fresh gulp of my hot drink. "It's been three months and there's nothing."

"Nothing?" Her interest is peaked as she momentarily rests her lips on her mug. "Are you sure? I find that hard to believe."

"Positive. I can't point out any flaws in my roommate."

"You're probably not paying attention to the little stuff. If anything, it's subtle and going right over your head."

"I don't know – maybe," I exhale, running a thoughtful hand through my loose hair. "I don't think the word 'subtle' would be the best word to describe him, you know?"

"Not subtle, huh?" My friend repeats, taking a swig of her tea. "But that's not a flaw, I'm guessing."

I shake my head, "Not really, I'm talking more on the line of bad habits."

"Like snoring? Ugh, my husband does it all the time. Annoys the hell out of me, to the point where I wanna' strangle him in his sleep."

"Well, maybe," I sigh, easing my head onto the back end of the couch, "Do you think I'm thinking too much about it?"

Lifting her hand, Haruka creates a space between her index finger and thumb, "I'd say just a iddy bitty little bit. But if you're that curious, then just snoop around a little."

"Haruka, you do know we're talking about a shinobi here. I feel like the moment I step into the apartment he knows exactly where I am at all times. It would be impossible for someone like me to do that."

Haruka's mouth forms a circular shape, "Oh, wow. Does that mean he can hear you use the bathroom or take off your clothes?"

"What? No, he doesn't have super sonic hearing, Haruka. He's just more alert than the average person, and where exactly are you getting these ideas from?"

"Dunno', but what I do know is that you're obviously not confident enough to pull off the simplest job any woman can do." A defeated frown crosses me and she sighs at my doleful look. "What does it even matter, Sho? Are you seriously looking for excuses to hate your roommate or something?"

"No, of course not! Lee-san is—" I pause midsentence, catching my voice rearing in excitement. My face flushes, and I avert my eyes away from Haruka and down at my mug. "It's just that, there have been times where I've dropped my underwear in the hallway while leaving the bathroom, and didn't even notice. Then, the other day, I remember leaving my fiber pills out in the open on the coffee table. Or this one time, where I didn't wash my razor entirely and left it in the shower—"

I'm interrupted by my best friends famous roaring laughter.

"Haruka, it's not funny. It's embarrassing," I frown, mentally pinching her on the arm.

Her raised laughter dies down, leaving her with a lingering gag of chortles, "Oh my god, Sho. Are you kidding me? Those aren't bad habits, they're mishaps! You're not the only one who has them, hun."

"I know, but it's like my roommate doesn't have them at all," I say, and Haruka rolls her eyes as if I'm speaking in tongues, snatching another taste of her warm drink.

"Haruka, I'm serious." I pout further, setting aside my coffee to start a count off with my fingers. "First off, he never leaves anything in the bathroom. Secondly, his toothpaste is always cleaned and capped. And third, I'm starting to believe he does laundry in a bucket inside his room and hangs it to dry outside of his window, because I've never seen not even one sock abandoned in the washer or dryer."

"Honey, listen to me carefully." I feel her hands envelope mine, squeezing them tightly, "You're insane."

I groan and release my hands from her hold, "I knew it. You don't believe me."

"I'm not saying that I don't believe you, Sho." Haruka says, and my brow lifts well into my forehead. Huh, could've fooled me. "All I'm saying is that maybe you're taking this whole thing and blowing it way out of proportion. I know you probably feel like a terrible roommate compared to him, but come on, if that were the case I'm sure your ass would've been tossed out already."

"I guess," I mumble in turn.

And after a few moments of silence, the waited moment arrives. A pair of keys rattles the apartment doorknob and in enters the green shinobi I've grown accustomed to seeing for the past three months or so. Closing the door behind him, his large dark saucers gaze at my own before shifting to Haruka sitting next to me.

"Welcome back, Lee-san," I greet him meekly, giving a small wave. I then gesture to Haruka with my coffee cup, "This is my best friend and co-worker, Haruka. The one I said was coming over today."

Haruka grins with a wave of her own, "Hey, how's it going?"

"Yes, I remember, Haruka-san was it?" Lee paces himself over to the couch with a smile, extending his hand politely for her to take. "It is nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Haruka replies, taking his outstretched palm. A mischievous smirk tugs at her lips, "Oh, that's a strong hand you've got there. I'm sure Sho has wondered how it would feel if that hand cupped her—"

"Bedpost!" I blurt out, nearly dropping my coffee all over me again. Seriously, bedpost? Couldn't think of anything better? I chuckle apprehensively before I continue, "Yeah, you know, it's been a little wobbly lately and I've been needing a strong helping hand to fix it."

"Oh yeah," Haruka chokes on her laughs, turning a cheek to hide her evident amusement. "That bed post sure needs some attention."

I take a moment to shoot Haruka a well-deserved death glare, debating momentarily as to why I continue to be best friends with this person.

"Then I will take a look at it as soon as I can," Lee notably replies to my pseudo-scenario. "How about after our dinner with Gai-sensei and my teammates tonight?"

Oh, Crap. I totally forgot about that.

"Right," I agree tensely, shifting a guilt-ridden look from Lee to Haruka. "I guess I should start getting ready now?"

I had completely forgotten that Lee previously invited me to finally meet the inspiration of his life and friends the day before Haruka proposed to hang out. I found the invitation strange, since a dinner proposition with close friends was more fit for a romantic partner than a roommate. I had to remind myself that it was Lee, who's just considerate by nature, and figured it was just an act of friendliness. And so, since the dinner was scheduled at night, I agreed to spend time with Haruka during the day. And honestly, I tend to forget plans unless I'm constantly reminded. I'm so absent minded at times, I don't understand how I've managed to stay employed or have any friends.

I'm sorry Haruka, Lee. I swear from now on, I'll be more responsible and actually remember when I've made plans with someone.

"You do not need to rush, Yamada-san," Lee says, ripping me from my guilty conscious. "I will take a shower first so that you can say good-bye to Haruka-san properly, okay?"

"Okay," I repeat the word deliberately, watching him respectfully excuse himself.

Haruka and I remain silent until we hear my roommate enter his room and close the door. From the corner of my peripherals, I think I see Haruka lick her lips.

"Yeah, I'd fuck him."

I'm glad I wasn't taking a sip of my coffee, because I would have sprayed us both in it. No, showered us in the caffeinated drink. I'm at a loss for words and desperately trying to compose this urge to lose all of my emotional stability.

"Oh my god, Haruka. I can't believe you just said that," I say in disbelief, placing a reserved hand on my warmed forehead. "Please tell me he didn't hear that."

"Even though he's so awkward looking, I'll admit it," taking one last gulp of her tea, she takes a deep breath. "I'd ride him all the way to Suna and back. Let me tell you, it's those weird looking guys that'll surprise you."

"Haruka," I speak firmly, taking the finished mug away from her and placing it on to the coffee table. "Do I need to remind you that you're a married women? Because the ring on your finger is obviously not doing its job."

Haruka pouts and whimpers; taking watery-eyed glances towards the hallway leading to my roommate's bedroom, "But Sho, it's not cheating if I just use my imagination. And if you're not going to screw him then I think I have every right to lavish him in my thoughts."

"More like molest," I mumble under my breath.

"What was that, Sho?"

"Nothing, I'm going to put these in the sink," I reply, lifting myself up from the couch. I fetch our emptied mugs and head towards the kitchen, taking a minute to wash and dry both. Placing my cups back into the cabinet I return to the side of the couch.

"Oh, Sho, before I go I actually wanted you to watch something," Haruka speaks, pointing an index finger to her black purse beside the coffee table. "In my purse is a children's movie, but there's this scene that seems a little too PG for me to show my class. But I want to get a second opinion before I completely toss the crap back to the video store."

"Alright, I'll take a quick look," I say, bending down to rummage through her purse. Taking out the black cassette I kneel in front of the T.V and turn it on. I gaze down at the cumbersome video player, taking notice its indication that a video is already inside. I go to press the eject button but I'm clumsy and my finger jams the play button right next to it. The screen flashes and I realize I don't regret most of the things that I've done up until this point.

Perhaps after such long inappropriate conversations with Haruka, something like this would happen. I would press the play button on accident, and a perfectly pornographic steamy sex scene with a big-breasted model and sizable man would appear on the screen, added with very exaggerated moaning as the piece of resistance.

It's a recipe for disaster, fresh out of the oven, and I'm the first to taste it.

I jam my finger against the eject button and the tape pops out, ridding the screen of obscenities. Unfortunately, the image and sounds remain blistering in my thoughts, despite the room being perfectly quiet. I'm in complete disbelief that I stare blankly at the static dancing across the television screen.

"Um, Sho."

Oh no.

My head rotates like a wheel in need of greasing. I look over my shoulder towards Haruka and she clears her throat, twitching her head to one side as her eyes are fixed firmly on the floorboards.

Oh no.

With the same stiffness, my body and attention dare to shift further to face the hallway.

Oh no! Oh no!

"Oh," Crap. I'm caught in that dreaded eye lock that I would never wish upon anyone. It's that stare where the atmosphere is saying it all, so blatantly that it's choking you to death. To the point where no matter what you say or do – you won't survive.

And I'm having it, right here, right now, with Lee.

Perfect! You can add this moment to your memory collage.

My thoughts are trying to be sarcastic with me, but now is not a good time. I'm staring wide-eyed at my roommate, who's staring back at me with the same level of intensity (if not more), with both of our mouths hanging slightly open. They're not open to speak, oh no! They're open to force any oxygen in the air into our lungs so that we don't die of asphyxiation.

Even though there is a good three yards separating us; I can tell Lee is sweating bullets. His face looks as if it's swelling with a mixture of sweat, tears, and humiliation as he grips his towel with desperation. This display of his only makes me blush and I don't know who's more embarrassed, my roommate or me?

Both.

Both is a safe assumption.

"Lee-san," I can barely make out his name before I see him turn, cowering back into the hallway and into his room, this time practically slamming the door shut.

My head turns back to Haruka, and she can tell I'm in agony. Despite this, she doesn't stop a silly grin creeping on her face, mouthing the words, 'I told you so!'

I flop my hands in exasperation at my sides and she lifts from the couch and walks over to me. Kneeling down, she whispers, "I think I should go now. Call me later, alright?"

I don't say much but give a feeble nod. I watch her longingly as she grabs her belongings and heads for the door, "Bye, good luck!" She says with a wink before walking out the apartment door.

I'm motionless on the floor and I take this moment while no one is watching to slap my face with both my hands. I squish and rub my cheeks to relieve myself and prepare for some damage control. After messaging my face for a good three minutes, I gather enough guts to grab the porno video and stand. With caution, I walk into the hallway and stare intently at Lee's bedroom. I almost initiate a staring contest with the doorknob, but I gulp down any withdrawal and motion my body to meet his door.

Tentatively, I knock, "Lee-san, can we talk? Haruka just left, so we're alone now."

There's no answer, so I endure with a few more taps, "Lee-san?"

"I do not want to talk right now, Yamada-san," I hear Lee's muffled voice from inside the bedroom.

"What about the video tape? Do you want—"

"Please, just throw it away."

Oh boy, it's bad; I mentally sigh to myself. I take a pensive glance down at the tape in my hand, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. I consider that I'll have to resort to showing him something that I would never bring out of my bedroom under any circumstance. However, the situation at hand makes it the only exception. Without a word I go into my room and scavenge through my underwear drawer, pulling out a book that's only available in the adult literary section of the local bookstore.

Leaving my room I walk back to Lee's door and lean my forehead against the frame, "Lee-san, if you won't talk to me, then could I at least show you something?"

"Yamada-san," I hear his voice penetrate sternly through the gaps between the frameworks. "I do not wish to see what you have for me, and would appreciate it if you would kindly leave me alone at the moment."

Wow, so he is the 'pouty-ignore-you-all-day-type'. Nailed that one on the head.

"Lee-san, I just—"

"I am sorry, but I cannot see you right now. So please, take the first shower…I will take one right after."

Did he just…what?

Okay, so that was the second time in less than two minutes that I've been interrupted, adding to the fact I was politely being told what to do. I can't help but tap my toes in an agitated manner, the first time I've ever shown any discontentment in Lee's presence.

"Lee-san," it's my turn to be firm. After taking my time to even console him, I'm not thrilled to be shot down. I've already let one fool boss me around, and I'm not going to let it happen again, "If you don't open this door right now and talk to me like an adult, I promise you, I won't go to dinner. So you can forget about tonight, because in all honesty I can just stay home and get some work done."

A prolonged silence fills the bedroom. I almost call it quits until I hear shifting of the bed, followed by footsteps making their way over to me. I take a step back, anticipation growing in my stomach as my roommate's presence lingers behind the mere door that separates us. Ever so slightly, the door cracks open, revealing two large eyes accompanied by two thick brows and a nose.

"Yes, Yamada-san?"

I shake my head disapprovingly; "I'm not going to talk to you if you're just going to hide behind the door."

Hesitation grips at him and his large eyes avert down to the floor shyly. His orbs close tight and I can tell he's trying to cultivate every ounce of bravery in his body. His face vanishes back into the room and I jump as the door flies open, practically banging against the hinges.

"Yes, Yamada-san!" His voice is raised, eyes still shut, and face pink as the color itself. "I-Is there something you would like to talk about?"

"Oh, um, well," I'm a little taken by his quick burst of energy, but I manage to extend the hand that's carrying the book towards him, "I wanted to share this with you."

Lee blinks his eyelids open, drawing his attention to my prevailing hand. Without a word he takes the book and examines the cover. With a callused thumb he grazes through a few pages, stopping as soon as a specific page captures his focus. I stare mutely, watching his perfectly rounded black circles trialing the sentences. His mouth gradually transforms into an oval shape and it's my turn to flush.

"Y-Yeah, it's one of those kinds of books," I mumble faintly, tucking a loose caramel strand behind my ear. "So you don't have to be embarrassed about watching those sorts of videos. I do the same thing; it's just on paper, with a girly plot that's almost too ridiculous to believe."

He nods with affirmation and closes the book, glancing down at me with an apologetic glint in his dark saucers, "I am sorry, Yamada-san. For acting immaturely just now and…having you share something this personal with me, for my sake."

"It's okay," I smile, taking the book from his hold and replacing it with his video. "Think of it as our very first secret. Promise not to tell anyone?"

I raise my free hand and elongate my pinkie.

"Cross my heart and hope to die," Lee grins, wrapping his own pinkie around mine. A small pinkie shake is initiated, sealing the deal.

"She really did have large breasts, though," I whisper thoughtfully to him. "I guess those are the kind of women Lee-san prefers to—""

"I am taking a shower now!" He reddens, throwing his hands into the air and rushing into the bathroom.

"Ah, Lee-san," I speak up, taking a peak into his room. "You forgot your towel on your bed."

He comes out of the bathroom passing me like a flash, fetches his towel, and zooms right back inside the newly proclaimed safe haven.

I giggle quietly to myself; I think I'm having too much fun teasing him for the first time.

o o o

Maito Gai is a character of distinguishable features; dark bowl cut shaped hair, decently sized nose, thickened eyebrows, and strong cheekbones accompanied with an even stronger jaw line. He's dressed in what I suspect is the usual Konoha shinobi fashion, which is a common pale green vest. As for the spandex, I'm not all too sure if any ordinary shinobi man would agree to wear it.

Except for Lee.

When my roommate considered his teacher as an inspiration, I instinctively accepted it in the figurative sense. I didn't actually believe that it would be completely literal too. I can't help but gawk at the striking resemblance displayed before me. My mind wants to press the idea of Lee and his teacher being related; father, uncle, cousin - anything! But the issue hasn't been touched yet, so I'll continue to accept what's in front of me. Which is just a boy who was coincidentally born looking like another man who isn't his father.

Sounds about right.

"Sho-san, Lee has told me a few things about you," my head perks up at the mentioning of my name. A tinge of nervousness squeezes my throat; I hope he hasn't told him everything embarrassing about me. "You're a teacher yourself, is that right?"

"Oh, yes," I respond quietly. Phew, thank God, I sigh in relief. "I teach non-ninja students ages eight and nine."

"Splendid! Then you understand the beautiful relationship that can develop between a teacher and their students," Gai comments, turning his head to momentarily view Lee sitting next to him. Both grin at each other, and oddly enough, I think I see remnants of tears in their eyes. His attention then returns to me, "There really is nothing like it, is there?"

"Not at all," I agree politely, taking a sip of my water.

"Sorry I'm late," A feminine voice interjects, "I was finishing up my mission statement. It's irritating how long they can take."

I tend my view to the end of the restaurant booth, taking notice of a brunette konoichi standing at the edge of the table.

"Hello, Tenten," Lee greets her with an appreciating smile. "I am glad you could make it."

"Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, Neji can't make it today. He's in a branch meeting that won't end for another hour."

"That's a shame," Gai frowns at the disheartening news. "But that should be expected, I understand the Hyuuga family keeps him busy."

Tenten and Lee nod in unison, and I simply remain oblivious, continuing to drink my water. I feel a little out of place hearing this short conversation about their non-attending teammate. I'm not too familiar with the ninja world, but I know I've heard the name Hyuuga before. From memory, I know it's a family name, which holds a great amount of prestige. Some how, I feel as if I've read more about the name in the Konoha newspaper, or at least seen a picture of the family's large estate.

"So, Lee," The konoichi starts, pointing her chin towards my general direction, "Is this your roommate that you've been talking about?"

"Yes, this is Yamada Sho," Lee speaks, motioning a hand towards me. "She is a teacher at the Konoha Primary School."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Tenten," she addresses me with a smile, taking a seat next to me. "Mind if I call you Sho? You can just call me Tenten."

"Oh, okay, " I reciprocate with arched lips. "It's nice to meet you too, Tenten."

After settling down, we all take a few minutes to view the menus placed at the table. I'm not all that hungry, since I had coffee before coming, and order just a small appetizer of steamed pork dumplings once the waiter arrives.

"So, tell us, Sho. What made you decide to move into Lee's apartment?" Tenten asks, handing her menu over to our server.

"I was just about to ask the same question," Gai quickly follows.

"Well, that is," Oh Crap. It's difficult to find the correct words to explain my situation. The last thing I want to talk about was my desperate need to escape my ex's apartment after being two-timed.

I wring my hands against my lap, shifting uncomfortably as everyone at the table is waiting for an answer. My eyes lower, feeling sheepish for the lie I'm about to tell, "I was…living by myself for a while. Everything was fine, since I had my teaching and part time job to pay the bills—" Karma's going to bite me in the ass one of these days. "But it just became a little too over-whelming, so I decided to quit my part time job and find a roommate. That's where Lee comes in, and we've been living together for about three and a half months now."

"Ah, yes, I understand how difficult it can be to support yourself for the first time," Gai nods, folding his arms across his chest, "I remember going through the same thing around your age. But, you're still in the prime of your youth, so you still have plenty of time to gain the experience you need to try again."

"Yes, I know," I respond with a small nod.

"How long do you think you'll live with Lee until you can afford a place by yourself?" Tenten asks.

"How long? Let's see," I continue to twist my hands on my lap. In retrospective, I should've probably prepared myself to answer these expected questions.

I have to admit it to myself; I haven't considered the thought of my future moving date as of yet. With my current salary, it's just not possible to find a comfortable apartment suitable to my standards. The only realistic thing to do is wait for a salary increase or set up another savings account. Or believe that one day I'll actually win more than five hundred ryō on a lottery ticket.

Unfortunately, I'd probably have more luck working the street corner than waiting for a ticket worth my weight in gold.

"I was thinking of waiting for at least a year to pass, and hopefully by then my financial situation will be a little better," I finally give an answer. "And if it is, then I'll look for a single apartment right away."

"Sounds like a good idea, Yamada-san," Lee says. "When the times comes, I will be more than willing to help you move."

"Oh, you don't have to, Lee-san," I say while waving my hands dismissively. "I'll probably just hire a moving company or something."

Before anything else can be said, our waiter reappears carrying a tray of plates. It smells incredible; everyone's orders look down right delicious. And I some what regret ordering a measly appetizer of dumplings as they're placed before me. Once all of our dishes are placed at the table, Gai begins to recite a few memorable missions as we eat. In such vivid detail that at some points during his telling's I cringe and lower my chop sticks. Of course, Lee and Tenten are able to continue chewing their food with gusto, even adding a few points from their perspectives. I'm grateful once Gai deviates from a mission story to an explanation of his long-lived rivalry with another shinobi man I have no clue of.

"Here he goes again with that," Tenten whispers to me.

"He seems really into it though," I whisper back, noticing he's practically lifted from his seat with his fists raised and clenched. I even catch Lee mimicking his teacher's level of excitement, "Are they always like this?"

"Yeah, especially when they're together," Tenten sighs while turning to face me. Her brow then raises, "Lee's never like this at home?"

"Um, not really," I reply, and her brows lift further into her forehead. I feel pressured to say more, "I mean, of course he can be a little energetic at times, but never like this."

"Huh, that's strange," Tenten comments with a confused pucker. "He must really be trying."

Now I'm the one slapping on a confused look, "What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing really. You'll find out sooner or later," she says nonchalantly, picking up her chopsticks and taking a noodle into her mouth.

'Sooner or later'? What the heck does that mean?

I'm utterly confused, but I don't want to question any more than I should, knowing that I'm really supposed to be listening to Gai at this moment. It's a difficult task but I force my thoughts and attention back to his story. For a brief moment, my mind wonders and my eyes tend to Lee directly across from me. He's being very attentive to his teacher and his body language rouses with each spoken syllable. I can't control my stare and I regret my lack of courtesy as our sights capture each other's.

I stiffen immediately and hastily avert my eyes down at my glass of water. I pretend our gaze never met, like the terrible actor that I am, and reach for my glass. I close my eyes and take a sip. Setting the cup down on its coaster I reopen my eyes again and see Lee already back to listening to his teacher. But something's unusual this time, like there's this whole undercurrent in the atmosphere surrounding him. He's less responsive to Gai's fevered conversation and his hands are held stiffly below the restaurant table.

Oh no, did I make him feel self-conscious?

The rest of the dinner goes by like a blur, since I'm caught up in my own guilt-ridden thoughts. I realize I didn't even finish my appetizer and take the remaining dumplings to go. After we all pay for our portions of the meal we walk out to the front of the restaurant. Saying our good-byes, Lee and I wave off Gai and Tenten until their silhouettes disappear within a street crowd.

"I will carry this for you, Yamada-san," I hear Lee say while taking my bag of leftovers from me.

Ugh, will I ever be able to hold anything for myself while I'm with you?

So, that's what my mind wants me to say. I have no clue as to why it's being so snarky and ungrateful, but I'm guessing it's just insanely guilty. And now that I'm not even able to carry my own leftovers, it's really taking a toll on my big-girl ego, but I swallow my thoughts whole and give a weak nod, "Okay, thank you."

As we begin our walk back to the apartment, that familiar awkward silence fills the gap between our shoulders. Thankfully, night time in Konoha isn't all that hushed, and the streets are filled with bustling restaurants, busy dinner carts, and open bars with small groups of older men conversing over cups of strong sake.

"Did you enjoy dinner?"

I jump a little at the suddenness of Lee's voice and I curse my skittishness under my breath. "Mhm, of course," I say in a matter of fact tone, after regaining my composure. "Gai-san and Tenten are very good people. It's just a shame I couldn't meet Neji."

"I am glad, and hopefully next time you will meet him," Lee responds and I turn my head to glance at his features. I automatically frown, unable to see much with the dimness of the street lamps.

"Lee-san, did you…enjoy it?"

"Yes, the food was especially good tonight."

"That's good," I respond rather slowly. "I just thought that…"

"Thought what, Yamada-san?" Lee questions, without taking a glance down at me. "Did something happen?"

Like how you pretty much forced your enthusiasm down just because I was looking at you? Then, yes, something did happen.

"I just thought, during dinner…" the words are drying in my mouth. I slow my pace until I come to a complete stop, "Lee-san."

I say his name and he too stops with me, turning to face my direction, "Yes, Yamada-san?"

"Please, be honest with me, do I make you feel unco—"

"Oh, Lee, Sho-san. I didn't expect to see you two this late at night."

I'm not able to finish my sentence before a familiar konoichi approaches us. It's Sakura, carrying a bag in one hand and a lab coat in the other.

"It is great to see you, Sakura," Lee is the first to respond with a visible smile. "How are you?"

"Fine, I just got off from the hospital," she says with a small reciprocating smile of her own. "I've just been so busy this past week that I haven't had the time to go grocery shopping at all."

"Are you going to go grocery shopping now?" I ask, trying not to be that mousy third-wheel.

"I think the grocery store is about to close, so I'll have to settle on getting the important things at the convenience store," Sakura pauses for a moment before looking up at my roommate. "Would you like to come with me, Lee? I could use the company."

My eyes tend upwards at Lee and I can tell his lips are dying to say yes. They're trembling with hesitation, and I know it's because I'm here. As much as I'd like to walk back to the apartment together, I don't want him to lose another opportunity. The last thing I would want right now is for him to feel obligated to carry my leftovers for me.

"Of course he would love too," I intercept quickly for him, taking the leftover bag from his grasp.

"But, Yamada-san—"

"Don't worry, Lee-san," I cut him off with a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure to put the leftovers in the fridge. So, you go on ahead and I'll head back by myself."

My roommate takes a moment to fully realize that I'm relieving his carrying duties so that he may enjoy the rest of his night with Sakura. And once it clicks, I'm given a smile that…I really want to see again.

I shake myself internally.

What on earth am I thinking?