Chapter 3
"We're almost there!" Tobi screeched happily as he skipped down the mall. I had a death grip on his shoulders, my face felt like it was on fire as he made his merry way to the ice-cream shop. I was hoping that I could attempt to look small enough so people would not notice me. From the many stares that I felt on my back I doubt that it worked. I could feel my face get hotter as I hear people whisper as we went by. Please go the fuck away. This is definitely not what I need right now… "Isn't that Minori Kin?" I heard someone whisper. "Oh my god it is!" Another one whispered loudly. "I can't believe that she actually hangs out with someone like that!" God damn this shit… Well, you are on a man-child's back because you are having a fucking "tough" day. Get over it! You let that pink haired bitch ruin your day! Seriously?! I sighed and rubbed my face against Tobi's neck. Tobi hummed and rested his head against mine. "It's alright Minori." Tobi said gently. "Tobi will make Minori's tears go away." "Are they dating?" I heard someone else whisper. "No way!" Another gasp quietly. Fuck this shit… I clenched my teeth and pressed myself closer to Tobi. I am so fucking over today.
After a few moments, Tobi suddenly stopped skipping. I peeled my face from Tobi's neck and peak over his shoulder. The door to a tactic little ice-cream shop was right in front of us. "We made it!" Tobi cheered loudly. I rolled my eyes and slide off Tobi's back. I quickly place my gaze at the floor because I still felt the many people looking at us. "You okay?" Tobi asked, his voice full of concern. Without raising my head, I gave Tobi a small head nod as I gripped the end of my shirt. We stood there in silence for a moment, neither one of us confident enough to say something to the other. Well, this is awkward… that's just what I get for letting myself be dragged away by a guy I literally just met today. Like for real. He could be so fucking serial killer for all I know. I mentally sighed as my grip on my shirt tightened. I just wanna sleep. Tobi made a small noise, snapping my out of my thoughts. I lifted my head slightly just in time to see Tobi reach out and grab my hand. I could feel my face flushed a deep red, my gaze dropping back to the floor. "Let's go get some ice-cream." He said happily. I couldn't bring myself to look up at him for some reason, so I kept my gaze on the floor and responded with a simple nod. Tobi's grip tightened on my hands as he led me into the shop.
"H-Hey Minori." A familiar quiet stammered out the moment we entered the door. I looked up and saw a girl with dark hair that fell down to her hips, with light eyes in a stereotypical ice-cream server uniform standing behind the ice-cream counter. A smile instantly spread across my face as I recognize that girl. "Hina!" I greet cheerfully. "I didn't know you worked here?" I made my way over to the counter that she was standing behind. "I-I-I j-just started yesterday." She stuttered shyly, but gave me an innocent smile. I flashed her a warm smile in return. Aww. Hinata is adorable like always! "Really, that awesome! I bet Naruto would be so happy for you." I teased innocently. Hinata's face turned a deep, dark shade of red. "N-N-N-N-Naruto?!" Hinata exclaimed embarrassed. I giggled at her reaction. "Yep. I know that he would definitely be here to cheer you on a support you." Hinata's face was getting a darker shade as red as I talked. "He might even become a regular here." I teased gently. "R-r-r-r-r-egular." Hinata stammered as he poked her two index fingers together and looked at the floor. I giggle again. Hinata is such a cutie I swear!
"Minori laughed!" A loud voice exclaimed from beside me. Oh yeah, I forgot about him…"Yeah, I did."I awkwardly rubbed the back of my head as I looked over that the man-child attached to my hand. "Tobi is glad that Minori feels better." Tobi looked down at me as he squeezed my hand gently. My face heated up slightly, but I smiled back up at him in return. He is a sweet guy at least. "Hmmm." Hinata hummed. I turn my focus back to my friend behind the counter. "What?" I asked tilting my head to the right, slightly confused. "I-i-it's nothing." Hinata stammered as she waved her hands. "Just thinking." I gave her a confused look, but I quickly shrugged it off. "Tobi bets that he can guess Minori's favorite flavor." Tobi proclaims happily. I turn and raised an eyebrow at him "Oh really." I challenged playfully, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Yup! Tobi is magical like that." Tobi laughed as he scratched that back of his head. "Dork." I snorted and rolled my eyes, but I was smiling none the less. Tobi chuckled and stepped closer to the ice-cream counter. Tobi put his free hand under his chin and looked thoughtfully at all the flavors that were displayed. I rolled my eyes at his seriousness. "Hmm." Tobi hummed as he gently tapped is chin.
I looked at Hinata and saw that she was silently giggling at Tobi. "He's special." I joked, laughing. "I-I can tell." Hinata smiled back. Hinata's eyes shift back and forth between the two of us. "The two of you seem really close, have you known each other long?" Hinata asked without stammering. "Just met today actually." I said. "He's in the same class as me." Hinata's eyebrows shot up and her eye widen. "R-r-really? You two seem like you two known each other for a bit." Hinata responded astonished. "Really?" I asked in disbelief. "I honestly never seen this guy until today." Hinata nodded her head in response. "S-s-so does that mean he's in the same grade as us?" Hinata asked. "Hmm, that a good question. I am honestly not really sure." I admitted. "What?" Hinata asked, her brow's knitting together in confusion. "It's a very long explanation." I sighed tiredly. "I will explain it to you later." "O-okay." Hinata nodded.
"Tobi knows what Minori wants!" Tobi suddenly exclaims. I flinched slightly by his random yelling. "He he, sorry Minori." Tobi apologized as he held up a peace sign with his freehand. "Whatever." I rolled my eyes. "But, Tobi is 100% sure that he knows what kind of ice-cream Minori wants!" Tobi said passionately. I raised an eyebrow as a smiled spread across my face. "Oh really. Well Mr. Ice-cream wizard, order way." "Aye, aye." Tobi gave me a mock two finger salute before he turned to Hinata. "Minori wants a scoop of Mint Chip ice-cream on a regular waffle cone with lots of Reese Cups chunks." Tobi order confidently. My jaw dropped instantly. I looked at Tobi in astonishment. I quickly looked over at Hinata and saw that she was just as stunned as I was. "How the hell did you do that?!" I was completely and utterly dumbfounded. Tobi rubbed the back of his head in a shy manner and he chuckled lightly. "Tobi is the ice-cream whisperer." He said innocently. This fucker.
"O-o-one mint chip coming right up." Hinata chirped happily as she hustled to get my order ready. I was still looking at Tobi in amazement as Hinata made my ice-cream. "I will never doubt your magical powers again, oh might wizard." I said with a blank face. "He he." Tobi laughed as he held up another peace sign. "Tobi said he was magical. Tobi never lies." "Yes, yes you did tell me. I promise to trust you for now on Tobi" I laughed. "H-here's your cone." Hinata stuttered as she handed the ice-cream to Tobi. "Thank you!" Tobi chirped as he took the cone. I went to reach for my wallet, when Tobi handed Hinata that money. "Tobi, I could have paid for it." I muttered. "This is Tobi's feel better treat for Minori." Tobi explained. "Tobi had to pay sinc he wanted Minori to feel better." I blushes and looked at the floor for a moment. "Th-thanks." I muttered. "Let's go find a good seat." Tobi stepped towards the seating area. "Aren't you going to get anything?" I asked. "Nope! This is Minori's feel good ice-cream treat!" Tobi said happily as he squeezed my hand gently. I blushed and looked down. "T-Thanks." I stuttered. This man-child… "Let's go find a good seat." Tobi pulled me through the shop towards the small booths. Tobi pick a white and pink monstrosity that was connect to a window that provided a floor level view of the mall.
Tobi slid into one side and I slid in across from him. "Here you go." Tobi handed me my ice-cream. "Thank you." I said politely. The instant I got my ice-cream, my eyes went straight to the window. I silently ate my ice-cream as I watched all the people interact with each other. People are so weird. "Minori likes to people watch?" Tobi's voice breaking my focus. I looked over at Tobi and saw that he was leaning toward with his head propped up by his hand. "Yeah." I smiled. "It's interesting to see how all the people interact with each other." Tobi nodded his head. I took that as a sign to continue talking. "I mean people are act differently around different people." I turned back to the window and pointed towards a slender girl with pale blonde hair that went past her butt. "Take that girl for example. I've known her since elementary school. She has always been a major bitch, except when the guy she likes comes around. Then she wants to act like she's a saint because she doesn't want him to know how much of a bitch she really is." I rambled mindlessly. "People put on different faces for different people. It's interesting to see how people will interact with each other, you know." I took a lick of my ice-cream as I looked back at Tobi.
Tobi was looking straight at me, as if he was analyzing me. Did I say something wrong? I quickly looked down at the table. What did I do? "Minori is so cute." Tobi chuckled out. My head snapped up. What? I raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Minori is cute when she talks about her hobbies." Tobi beamed. "Tobi really enjoy hearing about what Minori likes." My face flushed again for the millionth time that day as I once again looked at the table. This smooth talking ass… "Minori is also really cute when she's embarrassed." Tobi chuckled. I jumped slightly when a hand softly rubbed my head. I bet I'll look real fucking cute when I smash this ice-cream in you face, bitch. "Thanks." I muttered as I continued to eat my ice-cream.
"Does Minori like her ice-cream?" Tobi asked as he leaned closer towards me. I unintentionally leaned back and practically held my ice-cream against my chest. "Y-yeah. Thanks." I muttered as I mentally cursed at myself for my behavior. "Tobi is happy!" Tobi exclaimed as he leaned back into his seat. "Tobi is glad that Minori is not upset anymore." I smiled as I looked out the window again. I watched several people walk by while I mindlessly ate my ice-cream I really needed this. This was something that I really needed. My hand on the ice-cream tightened slightly. I snuck a quick look at Tobi. He was currently looking out the window. I smile softly. He really did not need to do this for me. I really do appreciate the warm welcome he has given me since we met. He really is a sweet guy.
"So, what are you doing here." I asked before taking another lick of ice-cream. "Getting Minori some feel better ice-cream." Tobi said simply, turning back to face me. I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling. "I mean at the mall dork." I laughed. "Ohhh." Tobi chuckled. "Deidara-sempai needed some more art supplies, so Tobi went and grabbed some." I looked around. "Did you not get them yet?" I asked. "No, Tobi ran into Minori first. A crying Minori is more important then art supplies. Deidara-sempai would understand." I blushed and looked at the table. Tobi is such a nice. It's hard to believe that he is at Akatsuki High. I looked up at him and saw him looking out the window again. He's strange, but he is nice. He's nice to everyone too. I wonder what he did to get set to Akatsuki High?
I open my mouth to thank Tobi for all his kind, but as I did a thought played in my head. What does he want from me. People are only nice for a reason. He must want something from me. I could feel my muscles tense. This caused Tobi to look over at me. "Is everything alright?" Tobi asked in a false concerning voice. I could feel my jaw setting. I really hope that I don't so something stupid. I looked at – no – analyzed Tobi for a second. Tobi was just calmly leaning forward, his head still resting against a hand. His was giving off a calm and friendly aura. I bet that fucker is smirking behind that mask Think he has me falling into his plan or some shit. I narrowed my eyes and stopped eating my ice-cream. This fucker probably thinks he's getting "something" in return for all his niceness. Disgusting. The ice-cream suddenly lost its appeal.
"Something wrong Minori?" Tobi asked innocently. "What's your game?" I demanded without thinking. Tobi froze for a second. "What?" Tobi asked with fake confusion. My jaw clenched as my eyes rolled at his lies. I sat up straight and then slightly leans towards Tobi. "Don't play stupid. You know damn well what I meant." I hissed through clenched teeth. Tobi raised his hands up in defense and started to wave them. "No, Tobi has no idea what you are saying." Tobi persisted. "Tobi is really confused about what Minori is talking about." I rolled my eyes and growled. "Fucking liar." I slouched back into my seat. "Just fucking fess up to it already." I snarled. I could feel melted ice-cream run down may hand and the cone becoming mushy as my anger was starting to build.
Tobi started to wave his hand frantically. "Tobi's not a liar! Really!" he loudly persisted. "Tobi does not know what Minori is talking about!" I growled. I felt the ice-cream gush from the cone. I looked down and saw that I pressed my fingers into the cone. I sighed but grabbed a few napkins from the dispenser that was sitting on the table. Tobi sat in silence as I proceeded to clean up my mess. This fucker is really persistent to keeping up the innocent persona. I applaud his dedication. I huffed angrily and stared at the window.
"What's wrong? Did Tobi so something wrong that upset Minori?" Tobi rushed suddenly. I groaned. As narrowed my eyes as I turned to look at him. "Tobi is telling the truth. Tobi really doesn't know what he did wrong. Tobi is sorry if he upset Minori. Tobi just wanted to make Minori feel better." Tobi whined. "Why?" I snarled. "What does me being happy have to do with you?" Tobi froze, his hands stopping, but he still had them in the air. "Tobi likes it when Minori is happy." Tobi muttered weakly. I rolled my eyes and snorted. Isn't that a lame pick up line? This isn't some shitty romance movie. Pick up lines are not going to work on me fucker.
"Don't you think it's a little … coincidental?" I asked in a monotone voice. "What?" Tobi asked sadly, finally putting his hands down. "That you have been nothing but nice to me since we met. Like unnaturally nice." I responded blankly. Tobi tilted his head to the said in faux confusion. "Tobi's nice to everyone." Tobi whimpered slightly. "A little too nice don't you think." I clicked my teeth and turned my gaze to the window again. "I mean you have just been the hero for the new girl since she transferred in. Showing her around, letting her eat with you and your friends, giving her a ride home, buy her ice-cream, and actually talking to her." Tobi whined lowly. "Tobi just didn't want Minori to feel left out." I rolled my eyes. "Of course, you did. Because you are such a nice guy, right?" I mocked in a happy voice. I scoffed and rested my head against the window. "Tobi is nice." Tobi defended weakly.
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes again. "Just tell me what you want from me." "Tobi just wants to be friends." Tobi muttered sadly while he looked down at the table. "That's what they all say." I scoffed "It's true." Tobi insisted sadly. "Tobi just wants to be friends with Minori." "Why?" I demanded. I sat up straight and glared at Tobi. My fists clenched tightly in my lap. "Why, do you want to be friends. What purpose is there for us being friends?" Tobi sat in silence for a moment. I grunted and glared at him. This fucker. I am so fucking done. I jumped up and slammed my hands on the table, the half-melted ice-cream that I had splattered on the table. "See ya." I snapped.
I turned to slide out of the booth when a hand suddenly caught my wrist. "Wait!" Tobi panicked. "Please don't leave!" He pleaded desperately. I gritted my teeth and ripped my arm out of his grip. As if fucker. "Minori!" Tobi jumped to his feet. His hand shot out and trapped my hand this time. I sucked my teeth and gave Tobi a death stare. "What?" I hissed through clenched teeth. "Tobi is sorry that he upset you!" Tobi rushed out his grip tightening by the second. "Tobi just wants to be friends!" "Why?" I growled darkly. I am getting so tired of you use the same line. Tobi did not say anything, he just stared at me. I huffed and pulled my hand out of his grip.
"Tobi just does!" Tobi rushed out as he grabbed my wrist once again. This fucker is pretty handsy. And ballsy. Boy is he ballsy. I huffed for a few moments before I turned to look at Tobi. Since his fucking face was covered I did not know what expression he had on, but the grip he has on my wrist I'm assuming he is frantic. I huffed again and ran a hand through my hair. "What do you mean you "just" do? That's not a fucking reason." I hissed quietly. "Tobi can't explain it!" Tobi shook his head rapidly from side to side. "Tobi just wants to be close with Minori!" I sighed angrily. I looked away from Tobi and glared at the floor. "I don't understand you." I grumbled. "Tobi doesn't under either." Tobi murmured softly. "But Tobi really does care for Minori. Tobi is not trying to be mean to Minori. Tobi really likes it when Minori is smiling and is happy." My face flushed from embarrassment from Tobi's words. Is this really some type of shitty romantic movie? "Tobi is sorry for making Minori feel bad. Tobi is sorry for making Minori distrust him." Tobi apologized as he squeezed my wrist gently. I studied his expressionless mask for a minute then sighed. "Dumbass." I muttered, more towards myself then at Tobi. "Tobi is sorry." Tobi hung his head, but still held firmly onto my wrist. I stood there a moment, not really sure what to say.
A cough quickly made me realize that we were not the only two in the room. Hinata was standing behind the counter. Her face red as he purposely avoided looking in our direction. Thankfully she was the only one in the room with us. My face flushed instantly. I pulled my wrist away from Tobi and squatted on the floor with my arms wrapped around me, my face buried in my knees. "Minori." Toni said gently as he crouched down beside me. I can die now. For god sakes just let me disappear. A hand gently rubbed my back as I took deep breaths to calm myself down. "A-a-a-are you okay." Hinata's voice stuttered. I will be after my funeral… "Tobi think Minori is just tired." Tobi explained. "Tobi will take her home so she can get a nap." I was lifted off the ground. I panicked for a moment before my face was pressed into someone chest. "Thank you for the ice-cream." Tobi said polite before he exited the shop with me in his arms. I swear I could die right this minute.
I thought that the walk through the mall earlier was bad. The number of stares I got was ridiculous. I guess my behavior was too, but still. I pressed my face closer against Tobi's just and whimpered slightly. God, I swear I have mood disorder or something. Soon a cold breeze hit me. I guess we are outside now. I turned my head as we made our way through the parking lot. Tobi walked past many cars until he stopped at a black Dodge Charger. Fucking expensive car… Tobi walked to the passenger door and opened it. He leaned over and gently placed me in the seat. My face was a deep shade of red as Tobi buckled me in and shut the door. I quickly buried my face in my hands as Tobi slid into the passenger seat.
Tobi didn't say anything as he started the car. The ride to my house remained quiet. I feel bad. I peaked over at Tobi. His body language was relaxed, but I was sure if he was upset. I feel like such an ass for the way that I acted earlier. I mean he could be a nice guy. Not everyone is an ass hole. I sighed and looked down at my lap. The least that I could do is apologize. I opened my mouth, but the words were stuck in my throat. Does it even matter if I apologize? I mean I acted like a fucking psycho. He probably thinks I'm crazy or something.
"Hey Minori," Tobi said suddenly. I flinched slight. God damn it. I looked over at him. "Yeah?" I asked timidly. "Tobi is sorry." Tobi genuinely apologized. I blinked a few times as I processed what he said. "What?" I asked complete confused. Tobi didn't say anything, but his hands tightened on the steering wheel. "What ever Tobi did to make you distrust him, he is really sorry about it. Tobi just wants to be friends." Tobi said sadly. I blinked a few times again. "Tobi," I said gently. I sighed. "you didn't do anything wrong. I should be the one apologizing. I acted like a bitch to you back there and it was not necessary." My fist tugging at the bottom of my shirt. "I'm sorry Tobi. Could you please forgive me?" Tobi slowed the car down and stopped. I raised my eyebrow at him. Tobi turned towards me and placed his hand on my knee. "Tobi could never be mad at Minori." Tobi said gently as he rested his forehead against mine.
A blush spread across my face, but I smiled and closed my eyes. "Thank you Tobi." I muttered happily. We sat there for a moment, enjoying each other company. Tobi sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Minori should go get some sleep." Tobi said gently as he rubbed my knee. I nodded my head. "Yeah, I think today was just … brain overload." I chuckled. Tobi hummed in response. "Tobi believes it. school is hard, especially a new school." I nodded my head in agreement. "Especially when the school is Akatsuki High, my homeroom teacher quit, and then we go another creepy guy as a teacher." Tobi laughed.
I turned and looked out the window. It took me a second to realize that we were in front of my house. Holy shit I was not paying attention. "Thanks for the ride Tobi." I smiled at him. "Tobi was happy that he got to hang out with Minori." Tobi chirped happily. I raised and eye brow and snorted. "Sure." I laughed. I unbuckled and slid out the car. I paused a moment before I shut the door. "I really do appreciate everything you have done for me today Tobi. I really do." "Tobi enjoyed hanging out with Minori." Tobi said happily. I smiled at his kindness. "See ya tomorrow Tobi." I said as I shut the car door. Tobi waved at me. I smiled and walked through the gate that lead to the backyard. I quickly made my way past all the windows without being seen, hopefully. I climbed up the latter that I had on the one side of the roof and made my way to my room. Once I was in my room, I collapsed from exhaustion.
Man, what a day…. So happy that it's over.