Chapter 5 - Eve

I saw someone outside the window.

"Yabai. Sonoko's here. I have to hurry."

"We'll be late, Ran."

Shin-ichi? This would be the first time we'd be walking to school together after he returned to school…and the situation's different now. I thought I'll pretend that nothing happened yesterday.

"Coming."

I went to my dad's office to tell him that I'll be going to school. Shinichi was there when I opened the door.

"Where's Sonoko?" Shinichi looked like he hadn't heard my question.

Otou-san and Shinichi were talking, "Ittekimasu, otou-san."

Otou-san? Did Shinichi just call my father? My father already knew that Shinichi and I are?

"Otou-san. You already knew. I was about to tell you later."

"Shinichi told me earlier. I also sensed it. You know, I'm the famous detective Mouri. (laughs)" then he became serious, "I just hope that you'll not end up like your mom and I."

"Take care of my daughter, Shinichi."

"Hai, otou-san." Shinichi answered and followed it with a smile.

"Let's go, Ran."

"O-okay." I stammered.

He held my hand while we were walking.

"Shinichi, I feel a little awkward about this."

His grasp tightened, "You'll get used to it. Take your time."

We entered the classroom holding hands. I tried to let go because I don't want to be looked at by everyone but Shinichi wouldn't let go of me.

Sonoko was already inside the room.

"Sonoko, why didn't you go to my house.?"

She didn't answer my question, "Minna-san, let's welcome the couple!"

Everyone was surprised. Maybe because they thought that Eisuke and I are together.

"Hey, Sonoko."

Days passed. I got used to Shinichi calling me his girlfriend. My mom had already accepted Shinichi as my boyfriend. In short, we're like a real couple.

High school dance is tomorrow. I totally forgot it.

When the classes ended, Shinichi, as usual, waited for me outside our classroom.

"Where are we going, Shin?"

"I'll buy you a costume for tomorrow night's event."

"Oh, how about you?"

He didn't answer me…or maybe he hadn't heard my question at all. He grabbed my hand, more used to this now, and took me in a car that was waiting for us.

We then went to the mall. This was like our first date as a couple because we're going to malls and parks even before we had this kind of relationship.

I thought we're already going home when we finished buying our costumes.

"Ran, let's watch a movie. What do you think?"

Movie? Duh. How could I enjoy your mystery movies? But I think I'd enjoy you with me. "Okay, what movie then?"

Again, not answering my question…

I was getting used to this. He took a grasp of my hand…never letting me go… and took me to somewhere else.

It surprised me when he didn't chose to watch mystery movies. I didn't expect that he would choose a romantic movie.

"This movie suits us now, ne?" he tightened his grip to catch my attention.

We went in. Unfortunately, the movie house was almost full and we took the seats on the top row. This row was where couples stay, maybe because this place was darker, and caressed until the end of the movie.

"I guess we don't have a choice, ne?"

"We have, actually. Wanna go out?"

Baka! That's wasting your money…besides, the movie was good. Without thinking twice, I pulled him to the remaining two seats.

We're surrounded with lovers, and we're one of them also. I just hope that we would not do what the other couples were doing. I wanted to focus on the movie but he easily caught my attention when he whispers, "I love you, Ran."

I was still getting goose bumps, "I know, baka." Thanks to the dark atmosphere, he didn't see my face going red because of him.

The movie ended and he was sending me home. We got in his car, still holding my hand even if he's driving.

"Let go of my hand, baka. Focus on driving."

He laughed, set my hands free.

He stopped the car in front of our apartment. He wasn't opening my door. I thought he wanted something…a kiss?

I was building up my mood, "Hey, thanks for tonight."

"No problem, I'm your boyfriend after all. (laughs)"

He's not yet going out to open my door.

"Shin…"

I was about to kiss him on this cheeks but he suddenly faced me. Our lips met each other. We stayed like that for a moment.

I became strawberry red when he pulled back, "Your father's waiting for you, Ran."

He went out and opened the door of the car.

I finally said, "Goodnight, thanks for today. Hontou."

I gave him a light kiss and went inside.