Just In Between
By Starian Princess
Chapter 2- First Encounters
I silently thanked the high heavens that the weather was humid and not too hot today. Although I loved jogging around this park, the heat did sometimes get to me. I mean, who liked it when damp hair got stuck to your face or your neck? I cringed at thought of the sticky feeling that would create.
I then took the time to take in my surroundings. Nothing's changed. I could see the children's playground equipment from around one corner, and I could see the benches where couples liked to make out on another corner.
Suddenly, the thought of couples was making me feel sick so I decided to go over to the water fountain I knew was close by.
Upon reaching the machine, I stopped short as something caught my eye. There was a certain someone sitting on the bench in front of it. Usually, I was the only one who came to the park this early in the morning so it mildly surprised me that someone would even come to my favorite hangout spot.
I stopped a few paces away and squinted, trying to decipher if I knew the person or not. Hmm… The person was definitely male, judging from the body outline and not to mention the posture. And he looked like he was older than me. And since I didn't know many guys except for the ones in my class, I obviously didn't know this guy.
Shrugging, I walked the last few steps and got to the fountain. I didn't mind the guy behind me as I bent down and pushed the button that would release the water flow, but I couldn't help but feel that he was watching me. I could practically feel his eyes training over me and I got a tad bit uncomfortable.
Leaning back up, I was taken aback when my azure eyes met deep cobalt ones. I hadn't seen his face since I was on the opposite trail but, wow… I could lose myself in those dark pools. This guy was amazing! He looked like some movie star the girls back home would have been totally swooning over.
Realizing that I had been staring too long though, I broke out of my stupor and looked uneasily at my feet. I then moved away since he may have wanted to use the fountain as well.
But just as I was about to step away, I felt myself falling. Apparently, I hadn't seen that there was a little puddle on the side of the trail. Oh, great… Preparing myself for the impact I'd make on the hard gravel walkway, I hadn't expected to feel firm hands grasping my arms and helping me back up.
In a daze, I turned to the guy and smiled gratefully. I would have been doing well, if it weren't for the fact that I was blushing really bad.
"Th-Thank you…" I managed as I got to my feet. His eyes were still focused on me and I couldn't stop the shiver that ran through my body.
"Don't mention it." His voice was deep and rich like velvet. This guy could possibly be the next James Bond! I laughed at the thought and noticed him looking at me inquisitively. Smiling with ease now, I shook my head.
"Do you come here often?" I asked, watching him form a small smile of his own. I took the time to take in his features. He had raven-black hair like me, and he was broad and well toned. It looked like he probably went to the gym a whole lot as well. Looking up at his face, I watched as his mysterious indigo orbs glinted with a playful shimmer.
He then answered my earlier question. "Actually, I do. What about you?"
I nodded and giggled at his good-humored tone as we sat down on the bench nearby. If I didn't know better I'd say we were actually flirting! Wow, this was definitely a good start. I usually wouldn't be able to hold my own in situations like these. For the first time since I got here two weeks ago, I actually felt grateful for the move.
"I come here every morning to jog for a bit. It's very relaxing…" I looked up at the sky for two reasons. First, I just had to tear my eyes away because I think I was becoming way too obvious, and second, with the way he was flexing it might have been impossible to look away later.
"Yeah, it is. I think I'll be coming here a lot more often, for more than one reason that is…" That grin he was giving me was just so sexy, and knowing that this super hot guy was actually interested in me of all people seemed to be adding to the effect as well.
Taking a glance at my wristwatch, I mentally gasped as I saw the time. I had promised Mom that I'd do some errands and come back in time to help with breakfast. It was eight o'clock now and if I hurried, I think I'd make it back in time to take a quick shower too, before Dad came down.
Shuffling to my feet, I gave the guy an apologetic smile. "I have to go now. So um… I'll see you around then?"
And he, in turn, flashed a lopsided grin and nodded. Oh yeah, seeing him every morning would really make my day…
With a final wave, I dashed off. First, I had to go to Mr. Arnold's bookstore to pick up this new cookbook, then I had to buy some groceries, and lastly, I had to stop by Mrs. Welcher's house to drop off a letter.
I could see the bookstore from where I was now. Looking both ways, I crossed the street at a quick walking pace and pushed the door open. The bell behind it made a ringing sound to signal a customer and I smiled at the homey appearance of the store.
I looked around and finally, I saw Mr. Arnold squatting near a shelf in the back. It looked like he was arranging some new arrivals so I waited a while before getting his attention.
"Mr. Arnold?" I called and he immediately looked up. He was this kind old man who always had a warm sunny look on his face. He kinda reminded me of Misao's grandpa, Okina. But the distinct difference was that Okina was far more playful and he alwayshad a nasty little perverted smile on his face. At first it would creep me out but in time, I got used to it.
After telling Mr. Arnold about the book my mom had ordered, he reached behind the desk near the front door and produced a small package wrapped in brown paper with the word, "KAMIYA" on it.
"Here we go, Kaoru. Please give my regards to your mom, alright?" I smiled. He was one of the first people we met when we moved here and he fitted right in as part of our family. Last week, I even heard my mom inviting him over for my dad's birthday party (which was two weeks from now).
Bowing respectfully, I thanked him and walked out the door. Getting ready to make another mad dash, I didn't notice that someone was walking right ahead of me and well, as every cartoon went I crashed into the poor unsuspecting soul…
Luckily, we didn't hit the pavement that hard and the only thing that would hurt for the next few hours would probably be my rear. The person I had bumped into though, landed deftly on his knees and it didn't look like he even had a scratch.
I scrambled for my package on impulse, and became frantic when I couldn't find it. Had it somehow magically and ill-fatedly flown away? I frowned as I scanned the surroundings. Where was it!
I was beginning to lose hope when a hand was placed in front of my anxious face. I looked up and found myself lost, for the second time that day, in deep blue eyes.
"Are you alright?" I could barely answer as I took the offered hand and propped myself up. Was it me or were all the good-looking guys in this town blue-eyed angels?
-TBC-
