A/N: Here's the next chapter! Thank you for sticking with me for so long! Enjoy reading!
In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 16: Speak Your Mind!
Recap:
I wondered what in the world could've happened while I wasn't there. Surely, she got Ayame and Yuki bonding a bit. I fell onto the couch, putting my feet up. I hugged my knees close to my chest, and closed my eyes. Huh, I thought, that's... different.
I expected the nasty sensation of jealousy to hit me straight in the gut, but it never came.
Another day has come and gone. I've been rather quiet lately. I'm just so exhausted. I wanted to get my job over and done with, so I went early. Going early meant I can go home early. If I can go home early, I can finally go to sleep!
"Arya? Is that you?" I heard someone ask, interrupting my thoughts. I responded to my name and turned around. I jumped back when my face was inches away from someone and collided with his chest when I spun around. I rubbed my nose as I looked up to see who called me. The boy grinned, "'Sup?"
"Oh, Ku-kun. I didn't expect you to be that close." I laughed nervously.
"What brings you here, Arya Nadeshiko?" Riku asked, his shaggy brown locks brushing his eyes as the wind passed us.
"On my way to my part time job." I replied simply. "And you?"
His eyes lit up. "I live around here, in one of the apartments." He scratched his chin and pursed his lips. "How come I've never seen you?"
I shrugged. I've always been leaving from Shigure's house, not school. I'd go through the small forest before I found myself at the roads, I'd pass this one by then.
"I'm trying a new route today."
He nodded. "Ah. Well, how are you feeling? I haven't seen you in a few weeks. Last time I actually talked to you, you had a fever and Sohma walked you home."
Walked me home. Right!
"Yes, I'm feeling much better." I beamed at him. "Thanks."
He blushed and avoided eye-contact. "You... You're not dating him, are you?"
"No," I said quickly, almost coldly. Great, first Yuki, now Kyo?!
"O-okay, I just thought," he began, shuffling his feet.
"No, I'm not dating anyone, Ku-kun, and I don't plan to yet," I snapped, hoping he didn't have any more ideas.
He raised his hands up as if he were surrendering. "Alright, alright, but... I faintly remember Sohma saying he lived with you..."
"Lived near me!" I corrected him nervously, wiping my sweaty palms on the side of my uniform skirt. That baka neko was so careless! What if the whole school found out we were living with the Sohmas?
He paused. "Yeah, that's what I thought, too." He smiled.
I mentally sighed in relief. I stuck my hands in the pockets of my light jacket, playing my fingers around my leather wallet.
"Hey, after do you want to meet up again and just hang out a bit? Or maybe even go out for a late snack?" Riku suggested, his face flushing again. I hesitated.
"Sure," I replied, blushing, "Maybe it would've been better if we planned this out earlier so I won't be stuck wearing my uniform..."
His eyes widened in surprise. "Is- Is that a 'yes'?"
I nodded slightly. "Um... yeah."
"Really?" he said, still not believing me. "You'd actually come?"
I cocked a dark eyebrow. "Is there something wrong with me?" I asked innocently.
"N-No! Nothing!" He replied nervously, "It's just... you never really agreed before. You were always busy, or sick."
"Oh, I seem so harsh. I'm sorry," I murmured.
I had to give this guy a chance. Riku Yamamoto really was a sweet guy. He seemed reserved and quiet, and a little boring, too, but I just judged him by the look on his face. That was before I actually got to know him. He was outgoing, helpful, and caring. Especially his eyes, which always hid behind his shaggy hair. Every time my eyes met with his, my face flushed. They were deep and alluring and I'd always find myself staring too long. That's why I get so surprised when ever he randomly shows up behind me.
Look at me. I was such an idiot. I was staring again. No wonder I found myself thinking about him. I snapped back to reality. "But yeah, I'd love to hang out some time." I told him, smiling.
Riku opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He cleared his throat. "That's great." He paused, then a frown formed on his lips. "You have work, though."
I shrugged. "Well, I'm going to be early for work. I plan to end early, if they let me."
He smiled, scratching the back of his head. "That's great, Arya -" A dull whoosh sounded, as a small, brown boot fell between us, cutting Riku off. The boot landed by my feet.
"So you're Arya Nadeshiko, huh?" a voice said. His tone was icy.
I turned around and met eyes with a young boy's. It was a hazel colour, with light flecks of gold. He had dull, brown hair and a round, baby-like chin. He sat on the top of the wall by a nearby building, with one leg over the other. One of his feet was bare, missing the other boot, only wearing a sock. The boy had a smirk on his face. A cocky smirk.
"You know this boy?" Riku asked, craning his neck so his face was by mine.
"I don't think so," I lied.
"I don't understand what's so great about you. I expected better," the boy sneered, kicking his bare foot in impatience. "Well, go on, pick it up, lady!"
I narrowed my eyes. "Just how long were you sitting there-?"
"Are you going to let a kid like me sit here forever without a boot to walk with? Come on!" he snapped.
I sighed and crouched to get it. Riku sweatdropped as he watched me. I straightened up and smiled sweetly, "Here, little boy."
Then he swiped it out of my hands before I could pass it to him, slipped his foot into his boot, and jumped off the low fence. I realized he was tall for his age, almost surpassing me in height. I bit my tongue.
"Little?" Riku murmured into my ear.
"What are you, stupid or something? Why'd you do that?" The youngster rolled his eyes at me. "Don't you have a mind of your own?"
I began, "Yeah -"
"What if I told you to jump off a bridge? Would you do that? You don't do things for people you don't know."
I smirked back at him, crossing my arms over my chest. "Are you, by chance, a Sohma?"
The boy scoffed, "Yeah, took you a while. You're slow. I'm -"
"Hiro Sohma," I cut in, smiling.
The boy cocked his head to the side. "Oh? What's with that stupid look? How do you know my name?"
I just met the guy and he's already calling me stupid like it's my name!
"How do you know mine?" I shot back.
"Everyone talks about you," Hiro replied coolly. I hesitated before I spoke, remembering how Hiro felt about Tohru. I stayed silent.
"So?" He demanded, "What are you gonna say to me?"
I shook my head, my hair falling over my eyes. "Well -"
"Just because you picked up my boot for me, do you think you'll get on my good side?" he questioned.
"I know... I already know what- er, who you are," I said, "I think it's okay to say that I had a mind of my own, and I chose to do you a favour, not because you told me to."
"It wasn't a favour, lady," he said rudely, kicking the ground and staring at it. The top of his head was facing me, his eyes hidden.
I bent my knees a bit so I was at his eye level. "I still did it. So what do you say, Hiro?"
"You're useless," he muttered.
I smiled sadly at him. "Hiro..."
Riku laughed nervously, speaking up, "Uh, that's not very nice to say, boy."
"Since when were you a part of this?" Hiro retorted, tilting his chin up so he could see Riku. "Who are you? Don't tell me you know the Sohmas, too."
"I'm Riku Yamamoto, a friend of Arya's -" Riku began.
"Then I don't care," he countered dully.
Then I met eyes with Hiro for a second, chestnut locking with hazel, searching for answers. The sheep of the zodiac looked away, frowning. Even though we lost eye contact, the image of his eyes were in my mind. I couldn't forget them. His eyes were sad and pained, the kind that witnessed hurtful things, wishing to forget them, always darting on a different thing to distract them. At such a young age, too.
"So?" he said harshly, as if waiting for me to say more. "I've come to see you, Arya Nadeshiko. Shouldn't you be thanking me? Treat me out to eat or something!"
I pouted slightly and exchanged looks with Riku. "Actually, I have plans already and I need to save up -"
Hiro raised an eyebrow. "Then what's the use for such a big bag? What's it holding, huh?" he questioned, suddenly grabbing it.
I grunted as I tried to shake him off. "Hey, kid, let go!"
"You let go," he shot back.
"It's my bag!" I exclaimed, "And if it's a wallet you're looking for, then you're out of luck! I don't keep it there. Now please, let go, Hiro!"
"You keep calling me by my name as if you really know me. Do you?" He sighed in annoyance and gave me an irritated look. "You're so difficult." I eyed his hands, which were gradually releasing the handle of my bag. "Fine, I'll leave you and your boyfriend alone."
I thrusted my bag out of his grip, then held it against my chest. I choked out and looked over my shoulder at Riku, still talking to Hiro, "Wait, Ku-kun's not my -"
"I doubt I'll ever see you guys again," he added and paused. "If it's a 'thank you' you're looking for, then thanks for wasting my time. I had a blast," he said sarcastically, before running off.
I fumed. "Hiro!"
The kid kept running and didn't even look back. I growled under my breath. How could Tohru put up with this kid? I stuck my hands into the empty pockets of my wind breaker.
Empty.
I just realized how much room I had in there. I swear I had...
"So," Riku began, rocking his feet back and forth, "do you think we'll still be able to-" I cut him off with a small scream, "Dammit!"
"What? What's wrong?" Riku questioned, his dark eyes wandering around me as if I was hurt.
"Hiro Sohma," I clenched my teeth at the thought of his smirking face, "took my wallet!" I continued to search through the pockets of my coat in hopes of finding it. Maybe my hand missed it. After a moment, I slammed a fist down at the fence where he sat when we first saw him. "Damn," I cursed again, "I'll have to find him. He has my money. How am I going to pay for dinner?"
"I can always pay for you, Arya."
"No," I snapped, then relaxed a bit. "No. I don't want you paying for me. I can pay for my own food." I massaged my temples, sighing. "And it's not just about paying for myself, it's the fact that Hiro stole my wallet, and I don't know how to get it back."
"Arya! Riku!" A cheery voice exclaimed, "Hello! Why are you just standing there?"
Riku chuckled lightly, "Oh hey, another Sohma."
"Momiji," I began, pouting.
His chocolate brown eyes widened. "Ha? What's the matter, Arya?"
I exhaled. "Your cousin. Hiro Sohma? I met him today and I don't think he likes me very much."
"Oh, Hiro? Yeah, he's just like that. Don't let it bother you! And besides, I like you!" Momiji beamed, taking my hands and bringing them close to his eyes. He looked cute doing that.
Riku managed a smile, but there was something different about it. Oh boy, more competition, he must've thought.
Don't worry, Momiji's a cutie, but like a brother.
I went on, "Well, here's the problem... I planned to go to work early so I could go out with Ku-kun today, but I can't go early if I don't find Hiro. You see, he ran off with my wallet."
"Simple, I'll help you find him, okay? We'll find him together!" he said sweetly.
"Thanks, Momiji," I replied, resisting the urge to hug him. I looked over my shoulder and nodded my head at Riku. "I'm sorry it turned out like this. At this rate, I'll be late for work."
"No worries," he replied, waving his hands.
"No really, I'm sorry... Things just keep coming up and you're the one who has to suffer," I replied nervously.
"'Suffer'? That's an overstatement," he laughed. For some reason I wasn't very good with my words at the moment. He added, "You owe me a date, that's all, Arya. Don't be so concerned. I understand how busy you are, and I'm fine with it."
My face instantly turned different shades of bright pink. "Uh, yeah... How about this coming weekend? I know it's a bit far, but I'm certain nothing will come up."
"Sure," he smiled, already heading to his apartment, "I'll see you then, same spot here? Twelve o'clock?"
"Sounds good. See you," I said, waving as he spun around and began to walk away.
Momiji stuck his tongue at me. "He seems really nice. I think that's the first time I heard him speak to you. Are you in a relationship?"
"No," I answered nervously, "at least not yet, but I don't plan to, really."
"That's good. I don't want to say any names, but I know some people who'd be upset if you were."
"And one of them is not Hiro," I laughed softly.
"Of course."
We found Hiro hanging out in some fenced property. Like hell did I know where we were, but he was there, and I desperately wanted my wallet.
Even Kyo and Kisa came. That's when I saw Hiro's weakness for the tiger of the zodiac. The usual smirk on his face softened, with his eyes so sad as if they were pleading. The pain. I couldn't bear looking at him. My anger at him for taking my wallet didn't completely disappear, but a chunk of it vanished, and pity replaced it.
"I'm..." Hiro choked out, "I'm sorry..." It came out mumbled. I inched a bit closer, smirking, "Hm?" I might as well lighten up the mood.
Hiro's mouth twitched in annoyance. "You heard me, woman! Are you really that deaf? Or are you just plain stu-"
"Hiro!" the other Sohmas scolded.
I put my hands up. "I was just kidding, don't get mad at him." Hiro scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Actually, yeah, I'd get mad at him." I teased, "Don't stop unless he does me a favour."
"What favour, lady?" Hiro demanded.
Stupid. Lady. Those were my names. Never Arya. Not even Nadeshiko!
"You will be my butler for the day," I answered coolly. Was I serious?
"What?" Hiro and even Kyo yelled. Momiji burst into laughter and Kisa gave me a look.
"Okay, never mind," I said, laughing, "but I wanna make a bet with Hiro."
"Oh?" the Sohmas all raised an eyebrow at me.
I smirked, "He will have to be nice to me and he can't call me by 'stupid' or 'lady' or 'woman'. Arya. Just Arya." The smirk widened. "Maybe even Arya-chan."
"What the hell? What kind of punishment is that?" Kyo inquired.
I shrugged. Out of all the Sohmas, Tohru barely interacted with Hiro. I wanted to see how Hiro would be if he tried to be nicer - and I mean nicer.
Kisa muttered, "Sissy, do you really think that's okay?"
"I want all of us to be good friends, Kisa," I replied. She replied with a giggle and nodded excitedly.
"That's a stupid idea," Hiro mumbled.
I snapped my fingers at him. "See? You would've already lost."
He gawked at me. "I won't lose that easily!"
I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. "Oh really?"
"Yeah!"
"Fine then," I huffed, "tomorrow I'm taking you and Kisa out to the park, and let's see if you're right. I'll forgive you and maybe I'll buy you guys some ice cream, too."
Hiro glowered. "Deal."
"Plus, I'll promise you more time with Kisa," I added, whispering into his ear so only he heard it. Hiro pushed me aside, blushing madly. "Hey," I began, laughing and massaging my shoulder, "that's strike one!"
"Shut up," Hiro growled under his breath.
"Strike two!" I did the peace sign at him, waving it at his face. "Okay, starting today, you will call me Arya-chan, Hiro!" I smiled brightly, "If you can refrain from calling me names until tomorrow, I'll forgive you and you'll get a reward from me!" I paused, thinking, "Wait, but don't get the idea that girls are rewards or objects of possession -"
The blush on his face deepened. "Okay, stop!" Hiro snapped, then exhaled, "I- I mean, please stop, Arya-" he choked out, "Arya-chan."
I stifled a laugh, but a snort escaped, and my eyes were wide. Hiro's eye twitched in frustration.
"What the hell..." Kyo rolled his eyes once more, while Momiji chuckled slightly, bobbing his blonde head in glee. Kisa exchanged worried looks.
Was it only Hiro and I who enjoyed the idea? But to be honest, I really wanted Hiro as a butler...
"You're a smart ass kid." Mai slammed a fist down at the table, causing her tea to slosh around, tea spilling by the brim.
Hiro sighed, "I didn't ask for your opinion on me."
"And I didn't ask for yours either!" Mai shot back, "I was just wondering why you were here, I didn't say, 'question why I'm asking you, and tell me that I have no right'!"
"You're too loud," Hiro murmured, rubbing his temples.
"I can be as loud as I want!" Mai snarled.
"Actually," I began, "you can't."
Mai growled slightly, clenching her teeth. "Since when were you in this, idiot?"
"It's not your house. Since when were you the owner, Mai?" Hiro added, mimicking her tone.
"Shut up, the both of you!" the girl snapped, her face flushing. Kyo chuckled, drinking a glass of milk and licking his lips, "And you say I'm irritable."
"Yeah, 'cause you are, milk boy," Mai retorted.
"Am not!" the cat hollered.
"Mai is correct, you stupid cat," Yuki began, as he entered the room.
"Wanna say that again to my face, ya damn rat?" Kyo taunted.
"If I do, my fist will come along with it," Yuki countered.
Hiro rolled his eyes. "Can we please just go now, Arya-chan?"
"Ha!" Mai exclaimed, wrapping her hands around her waist, her eyes darting to the sheep of the zodiac, "For a second there, you sounded nice! You're cute when you're like that, Hiro."
"So now I'm cute, huh?" he replied in an icy tone.
Mai gritted her teeth again. "Not anymore, you're not. Why are you being so nice to Arya but not me?"
"'Cause he made a bet with her, that's why," explained Kyo. "Remember, Mai?"
"Right," Mai pursed her lips.
"Okay," Hiro said, tilting his chin up to face me. "Ready to go, Arya-chan?" He smiled sweetly. It was too sweet. I didn't like it. I scowled back at him.
Mai glanced over at me, then forced a smile. "I think I like you, Hiro. You're alright."
Now I really should've gone with the butler thing.
"Hiro is being nice to you, Sissy," Kisa said softly to me. "I'm so happy."
"You know it's a bet, right?" I laughed silently, watching Hiro walk in front of us, a pout on his face. "When we get to the park, the bet's done, and he might snap back to his clever self."
"Yes, but it's still nice to see him try. Maybe he'll get used to it," the tiger said, her grip on my hand tight. "I mean, he'll have to learn some day."
After exchanging smiles, I used my free hand and placed it on the side of my mouth, increasing the volume of my voice. "Hiro!" I hollered, "Come hold hands with us!"
"You're embarrassing me, Arya-chan," Hiro replied, turning around.
"Oh, okay, then can you hold Kisa's while I buy you guys some ice cream?" I suggested and got the reaction I wanted. He fumed, his cheeks a rosy pink, then almost objected, until Kisa held her hand out to him. He took it and gave me a look.
He cleared his throat. "Okay, but only for a bit. I'll come with you, Arya-chan, when you buy ice cream. I'll make sure you don't mess up - I mean, get the wrong flavour." He mumbled something to Kisa and she nodded in response. He walked up to me and pulled out a few coins.
"It's fine, Hiro," I protested again, smiling, "I can pay for you."
"Quiet, Arya-chan," Hiro snapped, "and let me go with you." He grabbed me by my sleeve and dragged me to the ice cream stand.
"One scoop of chocolate and another of cookie dough ice cream, please," I ordered to the woman working.
Hiro grumbled, "And one mint chocolate please." He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Hiro -"
"Don't think you can win me over by acting all nice and forgiving," he noted sternly.
"Oh."
He glanced over at me, then quickly turned away. "I hate it. Why do I have to be like this?"
"Like what? Being nice to me?"
"No, being a kid. A spoiled child. What's so special about you? Can you really fix anyone's problems? Can you save anyone?" he questioned. He bit his lip and looked down. Hiro glared at me. "Are you deaf, woman? Say something!"
I thought a bit. "Nice timing, Hiro," I said, nudging him. "The bet's over."
"Yeah, now it is." Hiro said, "Didn't you just hear me stop using the suffix? You really are deaf."
I giggled, "Not bad, Hiro. You lasted a day being nice to me."
"Was there really any point in this whole bet?" he demanded.
"I was just... curious."
Then, Hiro was silent. He quietly eyed the woman scooping the ice cream. He muttered something intelligible.
"Sorry?"
"Nothing."
More silence. I smiled, "I also got to see how nice you really are. You're a sweet boy, Hiro."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. Who said I was being honest when I was being kind to you? I did that because I wanted to prove you wrong, not because I wanted to actually be nice to you."
"Seriously. I can see why Kisa really likes you." I replied, "I dream for a guy to have enough courage to say how they really feel, even if sometimes speaking your mind can hurt others."
"So what are you saying? It's bad to tell the truth?" Hiro questioned.
"No, but you just have to learn when and when not to speak." I answered, "You're almost there, Hiro. You're like a prince in training and you're actually way ahead."
"What?"
Sighing, I joked, "Now who's deaf?"
"Still you," he murmured. He paused. "So I'm Kisa's prince?"
"Yeah, but you're still growing up, Hiro," I told him, "yet, I can see a lot of potential in you. That courage, that kindness - even though I rarely see it -"
"Hey!"
"- will make you into the kind of guy that will sweep Kisa off her feet and protect her, like any prince would," I explained.
He bit his lip, glancing over at Kisa who was sitting patiently at the park bench, "Prince, huh? Since when were you so good with relationships? How are you and that Riku guy?"
I choked out, blushing, "What..."
He smiled slightly. "Idiot."
The woman arrived with the ice cream and I was about to pay when his hand stopped me, slapping against my wrist. He tossed his coins on the counter. I raised my eyebrows. "Hiro-?"
"Just shut it."
"You don't have to-"
"No. I'm paying. Or do you want to be rude and reject my offer?" He wrinkled his nose. "You think you're being nice, but you're just being annoying."
"Thank you. I owe you."
"Fine then."
After we got our ice cream, I added, "Oi, Hiro."
"Mm?"
"You knew the bet was over and yet you still bought me ice cream."
"I... I didn't know the bet was over," he replied, looking away.
"Liar, I remember you saying it was over 'cause you stopped calling me 'Arya-chan'!" A grin spread on my face. "You were being nice to me! You were actually being nice to me, Hiro! You sweet boy!"
"It was just this once," he snapped, "Don't get used to it."
I sighed, "Aw, thank you again!"
"You sound like a pedophile," he grumbled, "Get away."
I continued to giggle like an idiot. "Wow, Hiro!"
"Shut up, lady!"
Kisa began to lick her chocolate ice cream, smiling as she ate it. "Thank you, Sissy!"
I chuckled, "Don't thank me. It was Hiro."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, thank you, Hiro." She smiled even wider. "I'm so happy..."
"Yeah, yeah." He turned away, hiding his hazel eyes behind his hair. He hesitated. "You're welcome."
"So, um, I was wondering," Kisa began, "do you think - I mean, do you want to spend next weekend at the park again? Sissy, Hiro and I? Can we all go again?" She squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment.
I had a glimpse of Hiro's face. Disappointment. Annoyance. I took a deep breath, "Actually, why don't you two just go? I have plans already, sorry!"
Kisa began to blush. "Oh - well, if Sissy's busy, then -"
"It's fine, Hiro knows the way, don't you?" I shot a look at Hiro.
He was slow to react, but replied, "Uh - yeah, sure. Anything for Kisa."
Kisa clapped her hands together and beamed while nodding. Meanwhile, I leaned in, my lips almost touching Hiro's ear. I whispered, "I've repaid my debt."
He only pushed me away and rolled his eyes. I burst into laughter.
Next weekend came rather slowly and I was so nervous.
"Give him a chance," I whispered to myself. "What could go wrong?"
"Where are you going?" a voice demanded as I was about to leave the house.
I jumped in shock. "K-Kyo!"
"Don't just stand there. Answer me."
"Going out with -" Damn, he's just going to tease me again. "Just going out for a walk alone."
"Why are you dressed up?"
"Isn't everyone?" I deadpanned.
"Hell, I didn't mean it like that. I meant why are you dressed, y'know, better than you usually are?" he tried again.
"No reason," I answered simply. "I'm a girl. Let me dress how I want to." I was wearing a ruffled, purple, floral skirt... It was actually Mai's. I matched it with a champagne coloured top. "Okay, bye," I said quickly, heading out.
"Have fun, Miss Nadeshiko," Yuki added, walking in.
"Yeah, thanks." I smiled nervously.
For some reason, it felt like the whole house knew where I was really going.
I shuffled my feet nervously as I walked towards the place where Riku and I were going to meet.
That different road I took to the Sohma building, right? He said he lived somewhere around there too, so I doubt he'll be late.
I shut my eyes for a moment.
Crap, what if I'm late?
I quickly checked my watch. Four minutes to noon. I started to pick up my pace, then ran as fast as my legs could take me without tripping. I was wearing sandals.
"Ku-kun!" I exclaimed, gasping for breath. The teen turned around, smiling cheekily. He was wearing a simple dark blue, long sleeved shirt, with black jeans.
"Arya," he said simply, waving.
I smiled, tucking some stray hairs in my face behind my ears. "Did I keep you waiting?"
"No, you didn't," he replied and greeted me with a hug.
I flinched slightly, hoping he didn't notice it. Living with the Sohmas almost made hugging seem like it was a dangerous thing, and I got so used to it. I hesitated before I hugged him back. I pulled away and realized both of our faces were a beet red. I laughed nervously.
Riku beamed. "I wanted to bring you to a café I always go to after school. If that's okay..."
"That's fine," I replied, sticking my hands into my pockets, "I'm in real need of a coffee, anyway." I took out my leather wallet, grinning, "And I can pay for myself."
"Yeah, don't worry. It's a modern one, not traditional." He laughed, "It's nearby here. Let's go."
The café was a bit small, with only five tables. There was a table in each corner, with the fifth one in the middle. The tables were circular and wooden with flowers carved at the legs. The seats were cream and the cushions were plush.
"It's so cute here," I commented softly. Correction: It wasn't a bit small. Turns out there was a second floor, with the same interior design, only larger.
"We can just stay on the first level if you want," Riku offered.
"Sure," I said, as we found seats.
A young waitress who looked our age came to serve us. She passed a menu and wore a fake, cheery smile. Obviously she was embarrassed of her job.
"Welcome to our café! Just to let you know, today we have a dessert of the day and it's two can eat for the price of one," she informed. She was wearing a candy pink apron and white skirt. Her dyed, strawberry blond hair was long and straight, hanging down her back, some strands rolling over her shoulder on to her chest.
"Wow, like half price?" I irked an eyebrow.
Another plastic smile. "Our chef is very generous."
"And what's the special for today, Satomi?" Riku asked, glancing up from the menu.
Satomi's smile softened a little bit, "Tiramisu."
"An Italian pastry?" I asked nicely. She gave me a curt nod. I leaned back in my seat, as if hiding from the looks she was giving me.
"Oh, Satomi, this is Arya Nadeshiko, one of my classmates from school," he added, gesturing towards me.
"Yes, she's very cute, Riku," she said, a hint of coldness in her tone.
I smiled shyly. "Uh, it's nice to meet you, Satomi. I'm Arya." I bowed slightly.
She returned a cheap smile and bowed. "Nice to serve you today, Arya."
"Okay, we'll have the special, then," Riku concluded, clapping his menu shut. He grinned at me, "That has coffee in it, so..." He trailed off and chuckled.
"Then I'll have," I began, as my eyes searched through the beverages, "one small milk tea with tapioca pearls, please." Satomi nodded and collected the menus.
"Thank you," he smiled and she nodded gently back.
I said sweetly, "Thank you, Satomi."
An icy stare. "No problem," she said quickly and took off to the kitchen.
I eyed her as she walked - no, practically strutted back. I pouted slightly. "Ku-kun...?"
"Yeah?"
"You know Satomi?" I asked, my eyes distant, still staring at the back counter.
"Yeah, I'm a regular here. She usually serves me," he answered.
I faced him. "Does she like her job?"
"I think so. She's one of the nicest waitresses here," he replied, smiling. Then it hit me. I smiled back weakly, "I can tell."
She wasn't embarrassed of her job, she just didn't like me. She liked Riku and hated the fact I was with him.
"So how was that Sohma boy that stole your wallet? Hiro, was it?" Riku began.
"Yeah, Momiji and I found him." I laughed.
He laughed, too. "That's good. How is he? Being clever around you still?"
I smiled, "Yeah, but I think we're okay now."
"And how's Mai?"
"She loves him! But I don't think he feels the same way." I shrugged dramatically.
Satomi arrived with the desserts and my milk tea. We thanked her and I avoided eye contact. I couldn't help but feel like she was watching from behind the counter as Riku and I continued to speak. Her eyes were like daggers, piercing through the back of my head. I could feel her gaze on me. It's pretty scary to have a jealous, anime waitress glaring at you.
I don't how we ended up like that, but I found Riku's arm around my shoulders as we walked out of the store.
"Um, thank you for bringing me, Ku-kun. It was really good. I loved it," I said.
He laughed softly, "I'm glad. I can bring you here again, if you want."
"That'll be nice," I muttered, feeling my face heat up.
"I think they're here... Hurry up!" I heard someone hiss. It was faint. I swear I heard that voice before. There was another voice, but I could barely make out their words. There were two voices. Then I thought I heard someone say my name. I looked around to find the source of the sound.
"You okay?" Riku asked.
I snapped back to reality. "Uh, yeah. P-Perfectly fine. I just thought I heard something."
"Wanna sit down, Arya?"
"Yeah." He led me to a bench and we sat down. I placed my hands on my lap. "Ku-kun..." I began, feeling my face burn even more, "really, I had a fun time. Thank you. It's been a while since I went out like this, without - uh, stuff like last week happening."
He smiled faintly, "Yeah, I'm glad you spent it with me. Thanks."
"I- I should head home now, I guess," I said softly.
He nodded. "Of course. I can walk you home."
"Aw, thanks," I began, "but I'll be okay." I stood up and waved. "Bye, thank you, Riku."
"Uh -" he choked out, as I started to walk. "Wait, Arya!" I felt his warm hand grab my wrist and he spun me around. His eyes met mine and my cheeks immediately were dusted a light pink. He was leaning in towards me and the world started to slow down, as if giving me a chance to react and see what was about to happen. My eyes slipped down to his lips, watching them. The pink on my cheeks deepened to a scarlet red.
What are you doing? Move, Arya!
He was nearly there, our faces only inches apart. I closed my eyes.
Speak your mind!
Suddenly, a voice from behind scolded, "What are you doing? Come back here, you stupid cat!" Then the world came back to regular speed, but my heart was pounding at a faster rate.
A/N: Did you actually want to see Hiro as a butler as much as I did? XP And what do you think will happen with Arya and Riku? Let me know in a review! Thanks for reading! Until the next chapter...!
