Chapter 18 – Familiar atmosphere
The next day practically rushed past me. Last night I couldn´t sleep at all. I mean first I had gotten a confession from my rival and after that one of my best friends had confessed to me out of nowhere. Never would I had expected Tsubasa having a crush on me. Sure, we got along from the very first day we had met but she having romantic feelings for me? I still had my problems believing that. Because of all that crazy stuff happening around me lately, I barely listened to our teacher´s lectures today as well. So here I was, sitting through my last class lesson, only staring out of the window instead of paying any attention.
I jumped a litle as suddenly someone touched my right shoulder, saying:,, Hey, class is already over. Are you ready for our date?"
I looked up to the Inkling who was apperently talking to me and was immediately greeted by Shiro smirking at me. First shocked about the fact that I was so out of it that I even hadn´t heard the bell ringing, I clumsily gathered all of my stuff and stood up from my seat.
,,Sorry, I haven´t realized that classes were already over. I´m ready to go so lead the way.", I answered.
It didn´t take long for Shiro´s smirk to disappear.
Instead he gave me a concerned look:,, Are you.. alright? You´ve been out of it all day long. Is it because of... yesterday?"
,,Yes.. I mean no! I.. It´s not because of you so don´t worry!"
,,Did something happen?"
I first hesitated and considered telling him the truth. But then again it had nothing to do with him and I wouln´t want to talk with Shiro about my friend who he barely even knew.
,,As I said, don´t worry about it! Lead the way!", I forced myself to smile at him.
Luckily he let the topic go and led me to his house. It was a big, grey coloured building with a beautiful garden in the backyard. The garden itself had many, different kinds of flowers planted there. There were also some apple trees growing there and on the wooden floor, which was located in front of the back entrance, there stood a big wooden table and some chairs. I couldn´t help myself, but felt immediately at home. I wasn´t so sure myself why this was the case though.
Instead of taking the front door, Shiro led me through the back door. The house itself contained of wooden furniture and decorations only, with a few ink coloured paintings and pictures being the exception.
,,Brother! I´m home!", Shiro shouted through the building.
Shortly after, the door which obviously led to the garage opened and a bright blue, young Inklingman who was covered in different colours showed up in front of us.
,,Shiro, you´re early. Not hanging with your friends today?"
He then must have spotted me, since he quickly grabbed a towel and cleaned his dirty hands with it, stepping forward to greed me at the same time.
,,Woooooomy ~ I see how it is. So you bringing your girlfriend home?"
Shiro responded by hitting the man playfully on the arm:,, Come on, brother. Don´t tell me that you don´t recognize our beloved Suzu."
I blinked at this. Did that mean, that he was a fan of mine or something?
Shota´s eyes though widened in shock and in surprise and at the exact moment, he pulled me into a deep hug. I wanted to complain about the sudden contact, but was so surprised by the action, that I didn´t dare to move.
,,Suzu! Is this really you? It has been so long.."
