Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Day 132
I looked at the mirror, my hairs neatly combed and gelled , I was wearing pressed shirt and pants and I have used moisturizing cream for my face, feeling satisfied, I started heading towards Kaori's home.
I was carrying a fruit basket, which the convenience store employee near the Nara compound had recommended.
Feeling bit anxious, I arrived at the Nara compound gate sooner than I would have liked.
" Hello I was invited by Shoichi Nara " I gave Kaori' father name to the inquiring guards and I was directed towards their home.
It was my first time inside clan compound, I looked around and felt like I was in a upper suburban area, with houses built with mix of traditional style and modern architecture, with plenty of space between two houses and a forest surrounding them.
I walked for quiet a bit, longer than what I did for coming to Nara compound. I heard that central location inside clan compounds are usually occupied by prestigious members of clans.
Was Kaori related to Shikaku ?
Before I could dwell on it further I saw Kaori , waving at me.
" Hey " I greeted Kaori, my anxiety starting to peak.
" Good evening Satoru" she smiled looking at me then commented " you look good "
" Thanks " god , I was giving one syllable answers.
If I could ever talk directly to my brain and ask that why was it for some situation I was so unconcerned that people thought I was carefree and for some I became an anxiety machine, where speaking becomes a task and I come off as arrogant.
Sighing I took a deep breath, running simulations inside my head on how to greet Kaori's parent.
If Kaori said something I didn't hear it but soon I was being led inside the house by hand.
" Mom, dad Satoru is here " Kaori shouted as we entered the house.
I was brought to living room where a middle aged man with short spiky hair was reading something, he was wearing glasses. Noticing our presence he put down the book he had.
" So you are Satoru " he said with a serious face, I felt like he already disliked me.
" Hello you are correct, I am Satoru, Kaori's friend, your daughter have been very kind and helpful" I bowed saying that.
His response was further narrowing his eyes.
" So you are just using my Kaori for your benefit " he said and I was left speechless.
Did I say something wrong, my mind became blank
" No not at all, I .. we are " seriously what could I say to that.
" Mom, dad is being weird again " Kaori came to my rescue and suddenly her mother came to the living room.
Wearing an apron with long black hair, she looked beautiful. She wacked Kaori's father with a ladle I had not noticed.
Turning towards me she greeted
" Hello Satoru kun, oh my you are so handsome"
" Ah he.. hello, its...nice meeting you , you are very beautiful " I gave up my anxious mind was now being assaulted from very opposite direction, I think I could smell lavender.
" Oh " she looked bit stunned by my weird comment but then smiled beautifully.
" Thank you for your compliment"
" Umm these are for you.. I mean your family " I said giving the fruit basket.
" Come lets go to my room " Kaori pulled me and I gladly followed too overwhelmed to do anything else.
I was sitting in a chair , as I looked around the room, it was .. nice.
" Wow, I have never seen you nervous before " Kaori said staring at me.
" Well .. I am not good with new people or situation" I answered honestly.
" He he... It was funny "
" Well I am glad to provide amusement " I answered, finally feeling like myself
" Ah grumpy Satoru is back " she said disappointedly.
We talked for a while mostly regarding training, she had told me about few exercises that I was following for my morning routine.
Afterwards we were called up for dinner.
" It's really delicious " I commented honestly to Kaori's mom .
" Thank you, you are really polite" she replied
" Ah no no, it really is, I cook for myself and I know how hard it is , I have never really been able to bring out this much flavour " I almost thought of asking her recipe but than stopped thinking it may be an unnecessary burden on her, I will try to recreate it through memory. I started eating with concentration trying to memorize the flavour.
Kaori walked besides me as I was headed home.
Dinner was fun, her mom made me take dishes , so that I could eat at home, which I was secretly grateful for.
" It was really fun, thank you for inviting me " I said to Kaori
" Well I am glad, my parents enjoyed your company too , you know"
" Even your dad? " she laughed at that
" Even my dad, specially when you compliment mom's cooking"
Talking like that, soon we arrived at the gate
" Good night Kaori " I called out
" Good night Satoru kun, see you tomorrow "
As I walked back to my room , I remembered my family, in between all the hate and fighting, there were moments where we acted like family.
I remembered having dinner late night with my parents, as we watched movie.
I quietly walked alone to my room.
A/N: Please visit pat^re^on / johnblack6826 for advanced chapters