Friday, (03/05/XX) 11:50AM
“Sen, have you gotten your exam results back yet?”
“Not yet. I’m scared to see my results. How about you, Akio?”
He gave me a thumbs-up. “I got accepted!” Ryunosuke and I clapped for him. “I’m assuming Ryu passed his exam.”
Ryunosuke nodded. “I’ll be attending university and night school though.”
“You’ll be able to manage. You’re probably smarter than Akio and I combined.”
Akio glared at me. “Don’t group me with you.”
I laughed as he attempted to steal my food.
I’ll miss our time eating lunch together. In a few weeks, we won’t be eating our meals like this. A wave of sadness came over me and I started to sulk. As I continued to eat my rice, a sudden idea came to mind.
“What if we sleep over at my house this weekend?”
Akio smiled. “I’m in! Ryunosuke, you have to join.”
“Fine.” He sighed, continuing to read from his book. “As long as I can do some homework.”
I grinned eagerly, finishing the last pieces of my lunch as I began to sway in excitement.
-
Saturday, (03/06/XX) 2:15AM
On second thought, having a sleepover at my house was not a good idea.
I groggily opened my heavy eyes and stared at my bedroom ceiling. After tossing and turning for hours, I still couldn't fall asleep. Sitting up from my futon, I saw the two boys were fast asleep.
Quietly, I grabbed my pillow and blanket and tip-toed out of the room. I silently stepped down the stairs and entered my living room. I placed my pillow at one end of the living room couch before crashing on top of the furniture. I closed my eyes and pulled the blanket over myself, hoping I'd sleep better out here.
What I thought to be hours were only a few minutes. I was awakened by soft echoing footsteps. I heard someone crouch beside the couch, but I didn't think of opening my eyes. I was too tired.
The person sighed and pulled the blanket over my shoulders. I finally decided to open my eyes and almost screamed.
Ryunosuke's hair was disheveled and he wasn't wearing his glasses. I still thought it was weird to see him like this.
His face was inches away from mine as he leaned his hand on the cushion. “Is something wrong?” He whispered.
I blinked a few times before responding. “Nope.”
“Why are you out here then?”
I became flustered once as I continued to analyze his face. His messy hair and glowing emeralds for eyes were the worst combination for my weak heart. I managed to respond. “I couldn't sleep.”
The wizard's forehead creased in concern. He looked down. “It's because I'm here, isn't it?”
I sat up and shook my head. “N-no! I mean, yes, but not exactly.” I scrambled to find the right words. “Don't worry, I'm still seriously considering your feelings. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was avoiding you.” I peered up and saw his eyes. His tender gaze. I quickly averted my eyes elsewhere.
“Don't apologize,” Ryunosuke said. “I'm glad you're still thinking about it.” He scoffed. “I'm also just as nervous as you.”
Nervous? I furrowed my brows at how calm and collected he appeared.
Ryunosuke reached his hand out and held onto mine. His hand felt cold again. He placed my hand on his chest. The feeling of his racing heart could be felt on my fingertips. Our eyes connected and I could see his face tinged with agitation in the dimly lit living room.
He let go of my hand and ruffled his hair. I watched him as if I was in a trance. “Will you be fine sleeping out here?” He questioned.
I slowly nodded.
Ryunosuke started to get up from the floor, but I stopped him.
I pulled on his shirt. “Um, can I have a hug?”
He narrowed his eyes on me.
“A good night hug!” I said. “It might help me figure out if I like you. Please?”
The wizard let out a tired breath. He went on his knees beside the couch and held out his arms. I opened my arms and let him enter mine. I don't know why I spontaneously asked for a hug, but I began to regret it. My head began to feel lightheaded from being flustered and sleep-deprived.
Faintly, I could hear Ryunosuke humming a song. His low voice was soothing to my ears. I could feel myself calming down every second he hummed and patted my back. My eyelids started to feel heavy listening to his lullaby. Before I knew it, I was out cold.
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