*Nanako's P.O.V*
Just like all last week, days come to an end where I rarely ever get to see Aki. Lately, she always seems busy with something.
She either traps herself in her room or hangs out at her friend's place. She's been there since afternoon. I know midterms are coming up soon but I think she's taking things too serious. But again, that's just the type of person she is.
It's getting more lonely here than ever, that I look towards the door with anticipation everytime someone knocks, hoping it would be Aki coming to bother me or chat like usual.
"When are you coming home?" I got my phone out and texted her.
I kept staring at the screen, wondering how long it would take her to reply. After a few minutes she sent back
"Soon"
"Dunno when exactly"
I suppose she's still busy. "Alright. Mom asks about what you'd like to have for dinner."
"Pizzaaaaa!"
"The usal! Extra cheese!"
"Okay" I ordered our favorite pizza and lay there waiting. Meanwhile, my mind wanders. I started regretting every life choice I ever made.
It would've been better if I had tried to fill my loneliness with friends instead of lovers. But befriending people is difficult, and being social is annoying. That's why, I lie here bored to death.
After checking social media multiple times and going through almost every game in my phone, the doorbell finally rings.
I recieved the pizza then started eating after turning on the TV to fill the silence. It's both funny and pathetic that I'm the only one in this household who isn't busy with something.
For a moment I considered studying as an efficient way to spend time. But I'm not in the mood for that.
After I finished eating, I went to place the remaining pizza in the microwave. I came back to a notification buzzing from my phone.
I thought it was no other than Aki, but I found a text from an unknown number instead.
"Did you enjoy your pizza, Nanako?"
I felt my heart sinking. Suddenly, I can no longer breathe. Are those guys still watching me? Haven't they had enough? Do they want to ruin my life even more?
Maybe it's just the restaurant asking for feedback? But if that was the case, they wouldn't address me with my first name! And it would have been a little more formal!
I swallow hard. Blood rushs through my veins, and fear blocks air from reaching my lungs.
My fingers type a reply while hesitating at every letter. I'm not sure I want to ask or know the answer. I really can take no more misery.
"Who's this?" I send after a long struggle then put my phone away immediately in an attempt to escape.
Long painful seconds have passed then I heard another buzzing.
I decided to check it anyway. It probably wouldn't be much worse than I had already went through.
"Oh sorry, it's Arata"
"How did you get my number?" I asked.
The reply seemed to come faster when I wasn't anxious about it. "Piece of cake! When I heard there was a delivery to your place, I asked the other delivery guy if I could check your receipt. Your number was right there!"
I followed up with another question. "Is there anything you wanted?"
"Not really. I just wanted to get to know you!"
I stared at the screen not knowing how to reply. Why would anyone want to know me? I'm nothing but trouble. He seems like a really nice guy and I don't want to hurt him. Besides, I'm not ready to have another lover just yet.
"Why?"
"Oh lord. It's not that complicated! I'm just trying to befriend you! Can we be friends? Yes or no?"
I took a moment to think. I still don't get why he wants to befriend me and I don't know how having a guy friend would be like. But I think it doesn't sound like a bad idea.
"Yeah okay, I guess"
"Awesome!!"
"Okay then friend, what's your favorite food beside pizza?"
A part of me is still unsure about this. And I don't know how would mom react to this if she knew. But then again he might, just might, be my savior. At least I would have someone to talk to. So I decided to go along with it.
"Alfredo pasta"
"Mine is potato casserole". He added a drooling emoji then asked,
"Favorite ice cream flavor?"
"Chocolate-hazelnut. Yours?" I asked back to be fair.
"Cheesecake!"
"Favorite color?"
I answered, "Purple. Yours?"
"Orange"
His next reply took a few extra seconds. I guess he must have been thinking of the next question. "If you want to ask something as well, go ahead!"
"Okay. I'll ask when I have something in mind"
He replied, "Alright. Then.. favorite Disney movie?"
It was difficult for me to pick one. "Mulan. What about yours?"
"Don't laugh!"
"Why? You wouldn't even know if I do."
"Well, yeah, okay! Finding nemo"
I chuckled. That actually sounded somehow cute!
"Did you laugh at me?"
I answered honestly, "Just a little bit. But I'm not judging!"
"You did laugh though! The next question is on you then!"
"I don't have a question in mind!"
"Think!"
I thought for a bit then sent, "Fine. What's your zodiac sign?"
"Pisces. You?"
"Sagittarius"
"When is your birthday?" He asked.
"November 22. Yours?"
"March 3"
We kept chatting, asking and answering similar get-to-know questions. Surprisingly, it was kind of fun.
After some time, Aki came back home and greeted me. "Hey Nanako! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!!"
"Yeah indeed! How was your study session with your friend?"
"Great! So where's my pizza?"
"I ate it all. Every last piece of it!" I teased.
She laughed. "No you didn't!"
"Of course I didn't. It's in the microwave"
She reheated her pizza then came and started eating on the couch next to me.
She looked at me and asked out of nowhere: "Hey do you think dad would toss me into jail if I break into someone's house?"