Chapter 57 - SHE'S DIFFERENT!

DATE!

A special day for couples. Intimacy. Affection. Infatuation, and other such complex emotions which are not easy to explain, and something not experienced on a regular basis, all flow in together, and make it even more interesting. The world looks like it's a painting of 'THE SWING' by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. But on a more serious note, what's the essence of a date? Why is it so special? Why is it a norm among couples? Is anything special supposed to take place on that particular day?

Do you happen to level up and go to the next serious stage of a relationship? Are you now more than just boyfriend and girlfriend? Are you lovers? A step away from being husband and wife, after renouncing the vows at your wedding? Is that what these dates build up to? Then what is it that I'm doing?

I've invited Haru over mere obligation, to clear up the tense air surrounding us, and also to put an end to this farce. That's supposed to be the plan. And yet, things are strange. Haru seems to be a whole different person over the past few weeks of my absence. She seemed like a mature person. What could have happened? And her actions, they're oddly suspicious. Instead of the usual holding hands gig, and walking together while matching each other's pace, she's walking a few steps ahead of me, all while having her hands behind her back, and her fingers intertwined with each other, and occasionally she would hop here and there, all of a sudden, and continue humming.

The only thing that stuck with me was the fragrance of her shampoo and her cologne. It had a powerful, yet sweet and refined fragrance to it. I did occasionally take a peek here and there, just so that there wasn't any deja vu from my previous date. Another 2-3 more occurrences like that, I'll be broke just for getting a new jacket, but I doubt I'll even make it till that point, considering the blood loss I'd incur. I had to be vigilant, for this time, I could be up against an unknown or unexpected foe.

I'd rather wish my life would be that of John wick or Ethan Hunt of the Mission impossible franchise. Though in all honesty, I'd prefer the elegance of being James Bond! Plus, as a bonus, unlimited access to tech and of course, the bond cars. ASTON MARTIN! To be specific.

I'm not much of a car geek, or rather not now anymore. There was a phase that I was into them, and knew each and every specific detail, that my classmates started treating me as a salesperson! How dare they mock me?! One of these days, maybe 15 years from now, to be realistic, I'll own an Aston Martin, and rev the sweet V12 up their face! That ought to teach them a lesson.

Yeah, who am I kidding? Will I even live that long? Do I have a reason, or the will to stay alive? What's my Raison d'être? Since I'm a teenager, I can take things slow for now. But for how long can I stay like this? Every time I try to hit the reset button, there's always something that just denies the option of peace in my life. A Never-ending cycle!

As I was thinking and bickering about useless stuff...

"Nao, let's go for that movie!"

She just brushed her hair and slowly turned away in the direction of the theatre. She didn't even ask about my opinion anymore. Not that I was disconsolate about it by any means. It's just, of all the things I had expected to play out, this was the least expected of them all. Hina wasn't the Hina I knew. She's different now, and she's somewhat of a way I can never comprehend, because of the way I am. My experience was limited. But thinking back, there were some similarities, and yet there were some complications, that I couldn't come to a conclusion about what's the actual cause.

We went to the theatre, watched a psychological thriller, and I was way too engrossed in it, that I didn't notice her at all. Usually, she would pick out a romantic movie and just lean on my shoulder while watching it, while I would slowly munch on my popcorn to the point where my neighboring spectator would see me as a psychopath, for having such patience. At one point, even I felt that. I was really sorry for myself. Enough said about me.

Things were getting weirder and weirder. Hina didn't stop by for any shopping, as she regularly did.

We were at a fast-food restaurant, unlike the usual and comfy family restaurant. I appreciated fast-food restaurants for the vibe they gave, a little upbeat and more enjoyable, while Hina preferred the slow-tempo family restaurant as it was more calm and classy. And yet, for her to choose a fast-food chain of her own accord, I knew that something was wrong.

The weather was starting to get a bit chilly, with dark clouds looming around. Why does this always happen to me? First, it was strictly restricted to only the days when I wanted to go out to play, and now this.

We got our burgers, fries, and drinks. I ordered a regular coke, while she ordered a diet coke. As she was setting in the straw and was going to hand me over, I was looking inside through the glass that separated us and noticed something while I was trying to focus.

I returned back to my seat and started to munch on my food. Yum! This is the best!

Hina turned away for a moment....Alright!

We finished the main course and started to sip in our drinks. I started to sip in and made a slurping noise. Normally this would annoy her. But today, she was way calmer. Her eyes were lifeless, and I soon found out why...

"NAO, YOU LOVE YUKI-NEE, DON'T YOU?"

HUH?!