I was talking to the cashier guy when I sensed a figure appearing and standing behind me. Before I look at the back, a hand from the right side almost crawled from beneath and put the hand right beside my hand.

A recognized the hand.

Mashiro!

He then pushed the card towards the cashier. I didn't move an inch as I felt like the moment I move the existing slightest distance between us will be closed right then.

I then tilted my neck back and looked upward while standing straight only to find out his gaze upon me. Due to lowering his head, the hair that prevents the full view of his face always have unraveled as the hair is hanging. And for the first time, I clearly saw his eyes upon this close. Also realized his eyes are gleaming in amusement, with a slight grin on the corner of his lips.

Lab-dab! Lab-dab!

Shit!

Am I a teenager or something?

Why would my heart flutter over such a frivolous matter? Being overly conscious of whom I often call "kid!"

And as absurd as it sounds, this whole episode has happened just within what...perhaps 2/3 seconds! 

I immediately averted my eyes and straighten my head.

I struggled to keep my indifferent composure as always and asked-

: What are you? Move! (I tried to shove his right hand by a slight push from the bar.)

: I am paying and then we shall split amongst us afterwards.

: Then what is wrong if I pay?

I saw him settle the left hand beside my left hand on the bar. So I am covered from both sides, almost felt like anytime he will hug me from back

: "And I... don't trust you in this regard!" He said lowering his head to my ears.

My ears are ringing, face feels heated by this sudden advance. Shit! I feel seriously weird. I wondered in that ridiculous moment for the first time ever in my long life if this is what people call being-turned-on!

"Damnnn you Mashiro! You bleeding stupid idiot foolish Mashiro" I cursed and shouted in my head while trying hard to pretend calm.

He purposely whispered putting extra mischievous playfulness and sweetness in that voice of his, didn't he?

I thought this is no time to compete over who is more nonchalant. I can perceive losing it already. So better escape the situation right now, he has the upper hand here! And I would rather lose it than draw the team's attention. I have been struggling arduously enough so that nobody notices these stupid upswings towards me. And then the cashier also seems to enjoy the situation.

: Fine! Then I'll go back to my seat.

: Why! Stay with me u till I finish.

: At least move aside, will ya!

: Aww Maki-chan come on! Do I reek?

: No...you don't.

: "Then can you tell me how I smell, Maki-chan!" Again that low-pitched teasing whisper.

And that's it.

I totally lost it!

I shoved him back with my both hands, barely move aside to check the team, and almost ran to the washroom.

And now that I am in this deem lighted quiet place, I can practically hear my racing heart as if I ran a marathon.

I sat on the commode covering my face with both hands. It feels hot as if I am running a fever!

"Oh dear lord! Can I be any more ashamed!" I groaned in a muffled voice out of sheer embarrassment.

I sighed. Came out and wiped my face softly with my wet hands. Looking at the mirror then I realized how much of a mess is my composure.

I tried to recollect all the slangs I can remember and wanted to shout loud towards Mashiro.

Why the hell he is pursuing an old hag like me when there are girls at his age, like Subaki around him? And I thought Subaki and Mashiro in a secret relationship already for a long time. All of us from the team ship this couple hard and we are even pushing them to make it publicly official in front of us!

They are an excellent match for each other. Both are beautiful and handsome, young and most importantly their age gap is accurate.

Mashiro is 24 years old and Subaki is 22 while I am goddamn 29!

Doesn't make any sense whatsoever of his absurd actions.

No, he has not yet expressed anything in exact words but only rendering in attitudes. Which makes it manageable for me to thwart his advances.

However, what happened a while ago, rang the alarm. He is being more impulsive and careless.

Oh heaven!

He is totally ruining it.

If anyone even gets a subtle clue of what is set in motion between me and Mashiro, our team, and our dream... everything will fall apart.

I looked at the mirror with conviction. And I Maki as long as with the team, I must prevent such childish immaturity of age to hamper the harmony of this team.  Because once something happens, everything will be so awkward that either I have to leave the team or it will be an eternal awkwardness with everyone.

: "Nope, I can never let that happen." I said in a serene voice to my reflection in the mirror as if aiming to curve it through in both my head and heart.

: "What you can never let happen, Maki-chan!" A voice echoed from the outside of the door.