"J-Jiang..., where the hell are we" Yūrei asked urgently as he looked out the car window, not far from them, he could see an old looking mansion in the distance, the reason he was unnerved wasn't because the mansion was old but because of the area he realized they were at.
The surroundings were covered by a forest of gloomy looking trees that stretched out into the distance, the ground was littered with dry leaves and twigs, a cold hollow wind that blew from time to time sending shivers down ones spine, the strange nocturnal sounds that could be heard from time to time caused Yūrei to feel when glancing through the cars open window.
with the addition of the darkness of night, Yūrei felt his spine shivering in fear just standing in such a place.
While looking around, he spotted a few figures in the distance that helped to calm him down a little, in the distance he could easily make out the silhouettes of several others which were undoubtedly the rest of their friends who had arrived earlier, currently standing in front of the gate waiting for the both of them.
"Jiang I really think coming here is a bad idea, couldn't we just throw a celebration somewhere far livelier, instead of a place that looks no different than a grave yard" Yūrei who was naturally unwilling to stay in such a place a moment longer couldn't help asking.
"Cluck Cluck Cluck, is that a chicken I hear?, don't tell me the almighty, mister I got several sports awards is actually scared of the little old woods" Jiang mocked smugly with a teasing smile.
"Am not a chicken!, am just saying that you could've picked somewhere far more festive!"
"Dude are you serious right now, pardon me asking but do you even remember what club we were in back when we were in highschool?" Jiang asked all of a sudden, while staring intently at Yūrei.
"Uhh I think I forgot..." Yūrei couldn't help scratching his head in embarrassment.
"See..., I knew you wouldn't remember, all you ever do is think about sports, you've completely forgotten about your very own friends haven't you!" Jiang suddenly felt angered seeing Yūrei's reaction.
"No no no it's not like that!, really I just can't remember!"
"Tsk!, typical Shizuka excuse, you always can't remember, I think I've heard that over a hundred times already, when are you going to stop lying and admit it already, you've been far busy with that sports carrier of yours that you've completely forgotten about your friends!, your a total let down!"
"A-Am sorry..., I didn't mean to!, I was just busy that's all, come on Jiang don't be like that" Yūrei tried apologizing but that only served to annoy Jiang even more, while staring intently at Yūrei, Jiang couldn't help feeling conflicted all of a sudden...
Yes they were all his friend's and he should've at least spent more time with them he thought grumpily, but he also knew just how hard Yūrei had it, without parents and the responsibility of taking care of his two twin siblings, it was still a lot for one guy to handle...but still, even though he didn't want to admit it, he missed his best friend, the days they usually spent together, having fun after school, going to the arcade..., why couldn't they just spend some time like they used too.., why couldn't he just make some time for him, he knew what he was asking for was naturally selfish but he couldn't care any less, he missed his best friend!, all he wanted was his best friend back, was that really to much to ask for Jiang thought begrudgingly, frowning while clenching his palm tightly.
"Uhh guys, what's the hold up, why are you both taking so long?" While the both of them were arguing two of their friends who were getting impatient had already walked up to the both of them who hadn't met up with the rest of them since arriving.
"Sigh....., it's nothing" Jiang said with a tinge of sadness before walking off, heading towards the mansions gate to meet up with the rest of their friends.
Seeing Jiang leaving, one of the two glanced towards Yūrei before silently following after Jiang.
" Yūrei San, did something happen between you and Jiang San..." a petite looking black haired girl with glasses who was the only one remaining tugged at Yūrei's shirt while asking worriedly.
Yūrei glanced towards Jiang for a while, feeling slightly helpless, he let out a light sigh before glancing towards the girl with a forced smile.
"Don't worry about it Hayami chan.., Jiang was just having one of his moods again that's all...." Yūrei tried reassuring her, the girl who was known as Hayami Amari didn't look like she believed him, but knowing Yūrei she decided not to worry about it.
"If you say so...., since theirs nothing, we might as well hurry up and meet the others, you have no idea how long we waited for you both!, look at the time, it's already night time!, how are you going to compensate us this time huh?" Hayami asked cheekily, trying to strike up a conversation.
" haha sorry..., how about I treat you to a meal sometime and we call it even"
"You mean those instant noodles you always treat me to?..."
"Yesss?". Yūrei replied meekly, his cheeks burning up ever so slightly, seeing his cute reaction Hayami couldn't help grinning ever so slightly.
"Then it's a date!" She replied happily
"Uhh yeah, i-i guess it's a date then" Yūrei replied a little bit nervous, his heart thumping quicker than normal.
'A-A date?, Hayami San actually asked me out again...., should I try ignoring her again?' Yūrei thought, feeling a little bit conflicted since this wasn't the first time Hayami had asked him out on an outing, other times he'd try turning her down by saying he didn't have much money on hand or that he was busy but to his surprise she didn't seem too fazed, saying it was ok and that she understood, deep down he didn't want this to continue on, Hayami was one of his best friends and he wanted it to stay that way, deep down he was just to scared of things not working out between them which could lead to their friendship ending and that was why he'd always try turning her down whenever she asked if the two of them could go somewhere together....sigh yet no matter what she was still as persistent as ever, what did she really see in him, he thought.
'Maybe I'll ask Jiang about this, after his calmed down that is, sigh....today really isn't my day...'