January 11, 2022
Words: Cherry
Characters:
Ito Seiji, Nakagawa Saki
"Did you sleep well, cherry-boy?" I chuckled, tilting my head.
During the orange sky, inside an empty classroom were two students sitting beside the window. The one before me had his elbow placed at the desk and rested his chin at his palm. With a deadpan expression, he gazed upon my eyes through his thin-framed glasses. My eyes involuntarily switched its gaze, sweat trailed down my temple as I stuttered at my next words.
"W-what? Did you get e-enchanted by my beauty perhaps," I said, forcing a smirk.
A faint laugh echoed throughout the room.
"W-what are you laughing about!" I yelled, somehow embarrassed by his reaction.
"You're not used to it." he giggled, which fluttered my heart. "Don't try too hard."
After a hot feeling on my cheeks overwhelmed me, I turned around yelling, "Shut up!"
He continued to laugh, mocking my uneasiness. Taking a glance at his upbeat expression, my mouth stretched into a smile. The laughter gradually softened, catching his breath as it stopped. Seiji opened his eyes, catching me staring at him. Embarrassed, I turned my head towards the window.
"So, why are you here with me rather than hanging out with your beloved friends?" he asked.
"To repay your kindness," like hell I could say that. That's like telling him I like him. What can I use as an excuse?
"I-I-I-" I stuttered like a broken record. Even I was baffled by how foolish I sound.
"Could it be…" he said, grinning like an idiot. "... that you have fallen for me?"
Hearing those words somehow made me skip a beat. The thumping of my heart vibrated throughout my body as I lowered my head to hide my reddish face. As much as I wanted to find an excuse, the words can't seem to make its way outside my mouth. Keep it together Saki, he's about to figure out you really like him.
"Did I hit the mark?" he teased.
"You missed the target! There is no way I would fall for you!" I pouted while the heat from my face reached my ears.
Silence ensued as the sky turned from orange to red. The sound of my heart pumping blood was louder than the chatter of students wrapping up their club work. The awkward atmosphere felt suffocating. Seiji's intense gaze especially did not help.
Why is he staring at me like that? Does he want me to say something? Is he expecting me to confess to him? I can't take it anymore. I feel like I'm gonna die from embarrassment!
Ping
A notification rang from my pocket, interrupting the silence. I took a glance at Seiji, who had his eyebrows up while maintaining his mischievous grin. The mix feelings of embarrassment and rage caused discourse in my head. Trying to escape these feelings, I reached into my pocket to see who it was.
===
Maho
Are you two love birds going at it?
Saki
Maho (TдT) We're still at school. How do I break this awkward atmosphere
Maho
How disappointing. _(:τ」∠)_ I thought both of you were already rolling at bed. ( ͡º ͜ʖ ͡º )
You'll find a solution, you're friends back in middle school after all.
Good luck! (･ω･)b
Saki
Wait! Help me Maho!
Maho!
sent
===
My one and only chance to receive the gospel from my savior was cut short by their unwillingness.
Turning towards the window, I noticed that the sun had already set. Taking a deep breath, I let out a loud sigh. Standing up and slinging my bag to my back, I swiveled to prepare to leave the classroom.
"It's getting late. We should head home," I said while my back was towards him.
The sound of the chair moving informed me that he had left his seat. With a faint giggle, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning my head beside me, Seiji's face was inches away from mine. Caught off guard, I took a step back to avoid him from getting closer.
"Want to walk home together?" he beamed.
"W-why would I walk together with you," I pouted.
And with a long walk home with Seiji, I missed another opportunity to confess. In the end, he teased me like he used to.