After an exhausting day at Xora Academy, I practically kicked down the door, full of adrenaline.
"Yo guys! Wanna have dinner at my place?" I announced
Hiro looked up from his phone, skeptical. "You sure dude? Last time I ate at your place I was vomiting for 3 days! And you want to bring our new friends?"
"Hey! I'll have you know I'm stepping it up! Just don't expect a Michelin star or anything," I shot back, grinning.
Fuzuko snickered, leaning back against the couch. "As long as you don't poison us, im down."
"I promise, no hospital visits tonight!" I replied, rolling my eyes dramatically.
As the three of them settled into the kitchen, I wrapped up the final touches on the food.
The aroma wafted through the air, and soon we were gathered around the table.
"Dude, this is delicious!" Hiro said, shoveling food onto his plate.
"Really? This is just a decent meal" I said, trying to soak in the compliments.
(It wasn't me who cooked it, it was actually Yuki)
After demolishing dinner, the atmosphere turned lighter. Yuki, who'd just walked in, started clearing the table, prompting Zuki to chime in.
"Hey, do you need help with that?" he asked, eager to chat with her.
"Sure! Just grab those plates, will ya?" she replied, a bright smile lighting her face.
As Zuki helped, he couldn't shake the nervous energy building up inside him. "So, Shido told me you play some instruments, do you?" he ventured.
She looked surprised. "I do! I play the guitar. You?"
"Kind of? I mess around, but I'm more of a listener," he admitted, feeling shy.
"No way! Let's have a jam sesh sometime; I'd love to show you!" Her excitement was contagious.
"Sounds awesome!" he said, feeling bold.
After finishing up, Zuki spotted the guitar leaning against the wall.
"Can I check that out?" he asked, glancing at her.
"Totally! Let me grab it!" she said, excitement bubbling over.
Once in her room, Yuki picked up the guitar. Zuki's heart raced, swirling with anticipation.
"Can you play something?" he asked.
"Umm, sure! Here goes nothing," she replied, strumming a few chords.
The melody danced in the air, a soft, enchanting sound that wrapped around them. Zuki leaned closer, utterly captivated.
"You're seriously amazing!" he exclaimed, the admiration spilling over.
"Thanks! I just love sharing music," she said, her cheeks pinking slightly.
Zuki felt the boldness rising within him. "Yuki, I—"
Just as he plucked up the courage to speak, the door burst open.
"Game time!" I shouted, crashing in like I owned the place.
Yuki jumped, her fingers fumbling on the guitar. "Shido! What the heck?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt!" I grinned, clearly unbothered.
"Looks like you just did!" She laughed, trying to recover from the surprise.
"Let's go! I set up Truth or Dare over here," I said, leading them back into the living area with a flourish.
As they settled back in with Hiro and Fuzuko, Zuki took one last meaningful look at Yuki.
She caught his glance, and in that fleeting moment, the connection between them felt electric.
The night turned into a whirlwind of laughter and playful dares. They tossed pillows, made ridiculous challenges, and even shared secrets, the camaraderie pulling them closer.
But just as Zuki felt ready to make his move, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. A loud, unexpected crash came from the hallway, followed by an unfamiliar voice shouting.
"Well, well, well, may i join your little party!"
Everyone froze, eyes wide, as a figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the dim light of the living room. Zuki's heart raced, dread pooling in his stomach.
"Who the heck are you?" I managed to blurt out, the fun of the evening instantly evaporating.
"I'm here for Shido," the stranger said, stepping forward with a grin that sent chills down Zuki's spine.
And with that, the door slammed shut behind them.