Chereads / The Girl Who Teases Me / Chapter 13 - Visiting Yumi

Chapter 13 - Visiting Yumi

The usual hum of classroom chatter felt strangely hollow without Yumi's voice cutting through it with witty remarks. Riku kept glancing at her empty desk, his mind wandering in ways he didn't want to admit.

The teacher's voice brought him back to reality. "Yumi's absent today. She's come down with a fever, so let's wish her a speedy recovery."

Riku frowned. Yumi, sick? That didn't sound right. She always had this invincible energy about her.

As the day dragged on, Riku found himself glancing at the clock more often than usual. When the final bell rang, he packed his things slowly, debating what to do. Should I visit her? Would that be weird? Maybe she'll tease me for showing up...

Before he could talk himself out of it, he was already walking toward her house.

Despite the nervous voice in his head telling him to turn back. His heart thumped wildly as he stood in front of her door, debating whether to knock or retreat like a coward.

Before he could decide, the door swung open.

"Riku?"

He froze.

Yumi stood there, hair lazily tied up in a messy bun, wearing an oversized pale blue hoodie that nearly swallowed her whole and brushed just above her thighs. Fuzzy socks covered her feet, and though her face was a little pale, her eyes sparkled with surprise—and amusement.

"Didn't know you were this bold," she teased, leaning against the doorframe. "Showing up at a girl's house unannounced?"

"I-I just thought... you were sick..." he stammered, holding up the small bag of fruits in his hand. "These are supposed to help..."

Her lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Bringing gifts, too? Wow, you're really Prince Charming today."

"Stop saying weird stuff!" he muttered, face turning red.

Laughing softly, she stepped aside. "Come in, Prince."

Riku hesitated but eventually shuffled inside, awkwardly taking off his shoes. Follwing her upstairs her room was cozy, with warm lighting and a small chabudai in the center, surrounded by cushions. She gestured for him to sit across from her as they settled down on the floor, cross-legged.

"So," she started, resting her chin on her hand, "did you miss me that much?"

"No! The teacher just said you were sick, that's all," Riku blurted out defensively.

"Aww," she cooed, eyes gleaming with playful delight. "You were worried."

Riku stared hard at the table, face heating up. "I wasn't."

"Liar. You're blushing."

"Can you not?" he groaned, covering his face.

"But it's fun," she grinned. "You're like a human thermometer right now—bright red."

Their conversation flowed with teasing and laughter, though Riku often found himself flustered by Yumi's relentless jabs.

Just as he was starting to relax, her phone buzzed. She checked it and frowned.

"Miku and Hana are here," she said, eyes wide.

"What? Should I leave?"

"No time! Hide!"

"Where?"

She frantically looked around before shoving him toward the closet. "In here! Hurry!"

"But—"

"No buts! Get in!"

With no choice, Riku squeezed into the cramped space, his knees awkwardly bent. The door slid shut just as the doorbell rang.

"Why do I have to hide?" Thought Riku to himself.

Yumi rushed downstairs to greet Hana and Miku, leading them back upstairs.

"You sure you're okay?" Hana asked, eyeing Yumi skeptically. "You look flushed."

"It's just the cold," Yumi said nervously. "Really, I'm fine."

As they settled around the chabudai, Yumi tried to keep the conversation light, but her answers became increasingly awkward.

Meanwhile, inside the closet, Riku's heart raced. The space was hot, and his legs were cramping, but what made it worse was the conversation he couldn't help but overhear.

"You look terrible," Hana says bluntly.

"Gee, thanks," Yumi replies dryly.

They chat casually about school, but Hana and Miku suddenly steer the conversation toward Riku.

"So, how's Mister?" Hana grins mischievously.

Yumi rolls her eyes. "Still clueless as ever."

"But you like clueless, don't you?" Miku teases.

"Shut up," Yumi mutters, though her flushed face gives her away.

Riku, sweating in the closet, listens to every word, his face burning hotter than ever.

"So," Miku said slyly, "what's really going on with that guy from your class?"

"Nothing?" Yumi's laugh was soft but genuine. "He's...just interesting."

"Interesting?" Hana pressed. "That's suspicious."

"I mean, he's cute when he's all flustered," Yumi admitted playfully.

Riku's face burned. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he tried to remain silent.

"But he's so awkward," Miku teased. "Do you even like guys like that?"

Yumi's response was swift. "Who knows."

Riku's foot slipped against the closet wall, producing a loud thud.

"What was that?" Hana asked, eyes narrowing.

Yumi laughs nervously. "Uh, it's just the house creaking. Totally normal."

Hana and Miku exchanged glances.

"Actually, I think I need to rest," Yumi said suddenly. "I'm starting to feel really tired."

"You sure?" Hana frowned.

"Yeah, I should take my medicine and sleep."

Reluctantly, Hana and Miku stood up. "Okay, but text us if you need anything," Hana said.

"I will," Yumi promised, escorting them downstairs.

She walked them all the way to the front door, watching as they disappeared down the street. Only when they were completely out of sight did she let out a sigh of relief.

Back in her room, she slid the closet door open.

Riku stumbled forward, unable to regain his balance. "Whoa—!"

With a startled yelp, Yumi tried to catch him, but they both went down, landing in a heap on the floor.

Riku's weight pressed down on her as they lay tangled together. His wide eyes met hers, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Yumi's face turned a deep shade of red. "R-Riku..."

"I-I didn't mean to—"

Before he could finish, Yumi pushed him off, her hands shaking slightly.

"You really are becoming bolder" she muttered, her voice wavering.

Riku sat up, rubbing the back of his neck, his face completely red. "S-Sorry! I should... I should go."

He scrambled to his feet, grabbing his bag in a flustered panic.

"Wait—"

But he was already halfway to the door. "Feel better soon!" he blurted out before bolting down the stairs.

Bang

The noise of the door closing rang through the house.

Yumi sat there, stunned, before a slow smile crept onto her face.

"That idiot," she whispered, touching her warm cheek. "But he's kind of cute."