kiddo

chapter twelve

"Koda, we're almost there," I hear someone say, my eyes slowly opening in response.

"Mh, okay," I groan quietly as I rub my eyes. I yawn as I stretch, and I look out the window. It was dark now, and the only thing illuminating the road were passing lamp posts. I look back at Keishin and catch him staring at me.

I chuckle, "Thanks for being my pillow."

"Anytime," he sighs, a small smile gracing his lips, "Your phone kept buzzing, so you might want to check your notifications."

I nod and pick up my phone, a hand coming to massage my forehead as I see fifteen unread messages from Yū.

From: oniichan

What??

Really?

You're not being serious, are you?

You aren't pulling a prank on me??

There's absolutely no way.

Don't you want to come home and get some rest?

I don't know Koda.

It kind of sounds like a bad idea.

Didn't you basically spend the whole day with him already?

Plus you haven't gotten a good night's sleep, so maybe just come home.

Well, you are eighteen so you can do whatever you want, I guess.

Just try to be safe, whatever you do.

Ew, I have a disgusting image in my head now, thanks for that.

Okay, then please make sure to get some sleep.

See you tomorrow, love you.

I smile and shake my head, texting back quickly.

To oniichan:

I appreciate the worry over my wellbeing, it means a lot.

I'll make sure to get some sleep.

Love you too and see you tomorrow.

"Who was it?" I hear Keishin ask, and I turn, showing him my phone.

"Just Yū, I had to tell him I wouldn't be home tonight," I say, turning off the display.

He takes a breath, "So, he knew about us? Can I ask for how long?"

"I forgot I didn't tell you," I say behind gritted teeth, embarrassed about not having told him sooner, "Sorry, since Friday. He saw us outside my house that night, but he gave his blessing, although I think it'll take some time for him to get used to it."

"Hm," he sighs, seemingly deep in thought, "I'll talk to him tomorrow about it in person. I might as well text him about tonight, too."

He pulls out his phone and begins to type, not looking up as I clear my throat.

"Um, well while we're on the topic, Testu and Kozume, they might have figured out about us as well..."

His eyes flick up to mine and he stops typing, his gaze sending a shiver down my spine.

"But they won't tell anyone I swear," I blurt, suddenly flustered.

He chuckles and returns his gaze back to his phone, "At least that rooster knows who you belong to."

I choke a little and the blush on my cheeks only intensifies, "Shut up."

"Aw, is Koda all flustered now? I told you before, you only get cuter like this," he teases quietly, diligently typing away.