10 Days With My Devil: Devilish Sweetheart

Chapter 2: Just Friends

        After several hours, Ariana slowly opened her eyes. She slowly got up from her bed. “Did I fall asleep?” Ariana asked rubbing her eyes. She uncovered her eyes, and saw Meguru at her desk. “Meguru? What are you doing here?” Ariana asked. He closed the book. “Ariana… You’re amazing.” Meguru said. “Huh? What do you mean?” Ariana asked. “The story you wrote, it’s really good.” Meguru said. “You… Read my story?” Ariana asked. “I did. I’m sorry, I should’ve asked. You’re not angry, are you?” Meguru asked. “I’m not. You really think it’s that good?” Ariana asked. “Yeah, it’s like a professional wrote this. I can tell you poured all of your imagination and heart into this, and that’s what makes it amazing.” Meguru said. “You really think so?” Ariana kept asking. “I really enjoyed reading it.” Meguru said. She slightly blushed. “Just don’t tell anyone.” Ariana said. “Maybe later you’ll consider letting others read it as well. I came in here earlier since you didn’t come down for breakfast or lunch so I was getting a little worried. It’s almost dinner time already.” Meguru said. “I slept through breakfast and lunch?!” Ariana asked. “I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up. It’s just that you looked really tired, and I didn’t want to disrupt your sleep.” Meguru said. “Oh… Thank you for your consideration. Since I’m making you late on making dinner, can I help you out?” Ariana asked. “Of course.” Meguru said.

       The two of them got out of the room, and went downstairs. The two of them were in the kitchen. “What are you going to cook tonight?” Ariana asked. “It’s a Japanese dish called Nikujaga. Do you know what that is?” Meguru asked. “I do! It’s one of my favorite dinner dishes that my mom sometimes makes..” Ariana said. “Your mom likes Japanese meals?” Meguru asked. “She absolutely loves it! In fact, my dad is Japanese, and he’s shown her so much of the culture when they were dating. It’s a really cute story on how they met, maybe I can tell you sometime if you like.” Ariana said. “I would like to listen to your story. I would like to know how your parents met since you’re saying how it’s interesting.” Meguru said. “It is. Oh! The rice is done, let me get that.” Ariana said.

       The both of them were preparing dinner and side dishes for everyone. The rest of the guys came down, and sat at the table. “Hanasaki? Did you make this?” Kakeru asked. “I helped make this, but Meguru was the one mainly doing everything.” Ariana said. “Funny, I heard a rumor that women were supposed to always be in the kitchen.” Satoru said. “You want to run that by me again?” Ariana asked intimidately. “Don’t be like that, Satoru.” Haruhito said. “I was only joking.” Satoru said. “Your jokes suck.” Shiki said. “Settle down you guys.” Kakeru said. “I know right? We’re about to eat.” Ariana said sitting down. 

       Ariana looked around at the guys, and felt homesick since it felt like she was eating with her family. “I wish I was with my family again… This doesn’t even feel real, but it is… I can’t believe I’ll never see them again, and if I do… They won’t know who I am.” Ariana thought. “Ariana?” Meguru asked. She snapped out of her daze. “Yeah?” Ariana asked. “Are you alright? I tried calling your name multiple times, but you seemed out of it.” Meguru said. “I’m perfectly fine.” Ariana answered. “That’s what all women say, and it’s always a lie.” Satoru said. “Come on Ari! Tell your Uncle Haruhito.” Haruhito said. “You’re not really my uncle…” Ariana said. “I know that, but you do seem troubled.” Haruhito said. “Family.” Shiki said. “What?” Kakeru asked. “I think she misses her family.” Shiki said. “Is Sheeks right, Ari?” Haruhito asked. “Well… All of you would feel homesick if you were suddenly taken away to never see them again. Even if I do see them now, they wouldn’t know who I am, and that’ll be even more unbearable. And another thing… I can’t go to school anymore, and see my best friend. I’m sorry…” Ariana said and got up from the table. “Where are you going?” Kakeru asked. “To my room.” Ariana said and went upstairs. “Ariana…” Meguru said. “You should leave her be. Your job is done for the night.” Kakeru said. “If she would’ve let us toast her, she wouldn’t have to deal with this.” Shiki said. “Don’t say such a thing! Even if she is on the toasting list, it was her choice to live 10 more days to do whatever she wants.” Meguru said. “Sheesh Meggy, you’re too nice.” Haruhito said. “You’re too nice for your own good.” Satoru said. “That’s just who I am.” Meguru said.