Inarizaki's Hidden Foundation

Ch. 12 - Firsts

The hike Kita took you to was really enjoyable to say the least. It was hours of sightseeing one of Japan's most beautiful sites. The scenery was so green, full of wildlife, and there were several waterfalls that you passed along the way. Being away from the city with all the buildings was very nice and so therapeutic.

Yet.. it was also frustrating. At all the stops you and Kita took along the way, there were very tense moments when you both would stand real close looking out at the scenery. He would look at you, saying nothing, and you thought he'd go in for a kiss but at the last second he'd look away.

What was up with him? Maybe this is his first time really being with a girl. You haven't had an official boyfriend before but you've made out and hooked up with several dudes casually. You would make the first move normally but with Kita.. you were letting him set the pace. He took you to the restaurant you recommended near your place where you had lunch. Neither of you are the most talkative people, yet it felt comfortable with him.

Now you're sipping coffee on your couch with Mina on New Year's eve, listening to her talk about her own extremely fast-paced relationship.

".. yeah, so Christmas night we did it in his car," she says sheepishly.

You choke on your coffee. Coughing violently, Mina pats your back in concern. Once you've cleared the liquid from your throat you exclaim, "What?? I didn't think you guys even had your first kiss. What do you mean he already took your virginity? Is that his idea of a Christmas gift?" Your image of Mina as the cute, innocent, naive girl was quickly changing with that one sentence.

"I- well, I guess we were just really caught up in the moment? He's been in a relationship before so he definitely knew what he was doing.." her cheeks turn bright red. "And I wanted it to happen. Because I really do think I love him."
Whoa. Bold statement. "Mina," you say. "It's completely fine if you both consented but just because you guys did it doesn't mean you automatically love him."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. It just.. it's an overwhelming feeling I can't really explain," she replies.

You sigh. "Alright. Just be safe. Always use protection, child."

"Yes, ma'am." she offers a smile. "So how about you? Did you do anything on Christmas?"

"Nah, I watched some movies, called my parents. They sent me money as their present, as always. Then I drank some wine and knocked out."

Mina frowns. "You should have called me. No one should have to spend Christmas alone and my parents would have loved to have you over!"

You shrug. "I didn't want to impose on your family get-together. Holidays are important for you guys. And it's not a big deal to me."

It was true that the Christmas holiday was just an excuse to rest and have a break from school. Kita had spent it with his family so he wasn't free for anything. He offered to come over after his family's Christmas dinner, but you declined saying he should spend the whole day with them.

Changing the topic, you ask, "Ok, which movie do you wanna watch next? Nightmare on Elm Street or Hush?"

~~~

"So they did it in the back of Osamu's car!"

Kita's expression stays blank as you tell him about Mina and Osamu while aggressively drinking your iced tea at a local coffee shop. "I'm not sure I needed to know that."

"It's vile! Mina's first time should have been special and sweet and somewhere under the freaking stars. She's too precious and deserves so much better. Osamu, that idiot," you complain. "Also since I can't tell Mina about us, you have to listen to what she tells me. You're my boyfriend, so naturally I'm just going to tell you everything I hear about."

He nods, chuckling at your frustration about the situation. "You can vent to me about anything, Y/N."

"Mmm," you mumble.

Unexpectedly, he takes your hand in his. "Is it frustrating you that we are going at a lot slower pace than them?"

Reading your mind.. again. "Eh? Well.. maybe a little but it's not eating up at me. Are you intentionally taking it easy with us?"

"Yeah. I don't want to rush what we have. Just speaking from experience, I think it's better if we take things slow."

You raise your eyebrows. "From experience? This isn't your first relationship?"

Kita shakes his head. "No, I dated someone last year who's now graduated but things didn't work out with her going off to college."

Oh wow, an older girl, huh? Slightly pouting, you say, "I had no idea.. well you've definitely had more experience than me then."

In response, he squeezes your hand reassuringly. "C'mon, let's get going. You should sleep early tonight. School resumes tomorrow."

Right. School. There goes winter break.