World Outside (On Hiatus)

Between us

I don't know what I was more, tired, irritated or angry. I vaguely remember how Off took me to the locker room and helped me changed my clothes. I didn't speak a word to him or Arm, feeling like my silence should give them a lecture. Off and Arm were seemingly getting along with my treatment. Once we were standing before Off's car, Arm finally spoke up. 

"I am sorry, Gun. I will call you for a next appointment." 

I hummed in agreement, fixing my eyes on the car's door.  I let Off help me inside. From his touch, I could sense his nervousness and guilt. I didn't intend to make him feel like this, yet it makes me satisfied in a way. I watched him jogged around the vehicle, after putting the wheelchair in the trunk, with shoulders slumped down. He sat behind the steering wheel, glancing at me. I turned my head around, looking through a window outside. I heard him sight in defeat before starting the engine. The car moved on the main road towards my house. 

"Are you hungry?" Off suddenly broke the silence. I pondered a bit. My stomach did feel quite empty. I nodded slightly, still turned away from him, watching his faint reflection in the glass. 

"Singto's restaurant is near from here. Should we visit?" He asked again, probably hoping for a normal conversation. I didn't feel like speaking to him still. I simply nodded again. My thoughts drifted back to the incident with a rude waitress, making me shiver. Off must have sensed my discomfort because his free hand made its way on my tight, stroking it gently. His gesture comforts me in a way, letting me help to let go of the grudge I had against him until now. 

"We don't have to go inside if you don't want to," he suggested. I shook my head. I was up to go inside if it's with him, and it's been a while I spoke to Singto. The delicious food is a plus. 

"The silent treatment will last longer," Off groaned dejectedly. I didn't respond. The rest of the way to the restaurant end up in silence. Off didn't attempt to initiate a new conversation, and I felt better while keeping quiet. The car stopped on the familiar parking lot. Off got out walking around, taking my wheelchair out of the trunk. He swiftly opens the door on my side, ready to get me on the compensatory aid. He glanced at me with this caring look that makes my heart skip a beat. I find myself stretched my arms in his direction in anticipation. I must have looked funny because his mouth lit up in a gorgeous smile. 

"Cute," he whispered in my ear as he lifted me from the seat, placing me gently on the wheelchair. My cheeks heat up in an instant. 

"I am not." I pretend to be mad at him once more. "Let's go. I am hungry." I added and wheeled myself in the direction of the restaurant entrance.

"Wait for me, Gun!" Off yelled, running after me after locking the car. I was ahead of him, yet he managed to catch up to me in no time. He grabbed the handles of the wheelchair, trying to push me instead. 

"Don't. I can do it myself." I warned him. He immediately let go and walked over to my side, grinning apologetically. 

"Can I open the door?" he asked when we arrived in front of the entrance.

"Annoying," I muttered as I let him open the door for us.  We went inside. Singto's restaurant was busy as always. Filled with the extraordinary scents of various dishes, and for my misfortune, with people too. The same old feeling of anxiety took over me again, yet it wasn't that bad like before. Even though I didn't want to admit it, Off's presence made me calmer. I looked around before I noticed a tall figure marching toward us. 

"Gun, Off!" Singto smiled at us. "I am happy to see you again." 

"Hello, Singto." I waved, returning his smile.