A Life Saver

Chapter Three,

after greeting yuji, he pulls out your chair for you, and back in once you're seated. such a gentleman, you think to yourself, not used to this type of interaction. "thank you for meeting me here, y/n. it's great to see you again, you look- like, amazing" yuji says, he seems just as nervous as you are. your heart is beating out of your chest, and you're literally praying this date goes well.

"yeah! thanks for inviting me," you start, as yuji gives you a big smile.

a few moments of silence fills the air before it's interrupted by the waiter asking "can i get you guys started on some drinks?"

you and yuji both order water, and the waiter leaves to grab those for you.

"so, yuji, where do you work? around here?" you didn't think it was a weird question at first, but your anxious mind got the better of you and decided that probably wasn't the best question. yuji didn't seem phased by it though, as he gave a firm answer, "oh yeah! i actually work right around the corner in the service shop, i'm an auto mechanic."

"is that so? how long have you been working as a mechanic? and do you enjoy it?"

"oh man, i love it! ive always been interested in mechanical work since my dad was also an auto mechanic. and then when i started collage a couple years ago i took it as like an opportunity i guess, and started majoring in mechanical engineering!"

thank god, he's over 18. he seems pretty comfortable talking about himself too, that's good. an auto mechanic, huh? pretty cool

"really? that's pretty interesting" your nerves are slowly starting to calm finally. "so what about you? how'd you end up with your job?" yuji asks.

"well it's kinda a long story, let's just say i had some great luck i guess." you giggled a bit, you really didn't want to get into this on your first date.

"but i don't care if it's a long story, i'm interested. i like listening to you"

how do i respond to that? he does genuinely seem interested, i just don't want to talk about this right now. "it's fine, i'll save it for another time"

"but i want to hear it now!" yuji frowns with pleading eyes. you sigh, he's really not going to let this go, is he? "trust me, it's not interesting anyways, i promise i'll-" you get cut off by your waiter bringing your drinks. thank god, this conversation can end now.

"here are your drinks! are we ready to order? or do you guys still need some time to think?" the waiter asks and you and yuji both decide you're ready, and tell the waiter what you want to eat.

you turn back to yuji after the waiter leaves, "so where do you go to collage?"

"oh, i go to west university on the other side of town"

"seriously? thats where i went to collage!" you say excitedly

"no way! that's awesome!!"

you and yuji bond over this for awhile, and you feel sorta connected to him buy it. since it's a smaller collage that not many go to, nobody else you know went there. most people who are slim on money go there, but it's overall a great collage.

after you guys get your food, you continue talking about a bunch of things, from collage, to high school friends, to what shows you're into, to what your biggest fears are, and much laughter filled the table.

after awhile, you check the time on your watch and it's already 10:30pm. "oh my gosh! it's already past 10" you say as you palm your forehead, "i really need to get going, i have work tomorrow" you say, disappointed.

"oh, i forgot!! i'm sorry, i should've said something to remind you, i'm sorry" yuji whines, even though you're sure he knows it's not his fault.

"it's alright, really. it's only 10, so, i still have time to get home and stuff" you say, genuinely.

"i guess you're right." he says, seeming a little bummed that you have to go. "well, i really enjoyed our date- i mean- like, it's not a date, but- you know, like, you know"

you laugh a bit, "it's okay!! i consider it a date anyways.. but i enjoyed it too, hopefully we can do it again sometime?" you smile.

yuji seems relieved, "of course! well, you have my number so.. you can just like text or call me or something, and we can pick a date?"

"mhm, sounds good," you say, getting up out of your chair, as yuji does the same.

after a minute of just staring at each other, smiling, you take a risk and jump onto him, wrapping your arms firm around his neck. you guys are about the same height, but he may a few inches taller than you.

he freezes for a minute, before gripping your waist and pulling you closer to him. it's so warm, he's so warm, your throat is going dry, and your heart is beating so fast. you feel so good like this and you never want to let go.

eventually after letting go, you feel an emptiness creep over you. you already miss his warmth and scent.

"well, i'll see you later, yuji!" you say quickly as you practically run towards the door, wondering if that was too soon or not. was the hug too much? even if it was, you don't regret it. yuji seemed to enjoy it too after all.

you get home and immediately plop onto your bed, mind full of yuji already. after getting to know him, you like him even more. he shines like gold. and he's incredibly optimistic, you already feel yourself falling deeper and deeper, harder and faster with each minute you think about him. you wonder if he feels the same, is he thinking about you right now too?

you feel yourself drifting to sleep, happy, almost content for the first time in what feels like a century. this could be the start of something amazing, you think before finally falling asleep.