Why Don't We?

Chapter Six

Conversations were brief with Chris afterwards. All I could think about was Aizawa's apology and the gift that came with it. I knew I wasn't dressed at all to meet up with him for drinks, but he evidently didn't seem to mind. 

"Listen, I gotta go." I told Chris when I realized what time it was. 

"So soon?" 

"Yeah, I made plans with Ellie for drinks." I lied. I couldn't believe I was lying to him. Then again, I had every reason to now. 

"Nice! Say hi to her for me!" We stood up and I allowed him to hug me. 

"Yeah, I will. I'll see you around." I called out, praying silently he wasn't going to ask any other questions. Making sure the cup was secure in the passenger side seat, I put on my other pair of shoes and drove the few blocks to the new pub that just opened. Finding a parking spot after driving around the block for twenty minutes, I locked my car and started walking. By now the sun had fully set, the lights of the city starting to outshine the few stars you could see. 

I saw Aizawa standing by the front entrance, his eyes glued to his phone. He had ditched his sweater for a button-down, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His shirt was also tucked into matching black dress pants with a belt to pull it all together.  He had also managed to tie his hair loosely back behind his neck, exposing his neck. Now I definitely felt under dressed in my leggings and crop top. Seeing me arrive, he put his phone into one of his pockets. 

"Sorry I couldn't dress for the occasion." I apologized. Whatever 'the occasion' meant. Was this a date? Or just a casual night out for drinks? I had no idea. He shrugged. 

"Don't worry about it. I guess it's about a half hour wait. Did you want to wait it out or go somewhere else? There's a much smaller place just a block from here. But there's way less people." I agreed to the less people idea. I didn't do too well in large crowds, especially when they were crammed into a small space like a bar. 

"The other place sounds nice. I try to avoid crowded areas as best as I can." That made him chuckle. 

"That's ironic considering the city you live in." He teased me. I hadn't noticed, but we started walking side by side at this point. I laughed. He was right once again. 

"True, but LA is spread out for the most part. I know everyone says traffic is the worst part about it, but I frankly don't mind it." He gave me a surprised glance. 

"Seriously?" 

"I know, it sounds insane. I guess I don't mind it because it gives me time to think. I don't know. It's weird." I felt my face warm up again. 

"Well, if that's what makes you feel better about it, then more power to you." He left his sentence there and I allowed the silence to fall. I wasn't sure how to proceed. Do I tell him about Chris and I or do I save it for another day? After all, he kind of stepped in at the perfect time. I should at least thank him for that. We finally stopped in front of the tiny bar that he had mentioned. There was maybe one or two people inside. Perfect. 

"Wait, before we go in I just wanted to thank you." I grabbed his arm unintentionally. He froze, his eyes wide in surprise. I let go quickly to avoid more embarrassment. 

"What for?" He grumbled. 

"For stepping in earlier with Chris. I know he comes off as this really friendly and outgoing guy, but..." I hesitated on finishing my sentence. I hated thinking about it. 

"But you know what he's capable of if something gets in his way. I know. There's plenty of guys like that in my class. Which is why I usually kick them out if they're being particularly bratty. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. And really, there's no need to thank me. I could see he was making you uncomfortable."