Why Did I Fall In Love!? (Boy x Boy Ship)

Chapter Twelve: Surprise, Dear Friend!

"Oh! We better head back!" Ash says, standing up interrupting the peaceful ambiance.

"Aw! Really? I'm actually enjoying this. It's nice to have a bit of a slow down sometimes." Gou responds.

"I know but Professor Kukui said to be back by 5 and we're going to be late." Ash explains.

Gou sighs and stands up. "We can save the rest of the Malasadas for later".

Our pair start to head back towards Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet's house. Gou follows Ash in tow. He's quite enjoyed his afternoon. It's weird that it wasn't filled with running around everywhere catching all sorts of Pokémon. Of course, there will be plenty of time tomorrow for all that. It was so nice to just explore the city and just being in Ash's company. Gou always enjoys being with him. He feels so comfortable and feels he can be himself around him. Ash is just so special. He's an enigma, he's... Nope! Not doing this!

"Gou? You alright?" Ash asks.

"Y-yeah! I'm fine!" Gou jitters.

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After a leisurely walk, our pair reach the house, quite satisfied with their afternoon. Ash reaches for the door handle and opens it. They walk into a dark room.

"Where are they?" Ash questions flicking the light switch.

"SURPRISE!" Cheers the crowd.

"Wah!? What is all this!?" Ash asks in complete surprise.

"When you said you were coming to visit, I organised a little surprise welcome back party." Professor Kukui explains.

"This is so great! I love it!" Ash smiles.

The shock almost gave Gou a stroke. His hand is clutching his chest and he's breathing heavily. He looks at all these cheerful strangers. A little intimidating, and a little awkward.

"OK everyone! Help yourself to food and drinks and have fun!" Mallow declared pointing to the table covered in plates of delicious food.

Music starts to play and people start to crowd round Ash. Gou looks on. A little embarrassed, not really sure what to do. He very awkwardly shuffles towards the table of food. Avoiding eye contact. He looks at all the delicious food. It all looks amazing.

"Gou! Come meet some people!" Ash says.

"No, it's OK. You have fun. I'm fine." Gou insists.

"Come on! I want you to meet my friends!" Ash smiles grabbing Gou's hand and dragging him away from the food.

Gou's heart just starts thumping. All his energy is going into not squeezing Ash's hand. The tingling feeling, the sweat. It's nauseating.

"Gou! This is Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe and Sophocles. Everyone! This is Gou!" Ash announces

"Hi Gou!" They all say.

Gou looks at these strangers smiling at him. "H-Hi... Everyone!" He stutters. He doesn't like everyone staring at him. It's as though they're expecting him to say something interesting. What he would give for the subject to shift.

"Ash...!" Said a voice.

Gou thanks his lucky stars.

Ash turns round. "Hau! Wow! It's so great to see you!"

Gou turns round to see who Ash was talking to and the owner of the voice. The group has kind of shifted away which has given Gou a slight reprieve. He just watches from behind as Ash and Hau catch up.