Fikush-ON!

Ch. 3: A Sleepover

I was at a loss for words. I couldn't help but just keep staring at Hirasawa, who had just invited me to spend the night here. I tried to think of something to say, but nothing came to my mind. Instead, I turned my gaze towards Suzuki to see if she again had that smug grin on her face. I was wrong. She seemed shocked, even more so than me. After a few calming breaths, she stood up and led Hirasawa to the kitchen area.

Suzuki wasn't very good at whispering. I heard her say something about "our plan" and "unwanted extra." I had a pretty strong suspicion about what she was talking about. Hirasawa started whispering back, but she was far better at it than Suzuki. So, instead of trying to eavesdrop on the conversation, I just leaned back against the sofa, planning my next move. However, the impossible had happened; my head was empty. I didn't have any kinds of thoughts nor scenarios to think over.

Soon I started hearing Suzuki's reluctant buts. Every 'but' was interrupted by Hirasawa's whispering. Why the hell is she even trying to convince Suzuki into this? I understand her hesitation, I'd probably be the same if I were in her shoes. After a minute or so, the girls returned to the living room.

Suzuki kept her eyes on the floor. "I... I guess you can stay. I don't mind."

I took a careful glance towards Hirasawa. Whatever she just said in there, it had worked. It got me a bit scared, to be honest.

Nevertheless, it was my turn to ask questions, so I turned to face Hirasawa: "Well, uh, what about your parents?"

This was currently the number one concern on my mind, since I didn't care to get beaten up by this girl's father.

"Oh, my parents are currently on a work-related vacation in Europe. I don't think they mind if a friend stays over," she explained.

What the hell is a 'work-related vacation'? Does such a thing even exist?

She, however, quickly realized something. "Oh, but, what about your parents?"

"Ah, well, I guess it'll suit them," I answered with a bit of uncertainty in my voice. I'll just tell them that I'm staying over at my friend's place without mentioning any names. It'll be fine, I hope.

"I got to drop by at my house to get some stuff and so on."

"Ah, that's fine. We'll be here, so take your time," Hirasawa replied with a smile.

I felt like this was a good time to make my leave, so I got up and stretched my legs for a bit.

Hirasawa was watching my doings, until she seemed to remember something. "Oh, I almost forgot. Would you mind if we exchanged numbers? We could keep in contact if necessary."

"Eh, sure, whatever," I said with a shrug.

My inner self was probably pounding its head against a wall as I was typing the girl's number on my keypad. Hirasawa accompanied me downstairs, where she handed me my coat back.

As I got my boots back on, she said: "Try to get back before dark, so we'd have more time for activities."

I just nodded for an answer, waved a hand for goodbye, and stepped outside. I took a left turn when I reached the street, and once again sank into my thoughts as I walked back home.

As I was on the first step of my house's porch, I realized something: not at any point had I outright agreed to staying over at her place. But I guess it was too late to change my mind, since they were waiting for me to return. Well, it's my own fault, so I'll suffer the consequences. I let out a sight, kicked the snow off my boots and stepped inside. First one to greet me was Dash. And by greet, I mean it gave me a light bark without moving anywhere from her bed. What a lazy piece of work. As I stepped out of the foyer, my little sister peeked from the kitchen, wearing an apron.