Arisa's Fake Romance

Chapter 4: Arisa's Date

I agree to a date with Kaichi and decide on a mid thigh high waist dark blue A line denim skirt, black ribbed turtleneck untucked, and a lavender sash tied over my turtleneck at the top of the hip. I complete the look with a lavender scarf. I hum Dreamers Go as I brush my pigtails, thinking of Kasumi's wonderful voice. "Hmm hmm hmm."

I bet Grandma would be so proud of me for dating such a guy so I show her my phone.

She pours me hot matcha she made earlier, it really is great tea. 

"Hmm, I'm not so sure Arisa. "

Is grandma feeling okay? "Actually he is pretty mature and really cool."

"Sorry Arisa, I don't think it will work out."

Seriously? Why would she think that? "Why don't you think it will work out grandma?"

"A grandma always has a feeling about these things."

My upper lip twitches as those feelings of bad eyes for guys comes back.

I put on my shoes and grandma says, "Text if you need anything. Have fun and be safe."

We meet in Harajuku and the warm sun feels so good on my face. My toner and moisturizer give my face a subtle glow and gloss to them, and a warm pink semi glossy lipstick to pull everything together.

Kaichi wears a long sleeved dark gray button down, his sideswept bangs shimmer in the sunlight. His green eyes sparkle in the light, but a different green than Tae, Sayo, or Hina. He runs his hands through his blue hair, his sleeve falls revealing a toned forearm. 

He looks down into my eyes. "The octopus balls around here are pretty good." He faces the queue leading toward an octopus ball vendor and Kaichi buys us some. 

The aroma mixes with nearby cafes and perfumes from boutiques. I ask, "Aren't these the best? I remember when Kasumi got aonori stuck in her teeth and it was so embarrassing! We laughed for the longest time and I helped her get it out."

He laughs and ask, "Is she in your band?"

"Yes she's our lead singer. It's funny how we met. At first I was shy and..."

I tell him how Kasumi convinced me to join Poppin' Party. 

"Pretty interesting Arisa. Sounds like you came a long way on keyboard."

I eat an octopus ball and it just melts and feels and tastes so good. The fish flakes have a nice crunch to them which compliments the fluffy batter and very hot gooey inside. We just got them so they're very hot and I gulp air to cool my mouth.

Kaichi smiles and tells me, "You're so cute when you make funny faces."

I hand him an octopus ball and giggle as he too makes funny faces.

We start walking again then I hear a whisper, "She really has no eyes for men."

I look around but can't see anyone. I just know I heard something. Must be my imagination but I could swear it sounded like Ran.

"Are you okay Arisa?"

I tell Kaichi I am.

Screams echo from an alley. I run down and a couple of middle school girls are being pushed around by a couple of Haru's lackeys. It's those girls who were laughing at me for having a bad eye for guys!

One of the evilly glares at one of the girls. "Your Tiktok is pretty lame."

She pushes her against the wall and the other says. "Yeah girls your age shouldn't even be on Tiktok."

"Leave them alone now!"

One of them looks back scowling at me. "You stay out of this Arisa. There's two of us, what will you do about it?"

I turn as my fist crashes into her cheek. I trip another one but they get up and start pushing me.

"Run girls!"

Haru's bestie smirks evilly as I'm held. "This is gonna be good. You think you can throw us off your trail by dating someone who isn't Daiki? Oh please everyone knows you really want Daiki so you pretend to like that guy you were with to throw everyone off. Daiki belongs to Miyu not you."

Actually he belongs to Eito but no one can know but us at Circle.

"Bushido!" It's Eve! I'm really happy to hear her yell her catchphrase. Her eyes are full of focus and determination. I should get her something to thank her for helping me. 

Eve runs down the alley with a broomstick and strikes both of Miyu's lackeys as the broom thuds against their backs. Their grip loosens and I get away. Eve is the best in her kendo club and it shows. 

"Leave her alone!" Tomoe yells, with Ran beside her.

Tomoe judo throws Haru's fourth lackey while Ran kicks the third one. They look back as they run away from us.

Ran angrily yell at them, "You bitches! Don't even think about bullying middle schoolers ever again!"

The two girls clap and one says, "That's our Miss Mitake!" 

The other says, "She's so amazing. I heard she's a singer." The girl in the red then says, "You guys are really brave and strong.

Thanks for saving us from those bullies." The girl in the white then says, "Yeah they were robbing us too."

Ran smiles and warmly tells them, "It was no big deal. Just be safe for us."

"Can we friend you?"

"Sure."

We all friend and follow each other then the girls bow. "Thank you very much." Then run off.

I wipe my skirt and sweater and look up to Tomoe. "Sorry for what I said earlier."

Tomoe laughs a little. "Oh, I was just upset earlier. I was just trying to help so you don't scare him away by being too forward. I have a hard time hiding my feelings too you know."

We look into each other's eyes for a few seconds and I give her a big hug thanking her and Eve enthusiastically hugs us too. Ran hesitates looking around then lightly hugs us.

I tell my friends, "Thanks everyone. I'm kind of on a date though but I'd like to meet up later at Hazawa Coffee."

Disappointment and shame fill Kaichi's voice. "Sorry Arisa I couldn't help."

"O ho ho ho ho, it's okay, really. This is what I'm like, but you aren't. Besides the bullies were girls so it wouldn't look good if you hit them."

He sounds impressed. "Arisa."

I continue. "It pisses me off when I see bullies, picking on those weaker than themselves."

He shrugs. "I could have yelled."

We then walk to a grammable spot and try a selfie. "Come on Kaichi you got to get closer or you want show up."

He nudges a bit closer until our shoulders touch. He's squatting to get into the frame.

I yell. "Aww so lovely! Aren't we cute together?"

"Now a cat filter."

"Isn't this super cool? You have selfies with me and can brag about it to everyone!"

I stare at him being calm and quiet. I wonder what's up? Oh I think I get it.

I whisper, "Kaichi."

Giggly feelings spread from my stomach to my arms and I put my hand over my mouth. "He's all shy because I'm with him."

He walks me home and I tell grandma about everything. "He seems very sweet but I know you. He won't make it to the party."

"How can you tell grandma?"

"You will know in time. Now go to bed, you have a busy day tomorrow."