Shiroi

Chapter 3 : Why are you trying to be red when you're white?

The following day, the twins woke up sick. I had to stay home and help mom take care of them. By the time I looked at the time, it was already 5:00pm. Could Shiroi still be at the bookstore? I found myself running down the street as fast as I could. I slammed open the door of the bookstore while trying to catch my breath.

"Ah! Aoyagi-san!"

"Jin-kun!" I hurried, breathless "Is the book signing over?"

"The signing?"

"Yes!"

"Yea, Shiroi-sama left a few minutes ago!"

"I...I see...Thank you!" I hurried outside and looked around, the feeling of disappointment repeatedly exploding in my chest.

"I'll never see her again..."

I sighed and sat on the bench outside the bookstore. I looked at the cars trying to hold back my tears. Was that really it? Did I miss my chance?

My mind woke up by a group of screaming girls.

"Oi, oi, calm down!" Shiroi laughed and hugged each one of them individually.

My mouth dropped. I stood up, my heart pounding.

"Let's take a picture!" one of the girls screamed. "Excuse me, miss! Can you please take a picture for us?"

I nodded while the teenager handed me her phone. My hands were shaking. I walked toward them nervously. Shiroi was conversing politely while laughing at their questions and compliments.

"Everybody smile!" I said weakly. They all looked up, and that's when Shiroi noticed I was there. Our eyes met and locked into each other's gaze. She smiled a sweet, relieved smile. I smiled back and took their picture. When they were gone, we stood there, speechless.

"I tried to extend it." she finally said.

"Eh?"

"I know it might sound a bit crazy, but... I was waiting for you" she smiled.

"My younger sisters were sick, and I had to stay home, I ran here as fast as I could, but when I arrived, you were not here," I smiled. "I'm glad I'm able to see you again."

Shiroi bit her lip softly; she was so beautiful that day. She was wearing a sleeveless blue shirt and jeans. Her perfect, long arms were buried in her pockets.

"Are you hungry?"*

I proposed my favorite restaurant, and we were soon dining there. Just the two of us.

"So, an author?" I smiled

"Yep," she said and swallowed her food hungrily.