Eternal Love

CHAPTER 22

Miko's POV:

The expression on Ei's face... I'm sure something is bothering her. She just left... without a reason. Is this making her uncomfortable? However, she was definitely having a good time before. To be honest, I'm upset, although.... I'm worried about her.

Of course, she's my friend.

"Worried about Ei?" Ayaka asked. I nodded. 

"I'll ask about it later; I'm worried for her as well," she said. "Is there something up with her?" I inquired. Ayaka looked as though she was about to say something, but she kept her mouth shut. They must be trying to keep it a secret. "Nothing in particular; I'll tell you if I ask her, okay? Let us enjoy first," she said with a smile.

Let us not become involved, Miko. It is their personal business. Besides, we're not really that close. I'll just... On Monday, I'll do my best to cheer her up! Let us simply enjoy this night.

*

I awoke early in the morning and quickly checked my phone. I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized it was Saturday. I was exhausted from yesterday. It's ten o'clock in the morning, and I'm sure my mother is downstairs, sipping tea and reading through her phone.

*

When I got downstairs, I didn't see my mother. There was a note on the table, and she had even made breakfast for me. She stated that she had a work appointment to attend. Do you have work on Saturdays? Oh my goodness, this lady.

I ate the breakfast she had made for me. Oh, archons, that was fantastic. It was only fried tofu, grape juice, and one sunny side up egg. I rinsed the dishes and sat down on my couch to check my phone. There was no message in our group chat, so I believe they are still sleeping.

I decided to check in on Ei, you know, just message her and see how she was doing. What should I say? Hmm, I'm not sure what to say.

Hello, are you okay?  Lame. 

Hi! You doing good? So lame.

Ugh, come on, Miko. Think.

Uh never mind, let's just say anything.

Dango <-- Ei's name in Miko's phone

Miko: Hello, Ei, did you make it home safely? I was worried about you leaving suddenly. If you see this, please respond:)

This is.... good, right? Is it a little awkward? Why am I having such a hard time deciding what to say to her? That is to say... I don't have this problem with any of my other friends. Ugh, this is so confusing. 

*

30 minutes have passed and she still hasn't replied. Did... did something happened to her? I need to call uncle.

*

"Miko?"

"Uncle, did you go to Ei? I texted her and she hasn't responded in 30 minutes. I'm worried about her," I said.

He replied, "Oh, I'm with Ei right now. She's asleep, and I'm cooking her breakfast."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Is that so? Thank you, uncle; please tell her to reply; I am quite concerned about her,"

"Ooh~ Why are you worried?" he chuckled.

"Of sure," I said, "she's my friend, and I'd be responsible if something happened to her."

"Sure, she's your friend," he chuckled. 

"It's not what you're thinking, Uncle; I'm going to have to hang up now; take care!" I laughed as I hung up the phone.

What made him think such a thing? That's all there is to it. We're just friends. But why am I bothered by this? It irritates me.

L-let's just binge watch.

Ei's POV

"Could you please explain, boss, why you forced me to lie to my nephew about who is going to murder me if she finds out I'm lying?"

I replied, "I-I don't know." I blushed as he said, "It's as if she's your lover." He chuckled, "It's like you're avoiding your lover." "N-nonsense," I shot back. "We're not like that."

We couldn't possibly be that way, could we? That is something we can never be. That is to say, I'm merely a friend who genuinely cares about her well-being. Sure, I'm protective, even when it comes to Ayaka and the others.

"By the way, Ms. Ei, I'll be the one preparing breakfast because you almost burned down the kitchen again," he laughed. "S-such a bully, Mr. Sasayuri," I retorted. Well... I nearly burned down the kitchen. "About that part-time work, I have discussed it with my sister. You may go tomorrow and learn the basics of the job, and of course, I will be there," he remarked.

"Thank you," I said. That bit almost slipped my mind. I have to go to work in order to make money. I can't always rely on my father. I'm confident I'll be able to do this job. "I know there is a student working there; I don't know his name, but I'm sure he attends your school," he said. I'm hoping it's someone I know.

*

I ate the breakfast he had prepared. Let's leave the breakfast to him. I really might burn down the kitchen or even this apartment. I checked my phone and Miko really messaged me.

Should I reply? But... what do I reply?

Kitsune <- Miko's name in Ei's phone

Ei: I arrived safely at home. I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry about me; I simply have something I need to get done right away.

That should do it. I was about to put my phone down and my phone vibrated. It was Miko.

I smiled.

Wait, why are you smiling, idiot. It's just a message. A MESSAGE FROM A FRIEND. Keep that in mind, Raiden Ei.

Kitsune 

Miko: Is that so? I'm relieved. Have you eaten your breakfast? My uncle is an excellent cook!

Ei: Yes, I will have to rely on him to prepare breakfast. He's a fantastic cook. I'm thinking of hiring him as a cook here.

Miko: Poor uncle.

Ei: I'm just kidding

Miko: Any plans for today?

Ei: Nothing, I'm thinking of resting for today.

Miko: I see, may you rest well, sweetie.

-Miko is offline-

...

Okay, I didn't blush in that. No, I did not. 

Of for the love of archons!

Yes, I blushed! Why did she have to refer to me as that?!

Who in Teyvat refers to a friend as "sweetie"?! Maybe she just calls everyone that way. Yes, Ei, don't overthink it.

After all, we're only friends.