Beautiful Pain

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 7

So I guess we were back to normal after that day. I don't know what threw her off to begin with but at least i've stopped walking around egg shells with her. I felt that if I talked to her, she would burst out with all this locked up anger.

...

So much time had passed that it was already the time to celebrate Rumia's birthday.

"She's how old?!" I accidently shout. I did not mean to be overdramatic but I forgot that she had to have been older than us. It only makes sense since Rias is our age & she is not a twin.

"Well...I guess that explains her maturity..." I pout to myself.

"You make it sound like she's a grandma!" Rias scolds me. "Stop it!"

She wacks me in the arm.
"I am not shocked because she's older..." I inform her, slowly. "I am shocked because in the amount of time i've known her...her age never came up!"

I bend down & cover my face with my arms in agony. "I feel like a terrible friend!"

Rias looks around, embarrassed. She whispers to me. "You're not a terrible friend...don't worry..."

Lifting me up, she says "Now stand up before people start to think I rejected you."

I rise back up on my feet & glance around. I had almost completely forgotten that we're out in town, shopping for her birthday present. The villagers have  started to stare as they walked because of how overdramatic I just was.

"So...now that that's settled..." Rias speaks. "Have you decided on a birthday gift for Rumia?"

She begins walking & I follow her. "What are you getting for my sister?"

To be honest, I haven't really thought about it. Normally, when I see things, it reminds me of her...but have I gotten to know her well enough to decide on the perfect gift for her?

"I don't know ..." I trail off.
I want to get her something that has sentimental value. Nothing cheap nor nothing of no use.

"Felix?..." Rias suddenly stops in her tracks.

"Yes?..." I question. What is it?"

She stares at me intensely, with hard focus.
"How exactly do you feel about my sister?"

I almost trip back, astounished by her words. What did she mean by that? Wasn't it obvious what kind of relationship Rumia & I have?...And why the sudden question?
"How I feel about her, huh?" I think to myself until I found a proper answer.

I look up & smile at her. "She's a precious friend to me." I reply. "And I like keeping things that are precious, close to me."

That may not be the answer she was hoping nor looking for, but it's all I got at the moment.

Her features appear unsatisfied by my answer. "Hmm...I see."

I turn my head under her glum face. "What is it?...is my answer not to your liking?"

She glances up with a sour look. "No...it's not that...it's..."

"It's what?" I interrogate & that's when she suddenly blurts out her next words, loud enough for everyone to hear. "She's so talented at everything she does & you're only going to keep her as a close friend?"

She pouts, quietly. "You're missing out!"

I almost laugh at how serious she appears. It's so rare for me to see her like this.
I can't take the atmosphere of the conversation so I make a joke about how Rumia is also prettier than her & she punches my arm, screaming "How rude!"