I Need To Do What?!

The Other Kiss

Junta's POV:

Junta was a firm believer of hard work. He knew that any goal he set would be achieved by working meticulously and persistently. People said he was lucky. Hard work looked like luck to an outsider. Very few people knew the amount of work he put into training everyday to be an upcoming star in baseball. He never minded the strenuous exercises and drills his coach put their team through every day.

However, lately he wished he had some more time to spend with Anzu. They were at the end of the school year and soon they would be applying for colleges all across the country. Junta had a baseball scholarship and the only reason he was dragging his feet by not choosing a university was because he was waiting for Anzu to decide. He wanted to be close to her.

While Anzu may not have romantic feelings towards him now, he strongly believed that if he stayed strong in his decision and became her close confidante, he would break down her walls. Junta believed in his power of perseverance.

Today was a miracle since baseball practice got canceled out of the blue. The Coach's daughter had a baby and so the entire team was allowed to go home early.

Junta ran to catch up with Anzu before she left. Perhaps, they could go out somewhere, just the two of them. Getting time to spend with Anzu alone was incredibly difficult. Tsukasa was always with them. He didn't hate or begrudge Tsukasa for wanting to spend time with Anzu. She was difficult to resist. But knowing that another guy was planning on wooing the girl he loved his entire life was not an easy pill to swallow.

"Anzu! Wait up!" Junta called out as he saw her outside the school gates, waving to her friends.

Anzu saw him and smiled.

"Junta! Shouldn't you be at baseball practice?" she asked in surprise.

"It got canceled since the coach had a family emergency. He was shouting about being a grandfather and dashed off," he explained.

Anzu laughed and it made Junta grin. He loved being the reason for her smile.

"That's wonderful news! Let's walk home together!" she exclaimed, hoisting the bag higher up on her shoulders.

"Actually, why don't we go to the city? The exams are over and we haven't had a chance to just chill," he suggested.

Anzu chewed her bottom lip.

"You're right. We have all been stressed out. Let's take the bus. I have a few things I need to pick up," she nodded decisively to herself and strode off in the direction of the bus stop.

Anzu was such go getter! He just had to follow her lead. Junta didn't mind it very much at all.

When they got on the bus, Junta hurried to buy the ticket ignoring the odd look Anzu threw his way. She was far too independent. It only got worse after her parents went overseas for work. Regardless of what she thought, Junta was going to make this outing a date.

They wandered through the streets together. Junta longed to hold onto one of her hands that was busy gesticulating as she firmly made some point or the other. Junta found it hard to focus. He used to be fascinated by the sight of her fingers even as a child. They flew across the gaming console with dexterity and precision.

Such beautiful hands deserved to be pampered and primped!

A bright pink store sign caught his attention.
'Maylene's Beauty Salon' was flashing in bold pink lights and they even offered manicures.

"Anzu!" he cried, clutching her rough calloused hand.

"Junta? Are you okay?" she inquired peering at him and looking down at her hands clutched within his own.