ANTI-ROMANTIC | OOTORI KYOYA

3

it scares me a bit,
to be a romantic.

—KYOYA OOTORI KNEW MIYAHIRA MEI could be bold, but her being brazen enough to ask him out to watch a movie? In her own home? Suffice to say, it was shocking for the Ootori boy, to say the least. "Sorry, let me reiterate that. You want to meet up, in your home, to watch a film?" He asked the third time. 

Feeling a little exhausted by now, the girl sighed. "Must I repeat myself? Yes, Kyoya Ootori. I am asking you if you're free on Thursday afternoon, to watch a movie with me, in the Miyahira Manor." She breathed out, using his full name to emphasize her thinning patience; but remaining ever so graceful all the same. "And this is not to discuss the contents of our group work at all, or anything in relation to that?" He followed up, still a little lost as to why she brought this up.

"Well of course, if you'd like to work on it afterwards, that's fine with me. Though admittedly, the main agenda is to watch a movie." She elaborated, more calmly this time, as she felt that Kyoya was beginning to understand. "I see… And you asked me because… You felt like it?" He asked, skepticism laced in his tone. At that, Miyahira Mei's firey eyes flickered with some form of awkwardness, and she couldn't respond for a brief moment. She recovered quickly though, going on to say, "Well… Didn't I say I'd see you again?"

In embarrassment she turned, looking as if she were about to exit the lecture hall. Kyoya raised a brow even though he knew she couldn't see, feeling like there was something else she wanted to say. Her hands went behind her back, making them visible to the Ootori boy. She fiddled with her fingers, seemingly cautious. "Besides… I'd like to apologize for my… scheming." She finally said making Kyoya let out an amused chuckle.

"Really? I thought we were past that." He snickered, a smirk tugging at his lips. Mei scoffed with slight annoyance, finally turning back to face him with her arms crossed. "Well, maybe you're past that… And maybe it shouldn't matter to me anymore but… I can't seem to shrug it off…" She stated, her brows furrowed and her crimson eyes blazing. The Ootori boy's smirk was more visible now, almost turning into a grin.

She then waved her hands dismissively, switching the subject. "Ah, but never mind that. The offer still stands, are you free on Thursday afternoon or not?" She met his steady gaze now, not necessarily challenging, moreso expecting. Kyoya's workload would have eased by then, as most of his current tasks were due on Wednesday. Besides, considering the effort Mei had already exerted, wasn't it only fair for him to agree? "Sure. I'll be there, then."

He saw sparks whir to life in her eyes at his response, giving him a sense of fulfillment. "Okay… Okay! Great. I'll see you soon, then. Thank you." She flashed him a graceful smile, her eyes crinkled; and gave an elegant bow before exiting the lecture hall, her dress swaying delicately at her movements.

—

Thursday couldn't come any faster, as the Ootori boy now found himself in front of the Miyahira Mansion's porch. As spring bled into autumn, he found himself wearing a long-sleeved black polo shirt underneath a brown v-neck sweater from the twins.

The door opened unto him and an elderly woman, likely a servant of the Miyahiras, greeted him tenderly. "Ah, Mr. Ootori. Are you here to see Lady Mei once again?" She greeted him politely, inviting him in. Kyoya took note of her and her employer's first name basis. "Forgive me, you must be rather sick of me by now." The Ootori boy joked in an attempt to make small talk with the lady. The woman laughed lightly, "Of course not. If Lady Mei is fond of you, then I shall welcome you into the Miyahira Manor with open arms."