Transcendence

13: Cocoon

This was not what she had in mind. Sitting in some cozy little Japanese spot across from Hiroto Iwase. Not what she had planned. Sighing, she couldn't relax the purse her lips were in and she was starting to fidget a bit. Man this was uncomfortable. She tightened her fingers underneath the table and looked to the side, watching people walk to and fro past the window.

"Is there something you would like?" His voice brought her gaze away from the window and she twisted up her lips.

"I would like to go back to my house."

"Not before you've eaten something. You're cold and hungry. Not to mention the ordeal you just went through."

"Man, you sure know how to read me huh?" She retorted sarcastically.

"I'm just concerned."

"Keep your concern to yourself." She caught his fingers tighten on his cup of coffee.

"Ebere.."

"Don't. Just... don't. Let me get something so I can get outta here." She looked down at her menu and picked something random. Katsudon.... whatever that was, she hoped it was good as the waitress came to take her menu.

"Good choice." Looking up, she found his eyes on her and felt her cheeks flush.

"What?"

"Katsudon."

"Oh."

"Thank you." She moved in her chair.

"For what?"

"Letting me have your time." She swallowed.

"Well, you did save me so I guess you're welcome."

"Mm." She licked her lips and looked around, away from him. Things were awkward and tense which made her even more uncomfortable.

"Ebere,"

"What?"

"Was that man like that with you when you were together?" She turned her eyes on him, his expression serious.

"Why?"

"I want to know."

"What would you do with such information Hiroto?"

"It's important to me."

"Is it?"

"Mm." Her face grew warm.