In a Love Letter

A Future You Wouldn't Expect

After the entertainment that happened during lunch break, the rest of the time passed by without a hitch. The last bell rang and most students packed up to head home while others groaned due to the fact that they have cleaning duty. Fortunately, I was the former.

"Aishi, should we go home together?"

I asked her when we passed through the doorway.

"No."

She replied without even turning back to me. How cold.

"Ehh, it should be fine, right? We go home the same path."

I see Aishi freeze for a second before turning to look back at me. Oh no.

"How do you know where I live?"

If looks could kill, Aishi's gaze would drill a hole in my head so deep that she would see that I have nothing in my brain cavity.
I still tried to play it cool though.

"I always see you walking home while I ride past you. You just never noticed me because you're more interested in the floor."
I grinned and lied smoothly through my teeth.

"Oh."

I can tell she's slightly suspicious of me but she still continued walking forward without minding me too much. Of course, I'm confident that even detectives wouldn't be able to see through my lies, let alone Aishi. And while it is true that our homes are in the same direction, I never saw Aishi walking home because she always leaves quicker than I can catch her. This time though, I swiftly shoved everything into my bag even if it gets messy just so I can catch up with Aishi. Today, I'm determined to walk home with her.

Just then, a text message came through my phone, buzzing loudly enough for Aishi to hear. After skimming through it, a groan escaped my throat.

"Actually, Aishi, can we pass by the town first? I just remembered an errand I had to run."

Damn you mom. Why'd you have to give me a task today of all days!?

"No. Go by yourself."

"Please, Aishi? I'll treat you to something nice?"
I tried to bargain with her but to be honest, I didn't expect her to actually stop.

"Treat me to what exactly?"

She said, now looking at me with a hint of interest. I'm kind of scared now of what she might want, but bonding with Aishi requires sacrifices!

"Anything you want as long as I can afford it."

God, I never thought the day would arrive that I would say such sugar mommy-worthy lines.

"Alright then. I'll come with."

Well, at least I get to walk with Aishi. I just don't know yet at what cost...

The walk was quiet, only hearing my footsteps scrape against the asphalt. For some reason, Aishi didn't make any sound while walking, truly fitting to be a stalker. Although I started to feel that it was a little too quiet, so I initiated conversation.

"Hey, Aishi."
I started.

"What is it?"
As distant as ever.

"Can I call you Yan-chan?"

"Sure."
There was some reluctance in her voice but she agreed anyway.

"You can call me by my first name as well."
I was a little happy that she allowed me to call her that.

"Okay."

"Actually, do you even know my first name?"
I asked her kind of suspiciously.

Yan-chan didn't seem like the kind of person to care much about other people's names.