Two Tattlers Who Managed To Escape

14. Soft Hair Shrouded in the Night's Darkness

Pov: Yohi

After a long day at the bakery, Ann, Oliver, and I finally stepped outside. The rays of the setting orange sun scattered light across the rain-wet road. I felt fatigue in every muscle, but the evening coolness was refreshing after the heat of the ovens.

— That was hell, I hardly had time to sweat... — Ann said tiredly, wiping her forehead. I just nodded in agreement, silently concurring with her.

Today was particularly busy, and it seemed we all felt relief finally leaving work, even Oliver, who had to be with us in the bakery all day just in case he needed to help with something... Fridays are always like this...

We slowly made our way home, crossing the deserted streets when suddenly I felt someone pressing against my back. My heart jumped with surprise, and I instinctively moved forward, trying to escape the unexpected contact. Turning around, I saw Maika laughing and apologizing for her sudden gesture. Behind her stood Dex and a red-haired girl with blue eyes I didn't recognize.

— Sorry! Sorry, Yohi, I didn't mean to scare you! — Maika said, still laughing.

— I-it's okay, I just... I'm not used to someone getting so... close and touching me, ah-ha-ha... — I replied, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment from my awkward reaction in front of Maika.

— Hey there, Maika! — Ann greeted her, approaching and hugging her, — Hello to you too, Dex and Daina!

— Hello, Miss Sweet! — the couple smiled back at her.

— Yes, hello! — Maika also greeted, — My parents never find time for a family dinner, sorry!

— Oh, it's all right! Al is often busy too, I understand! — Ann laughed, releasing the girl from her embrace, — Well, come by yourself if you want... we're always waiting for you for dinner!

— Thank you, thank you! — Maika said, then turned her gaze to me, — Can we steal Yohi from you?

— Huh?! — I exclaimed, anxiously looking at the girl and her friends behind her.

— We're going to grab a drink at the bar! — Dex said, smiling, — Won't you join us...? It's been such a busy Friday — time to relax!

— No-no... — I shook my head, — I wouldn't have anywhere to go afterwards, we have... no alcohol at home...

— Oh, come on, you can stay at my place! — Maika said, smiling carelessly.

I instantly blushed and clenched my lips, too embarrassed by her offer. I wasn't ready to end up at her house!

— Come on, Yohi...! — Ann exclaimed, hitting me on the shoulder, — Go and relax with friends! Or else you'll spend all your youth working!

— I want to go to the bar too! — Oliver exclaimed, stepping between me and my acquaintances, — I'll keep an eye on you, Yohi! It's your first double date, how can I let you go, right?

— Oliver! — I blushed even more, exclaiming as I thumped the boy on the head, — You're too young to be bar hopping...

— Eh... — Oliver wanted to object, but Sweet Ann grabbed him by the scruff and started dragging him home, leaving me with Maika, Dex, and apparently Daina.

An awkward silence hung between us until the woman with my annoying little "brother" disappeared from sight. We exchanged glances, after which Dex smiled again and, coming up to me, put an arm around my shoulder.

— Well, let's go have that drink! — he said, starting to pull me towards the bar.

Actually, I never agreed to be plied with drinks, but Maika seemed pleased that I was going with them, and I didn't want to disappoint her... and what's the harm in having a little drink? The main problem was that I wasn't ready to go to Maika's home, but with Dex and his friend, or maybe girlfriend, with us, it wouldn't be so awkward.