Cosmic Love

First Date

     If I drop my chopsticks or something I might just kill myself on the spot. 

     Matthew stood on the doorstep of the Hado residence, mustering the will to knock on the door. Why was it so hard? It's not like there was anything to worry about, her parents liked him plenty and he was right on time. He took a moment to assess himself once more, checking for lint or anything else that might've been amiss. C'mon Matt, quit wasting time. Just knock on the door. His knuckles rapped on the wooden door, the lingering silenced that followed quickly being filled with the pitter-patter of footsteps rapidly approaching. The door swung open, Hado flying through the doorway and wrapping her arms around Matthew, almost knocking him over. 

     "Hi Matthew!" Hado squeezed him tighter for a moment before letting go and taking a step back. "God it feels good to do that." The two shared a laugh, Hado's mother rounding a hallway from inside the house and joining them at the door.

     "Oh, Clouse! It's good to see you sweetheart, how've you been?" 

     "I've been doing well, thank you for asking Mrs. Hineri."

     "That's good. Now, I don't want to keep you two waiting," she gently ushered the two away from the door and down the doorstep. "Go and have fun, enjoy your date you two!" Matthew looked over his shoulder and waved back at Hineri with a smile.

     "I'll have her home by 10:00!" Hado punched him on the shoulder lightly, earning a laugh from her mother. 

     "How gentlemanly." Hineri shook her head as she chuckled to herself, reentering the house and shutting the door. 

     Hado and Matthew began to meander down the sidewalk in relative silence, neither of them knowing what to say now that they were alone. It was one thing being alone with each other as just friends, but on a date? To two inexperienced teenagers, they might as well have been walking with a stranger. "S-so, Matthew... You look nice! Red looks good on you." Hado spoke first, clearly nervous.

     "Y-you think so? Thanks, you look..." Matthew took a moment to assess her outfit, Hado relishing in his gaze. She wore a white collared top and black skirt with an open, olive green jacket over them. A loose, orange tie hung from her collar, matching her shoes of the same color. Black, thigh-high socks rounded out the look, something Matthew definitely didn't double-take at. Get a grip, dude. "...amazing. You look amazing, Nejire." Matthew smiled, trying his hardest to get a handle on his nerves. Hado blushed, looking away and jabbing him with an elbow. 

     "Y'know, you're supposed to say that later when we're at a park watching the sunset or something."

     "Oh, I'm sorry; is there a 'Date with Nejire' playbook I didn't read through?" 

     "If you want I'll write one up for you." 

     "I think I'll be alright. Unless I blow it hardcore tonight, then maybe. You'll have to be the judge of that though." Hado laughed and took his hand in hers. 

     "You'll be fine. This isn't anything we haven't done before. Well, minus the hand-holding and whatever else." The two continued in silence, albeit much more comfortable than before. As they walked the distance between them slowly closed over time, until they were shoulder to shoulder as they walked. Hado took the initiative to lock her elbow with Matthew's, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked. Matthew laid his head on top of hers, sighing slightly as he made himself comfortable.

     "This next year is gonna suck."

     "God, tell me about it. At least our second and third years should be more of a routine, giving us more time to sort your situation out... and do this as much as we please."