Lost and Found

Affection

I opted to drive the mini van to pickup Mineko, then head to lunch.

Shinya was in the passenger seat, and Toshiya and Die purposely sat next to each other, leaving the back row empty for Kaoru and Mineko.

I did my best at hiding my annoyance. To be honest, I have grown to really like Mineko. I don't know if it's because I feel safe and comfortable around her, if she makes me forget about Mizuki, or if it's just her personality. I stay focused on the road, my eyes glued to the street as I'm driving.

I do like her but I can't let that get in the way of my relationship with Kaoru. After all, he is my friend and I don't want him to worry, but more importantly I don't want to hurt him. I can't help but wonder why she's been distant towards him, though.

Is she nervous? Does she find it weird? She did say she was a bit upset...but maybe she does like him? I don't really know what to think. I mentally cuss at myself for all of these thoughts I'm having. Especially since I'm taking Kaoru's feelings into consideration.

I mean...he did like her first. Buy why did I have to go and fall for her too?

I'm pulled out of my thoughts once we arrive at her place.

"You gonna be okay back there Kao?" Toshiya teases. He only wobbles his head in response, rolling his eyes at Toshiya.

As I pull into the parking lot, I look out the window and see her standing in front of the apartment building doorway.

Her hair is pulled into a ponytail and she's wearing an A-line floral dress. I couldn't take my eyes off her and before I even had the chance to open the car door for her, Kaoru beat me to it.

"Hi guys," She waves, ducking her head to get into the van. They all greet Mineko as she scoots in the back, Kaoru cautiously sitting down next to her. "Thanks for the invite."

The drive to the restaurant was relatively quiet; I couldn't help but constantly glance at her and Kaoru through the rearview mirror. They weren't talking to each other at all. Luckily, Toshiya and Die were doing a good job at entertaining her. I would steal a few glances of her smile as they cracked their lame jokes.

"We're here!" Shinya exclaims. I can tell he's ready to eat; that, or he's had enough of the car ride.

I tell everyone to get out as I go to find parking. Once I'm in the restaurant I immediately find our table. It's hard to miss what with Toshiya and Die being loud.

Shinya is sitting next to Mineko with Kaoru on her left, sitting at the head of the table. Toshiya and Die are across from them and I take the empty seat next to Kaoru, directly across from Mineko. As I sit down, she gives me a small smile.

"I didn't know you can drive so well, Kyo." She says while flipping through the menu. I notice Kaoru glance at her.

"What can I say? I'm a jack of all trades."

She giggled.

We all placed our orders and were chatting when Kaoru quietly cleared his throat. It was loud enough for me to hear, though. I sipped on my water and watched as he looked at Mineko. They still haven't spoken a word to each other since I picked her up.

"Hey Mineko. C-can I talk to you for a second?" No one at the table seemed to notice, and she slowly nodded her head at him. They got up and walked towards the waiting area.

I began bouncing my leg up and down, darting my eyes from where they walked, to their empty seats at the table.

"I'm going to the restroom." I say and the rest of the guys just nod at me.