Figuring Out Life*

8 | The Date

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Date

Thankfully, no organism was hurt as he swallowed the water in his mouth.

He stared at me for I didn't know how long.

"What?" he asked

Well, this was unexpected.

I expected him to say yes or no. Is he processing it? Or does he want me to repeat the question?

After a couple more seconds of silence, I said, "Uhm, do you want to go on a date with me? You can say no if you don't want to."

"Of course I want to!"

He said yes!

He continued, "But, do you like me? Like romantically?"

"Yes."

"But you laughed when I said you were beautiful," he asked, bafflement clear in his tone.

Blood drained from my face. He heard the laugh and thought it was because of that? Crap. I need to fix this. "I- I wasn't laughing at that. I was a little embarrassed..."

His face saddened.

"No, not because of you."

Confusion swirled in his eyes.

"I, uhm, it was Mina. Mina said something. And I was being an idiot so, it came out like that."

"What did she say?"

"If you had asked me out?"

"Oh..."

"Sorry."

"No need to apologise..."

"But I do. I was panicking because I was a bit worried other people would hear her question. But still, I shouldn't have laughed. I'm sorry."

His eyes glanced around my face and stared at my eyes. I didn't know what they were expressing. And he still hadn't said anything. I looked away from his eyes. With each passing second awkwardness filled the silence. Was he not saying anything because he needed time? Or did he not want to go out with me since he figured out how bad I was at this? Should I leave? Should I wait? I didn't know what to do.

"I like you," he blurted out.

I returned my eyes to his, a little stunned.

"I like you." He repeated. His voice was a little bashful but there was certainty in his eyes.

My heart was thumping loudly in my chest.

"I like you, too," I said looking down. My cheeks felt warm. Was it because this was my first time hearing and saying it? We were standing under the same tree when I first saw how beautiful his eyes were. But I couldn't bring myself to this time. I was a bit worried that my heart and other organs would melt if my insides warmed up even more. Still, it was way too silent.

I took a breath and looked at him again. He was staring at me with a little smile on his lips.

"What?" I asked.

"You're cute," he said.

I could feel my cheeks burning. I could feel my lips trying to stretch into a smile, but I didn't know what to say. I spent a good chunk of yesterday and today overthinking every single scenario that might happen. Now that this all began, all I could do was stare at him with what I assumed was an odd smile.

"Now you're even cuter," he exclaimed amusingly.

"Stop," I groaned.

"Stop what?