Showered by the Stars

16. Deal

 I was finally about to fall asleep when I heard footsteps. It was probably nothing to be worried about. But still, I couldn’t make myself get back to sleep. It’s neither the bed nor the noise, I think it was the fact that my suitor is sleeping next door along with my best friends’ boyfriends.

I got up and made my way downstairs to get some milk from the kitchen.

“Ah—Luke? Is that you?” I said, tentatively.

“Yeah. You want something?” he asked.

“Um—yeah. I’m going to have some milk. Can’t get back to sleep.” I said, opening the fridge.

“Ah—sorry about that. I was loud coming down, huh?” he said, offering a sandwich.

“Eh—it’s alright. Maybe I was just thirsty or something.” I said. I can’t exactly tell him that reason. It’s too weird.

“Mizzy. Can I ask you something?” he said.

“Yeah—sure.” I said, drinking the fresh milk.

“Is that Takeshima guy, a boyfriend or something?” he said, putting hazelnut spread on his sandwich. I nearly choked.

“Er—no.  At least—not yet.” I said. Wait, that’s not right. It’s as if I was just waiting to say yes. “Um—I don’t know. Maybe he will be or maybe not.” I know I’m not making sense.

“Huh? Which is it? Is he or is he not?” he asked.

“No he’s not a boyfriend. He’s a suitor.” I said. Well, Takeshima is a suitor.

“Is that so? How long will he remain a suitor?” he asked.

“Eh?” I don’t know how to answer that.

“Are you thinking of saying yes to him soon?” he asked.

“Uh. I honestly don’t know yet.  I think it’s too early for me to say yes. I’ve only just met and I don’t know him well enough. Or maybe I’m just kind of scared about giving away my yes and regretting it later.” I said, eating the sandwich with hazelnut spread.

“Uh-huh. Tell me, is he a good guy or not?” he asked.

“I guess he is. I can’t actually be sure.” I said. I don’t think I can figure out anything about Takeshima just yet, since I barely know him.

“Don’t you think you need to figure it out soon? Not all guys will wait you know. It doesn’t matter if you realize that he’s worthy in the end, if that guy has already given up.” He said.

“And that’s also one of the reasons why I’m not able to answer him yet. He might not be serious about me.” I said.

“Urk. You shouldn’t think that way. If you keep at it then you’ll never have a boyfriend.” He said, half-joking. “And anyway it’s not as if you’re getting married. You don’t have to take it seriously.”

“Maybe so. But I don’t really think it matters. If he’s meant for me then it would be great. If it’s not then I’ll just wait.”

“Hmm—why don’t I help you make things faster?” he said.

“Huh? What do you mean?” I asked.

“Why don’t I become your boyfriend? Of course we’re faking it. But this way, he’ll definitely make a clearer move that will make you realize whether or not he’s worthy.” He proposed.

“Eh? But I don’t think they’ll believe it.” Luke is just like an older brother.

“We’re not directly related, right? Technically we can get married if we want to.” He said, nonchalantly.

“Eh?!!!” I blushed, bright red. “But you’re just like my older brother, remember? Didn’t I tell you that earlier on? And you agreed! Luke Ryan! Explain yourself.”

“Hey! Hey! Well, technically that can happen if both parties agree of course. Right now, I’m saying that if we become lovers in front of him then it’ll also help him figure out his own feelings. And don’t worry, you’re not my type.” He grinned. I sighed, thinking that he’s got a point.

“I still have a bad feeling about this.”

“So how about it? Starting tomorrow, I’ll become your boyfriend.”

“Alright. I get it. But if things become bothersome, then we have to stop it immediately before someone gets hurt.” I don’t want it to be complicated.

“Well, goodnight Mizzy.” He got up and put his arms around me. “This is a bonus magic, with this you’ll look like a girl in love tomorrow.” He said.

Huh? What’s he talking about?

His lips getting near mine seemed to immobilize me.

Eh?

He evaded my lips and kissed my cheek instead.

“Good night, Mizuki.” He said.

I went back to my room, heart thumping. What was that about? It’s the first time, calling me Mizuki, I feel awkward.

I was wondering about it until I gave up thinking anymore of it. I fell asleep.

“Breakfast’s ready!” Aunt Jenny announced.

I came down already dressed up with Ran and Kana.

“Good morning.” I said to them, glancing at Takeshima.

“Morning.” He said.

“Here Mizzy. Sit beside me.” Luke said, enthusiastic. Gak! I’m already feeling guilty. Though this is quite normal, that we’re close but this time we’re doing this for such an intention.

I went and sat beside him. “Good morning., Mizuki.” He said, kissing my cheek.

I blushed. Eek! Please don’t overdo it Luke! Though it’s like a greeting, I can’t help but feel ashamed. “Uhn! Morning.” They looked dumbfounded.

“Oh yeah. Mizuki and I are now going out.” Luke said to them, slicing his ham.

I nearly choked. I looked at him. I didn’t know he was going to let others know about it.

“It’s better if they know, right?” he smiled.

“Ah—but.” My forehead creased. He kissed it.

“Don’t worry about it.” He said to me. “Grandma, we can, right?”

“Well, there’s nothing really wrong about that.” Grandma said, dumbfounded.

“You sure? Since when?” Uncle John asked.

“Ah. Last night.” I said, flustered.

“I can’t accept this. Luke! How could you? I already have someone for you.” Aunt Jenny said. That’s right, she favors Marie.

The door slammed open. “Good morning. Jenny, I’m here.” A girl’s voice said.

Aunt Jenny got up to meet the girl. “Ah! Mizzy, this is your first time meeting her, right? She’s Ava, Luke’s younger sister. Hmm—she’s older than you.”

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Luke.” The girl said, eyeing my friends. She smiled.