Showered by the Stars

23. Mirror

The moon glowed and the stars twinkled brightly in the night. The night breeze blew my hair as we watched the reflection of the moon on the river. We walked silently towards the restaurant nearby.

“Ah! Wait! Miss!” I turned to where the voice came from. Huh? I was wrong. It wasn’t me who was being called. It was a girl, Japanese nonetheless.

The girl stopped in her tracks and approached the woman who called her.

“Aye?” she said, almost similar to Australian accent.

“You forgot your hand bag.” The woman said, handing the hand bag.

“Eh? Thank you.” The girl said.

“You’re welcome. Come again.” The woman said, leaving.

“Aye!” the girl replied, turning away and facing us.

“Ai?” Takeshima said, sounding perplexed.

I looked at him. He was looking at the girl. The girl stared at him in wonder.

Was he imitating what she said just now?

“Eh?!!! Masato-kun?! It is you!!!” The girl said, surprised. She flung herself to him and kissed him on the lips. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,..w-wait! I lost count of the seconds they kissed. My head was spinning in confusion. What the heck is happening?! And to my surprise, Takeshima didn’t even push her away.

Finally, the girl pulled away. They were both flushed.

I couldn’t help myself from twitching. What is with this people? Would you mind explaining something? Takeshima!!!

“Ah!” It looks like Takeshima just noticed me. “Um—she’s Ai.—“ he stuttered. Uh-huh. I think I need more explanation than just that.

“Hello. Are you Japanese? My name is Ai Kajiyama. Nice to meet you.” She said.

“Ah—Hi. I’m half-Japanese, half-Australian. The name is Mizuki Minami.” I said.

“Cool! It must be nice being half. I’ve lived here in Australia since 6th grade, you see. And it’s still hard to adjust. I always get teased because of my height and the way I pronounce in English.” She said. There’s really nothing to be envious about. Being half-blood is also something I can’t be too happy about.

“Is that so?” I said.

“Anyway, Masato-kun! I’m going back to Japan! Dad’s work is already finished here. I’ll be transferring to your school when it starts.” She said, hugging him tight.

Ah! Must be great being a guy. Kekeke. I felt goose bumps as I thought of those words in my head. Have I become numb? Oh well, it’s not like I’m not used to this.

“Really? That’s great, Ai!” He said, smiling widely. He seems happy.

“Yeah! You remember our promise to each other, right?” she said.

“Ah—that?” he looked at me.

“Oi! Don’t tell me that you’ve forgotten? Didn’t we promise to each other that we’d get engaged when we turn 18?” she said, holding his chin. “Well it’s still two years from now. But—I hope you haven’t forgotten the proposal you personally made.”

Ahahaha. Is this a joke or something? It’s not funny at all. Then what am I? Just a fling? Phew. I’m glad it was slapped right on my face before I delude myself into thinking that this guy fell for me. Shoot! Give me back those kisses! Grr—I sighed.

“Ah—Masato-kun. Give me your e-mail.” She said. Takeshima gave it. “It’s late I’ve got to go, Bye. Bye Minami-san!” I nodded. She kissed him again. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10..Ugh! it made me want to puke!

She left, leaving me and Takeshima alone again.

“I want to go back to the hotel. I’m tired.” I said, feeling weak. It was too much.

He didn’t say anything while we head back to the hotel.

Ran and the others already came before us.

“Where’s Ava?” I asked Luke.

“She’s not here yet.” He said. Ugh! I need some distraction. “Ah! She’s here!”

I looked and saw Alexis with her. They were holding hands and smiling shyly. Well at least there’s something good.

“Hey! From the look of it, things turned out well?” I asked Ava, smiling.

“Uhn! We’re um—what do you think?” she said.

“Heh—that’s great. Alex, take care of her, alright?” I said to Alexis.

“Aye! And about what I told you the other day, I’m sorry about that.” He said.

“Don’t mention it. I knew something was going on between you two.” I chuckled. “Congratulations to both of you.”

“Thanks.” They said.

“Ah! Guys, I’m going up first. I’m feeling tired today.” I said to them.

“Yeah. Sure.” They said.

I turned to leave. Ran grabbed my hand. “Are you okay?” she asked. Kana looked worried.

I smiled. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

She sighed. “That’s good.” She hugged me tight and whispered, “tell me about it when we’re alone.”

“Yeah.” I said. Ah! Ran is simply amazing. She could easily know that something’s up. I’m really lucky to have friends like them.

I went upstairs, dragging my feet. Darn it! I’m so pissed off at my stupidity.