Showered by the Stars

24. My feelings

Knock! Knock! “Mizuki, we’re here.” Ran said.

“Mmm—Okay.” I got up and went to the room’s living room.

“Did something happen?” Ran asked.

“Would you believe it if a guy actually got me to say, ‘I like you’?” I asked.

“So then why are you so gloomy? Shouldn’t things be happy if you really said that to him?” Ran asked.

“Yeah. Well—It did. For a while.” I said.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Kana asked.

“Well—We met this girl—“ I started.

“Wait. You’re not saying he was tempted immediately after that happened, right?” Kana said.

“Um—I can’t exactly explain. I just know that her name is Ai and it seems like they’re close acquaintances.”

“What exactly is their relationship?” Ran asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t dare ask. I found out that Takeshima promised Ai to make her his fiancé when they turn 18.”

“But, promises aren’t usually kept, right? Maybe it was just a promise they made when they were kids.” Kana said.

“Maybe. Yet, when she kissed him, he didn’t even bother to pull away. Even if I was there, watching the whole thing happen.”

“Do you want to cry?” Ran said.

I laughed. “This is the first time that you got me wrong Ran.” I shook my head. “I don’t feel like crying at all. Besides, he’s not my boyfriend. I just couldn’t stomach the fact that I looked like an idiot when all those things happened. It’s not a good feeling to be so oblivious to whatever’s happening around me.” I hate not knowing the most.

“Have you fallen for him?” Kana asked. Her eyes expressed sympathy.

“I guess, I started to like him already.” I said, honestly.

“So what are you going to do about it now?” Ran asked.

“Is it something you need to ask? Of course, just like in the past, I need to throw this feeling away before it slowly eats me up.” I said. “I think it’s still good in this case. Ah—It’s not like I’m rushing things. Hehe.”

“Well, whatever it is that you’ve decided, I’ll support you. It’s your life to live after all.” Ran said.

“Me too! I’ll support you. And anyway Mizuki! Even if you don’t get a boyfriend right away, you’ll still have the two of us.” Kana said.

I laughed. “I know. That’s why it’s okay now. You don’t need to worry. Oh yeah! We’ll be going back tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah.” Kana said.

“Then, we have to sleep early!” I said. “Hey! Kana! Where will you sleep tonight?”

“Here, of course. I already told Ava that I’ll be here.” Kana said.

“That’s great!”

That night, with the three of us in the same bed, I felt relieved to have them as my friends.

Morning came and we packed our bags. Everyone was busy with their own things. The trip back to grandma’s house was fun with Luke by my side. He kept on telling me strange stories that it’s so amusing.

For the last two weeks that we stayed at grandma’s house, I spent it mostly with grandma. She told me about the things I did when I was still a kid. I was surprised when I found a picture of Luke kissing me on my cheek. It was so mortifying yet cute.

We started packing our bags on the day before our departure to Japan. Grandma and Aunt Jenny were teary-eyed the whole time. I just laughed it out. I don’t like sad goodbyes.

“Say hi to Ada for me.” Uncle John said.

“Yeah. Grandmama, Aunt Jenny, Uncle John, Luke and Ava—thank you for taking care of me.” I said to them. “I’ll see you next time.”

We left the big house of the Walkers and boarded the plane for Japan.

When we sat on our seats, Takeshima sat beside me. But then Ran came and exchange seats with him.

“Awww! Ran! Why did you leave me here with Takeshima?” Ryu whined.

“Just because—Argh! Just stay there. It won’t be long ‘til we reached Japan anyway.” Ran said. Ryu still whined. I knew why she did that. It feels rather awkward sitting beside the person who made a fool out of you.

I slept the whole time. I didn’t notice that we’ve already arrived.

Our parents came to pick us up.

“Mi-chan! You’re back!!! How was mom and Johnny?” mom asked.

“They’re looking great. Oh! Uncle John said Hi.”

“Really? That’s great.” She said. Dad’s driver picked up my bags and placed it on the trunk of the car.

Even Takeshima was picked up by his dad and Ai was also with him.

I looked at the three of them. Kana tugged at my jacket.

“Is that her?” she asked.

‘Uhn. She looks really cute, right?” I chuckled. The girl in pink frilly clothes looked dazzling clinging to Takeshima.

“Bye guys! See you!” I said to them and left with my parents and the driver.

“Mi-chan. Your enrollment will be processes tomorrow. After that, you’ll be busy preparing for the prior plans we had.” Dad said, seriously.

“So, it’s already that time?”

“Yes. You’re already 16. It’s time for you to train as the young miss of the Minami household.” Dad said.

“Yes. I’ll work hard.” I said. Mom held my hand, his eyes empathizing.

Ah! Perhaps this’ll be good distraction.

I laughed quietly.