On the Other Side [Len x Oliver Fanfiction]

Chapter 7 - Sparkling Message of Solicitude

~Oliver's POV~

I glanced down at the paper I had given Magical Kitty Len-Len (from the video on the Internet and the anime). Suddenly, my face burst a dark red color.

"Text me. XXX-XXX-XXXX –Len"

I almost crushed the paper in my hand on accident from how excited and confused I was. He wanted me to text him...?! What's going on?! This is so cliché, but I don't even care!

I quickly pulled out my phone and registered the number into a contact. I pulled up one of the many pictures of Magical Kitty Len-Len that I had on my phone and chose the most appealing one as the contact image.

What? I'm not obsessed, okay?!

I started to type a message, but slowly stopped myself. No, that would be too early. I have to make it seem like I'm not that interested, and stay casual....

Wait, I'm not some teenage girl.

Oliver: Um, is this...Len...?

Len: Typing...

I flinched slightly. "A-already...?" I mumbled softly in astonishment, staring intently at my phone screen for a reply.

Len: Yeah, who's this?

I got a bit irritated at that.

Oliver: You the one who gave me your number, yeah...?

Len: Oh, you're that kid from before, am I right?

Oliver: Glad you remembered.

Len: You seem a bit more confident over text.

Oliver: Doesn't everyone?

Len: Got me there.

I glanced around a bit as I walked to a nearby bench and sat down, typing a reply.

Len: So, a bit eager, huh?

Oliver: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Len: Sure. How about after the convention I meet you out by the check-in?

Oliver: A bit eager, huh?

Len: Haha, very funny. So then that's a 'no'?

Oliver: I never said no.

Len: Then...'yes'? ;)

Oliver: I never said yes either.

Len: Hard to get, hmm? Is that your strategy?

Oliver: So you are flirting.

Len: What else would I be?

Oliver: Inviting me for a friendly chat outside?

Len: Not even close.

Oliver: Got it. Check-in. After the convention. See you.

Len: Later.

I placed my hands over my face. Why was he flirting with me? Wait, no, why was he flirting at all? Maybe he was just bored and playing a joke...? No, but he wants to meet with me.... Agh, if only I could be as confident as I was online when I'm talking face-to-face....

Once the convention was over, which left me bored for about another three or four hours, I hurried over to the check-in, which had people filing out at any possible moment they could get. It was absolutely, unmistakably crowded.

I managed to squeeze myself out of the crowd and sat down at the bench positioned right outside of the check-in. It wasn't hard to see me, so I thought it was a good spot. It was also nice because the warm sunlight fell perfectly on the bench, warming me up.

After a while of waiting, Len finally came out.

"Hey, sorry, I had to clean up. I told the rest of them to leave without me." I glanced up at Len, who had changed out of his Magical Kitty Len-Len outfit and was now in casual clothing.

Honestly, I think he looked undeniably hot in normal clothing. I almost drooled, but I kept it in.

"O-okay...." I smiled shyly up at him, the blush on my face being somewhat hidden by my bangs.

Len laughed quietly. "You really do act different online." He reached his hand up to grab my hat, and began twirling it around his finger. "You cosplay, huh?"

I tilted my head to the side, a bit confused as to why he took my hat and what 'cosplaying' was. "W-what...?" I asked softly, reaching a hand up to grab my hat.

"Y'know, cosplay. Dressing up as a character. You're Oliver from The Idolization of Oliver, right?" Len grinned and pulled his hand up higher so that I couldn't reach the hat.

"U-uh, no.... T-these are m-my n-normal clothes...." I mumbled the words softly, still trying to reach my hat, even though I knew I wouldn't reach it.

"Hah? I'm absolutely sure those are his clothes...." Len paused for a moment, moving his arm back down to place my hat back onto my head. "Hmm. Maybe I'm imagining it...?" He shrugged. "Well, that's fine. Wanna get some food?"

I fixed my hat and hair before looking up at Len again. "U-um, sure...?"

"Good. C'mon, I know this great Italian place. You'll love it." Len patted my back lightly before walking away. I quickly followed after him, utterly perplexed.

Isn't this...a date...?

The sudden thought hit me like a brick to the face. N-no, of course not! B-but then the flirting.... No! This is just a friendly outing! Yeah, that's it! Just friends!

The thought pained my head slightly, but I ignored it and continued to follow Len before we reached the restaurant.

"Welcome!" A girl with bright green hair smiled at us as we entered. She was dressed in a server's outfit, and held a pen and notepad in her hand.

"Gumi, hey!" Len greeted the girl with extreme familiarity.

Wait, Gumi...? So she was in that video too.... But...she's...also the actor?!

I suddenly became very aware of myself, and tried to be as polite as possible.

"H-hello...." I bowed my head slightly, and Gumi laughed.

"Hi, I'm Gumi." Gumi held out her hand to me, and I nervously took it.

"O-Oliver," I replied quietly. I thought I saw Len flinch out of the corner of my eye, but I ignored it.

"How cute...." Gumi murmured to herself and smiled as she led us to a table.

We sat down, ordered our food, and waited.

"U-um...." I fidgeted around, a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

"Hmm?" Len tilted his head at me in confusion.

"W-why did you...ask me to meet you...?" I looked Len right in the eye as I asked it.

Len seemed calm as he answered, and smiled. "Isn't it obvious?" He looked away for a moment before his smile grew. "I like you."