Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 15

_Chapter 15~ Fundraisers_

"Thank you for listening!"

Daichi bobbed his head to symbolize the end of our presentation while I stood beside him firm like a statue. The piercing stares of all my classmates made me all the more nervous. A few claps erupted here and there and that was my cue to rigidly move towards my desk. Once I made it, I let out a deep sigh, burying my head into my arms.

"This was horrible," I murmured, not even wanting to reminisce this fail of a presentation that had occurred. As we were being marked individually despite having partners, Daichi's great performance wasn't going to benefit me at all.

"You were kinda stiff," Daichi said, falling into the seat next to me.

"That's because they were all staring at me," I excused. "How could you talk so smoothly?"

"It was easy," he replied. "Oh, here. Ms. Osaka handed us our marks."

I raised my head to see him extending a sheet. Post receiving it, I frowned at the sight of the seventy scribbled onto it. I swiftly threw it into my bag. Well, at least I passed.

The sounds of the next presentation filled the air and I once again directed my focus to the front of the room where most of the class was huddled.

"Kikuchi."

"What?"

There was a pause. "Are you mad at me?"

"Mad at you?" I craned my neck his way. "Why?"

"You're not?" My confusion allowed Daichi's guilt contorted expression to fade. "I went on a huge spiel about how I'd have your back. Then, first chance I get to prove that, I let you get carried away by a delinquent."

The memory trickled to mind. I balled my fists, rounding to face him. "Oh, yeah. What the heck was with that?"

"I'm sorry!" He bowed his head. "I swear it won't happen again! I just saw this familiar face and—"

"Your cowardice proves that we can't be continue whatever this is supposed to be anymore," I cut him off.

"No, wait, Kikuchi! Don't be like that!"

"You should've thought twice before leaving me for dead."

"I said I'm sorry! C'mon, let me make it up to you. Please?"

I huffed, guilt swelling in one huge splurge. I spared him a warning glance. "You're lucky I wasn't actually in trouble. If it was any other delinquent I'd have killed you for sure."

Daichi clasped his hands together. "Never again."

"Promise?"

"On my life," he insisted. Then, he met my eyes. "How about if we go out for ice cream tomorrow to prove that? My treat."

At that, I caved. Ice cream sounded great. There was no way I could pass it up.

"Fine," I relented.

Daichi fist-pumped and cheered. "Yes!"

Shaking my head, I returned my attention to my desk. I'd probably never get used to this. Conversing naturally with someone my age—a boy at that—was already quite the feat. But he even went as far as to try to keep this stupid agreement to have an excuse to associate with me.

Daichi Sugiyama was truly a puzzle.

"Anyways, Kikuchi," he said, this time in a whisper.

He gestured with his hand to come close and reluctantly I did as told. Up close, I admired the green of his irises and the unique silver lining around his pupils. It was so mesmerizing. Compared to his eyes, mine were a dark brown you could mistake as black.