Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 59

_Chapter 59~ Won't Lose_

He was right in front of me.

Living, breathing, standing, leering?

          "Um, Aki," I finally found it in me to speak, blinking rapidly as I stared at the silhouette that hovered by my front gates. "Why... are you here?"

           The redhead pursed his lips, shifting his weight from foot to foot. He rose his head to meet my eyes. "Let's do something together, Senpai."

           "Something...?" My eyelids fluttered as I peeked down at my cell phone screen that displayed his recent text message of coming outside to see him. Little did I expect for him to be standing here like this... "But why...?"

           Clearly not liking my series of questions, Aki pushed open the gates and snapped his hand over my wrist, yanking me outside into the open.

           "Aki—"

           "I want to spend time with you."

          My voice got lodged in my throat. Surprised, I allowed Aki to drag me down the pavement with long, fast strides. I couldn't see his expression with the back of his flimsy black hoodie facing me but knowing just how puzzling of a case the guy was, I didn't question further than what it was.

           "You're dressed really light today," I noted after a while to break the silence. "Are you sure you don't need a coat?"

           Aki slowed his pace, coming to a sudden halt. My action of jogging nulled as well and I watched him, puzzled. He really was acting strangely today.

           Twisting around to face me, Aki stared at my face, as if scrutinizing me. I grew uncomfortable as a result, fiddling with the hem of my coat. "What is it?"

            "You're... feeling better aren't you?"

            My head jerked up. "Huh?"

            Aki instantly seemed to regret his choice of words. He craned his head left before he could dare lock eyes with me. "No... I was... simply asking for small talk."

            Brushing aside his oddly sweet concern, a tiny smile curved up the corners of my lips. "Were you worried about me?"

            "N-no!" Aki objected. "I don't care. I already told you I asked for small talk didn't I?"

I laughed a little at his defence, reaching up and playing with my bangs. "That... was before I remembered I still have amazing people around me. There's no reason for me stuck moping in regret when there's better things I can do. I... realize that now."

"Amazing... huh?" Baffled, I cocked my head to the side. Aki frowned, folding his arms behind his head. "You must be referring to my brother when you say that."

Heat crept onto my cheeks at the mention and I darted my gaze, awkwardly shuffling my feet. "Well, Satoru is amazing himself... but, what I was referring to includes you too, Aki."

Just as I picked up my gaze, I'd seen that the boy had gone wide-eyed, mouth dropped in shock.

"M-me?" he asked in disbelief, poking a finger towards himself for emphasis. "You think I'm amazing?"