JPOP Housemaid

Chapter 4 - Bromance?

"This is almost all of us, though Li isn't here," said Makoto warmly as we sat around the tea-table. He's really making an effort to make me feel welcome...

"I am eighteen. I play the keyboard and do the management," stated Isei matter-of-factly.

"I'm eighteen too and I sing," Makoto said with a grin. "I can do a show for you some time?" he winked and I blushed, annoyed.

"I am eighteen years old, I harmonise, choreograph and play the guitar!" announced Takeo - the cake having made him happy again.

"I'm nineteen, I play the bass guitar, and Li is nineteen too and plays the drums," yawned Yaito.

"That's... um... really cool," I said with wide eyes. "I-I'm eighteen too." I was so taken aback by how organised they actually seemed. Maybe it's all a facade, I thought with an inwards laugh. Imagining them attempting to practice made me smile.

"Oh, Kimi-chan, did you like my cake?" giggled Takeo who had stood up. Looking down at my empty plate I almost asked for seconds.

"It was beyond delicious," I replied. "You're a really good cook." Takeo's expression lit up further.

"Thanks!" he exclaimed, grabbing my plate and skipping back to the kitchen to wash up.

"Li is due back soon. He was on a date today with his girlfriend." I looked over at Isei as he spoke. He literally didn't seem to care about anything. What a lovely guy.

"When he's back you two can be introduced. I've always wanted to introduce two people with that cool thing which makes-."

"Makoto," sighed Isei.

"What?" he asked indignantly.

"I'm sure that they don't need help being introduced."

"But I want to do that thing," protested Makoto childishly, glaring at Isei.

"What thing?" I asked politely.

"The thing where you say 'Kimi meet Li, Li meet Kimi.' I've always wanted to."

I laughed quietly at his innocent desire. "Sure you can," I told him, causing Isei to roll his eyes. Makoto grinned.

"Good," he said with a nod of his head. The light bounced off his black hair and my eyes were captivated by a few seconds as to how familiar he looked.

Yaito flicked his hair and glanced at me before looking over at Isei. "He's due back in ten minutes right?"

"Yes. However, there may be traffic, there's no telling. Or the date might go extremely well and they might stay somewhere the night." Yaito scratched his neck, looking at the table.

"Yeah, alright. Cool." He looked over at me again, this time shamelessly. Makoto shuffled closer to me protectively as we were on one sofa together. I blushed and looked down at my hands in my lap.

"I-I think I'm going to go clean up quickly," I said before standing quickly up and hurrying away with burning cheeks. Why do I feel so awkward around Yaito? Why do I feel so awkward around Makoto? What's wrong with me?

I took the stairs two at a time and jogged to my room. It was the same as I had left it; thankfully. I didn't even have anything to do, but I decided to brush my teeth. I hate the feel of unclean teeth.

Taking my toiletries bag to the toilet, I removed my toothpaste and toothbrush and began to brush my teeth. Looking at my reflection whilst I did so, I realised how run down I looked. And after not even a day here, too. I tried smiling but toothpaste ran out of my mouth. I spat and washed my mouth.