It Isn't So Bad

Chapter Four

Ding, dong.

My focus on the assignment shifted as I heard the bell ring throughout my large, my lonely house. Walking down the steps, my mind wandered to who it could've been. My question was quickly answered as I was greeted at the door with Mikana who was holding a basket.

"And what do you think you're doing here?"

"Oh! Was I interrupting something? Sorry, I could come back," she stuttered.

"It's fine but what are you doing with that basket?"

"Well, the other day, you kind of saved me from that car and you got me a new basketball along with a pair of shoes! I didn't know how to repay you so I decided to try baking a few treats and bring them over to you," Mikana's cheeks faded to a rose colour as she handed me the basket.

"There's no need," I started off only to see her eyes waver for a second as she hid her hands behind her back, "but thank you," I told her as sincerely as I could. I stared down at her as her bright, golden eyes, which lit up like a christmas tree, met mine again.

"That's a relief you took them, I wouldn't know what to do if you hadn't."

I stared down at the basket and opened it just a bit to peak inside. A ray of colourful pastries coated my vision as I motioned her to come in. Just as she began to take off her new shoes, she winced and that's when I saw it. There were several cuts on her fingers as she hissed but tried to ignore the pain once she found me looking at them. I quickly set down the basket on a nearby counter and for some reason, rushed to her. It was like impulse. I made her sit down where she was as I observed her fingers. There were multiple cuts, small, but noticeable, on each one.

"What happened?" I furrowed my brows.

"I was just clumsy, that's all," she attempted to give me a wide, reassuring smile only to wince as soon as I began inspecting her fingers again. I ignored her lie and picked her up bridal style, making sure not to make contact with her fingers, to carry her into the restroom.

"What are you doing.." she trailed off before gasping at the spacious room.

"You should bandage them before they get infected," I mumbled while carefully wrapping her fingers, trying to avoid inflicting as much pain as I could. I heard her mumble something but ignored it as I continued to neatly bandage her index finger.

"Thank you," she murmured. I responded with a hum and wrapped the last of the injured. Carrying her off of the high counter, she stood onto her feet, smiled brightly at me, and dragged me out of the room. I let her drag me, laughing silently as she stood in the middle of the hallway trying to figure out which turn to take.

Turning around to look at me, Mikana grumbled in defeat, "Lead us to your kitchen." I laughed as she pouted. Finally arriving at her initiated destination, I told her to sit down as I picked up the basket she carried over and set it on the counter.

"Let's eat," I gave her a small smile as I opened the basket.

"Not yet!" she yelled, wincing as she put pressure onto her fingers, closing the basket before I could open it. "Before you judge me, just know, I tried and I'm sorry about the outcome." I eyed her questionably before removing her fingers gently from the lid and looked at the treats inside. It didn't look too bad. I carefully picked one up as Mikana watched, holding her breath. Gently placing the treat into my mouth, I realized why she's so panicked about her product. It looks great, but don't let it fool you, the taste doesn't live up to its presentation. The biscuit began to crumble and dry my mouth as I tasted a hint of tabasco?

"It's horrible, I know, you don't have to eat it," Mikana looked away biting her bottom lip. Sitting next to her, it was easy to pat her head as I threw another attempted treat into my mouth, ignoring the fact that cookie was too chewy and tasted like raw onion. One by one, I devoured them all and ended up with an empty basket along with a shocked Mikana. I smiled at her and thanked her for her generosity.

A tear fell. Then another. I didn't know why they were falling, why they were falling out of her eyes or how she still looked so pretty in such state. I didn't hesitate to wipe her tears away.

"You shouldn't cry, it doesn't suit you," I tried to calm her. I've never been in this situation before. An unfamiliar panic started to strike me. I've always been composed, why don't I know what to do in this situation? I let my instincts guide me as my arms wrapped around her. I've heard guys talking about instances where a girl randomly just starts tearing up. I couldn't find a reason for that occurrence so I let the moment just happen.