Black and White (Rin Matsuoka x fem!OC)

25.

When we got inside, it looked like a freaking jail. The cells were dark and the air became humid. I felt the color leaving my face and I stopped abruptly pulling Haru towards me.
-Where are we?- I said in a whisper.
-Uh? You wanted to get drinks, remember?
But not here.
-Have you been here before?- I asked.
-No. Come on- he said freeing himself from my grip.
-Haru...
-Just come on- he said without giving me a second glance. I didn't want to stay with the creepy guards so I just followed him quickly, watching my back every few seconds. We were walking down a very stretch hallway, the lights flickered and there were unexplainable noises. Maybe it was like a clandestine bar, but it didn't make sense because it was next to a mall...

I kept walking looking at my surroundings until Haru stopped and I collapsed on his back.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah, sorry.
-Come on, apparently the tables are up here- he said walking up the stairs.
I quickly followed him. And I started to listen soft 90s music. When we went up to the next floor, warm light welcomed us with cheerful waitresses dressed in striped outfits. One of them guided us to a small table and I let out a heavy sight. I felt my heart beating normally again. It was a freaking themed bar.
-For someone who likes horror movies, you do get scared quickly- Haru said while looking at the cocktail menu.
-Shut up- I said feeling embarrassed. I grabbed the menu that was left in front of me.
-Please, don't get a beer.
-Beers are good.
-And make you fat.
-You say it as if the cocktail that you're about to order doesn't have any calories.
-But it's tastier.
-When you wanna get drunk it doesn't matter.
-But we're not here for that.
-Then why did you agree to come?- I asked.
-You threatened me.
-As if you're scared of Rin.
-Fine... I just wanted to get out of the house.
-Finally you admit it- I said smirking.
I remembered what Makoto told me earlier.
-Have you been at home all day?- I asked.
He nodded shortly without making eye contact.
-Why's that? Oh. You were in the bathtub, weren't you?
He nodded again.
-So, you didn't see Makoto today?
-No.
-That's a first.
He sighed and pushed the button to call the waitress. He seemed eager to drink.

After ordering, Haru stayed silent. I rolled my eyes and tried to get him to talk.
-So, what have you been up to while I was gone?- I asked.
That was a fair question, right?
-Not much.
His eyes were wandering around the place.
-So? That's it? Come on, try harder.
-I'm not gonna tell you Noah.
-Fine, but at least make small talk. Otherwise we should leave, it's not like I'm not tired from travelling all day.
-As if you didn't enjoy being with Rin.
-I'm not saying that, but it's tiring.
-Rin has always been tiring, when we were little he would always smile for anything. That was annoying and tiring to watch everyday.
-I didn't mean... ugh, nevermind. And Rin is not annoying or tiring.
-Whatever. How was living with Rin for a week?
-It was fine- I said controlling my blush.
-Just fine?
-You don't want to tell me anything about whatever happened, why should I?
-One of us have to talk about something. Don't you know how to make conversation?
I swear I'm gonna kill this guy.
-You go first, then- I said staring at him.
-Noah.
-Say anything, don't you know how to start a conversation?- I said mocking him.
He rolled his eyes.
-Why were you scared when we got here?- he asked.
-It had a weird vibe, I felt trapped.
-The hallway was stretch, maybe you have a bit of claustrophobia.
-Maybe I do.
-Or was it the darkness? Or someone chasing you down?
-Everything you're saying sounds awful.
-Then, what are your fears?
-I have lots.
-What are the biggest ones?
-Why do you wanna know?
-I'm trying to make conversation here.
I rolled my eyes.
-Being alone.That's my biggest fear.
-Very cliché.
-Seriously?
-You have to admit it's very cliche.
-Shut up Haru- I said rubbing my temples.
-I'm afraid of not fitting in- he said after a couple of minutes of silence.
-Uh?
-Stupid right?
-It's not stupid. Everyone's low key afraid of that.
-I'm not everyone.
-I know that.
-Then don't compare me.
-Don't start.
He rolled his eyes for the eleventh time.

The waitress came with our drinks. Very colorful for my liking. I should have asked for a beer instead, but of course I didn't.
-So how's school?- I asked while sipping my red drink.
-Really?
-Yeah.
-Noah, you were gone during the break, it's not like I was the exception and went to university in those days.
-Then, tell me something about your major. You've never showed me any of your paintings.
-They're not paintings, just drawings.
-Well, but it's art, isn't it?
-I don't know. They're not good.
-Says who?
-Me.
-You're too hard on yourself.
-I'm not. Listen, let's just change the topic, okay?
-Fine, let's talk about Mako.
He focused his gaze on the almost empty glass and didn't respond.
-That bad? You should have called me.
-You were with Rin.
-So? I have a phone.
-I wanted to give you space, I mean you deserved a week away from me.
-You talk as if you're a burden or something.
-Maybe I'm not, but I'm not easy to deal with.
-You're still my friend. I'll always be there for you, even if you take the dolphin away from me, but as long as I have the shark, I'll be fine- I said winking.
He smiled shyly and let a single tear roll down his right cheek.
-Ha-Haru...- my heart sank.
-Don't worry- he said wiping it away.
-What happened Haru?- I whispered.
-I'm an idiot. That's what happened.
-That's no news to me, but explain yourself.
-I don't think I can- he said before ordering another drink which came rather quickly.
-I'll wait till you're ready then, let's just drink and forget tonight- I said before gulping down what was left of that colorful liquid I had in front of me.

And that was the worst idea I've ever had.

*****