Ellie-chan (COMPLETED)

Thirteen - Goukon (Group Date)

Though tired from a day's work, I still went with my co-workers, Hiromi-sensei, Maeda-sensei, and Sanae-sensei to a goukon. This is actually my first time to go on a group blind date. So I feel uncomfortable. We have no idea who the guys are except that they are all friends of a friend of Sanae-san.

We went to the restobar where we're supposed to meet them. We were a little behind schedule. And we know it. We could be on time but we didn't want them to get the impression that we are all too eager to meet them. Playing a little uninterested is the game.

Of us all, Hiromi-sensei is the most excited. Her omiai thing didn't work out so she's pinning her hopes on this group date. Though I am also hoping I could meet someone interesting, I am not as hopeful as her. I'm 29, never been kissed, never been touched but I feel I still have some time before my clock finally stops. But for Hiromi-sensei it's a different story.

All of the guys were already there when we came. They are in their suits and they all look like young executives. I think my friends are as glad as I am that we also made an effort to look our best. Stopping by a boutique and changing into something fancy was all worth it afterall.

Sanae-sensei greeted her friend. The friend looks okay. However, he lacks some confidence. I'm pretty sure, I wouldn't fall for him. I looked at the other three. For a split second, I already knew none of them can make me swoon nor make me feel a little bit excited. Oh, don't get me wrong. They're all pleasant to look at. In fact, you can call them good-looking. But the sparks? It's just not there.

We sat opposite each other. All the guys sat next to each other and all of us, girls were also together. That way we can whisper to one another how we think about them and vice-versa. In other cultures, the whispering might look rude but here it's just part of the game.

As I was introducing myself, I noticed that one of them was looking at me intently, with plain interest in his eyes. I felt a bit uncomfortable but it didn't make my heart skip a beat. Something's lacking. There's no chemistry at all...

After the jikoushoukai (self-introduction), I already feel like going home. I cannot keep my mind from wandering...I shook Hayato's image from my head. But it keeps on coming back until I was daydreaming about him again. I think I took it too far this time because I felt Hiromi-sensei nudging me...Then, she whispered, "Ishida-san is asking you about something." I looked startled. When I looked at the guy, I knew that he knew my mind was not with them. I was never embarassed in my life, especially when I saw the hurt in his eyes. Oh, he was that interested in me to feel bad that I don't share the feeling?

When at last Sanae-sensei asked us to freshen up in the ladies' room, I was so relieved. There, I let out my boredom. I felt relieved that Sanae-sensei shared my feelings. But Hiromi-sensei and Maeda-sensei seemed to be so excited about Ishida-san. And they were both relieved to know that I am not in any way interested with the guy. Was Ishida-san really that attractive? I have to pay more attention later because I may be ignoring my destiny.

We have just sat down in front of our dates when I noticed a familiar figure in the bar. Oh my God! Hayato is here! I feel like running to the door. All he need is one look at us and he would know that we're having a goukon. And I have told him I already have a boyfriend. Oh, dear God, please don't make him turn his back...

It seemed like I was heard this time. I have never felt so relieved when Ishida-san asked us to go to a karaoke. He said it would be fun. Although I hate karaokes, I was the first to say yes. And I stood up and gathered my things. My friends looked at me strangely but they soon did the same. As we were about to go out, I heard my phone rang. The number did not show up but I answered it anyway.

"I thought you have a boyfriend?" a familiar voice asked.

Damn it! Hayato saw us.