The Stars That Night [boyxboy]

The Stars That Night {18}

                "Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Mr. Riku said, grabbing the back of Akira's shirt and yanking him to a stop. "That's a nice shirt. Don't be carrying firewood in that."

                Akira looked down at his shirt. "But-"

                "No buts. You'll get it dirty and make your mother clean it. Go change," Mr. Riku said, giving Akira a shove in the direction of his room. At Akira's expression, he sighed. "Go change, Kira. I'll get the fire started. Jack and Garrett can help me."

                Akira brightened. "Thanks. I'll go change."

                "That kid," Mr. Riku said, shaking his head and leading us out to the garage. We all gathered firewood and went around back, helping Mr. Riku set it up in the fire pit.

                "Mr. Riku, do you know if Kaito is having Silas over tonight?" I asked. I'd been hoping to invite him in person if I saw him here tonight. But, if not, I could just call or text him.

                "He is, yea. Silas and Jill are coming over to watch some movie Silas wanted them to see. Why?" Mr. Riku asked.

                Some movie, huh? "If you don't mind, when he gets here, could you please send him out back to us? My mom wants me to invite him and Ray to the cookout, and I thought it'd be better to ask him in person."

                "Silas and Ray?" Mr. Riku looked surprised. "I wasn't aware your family knew them. Sure, I'll send Silas out when he gets here. Are you boys good with the fire?"

                "Yea, thank you!" I said.

                He went back outside, Akira reappearing a minute later in a new shirt. I took out the snacks and drinks leftover from Silas's house and we sat around the fire.

                We talked and ate and drank, telling jokes and making a few plans for things we could do over the summer. It was relaxing and familiar, something that brought an easy smile to my face.

                After a while of that, Mrs. Riku came around the house with Emi trailing behind her. Akira looked over curiously as they approached.

                "I went to visit your Aunt and Uncle, and Emi looked bored so I invited her to your bonfire, Akira," Mrs. Riku said.

                "Oh, that's fine," Akira said. "Take a seat and help yourself to the food, Emi."

                Emi sat down next to me and I offered her the chips I'd been snacking on. Mrs. Riku smiled at us before heading into the house.

                "Sorry," Emi said, rolling her eyes. "She insisted I come. I didn't want to bug you guys."

                "It's fine. We're just hanging out," Akira said. "Besides, you know how my mom wants to see all of us getting along."

                "Hey, my sister and I get along just fine. It's you and Kaito who fight all the time," Emi reminded.

                "She's got a point," Jack said.

                Akira shot him a glare. "You and Garrett don't have siblings, you can't talk."

                "I have a brother," I said.

                "Your dog does not count as your brother no matter what your mom says," Akira said.

                "I'm telling my brother you said that about him," I said.