Reality As She Knows It

Chapter 11: The Calm Before The Storm

It would really help me if you could stop and comment in this chapter.

And I'm still on the look-out for talented artists who could do the story cover for me.

If you're curious about what Ayako looked like the first time she and Eiji met, that's her on the right.

Many thanks for those who have been supporting me until now.

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           “It's so boring,” Dong Min whined.

          “Well then why don't you get lost? We didn't exactly invite you to spend the last day of summer vacation on our house. ” Ayako said pointedly.

          She yawned and stretched slightly then lied back down on the couch. Her hands were behind her head, her feet dangling on the armrest.

          “But it's even more boring in our house! And if I go back there, my parents would just nag at me.”

          “That's not my problem.” Ayako shrugged.

          “You're so mean Ayako!” Suddenly, Dong Min's eyes sparkled. “Wait a minute, I get it! You want me to leave so that you and Eiji will be alone, right?” Dong Min wiggled his eyebrows at her.

          “What?!” Ayako sat up. “Of course not! You're talking nonsense!”

          “Alright, alright. I get it. You want to get lovey-dovey with your prince charming. My presence is not needed here.”

          Ayako raised a pillow. “Do you want to know the real essence of throw pillows?” she threatened.

          Dong Min laughed and waved good bye to her.

          “Hmp!” Ayako plopped back down.

          Dong Min passed Eiji on his way out. “Finally here, hotshot? Well your fiancée’s getting antsy but I think a few tender loving care will take care of that.” He patted his shoulder like an old, wise man then walked away.

          Eiji gave Dong Min a puzzled glance, shook his head then went on ahead inside the house. “Hey, is it just me or Dong Min's really weird today?”

          “When has he ever not been weird?” Ayako said, raising an eyebrow.

          “Good point.” Eiji sat down beside her. “Hey I brought you something.”

          “What is it?” Ayako asked in a bored voice.

          “Here.”

          Ayako sat up when Eiji handed her a bouquet of Stargazer flowers. She wasn't paying attention earlier so she didn't notice him carrying them.

          “Wow! These are wonderful! But it's not stargazer season. How did you get these?” Ayako took a whiff of the lovely flowers. “Ah so fragrant!”

          Eiji grinned. “Glad you like it. And to answer your question, let's just say I have my ways.”

          “You always say that.” Ayako rolled her eyes. “Hey um, thanks for these but why are you giving me flowers? It's not my birthday,” she said, remembering the first time he gave her a stargazer.

          By the look in Eiji's eyes, it seems like he remembered as well. He went closer and touched the stargazers lightly. “I don't need a reason to give beautiful flowers for a very beautiful lady.” He looked at her eyes.