Ellie-chan (COMPLETED)

Twenty-One - Sweater

I almost gasped when I saw the price tag of the sweater I wanted to buy - 17,000 yen!  My Gosh! It was almost my family's monthly allowance from me. I returned the sweater where I got it and moved to another store. I already spent almost an hour looking for autumn wear in other shops but nothing took my fancy the way the green sweater did in Hankyu Department Store. I felt frustrated.  I decided to call it a day and go home.

I was already heading towards JR Osaka station when suddenly somebody grabbed my arm. I was startled that I nearly screamed.  When I turned around, my heart automatically skipped a beat. It was Hayato! He smiled at me sheepishly.

"I'm sorry if I took you by surprise," he said.

I frowned at him. But deep down, my heart is dancing. I didn't expect to see him there. He looks really good in denim jeans and blue Gucci sweater.  He really reminds me of Lee Min Ho.

"Hi," was all I could say to him. I was trying my best to look calm and unaffected by his presence. "Thank you again for taking care of me last week," I said.

"You're always welcome," he replied smiling. "The twins were very happy that I did it. They were  so good to me afterwards.  Thanks for that."

I nodded. I ran out of something to say to him.  Who wouldn't? I was staring at the most beautiful pair of Japanese eyes.  I felt like drowning... But I knew I have to say something. Say something, Ellie.  Don't just stare at him.  How would I start?  Should I say how good the Gucci sweater looks on his body? That would be flirting. Think of something more sensible to say.

"Uhm, I have to go now," I said. I felt like kicking myself the moment I uttered those words.  Of all the things to say to him, why those words? I don't want to leave him yet. 

"Oh. Are you in a hurry? I was thinking of asking you to have coffee with me," he replied. He scratched his head while saying it as if trying to hide his shyness. It's kinda hard to believe that somebody like him would be a bit shy talking to a girl like me.

...have coffee with me?  Gosh, is he asking me out? He's asking me out! 

"Huh? Uhm ---uhm----" I stammered.  I never expected that he would asked me out so I don't know what to say. I was at a loss for words.

He smiled at my uneasiness. I saw his eyes twinkle.  Or was I imagining it? I felt the blood rushed to my face. I looked away again. I think I was blushing. I just hope he didn't notice it.

"Shall we go?" and he touched my elbow. Automatically, I turned towards him and walked with him. There was no words...I think it was not necessary. He understood that I also want to be with him. Gosh, I feel like a school girl.

We went to the coffee shop at the basement of Umeda Hankyu station. We both ordered a cake set. While waiting for our coffee, he asked me about work.

"How are the twins in school? Are they giving you a hard time?"

"N-no. T-They have actually improved. Naoki has passed his English periodic test this time.  Just one take.  Usually, I have to give him a special test to make up for the low score in periodic test. But this time, he nailed it."

"That's good to hear. I think he's inspired. If I were in his shoes, I would be motivated to learn, too," he said while looking at me.  I couldn't stand his stare so I looked down.

What is he doing? Is he flirting with me? But he has a girlfriend, already!

"You shouldn't say that," I answered without looking at him.

"What's wrong with what I said? I was just trying to compliment you.  It's really nice to have a beautiful teacher.  It gives students more encouragement to study."

"That. You shouldn't say that. You already have a girlfriend so stop flirting with me," I said frankly.

"What?" he asked. And he laughed. I looked up and saw mischief in his eyes. Is he laughing at me?  "I wasn't flirting. I was just trying to compliment you. Complimenting someone and flirting are two different things.  Plus, I have a girlfriend. Why would I flrt with my brothers' teacher?"

I felt like I was slapped. Yeah. He has a gorgeous girlfriend. Why would he flirt with a girl like me?  Oh floor, please swallow me now. I was so embarrassed.

"G-Good. I-It's g-good to know that," was all I could say.

I was so relieved when our coffee and cakes came because I had a reason not to say anything. I pretended to be busy with putting milk and sugar in my coffee.  When I looked up, I caught him staring at me. I expected him to look away but he held my gaze. It rattled my nerves that my hand shook when I lifted my cup of coffee.  I almost spilt it on the table. He smiled at my clumsiness. He caught my trembling hand and squeeze it.  Then he whispered, "Relax."  I blushed.

I was never so relieved when we were done with our coffee and cake.  I can't wait to go.  I was already making a fool of myself. I think, he already knew by now that his presence has a huge impact on me. Shit, I am giving myself away!

"T-thank you for the coffee. I really a-appreciate your k-kindness."

"I was not trying to be kind. I like your company that's why I asked you out," was his frank reply. It made my heart dance again but I reminded myself. He has a girfriend. Stop acting like a fool.

I just nodded. I don't know what to say. When I was about to leave, he handed me the paper bag he was carrying with him all along.  I looked at him with a confused expression.

"My Christmas gift," he said smiling.

"What? Christmas is in three months."

"I know. I'm giving it to you in advance," and he took my hand and hang the paper bag handle on it.  "I want to drive you home but I am meeting a business partner in a few minutes.  Take care, ne."  Then, he left.

When I opened the paper bag, there it is. The sweater that I loved so much!  The price tag was still there but he wrote a note on it.  "A special sweater for a special girl. -H"

A/N:  Pasensya na sa late update Please vote and comment. Pagpasensyahan na rin mga grammatical errors ko. Tamad pa akong mag-edit.