Stormy Summer

A Pleasant Encounter

As we went inside the store, I didn't anticipate seeing familiar faces among the other customers. So it did come as a surprise when someone ran into me, hugging me and nearly causing me to fall forward into the magazines in front of me.

I yelped in surprise as I reached for Rose who was standing next to me, reading a magazine.

Rose squeaked in surprise when I nearly pulled her down with me, in the corner of my eye, I could see Charlie backing away slowly.

I was about to turn around to see who it was when I heard a familiar voice scold "Lev! Leave her alone!" When I strained to look in the direction the voice came from, I was indeed met with the familiar face of Yaku, "But Yaku! We haven't seen each other in so long!" Lev, who didn't show any sign of letting go, whined.

'If those two are here... does that mean?'

I couldn't even finish that train of thought when suddenly Lev was pulled off me nearly making me lose my balance again, had it not been for Bokuto, who suddenly appeared next to me, "What the hell do you think you're doing! Assaulting my precious little cousin!" I turned and saw Kuro holding down Lev, "I'm older than you, Kuro-chan..." I remind him, almost inaudible, as I was looking down at Lev, who was now on the floor. My eyes followed the foot that was pressed down on the center of Lev's back.

My eyes met with Kuro's, which had a teasing glint in them, "But you're so tiny!" he cooed as he mockingly leaned down to my eye-level and started patting my head. I scoffed and pushed his hand away from my head, "I'm not tiny..." I muttered as I felt the sudden urge to leave to go find Rose and the others, who, at some point abandoned me with this way too loud group of over-grown guys.

I didn't see an opening to leave, though. And I didn't have a proper reason either.

Kuro laughed but stopped once he could feel the nasty look of the cashier-guy. He stepped off Lev and let him get up again.

"What are you doing here anyway?" I asked. If I couldn't leave, I might as well have a conversation with them. Though I did feel slightly uncomfortable as I was surrounded by taller-than-average guys. Especially as Lev seemingly towered over me.

Kuro held his hand over where I assumed his heart would be in feigned hurt, "What? Don't you want to see me too, Nacchan?" he didn't even give me the chance to answer him as he continued, "You're hurting my feelings, you know?" I looked up at him and sighed overly dramatic, "Kuro-chan... I-" before I could even finish he placed his arm over my shoulder and dragged me away from the group, in which Bokuto stood, slightly dumbfounded at first, then his expression was taken over by something else. Something I couldn't quite place.

I wasn't given the chance to contemplate his expression, though, "That's what I thought! Now, it's time for a much-needed talk, Nacchan!" Kuro chirped. We were well out of earshot before he continued talking, his voice now lowered, "Hana-chan told me something interesting," Kuro chirped in his teasing voice and I could feel the blood drain from my face, "What do you mean?" I asked, pretending like I had no idea what Rose might've said while he was nearby to hear. I doubt she would openly say anything to Kuro.

"About your little secret," the teasing glint in his eyes only grew as he leaned in closer so he could lower his voice even more, "I have to admit though, I did have a feeling that there was something... Y'know?" I didn't answer him. If he wasn't talking about what I think he is, then it would only be even more embarrassing for me. So instead I just looked at him in a mix of anxiousness and embarrassment and waited for him to elaborate.

"Now, Nacchan! Don't look at me like that... Aren't you at all curious what it is that I know about?" His grin almost turned something close to sinister, though I guess other girls would swoon over this kind of grin, "Kuro-chan... What did you hear?" my voice was so quiet, that had he not been so close, he probably wouldn't have heard. He seemed to consider my expression for a few seconds before he sighed, "Relax, Nacchan. I'm not going to tease you about it. I just want you to know that if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you, alright?" he sounded sincere, for once. I didn't immediately know what to say so I just nodded at first.

He smiled and ruffled through my hair as he stood up properly again, "You know? If he hurts you, you have to tell me, alright?" he looked at me as though he was expecting me to openly accept his exclamation. When I didn't answer he continued, his expression darkening strongly, "Or did he already?" I wanted to look away but something in me told me that if I were to look away now, it would only make matters worse than they already are.

It's most likely best to keep pretending like I don't know what he is talking about, "I... Don't know what you're talking about, Kuro-chan," I fought hard to not deflect my eyes away from his gaze. If I were to look away now, he would immediately see this as a sign of defeat. He'd know...

He'd think he's right. And I can't have that happening.

Kuro sighed, "You know? I actually didn't plan on voicing it..." he paused for a bit, actually giving me the chance to admit it myself, but I silently refused to say anything. There's still a chance that I misunderstood.

"Natsu..." I gulped as he called me by my actual name, "I know about your confession. Hana-chan was talking about it with two other girls in the back," he paused again. I didn't say anything. I just kept looking at him. The fear deep within me rising to its limit.

"But they didn't say anything about an answer..." he kept pushing, probably expecting me to clear the situation up. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and averted my eyes. When I didn't say anything he sighed, "I know he didn't reject you, so what happened?" he actually sounded concerned.

I had to swallow again. I didn't like where this was going.