Blades of Despair

-Chapter Thirty-Eight-

Boys in Candlelight

I didn't know why I was nervous. That morning, Nishi had very vaguely asked me to come to the music hall in the evening. I was on my way to him now, but I hadn't seen him all day, and when I had asked the others where he was, they had either told me they didn't know or gave me more vague answers. I had looked all over for him, but I couldn't find him anywhere. Only a few hours of the day had passed, and I was already missing the Ultimate Tattoo Artist.

"I wonder why he wants to meet me in the music hall," I wondered aloud, my feet making small thuds as they patted against the carpeted hallway of the second floor. As far as I was aware, Nishi couldn't play any instruments, nor had I seen him dance (I didn't count swaying side to side as dancing). The only other thought that had occurred to me was that he was going to request a private show from me and my talent. I blushed. No, he wouldn't ask me that. Besides, I don't do those performances. Not anymore.

I approached the entrance slowly and checked the time on my Seiko-pad. Right on time! I turned the corner and prepared myself for the worst, but was greeted with something completely different.

"Mimi! You came!" In the centre of the floor stood a lone table, draped in a velvety, magenta tablecloth. On opposite ends of the table were two chairs, and atop the table was a small, round candle, whose tiny amber danced timidly. Several platters of food had been positioned carefully around the table, as had a plate for the two chairs, complete with silver cutlery. I could see meats, cheeses, a salad and some other, smaller plates of bread rolls, cupcakes and sauces. Simply looking at the feast caused my stomach to grumble, and my mouth dried a little at the thought of eating it all.

"Nishi? What's all this?" I asked as I walked over to him, but then my breath caught as I looked properly at him. Standing sheepishly besides the table was Nishi, but he was dressed in the same suit that he had worn for the concert. His hair, which he normally let fall in a mess, was now neatly brushed, slicked back and tied up in a bun at the back of his head. With his hair tied up, the tattoos on his neck, which I had previously never been able to look at, were now visible. The top button of his dress shirt was undone, and an untied bow was wrapped unceremoniously underneath the collar. He looks really handsome.

"Wow," was all I was able to whisper. I felt my eyes widen as I realised I was just staring at him, and I looked away in embarrassment. Nishi seemed to not notice and started talking.

"I thought it would be nice to spend some time together," he said shyly, "so I asked Iowa for some help to set up a meal, just for you and me." He gestured towards the food and bottle of-

"Is that wine?" I exclaimed. Nishi laughed.

"No, Iowa wouldn't let me touch the wine - she said it was for cooking only, so she gave me an empty bottle and filled it with water." I nodded, relieved. I had drank alcohol before, but I didn't like the taste at all.

"So, you prepared all this? For me?" I squeaked, my cheeks hot underneath my mask.

"Of course! I did have a little help from Iowa, as Saza and I don't know the first thing about cooking," Nishi admitted, "but I prepared everything else, and asked the others to keep you distracted."

"That would explain why I couldn't find you all afternoon..."

"You were looking for me?" Nishi asked, blushing.

"O-of course! We always spend the days together," I giggled slightly at Nishi's reaction. Even when he's nervous, he's handsome, I thought. Nishi then signalled for me to take the seat next to him by pulling it from underneath the table. Smiling widely underneath my mask, I bounced over and happily sat in the chair, my feet barely reaching the floor. Nishi then moved around the table and sat in his own chair and poured us both a glass of water, smiling at me the entire time.