Chapter 106- I like him

During the whole time, I was somehow bothered about the fact that Rika didn't make a move nor did she even care about my presence. Well, it was comforting to have no one antagonizing you but knowing how much she hates me, this silence was rather nerve-wracking.

Regardless, I didn't keep my whole focus on her, and during lunch hour went to the cafeteria with Akisu. I didn't bring lunch since Mom slept until late today. Breakfast was also nothing but cereal.

"You are participating in the Sports day right?" Hearing Akisu's question, I shook my head. Truth be told, after I lost that spark of taking revenge on Naoko, I didn't feel like playing soccer anymore.

"But the coach won't let you go. You seem to have become popular these days because of your soccer performance, so you must be a good player."

"If you are interested, you can come and see me play~" I suggested to which Akisu immediately replied, "No thanks."

I was slightly taken aback by his quick response before he clarified, "I have to start studying for the half-yearly exams and sleep early."

I hummed in response while barely holding a smile.

We were heading towards the cafeteria when suddenly someone called out, "Hey, Minoru!"

We both turned to look at the person at the same time and my expression definitely adopted a scowl.

"What do you need now?" I might be a little too hostile since Akisu glanced at me in surprise.

"I-I...are you two going to the cafe? Can I come with you?"

"N-"

"Yeah, sure." I was about to decline when suddenly, for some odd reason, Akisu agreed.

I glanced at him when he suddenly whispered, "Didn't you want to ask him something?"

My brows raised at that. Indeed there was something I wanted to find out but it was quite a surprise that Akisu read me so easily.

I looked back at the eager boy who was alternatively looking between me and Akisu.

I shrugged my shoulder and turned on my heels—intending to let him do whatever he wanted.

As I expected from this changed Naoko didn't mind the fact that I was reluctant earlier and traveled with us to the eatery.

"Are you going to the soccer club today?" We sat down after buying whatever we wanted to eat.

I had a hot and spicy ramen. Naoko picked rice balls and Akisu was having a salad....hmm~

"No, I won't be going," I replied which urged Akisu to ask,

"Why tho? Any specific reason?"

After slurping some noodles I replied, "Going on a date."

"Eh?"

"Huh?" It was not a surprise that Akisu was shocked. But Naoko, why did you just crush that rice ball?

"With whom?" Akisu, with a grin, asked.

Naturally, I didn't tell them and just continued to eat. After all, not many people appreciate having a relationship between siblings. Even if they are not blood relatives.

I could feel Naoko's gaze on me which irked me a little. I didn't look up to gaze back at him and continued to focus on the ramen.

However, not reading his thoughts at that moment was a mistake.

"Minoru-senpai?" Hearing the familiar voice I turned to look at the girl and so did the others.

Whose mother came to meet me last night stood there. With her short green hair braided in a short ponytail and looking as adorable as ever, her eyes stared at the noodles I was eating.

"That's not healthy, Senpai." Hearing Minami's words, I chuckled,

"I am not regular here....as much as you are."

When I said that, with a strange 'eek' sound, she hid the salted bun behind her back like I never saw that.

"Minami? Do you k-Naoko-senpai?!" One of the three girls who walked to stand behind Minami exclaimed to see the said guy sitting in front of me.

Naoko just nodded at them and continued to eat the rice ball.

Look at him. Being cool and all.

"By the way, Minoru-senpai...are you busy after school?" Minami doesn't seem to be much focused on Naoko since she didn't even glance at him and retained her focus on me.

What is this with the girl? I will fall for you, ya know.

Unfortunately, I have to decline her as well, "I have some plans today."

"He is going on a date, actually," Akisu added which made Minami blink in surprise, and for some reason, the bun in her hand began to get squeezed.

What's with them? Why are they crushing their food so casually?

"Oh....okay." Minami didn't say anything further and despite their friend's enthusiasm to share the table with Naoko, she walked away.

Damn...why did I sense jealousy? But it's not possible for Minami to develop feelings for me just after meeting twice, right?

Right...?

"Congrats, you just broke a maiden's heart." Akisu scoffed.

"And who do you think is at fault?"

"Wha....I just told her the truth." Akisu played it innocent and I decided to not pursue the matter anymore.

Naoko had been silent since earlier and the next time he voiced his thoughts, I felt blessed that he had been silent until now,

"So...who is your girlfriend?"

"That doesn't concern you," I told him with a smile while that blank expression on his face didn't move.

I finished the ramen and without waiting for Akisu, I left.

*****

[Third Person POV:]

It was awkward for Akisu to share the table with Naoko—a person with whom he had seldom interacted before.

Given Naoko belongs to the upper tier of the class and Akisu is at the bottom it is not surprising that he was uncomfortable.

Just as Akisu was about to finish his salad and get up, Naoko asked,

"Do you like him? Like, are you interested in Minoru as a potential partner?"

Akisu was momentarily speechless as he couldn't register what he just heard.

However, how much he thought about it there was no mistake that Naoko asked what Akisu thought.

"No....why do you ask?" Akisu sounded a little wary.

"Because I am." Naoko got up from his seat and walked away—

—leaving a dumbfounded Akisu behind.

*******

A/N:- I feel I have created a long gap for r-18 but there is no situation that could have allowed me. I hope it doesn't annoy you guys. Thanks for reading.