Chapter 12:- Ryo's Place
After class I packed up my things. When I walked out of the classroom, I was surprised to see Ryo waiting for me. He was leaning against the wall, one hand in his pocket.
"Hey!" I said as I wlaked to him. He stood straight before answering.
"Hey. Let's go." he said it as if it were something normal to say. He talked to me as if we were alone, but I could feel people looking at me. I tried not to pay any attention to them and walked next to Ryo. When we were on the ground floor just about to walk out the building, unexpectedly he gently took my hand in his. I was surprised. I didn't know how to react. What was he thinking? Why did he invite me to his house? He was so difficult to figure out.
We walked silently. Still holding hands. It felt kind of nice actually. But I was still nervous. We passed by the street where I lived. Now would be the perfect time to change my mind, if I was at all. But I couldn't. I kept going.
"This is it." he sauid turning in a small street. We walked to a small building.
"Is this where you live?" I asked as casually as I could.
"Yeah. I'm only renting the 2nd floor appartment though." he got out his keys and opened the front door. Then showed me upstairs.
Once we got to his appartment, I felt my heart beat quickening. I would be alright wouldn't I? I mean I'd decided to trust him right? I hope I wasn't making a mistake. I took a deep breath. He shomed me in.
"Now, I know it's small, but I like it." Ryo said as he turned on the lights. It was indeed a small place and it looked pretty cozy.
"It looks nice and comfortable." I complimented. He took off his shoes and I followed his example.
"Thanks," he replied glancing at me, "sit down somewhere. Can I get you anything?" I wasn't that thirsty to be honnest, but I volunteered for a glas of water.
Ryo came back with a glas of water and a can of beer, for him. He took a seat not far from me on the little sofa. He handed me the glas of water and drank some beer. I put my glas down on the table.
"So, why did you want me to come over?" I asked.
"Well, as you said sometimes it's pretty lonely, alone in this appartment." he took another sip and looked at me, "I also want to talk about something.
"What?"
"Well," he paused and took a deep breath, " you might have noticed that, I... I like you." Neither of us said anything. Then he stood up.
"I must have known that you wouldn't like me to that extent, I mean we only know each other a couple of days. Just forget what I said I'm sorry I--"
"I like you to." I simply said cutting him mid-sentence. It was true though, I think I always tried to deny it, but now was the time for truth. I look at Ryo, but he only stared at me, as if to see I really meant it. I smiled and walked to him. He took my hands in his and we stood there looking at each other. I could feel my heart beating wildly. It was an amazing moment, almost like a dream. That's just when my cell phone had to ring, as if there were no other time. Ryo let go of my hands, and I went to take my cell phone out of my bag.
"Mushi mushi"
"Mizuki, where are you? I thought you'de be home early today!" It was my mom. I had completely forgotten that I had promised to help her prepare for the cherry blossom festival that was going to be held later in the week.
"Oh! Yes! I was just helping my friend understand the homework, I'll be right there!" I hung up, and turned to Ryo.
"I'm sorry, I have to go help my mom prepare for the cherry blossom festival, today. And I'll probably have to help her the whole week too." I picked up my bag.
"I'll see you tomorrow at school, then." Ryo said as he opened the door.
"Yes, see you tomorrow!" I smiled.
I felt really glad when I left, I was in love! I never thought that would happen to me of all people! Especially since I decided to focus on my studies this year.
It will be a beautiful spring season, I know it!