Chapter 9: A Favor / Acceptance

“I’m sorry. That was my fault. I should have cleared up the misunderstanding immediately.” Leaf wrote, frowning.

“It’s fine. You tried, at least. My family is always like that. Actually, speaking of, would you do me a favor?” Neko asked.

“If I can help you.” Leaf wrote.

“Um, this might sound weird, and I’ll explain it, but I’ll get this bit out of the way first. Leaf, could you be my girlfriend? I swear I have a good reason.” Neko begged.

“I don’t mind. Sure.” Leaf wrote.

“Okay, thank god. I would have been so screwed if my family found out anything. It’s also annoying when random people confess to me.” Neko said.

“So it would have been fine even if it wasn’t me?” Leaf wrote.

“Um. It has to be you. Honestly, I prefer you over just some random girl, anyway. You’re quite nice. You’re my type, too.” Neko said, sighing.

“Thank you.” Leaf wrote.

“You know that if you pretend to be dating me, you won’t be able to date anyone else without people saying bad things about you, right?” Neko said, starting to panic and worry.

Leaf bashed him on the head with the board.

“I don’t mind. Don’t worry about me. Stop freaking out.” Leaf wrote.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. Um. This is the first time I’ve ever dated somebody. What exactly should I be doing?” Neko asked meekly.

“I don’t know. I’ve never dated anyone before. Not sure exactly what it means, either.” Leaf wrote, shrugging.

“O-oh. Well, I’ll try my best to be a good boyfriend.” Neko promised.

“Aren’t we just pretending to date?” Leaf wrote.

“Huh? Oh...Right. Yeah, I guess I’ll leave it up to you, whether you actually want to do anything about it or not. I’d at least like to hang out with you sometimes. We can use the ‘It’s a Date’ excuse, if anyone asks. I don’t really want this to hurt us becoming better friends. I like you.... I mean, you’re pretty fun to hang out with, after all.” Neko said.

“I’m fine with that.” Leaf wrote.

“Is it okay for me to tell people we’re dating, if someone asks?” Neko asked.

Leaf thought for a moment.

“Isn’t that the whole point? Shouldn’t you be trying to actively let people know, so nobody bothers you?” Leaf wrote.

“Yeah, right. Got it.” Neko said, slightly disappointed.

“Shouldn’t you be going, so you can clarify what Sun tells your parents? And do I have to meet with them?” Leaf wrote.

“OH! Alright, I’ll talk to- Wait, I need your contact info.” Neko said, taking out his phone.

Leaf exchanged numbers with him and said goodbye.

Neko left, hoping to at least minimize damages from his sister's explanation.