“Hey Reno!”

Someone calls me when I’m walking down the first year hall.

I look around, trying to find the culprit.

There she is, waving her hand.

In response, I wave back at her.

But for some reason, she started walking towards me.

“I was signaling for you to come over, not wave back.”

“Oh, I’m pretty sure you were waving at me.”

“No, I’m not…”

“So, what do you want Suzuki?”

“Nothing really, you look bummed, did something happen?”

Something did happen, but I don’t know if I can tell her.

Why? Because it’s not my problem, that’s why. I’d feel bad for Miura if I start talking about it with someone else.

“It’s something I can’t tell you, but thanks for asking.”

“I see, too bad then.” She turns around. “Oh, and in case you do need someone to talk to, you can always count on me.” She smiles.

“Thanks.” I return her smile as best as I could.

Eventually, she returns back to where she was, and so I continue to walk to the student council room.

For now, I can only hope that Ryu can be the support Miura needs right now.

It doesn’t take long for me to reach the student council room, and as soon as I arrive, I open the door immediately.

There, I am greeted by Ishida, who seems to be waiting for me, there’s also Sonia and Manako working side by side.

“Oh, Reno, you’re here.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, I had something to do first.”

“It’s okay, what about Aogahama?”

“He said he have an urgent business to attend, he said sorry he couldn’t come, but he’ll be sure to help next time.”

“Well, that only makes the two of us then.”

“I guess so, so what will we do right now?”

“Remember what I said about checking supplies?”

“Yeah, for the upcoming festival.”

“That’s what we’re going to do, let’s go.”

“Right behind you.”

I put down my bag on an empty chair, and follows Ishida right away.

It’s just a glance, but I think Sonia is having a hard time trying to catch up with Manako.

“Is Manako always that energetic?” I said after I close the door.

“Energetic is not even the half of it.”

“I see…”

“But she works hard, if that’s what’s on your mind right now, and don’t worry, I think Sonia will be just fine.”

“Well, that’s good to hear I guess. So where are we headed?”

“To the storage building behind the school building.”

“The storage has its own building?”

“Yeah, not as big as the school’s of course, but still big.”

“What do we keep in there?”

“A lot of things, from big to small, from booth to nails.”

“Booth?”

“For the stalls of course, the festival.”

“Oh, okay.”

Ishida looks at me for a moment.

“Are you alright? You seem slow to catch up right now, something happened?”

“It’s nothing really…”

“When you said it like that, people are bound to be curious and keep asking questions.”

He’s a sharp man, I need to change the subject…

“It’s just, this whole festival kind of make me think, how can the Student council survive with so little member at their disposal?”

He smiles a little.

“Nice save.”

Well, thanks, I guess…

“And to answer your question, well, I can’t exactly answer it.”

“Why?”

“More like, I have to show you the answer.”

“Show me?”

“Yeah, the reason why we can survive is because of the president.”

“Now that you mention it, I’ve never met the president before.”

“Well yeah, because of the opening ceremony, most students think that Manako is the president, because she delivered the speech for him.”

“What kind of person is he?”

“You’ll see, someday when he decides to show up.”

“When he decides?”

“Yeah, the third years are busy, that’s why the student council work will be done by us five mostly, if the third years could help, they would, but I wouldn’t rely on them too much.”

“More like we must not rely on them too much right? Because sooner or later, they will leave us, and we will be in charge of taking care of the council without them.”

“Heh, you’re back to your usual self already, that’s good.”

Well, I’ve stop thinking about the matter from before, thanks to him I guess.

“Well, thanks I guess, I’ve stop thinking about it.”

“Glad to help, now let’s hasten our pace, let’s finish this as soon as possible.”

“Right.”

The moment he said that, he starts to walk faster towards the rear end of the school building, there’s like a corridor there that seems to be connected to another building.

After we walk through the corridor, Ishida enters immediately, but me, I stand there looking around the building, the school has their own warehouse to store things.

“Let’s go, the supplies are not going to give us a report themselves.”

“R-right behind you…”

When I step inside, it’s…

“Disappointing…”

“What’s that?”

He turn around, seems like what I said catch his attention.

“W-well, the building looks big, but turns out pretty small inside, is this some kind of assembly hall or something?”

“So you notice, yes, this is the old assembly hall.”

“Making this into a warehouse is probably a good call.”

“Oh? Tell me why…”

“Well, because, the most important reason is, it would be a waste of budget to tear it down, instead, it can be used to store unused things like several desks and tables, and also those stalls, that way, we can also save more money.” I look around at the walls “And it seems like it’s still in good condition too.”

“You…” He approaches me “I like you.”

What?

Hold up.

“I’m sorry. I must have misheard you, what did you say?”

“I said I like you…”

“But, that’s…”

He notices that I slowly back away from him looking all nervous.

“Woah hold on, I’m not gay…”

“Then say that before you say weird stuff like that!”

“I’m sorry, I meant to say that I like your way of thinking, I’m glad you decided to join us.”

“Oh, I see, sure…”

“Good, don’t misunderstand me.”

“Next time…”

“Next time?”

“Say no homo after or before you says gay stuff like that.”

“What difference would that make?”

“A Lot of difference.”

“Like what?”

“Let’s just say it will make the gay stuff less gay, because some people are not cool with that kind of stuffs.”

He holds his chin, he’s thinking, and is thinking hard.

“Look, it’s not that hard to understand really.” I said

“I don’t understand, but I’ll try to remember it.”

“Good, for your own sake.”

“For my sake?”

“Yeah, so people won’t misunderstand.”

“I don’t understand, if girls say that they like each other it’s not that big of a deal, but if two boys says it…”

“Let’s not go there man.”

“Why?”

“You want me to explain it?”

“Sure.”

“All right, I’ll try to say it in the most simplest way I can think of…”

He looks at me with a serious look.

“Don’t even think for once, that the rules that can be applied to girls, can also be applied to boys.”

“But we’re still one, still a human being.”

“With different genders.”

“I don’t see the problem with that.”

“The way you think is the problem here!”

And here I thought he’s a smart man, everyone here are so good at hiding their true personality from the outside world, god damn.

“Care to explain?”

“No…” I sigh “Look, we came here to work not to debate about gender study.”

He gasp, as if he realizes something.

“That’s right, we came here for the supplies.”

“Yes, now can we please go and do what we must?”

“Yeah, we’ll continue this another time.”

“No! Don’t! It’s pointless stuff anyway, there are more important stuffs to think of.”

“Like what?”

For fucks sake.

“Let’s just go.” I said as push I him around, trying to make him focus on the job so that he’ll forget about all this shit.

As for the job, I tried so hard to focus on the job, I can’t help but got nervous every time Ishida approaches me, I mean of course, he doesn’t know when something can be considered gay or not.

But he’s a good guy, if I have to say one word to describe him, it would be Dense.

Yeah, one dense motherfucker.

The job itself is pretty easy, all we do is just walk around checking everything, whether they are damaged or not, if yes, then it will be noted that the said item would need reparation.

I check my watch, damn, we finish this job in 15 minutes.

“And you said that this job will take a while…” I said

“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it to be this fast actually.”

“Could it be that you are bad at calculating things too?”

“No, what makes you say that?”

“I’m just taking a wild guess.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint.”

“Sure, let’s hope I’m wrong.”

We exited the warehouse and I sit down in front of the door.

“So, where do we go next?” I said

“Back to the student council room of course, maybe the girls will need our help with something.”

“Okay, let’s go then, the faster the better.”

I stretch my arms sideways, flexing this packed muscle of mine.

“You seem to have a good figure.” Ishida said

“Thanks, I used to play basketball all the time.”

“Oh, I see, so you’re pretty athletic huh…”

He looks at me, scanning up and down, as if I’m some kind of weird specimen.

“Stop that…”

“Huh? Why? I’m just observing you.”

“Well, your “observing” is making me uneasy, so please stop.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

This again?

“Let’s just go, didn’t you said something about helping out the girls?”

“Oh, that’s right, I almost forgot.”

And how could you forget about it?

I want to ask, but I know that will lead to some weird Q&A.

So I just leave him be, let him take the lead to the student council room.

He rarely talks actually, but he’s pretty talkative if someone is talking to him.

I guess, he’s the type that won’t initiate a conversation unless it’s important.

Shame really, if he’s more talkative, I bet he’ll be popular.

I’m fine with the silent treatment actually, well, it’s not like there’s anything bad going on between us.

After a while, we arrive at the student council room.

“We’re back.” Ishida said as he slides the door open.

“Welcome back!” Manako said

“W-welcome back…” Sonia said

One is shouting cheerfully while the other is trying to catch her breath, no need to be a genius to know what happened.

“See? She works hard.” Ishida whispered to me

“Maybe a bit too hard for the newcomer?”

“Well, perhaps, but it’s just her luck to be stuck with her.”

Of course, it’s also because of my luck I am stuck with you, trying to dodge your questions that will lead to an endless discussion.

“It’s funny, hearing that from you.” I said.

“Huh? Why?”

“Never mind me, let’s go.”

I leave Ishida on his own by the door while I approach Sonia, who seems to be taking a much needed break.

“Are you ok?”

“Y-yeah, I just need to catch my breath…” she said while panting.

“Looks like you had it rough.”

“The task was easy, but Manako was just too fast, I-I had a hard time catching up.”

“I see, well, I kinda guess that’s what happened.”

“What about you Reno?”

“Well, I’m tired, but not physically…”

She gives me a puzzled look.

I mean, of course, no one but me would understand the hassle of being with Ishida.

“Let’s just say I’m doing my best to get used to Ishida’s personality.”

“I-I see, must be tough.”

“It sure is…” I said while laughing a little.

“Hey you two! No flirting in here!”

Manako shouts again while pointing her fingers at us.

“We’re not flirting…” Sonia said

“Then why did you use English?”

“Well, it’s just a habit…” I said

“Jun, what do you think?”

“Hmm? They were not flirting.”

“Jun! you’re supposed to be on my side!”

“Was I?”

Wow, talk about teamwork…

“Anyway, what should we do now? Any more work to do today?”

I can feel Sonia tugging my uniform, I guess I shouldn’t have said that.

At least, until she finish taking her break that is.

“Well, since you ask…” Manako said

“I don’t think there are any more work to be done, since the two of you have helped sort the papers before hand, it makes the job a lot faster.” Ishida said

“So, we’re finish?” Sonia said

“Yes, you can go, we’ll continue tomorrow.”

Manako said as she picks up her bag.

“Let’s go Jun!”

“Yeah, after you.”

“See you two later.” Sonia said

“Yeah, see you later.” I said

Ishida nods, while Manako is smiling and waving at us.

“Those two must be really close huh…” I said

“It appears so, I was going to ask, but I guess I miss my chance...”

“Well, no point in standing here, should we go home?”

“Y-yes!”

Well, she’s already back to her normal self now.

“Let’s go.”

Sonia followed me as I go out from the room.

I notice that the school building is probably empty, except for some classroom down the hall at the 2nd floor, probably some kind of club meet?

Well, Ishida did say that next week all the clubs will be open for recruitment, maybe they are having a meeting on how to attract the first years.

It’s interesting to know actually, this will be my first festival in here, boy I can’t wait.

“I heard from Manako that next week there will be a festival…” Sonia said

“Yeah, and we’re working to make sure the festival will go smoothly.”

“What about you Reno? Are you going to join the basketball club?”

“I’m still thinking about it, it might be interesting though.”

“W-well, if you want to, why don’t you join them?”

“Are you going to cheer for me whenever I play?”

I smile at her, my purpose is clear, to liven up the atmosphere right now.

“H-huh? W-well, maybe…”

She have her own way of becoming cute, the kind of cuteness like Komiya, and different from Suzuki and Sona.

“Well, thanks for the thought, I really appreciate it, as to whether I’ll join or not, I’ll decide later.”

“Well, I can understand how you feel I guess, right now we’re busy with council works.”

“Yeah, Let’s work together from now on.” This time, I give her a genuine smile, my charming smile, Heh.

“Y-yeah!” she smiles back at me

We keep talking as we head downstairs to our shoe locker, since there’s nothing left to do here, we agree to head straight home.

“Sonia, can I ask something?”

I said after we change our shoes, standing by the main entrance for the First years.

“Sure, what is it?”

“Why-“

“Hey! That Romeo over there!”

Romeo? Over there? If that person is talking about me, then I have a good guess on who it is, there are only four person so far that would call me that, and the other three I’m sure are not in school, so that would only leave her as the culprit.

Me and Sonia turn around to face whoever shouts before.

And there she is, Suzuki.

“What is it?”

“Yo, going home already?”

“Huh? Yeah, you?”

“Good, let’s go together then.”

“I’m sorry, can’t you-“ I said before she cuts me off.

“You won’t mind right Sonia?”

“W-well, he’s not mine so I don’t have any right to keep him to myself.”

Wow, I can’t believe she just said that.

“I never thought you are capable of saying such bold statement.” She said while giving a little laugh.

Sonia’s face stiffen, she finally realizes what she just said.

“I-I’m sorry! W-what I meant to say is, of course!”

I know, I mean, maybe we both know that already.

“Yeah, we get the message, so just chill…” Suzuki said.

We continue to walk, with an extra member in our party.

The fighter Suzuki has joined your party!

Okay, that’s just stupid.

“Why are you still at school though Suzuki?” Sonia asked

“Club meet for the new member.”

“Oh, the taekwondo?” I asked

“So you remember.”

“Of course I do…”

How can I not? Because on that day, I get to see the girly side of this Tomboyish Devil.

“Oh and did you know that Sonia have a twin sister?”

This again?

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, they look alike.”

“Well no shit, being twins and all.”

I look at Sonia and wink at her.

I hope she understands that I want her to play along, and won’t mistake it for me flirting with her.

“Act as if I don’t know about Sona…”

I whispered to her, and in English, for maximum security.

She nods.

“Hey, don’t whisper when there’s someone else besides you two.”

“Oh, I forgot there’s a third wheel here…”

She light jabs my shoulder.

“Rude…”

It hurts though, it’s a jab, but it hurts.

“Don’t do that again…”

“Huh? Why?”

“It hurts damn it, your physical strength is way above the level that I can handle…”

“Weakling…”

“I’m not weak, you’re just too strong…”

“Stop whining.”

“I’m not whining, I’m just saying this before someone gets hurt.”

“Yeah right, like you can hurt me…”

“I’m not talking about you…”

“See? Weakling…” She grins

“Whatever man…”

We can hear Sonia chuckles.

“Oh yeah, there’s someone else besides us Romeo, how can you ignore your Juliet?”

“E-Eh?! J-Juliet?”

“What?! Don’t say such weird thing out of nowhere!”

“Look, you two are flustered, it’s kinda cute actually…”

“W-well, we’re not that close really, not as close as you two at least…”

“Don’t be like that, there’re times for everything.”

There are times for everything, like the upcoming dinner, maybe I should invite them to dinner, Suzuki is here, if we go back together after dinner, I’m sure I won’t be sick in the elevator, it works many time before.

“Which reminds me, I need to have dinner before I go back…”

“Ooohh, count me in!”

Well she took the bait rather easily, I haven’t even invite her yet.

“Sure…” I look at Sonia “What about you? Want to tag along?”

“I-I want to, but I think Sona is waiting for me to get home so we can have dinner together…”

“Then invite her too, simple…”

Thanks for that Suzuki, not that I mind, but now I have to deal with two annoying girls at the same time.

“Y-yeah, invite her too, why don’t you call her now and tell her to meet us later?”

“Ok, I’ll do just that.”

Sonia searches around her bag blindly, searching for her phone.

Suzuki tugs my uniform to grab my attention.

“Where should we eat though?”

Good question, I don’t know where we can eat dinner, I was about to go to where Mike is and ask him.

“That’s…”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know a place?”

“Well, no, I guess, I mean I am the new kid remember?”

“Dude, you’ve been here for several weeks right?”

“Well, I always eat in my room, if not instant noodles then I cook something easy…”

“You need to rethink your life decision…”

“Hey, how I live is up to me.”

“Yeah, but that’s a boring way to live.”

“U-umm…”

Sonia disrupts us as we’re having a heated conversation.

“She asked where we would eat…”

“Suzuki, it’s your call right?” I asked

“This time, yeah…”

“Thanks…”

“You owe me…”

“No I don’t, it’s for your own good too…”

“Nope, you’re paying for my food.”

“Why?”

“Because I help you now, it’s only fair to pay one’s debt right?”

“That doesn’t make any sense, giving a suggestion about where we should eat can’t be considered giving a favor, it’s a suggestion damn it…”

“I consider this suggestion to be life saving, because you don’t know any place where we can have dinner, thus it can be counted as giving you a favor.”

I open my mouth, but before I can say anything, she told Sonia that we’re going to a place called Dragon Palace.

“And there you go, favor was given this day.”

“Against my will…”

“A favor’s a favor, there’s nothing you can do about that.” She sticks out her tongue.

See? Like I said, I will have to deal with two annoying girls at the same time.

Lord have mercy on this poor soul.

Oh shit, which reminds me…

“Sonia, tell her to dress properly…”

“Eh? S-sona, Reno said you must dress properly…”

There’s silence

“She said, what do you mean dress properly?”

“You know what I mean…”

“He said, you know what I mean…”

Silence again.

“She said, fine, see? Like I said, you’re one of the rule geeks now…”

“Can I have the phone?”

“She already hang up…”

Damn, I miss my chance, there’s no way I would swear to Sonia just so she will interpret it to Sona, I’ll feel bad.

“Well, at least she get the message.”

“Hold on…” Suzuki said “You know about her twin sister don’t you?”

Crap, I forgot she’s here.

“Well, a bit?”

“Do you know what happen when someone’s lying to me?”

“No?” “And besides, I’m not lying, I’m just messing with you.”

“It’s the same…”

“No it’s not, the purpose is different.”

“The goal is the same, to make a fool out of me.”

“Well…”

Can’t argue with that though.

“You’re definitely paying for my food, and since I’m hungry, I won’t hold back.”

“Woah, hold on…”

“Or would you rather be beaten up for forgiveness?”

The look on her face, she’s serious…

“All right all right, let’s keep this funny…”

She smiles.

What the hell? Why the rapid change in mood?

Ah what the hell, whatever saves me from getting hit by her.

“Since it was your call, maybe you should lead the way.”

“Of course!”

Suzuki pulls Sonia to her, walking together side by side while leaving me on my own.

I mean, I don’t mind, as long as she don’t talk shit about me.

“By the way Suzuki, what kind of restaurant is this Dragon Palace?”

“You’ll see, it’s pretty popular actually, it’s a wonder why you don’t know about that place.”

“Me and Sona went there one day, and the foods are great.” Sonia said

Maybe, I should rethink my life decision, like she said.

Because we agreed to have dinner outside, we change our destination, and of course, change our route too.

After we exited the school, we head straight, pass the park, if the way to the convenience store is to the right, we head left instead.

This part of the neighborhood is an uncharted territory for me, as we walk I spot several stores here, flowers, meats, vegetables, stationary…

“Is this a shopping district?”

The two girls before me stop and turn around.

“Dude what have you been doing these past few weeks of living in that apartment?”

“Don’t answer a question with another question.”

“This part of the neighborhood is considered a shopping district, it’s usually crowded at weekends, because of the Dragon Palace and a café called Geisha’s Rest.” Sonia said

“There’s also a movie theatre here.” Suzuki said

“Wow, that’s a lot of places…”

“You need to get out of that stinking hole you call room dude.” Suzuki said

“I never had a reason to…”

“Don’t you have any friends?”

“Before school starts? Only Mike.”

“And I guess two dudes rarely hang out together huh?”

“No, it’s because he’s always busy.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Sonia said

“Well, at least now you know where to go on a date.”

“Yeah, now this, I can call giving a favor…”

“Let’s not start on that again shall we?”

“D-don’t fight again, Fighting is bad.” Sonia said

“It’s not fighting if he can’t put up a fight to begin with.”

“Girl, just shut up…”

I’m surprised actually, I never knew that this neighborhood have a shopping district.

Well, like Suzuki said, now I know where to take my date.

As we walk, we pass by a lot of places, pizza restaurant, donuts, cakes, family restaurant, some popular western restaurant are here too.

It feels like I’m in another city.

“How far are we from school?”

“Pretty far I guess.” Sonia said

“What? Scared of unknown places? Want me to get the teachers?” Suzuki said

“No, I’m just curious.”

I need to remember the way, because I also notice that there is an arcade and a game center.

That’s the place to go to make Komiya happy I guess.

“Here we are Reno…” Sonia said

“Yeah, here we are, it’s best if you remember the way here, high school life consist of hanging out with friends you know.” Suzuki said

“Yeah, I know, thanks for the information.”

Dragon Palace is such weird name for a restaurant, the building is two stories high, I can smell the scent of roasted pork from there, it smells good.

The two of them entered the restaurant before me, well, I was taken aback with how unique this place is, so I catch up to them.

“Table for four please.”

Sonia said to the waiter.

He then show us the way, we sit at the corner with what looks like a table big enough for six person.

There’s a small window besides us, well, even if it’s big, I doubt there will be anything to see any way.

He gives us some menus and walk away to attend to another guess.

“For a popular restaurant, this place is not as crowded as I had in mind.”

“Because today is Thursday, trust me, you can hardly get a seat immediately when it’s Friday, Saturday or Sunday.” Sonia said

“Is the food really that good?”

“That my friend, is something you must experience yourself.” Suzuki said

I scan over the menu, most of the foods are Asian cuisine, there’s also hamburger, French fries, and some western cuisine.

And the price is reasonable too.

“So what’s the most popular item here?”

“The Spicy Fried Rice with Fried chicken and Beef.” Sonia said

“That’s…”

“And you can also add some extra pork if you ask.”

“Overkill…”

“But a lot of people love it.” Suzuki said

“It’s just a guess, but Komiya too?”

She laughs, maybe because the place is noisy that it feels like she’s laughing louder than usual.

“W-what…” She laughs again “W-what makes you say that?”

“Well, it’s just a hunch.”

She laughs for a while and then sigh, a happy sigh, if such a sigh exist.

“You know, I think I know the answer already, judging from how you react.”

“Yeah, now you know what to order if you ever take her here.”

“I guess…”

I shift my attention to Sonia.

“What about you Sonia? What did you usually order?”

“Well, every time I eat here, I often ordered this place’s special ramen menu, the Dragon’s whiskers ramen.”

“Oh? You said often, not always.”

“Well…”

She looks down to the table, usually she always looked at me when we were talking, but she’s embarrassed for some reason.

“Reno you insensitive bastard…” Suzuki said

“What?”

“I’ll say it for her…” She shakes her head “No, I’ll give you a hint on her behalf.”

“W-what is it?”

“What happen when you eat too much food but rarely work out or your body is slow on processing foods? Unlike Inori, who seems to digest foods as soon as it enters her stomach”

You got fat, is what I want to say, but if I say that who knows what will happen to me.

“I see, I get the hint.”

“Good…”

“Well, in my defense, I never thought of that, I thought it’s because you don’t want to spend too much money or you don’t want to be addicted to it.”

“Yeah well, Girls man, you should’ve known…”

“A girl wouldn’t talk like that…”

“Well, we both know how I usually behave…”

“Being a mix of both?”

Sonia laughs, while I’m trying not to.

“You know, I’m always curious how fast can an ambulance take a trip to here and back while carrying an injured man…”

“I say about thirty minutes.”

“Let’s prove it.”

“How about no?”

She actually looks disappointed, what the hell man…

“What about you Suzuki? What did you usually ordered?”

“Take a guess…”

“I don’t want to…”

“Why?”

“Never mind, I say, something that belongs to the fried rice family.”

“Not even close, why don’t you try guessing Sonia.”

“W-well, if I have to guess, then probably anything that contains the word Ramen or noodle…”

Suzuki claps her hands.

“Nice! And if you can guess my favorite dessert, I’ll give you a reward!”

That’s easy.

“U-umm,…” She looks at Suzuki for a while, and then gazes over the menu, as if trying to guess by judging from her looks and personality.

Well girl, you’re going to give her the wrong answer that way.

“Anything that contains Chocolate?”

Wrong…

“Wrong!”

“T-then what is it?”

“He knows.” She looks at me.

“I can tell you if you ask me, and if she gives her permission.”

“Can he tell me?”

“Fire away Romeo…”

“Right, it’s probably Strawberry Parfait.”

The smile disappears from Suzuki’s face, instead, she give me this amazed look.

“H-how do you know the exact menu that I like? Are you a stalker? Did Inori tell you?”

With that, Sonia gives me the same look as her.

“It’s obvious dude, first of all, you loves strawberry, and second, you keep on looking at the image of strawberry parfait on the menu since you first open the menu.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you’re very observant Reno.” Sonia said

“Well, since you now know, you’ll pay for that too Romeo…”

“What?! That’s not part of the deal!”

“c’mon, might as well right?”

She gives me another puppy eyes.

“That look doesn’t suit your image you know…”

“Well, it always works somehow.”

Of course, any dude’s heart will melt immediately if a cute girl gives them that look.

“You know what? Fine…”

“See, it works!”

“Not the way you imagined it though.”

“Well, whatever that works right?”

“Sure…”

“What about you Reno? What are you going to order?” Sonia asked

“Good question…”

Now I know what’s the popular dish here is, but fried rice with chicken and beef? Hell, there’s no way I can finish it right here and now.

But, I’m not in the mood for Noodles right now.

As I scan the menu, I found an item that piques my interest.

“Let’s order.”

“Sonia, what about Sona?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I know what she wants.”

“As expected of twins…” I said

“W-well, it’s her favorite.”

“I see.”

“To know her favorite dish, as expected of twins huh?” Suzuki said

“That’s something that can be learned from anyone once you’re close enough…” Sonia said

Suzuki calls the waiter over, and he soon arrives ready to take our order.

Suzuki ordered a Spicy Ramen Deluxe with pork, Sonia ordered two Dragon’s Whiskers ramen, and I ordered Rice with roasted beef and pork.

“So how long must we wait?” I asked

“Usually about fifteen minutes.” Sonia said

“I see, where’s Sona by the way? She’s sure taking her sweet time walking.”

“She just texted me actually before we ordered, she said she’s near and go ahead to order without her.”

“Okay then.”

“Why? Did you miss me?”

It feels like we are a group of machine designed to quickly respond when we hears our creators voice, because we simultaneously look to where Sona is, which is to my right, and to their left.

Oh, Suzuki and Sonia sit together by the way.

And to my surprise, she actually listens to what I said, dress properly.

She shows more of her cute side with her current attire, A skirt and a hoodie, and after a while, I notice that Sona’s hair is actually shorter than Sonia, Sonia’s hair is probably 1-2 cm below the shoulder, while Sona’s hair is 2-4 cm above the shoulder.

Huh, I wonder why I didn’t realize that before?

“Yeah, I was wondering when you’d show up…” I said

“Well here I am…”

“I know, you should dress like this more often.”

“And why should I?”

“It looks good on you actually.”

“M-move aside.” She said while pushing me.

And so there are four of us, two on each side of the table, facing each other.

“So what’d you get me?”

“Your favorite…”

“I see, thanks.”

“Of course!”

Suzuki is signaling me to lean in closer to her, and so I did.

“What happened to don’t whisper when there’s someone else besides us?”

“Forget that, just asking, can you tell which is who?”

“Of course I can, what do you take me for?”

“Tell me the difference man, c’mon…”

“If I tell you, I won’t pay for your food…”

“Don’t be like that.”

“Ok, if I tell you, hang out with me this Sunday…”

“What?”

She backs away.

Then she leans in again.

“You mean like a date?”

“No, I never said that.”

“Then what?”

“Just hang out, is that too hard to understand?”

“Why? I mean, why would you hang out with me?”

“Why not?”

She backs away again.

Come on, lean in again, I dare you.

“Are you sure?” She asked without leaning in

“Stop asking, now yes or not?”

“Well, sure, I guess…”

“Thanks, now for the answer.”

I turn my head to the right.

Sona and Sonia are chatting quite cheerfully.

“Hey Sona…”

“What? Are you done whispering to each other?” She asked and turned her attention to me.

“Yeah, we’re done…”

“Okay, so what is it?”

“Did you trim your hair?”

“W-why do you ask?”

“Your hair is shorter than I remember…”

She’s blushing.

Wait, why is she blushing?

Don’t tell me I hit jackpot…

I remember that girls like it the most when a man notices the smallest of difference on them.

The less visible the difference we spot, the happier they are.

That said, noticing that they wear a different kind of underwear is not cool.

“Y-yeah, it’s nice of you to notice…”

No way…

So that’s why I didn’t notice that her hair is shorter, because her hair was the same as Sonia before!

Shit, this is awkward…

Now everyone will misunderstand.

Whatever, I’ll just play along for now.

“Yeah, well, remember when I said it looks good on you?”

“Hey, stop flirting…”

Suzuki said and Sona looks away from me.

I just, made it worse…

Welp…

And right after I ask Suzuki to hang out with me.

Why are you doing this man?!

Get a grip!

“Right, that’s your answer…”

“Dude, that didn’t answer anything.”

“Yes it did…”

I lean in my head, she understands the gesture so she does too.

“Her hair dude, her hair…”

“Oh, I see, I thought you were flirting.”

“Well, I wasn’t planning that, I never thought she actually trimmed her hair.”

“Bad luck? Or good luck?”

“I don’t know, depends I guess.”

“On what?”

“On what will happen from now on.”

“I don’t know if this’ll help, but you definitely got her attention now.”

“Thanks for the encouragement.”

She smiles, I was being sarcastic actually, but what the hell, let her have her fun.

We return to our original position, with all that secretive business out of the way.

“Hey Reno, can I have your number?”

Suzuki said as she pulls out her phone from, somewhere, I don’t know where.

“Sure, but why so suddenly?”

“Well, I figure that I might need your contact, my room is literally right in front of yours, so I will know how to contact you if I need help.”

“Hmm, reasonable enough.”

I pull out my phone from my bag, tap around a little and show her my phone number.

“There you go.”

“Thanks!” She said while typing my number for her to save.

“Hey, can I have your number too?” Sona said

“Huh? Sure, but why? Just asking.”

“No reason…”

“C-can I Reno?” Sonia said

“Be my guest.”

“How come you don’t ask her why?” Suzuki asked

“Why should I?”

“Well, you ask both of us.” Sona said

“I figure it might be the same reason anyway…”

“At least ask, don’t left her out.” Sona said

“Fine, why would you want my number though Sonia?”

“N-nothing special.”

“See? They are twins after all…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sona said after she pinched my waist.

“N-nothing, and don’t pinch me like that!”

“Oh? Did I just hit a weak point?”

“Nice find Sona!” Suzuki said

“I know right?”

It has begun, the prophecy was true.

“Please don’t…”

“Just be prepared Reno, Sona is pretty “playful”…”

“Sonia, that’s not helping.”

“S-sorry…”

“No, actually, that’s very encouraging Sonia, now at least I have an ally to tease him together.” Suzuki said while she grins.

“We’re sorry for the wait.”

The waitress said as she puts down two trays with foods on it.

“Thank you!” We said almost in unison.

“It looks good actually.” I said as I stare deeply into my food.

“Tastes even better.” Suzuki said

“Let’s not prolong our hunger any longer shall we?” Sona said

After we say our thanks for this delicious looking food, we started to dig in to each of our own.

Mine is the Rice with Chicken and pork, grilled and roasted I think.

The three of them speaks highly of this place’s food, so I dig in with high hopes.

With my first bite, it hits me in an instant.

They’re not lying, the chicken is tender and soft, but creamy and crispy at the same time, the pork is perfectly cooked with a perfect barbeque-like sauce, it’s probably a secret.

I know one thing for sure, a food this delicious with such a cheap price, I’m telling you man, it should be illegal.

“So how’s it Reno?”

“It…” I swallow the food in my mouth. “Exceeds my expectation…”

“See? Told you it will be good.” Suzuki said

“Good is an understatement.” Sonia said

“Agree with you there.” I said

I look around the table, not spying on their food of course.

I mean, a bit, but that’s not my purpose here.

“Now that I think about it, none of us ordered a drink huh?”

Sonia stopped eating, and then her sister, and last but not least, Suzuki.

“Damn, I just realized…” Suzuki said

“What? How can you not order drinks after you order your foods?” Sona said

“We forgot, I think…” Sonia said

“SOMEONE, kept asking about the food around here, so the drinks totally slip from our mind.” Suzuki said

She looks at me, she makes Sonia look at me too, and of course, it causes a chain reaction where Sona also look at me.

“Of course, throw the ball at me!”

“It was your interrogation right?” Suzuki said

“He was just curious…” Sonia said

“See? Someone understands me at least.”

“Well, whatever…” Sona waves around, hoping that a waiter or a waitress sees her, and they do.

“What can I help you with?”

“We’d like to order drinks please.”

“Of course, what would you like to have?”

“I’ll have a Lemon tea…” Sona said

“Make it two.” Sonia said

“I’ll have a Strawberry Milkshake.”

“And I’ll have a Sweet Iced Tea please.”

“All right, please wait just a moment, we’ll bring your drinks as fast as we can.”

The waitress walks away, Suzuki and Sona looks at me again.

“Don’t you two say it…” I said

“Out of all the drinks you can have?” Sona asked

“Really?” Suzuki said

“You should’ve known, all of you…”

“I was expecting it actually, since it’s your favorite drink.” Sonia said

“Be like her…”

“What do you mean?” Sona asked

“Stop asking the obvious.”

The lack of drinks doesn’t stop us from enjoying our food, there are times when our throat needs a little bit of lube, but the delicious food makes it even harder for us to wait for our drinks to arrive and forces us to keep eating.

Suzuki and the twins keeps talking while they eat, personally, I prefer to be quiet when I’m eating, simple response is what I gave them, good thing Suzuki is here to humor the twins.

After what it seems no longer than 10 minutes, the drinks arrive just when there’s hardly any food on our plate.

Well, late is better than never right?

As if we understand each other very well already, none of us touches the drinks before the plate is empty.

After a while, Sonia is the first to break the No drink cycle.

And then Me, and then Sona, and finally Suzuki.

“Why milkshake though?” Sona asked

“Why not?”

“I mean, won’t it taste weird drinking milkshake after you eat something like Ramen?”

“Well, not really, it fills the spot perfectly, milkshake always finishes the job properly.”

“So does tea.” Sonia said

“It’s different, trust me.”

“I believe Milkshake should be some kind of dessert actually.” Sona said

“Yeah, because like you said, it finishes the job.” I said

“Well, everyone have their own opinion right?”

“Right…” Sonia said

Brrrttt, I can feel my phone vibrating.

So I pull out my phone from my pocket and see why it vibrates, there a message.

The number is unknown, but it’s just a text right? Not that I’m going to get killed the moment I read it.

So I open it, the faster I know what’s this all about the better, I mean, here I am with three beautiful girls and I’m meddling with my phone, there’s no way I’d do that.

Are you free this Sunday?

Is written there.

Who is this? What kind of rude bastard would text someone, asking whether I’m free or not without even telling me who they are?

But I think again, maybe they got the wrong number, so if I don’t reply, they will probably realizes, and if their aim is really to ask me, maybe they’ll message me again with the proper introduction next time.

I slide my phone back into my pocket, take another sip of my drink, and join the conversation with the others.

Not even five minute into the conversation, my phone vibrates again.

Just as I thought.

I pick it out again and quickly opens the message.

It’s me, the girl besides you.

I look at Sona, and at the same time, I can tell that she quickly look away.

I type in, Why would you text me when I’m right besides you? And to answer your question, I have plans for Sunday this week.

This time, I don’t slide it in again, I just hold it in my hand.

She reply with a much faster speed than before.

How about Saturday then? If you’re free, let’s go out.

I type in, I’m not saying no, but let’s talk about this later tonight.

And with that final text, I slide in my phone into my pocket again.

Sona puts her phone down after she received and read my message.

“Hey Reno.” Sonia said

“Yes?”

“Should we go? We’re done right?” Sonia said

“I’m done, what about the rest of you?”

“So he was spacing out, or too focused with his phone.” Sona said

“So you chose your phone over the three girls before you?” Suzuki said

“No, someone texted me, and I had to reply.”

“Hmm, who is it?” Suzuki said

“Not telling.”

“I-is it your girlfriend or something?” Sonia said

“No, she’s not my girlfriend.”

“She? So a girl texted you?” Sona said

Damn, I did it again.

And why is Sona pushing me into a corner here? She’s the culprit damn it…

“But not your girlfriend?” Sonia said

“No…”

“So what is she?” Suzuki said

“A friend.”

“So not girlfriend just yet huh…” Sonia said

“You don’t have a girlfriend?” Sona asked

“No, I think that much is obvious…”

“I don’t know, I used to think that a guy like you might already have a girlfriend.” Suzuki said

“Well, not right now…”

“You planning to have one?” Suzuki asked

“Who knows?”

“W-well, if we’re finish, I suggest we go back.”

We all agree to Sonia’s suggestion.

Heck, I’ll agree to anything that will make them stop questioning me.

Sonia calls over a waiter and ask for the bill, later on he returns with the bill, I was shocked to see the price.

“Not even 3000 huh…” I said

“I know right, this is so wrong in so many ways…” Suzuki said

“It’s wrong, but what can we do about it…” Sonia said

“The prices are too cheap, if I were them I would give a higher price…” Suzuki said

“No no no, it’s because it’s both cheap and good, that they can be this successful.” I said

“I see…”

“It’s called being creative.” Sona said

“That works…” I said

Because I’m paying for Suzuki too, we agreed to pay 3000 yen and we spilt it by three, which is 1000 each.

Suzuki keeps the 300 yen change, for some reason.

We head out immediately, making our way back to the apartment.

“That hits the spot, thank you Reno.” Sonia said

“Yeah, thanks Reno!” Suzuki said

“Thanks…” Sona said

“Why me? I’m not the one that suggested the place…”

“Yeah, but you’re the one who suggested the idea.” Sonia said

“Well, if you put it like that, you’re welcome.”

Suzuki and Sonia smiles at me, Sona did too, but only for a while, because she looks away after that.

While we head back, the three girls are before me, chatting together, because they leave me alone so I guess it must be a girl’s talk.

Not that I mind.

I mean, I’m over here, behind them, enjoying the view.

If you know what I mean.

And to have three cute girls smiling at me at once, I bet Miura would be jealous.

“Fuck…”

I mumbled quietly.

Here I am having fun with three girls while my friend just got devastated from learning the truth, and possibly got rejected before he was given any chance.

Damn it, now I feel bad for him.

Really bad.

I’m sorry Miura.

“You have that look again, are you okay?”

Without me noticing it, Suzuki seems to slip away from the twins and approach me instead.

“I’m fine, yeah, sorry for worrying.”

“Are you sure? That’s the second time I see you like this today.”

“Really? I must look like shit if you notice it huh?”

“Don’t say that, why don’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know if I should.”

“Why?”

“Because, it’s not about me, it’s about someone else.”

“So why are you the one that’s bummed out?”

“Of course…” I look at Suzuki “I was there, but I couldn’t help him.”

“Don’t blame yourself.”

“I’m not…”

“Then why?”

“I-…”

She smiles at me, probably the warmest smile she ever give so far.

“It’s okay, you can tell me you know?”

And at the same time, I can feel my blood rushing to my head.

“I hate myself, because I can’t help him…”

“Then let me ask you this, are you sure you didn’t help him? At all?”

Her words stab me, it makes me reminisce into the time before Miura heads out to talk to the girl.

“W-well, before he confessed, I kinda help, I think…”

“See, you did help. And how long have your friend been holding it?”

“F-from what I heard, since middle school.”

Her smile, it hypnotizes me, making me say these things.

“Then you should be proud.”

“P-proud?”

“Yeah, you’re the one that gave him the push to move forward…” She stands in front me “You gave him the one big push, so he can move on.”

It’s as if she just shot me, not with bullets, but with words, that pierces my brain and my heart.

Rendering me speechless.

“I-I see…” I look at her face again “Thank you… so much..” I smile, with all my emotion poured into it.

“You’re welcome.” And she replies with a warm smile on her face.

I laugh a little, releasing the tension of all that serious matters.

She does the same too.

“That girly side, suits you the best, you know that?”

She steps back.

“Then I won’t show it to anyone ever again…” She sticks out her tongue.

“C’mon, I said it su-“

“No one else but you.” She said while smiling "I give you the privilege of being the only that can see me act like this." then she turns around and run towards the twin.

I think this is how it feels like to be punch in the gut by Suzuki.

It’s both pleasure and pain actually.

But I believe the pleasure is the dominant feeling right now.

I have the privilege to be the only one that can see her girly side, her true side.

“Such privilege, would be my greatest pleasure.” I can’t help but smile while I said that.