"Please have mercy on me," I begged, inciting a chuckle from him. He released me but then he, once again, began closing the short distance between us. I swallowed hard in anticipation.
"I'll try," he murmured, gently brushing my hair away from my forehead. He kissed me just above my brow and added, "I'll come see you as soon as I get back."His words reassured me, and I smiled.
"You better."
He smirked, then gave me a soft peck on the lips before climbing back out the window.
"Good night," he said.
"Good night," I replied, waving awkwardly. My nerves made my movements stiff and mechanical. Once he vanished from sight, I collapsed to the floor on my hands and knees, panting. I'm surprised I managed to stay composed for so long! I'm definitely not dreaming, right?! This time I really felt him—we actually kissed!This caught me completely off guard... how am I even supposed to tell Nacina about this?!I threw the dirty pillowcases and clothes into the washing machine before crawling back into bed and futilely trying to sleep.
The next day—Wednesday—I met up with Nacina, like always, to walk to school. I could tell she was organizing her thoughts, trying to keep the walk entertaining by guiding the conversation. But this time, I had something to share.
"Last night... Shion visited me," I blurted.Suddenly, she was fully focused on me.
"What happened?" she asked eagerly.
"Mom was asleep, so... I talked to him secretly. He said he's going on a trip for a few days and just wanted to see me before he left."My cheeks tingled, my heart warming again just from remembering it.
"Is that all?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Well... I confessed to him. And we kissed. And... he's my boyfriend now!" I rubbed my face, trying to cool the fire from my embarrassment.
She gasped. "So you're really dating now?"
I smiled and looked down at my feet as we walked."Yes!... You were right. Your intuition is god-like. I should listen to you more!"I was too happy to notice that she didn't look very happy.
"I wasn't planning on it," I added. "I actually expected to chicken out, like usual... but he kept giving me signals, and the voice in my head just screamed at me to do something. So... I kissed his cheek."
"...You made the first move? Really?" she asked.
I nudged her playfully. "I can be bold if I want to!"
She gave a weak smile. "I'm happy for you."
There was a long silence after that, but I was too high on life to be bothered. I felt like I was walking on air.
"We need to celebrate," Nacina said suddenly, enthusiasm returning to her voice."This is your first boyfriend! That's a big deal."
"Do people usually celebrate that?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"No, but we're not normal, are we?"
"I guess not."
"You're coming to my place after school. I'll help you out. If you have any questions about dating, ask me, your upperclassman in love."
Her words touched me. I wanted to gush more about Serco, but we had arrived at school.
"Sounds great. Thank you," I said, waving goodbye as we parted.
"Anything for you—I love you!" Nacina shouted, running off.
"I love you too!" I yelled back.
Will came to school again, today. The swelling on his face had gone down a lot. He and Kriss didn't speak to me—and it was still too hard for me to initiate anything—so we just didn't talk.
At lunch, they sat at a different table, which was honestly a relief because Nacina decided to announce everything to the group.
"She's dating this guy named Shion. He's in college, over 190 cm tall—six-three—and he looks like he belongs in a romance movie," she raved.
I kept trying to hush her, but she ignored me.
"Wow, really? I thought you were lesbians or something," Cherry said.
"Good for you," Yai added sincerely.
Then Cam chimed in. "I met him! He's cool, but cheats at poker."
I snickered. Serco just has a perfect poker face. Which is... both good and bad.
"You have to let us meet him," Cherry demanded.
I started to say no, but Nacina cut me off.
"He usually meets us after school at the gate!"
I jabbed her arm and gave her a sharp look, but she just laughed.My earlier joy deflated a bit. I told Nacina because she's my best friend, but I don't even know if Serco wants anyone to know. He doesn't do well with strangers.
"But he's visiting his hometown for a few days," I corrected her. "So he won't be waiting today."
"That's too bad," Cherry replied, clearly disinterested.
As expected, Serco wasn't there after school. Honestly, I was relieved. I was worried he wouldn't go to the hospital, but I also can't deny how much I miss him.
That afternoon, Nacina showed up at my house with a cake for her, a sub sandwich for me, and a gift bag.
"It's a bit unnerving that you're making this into such a big deal," I said.
Nacina giggled and waved it off."I believe in making memories. I want this moment to stand out forever—because it is a big deal. The relationships you create are important, Aki."
I blushed. I hadn't expected something so deep from her.And honestly, I think what I have with Serco is something bigger than just "first boyfriend."Maybe it is worth celebrating.
"Fine..." I conceded.
Nacina ran to the kitchen."I'm going to pour apple juice into fancy wine glasses, and you're going to tell me way more details about last night!"
I shushed her, worried Mom might hear, then followed her in.
We sat in the kitchen, eating and talking.
"...When our lips touched... I didn't know what to expect," I whispered. "I had no idea it would feel so intense. It was like my emotions were exploding in my chest."
"So... you kissed his cheek... and he turned around and kissed your lips?"
I nodded rapidly, flustered just remembering.
"I guess you both were holding back... I'm jealous."
I reached across the table and nudged her."Then go out with Cam! I've said it before—it's so obvious you like each other!"
She lowered her head."We've been friends for so long... yeah, I've thought about being with him. I like him a lot. But I also know... if we ever cross that line, we'll never be friends again. We're not like you and Shion—we've known each other too long.And I'm selfish. I know I'd get on his nerves eventually. I don't want to lose him."
I took a bite of my sandwich before replying.
"So... if he ends up with someone else, you'll be okay?"
She clutched her chest, head still lowered."I'll be okay. I have to be okay. I'm the one rejecting him, after all. If I'm not okay, I'd be a crazy person."
Then she smiled at me.
I feel a little bad for Cam... it's clear to me that he's liked her since the beginning. She's his first love. He always seeks her out—always finds her, no matter how crowded the space.I hope she gives him a chance one day.But that's up to her.