Three pairs of eyes blinked.
“Watch you smILE while you are sleeping, Far AWAY and DREAming…”
Mao’s juicebox suspended halfway from her mouth.
“I could spend my life in this SWEET surrenDER, I could stay lost in this moment forEVER…”
Nino’s mouth full of chips hang slightly open.
“Well, every moment SPENT with you, Is a moment I TREAsure…”
Jun stopped in the act of opening a new bag of chips, mild disbelief on his face.
“I don’t WAnna close my EYES, I don’t WAnna FALL a-“
“Why are you doing interpretative dancing?” Mao wondered out loud.
Aiba whipped back. “Don’t distract me. Look, you’re causing me the game!”
“You’re taking this American Idol game too seriously,” Jun shook his head, reaching for his beer. Uh, no. His rootbeer. They were at Nino’s and Mao’s.
“It makes me convey the emotion of the song better,” Aiba shared his wisdom. “The audience needs to feel the song with me.”
“What audience?”
Ever since Aiba had taken a crack at Nino’s American Idol game, he’s become quite the fanatic. Feeling like it was his calling or something. And today he was still hogging it.
“I have to take it from the top,” Aiba said, pushing the controls.
“It’s supposed to be my turn like an hour ago,” Mao complained, throwing her empty juicebox on the table.
“I could be wowing you guys with the chorus right now if you hadn’t distracted me.” No one comes between him and Aerosmith.
Mao threw some chips at Aiba’s back, laughing as he did some warm-ups. (Do-re-mi-faaaa-) She then felt the warning look Nino was giving her and she stuck her tongue out at him sheepishly. She shouldn’t be causing a mess or the landlord might have a heart attack. Or pull out a lightsaber and slice everyone in half here. She picked up her new mug and sipped.
Gar. Nino’s eyes narrowed at it. Everytime he throws out her mug with the infamous photo of him and Princess Leia, she comes out without fail with a new one. Giving him an innocent smile, telling him it was no use. That’s not going to stop him! He’ll destroy every last one if necessary. The battle has just begun… His thoughts got distracted as he watched her laughing happily as Aiba continued with his performance.
“'Cause even when I DREAM of YOUuuuu…”
She looked really okay now, but… was she just putting up a front? The past days had led him to believe she was trying to tell him something but then some other thing just gets in the way. He is one to be familiar with the feeling. Is there really something more to it or is he just being too sensitive when it comes to her? Which was really weird. It’s not as if he’s undergone any genetic modification.
Unless… the Moo had been sneaking into his room at night and pulling a Modifierster M-000 on him so it can mess with his head. Something she had been adamant on doing, and doing a good job at that, as evident with his train of thought. He pulled back.
Why does he care too much all of a sudden? And it feels a whole lot different this time… It doesn’t have anything to do with the ever increasing dokidokis!!!!!!!!!!! And no, he didn’t mean that too forcefully. Just saying.
After asking her to move back home, he had intended to drop her off at the house and then go straight to work. To his surprise, she had wanted to go with him, saying she needs to have lunch soon anyway. She had grinned before he could react and pulled him out the door, still full of energy. Aiba too was caught by surprise at her sudden appearance in the shop. He had been busy whipping up a strawberry milkshake when Mao had called him from behind. His wide eyes flicked from Mao to Nino and then back again.
“Mao! What are you doing here? With Nino? Not that the question is supposed to be hinting at something, like you’re supposed to be with another guy that’s not Nino. I wouldn’t know anything about that. So what are you doing here? With Nino?”
Mao narrowed her eyes. Jun still told him. Oh well… That’s not important anymore. Giddy smile. He can relax, Mao had reassured him and explained what’s happened. Aiba was relieved saying they shouldn’t surprise him like that. Mao giggled and ordered a strawberry milkshake too. She had her lunch and was just lounging around the whole time after. She got bored though, which really didn’t surprise him. Having gone through all the magazines available, he had caught her using them for making paper airplanes. Along with Aiba. He ended up scolding the two as he swept up the numerous airplanes around the shop. He had already told her she should just go home or walk around to pass the time. But she had smiled and shook her head. She wanted to stay in.
“There’s just a few customers left, I’ll be right with you,” he then said.
To which she nodded happily. The way she had looked at him made a few dokidokis creep up on him. But her expression was just too cute. She’s a cute girl. And cute girls have that kind of effect on guys. Darth’s Helmet! When did he start to see her as a cute girl? And it didn’t stop there.
They had gone home and everything had been pretty normal. You know, the dokis were kept under wraps. No more was in sight. Those were a fluke anyway. Till after dinner when they were watching TV. Mao had come from her room, Kazupi in her arms and settled herself on the couch. She seemed a bit restless, playing around with Kazupi in her hands. And he could feel her glancing at him from time to time. Something his spidey sense had picked up. So that was the reason for the tingly feeling he was experiencing. His spidey sense. Makes much sense, eh? It’s not because she was looking at him. With his spidey sense still tingling, and the back of his head going numb, he had asked her what it was. She just gave a grin and shook her head. Then gave him another glance after a while.
There go his spidey sense again.
Last night was pretty much the same. After they’ve come home from dinner with the others, where his mugshot was still the butt of all jokes, as usual they’ve sat in front of the TV, bickering. They haven’t gotten comfortable yet when the rain suddenly poured down. They both looked out, worry in their eyes. Both hoping there won’t be any thunder coming. She was scared and he didn’t want her to get scared. She had suddenly went into her room after a while of seeming to be debating with herself about something. Only to come back minutes later with Kazupi in her arms again and a preoccupied look on her. Neither of them talked for a while. Only the TV and the rain could be heard. Till he felt her glancing at him again as she hugged Kazupi tighter.
His spidey sense seem to be going haywire. He should have it fixed.
He tried concentrating on the TV but he was much more aware of her. And nothing seems to be distracting him from the furtive and hopeful glances she was giving him. The dokis. Must. Not. Escape.
“It’s kinds getting cold, huh?” The sound of her voice almost made him go through the ceiling.
The rain didn’t seem to want to let up. He uttered something in agreement. Suggesting he go get a blanket for her. Cold? He’s not really feeling cold right now, feeling his ears growing a shade darker.
“Here,” he said, handing the large blanket to her.
She and Kazupi snuggled into it as he sat back down. More glances at him. Scalp going numb.
“How about you? Aren’t you cold?”
His eyes snapped to her. His mind was a little blank. Okay, he should be giving his answer right now.
“I-I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?” She looked at him with those eyes of hers.
He gave a nod and tried to concentrate on the show. Felt her move a bit. His eyes involuntarily strayed to her. She was looking down at Kazupi, biting her lip. He quickly snapped his eyes away when she looked at him again.
“You look like you’re cold too,” she then said and in an instant, threw part of the blanket on him. She had slid a bit closer.
He said he really was not but she shushed him and said he is because she says so. He gave a slight pout and concentrated on fixing the blanket. No, not because he was trying to expel the nervousness. He just really needed to fix the blanket. So he can stay warm. Not that he’s not warm enough with her almost at his si- This goes here. That goes there. He focused on the blanket.
He heard Mao’s low chuckle. “Are you trying to save the world with your blanket-fixing powers?” she asked, amused at him overly-concentrating on tugging the blanket here and there just right as if the fate of humanity rested on it.
He stared at her with a deer-in-headlights look. Was he that obvious? Mao gave a slight frown, shook her head and turned to the TV with a faint smile. She seemed to grow restless again after a few seconds though, fidgeting with Kazupi. Her eyes went to him again. Scalp. Numbing. Must. Stop.
“It’s still kinda cold, eh?” she said, so quietly, peeking at him.
He’s kinda getting the hang of the deer-in-headlights look. She’s still cold. What should he do? What should he do? Where was a lifeline when he needed one?
“Maybe this will make it better!” she suddenly chirped.
And in an instant, was at his side, had wrapped her arms around his arm, snuggling in. Her head rested on his shoulder.
His spidey sense definitely had gone berserk when she nuzzled him. He could smell the scent of her shampoo. Watermelony… His heart was zooming into hyperdrive. Just relax. Just relax. He must not lose his head right now. just concentrate on anything but her. What was that buzzing in his head?
Okay. Prove that this isn’t really affecting him. Ha-ha. Why would it, huh? Why was he here again?
He is Kazunarus Geekus. He is an alien with cybergenetic parts. He has come to save the cheerleader and he likes Peanut Buttercups.
So he missed a few answers.
He felt her nuzzling him again. He gave a swallow.
“This is better…,” she said softly, a smile in her voice.
He looked down at the top of her head, feeling his eyes closing as he smelled her hair. They snapped open as she jerked up.
“You’re so stiff!” she complained, kneading and giving him little punches, like he was some kind of pillow.
“Ow! Ow!” he complained back. It was not because he was nervous!
She gave a little giggle and settled back into him. He closed his eyes in defeat.
“You smell nice, Kazu…”
His eyes went back to her. He wanted to tell her that… she does too… He caught a whiff of the scent. Watermelony… She nuzzled him again and this time he relaxed a bit, unconsciously leaning his head against hers. The cool weather, their warm bodies, her scent… Automatically settling deeper into each other…
She was right… This is better… Better than any alien language descrambler, better than the first issue of Batman, better than being indestructible like Wolverine, better than Han Sol- His train of thought got lost, feeling her press closer to him. What was he saying again? Ah… Forget it. This was just… better….
They had ended up falling asleep on the couch together. They had both stirred when morning came; Mao was on his chest, his arm over her, his hands closing on her waist. Their droopy eyes lockes and they stayed there in that position for about a split second. And then it was as if a giant spring was inserted between them and they quickly broke away. Talking so fast and incoherently, trying to be all normal, they themselves didn’t notice it.
His eyes focused back to her, drinking from the mug-which-must-not-be-described and then laughing as Aiba belted out a note, clapping her hands and trying to whistle. A small smile was working its way onto his lips until-
“Hand over the chips, El Pepe.” The Sith ordered.
He had slits for eyes now. Mao tried to keep a straight face. It’s Ramon! Ramon! It’s so- Heh, he shouldn’t be trying to correct that. He threw one at her and she caught it, giving a snort.
A slight scowl appeared on his face. Not because Mao had just disregarded Rule #18. But because she had asked Jun to help her open the bag. Jun seemed to be saying something to her which made her push his face away playfully. Jun then hid the chips behind him in retaliation, which made her try to reach for it to get it back. Pressing close to him, laughing. She finally got it; giving him a shove as she straightened up. Jun casually slung an arm over her shoulder, said something to her. She made a face at him and they both laughed.
So the fact that they just spent the night in each other’s arms here in this same couch really meant nothing, huh? She cuddling with him and nuzzling him. Well, it’s not like he thinks that’s anything special. It was just perfectly normal for him.
Of course it isn’t! Right? You don’t just go everywhere cuddling and nuzzling guys! It’s not good for their spidey sense! And, okay, why is Jun’s arm still around her? And why is she leaning so close to him? It’s time for a new rule, that’s what he’s thinking. Jun should really stop talking so close to her ear! Where is his other hand goi-
Why is he being all Gollum about this? An image of him suddenly snatching Mao away from Jun, holding her close, all hunched, and glaring at Jun as he hissed, My Precioooouussssssssss…
He pushed the disturbing image away. He’s just concerned about her actions. She can’t always go around being so close to other guys. Being really touchy-feely with them. Because he doesn’t like it. No, no, because she’s a girl and girls shouldn’t be doing that, especially her. And especially when the guy is Jun. Because he should be the only one she is touchy-fee-
Someone zap him in the head, quick!
He pulled himself together. Mao had stood up, giving Aiba a double high-five. He surrendered the microphone to her, after she had secured the Guitar Hero around her. She wanted to really feel like a rockstar.
“Maybe we should just go ahead and form a band!” Mao joked.
“Don’t-“
“We almost did back when we were in high school, you know?” Jun was unable to stop Aiba.
“Really? The three of you? What happened?”
Aiba jerked his thumb accusingly at Jun, seeming not to have moved past this particular chapter in his life.
“It’s because he suddenly backed out. We were all ready for world domination! Right, Nino?” To which Nino nodded vigorously.
“Uh, I don’t think so.”
“How can you destroy their dream?” Mao asked.
“Ask them what band name they came up with.”
Mao did and Aiba handed the honor of announcing sacred band name to Nino, who pumped out his chest all proud, head held high.
“Toe Jam.”
Mao blinked.
“Toe Jam?”
“Yep. Toe Jam.”
“Now you see why I had to decline the offer?”
“Now that I think about it, the name does sound wrong,” Nino thought aloud.
“I think it’s kinda witty!” Mao grinned. Jun’s eyes snapped to her in disbelief.
“Right? It was just a sporadic moment of genius!” Aiba said, crediting this idea to himself.
“Sporadic. I like how that feels to my lips,” he then added.
“Sporadic,” Mao tried.
“Sporadic. Spo-spo-spo-sporadic. SporadicSporadicSporadic.” Both played with the sounds.
Nino and Jun stared at the two.
“I highly suggest you stay away from Aiba,” Jun warned, causing Mao to laugh.
An incoming text message got Nino’s attention. And he swears he hears “The Final Countdown” in the background as he opened it. (Which was probably due to Aiba turning it on in the game.)
He knew what it could be. It was time.
It was his calling.
His phone was suddenly snatched away from his hands. He protested as Mao strode to a safe distance while Jun and Aiba stopped him from getting up.
“What is it that’s got you beaming like that?” Mao wondered and looked at the message, reading it out loud.
“Commence Message.
If you have received this, then you ARE the Resistance.
In this time of great need, Middle Earth needs heroes. You have been chosen because of your strength and because of your heart. The Force is in you and so we shall rally together! Ready your laser beams, blasters, and glowing swords. Remember this day, for it shall be yours for all time!
PS. If you’re going to be bringing top specimens of the female specie, kindly contact our Galactic Hotline so we can be prepared for nose-bleeders, asthma attacks and other breathing problems.
(HA-HA-HA! This is a joke brought to you by your sponsors.)
End message.”
Three blank eyes went to Nino.
“What?” He said defensively.
“We should be the ones asking that,” Jun raised his brow.
“You guys should know about the annual costume party my online friends always throw. I invite you guys everytime but you just don’t want to go,” Nino explained.
“Ah.”
And probably with good reason.
“When is it?” Mao asked, interested.
“Tomorrow. The message always comes before the big day. Seems like this year is focused more on superheroes,” Nino said, almost to himself. His mind now going through all the sets of new costumes he had been preparing for a while. And he went on thinking of his strategy to win the coveted title of Best Costume.
“So what are we going as?” Mao cheered.
“Heh?” Nino, Jun, Aiba.
“It sounds fun! I want to go! We can go, right?”
Nino blinked at her. She waited for an answer. The truth was he’d wanted to ask Aoi to go with him this year. Which was something that came to his attention again just now because… somehow he’d been playing with the idea of going with the Sith, feeling like he’ll have more fun with her there. And it was information his brain had been trying to suppress all this while.
He watched a frown appear between her brows. “Why? Don’t you want us to go? Do you want to go alone with someone else?” she asked, suspicious, grudgingly having Aoi in her mind.
Yeah, he wanted to go with her. No Jun and Aiba to-
Someone zap him in the head, quick!
“No, nothing like that,” he shook his head so hard feeling like it could fall off.
“I don’t know…,” Jun said, really apprehensive.
“So then it will just be the two of us, Kazu!” Mao then turned to him.
His ears were turning pink.
“I’ll be going! Sounds interesting,” Aiba chirped in, slinging his arm over Mao’s shoulders.
But the Amoeba just had to butt in. Mao gave a cheer and semi-hugged him as he grinned at Jun.
“I’m not wearing any tights,” Jun grimaced and then smirked at Aiba’s pursed lips. Mao cheered and high-fived him.
All the whole Nino observed them, wondering where his lightsaber could be. He tried to block out the “My Precioooouusssssssssss” in his head.
“We could go as a group o-“ Mao started.
Nino held up a hand to stop her.
“I will be in charge of deciding what best action to take here,” Nino said, casually and on purposely letting them know he’s won first place more times than he’s rewatched Star Wars Episode VI- The Return of the Jedi. An exaggeration perhaps but they get the picture. “You just listen to me and everything’s going to be perfect.”
This time he was in charge. The captain of this ship.
**
The door burst open. A hushed silence fell in the room. All eyes were on them. They stepped in; doing the formation they’ve rehearsed. He stood out front, shifted something in his arm and slowly raised the signal.
Aiba got it and hit the ‘Play’ button on the player he was holding. And the Baywatch theme song flooded the room
“Holy Sith!” Nino Red 1 exclaimed and went to the back, trying to stop David Hasselhoff’s voice from poisoning everyone against them here.
It was supposed to be “The Final Countdown”. It would have been such a dramatic display as the song played. They would own the room as they walk in. They needed all the help what with the end result of their costumes. It was all about the attitude.
He could hear the scattered laughter and people going back to their happy bubbles as Aiba Blue 3 refused to admit he was at fault here.
“I may have put in the wrong CD,” Mao Yellow 4’s slightly muffled and amused voice came.
He whipped to her. Believe it or not, in this world, he is one of the cool ones and they are not helping!
“You’re embarrassing me!”
The three stared at him silently.
“I don’t think that’s humanly possible,” Jun Green 2 then offered.
The four of them were standing there, having this little debate wearing Bioman costumes. Bioman. So much for Nino being in charge. Mao wanted them to be a group of crime-fighting heroes. Nino thought that was fair and can be arranged. Fantastic Four or-
“Pretty Sailor Soldiers!” Mao.
“No!” They almost immediately shouted.
They could go as members of the Justice League. But Mao didn’t want to and suggested Bioman, Power Rangers, and the like because she wanted them to have a color assigned to each in the group. Because it’s cuter that way!
“Aaaand because they can summon a giant robot to help them!” she had exclaimed. “Cool, huh?”
“You do realize we can’t have or we don’t have a giant robot.” Nino.
“Why not?”
“Yeah, why not?” Aiba.
“Besides, there’s five of them. We’re short one person so that’s out of the question.”
She can call Yamashita, she said. And did. Though that turned out to be useless. Even though Yamashita seemed to almost be taken in by Mao’s suggestion that he can be Red 1 and Nino’s going to be Pink 5 . Nino’s face had started twitching by this time. Luring him with sock puppets (which Yamashita found weird) was no use as well. They’re still four people. But Mao insisted. She’d take care of that problem. In the end, they had decided to take a vote.
He was confident they’d outvote her, knowing Aiba and Jun weren’t too keen in parading around as these heroes with Bio-Particles, judging from their expressions. But to his surprise…
“She’s our kryptonite,” they explained in words they knew he would understand.
Never mind that he’s been forced into wearing a costume he didn’t think would win them the coveted title. (The franchise is well-loved but there are other more strong contenders.) But the Sith was insisting he be Pink 5!
“Hot Pink 5! See? Don’t you want that?” she had pleaded to his twitching face.
He had managed to find them the last-minute costumes. Many thanks to some of his connections on ebay and Mao had gotten a little help from Toma. So will Toma be Pink 5? (Mao insisted on being Yellow 4.) It was obvious he wasn’t too keen on the idea after hanging up on them when Mao had asked him. So, they had dressed up a dummy in the costume with a name tag saying: My name is Yamashita and I like socks! A punishment for Yamashita leaving them hanging, she says. And he was in charge of carrying him. He shifted Yamashita Pink 5 in his arm. They continued to bicker.
Aiba took off his helmet, still humming the Baywatch theme song, earning a glare from Nino. He shrugged and invited Jun to go get some food.
“I told you I’m never taking this off,” Jun said, pointing to his own helmet.
When Nino had suggested they take the bus, he could swear laser beams were threatening to come out of his own eyes. They were taking the taxi. That was it. No way he’ll subject the public to a display of Aiba doing lunges to see how the costume material stretches or of he and Mao comparing their sword and bow to his puny Green boomerang (according to them).
Aiba gave a shrug again and excused himself, following a chubby Spock and a tall Yoda to the food. The two were still bickering till Mao squealed at something that distracted Nino.
“Look! Slankets for prizes!” she said, ending their bickering.
Nino almost had whiplash. “So the rumors were true!”
He watched as the two happily went to check what colors they have. Wheezing behind him followed. Mao had taken off her helmet and was asking Gandalf manning the prizes about the slankets. This got the group behind him excited and nervous at the same time. Catching a few phrases that went along the lines of Nino being some kind of superhero god to be able to talk to Mao. Aquaman was claiming there had to be a reason yellow was his favorite color. He was fascinated as the conversation turned into a different language. And then felt his stomach give a small growl.
No way. No way.
**
“They say Frodo needs an extra inhaler.”
“Okay. Which Frodo?”
Mao shoved the spaghetti into her mouth as she watched Nino and Aoi across the room. The Geekus had apparently invited her. She knows she shouldn’t be feeling irritated. Kazu likes her… She can’t do anything about that… It must be written in the stars or something. Somehow wishing prophecies were true and there would be one saying the exact opposite. Kazu was shooting zombies with her now.
Her lips set into a thin line. They had been having so much fun. Shooting zombies, playing Wii Tennis, having a little laser tag game, pinning the tail on the Chewbacca, Star Wars charades, Name that Ewok, and a little Dance Dance Revolution (though Kazu stayed far away from that). Just having a blast with her favorite alien person. Something she’s counted on, wanting to be able to spend as much time with him as possible. The one day she had spent away from the house made her realize how little time was left and she didn’t want to waste anymore of it.
She was going to have to leave soon. End of summer. Kazu knew that too. But what he didn’t know was… She pursed her lips. She wanted the summer to be one big adventure. Forget about all her problems and just enjoy it while it lasts. That was all she could do now…
But it was making her so restless… Does it really have to end? The thought had her feeling so vulnerable she couldn’t help it and just wanted to be close with Kazu. Her cheeks turned warm when she thought of that time on the couch. She just wanted to hold him and just forget for a while that she won’t be able to have him at her side soon… She’s always having that urge to hug him everytime he’s around…
She watched Kazu and Aoi laughing. Maybe there was still one thing she can do though… She had been toying with the idea for a while now… Just that the courage to do it hasn’t come… But maybe…
“Not battling any monsters, are we?” Jun appeared at her side, his helmet still on.
“Time for a break. And our leader seems a bit busy at the moment,” she said steadily.
“Are you sure you don’t want to take that off?” she then asked.
“I have to be going in a while, anyway.” He’d rather spontaneously combust, thank you very much.
“Looks like someone’s trying to make a move on Yamashita Pink 5 again.” Nino had left him on the couch and he’s been getting a lot of attention from some of the drunk geeks.
“Hm,” she was distracted again by the two across the room.
Jun followed her gaze. “You look like you want to shoot an arrow at someone.”
“Hm? I’ve already accidentally shot Amoeba,” she pointed distractedly towards the dessert line.
“Can you tell me again why you moved back in with Nino so quickly?”
Mao gave him a glance. What’s he going at with that question?
“Because something was moving in your house.”
“No, there isn’t.” He felt compelled to say. “Are you sure it’s not really because of a certain someone you fee-“
“Your Highness.” A dreamy voice suddenly interrupted.
Jun gave a frown. Hellboy was kneeling in front of them offering a slurpee to Mao.
“Awww… Thank you!” Mao took it.
“You made him go buy one for you?”
“Of course not. They have a slurpee machine here!” Mao grinned. “I didn’t know they throw the best parties!”
Jun was about to ask his question again before Hellboy interrupted them. Mao sensed that and add the fact Kazu and Aoi were looking a bit cozy, they both needed the distraction.
“Let’s go play some more games!” She pulled Hellboy and Jun away, stealing one last sad glance at Kazu.
**
“I’m sorry I can’t stay long,” Aoi said. She put down her plate, having finished the Darth Vader cupcake.
Nino shook his head and gave a smile. “I was surprised you came. I thought you had tutorials to do.”
“I just took advantage of the break,” Aoi grinned. “Still have to go back. If only I can stay a while longer.”
Both smiled sheepishly at each other. Nino tried to ignore the wheezing from behind and the hushed voices claiming, “You are our God!” Shouting and cheering across the room caught their attention once again. It had been going on for a while now. Mao and Aiba exclaimed ‘Bu-ya!’ and chest-bumped each other. Their team was winning the Mario Kart match.
“Looks fun,” Aoi smiled.
Nino gave a distracted nod. He watched as Jun Green 2 came forward, said something to Mao. Mao gave him a bear hug and Jun signaled to Aiba. He was going. More cheering and shouting. Mao and Aiba’s team had victory yet again. She was enveloped in a group hug as they all jumped around in excitement. Cameras flashed. Mao’s arm was linked with the chubby Spock.
Something was eating at him. And it was not a good sign that he’d feel resentment towards the chubby Spock. Why is he referring to him as the chubby Spock? It was Hiro, his friend! He wasn’t doing anything. In fact they weren’t doing anything. They were just having fun. You know, by hugging and being really really close and hugging.
He squinted at them and concentrated. Every person in his line of sight shall suffer the consequences! No, this isn’t about mind reading anymore! He shall make their grey (or green, which most here prefer to think) matters explode! Moo-wahahaha!
One of the guys seems to be hyperventilating. Mao concerned had went over to him, all bent over seeming to be in pain. She peered close at him and held his face asking is there anything he needed. He looked like he was about to foam at the mouth and faint due to Mao’s closeness. But he managed to squeak out an ‘I’m okay’. Mao announced that he was okay and they cheered and had another go at let’s-have-a-tight-group-hug-and-jump-around.
He squinted harder. Now willing aliens to suddenly burst out from all their stomachs. Moo-wahahaha! Let’s see them jump around no-
Spocknik! He should really stop all these Voldemort-esque thoughts! Where did they come from all of a sudden? He was one Death Ray away from becoming a super villain! Is he going over to the Dark Side? Just like Anakin?
The Sith! She was like the One Ring. His mind and soul becomes consumed with impure thoughts, tempting him to go down the dark path… (Maybe a little overdramatic.) And everyone wants it. Just like how everyone likes her…
So what? Why does he have to make it his problem? That slight ringing in his ears has nothing to do with the fact that they are surrounding her again. He never knew he had this possessive side. Possessive?! That’s not what he meant! H-He just doesn’t want her being taken advantage of!
Now he’s not making sense. Those guys were harmless. It’s not about possessiveness. Really. It’s just that any normal girl wouldn’t be that touchy-feely with just any guy. Yes. She should not be that way. Because now, how would he know if he’s a bit more special to her? If she treats everyone the same way, that night on the couch wasn’t as spec- Can somebody distract him from his own thoug-
“Nino!”
He blinked and turned to Aoi, who seemed to have been trying to get his attention.
“I-I have to be going now. My ride’s here,” she said, her eyes going towards where he’d been staring at.
“Oh. Okay.” He nodded, trying to get it together. “I’ll walk you to the gate.”
They both stood up (“Oh teach us your ways, Master!” could be heard behind him.) and headed out. Aoi took one last look at Mao and back to Nino’s preoccupied frown as the large group cheered for the infinite time behind them.
**
“At least we won these slankets, huh?” Mao aimed a grin at Nino beside her, holding hers up.
Nino gave a grunt and continued to stare out the window. They were on the bus, on their way home. Hailing a taxi was hard so now people were staring at them. Aiba, sitting behind them with Yamashita Pink 5, exchanged glances with Mao.
“We can put these on and pretend we’re Jedi Knights!” she exclaimed as Aiba nodded vigorously.
Still no answer. “Fine. We’ll pretend you two are Jedis and I’m a Sith!”
No reaction.
Is he that sore they didn’t win Best Costume? They did get the slankets after all for Best Group! But maybe he had really wanted to win… He’s been giving half-hearted answers and one-liners when they talk to him. Normally, she’d be pissed right about now but she felt guilty, having been the one who insisted what they shall go as.
Silence.
Mao shifted awkwardly in her seat. She took a look at his profile. He looked like Agent. Smith from The Matrix. All stiff and expressionless. She turned her head to Aiba and signaled for help. It was the first time she didn’t know what to do with Kazu. He was acting so differently…
“Maybe Jun shouldn’t have left us before they announced the winners, huh? Must have hurt out chances,” Aiba loudly said. He shifted Yamashita Pink 5 whose head had slid to his shoulder.
“Maybe getting hit on by a drunk Jar Jar Binks was the last straw,” Mao suggested. She and Aiba snorted. Nothing from Kazu.
“This day isn’t all bad, though. Aoi came by, right? If only she had come in a Princess costume, eh?” She nudged him, winking.
This time she was able to get a reaction from him. But before she could understand the look he was giving her, he had turned back towards the window. Mao gave a pout. She looked at Aiba and he shook his head kindly, indicating they leave him be for a while. He’ll be over the heartbreak soon. The trophy wasn’t all that anyway.
Mao took a peek at Nino again.
She hopes so…
**
Nino stretched and gave a loud yawn, waking up from his nap. His eyes watered. He sat up on the couch and gave another yawn. Scratching his stomach, he heard noises in the backyard. The Moo probably. What was she doing though?
His eyes stayed on the sliding doors. And then noticed Yamashita Pink 5 sitting on the floor. He thought back to yesterday again. His actions towards her… Why had he been sulking? Glad that they thought he was upset over them not winning Best Costume. Well, he was upset but a large part of his foul mood was due to different reaaaa- No, that was it. The costume fiasco. There wasn’t anything else bothering him.
He’d cooled off the moment they got in the house. Mao was really not convinced. His sudden mood swing… Hopefully she’ll forget about that soon. He ran a hand through the back of his hair, letting out another yawn and then stopped. What was that sticky feeling in his hand?
“Sithspit!”
There was gum in his hair?! He felt it.
“MAO!” He snarled at the top of his lungs.
“Hehe.” She squeaked.
Nino stood up, his eyes flaring. She had come in from outside the same moment he discovered the gum in his hair. So that’s where her gum went this morning. So it’s probably not a good time to be telling him she’s destroyed some of his shirts in the washing machine?
**
“Just stay still!”
“Get away from me!” The Moo with a scissor seemed dangerous.
“I need to cut the gum out!”
“I’ll just go to the barber!”
“Sit still!”
Nino whimpered and he cringed as he felt Mao grabbing some of his hair.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s not going to come out all weird, okay?” Her voice sounded convincing.
But…
“I can still go to the barber!”
“Are you saying you don’t trust me?”
She had the scissors. “I do! I do trust you!”
She ordered him to sit still then. Nino shut his eyes tight. He heard the snipping of the scissors.
“Is it over?” He was afraid to ask.
A long pause.
“Hehe.” Mao squeaked.
“What did you do?!” he yelled, feeling his hair at the back.
“Well… if I close my left eye like this, it doesn’t look like there’s an almost bald spot here…”
“Are you kidding me?!”
“Hehe.”
“You-“ he turned around and faced her.
Mao was trying not to laugh. “It’s not my fault there’s too much gum.”
She was trying to blow the world’s biggest bubble.
“Why are you leaving chewed gum around?!” he gritted. “You do-“
He almost choked on his words when Mao reached out and started playing with his hair in front. A kind of soft look in her eyes.
“Why don’t you let me cut your hair? It’s gotten long,” she said, a smile on her lips as she messed it up gently. “Hm?”
She pulled on the strands gently, trying to see what cut she can do. Her tongue sticking out slightly. She gave a frown when he wasn’t responding.
“Kazu?”
Poke.
“Kazu? Are you there?” She peered closely.
Poke. Poke. Poke. PokePokePokePoke.
He was trying not to foam at the mouth at how close their faces were. What was his answer again?
**
“Can I change my answer?”
“No.”
Mao grinned down at him, on a chair leaning against the sink. She started rinsing his hair and his heart pounded as her hand gently brushed against his ear. She stopped the water and got the shampoo. Blush he must not as her hands started massaging his scalp.
“Why is your face like that?”
“Nothing.” He was trying to stop himself from being too aware of her. Trying to deny that he liked this. A lot. She was so close…
“Why were you being weird yesterday?”
He was hoping she won’t bring that up again. “I’m always weird.”
“Yeah, I know that.” He gave a pout. “But I dunno, when I mentioned Aoi…”
Maybe she shouldn’t be saying this. She didn’t continue her sentence.
That part. That part… for some reason, the thought that had crossed his mind the moment she teased him with Aoi was that he didn’t want her to be doing that anymore. He didn’t want her pushing him to another girl. Because… it would mean… that towards him she didn’t…
No, that can’t be it. It can’t be.
“Are you sure you know how to cut hair?” He decided to change the topic.
Mao followed. “Of course I do! We can shave it all off if-“
“Sit still!” She pushed him down, laughing. He warned her. She then started playing with his hair. Shaping it into a mohawk. Elvis style. Shaping it Wolverine style. Having loads of fun. Exasperated, he told her to hurry it up.
“You know how to cut hair, right?” He confirmed once more.
Mao gave a nod as he rinsed the shampoo off. She held his ear and rinsed off the shampoo that got on it. He felt a tingle. Spidey sense?
“I used to cut the hair of my Barbie dolls. I have quite a talent,” she said. “So don’t worry!”
“That really doesn’t comfort me.” He was getting afraid.
“They’re all I had to play with then. Of course I’d treat them right.”
Nino looked at her. The quiet admission in that surprised him. He looked at her softly. Mao avoided his eyes. But she knew it was okay to tell him. It was Kazu…
“Your ears are really soft,” she suddenly claimed and started squishing his right ear, laughing.
“S-Stop that!” He felt his knees weakening at her touch. She doesn’t ever listen to him and continued squishing, giggling escaping from her. She felt giddy being this close to him.
She gave a shriek as he got up, getting them all wet and snatching the showerhead and aiming it at her, laughing out loud.
“You are so going to be so bald!” she warned jokingly as water hit her face.
**
The scissor snipped. Mao smiled at him (loving the way the sunlight hit her) before going to the back again. He pulled on his ear. Feeling all fuzzy and warm as Mao circled around him, trying to see how his hair was coming out. He liked it when she messed it up, when her hand would slightly brush the back of his neck, when she would jokingly squish his ears again, when she would stop in front of him and check her cut closely… Their voices low, their conversation a bit more intimate. He adjusted the large beach towel on him. Somehow thinking he made the right answer for this. He tried to hide the grin that was threatening to show.
She had circled back in front. “What are you thinking, Kazu?”
“Hm?” He can’t exactly say what he’s feeling. He attempted at a joke.“That I feel like Superman right now. I’m going to be a hot commodity with this hair.”
“You can’t even see what I’m doing to your hair,” she teased, grinning evilly.
“I trust you.” The three simple words escaped from his mouth.
Mao looked at him. He gave a gentle smile.
“You’re more like a Harry Potter for me,” she teased again, going to the back. Her heart thumping like crazy. She brushed the hair close to his ear.
Scalp. Going. Numb.
“Harry Potter?” He sounded a bit disappointed. But he shouldn’t. He defeated Voldemort!
“What? He’s cute!”
His ears perked up.
“Kazu…”
Mao positioned the scissors, holding her breath.
“Hm?”
“WillyoubemydateforMirai’ssweetsixteen?”
He almost had whiplash. Mao stared wide-eyed at him, her mouth open in a wide ‘Oh’. He had the same exact expression on as they stared at each other.
And then he felt the stinging pain.
“Sithpit!!!!” He put a hand over his ear. It was bleeding.
“You weren’t supposed to make sudden movements!”
**
“You know this wasn’t really necessary.”
“Of course it is. You were bleeding.”
“Yeah. In one ear. So why did you bandage me up like this?”
Mao snorted. “Because you are The Mummy!”
“I am giving you an exasperated look, right now. I just want to let you know.”
Mao burst out laughing. She had bandaged him up really well. Leaving only an eye and his mouth peeking out. She wheezed a bit and laughed some more.
“Are you done?”
“No!” More laughter. Ah, she has so much fun with Kazu.
“I’m taking this off!” he growled and started tugging.
“You can’t!” Mao tried to stop him, laughing.
He pushed her hands away.
She gave a giggle and then suddenly turned a little nervous. “S-So what about it?”
“What about?” he asked irritably. How did she bandage this up?
“….Being my date…”
He suddenly stopped, his head snapping to her. She shrugged and couldn’t look him in the eye. It had taken a lot of effort to finally ask him. She peeked up at him, waiting for his answer.
“Kazu…?” He was still staring at her.
Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke.
“Kazu? Middle Earth to Geekus!”
Poke.
He should be saying something right now… Like right now…
Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.
Poke.
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