“What are we doing over here?”“A-hee-hee-hee (Fake giggle). You are too funny and just so cuuuuuuuute!”
Mao didn’t seem to hear his question. Yamashita gave her his usual deadpan expression and followed where her eyes had been glued for the last half hour. Ninomiya and the guild/league/SugusFleet, or whatever they refer to themselves on Tuesdays are gathered around a small makeshift table with a new member. She didn’t look crazy so he didn’t know why she was here.
But she was for sure the reason why he’d received a call from his companion over here, seeming to be mumbling incantations under her breath right now and throwing around the sugar bits from her cinnamon roll like it could make someone disappear, inviting him over for said cinnamon rolls in their new headquarters. He had been about to decline; thinking he could say he was ironing his socks even though he’d done it yesterday, when the matter of their headquarters being a treehouse came up. And somehow he couldn’t say no to that.
His eyes went over to them again. They were laughing and conversing normally. Now he’s the one who has entered a different dimension. All three seemed to be enamored with her which was leaving his companion steaming in her spot.
“Why do we have these aluminum foils as hats?”
“A-ha-ha-ha-ha (Fake flirty laugh). Of course I’d adopt babies with you if you ask me to! You are sooooo cheeky.”
Mao’s eyes never left Nino and Aoi. She narrowed them slightly, wanting to pull a Rambo on them, aiming a machine gun as “Eye of The Tiger” plays in the background. Was it “Eye of The Tiger”? Maybe it wasn’t… Wondering if Yamashita knows… Well, anyway, she just wasn’t happy about all this. She already hasn’t got much time left with Kazu… And he decides to invite Aoi to THEIR treehouse. THEIR treehouse. Someone should invent a capslock to a capslock. Because she can’t stress that enough.
After last night, after he gave her the ViewMaster which still leaves her giddy, after she kissed him on the cheek which still leaves her over the moon and the sun and the stars and the aliens and the- You get the picture- which he SHOULD be feeling too (Again, capslocking capslock anyone?), she just finds him sitting in the far corner, facing the wall when she woke up. Wondering what he was doing there, she had stopped by his side and asked just that. He had this serene smile on his face, saying he was just waiting for her to wake up so they can go.
And he had on that unsettling smile all the way home.
And this morning she finds out the reason for that smile. He had received a text from Aoi last night. She’d come back from a trip and was telling him she’s bought home some souvenirs for them. He’d pushed her out of the picture just like that! It felt like her heart was shattered into a million pieces and she doesn’t have a 1-Up Mushroom to revive her…
And he actually brings her over to THEIR treehouse. She doesn’t even know the password! Although Kazu just had to remind her they don’t really have a password. But girls aren’t allowed up the treehouse! He just had to go all Yoda and remind her girl she is a. Now she had no more reasons to keep the door locked and let them up.
So she thinks of the best way to tell him how she feels about him inviting the girl he’s smitten about. By inviting Yamashita over; the boy she’s supposed to be smitten about. Because seeing him with Aoi doesn’t affect her at all.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Though she was really planning on inviting Yamashita all along; wanting him to see a different her inside a treehouse. Just that now, a new purpose has been added to his profile.
“Keep that on.” She felt him reaching to take off his hat.
“What are we doing with these anyway?”
“So they can’t hear our thoughts.”
“They don’t really work.”
“Of course they do.”
He doesn’t see himself winning this argument.
“I don’t think they’re remotely interested in knowing what we’re doing.”
“They are.”
Yamashita’s eyes went to them.
Nope, they aren’t.
“They’ll notice because we are being adorably random and we look cute with the same foil hats on.” She told him with confidence when she sensed his reluctance.
“Hold my hand,” she then finished, reaching out with her palm up. Her eyes locked on Nino.
She turned her head to look at him when she’s been holding it out for like a full minute already and he’s still not taking it.
They stared at each other for a long while.
“Hold my hand,” she huffed. Now was not the time for him to be uncooperative.
He broke eye contact with her and started inching away. And she followed him inch by inch, hissing at him under her breath to hold her hand. It will just be a minute! She just wants to get Kazu’s attention!
“Come back here!”
She reached over and pulled on his arm; he pulled right back taking him with her. She closed her eyes, wincing as she landed on top of him; her head had hit the wall. The flow of conversation seemed to have stopped. She cracked open an eye and saw four pairs of eyes staring at them.
At least she got what she wanted: their attention finally. More specifically Kazu’s attention. Maybe she should have clung to Yamashita right from the start but she had to be subtle. He hasn’t even once looked over to the both of them even if she was making it clear she was having so much fun. She’s only seen Aiba looking once in a while. But that may be because he wanted a foil hat too.
“O-ha-ha-ha (Faker flirty laugh). You have such big guns!”
Okay, where did that come from? She just panicked. Yamashita had gently but firmly pushed her off him and back on the floor. The four seemed to have gotten over them and turned back to talking to one another like nothing happened.
They were talking about holding a costume party tomorrow. The four of them have talked about it once; about doing something big before the end of summer. Kazu had announced then that he had an idea. And with the air of someone that was about to divulge the most major secrets of the universe, he had suggested a costume party. They had all exclaimed in mock awe how come they hadn’t come up with that; Kazu was too predictable.
She was supposed to be part of the committee but then Aoi was there already so she didn’t want to botch it up for Kazu. She has the tendency to embarrass him in front of her. So she’s a little sore that she’s the girl Kazu likes like. If that isn’t the case, she feels they could get along really well.
She pursed her lips at the four and decided that her and Yamashita’s achingly adorable ‘couple-ness’ is not getting the desired effect. She looked at Kazu; so happy in his element. So happy with Aoi…
She turned to Yamashita, who seemed to be back on guard lest she tries anything again.
“Come on, I’ll buy you a Slurpee.”
Wow, offering to give something rather than take. Her mood seemed to have dropped a whole lot more.
“Yams and I are going to go get a Slurpee and share it. I don’t think we’ll be back,” she made her loud announcement with unnecessary details plus an exaggerated wink. She couldn’t help it, wanting to sneak in a last futile attempt. She could have left out Yams, but the nickname she gave him on the spot to act sweet was stuck on her. She kinda liked it. He didn’t. Though he doesn’t like anything anyway.
Was that a second– no-third stolen glance from Kazu? She wasn’t sure. She should just get out now before her heart is pulverized to powder. Grabbing Yams’ arm, they headed toward the way down. She took one last peek before going but Kazu was back to talking to Aoi.
Yams’ eyes were on her as he felt her squeezing his arm, trying to act like nothing’s wrong.
**
“We should get back to the house first.” Mao’s feet landed on the ground after she jumped down from the last step. “I only have enough money for one Slurpee.”
“You’re really buying?” He thought the ground would be shaking when the end is near.
Mao stuck a tongue out at the tone of his voice. “Shut it. Unless you really want to share one with me.”
Ha. Obviously not, she thought, smirking. She somehow can see the small differences in his one expression. Her smirk faded when her eyes fell on a spot under the tree. The spot where they buried their time capsule. Or time candy dispenser. She thought about what memory she wrote and hid inside it. And then wondered what Kazu could have written… Was she part of the memory that stood out for him? Was she someone he wouldn’t forget…?
She looked up and thought of him and Aoi again. And then felt something push at her and she instantly went to action. She brushed past Yams and got to her knees and started clawing at the dirt with her hands.
She heard him stop just behind her asking what she was doing. She was almost there, could almost see the storm trooper and then her hands stopped. What was she doing? Even if she was part of his unforgettable memory, that was just because they shared so many moments in this summer together. It will just be about their adventures. The OT4 as Aiba said. Not about anything else…
But was Aoi a part too…?
She looked down.
Did she really want to know…? To confirm it in her heart…? That Aoi is just a bit more different…
She pushed all the dirt back in. Maybe it was better not knowing… At least she wouldn’t take the heartache with her when she goes… At least she could still have the chance, that miniscule chance, to pretend that Kazu could actually be thinking more about someone else…
Her, maybe…
“Are you okay?” She heard Yams ask.
She patted the ground when she was done and started to get up. “Yeah. I thought I could dig up the time capsule we buried here and find some answers out. But I don’t think I want to know anymore…”
She had her head down, looking a little dejected. But she made her choice. And she’s going to end this summer in the right way… Just keep things as they were… She shouldn’t fix something that isn’t really broken… Then at least she’ll have the most epic memories to think back on…
“We should go get that Slurpee now.”
“Who are you talking to?”
Mao looked up, meeting Jun’s confused gaze. He had just climbed down the steps of the treehouse and was looking around.
“Yams, of course, who else?”
“No one’s there.”
Mao whipped her head around and then did a 360. What the frack? He was just here beside her!
“W-Wha-?” She would have heard if he walked away.
“You’re just trying to make it look like you’re going for a Slurpee run with Yams- er- Yamashita but in fact, it was all just for show. I bet he took off the moment you two got down here,” Jun said with an all-knowing look.
He’s seen what was going on earlier. Knows full well Mao was doing all she can to make sure Nino feels threatened by Yams’- what is it with that nickname getting stuck on all of them- Yamashita’s presence. He let it go on, hoping that Nino will crack. Will show just how much it pains him, how much it drives him crazy to see the two being all cute. But he didn’t. He was even tougher than Thor’s hammer.
How did he do it? What experiments have he been doing and where is all these references coming from?
“No, I wasn’t! (No wonder Jun always wins in Cluedo.) He was really just right beside me!” Mao jerked a thumb over her shoulder.
“Motorcycle’s ready.”
Mao and Jun cried out, simultaneously jumping almost a feet into the air at his voice. They blinked at Yams who was holding his helmet, seeming unperturbed.
“How do you do that? Is that even possible?” Mao asked, looking at him in awe. Jun was just staring and still blinking.
“Is what even possible?” Yams gave a frown. What out of this world topic are they on about now?
“You just disappeared like- Poof!” That was all she could really come up with.
Yams gave her his look as he pointed towards the back. “I told you I was going to get the motorcycle ready.”
“You did?” Mao asked distractedly, still gaping up at him. Was he a real life superhero?
“Do you still want that Slurpee?”
Mao seemed to shake herself out of it. She’ll try to figure that one out next time. “See, Jun? I’m not masterminding a scheme where I want to make Kazu jealous and crazy by acting like we’re totally in like with each other. Because we are. Totally in like with each other, I mean. Not the part about the scheming and the acting. And o-ha-ha-ha (Fake awkward laugh), isn’t he one fine specimen of a man?”
Jun and Yams were both staring at the wide wobbly grin on her face.
“Anyway!” She exclaimed, snapping them all out of it. “Let’s go get that Slurpee! GTG! TTYL! TUVM!”
She pulled Yams’ arms again and they stalked off. Jun watched as they went, shaking his head. It was better this way anyway. Maybe it can push Nino into finally seeing what’s right in front of him.
They both need that.
**
Nino’s face appeared behind the towel as he walked past Mao’s room. He stopped at her door, looking at it for a while. He then moved his feet and stepped into his room, closing the door. His towel landed on the floor and he padded towards his bed. He sat down, feeling the frustration at his throat. He messed up his hair in irritation, his ears reddening, thinking back to earlier where Mao was getting a little too comfy with Yamashita. He knew the moment he heard him call up from below the treehouse that trouble will be on like Donkey Kong.
And it was just the night before that they shared an incredible moment of epic proportions. Presenting the ViewMaster, giving him a kiss on his cheek, and him taking her hand in his under the planets… They could have made a movie about that! Well, okay, he may be exaggerating but it could very well what it feels like if he acquires a superpower.
But he had woken up then, his whole being zooming into panic mode; still holding her hand. Which he didn’t want to let go of at that time. He did though as something struck him.
He grabbed his chest. He looked around panicked. He couldn’t count the ‘dokis’ anymore. He couldn’t count them!!!
He looked back down at her when his phone vibrating on the makeshift table caught his attention. He had reluctantly gotten up and went to check on it. It was Aoi…
It felt like he had been struck by lightning and a Wookiee. Aoi… There was this existing thing between him and Aoi… It’s not like they’ve really talked about it or labeled it, but it was there. It was just there… And he can’t be feeling all these for Mao when he hasn’t even sorted out what is between him and Aoi…
What is it really? He was getting too confused. I mean, why does he think he needs to choose? No one will really think twice about choosing Aoi, right? He had looked back to Mao, still asleep. Felt that undeniable tug in his heart.
Mao on top of Yamashita came back to him. He heard a growl. Who was that? Was it him? His brow furrowed. She forgot all about their moment the night before. What was up with the matching foil hats? And why does she have to press so much against him? It was taking every effort not to let out a wounded howl and then charge at him with a- a cinnamon roll. Why does she do that? It’s not like he can post up rules for the treehouse. His ears perked up. Maybe he can…
He let out a frustrated sigh and dropped on his bed. He covered his face with an arm. It’s not like it was any of his business really. Who she likes. Who she shares cinnamon rolls with. Who she shares foil hats with. He should just forget about it…
Forget all about it…
So what if he had big guns?!!
… Oh yeah, forget about it…
**
He smacked his lips and scratched his neck, turning to his side. A faraway noise seemed to be penetrating his sleep. He felt something soft beside him. It smelled really nice. He reached out a hand and pulled it closer. It was wiggling a bit. Something brushed his lips. A sleepy smile lifted his lips. His eyes cracked open a bit, looked at what he was holding, and then closed them again.
He gave a frown and opened his eyes once more. Blinked twice and then giving a shout, he pulled back instantly, his body and head connecting with the hard wall.
“Whatwhatwhat?” He heard her as he cried out in pain. He tried rubbing the pain away but he was still seeing stars.
He carefully massaged his forehead and looked at her. She had her sheets wrapped around her, covering her from head to toe. Her face the only thing he can see. Like a makeshift ghost. A cute makeshift ghost.
“W-What are you doing here?” The throbbing seemed to be gone but then he had a new problem. It’s like The Hulk was back to stomping on his heart.
A clap of thunder answered him. Mao gave a little yelp and put her head down. It was the rain that he had been hearing. She peeked out at him. She didn’t want to be alone in her room with this going on. She can’t be alone… He noted the frightened look in her eyes.
“D-Don’t make me go.”
His eyes softened at her. Of course he won’t do that. He will never do that…
“I-I’m not…”
Her grateful gaze made his heart soar. It became shy in the next moment as she lowered her eyes. The Hulk seemed to be skipping now.
He started to move. “You stay here on the bed then… I’ll take the floo-“
“Stay,” she asked quietly. He was the only one that can make her forget about the noise outside. Another clap of thunder. She tried to hide further into the sheet. His presence was the only one that can make her feel at ease. “At least until I fall asleep…?”
His brain seemed to have turned to ice. He pointed at the bed. “Y-You mean here?”
She slowly nodded her head. He gave a swallow. He couldn’t feel his scalp anymore. He suddenly gathered up his sheets and started wrapping it around him. He looked to her when he finished. They looked like identical pods sitting on the bed.
She had been watching him and gave an amused laugh as soon as he finished.
“What are you doing?” She gave another giggle.
Having her by his side again… He was making sure he doesn’t do anything like what he did in the treehouse… He might not be able to help himself if he doesn’t wrap himself up like this. He suddenly remembered her sweet cinnamon scent. He heard another giggle when he realized he had shut his eyes tight as if to make himself forget about it.
He opened his eyes once more. She had lain down on her side, yawning. Her eyes watering slightly. Their eyes met and she gave a smile, her nose wrinkling gently. He hesitated for a moment and slid down to the bed himself. Making sure there was a considerable amount of space between them.
He could feel her gaze still on him. He lifted his eyes to her sleepy ones, a soft glow coming from her.
“You know what, Kazu? I missed you today…”
His eyes widened slightly. She did? Something seemed to be caught in his throat.
“I felt bad… We didn’t spend much time together… It’s like we wasted a whole day…” Wasted a chance… Didn’t they say they’d spend as much time as they can together…?
“I… I missed you too…”
She lit up at that and he really liked seeing it. Before he knew it, she had buried her head close to his chest when another clap of thunder resounded. He froze and swallowed convulsively. Wondering if she heard that.
“Let’s not waste anymore days…” Her sleepy voice whispered.
He gave a nod, slowly closing his eyes.
They really shouldn’t…
**
“So does this all happen in a far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far-“
“That’s enou-“
“Far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far-“
“Stop it!”
“Far, far, far away planet?”
“Am I going to regret joining this conversation?”
“Yes, Mao, it happens in that kind of planet. So basically, you’re an assassin who is recruited by Nino, leader of a vigilante league.”
“Is there a part where I annihilate him in the course of this story?”
“Yes. I think each of us more or less annihilates one another but we manage to come back due to magic, evil scientists, and plot inconsistencies. But we mostly have an unbreakable alliance which is key.”
“Ha! I annihilate you too. My character has a Segway, right?”
“How come I’m the villain here? With telekinesis and a scar over his eye. That doesn’t sound anywhere near cool.”
“But do I annihilate Nino more times than he annihilates me? Oh, I’m immortal! But I get amnesia? Why do I have to get amnesia?”
“We’re all basically immortal.”
“But I don’t disappear for a period of time, come back in corporeal form or flashbacks, or come back as a totally different character. I’m always my character.”
“Since I’m the villain, I’m immortal too. Coz I get decapitated, burned, strapped to a bomb, shot into outerspace, but I manage to come back whole and offer cliffhangers for ‘who dunnit’. Who the hell wrote this script?”
“I have a solo song here somewhere…”
“Why do we all become vampires at one point in the story?”
“Vampires are really in right now.”
“Ooooh, Yams has a part. A zombie!”
“Remember he watches ‘Vampire Diaries’.”
“A zombie who comes back from the dead.”
“You weren’t complaining when you saw your scene with Mao inspired by the series.”
“A zombie who comes back from the dead. Is it just me or does it sound a little off? Oh, I got amnesia because I’m a god!”
“You’re giving all the best parts to her! And what scene is that?”
“Do you guys want the singing parts? Coz I feel it’s going to come across better if I do all of it.”
“What scene is that? And yes, I am a multi-billionaire who discovers he has natural superpowers. Good, I hate getting powers through lab accidents.”
“Please change the part where I find out you’re my half-brother.”
“It’s an integral part of the story.”
“You just added that in at the last minute. In one line.”
“How come Nino gets to stop me from destroying the world?”
“It’s because you’re really good inside. You’ve just been possessed by the demon Jun has summoned. And because Nino is supposed to save the day in his Federation uniform because he insisted I write it that way.”
“So I summon demons too?”
“Did you just mix in all the plots you asked me to compile? Am I going to find computers threatening to kill us here?”
“Here it is. Computers in Darth Vader masks.”
“Before I forget, I can only give you each a minute for your solos.”
“Hey, I get only 100 points when I kill Nino?”
“What?! 100 points?! Are you kidding me?!”
“I’m worth 15 million points. Yeah.”
“I’m worth 100 million points.”
“What do you guys think our 1UP Mushroom should be? A macaroon or a cinnamon roll?”
“I volunteer to have my character forever eliminated from this story.”
“What’s missing is an alien invasion in the plot.”
The doorbell rang, signaling the end of their meeting. They’d been planning to make a short movie about their summer together but they made the mistake of assigning Aiba as the scriptwriter. Mao laughed out loud at a part where Nino comes back for the fourth time from the dead as a cheerleader. Having died from a virus infection that as usual threatened to eliminate all humanity. Nino’s narrowed eyes met hers. She gave a mischievous grin.
Something in them suddenly changed though causing Mao to become self-conscious. Suddenly remembering they’d woken up to each other again; still covered in their sheets. When the sleep had gone from their eyes, they ended up staring at each other, obviously blushing, before realizing that someone was at the front door.
They forgot that Aiba and Jun were coming in earlier to work on their costumes and preparation for the party. They basically tried to not think too much about it, think too much into it. Good thing working out their costumes proved to be distracting.
They didn’t want him controlling what kind of costumes they should come up with though. He had easily agreed. How hard is that? But as he watched Aiba putting on his Doraemon costume, Mao as the simple ‘Boo’ and Jun putting on a fake muscled obscure superhero costume… Torture is just a mild way of describing it. But, he did promise… He promised… He promised… He had to brainwash himself with that.
They looked away from each other as Aiba went to answer the door. And then was calling for them seconds later. He couldn’t open it with his Doraemon hands. Aoi was the first to arrive, dressed as his fellow Enterprise officer (He was Spock, btw), saying hi to everyone as she stepped into the living room, passing the sushi she brought to Jun. He asked her to sit down as his eyes went to Mao, but she had gone with Jun to ready the food and drinks.
Other guests have arrived not long after. Shun came as Shrek, with just his Shrek ears. Ryo was a store clerk, sticking a name tag on his shirt. Eita came as Elvis. Asami as Lara Croft. Tabi, the bartender still calling him Lord of The Geek, forgot it was a costume party. He didn’t expect Yamashita to come though he knew he’d never be in costume.
And the party was in full swing. An A.I. competition was up first, started by none other than Aiba. People mingling, sharing laughs, having a few drinks (rootbeer and KoolAid). It was fun. He’d spent most of the time with Aoi but he would always be looking out for Mao… He couldn’t help it… His eyes just automatically search for her… He found her surrounded by Shun, Ryo and Tabi; they looked like they were enjoying the finger foods. Mao being all radiant and just charming… He wished Shun and Ryo wouldn’t crowd her in like that; Tabi on the other hand was a gentleman.
He was too late in looking away; Mao had caught his gaze. They lingered on each other for a while before they turned back to their respective conversations. And it was that way the whole time. Their eyes would be meeting across the room, in between people, waiting for their turn at the Guitar Hero guitar-off. But they couldn’t seem to spend some time together. He didn’t know if it’s because some of the guys always hoarded her or because everytime any of them comes to him and Aoi, conversations seem to falter faster than Scotty beams people up or other people just get in the way.
But weren’t they supposed to not waste any more chances…? Having this party is a reminder that they didn’t have much time… And yet, they can’t seem to find each other in this house…
She seemed to be thinking along the same lines when their gazes met again. She went back to laughing at Aiba as she played another turn of rock, paper, and scissors with him. She loved winning against a defenseless him with his Doraemon gloves.
Things were really not going their way so far. And he never expected it to get worse. He didn’t know how it happened but someone seemed to have knocked Mao’s glass from her hands as she walked towards the couch, spilling its contents on Aoi who happened to be sitting there. Worse, the mug had hit her on the head before crashing onto the floor.
Mao was fussing over her, apologizing profusely and he found himself pushing her hands away and checking Aoi for himself, asking if she was okay. Turning to her wanting to know what happened. His tone may have come out in a snap but he didn’t mean it; he had just been stressing about this whole party being a sort of disaster when it came to spending time with Mao.
Mao looked at him for a while, mumbled an apology and crouched down, intending to pick up the broken pieces. She’d pulled back her hand, muffling a cry of pain. She was suddenly pulled up by Jun, holding the hand she was trying to hide and he steered her towards her room. Nino looked up just in time to see Aiba following them as Eita apologized; he was the one who had bumped into Mao.
He didn’t seem to be hearing anything as the three disappeared from his sight.
**
Jun pulled his hands back. The Star Wars band-aid he found in Nino’s room was in place around her finger. He didn’t care if it was one of his collectibles; Mao needed them. His eyes went to her face. She still had her head down; still looking upset about something. Aiba was sitting on the floor in front of them, asking if it still hurt.
It did. Something in her heart still hurt…
“Nino’s tone was nothing. He’s probably just stressed because Eita seemed to be eyeing his lightsaber again,” Jun attempted to humor her.
“It’s a wonder too how he’s still not foaming in the mouth. The state of his living room is not pretty,” Aiba added, holding up his round hand.
She loved them for trying to make her feel better. And she did, at some point. It’s just that… It just hurts to think he forgets about her… And Aoi is still all he sees… It’s something she should know so well already…
When will she learn that it’s always going to be that way?
She really was that stubborn.
But because it was Kazu…
She looked to Jun and Aiba. To her superhero with the uneven muscles and to her super-robot with the weird hands. She managed a smile.
“You guys really make it better…”
“You seemed skeptical. Do you sense skepticism, Aiba?”
“I sense. I sense.” Aiba did not approve.
She gave a chuckle.
“Mao, we are your friends. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, when you don’t see us that way, it kinda stings, you know,” Aiba said in a quiet voice. He tried scratching his face with his hand. “You can talk to us.”
“Whatever it is,” Jun finished.
Mao met their gazes. Took in their warm smiles. They were right. She hasn’t been treating them as friends she shared her problems with. It’s always been the fun parts. She never knew they really wanted to be there for her. Wanting to give support whatever she may be going through. Well, that was going to change. She sees clearly now…
“I’ll be taking you guys up on that offer then.”
“Anytime.” Jun ruffled her hair.
“Don’t strain your muscles now.” She gave a laugh, pressing his fake biceps down.
“I don’t know why I even agreed to wearing this.”
“Admit it, you just enjoy it,” Aiba joked. “Hey, Mao, wanna play rock, paper, and scissors again?”
“Sure!” Mao said, her eyes crinkling.
“Wonder what it feels like to hug someone with this thing on,” Jun suddenly mused.
Mao gave a surprised yelp as Jun’s arms went around her.
“Hey! No hugging!” Aiba protested, trying to poke Jun away.
Mao had pushed Jun off her and he landed on Aiba. Both supers got tangled together with Mao laughing out loud.
Nino stood by the door, peeking in. He gave a sad smile as he watched Mao push Jun back down again; he was finding it hard to find his balance in his suit. He was glad both he and Aiba were there for her. He knew they will definitely always be there for her.
Unlike him…
As he watched the three being silly together, he wished he was part of it. But it didn’t feel right to barge in right now. He might take some of the fun away. Mao needed to be with just them for a while. As he smiled at the scene, he could almost hear these words… that evoke so much of what he was feeling for her right now… What he wanted her to know…
“I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You.can.take.my breath away…”
And then he realized the A.I. game was on in the living room. He soundlessly closed the door, turning to go back to the party. He slowly made his way. Knowing his mind will be in her room with them…
With her…
“You can take my breath my breath away
I can be your hero…”
Song: Enrique Iglesias "Hero"
