No Strings Attached

0.12

I ignored what he just said because my family have already seen me in my most haggard days. So why bother? Feeling hungry, I immediately head towards the eating area with a plate on my hand. On my way, I could hear the thundering laugh of my mom and another lady. It was chaotic and loud chatters erupted from the room. 

I was about to announce my presence when I saw a familiar figure from the side, talking to my father. Just looking from the way the man stands and the manner he's speaking with my Dad, my heart clenched in a resonating way. It's fast beating clearly shows how happy and excited it was to finally see once again her 'safe place'.

When he turned around, I just found myself giving the plates I held to someone beside me and just ran to his arms. 

"Haruki!" I screamed in joy as I leaped towards him.

He welcomed me with open arms and a wide smile on his face. Once I reached him, I hugged him tighter, eyes coming close to tears of happiness. I also felt him reciprocating the intensity of my hug. 

He pushed me away softly before taking a look at my face. 

"I can't believe I'm looking at the same Athena I knew before! You really changed... a lot!" Haruki exclaimed. I was about to answer when my brother butt in.

"Right? She's upgrading weirdly. Instead of becoming prettier, she's getting uglier and uglier as the year goes by," Apollo said, looking with a disgusted at me. 

I raised up my fist to punch him but Haruki grabbed my arms and lowered it down. "Hey, I don't mean it that way," He said, chuckling.

My anger subsided once he flashed his smile at me. I mentally argues with myself on how I'm simply smitten with his simple gestures that probably meant nothing. I side glanced at Apollo who's already preparing to dig in to the food. He met my eye and looked confused.

I gave him the 'be-thankful-I-didn't-smacked-your-face-right-here-and there' stare. His eyes twitched in panic before setting the spoon down the table and sitting up straight.

Haruki then gently laid his lands on my back and motioned me to sit. I thanked him and he sat down on the chair beside me. Mother initiated the prayer before we ate. The whole breakfast was filled with laughter and chattering from long time friends. Also, me staring (and getting caught multiple times) at Haruki.

I bet you wouldn't be all shocked when I tell you that I have the biggest crush on him. Yes, since Day 1 baby. We've known each other since we're little kids. When I started reading fairy tales, I know that Haruki is the perfect embodiment for 'Prince Charming'. Heck, I even told my Mom on multiple occasions that if Haruki wouldn't be my husband in the future, then I don't want to marry anymore.

I said to myself over and over again that I'll just gather up as much courage as I can take before confessing to him. But in the end, I didn't. We moved in the city because of my father's job and left my feelings for Haruki unsaid.

After eating, I excused myself to comb my hair and finally make our way to school. Since it's Haruki's first day at school, his mom told me to keep him company until her son gets used to the new environment. Of course, I agreed because I'm going to be able to catch up on Haruki's life. 

"You don't actually have to go with me if you don't want," Haruki said, scratching the back of his neck. 

I patted him lightly and sat down to tie my shoelaces. "Calm down, okay? I'm not forced into this or anything,"

Once done, I stood up and bid my farewell to the people inside. They don't seem to notice us since they were busy catching up. We both shrugged to each other and went to the door.

"Ladies first," He flashed his smile once again while holding out the door for me. 

I thank Haruki's mother for giving birth to this endearing human being. I will study hard to someday deserve you and finally have the courage to ask your hand in marriage.  Yes, I'm the one who's proposing not Haruki.

"So do you have your class schedule?" I asked him as we walk.

He nodded and pulled out his phone to show his copy. I immediately checked his classes and I almost jumped in joy when I saw that we share some classes. I'm actually kind of worried that girls will swarm him on his first day, considering that he's really handsome. But I shook that thought off my head and gave the phone back to him. 

"Do you like it here?" I looked at him.

I suddenly heard a car rushing from behind me. I was about to move away when Haruki wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me to his side. Remaining frozen because of the sudden touch, he just continued walking like nothing happened. My eyes wandered at him and saw him looking straight ahead.

He scrunched his cute nose before replying, "I'm starting to like it. Now that you're here," Haruki then faced me and smiled warmly as the sun haloed in him.

Without knowing, my mouth gaped open. God really took his time creating him. He's so breathtaking and solace. He just grinned at me and everything felt light in my heart. Is it possible to feel this way? To have a person as a safe and comforting place?

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a familiar voice.

"What in the world, Athena?"

I looked forward and saw Yuzuru leaning on his car, arms crossed. I knew something bad is going to happen when I saw his eyebrows were furrowed. Taking a deep breath, I removed Haruki's hand from my shoulder and went my way towards Yuzuru while thinking of ways to calm him down.

I guess happiness can never really last that long, huh? Even for a minute.

🔥

:)

PrinceYuzuru ❄ logging out