Don't Let Go, I Need You

~8~

"You're so easy to read when it comes to food." A big smile curled on Megumi's lips and his long lashes lifted in a sophisticated way. His delicate movement caused my chest to squeeze from his beauty. Why did it hurt to know that he has the looks while I don't? People assumed that women were gifted with natural beauty, but men do as well and the evidence was right in front of me. "And when you eat, your face lights up. Sometimes you look like a squirrel." His words again stabbed me as he compared me to an animal.

Clutching my chest, I turned away from him, not letting him see my semi-hurt face. "Was I... At least a cute squirrel?" I choked out my feelings, in hopes he'll either lie or be brutally honest like always.

A big sigh left his lips. "Yes, you look like a cute squirrel when you eat. Don't worry, Kana... Only I will know that you resemble a cute squirrel." It was supposed to sound reassuring, but it sounded more like a threat. This boy needed better social skills.

After Megumi paid for our meal, we went back on campus to end the night.

The next morning, there was so much news about three male high school students found dead and disfigured at a movie theater. On the articles, it showed the three victims' faces, and I gasped from their pictures. "Oh no..." It was the three boys who bullied Junpei. Then it hit me that Junpei probably went to the movies after I declined yesterday. "Is Junpei okay?!" I took out my phone and dialed his number, but he wasn't picking up and I got even more scared. I had a gut feeling that he wasn't dead because if he was then he would've been mentioned in the article. Since it was still daylight, I decided to find him on my own. I didn't know where he lived but I'll try my best.

Hastily changing like there's no tomorrow, I threw comfy clothes on and ran out of my room. In the halls, I wasn't looking at where I was going when I turned a corner. My life flashed before my eyes as Megumi popped in front of me. My feet couldn't stop my whole body from lunging forward. The balance which was once in my body failed me as I got into contact with Megumi. I closed my eyes ready for the hard floor to kill me.

CRASH!

However, my fall was cushioned. Opening my eyes, I was wrapped in Megumi's arms from hitting the ground. My body laid on top of his, and there was a weird feeling roaming in my stomach. I've never been this close to him before. We never touched bodies. The embarrassment and shyness started to flare up my face. Looking down at him with my red face, Megumi stared up at me with his usual facial expression. There was no hint of annoyance swarming in his eyes, but a sense of relief that I was okay. Additionally, his face wasn't red but the tip of his ears were bright like a ripe tomato. I'm surprised he can compose himself better than I can. Before I could get off of him, someone decided to waltz into our situation.

"Hey—Oh... Are you two now rubbing in my face that I'm getting old, and I don't have a lover yet?!" Turning our heads behind us, it was Gojo-sensei who stood a few feet away. He looked so distraught at the sight of me and Megumi on top of each other. "Why didn't you guys tell me, your guardian and uncle that you both were—"

"We're not dating!" Megumi and I said in unison, causing Gojo to back away from our loud voices.

My face was getting hotter than the sun could get. This was a big misunderstanding. Why of all people it had to be him? It would cut half the embarrassment for us.

"Geez, I just asked one question!" Gojo cried. "When did my niece also share the same personality as Megumi?! She's always so nice... What did you do to her, Megumi?!" While Gojo was being a drama queen for no valid reason, I got off from Megumi and helped him back on his feet. It just happened that Megumi's voice overpowered mine, and it made it seem like I was irked as well. RIP for his future partner and kid if he chose to settle down. I only pray for the best since he's not an easy person to handle.