Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

Chi: "Yeah. Already figured you're kinda overprotective of him.", *makes an 'aw-that's-so-cute' face*

"I'm not?!", I grimace.

Chi: "If you say so." *sticks her tongue out*

I want to strangle her. Seriously.

But damn. She's right. In a way. So, I'm protective of everyone close to me, naturally, and it mostly shows in my typical - rude, pride-driven, denying - ways. I mean, that's just how I am, deal with it!

Whatever.

With Deku, though, my protectiveness reaches a new, almost ridiculous, level, which is really scary, like, what the fuck. This may be because I used to treat him like shit. Now that we've moved closer again and are on good terms after recent events, I feel like I need to compensate for that, to make up for my actions to some extent. This approach seems simply selfish, but there's also the perhaps not unimportant fact that I want Deku to be happy. I don't want him to be hurt. Whether it's physically or emotionally.

Oh shit. Did I seriously just think something like that?! I sigh deeply.

Chi: "You're almost there! Ganbatte~!"

My eyebrow twitches, "Guess you forgot I've no inhibs 'bout beating up chicks, huh?"

Chi: *just giggles silly*

"However...", I start...

In the case of Mr. Beanpole, I have solid reasons to be worried. I still dislike that jerk to no end. Goes without saying. And I can't shake off the feeling that he has dubious intentions with Deku. Talks about love at first sight and shit, yet all he wants is to stick it in! The fanatical aura around his ugly mug gives me the creeps. Not to mention that incident...

Chi: "Kats?"

I briefly look at Chi, then back at my controller. Am I really the only one who thinks that way?

"Say...don't you think Mr. Beanpole is sus?", I ask.

Chi: *shakes her head*, "Nope.", *short pause*, "True, Tama is very crazy about Midobro, but it's kinda cute."

First: I hate that this dumbass already has an official nickname with our squad. Second: 'Midobro'? For real? Third: Guess I'm still alone on the 'He's a damn sus creep' side.

"Hm...I see...", I respond uncertainly. Well, what can I say anyway now?

I notice Chi's sideways glance but avoid looking at her. Even so, I can picture her expression exactly. She knows that there is more to my question.

"Let's game now.", I quickly suggest, already unpausing the screen so our race can finally start. More importantly, this makes it clear to her not to dig further.

Chi: "Ok.", *hums*, "But don't worry. Midobro's fine, for sure."

That doesn't stop me from continuing to have a crappy feeling.

While I still brood, I try to perform as best I can in the game. Easier said than done. The memory of the incident - or should I say 'encounter of a different kind' - is then automatically pulled up by my brain.

~A small flashback~
[Hasegawa's birthday party, Karaoke Bar 'Singing Oasis']

With my hands in my pockets and my typical smug face, I make my way to the toilets to pee.

I'm satisfied with how the evening with my sex date is going so far. She's practically eating out of my hand already, even though she hasn't even seen me naked yet. You can hear me chuckling boastfully. I can hardly wait to elicit the hottest sounds from her.