「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

02 • got stank?

​I was messing around with my acoustic guitar on my bed until my gaze shifted over to the digital clock on my bedside drawer, it was around evening time. I received a text from my newly made friends earlier about meeting up with them during tonight's basketball game at school. Something about a plan to get in the fish cage? I had no idea what they meant. 

I exit the door to my room with my yokai mask in my messenger bag. I step into the small corridor where the front door is, only to be met with my dad. He leaned his hand against the wall to support his balance as he takes his shoes off. He clearly just got off from work from what I guess from his unkempt hair, tired face, and loosened tie. 

"Hey, dad." I greet him as I help remove his coat from his shoulders, folding it up in my arms. As if a heavy weight is being lifted off, he let out a gentle sigh of relief. 

He then looked at me with confusion, taking notice of my bag. "And where are you off to at this time?" 

"Oh, there's a game going on at school and I promise my friends I would meet them there." 

"You mean with those two boys you keep on talking about?" I nodded. "Don't get me wrong, sweetheart. I glad you finally made some friends... but why does it have to be two boys?" 

"Well, they were the first people I've met so far. Trust me they're not so bad. They're really fun to hang out with." 

He eyebrows furrowed, staring long and hard at my smiling face, as if there was a new light that wasn't there before; his face couldn't help but soften and pat my head. "Alright, just look out for yourself. Don't let them persuade you into any silly shenanigans. And bring your jacket, it's cold out."

"Thanks, dad. I promise I'll be back before curfew. I love you." I gave a quick hug to my dad before slipping on my boots and grabbing my jacket from the coat rack, opening the front entrance, I took my leave. 

"Love you, too."

‐ – — — ★ — — – ‐

Time flew by as I am now sitting on the bleachers watching the game while waiting for Randy and Howard. I held my head in my hands, I'm not really all that interested in active sports, not my cup of tea. 

The doors to the gymnasium swung open catching the attention of everyone present. It revealed to be Randy and Howard who donned themselves in blue body paint covering from the neck down. The words displaying 'go carp' on their chest. Might I add they were also only wearing speedos by the way. 

Randy pulling out airhorns in each hand, horns blaring. "What up, Norisville High!" Howard by his side, spraying silly string.

The whole gymnasium went silent until Bash yelled out from the court. "DORKS!" Everyone started to laugh, "Pfft—" as soon as that sound came out of my mouth, I immediately went and cover it. I couldn't help myself, this was way too unexpected. 

Once the crowd died down, I raised my hand and waved it slightly, trying to catch their attention. They notice and make their way over to me, sitting beside me with Randy between me and Howard. 

I turn to see Howard was shivering, obviously being in nothing but paint and a speedo. "Hey, Howard." He looks at me, then I threw my jacket over on his head, luckily it was oversized. "Thanks."

"No problem." I turn to Randy. "Sorry, Randy. I only have one jacket. Howard looks like he needed it more." 

"It's fine. I don't need it." He felt more bummed about the failed plan than feeling the cold air.