CHAPTER 46

"Rise and shine grumpy-pants!"

Hiro who stood at the entrance of his house with half-lidded eyelids covered his mouth with a yawn. Squinting without a care for his elaborate pyjamas and wild hair, he lazily tilted his head to the side. "Am I dreaming?"

"No, sir," I responded, grinning from ear to ear.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, voice unusually low and groggy. "It's not even noon, Hoshino. If you're here because Yuji put you up to somethi—"

A loud pop caused Hiro to flinch. I retreated the extravagant party popper I had tucked in my fingers, laughing as some of the confetti fell and landed into his hair. Wide-eyed now, Hiro's mouth hung wordlessly. I bit my lower lip and extended out my hands.

"Happy birthday!"

It took a good while for him to move and save me from the awkwardness closing in on us. "Who..."

"Let's worry about who told me later," I said, unable to wipe away my smile. "I've also been notified that you don't do much for your birthday every year except watch a movie or two. But we can change that. Today shall be ours to have as much fun as seventeen year old's should."

I slipped the popper into my pocket and ran my fingers through my hair, brushing aside my short bangs and having my hair fall properly on my shoulders.

"Our first order of business begins at twelve," I said, beckoning him on. "You should probably get dressed."

I continued to gesture for him to go but Hiro wouldn't budge from his place. More like, he couldn't get himself to. Dazzled, he raked me over, openmouthed for a good while. I swallowed back the bashfulness creeping up on me to make eye-contact.

"Um, I kinda came all the way out here... and it would be extremely embarrassing if you suddenly tell me it's not your birthday... or that you're actually busy..."

Hiro thankfully chose that moment to snap out of his trance. "N-no it is," he stammered, bumbling for words. "But what the..."

I rose a brow and he retreated a step.

"I'll just get changed real quick. I-I guess?" He messed his hair in newfound frustration. "Ugh, sorry. Why do I feel I'm sounding so much like a girl right now?"

A proper smile graced my lips. "Aren't you gonna invite me in?" I feigned a shiver, gripping my arms. "It's kinda cold out here."

He stumbled back, pushing open the door all the way. "Make yourself comfortable."

"Aye, aye." As I stepped through the doorway, embracing the warmth that came with it, I watched him shut the door after us. "Where're your parents?" I asked. "Haruna and Asao?"

"Haruna and Asao went home for the holidays and won't be back until after New Years," he replied. "And my parents had to catch a flight to Tokyo to meet with other business partners."

"The day before Christmas?"

He offered me a one-shouldered shrug. "They're busy people." He paused. "What about your family?"

"We usually do stuff on the 25th," I said.

My focus landed onto his messy bed hair stuck out in all places. Even his striped pyjamas... Were those tiny teddy bears decorating them?

Hiro, catching what I was staring at, had a huge blush blossom across his cheeks. "This is— My mom bought me these for me and said she wouldn't leave for Tokyo unless I put them on—"

"I'm not judging, man," I said, catching my bottom lip between my teeth. He narrowed his eyes at me. If it were to intimidate me to stop laughing, it wasn't very effective with his reddened complexion. "I'm not!" I insisted. "I caught you at a bad time. But don't worry, I also have this onesie I always wear that I wouldn't want others to see me in. Your pyjamas, even if they are childish, are a cute kind of childish. And you're hot enough to rock any kind of outfit, even striped teddy bear pyjamas kids would typically be too embarrassed to wear— And yes, I do realize I'm not helping. I'll stop rambling now."

I folded my arms behind my back, innocently batting my eyelashes.

"Might I remind you that I came all the way here to see you?"

Hiro's features that were scrunched up so angrily moments prior fell into a somewhat ghost of a smile. My eyebrows rose as he forced a exhale. He then turned towards the stairs, stringing his fingers through his hair.

"Give me fifteen minutes."

I heaved a relieved breath when he departed up the stairs, leaving me behind in a puff of silence. After dragging myself to the living room and taking a seat on the couch, I inwardly cringed. Seriously, me? Why bring up my onesie at a time like this? And finish it off with the fact that kids wouldn't want to wear it? You were supposed to be making his birthday a memorable one! Act towards that, then, idiot.

This was what I got for not rehearsing the amount of cheerfulness necessary to not make this more awkward than it was. I knew I'd regret it. Regardless, after giving myself a pep talk, I did my part and went over the plan I had in mind for today. Part of it were stuff Yuji and Saki had planned ahead of time and handed me the baton, while the last couple things were things I'd come up with. I did say I'd take over for them but damn was this really stressful. And I'd been trying to push it aside but if we'd be alone all the way through today, wouldn't it make it kind of like a...

Nerves shot through me. Hold on. Wait a minute. Did Saki plan this? Yuji I'd see that from, but Saki? Did Hiro tell them anything? I mean, they were really close. Then again, why should this even matter? Whether you'd consider it a 'date' or not, I was already here. Unless, of course, I not so subtly invited somebody else to join up with us later...

I briefly surveyed the refurbished room. Besides the running of water I could hear upstairs, indicating he was taking a shower, I could deduce I was safe for a while.

Slipping out my cell, I slid through my contacts until I found the first name in my path. I messaged him almost instantly.

ME
You free today?

HIBI-DORK
No way, are you asking me on a date? (*≧▽≦)

ME
Um... no.

HIBI-DORK
Awww

ME
Actually, kind of

HIBI-DORK
Woohoo!
I knew this day would come!
Nobody believed in me.
I only had myself and my irresistible charm to pull through!

ME
    (￣_￣)・・・

HIBI-DORK
But sorry, Miyuki. Not today.
I've got to babysit my siblings.
You know how out of control they get.

ME
Oh...

HIBI-DORK
I know!!!
The first time you ever cared enough to ask me out and I can't comply!

ME
It's fine. It was to celebrate Hiro's birthday anyway.

HIBI-DORK
What? We were going out ourselves?
Well that's disappointing.
Tell Hiro I said happy birthday.
Maybe one day very soon I'll take you on that date ;)

ME
We're not going on a date!
Bye!

Why was Hibiki always like that? I sighed and scrolled to my other option.

ME
I'm guessing you're busy today too?

TAMAKI-WANNABE
I've got a loaded schedule.
Why? Does my precious underclassman need me?

ME
Nah, it's fine. Don't worry about it.
You just do your Tamaki-Wannabe things.

TAMAKI-WANNABE
o(〒﹏〒)o
Hey!

I guess that was that, too.

ME
Up to anything today?

KOUICHI
The News Department wants some pictures of the Christmas illuminations so we're out taking some.
Did you need anything?

ME
Nope, just asking.
Take pretty photos!

KOUICHI
Nothing will be as pretty as you but I'll try     (⌒▽⌒)☆

Though I went through all my potential saving graces, none of them came through, huh... Saki, Yuji and Hinata were out of the picture, too. I slumped back in my seat. "Just great."

"What's great?"

I lurched forward with enough force that I landed on my toes. Evidently startled, Hiro's eyebrows rose. As my brain racked for a quick answer, I found my focus on his attire. Instead of a typical cap this time he'd put on a beanie, one that complimented the red in his flannel and black slacks. He fiddled with his now tamed brown bangs as he shrugged on his jacket, but that still didn't lessen the pressing bafflement in his eyes that never left mine.

"You're staring at me pretty hard. Do I look weird or something?"

His question socked me awake. My shoulders squared, heat flooding my cheeks at once. My fingers found themselves playing with the collar of my coat.

"Me? Staring?" I coughed. "You wish."

His brow arched, lip curving upward in amusement. He fortunately decided to drop my slip-up and gestured for us to go. I complied and we went towards the doorway, pausing to slip on my boots, sneakers for him.

"So what's great?"

I stiffened as he locked the door behind us. He wasn't going to drop it after all?

"You?" I casually responded, hoping he'd take it.

He did, fortunately. Though, the minuscule colour that tinged his cheeks made me consider if it was really the right thing.

Ignoring the heat that once again crossed my cheeks, I glanced elsewhere. He was always so quick to blush... "So what do you think of a play?"

He stuffed his hands into his pocket, craning his head in confusion. "A play?"

As if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, I nodded, more relaxed this time. Digging into my pocket I shovelled out tickets to the show Yuji had managed to score.

"From the Edo period," I said, laughing when I saw how much he brightened when I flaunted them. "Something tells me you'll like it?"

"If you knew the first thing about me." He took them for himself, lips stretching back. "How'd you know?"

"I've been told to keep my sources to secrecy."

He snorted. "Yuji's not very inconspicuous then."

I sucked in a breath. "That obvious?"

"He's the only one I rant to about these things. He knew I wanted to go to this." He manoeuvred around me when we reached the main road, shielding me from the passing cars. "Don't tell me Saki put you up to something too?"

"Hey, I came up with things too. Stop making it sound like I'm only here against my will."

"So you're telling me you sincerely wanted to celebrate with me?"

"From the bottom of my heart."

The chuckle that left his mouth was rich and sonorous. I plucked the tickets from his fingers, waving it for emphasis.

"So whether a bit came from Saki or Yuji, you're stuck with me for the rest of today. You can decide whether that's a good thing or not."

"We could be putting stamps on letters and I'm sure I'd still think it's great." When I caught the look in his eye, I could help but freeze up. It was the same look he had when he confessed to me. Soft, full of endearment. The warmth of his smile wasn't helping either. "You just have that kind of charm."

The goosebumps that sparked across my arms was trivial compared to the blush that brushed my face as the wind did. Hiro went on ahead, oblivious to the impact his words that had shot and fired at my heart. It picked with an erratic rhythm as I rotated my head to stare at his fleeting figure. Did he do that on purpose? If so, that kind of evil couldn't stand an equal to Yagami Light's level. Jeez, slow down, stupid heart. There was no reason to get so worked up. Today was for Hiro. I agreed to be a sacrifice for Saki, Yuji and Hinata.

For ultimately a date with the boy who said he likes you, my mind fired.

Oh, be quiet. I sighed, hastening my pace to catch up to him.

Though it was awkward at first and we travelled through the bustling streets and jolly tunes in silence, it was broken before long. Commenting on the passing decorations and other means of small talk (mainly animes) that made me break out into a full-on ramble about characters and plots about my most recent shows.

When we entered the full-house theatre that was almost immediately brought to a lull. Seeing as I'd never been to one as full-out as this, Hiro thankfully had his knowledge to steer us into the right seats. There were mainly rich looking adults all around us, the few exceptions being the toddlers that accompanied them. The show that unfolded was pretty bold and interesting (and I not so subtly jolted when the music sparked to a sudden high I wasn't expecting) but Hiro was definitely enjoying himself through it all. He'd even commented on how lost I was looking to which we ended up breaking into a playful banter that was interrupted by the snooty couple behind us.

Needless to say, we continued our banter alright. In obnoxious asides that instigated rather amusing reactions from them.

As soon as the curtains were drawn signalling the end of the show, Hiro and I darted for the exit before that couple could approach us. Howling with laughter we went to the next destination—a restaurant Saki apparently booked for the afternoon. Fortunately it wasn't a too fancy establishment with people dressed in rather casual wear and it came as a surprise to find Hiro knew the owner there. Not only were we treated with a little unsettling attention but a free meal to boot. They even dragged in a medium-sized strawberry shortcake with cute little writing on it. Everyone in the establishment were soon singing 'happy birthday to you' song that made Hiro cutely flush from embarrassment.

"You're very passionate about ships that don't include you, huh?"

Hiro from beside me had his eyes transfixed on the beautiful illuminations below us. Seeing the sun set from this perfect environment away from the bustling crowds of couples around us I wasn't surprised Hiro had brought us here after that lunch to relax.

I digested his implications with a shrug. Our convo had somehow ended up centred around anime again. "Fangirls can't live without things to ship," I excused. "It's, like, in our blood. Disturb our ship and hell will pay, y'know?"

"Like the time we went to that store." Hiro's voice carried a shudder with it. "Girls were arguing about some love triangle and nearly jumped each other because of it."

A snort left my mouth. "I'm telling you we're that passionate. Zero vs Kaname, Tsuruga Ren vs Fuwa Sho, Hak vs Soo-Won. When you get some polyamory or reverse harem that's when it gets super touchy."

"You would know," he said.

"I've been to all sides of the spectrum," I agreed. "But I usually end up rooting for the guy who has the least chance with the main character. I always find they're better developed and way cuter than the other guy or guys. And when they don't get with her it always strikes me too hard in the feels."

He hummed. The tension in the air only furthered my sheepishness. I let out a forced cry of eureka.

"Wh-which reminds me!" Reaching into my bag I pulled out the wrapped bag I had stuffed in there. Gnawing on the inside of my cheek, I suppressed a breath and extended it to him. "Can't forget to give you a present."

Hiro's brows lifted in evident surprise.

"You bought this for me?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry it's crummy. Most cool things were sold out and I wasn't really sure what you'd like..."

"No way, it's fine," he refuted, more vehemently than I anticipated. He flashed me a heart-stopping grin. "The fact that you even got me something is enough. Thank you."

My eyes widened and I quickly dropped my gaze, unsure of why it was suddenly difficult to breathe. "I-I see," I mumbled. "Then that's good."

The silence that flitted into the air was almost as welcoming as the falling snow above. Bringing my mouth together, I craned my neck upwards to find that at the exact moment, Hiro had too.

We stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Hiro's features shifted. He took a bold step forward, taking me off guard. My neck jerked upwards automatically.

"Hiro—"

"Hoshino, I love you."

I lurched back in surprise, my heart skipping a beat. Heat flooded my cheeks. "I k-know!"

I inwardly grimaced at my squeak. Hiro watched me quietly for a while before approaching. He leaned his face in close, blue eyes locking with mine. "I just wanted to remind you," he said. "I couldn't really tell if you took my confession seriously."

More than his words that were making my head spin, I was somewhat more flustered by the proximity between us. I did my best to back as far as I could but Hiro only pursued me further until I could no longer move with a tree blocking the path behind me.

My heartbeat exploded in my chest. I opened my mouth. "U-um..."

"You're a little red..." Hiro noted, filled with awe. "Does this mean you'll consider me more seriously now?"

I bobbed my head vigorously, unable to produce my voice.

A soft smile curved up the corners of his lips. "Sorry," he said. "I'm not trying to be forceful or anything, but I do want to know how you feel."

"I-I feel."

What the hell are you saying? my conscience screamed.

Hiro's similar confusion jolted me out of my incoherent daze.

"I-I mean, I don't know how I feel. I-I'm 2D at heart, I can't process real-life occurrences too well."

"But it's only love."

"Th-that's why. You're telling me because you want to have a relationship, right?"

"Bottom line, I guess."

"I-I'm just not used to that. I've always shipped and supported romances outside of my bubble. Accepting somebody likes me is hard enough as it is. Besides, I'd be a horrible girlfriend. I'm so inept at showing love and emotions and everything outside of anime, and..."

"You're surprisingly awkward."

Blinking, I rotated my head up.

He attempted to cover his smile but failed. "No, it's just you're typically so headstrong. I guess I didn't expect you had a cute side like this too."

My head knocked against the tree. He retreated as I bent over, rubbing the spot with a wince. Cute. He called me cute!

"Look, I may not be an anime character and know that as long as that stands nothing will change between us, but I still love you." He leaned closer once again. "And by the sounds of your words you're basically telling me I still have a shot. And if I do, I'm not going to give up. I'll win your heart no matter what."

My heartbeat spiked like a rocket into a sky but he withdrew before long. But even as he did, his next few words barely even reached my ears.

I'd already known his feelings so declarations like this shouldn't have done so much damage. 'Forget about how it's impossible and accept it.' It'd been so hard to swallow but it was right there.

Hiro loved me.

Someone like me.

But the question was, did I actually feel the same way?