The Aftermath of a Drunkard’s Confession

"BEEP BEEP BEE—" I slapped my phone groggily and got ready for another day of school.

As I washed my face, I looked in the mirror and remembered yesterday's events.

I tried thinking of a reason for what made him 'like' me but... nothing came to mind.

As much as I hate to say it, I have an average appearance, kept my distance from everyone, and didn't have many chances to run into him...

The last interaction we had was when I passed over a paper to him in class, and I doubt that was the reason.

I kept trying to find a reason but finally concluded that it was either drunken rabble, a prank, or a dare.

Sighing, I made my way to class. I decided to just forget about it and leave it to the future me and listen to the professor.

____

As my last class came to an end, I made eye contact with Riley. Ah... I forgot we had this class together.

It was as if he had dog ears that perked up when he saw me. Sensing the incoming awkward encounter, I tried to avoid it and rushed out of class.

Just as I got into the hall, I felt a tug at my arm.

"Wait, we need to talk, Jake!" I heard him say.

"..!" I stared at Riley, in confusion as he pulled me along into a desolate stairwell.

The stares from onlookers were painful as I stumbled along, trying to match his pace.

SLAM!!

K-kabedon?? I was bewildered at this progression..

"Um, about yesterday.." he started off.

"Ah, you were... drunk right? I understand, it's okay-" I was about to brush it off but he interrupted me.

"Well yes, but actually no— I was drunk but.. I meant what I said!" He seemed desperate for some reason..

"Anyway, uh... do you.. sorry, were you.. disgusted?" He continued and stumbled over his words as he became more flustered.

For some reason I thought he felt like.. a cute puppy.

"Well, I suppose I'm not disgusted.. you can like whoever you want but.. why me?" I asked curiously.

"Ah.. I guess you could say it was love at first sight. I've liked you since highschool but never had the chance to confess.. I guess I'm glad I drank myself into stupor yesterday since I probably would've never gathered the courage to confess..."

He looked at me nervously, still in kabedon position, with a red face. He sure does blush easily...

This was an interesting predicament considering that we had been at the same highschool-and now college- but I had never held a proper conversation with him.

Riley was known for having a gentle and outgoing personality but he kept his distance with people.

For that reason alone, I decided that we had just been in different worlds and stuck to my own group of friends.

But.. love at first glance? I stared at him with a complicated look. I, by no means, had pretty looks... so I didn't know what to make of this.

"Jake, do you think I have a chance..?" He looked at me with sad adoring puppy eyes.

Ah.. he's so cute.. but a guy..? I didn't even know him well..

Suddenly, he grasped my hands. They were big and warm, unlike my smaller, easily cold hands.

"Just one chance, I know you're not into guys but.. just for a bit.. you can break it off if you get tired..!!" Seeing him tear up a bit, I felt my heart race.

"S-sure, just... let go of my hands." I blurted out. Arggh, this stupid mouth of mine!! Did I finally go insane?!

In an instant, I was pulled into a hug and pushed back out.

"Oh, sorry, I just couldn't help myself!" He panicked.

I chuckled at that dumb puppy-like charm of his. He grew more red after hearing me laugh at him.

Suddenly, his phone started going off. He gave it a glance and his imaginary tail seemed to droop.

"Ah... I have a group project to do. I have to go, but will you give me your number?" Seeing him down, I ruffled his hair on instinct.

"Ah.. sorry, it's a habit I have with my younger brother.. but sure." I entered my number in his phone, looking away in embarrassment.

It seemed like we could explode at any moment with how hard we both blushed. After exchanging numbers, I made my escape after saying our goodbyes.