Awkwardness (Part 1)

W....What is... happening here....

T...These two.... Are they.....

"I...Is that true? I can't be more happier, Suzuki-san!" replied Sakurai from what Suzuki said.

"Sunday, 'kay? I couldn't wait." responded Suzuki.

S...Sunday, d...did he ask her on a date?!

W...What confidence... Hehe...

What's surprising is that Suzuki actually accepted it. I..Is this real life?

I guess they're dating now. What am I even doing here? Eavesdropping is not a good example.

I'll just go home and play games, as usual.

Yeah, it should be like this. Relinquish myself in games and leisure, this is the silent yet peaceful life I should practice.

Huh? It's raining.

Have she brought her umbrella? I doubt that.

W..What am I being concerned at? She's going to share with Sakurai-senpai's.

I guess my role is done here.

...

Let's fast forward everything to the next morning, Friday.

.....

Ugh, art class. I suck at painting.

"Listen, class. Draw a number here and the one who's identical with yours is going to be your partner. Got it?" said Satsuki-sensei.

Eek, draw lots. My horoscope has been declared as extremely lucky today. I can feel that Koyanagi or Okamoto shall be my partner!

After 15 minutes....

"Hey Kusakabe, it's your turn!" ordered Satsuki-sensei.

H..He's really scary.

"Y...Yes. Here I come."

Huh? I'm the last one to pick, eh? There's only one paper here.

"What number is it, buddy?" asked Koyanagi.

"07."

"W...What in tarnation...?!" shocked Koyanagi.

"T..That reaction, are we partners?!"

"No! I got 08!" answered Koyanagi.

C...Crap! One down!

"Y...Yours, Okamoto and Tatsumi?"

"Mine is 14." replied Okamoto.

"16 here." answered Tatsumi.

Oh my Lord!!!

"I'm Number 14, nice to be in pair with you." said Amatsuka as she taps Okamoto on the shoulder.

"Number 16 here!" entered Riko.

"Now this is an unusual pairing."

W...Wait, then...

"Who's Number 07?!"

"It's me." answered Suzuki.

D...Darn it! T...Think of the timing, God!

C...Calm down. I...I can just talk to her nicely.

"L..Let's go to our spot."

"Agree." answered Suzuki.

...

T...Ten minutes have passed and still, I haven't drawn anything!

T...This should be easy. I...It's her face, you can do it!

Ah! My sketch pad is dripping in sweat!

"Hey Tanaka." called Suzuki.

"H....Hyes!?"

"Can you come closer? I can't draw the details of your face properly if you're that far." requested Suzuki.

"N....No! I...I mean, i...it's embarrassing."

"*sigh* If you say so, then stay put." answered Suzuki.

She's really mad at me.

At this point, she should be teasing me like, "Okay, then I'll be the one to come closer to you." that.

I'm not saying that I like the fact that I am being mocked almost everytime but, this is weird.

I'm not used to this atmosphere. It's so tense.

"Tanaka, can you smile? Your face is frowning like you wouldn't be getting any allowance for the rest of your life." said Suzuki.

"Like you can talk."

Oops, I accidentally replied!

E...Edit button! Edit button! Crap, that doesn't exist here!

"I am smiling. Look." requested Suzuki.

"Y..Yeah, I get it."

She is smiling, but her eyes.....

It's somehow dull.

I know her smile when it is genuine. This isn't it.

She's doing it for the art project.

"S...Suzuki, do you have plans this coming Sunday?"

"Sorry, I'm occupied that day. Forgive me." answered Suzuki.

Her tone is cold, like she's talking with a stranger.

T...This.... hurts.

What am I saying? Duh, I deserve this.

"I heard from Miyuki. You two are going to an art exhibit this coming Sunday, am I mistaken?" asked Suzuki.

"Y....Yeah, that's right."

"Why bother asking me if I had plans on Sunday, then?" added Suzuki.

T...The rebuttals are on point!

"I....I was just curious...."

"Well, enjoy." answered Suzuki.

S...She's quite scary when mad.

Ugh, I hate this feeling of guilt!

I...I have to apologize to her. ASAP!

"Suzuki, I want to say som-"

"OKAY CLASS! TIME'S UP! SUBMIT YOUR SKETCH PADS NOW!" ordered Satsuki-sensei.

"Have you finished yours?" asked Suzuki.

Dang it! I haven't drew anything!

"T...The truth is... I...have not. Sorry."

S...She walked away?! And with a sigh?!

She's so cold.... and my grade is crashing straight to the ground. How incompetent of me!

Maybe I'll talk to her another time. She's not really in a good mood.

"Tanaka, can I have you for a minute?" requested Okamoto.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Hmm, this isn't the perfect place. Let's eat our lunch together with Tatsumi and Koyanagi while watching the track-and-field team practice." insisted Okamoto.

I am sure what's about to happen but I'll go since these are my buddies.

....

"So, what's the reason for a change of place to eat?"

"There's nothing wrong on eating here. In fact, this is a new. I like our spot here. The shade of the tree can cover more than the four of us, I think." said Tatsumi.

"Whatever place it is, if there is food, I am going to eat." added Koyanagi.

T...These two are enjoying so much....

"Tanaka, sit down and relax. We want to have a deep conversation with you." revealed Okamoto.

"Hey, can you cut that out? It's creeping me."

"Hahaha! That hurt, y;know!" laughed Okamoto.

"Well now, it looks like something is bothering you." observed Tatsumi.

B...Bothering me..?

"W...What do you mean..."

"Don't play dumb. We scrutinized every move you do since Suzuki slapped you. Someone named Tanaka is the reason why the lass is on habanero mode against you, right?" asked Okamoto.

These guys are more observant than I initially expected!

"Y...Yeah."

"So, what happened?" asked Okamoto.

This isn't worth conversing about but fine. I don't really excel in opening up about something with friends, to be honest.

"The night before yesterday, Suzuki was saved by our upperclassman named "Sakurai-senpai" from an alleged stalker while she was going home."

"S...Stalker?!" questioned Tatsumi and Okamoto in shock.

"That guy was so creepy. I doubt that he wouldn't come back. We're just middle schoolers, even Sakurai-senpai. They can assault us if there are two of them in a situation."

"Now that's an alarming incident. Did Suzuki report it to the authorities yet?" inferred Okamoto.

"I do not know the details since we've not been talking but I think they already did what's obvious."

"That's good, then. Fast forward to tomorrow, why did she slap you?" added Okamoto.

That was pretty straight forward, coming from him.

"W...Well, she mentioned something about her interaction with Sakurai-senpai that morning and...."

"This is getting interesting." said Koyanagi as he stops chewing.

Just eat your food and do not listen. This is embarrassing to narrate!

"...she teased me if I was being jealous of Sakurai-senpai...."

"So it was like, your ego lit up your emotions and uttered sarcastic statements against Suzuki, am I right?" asked Okamoto as if he got it accurately.

"Yeah, you nailed it! W...Wait! I mean, yeah but not like what you th...think...."

"Suzuki's teasing about how you blush as fast as a lightning has really a strong basis, huh?" mocked Tatsumi.

"I'm not blushing!"

"Yeah, you're right. His face is burning up." added Koyanagi as he pokes my cheek.

"Don't pour fuel into the fire, geez!"

"And those words led to Suzuki losing her composure.... Hmm.... Hey, can you detail what you have said against her? For us to understand everything." requested Okamoto.

"It was like I am happy if ever Sakurai-senpai dates her soonest."

"IDIOT!!!" shouted the three in front of my face.

"W...What the hell guys?!"

"No wonder she's angry at you." said Koyanagi.

Eh? Eh?! W...What does that mean?

"You two are like oil and water. Tanaka, you are the oil on that combo!" stated Tatsumi.

"O...Oil?! Why?"

" 'Coz you're so dense!" shouted Tatsumi and Koyanagi.

D...Dense? Me?

"For starters, why don't you say your apologies to her? I'm sure that's the thing she wants from you." suggested Okamoto.

"I want to but I just can't find a chance."

"Why not message her?" recommended Tatsumi.

"That's fine, but I think it will sound more sincere if it is in person."

"That's right. Do not tolerate yourself apologizing over the phone. Do it in person, especially if the problem isn't that good." praised Okamoto.

"Somehow, I feel a little better now. Actually, I feel motivated a bit. Thanks, guys."

"We're best buddies, what do you expect?" replied Okamoto.

"Tatsumi and I affirm to that." said Koyanagi.

I can feel the adrenaline running through my bloodstream a little bit. Is this excitement?

"Sorry guys, I want to take a walk for a bit. I think this will make me feel greater."

Good thing it is cloudy today, I wouldn't get so sweaty.

"Oh Tanaka, one more question. I just want to confirm something." asked Okamoto.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I know this is obvious but.... do you harbor any feelings for Suzuki? Hmm?" annexed Okamoto.

T...That question again....!!

"D...Didn't I tell you before? I don't."

"Hmmmm.....~" teased Tatsumi and Koyanagi.

"What's with you guys?! Don't you believe your friend?!"

"You're s* o*****, Tanaka." murmured Okamoto.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"Don't mind it. HAHAHA! You can go now. Thanks for the time." answered Okamoto.

He's weird at this juncture.

................

Throughout the day, I wasn't able to say my apology towards Suzuki since she's really busy p...plus my confidence went back to zero.

Saturday came, and as usual, I played online games and finished my homeworks.

The night quickly went by and a warm and bright Sunday greets my lazy character.

Yes, this is the day where Miyuki and I are to go on the art museum she invited me to.

We agreed last night that we'll meet straight at the entrance of the art museum. This is where I am right now, leaning on a wall wearing casual clothing which I recently bought.

"Geez, when is she coming? She's like 45 minutes late."

Good thing I know her. I'm actually impatient when situations like this happen.

"Hey Tanaka, so this is where you are." greeted Miyuki.

"I thought you're not going to come, good grief."

"Huh? I was here already by 10 am.You're the one who's late." answered Miyuki.

"I am? Well, you said we'll meet at the entrance?!"

"Yes, and you waited in the exit. Look above the gate nearest to us." pointed Miyuki.

S....She's right! This is the exit! H...How did I miss that?! Curse this consciousness of mine!

T...This is..... EMBARRASSING!

"Anyway, let's go inside. Everything will be worth seeing so let's hurry!" insisted Miyuki as she pulls my arm while running due to excitement.

Hmm, she looks happy. Maybe she's making fun of my mistake?!

Potraits, paintings, sculptures, and lots of architectural representations made not only by Japanese artists but also the internationals are inside the establishment.

T...This is amazing. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever appreciated art this much.

The interior is so vast and Miyuki's excitement is quickly reaching its peak everytime we stop in a presentation.

I guess I'll really keep her accompanied because she invited. This is fun either way.

..........

Our tour lasted for like 2 and 1/2 hours, I'm a bit tired because we're also walking at the same time. After that, she suggested that we go to the aquarium fifty walks south of the museum.

I accepted. This is one form of my relaxation, indeed. I need to clear my mind. I want my confidence back!

It's around 4 pm as I narrate myself, and our Sunday tour comes to an end with Pizza Cut as our last destination, where we filled our hungry tummies.

"Have you enjoyed our date?" questioned Miyuki.

D...Date?! D...Don't startle me like that, you girl.

"I...I wouldn't call it d...d..date but I had fun. Big thanks to you, Miyuki."

"I at least wanted to go to the amusement park as a little detour since it is near here but I'm so exhausted already. Too bad." disappointed Miyuki as she sighs audibly.

"Let's go together next time, with them."

"W...With them?" probed Miyuki as she looks upset.

"Y...Yeah, is there a problem?"

"Fine, you said that, 'kay? I'm going to expect!" answered Miyuki.

In around 15 minutes, the bus arrives at the stop and Miyuki says her goodbye.

Finally, I can take some rest. God, I'm so worn out.

As I walk towards the direction of the train station, someone shouts my name from afar as if it is calling me.

"TANAKA! TANAKA!" shouted Koyanagi.

Huh? What is my fat dude doing here?

"Y...Yo, fancy meeting you here. What's up?"

"I saw Suzuki in the amusement park!" revealed Koyanagi.

What?!

"A...Ah, well she's currently on a date with Sakurai-senpai."

"She's alone!" added Koyanagi.

What in tarnation?! S...She's alone?! Impossible! Did Sakurai-senpai ditch her?!

"The last thing I saw before I left is that she's walking to the ferris wheel section. I think she's falling in line as we speak." disclosed Koyanagi.

"O...Oh, I see. Maybe she wants time for herself. Hehe."

"This is your chance to talk with her, my boy! Chase her! You still have enough time if you run!" insisted Koyanagi.

"I..I plan on doing it tomorrow."

"There's no time to hesitate! Don't you want her to greet you good morning with a smile? Don't you want her to smile as soon as she sees you? Don't you want her anger against you be gone? Pull yourself up, coward!" persuaded Koyanagi.

C...Coward?! I am not a coward!

H...He's right that this is the time! Why am I even preventing myself?!

"Hey Koyanagi, can you kick me in the butt as I ready myself to run?"

"No problem. Here it goes!"

"Give it all."

"Go get her, buddy." whispered Koyanagi as he really kicks my hind with some strength.

Of course, I will.

"Ouch!"

His force propels my body to run faster than I could. I might reach her location in 10 minutes.

Suzuki, wait me. I'll make it certain that your habitual smile will return!

------------------END OF CHAPTER 23---------------