** move 006 **
<< m i s a o >>
"GREAT! ACTUALLY I'M ON MY WAY THERE." Saki's voice was cheerful and sweet. I can feel how excited he is to meet me again.
"Ha?" I blink twice. I heard Saki clearly but my mind was taking a while to process what he said. I waited hoping he'll say it's just a joke.
“Is something wrong, Misao?”
“It’s just that, I’m not at home right now.” I paused contemplating about telling the truth. In the end I know better than telling him an excuse. "I'm helping a friend with our assignment."
"I see..." The cheerfulness of his voice faded and was quickly replaced by disappointment. I can almost hear him frowning at the other end. "Then, should I just go back? Actually, I’m almost near your address.”
I rubbed the back of my neck, thinking. I promised Toshiro that I will help him finish the assignment today. I just can't leave him like that... But is it okay for him to meet Saki? It's not like there’s still something going on between me and Saki, likewise, Toshiro and I were just friends. Toshiro won't even be bothered if he knew about my past with Saki.
I told Saki that he can call me and that he can visit me anytime he's not busy. He really seems excited today. I don't want to break that happiness.
"No. I'm heading back home. Wait for me."
He chuckled, "Sure."
I entered the café and returned to my seat across from Toshiro. My mind was lost in thought thinking how to tell him.
"What with that troubled face?" He asked as he sipped on his coffee.
"Uhm, Can you do the assignment on your own?"
"Huh?" His mouth gaped open, "No. The next problems are more complicated. I don't think I can solve these on my own.” He closed his laptop while eyeing me with confusion... and worry. "What’s the matter, Misao? What happened?"
"Uhm… My old friend is coming over." I heaved a deep sigh, "If it’s okay with you, you can continue with the assignment in my apartment, at least there you can still ask me anytime."
His lips curved into a big, bright smile. "Yeah, totally okay! Promise, I won’t disturb you guys too much. I just wanted to finish this damn exam today.”
"Okay. Let's go back."
***
TOSHIRO AND I WERE WALKING BACK TO MY APARTMENT WHEN WE SAW A BLACK SEDAN PARKED IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT AND A GUY WAS CASUALLY LEANING ON IT.
"Wah!" Toshiro, walking beside me, exclaimed. "That car looks cool!”
Toshiro was never a fan of automobiles but he likes fancy things and he has good eyes for them. On his face plastered a big, stupid yet adorable smile.
As we approached the car, the guy standing by the car turned to look at us. Even though he's wearing a plain white shirt and simple black jeans, he still looked classy and fashionable in them. His height and good-looks were not much of help either in keeping his appearance modest.
"Misao!" He flashed a big smile, his eyes were also smiling. "What took you so long?"
"Sorry Saki." I glanced at Toshiro and caught him admiring Saki's appearance. "Toshi—"
"You're the friend Misao's helping with the assignment?" Now, Saki's attention was on Toshiro.
Toshiro just nodded a bit confused.
Saki's big smile shifted into an apologetic one. "Sorry, I disturbed the both of you... By-the-way I'm Saki, Misao's childhood friend."
Saki extended his hand to Toshiro for a handshake which Toshiro gladly accepted. "I'm Toshiro. Uhm... your car looks so cool, Saki-san."
Saki glanced back to his car. It is shining from the reflection of the sun. "Thanks. But Misao’s car back home was a lot cooler than mine.”
"Really?"
“Yep! But his sister was the one using it now.”
"Guys...we've been standing here, let’s go inside the house first."
***
< third pov >
SAKI AND TOSHIRO WERE SITTING ON THE SOFA INSIDE MISAO’S APARTMENT. The place is not spacious but it’s not really small and still, the living room seemed so cramped for the three of them.
Toshiro can’t understand why he’s feeling so nervous and awkward even though this was not the first time he’s been into Misao’s apartment. Meanwhile, Saki was scanning the area. There was not much to see – no picture frames hanging on the wall, not one toy car on display despite the fact that Misao liked collecting them back then, and the only furnitures were the small sofa, a table, an old television, single-door refrigerator, and some utensils used for cooking and eating in the kitchen at the other end of the room.
Then, Saki's eyes fixated on Misao, who was pouring drinks for them. Toshiro unconsciously glanced at Saki and at that moment, Toshiro couldn't explain the strange thought forming in his mind.
'I almost forgot that even Misao has a friend from his hometown. He rarely ever talked about his past.'
"Here." Misao carefully placed two glasses of cold water on the small table in front of Toshiro and Saki. Misao's deep voice pulled Toshiro out from his thoughts.
"Thanks, Misao. I got so thirsty waiting for you guys." Saki grabbed the glass and drank everything.
Misao pulled a chair from the kitchen into the living room and then he flopped himself on it, facing his two friends. "Who told you to wait under the scorching sun? You should have stayed inside your car."
Saki chuckled cutely, "I just wanted to see you immediately."
Misao just gave him a small smile, shaking his head as he glanced at Toshiro. "Toshiro, do you want to continue working on the assignment in my room?"
'Misao's room?' Toshiro shifted from his seat. It's convenient to work inside Misao's room while the two catch up with each other but Toshiro, somewhat, also wanted to listen to their conversation.
"Ah..."
'Are they really just friends?'
He immediately got rid of the thought.
'I should not doubt Misao. Besides, Saki-san seems like a nice guy. But… does Saki-san know about Misao's preference?'
"I want to see your room, Misao!" Saki chimed in excitedly. He was eagerly looking at Misao and smiling from ear to ear trying to convince him by acting cute.
Misao stared at Saki. If he sees this smile four years ago for sure he'll be swept away. But now, it doesn't have that much effect on him unlike before. He's now captivated by somebody else's smile. Is what Misao thought.
The strange thought from before was bugging Toshiro once again.
"It's just a small room, Saki. You won't find anything interesting there."
Saki's smile faded away. "So… you didn't bring anything from the main house?"
"Not a single one." Misao gestured his hands as if presenting the room. "As you can see... I don't have enough room for those things."
Saki heaved a deep sigh. Disappointment was clearly showing on his face.
"Ah. I'm okay here, Misao. I can just use the table in the kitchen." Toshiro pointed at the small dining table across from where they're sitting.
"Okay." Misao stood up, helping Toshiro bring his things to the table. He also gave him a can of soda and snacks from his refrigerator. "Just call for me if you need help, 'kay?"
Toshiro was caught off-guard when Misao gently patted his head. He glanced up to see Misao's face and it surprised him even more when he saw him smiling lovingly at him. "O-Okay. Thanks, Misao…"
All the while, Saki was watching them.