Lost Aletheia
Chapter 4: Dithering Anticipation
Shiori: “A date! I’m asking if you want to go on one after class!”
Lady, that is the one thing I didn’t need clarification on…
While my exaggerated reaction didn’t help, she made no effort to hide her request when she asked a second time, which earned me the burning stares of anyone close to us… It felt like my soul itself was being peered into… Perhaps they too are wondering why she would ask me of all people, and really I’m wondering that too, so looking into me won’t give them the answer they seek…
Shiori: “So, are you gonna answer me or did I break you?”
Snapped out of my inner tangent, I was reminded that I am, in fact, still speaking with the girl I vowed to go out with not two minutes ago.
Kazuki: “Ah, sorry, you just caught me off guard there, but I’d love to!”
Fighting through my flustered feelings, I tried to save the response as best I could and give my genuine feelings.
Shiori: “Sweet! Here, I’ll give you my number and we’ll talk details later.”
Upon her saying that, I could feel those earlier gaze turn from inquisitive to murderous. I think, if I’m not too careful on my way out, my phone may be the only thing to leave the classroom…
Kazuki: “That’s fine with me, but Shiori, was there anything you wanted to do in particular?”
The setting of the first date is extremely important. If she doesn’t have anything in mind, then I’ll need to try my hardest to find the absolute perfect spot. If I mess up this first shot, then that could be it. But, wait… I’ve never had a date before so how am I supposed to know??? I mean, I guess a movie is the easiest? But what if it’s a bad movie? Then maybe a restaurant is the clear choice… But what if the food is awful? Then maybe…
Shiori: “Actually, I did have somewhere in mind.”
Oh, of course Shiori came prepared! I’m sure she knows the absolute best place, she just knows about stuff like this!
Shiori: “I wanna go to the arcade.”
Kazuki: “...Huh?”
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After my momentary confusion, we decided we’d go to the arcade later and that she’d text me where we would meet after school. Honestly… I swear this girl just says things to confuse me half the time… But, maybe she picked the arcade because she thought I’d like it? Either way, I just hope it’ll actually be fun for her…
Class continued to go by, but it was increasingly hard to focus on what was being sad. My mind was preoccupied with worries over what awaited me after school, as well as becoming increasingly aware of Shiori sitting beside me. Leave it to me to scrutinize over what I was just hoping for an hour ago…
After what felt like an eternity, the class was finally dismissed. Shiori quickly got up and cheerfully turned to me.
Shiori: “I’ll text you soon, Kazuki, see you later!”
Kazuki: “See you soon, Shiori.”
As she excitedly skipped away, I was now on a mission to leave this classroom without being murdered. To this effort, I packed everything as soon as I could and made a beeline for the door, not really caring who was in my way.
Thud
???: “Ow!”
Ah, immediate regret.
After rushing to the door, my hastiness had resulted in a crash between me and another soul trying to escape the room as soon as the class ended. The girl was a decent amount shorter than me. Not enough to be confused for a child, but enough that I failed to see her in my hurried flight. In an attempt to make things right, I put my hand forward to help her up.
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Kazuki: “My bad! Are you okay?”
???: “Oh, no it’s okay, I should’ve looked where I was going, I’m fine.”
…It somehow hurts hearing that when you know it was your fault.
Kazuki: “No, it was entirely my fault for rushing over here, but I’m glad you’re okay… Hm? Do I… know you?”
Upon closer inspection, I seemed to remember this girl from somewhere. She had wavy blue hair lighter than mine with braids in the back. I couldn’t help but notice her hair and clothes accessories, truly a feat to bring style to our plain uniforms.
???: “O-oh, well I, um…”
Her silence on the matter was odd. She didn’t seem to be denying it but she also didn’t want to say where we met.
Kazuki: “Oh! You’re that girl who ran away after… seeing me…”
Ouch, it hurt the more I said aloud. Strange, it only happened yesterday, but after everything that happened it feels like months have passed…
???: “Ah! I-I’m sorry about that! It wasn’t about you! Kind of!”
Kazuki: “So, uh, was it or was it not me?”
???: “Well, it’s for a very specific reason…”
I stayed silent to show I was waiting to hear it. This could be huge. Perhaps I did something wrong without even realizing it. This would be my chance to make it right. With a serious look on her face, the girl continued:
???: “See, I… told everyone I know that I was the only one with blue hair at this school, and then I saw you and realized that everyone would think I was a liar…”
…
…
Maybe I’m the one that fell down. I must have hit my head. Sorry Shiori, I won’t make it to our date, I’m too busy having an injury induced dream.
Kazuki: “A-ah, is that… so…”
???: “It turned out to be fine though! No one even remembered I said it!”
Kazuki: “I’m not sure that’s something you should say cheerfully either… but, anyways, it’s clear we got off on the wrong foot, so let’s change that. I’m Kazuki Yuma, what’s your name?”
For the first time, I saw the girl look serious for a moment. It was hard to describe the emotion in her eyes. It striked me as something akin to resignation, but they held far more meaning than that. Which is odd, considering I only asked her name. Before long, the shy but cheerful look returned to her face.
???: “My name is Sunako Aoi, nice to meet you, Kazuki!”
The smile she gave while introducing herself could only be described as cute. And yet now it was my own time of complex emotion. I’m meeting this girl for the first time, yet I know this feeling, it’s nostalgic… Did I meet someone like her before? I’ve moved so many times… Maybe there was someone like her who I’ve forgotten…
Kazuki: “Sunako, would you mind if we talked-”
“KAAAAAAZUUUUUUKIIIIIIIII”
Before I could invite Sunako to further discussions, I could hear the growling of a red haired beast. News must travel fast in this place…
Kazuki: “Uh! Sorry, gotta go but I’ll talk to you later!”
With these few words, I bolted as fast as I could to get out of the school. I’ll talk to Ema when she’s calmed down a bit… If that ever happens.
Sunako: “Oh, um, okay then, bye!”
Even though it was clear she was confused, she was accepting of this improper end to the conversation. I waved goodbye for one last gesture, and made my escape.
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At last, I arrived home to an empty house. I guess I was home earlier than usual because neither of my parents were home, and of course if they weren’t then Azumi wasn’t going to be either.
Kazuki: “I guess that’s for the best.”
With them gone, I can prepare for the date in peace without prying eyes.
It didn’t take long for Shiori to text about where we would be meeting. We decided on a 4pm meet-up time, which gave me about an hour to get ready. I’m not sure where Shiori lives, but I’ll try to arrive early in case she’s closer than I am.
Kazuki: “But, wait… I still don’t know what to do on a date…”
My first instinct is to call Ema but the image of a red lion ready to rip me to shreds stops me.
Kazuki: “Then, I guess the only person I can call is Daisuke… But can he even help me?”
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Daisuke: “Dates? Yeah, I’ve been on tons of ‘em. What do you need to know?”
Kazuki: “Seriously??? Well… I guess I’d be stupid to not take free help.”
Daisuke: “How do you have the ability to make a favor sound like a chore, man…”
Kazuki: “So, uh, I don’t know, any basic tips?”
Daisuke: “Basic tips?”
Kazuki: “You know, talking to people! How do you not drop the conversation?”
Daisuke: “Well, in an ideal world, the conversations are just interesting enough that you don’t want to drop them, but I get it, people can be awkward on their first few.”
Kazuki: “How can you talk like such an expert yet still be single…”
Daisuke: “Don’t sweat the details, bro! The main thing you want to do is to keep the positives of the conversation going. Have you ever practiced improv? Same idea. Try not to respond with “no”s often, unless the situation calls for it. I know you’re the argumentative type so I really gotta drill this into your brain.”
Kazuki: “I’m not argumentative!”
…
…
Kazuki: “Okay, point taken.”
Daisuke: “Honestly Kazuki, just be yourself. You’re a good dude. I wouldn’t stick by ‘ya otherwise, so just don’t get moody and you’ll be fine! It’s clear Shiori already digs your vibes.”
Kazuki: “I never said it was with Shiori…”
Daisuke: “Like anyone else would make Ema as pissed as she was today.”
Kazuki: “Oh geez, did you talk to her after today?”
Daisuke: “Of course I did, who else was gonna take the brunt of her attack after you ran away?! I’m not sure what she has against Shiori, but at this point I need your date to go well so it makes my sacrifice worth it.”
Kazuki: “Sorry… I’ll try to cool her off tomorrow. Thanks, though.”
Daisuke: “As long as you have a good time tonight, it’s worth it. After all, I need you in top shape to fix half the things Ema broke!”
Kazuki: “Oh, yeah I’ll get on that tomorrow too.”
Looking at the clock, I realized it was time to start getting ready if I wanted to be on time.
Kazuki: “Alright Daisuke, thanks for the help in, uh, every regard. I’ll talk to you later.”
Daisuke: “Good luck, my man.”
With that, I hung up.
After spending some time picking out some nice clothes and making sure I looked alright, it was finally time.
Time to head out for a date with Shiori.