Chapter XXIII

* POV: Sugahara -

I glanced at the calendar while idly playing video games in my room. I noticed that summer break was coming to an end soon - it was already August 16th. Where did the time go?

Suddenly, I remembered my bet with Kaede at the summer festival. She had easily won that ring toss game and gotten the grand prize charm bracelet. Which meant that according to our bet, I now owed her a new camera. An expensive one at that. I let out a deep sigh, pausing my game. I couldn't believe I had made such a foolish bet with her, but a deal was a deal.

I got up and headed to the kitchen, grabbing a popsicle from the freezer. As I ate it, I pondered what to do. I knew I had to get Kaede that camera, but I didn't want to lug such an expensive item around by myself. It would be way too easy for someone to snatch it from me or something. But who could I ask to help me out?

Just then, an idea popped into my head - Mrs. Veronica. I knew I could probably count on her if I asked. I quickly finished my popsicle and gave her a call. As usual, her raspy voice greeted me energetically through the phone.

"Hey Oda! What's up?" she asked. I explained my situation with the bet and the camera and asked if she could accompany me today to help carry and guard it.

At first Mrs. Veronica scolds me saying how stupid I was for agreeing to that. "Seriously Oda, you shouldn't go around throwing away money like that," she explained.

However she would agree to accompany me anyway.

Within 20 minutes, Mrs. Veronica pulled up in her flashy sports car.

"Alright, let's go get that camera for your lady friend," she said as I got in the passenger seat.

As Mrs. Veronica drove, she glanced over at me with a curious expression. "So, how have things been going since you moved back in with your uncle?" she asked.

I shrugged, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "It's been okay, I guess. I mean, I don't really stay at the house much. I try to hang out with my friends as much as possible."

Mrs. Veronica nodded, her eyes back on the road. "I see. And who are these friends of yours?"

I couldn't help but smile as I thought about them. "Well, there's Kojima, for starters. He's on the basketball team with me. We've gotten pretty close lately. And then there's these two other girls Haruno and Kinoshita."

At the mention of the girls' names, Mrs. Veronica's eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh? Tell me more the girls," she asked.

I leaned back in my seat, thinking. "Haruno is... well, she's kind of intense. Really smart, but also pretty blunt. She doesn't take any crap from anyone. And Kinoshita... she's the opposite. Super friendly and outgoing," I explained

"Oh? Which girl do you like better?" she asked.

Seriously? What kinda question is that.

"I mean, Haruno is kinda icy, so it's hard to really get to know her," I explained.

"I talk a lot more with Kinoshita, since she's a lot nicer to me I guess," I added.

"So you like Kinoshita more?" Mrs. V asked.

"Y—yeah, I guess, I mean their both my friends," I explained.

"Well you should think more about how you feel about them, and maybe one day you might end up being more than just friends with one of them," Mrs. V teased.

I blushed a little thinking about what she said.

"Seriously, you're a weirdo Mrs. V," I said embarrassingly.

I focusing on the buildings passing by outside the window. Eventually we would arrive at the photography store.

The store had a huge selection of high-end cameras. I gulped looking at the prices but knew I had to uphold my end of the deal. I looked for the specific model that Kaede wanted. It was a professional camera with it's price tagged at 1,400,000 yen.

"Whoa, hold up there kiddo," Mrs. V interjected, noticing my shocked expression. "You can't seriously be thinking of dropping that kind of cash on this bet?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but she held up a hand to stop me. "Look, I know you're a man of your word and all that. But this is just insane. That Kaede girl is straight up using you if she expects you to buy something this expensive."

Mrs. V shook her head firmly. "I figured it would be maybe a 60,000 yen camera tops. But over a million? That's just taking advantage of you, plain and simple."

I frowned, feeling conflicted. A part of me knew Mrs. V was right - Kaede was definitely milking this bet for all it was worth. But the other part of me felt obligated to follow through, no matter how ridiculous the prize.

"I... I have to do it," I said finally. "A deal's a deal. I gave my word."

Mrs. V sighed deeply. "If you're sure about this... Alright, it's your money, I guess." She eyed me carefully. "Just know that if someone ever bought me a gift this pricey, they'd be getting a little something extra in return, if you catch my drift." She winked suggestively.

I felt my face instantly flush red-hot as I processed her insinuation. Clearing my throat awkwardly, I turned away from her knowing gaze. "Don't be gross, Mrs. V. It's not like that with Kaede and me."

Despite my firm denial, her words planted a tiny seed of curiosity in my mind about what exactly she could have meant by "something extra." I quickly shoved those thoughts aside as the clerk approached to process my purchase.

I shot Kaede a text letting her know I had a surprise for her and asking for her address. She replied almost instantly with her home address, adding a winky face emoji that made me roll my eyes.

As Mrs. V pulled up to the house, I could feel my palms getting sweaty clutching the camera box. This was such an expensive gift, I just hoped Kaede would be appropriately grateful.

"Well, here we are," Mrs. V said, putting the car in park. She glanced over at me with a sly grin. "Your lady friend lives in a pretty nice place."

The front door opened and Kaede came striding out.

Mrs. V leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You sure you don't expect a little something extra from this girl? She's quite the looker."

I felt my face flush as I shoved Mrs. V away. "Quit being gross! This is just settling a bet, nothing more."

Grabbing the camera box, I quickly got out of the car before Mrs. V could make any more inappropriate comments. Kaede reached me, eyes lighting up as she saw the large box.

"Is that for me?" she asked excitedly.

I nodded, holding it out. "Per our bet," I explained.

Kaede took the box, a delighted grin spreading across her face.

"Alright, I did my part getting you here," Mrs. V said. "I'll leave you two alone," Mrs. V said.

I shoved my hands in my pockets, trying not to stare too openly at Kaede as she happily examined her new camera.

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I watched as Kaede eagerly opened the large box, her eyes widening in delight as she pulled out the professional camera. She turned it over in her hands, admiring it from every angle.

"Oh my god, Sugahara, you actually got it!" she exclaimed, looking up at me with a surprised smile. "I can't believe you really went through with the bet."

I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to play it cool. "A deal's a deal. I always keep my word."

Kaede shook her head in disbelief. "Seriously though, if I had known you'd go this far, I would have asked for an even more expensive camera!" She let out a light laugh, clearly joking.

Before I could respond, Kaede suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug. I tensed up in surprise at the unexpected embrace.

"Thank you, Mr. Wallet," she said softly in my ear, using that stupid nickname she'd given me.

As she pulled back, I rolled my eyes. "Don't mention it. Seriously, don't ever call me that again."

Kaede just grinned mischievously. "Well, come on in! No one else is home right now."

She turned and headed towards the front door of her house. I hesitated for a brief moment, my eyes twitching slightly at the realization that we would be alone together in her house.

I followed Kaede inside her house, still feeling a bit awkward about the whole situation. As we entered the living room, she set the camera box down and turned to face me.

"So, how was your summer?" she asked casually, flashing me a smile.

I shrugged. "Eh, not too bad I guess. Just hung out with friends, played some basketball, the usual."

Kaede nodded. "Yeah, mine was pretty chill too. Mostly just worked on photography projects and relaxed at home."

There was a brief lull in the conversation as we both stood there somewhat awkwardly. I shuffled my feet, wondering if I should make a move to leave soon.

But then Kaede spoke up again. "Hey, you want to come see my room? I've got some photos and stuff I could show you."

I felt my heart rate pick up slightly at the unexpected invitation. Going to a girl's bedroom alone? That seemed...scary.

"Uh, sure, I guess," I heard myself saying before I could really think it through.

Kaede grinned and motioned for me to follow her down the hallway. We entered her bedroom and I looked around, taking in the girly decor and piles of fashion & photography magazines scattered about.

"Have a seat," Kaede said, gesturing to her bed. I hesitated for a split second before sitting down gingerly on the edge.

Kaede grabbed a photo album from her desk and plopped down next to me, our shoulders brushing together. I felt my face flush slightly at the proximity as she flipped the album open.

"Check out some of these shots I got over the summer," she said, angling the book towards me.

I flipped through the photo album, admiring Kaede's impressive shots from around town and various nature scenes. Her eye for framing and use of natural lighting was really skilled.

"Wow, these are amazing, Kaede," I said genuinely. "You've got a real talent."

She beamed at the compliment, a slight blush tinting her cheeks. "Thanks, I've worked really hard on all my photos,"

Kaede looked away bashfully for a moment. When she turned back to face me, her expression had shifted an uncharacteristic seriousness in her face..

"Listen, Sugahara...I know I can be kind of a brat sometimes, always teasing you and making dumb bets." She paused, holding my gaze intently. "But I really do appreciate you getting me this camera. It means a lot."

I was taken aback by her sincere tone, so different from her usual playful demeanor around me. Kaede reached out and placed her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You went above and beyond for me," she continued. "And I want to properly show my appreciation."

I stared at Kaede, taken aback by her sincere words and the unexpected physical contact. Her hand felt warm on my arm as she gazed at me with an intensity I had never seen before.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, her hand began sliding down my arm until it overlapped my own hand resting on the bed. My heart rate quickened as she leaned in closer, her face mere inches from mine.

In that moment, I couldn't help but notice the way Kaede's eyes looked like canary diamonds as they sparkled with anticipation, her full lips slightly parted. A few strands of her silky red hair brushed against my cheek as she inched even closer, the faint scent of her floral shampoo filling my senses.

As Kaede's hands grasped mine gently, it felt like time itself had slowed to a crawl. But then, out of nowhere, a vivid memory flashed through my mind - the feeling of Kinoshita's soft hand enveloping mine at the summer festival, the two of us huddled closely as the fireworks blew overhead.

That single recollection was enough to break the spell. I couldn't do this, I don't like Kaede romantically at all.

I stared at Kaede in shock as she leaned in closer, her intentions becoming crystal clear. In that split second, my body reacted on instinct - I raised my hand and gently pressed it against her lips, stopping her from closing the distance between us.

Kaede's eyes flew open in surprise, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she pulled back slightly. "But...why?" she asked, her voice muffled against my palm.

Trying to gather my thoughts, slowly, I lowered my hand away from her mouth. "Kaede, I'm sorry, but I can't do this. I don't view you that way."

She blinked at me, the seriousness never leaving her expression. For a long moment, she simply stared at me, seemingly processing my words. Finally, she spoke again, her tone still solemn. "You don't have feelings for me like that."

It wasn't a question, but a statement of understanding. I gave a small nod, feeling a pang of guilt at the hurt that flickered across her features before she regained her composure.

Kaede let out a soft sigh, running a hand through her red locks. "I see. I guess I misread the situation then." She offered me a small, rueful smile. "I'm sorry for suddenly getting so... it was unfair of me to think that…"

"No, Kaede, you don't have to apologize," I said quickly, shaking my head.

"Damn right I don't gotta apologize!" she exclaimed, looking me dead in the eye.

I blinked in surprise at Kaede's sudden shift in demeanor. One moment she was speaking softly and sincerely, the next her voice had reverted to its usual teasing, confrontational tone.

"I mean who the fuck buys their classmate a 1,400,000 yen camera?" she continued.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Kaede barreled on, her cheeks flushing red with apparent anger. "I just thought this is what you wanted in return!?"

She yanked her hand away from mine, leaving me feeling strangely bereft at the loss of contact. Kaede crossed her arms defiantly as she glared at me, daring me to challenge her outburst.

I held up my hands in a placating gesture. "Whoa, Kaede, calm down. I didn't expect anything like that from you at all."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh really? Then why did you agree to get me this insanely expensive gift? Don't try to act all innocent now, you HAVE to have a crush on me!" she exclaimed.

Running a hand through my hair, I let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, I got you the camera because we made a deal. A bet's a bet, you know? I wasn't trying to get anything else out of it!" I suddenly became defensive.

"No…" Kaede whispered.

"NO NO NO NO NO!" she raised her voice.

"No Way! Boys like that don't exist! You must have some ulterior motive!" she said.

"I have no extra motives Kaede, seriously!" i exclaimed.

"You're just being stubborn!" she continued.

Suddenly Kaede forced herself onto me. Trying to kiss me herself.

I couldn't believe what was happening. Kaede was actually grabbing onto me, trying to force a kiss on me. Her grip on my shirt tightened as she pulled me closer, her eyes burning with determination. "No, Kaede, stop!" I struggled to break free from her grasp, but she wasn't budging.

"No way, you're going to kiss me! I'm going to give you what you really want... and more than that if I have to!" she yelled, her voice laced with determination and a hint of desperation. This wasn't like the playful flirting she usually did; this was something else entirely.

I stared at Kaede in disbelief as she continued her aggressive advances, her grip on my shirt tightening as she tried to pull me closer. "Kaede, please, you've got it all wrong! I'm not after anything like that!"

"FINE!" she shouted, her face flushed with anger and frustration. "THEN GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

Before I could even process her words, Kaede suddenly stood up and grabbed me with surprising strength. In one swift motion, she lifted me clean off the bed and carried me towards the window.

"Wait, Kaede, what are you doing?!" I exclaimed in shock, struggling against her iron grip.

She didn't respond, her jaw set in determination as she flung the window open. With almost superhuman force, Kaede then proceeded to chuck me straight out the open window!

I let out a startled yelp as I went sailing through the air, landing with a heavy thud on the grass outside. Dazed, I slowly pushed myself up to a sitting position, staring back up at Kaede's window in disbelief.

Kaede poked her head out, glaring down at me with a look of pure fury. "DON'T TALK TO ME EVER AGAIN!" she screamed before promptly slamming the window shut with an ear-splitting bang.

I flinched at the loud noise, still trying to process what had just happened. One minute we were having a civil conversation, and the next Kaede had literally thrown me out of her house like a rag doll.

I genuinely cannot believe what just happened.

What had just gotten into her?

She was suppose to be happy with the new camera.

"I just don't get it," I whispered to myself.

I got up slowly as the fall actually hurt. I practically fell two stories down.

She would've gotten in a lot of trouble if I had ended up being injured.

As I stood back up, I felt a sharp poke in my pocket.

I reached for my pocket to pull out a pile of shattered glass, which was my phone.

The fall must have broken it.

Damn, now I have to make a trip to the tech store.

Illustration Below

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image [https://i.imgur.com/bX3VPZy.jpg]