The most important game of Toro’s season is in three days. He’ll crack under the pressure. Not to be mean, but I know my friend. Which is why I also understand how to manipulate him into having some confidence.

Enter Catalina. My encouragement can only do so much, but having a pretty girl travel all the way to the mainland to show support is guaranteed to do the trick.

Catalina agreed to the plan if I could find us a way there. I’m in luck as someone owes me a favor.

“And that’s why I’m asking for your boat. Please and thank you.”

Pablo doesn’t look my way. Lucy is crawling on his back while he sits watching some of the children playing outside. “And why do you think I’ll let some kid take my beloved boat?”

“Because I’m willing to fill in while you get some sleep… Whenever you want.”

Pablo picks Lucy up and sets her on the floor. “You make an enticing offer, but I still can’t trust you.”

“Come on Pablo, I really want to support my friend.” I bow my head. Pablo is aware of my stubbornness so it’s a battle of stamina now.

“Tell me, who else are you bringing?”

“Hmm, it’s just me.”

“I’m not letting you borrow anything if you lie to me. If it was just you, then you’d take your bike over the bridge.”

Lily’s bridge connects our island to the mainland. It’s a long drive but he’s right in his assumption.

Pablo had me. I can’t lie to the man who has to pull important information from kids for a living.

“I may be taking a girl… or two.”

“Really? Didn’t know you were such a player.”

“Pablo can’t go because I’m going to marry him.” Lucy adds after hearing us talk about girls. She’s jealous despite her young age.

Pablo gives her a tap on the head and sends her off to play with the other children.

“One’s my friend, and the other is my girlfriend. I’ll be as safe as possible, I promise.”

“A girlfriend?!” I’m not sure how to feel about his reaction. “You need to be back before sundown.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

I had prepared some more convincing arguments as I expected him to reject my request some more. Sleep deprivation must be killing the poor guy. “Thanks Pablo!”

Now that part one is a success, I need to ask Manami to come as well. I didn’t ask beforehand in case Pablo didn’t give in. Promising to take her on a boat trip then disappointing her would have shattered my confidence.

But no need to worry anymore. Now, I just need to find the courage to ask her.

“I should just ask her tomorrow and get it over with. No need to overthink it.” I’m eating dinner at the usual spot. Mom left a note apologizing about waking up late even though I remind her often that I don’t mind.

“By her are you talking about me?”

“Manami!” She’s unbelievably light on her feet. Or it may be that I’m used to the loud stomps children take. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

She stood beside me, staring into the sea. It may have been my imagination, but I’m sure this is the closest we’ve ever stood side by side. Our shoulders brushed each time we swayed.

I take a deep breath and go for it. “Manami, do you want to come watch Toro’s game on the mainland with Catalina and I this Friday?”

“The mainland?” Manami looks in the direction of the mainland. It’s straight shot from our spot. Her eyes didn’t hide her desire to go. “I would love to, but I’m not sure my mom would let me.”

“Oh… that’s ok then.”

“But it could be exciting to not mention where the game is.” Manami gave me a smile when she finished.

I never knew she had a troublemaker side to her. Though her little giggles tell me that she has never broken a rule before.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to force you.”

“I want to go. I love looking at the ocean, so it’ll be a fun car ride.”

“Oh, we’re going by boat.”

“Even better.”

The conversation dies there. I’m not sure how to pick up the bones and reanimate it, but I want nothing more than to make this moment last longer.

“Want some?” I held a spoon with some rice near her mouth.

“That’s an indirect kiss you know.”

“I don’t know mind.” Manami blushes but accepts my offer.

There isn’t much to talk about after, but eating while looking at the sea made me feel at ease. Although, I found myself looking at her more than the sea.

She didn’t wear her wig today. Her natural black hair swaying in the wind combined with her smile after each bite entranced me.

“Your family owns a boat?”

“Hmmm?” She caught me staring but didn’t seem to mind. “Oh no, I’m borrowing it from Pablo.”

“Nurse Pablo?”

“Yep, he couldn’t resist my boundless charisma.”

Manami giggles. It’s not the first time I’ve seen her laugh, but this time it seemed to hurt her as she grabbed her chest and coughed a bit after.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine… Myo, why do you volunteer here?”

“I spent a lot of time here as a kid. So, I wanted to show how grateful I am.”

“Can I ask why?”

“I…” I did want to tell her. I didn’t want to hold anything back. But the words were caught in my stomach.

“It’s ok.” She rubbed my back as she spoke. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’ll listen.”

I nod. I couldn’t help but feel guilty since Manami was open with me. Not being able to reciprocate that made me feel as if I disrespected her honesty. But as she looks at me, with a sweet smile and kind eyes, I can feel the guilt disappear as a strange warmness takes its place.

“Manami!” On que, as if waiting for the moment I want to live in forever, Manami’s mom arrives.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yea, see you then.”