A/N: Took me three hours to finish this. *crap, am i slow*
I didn't know how to start or even end the story, that's why. XD
Again, I'll be happy and grateful for your comments! (_ _)
Sparks Fly
[ Chinen Yuri X OC ]
“Make it quick, Mai! Chinen-kun’s waiting!” The voice of my mother resounded from the hall.
“Let him wait!” I answered rudely; shoving the yukata I’m trying to wear down my body. Minutes after, I got out of my room and headed downstairs --- only to be greeted by an irritated face.
I didn’t bother apologizing. “Smile, Yuri. Frowning doesn’t suit you.”
“What you’re wearing doesn’t suit you either.” He smirked, sitting casually on the sofa.
My fists wanted to fly straight to his face; I won’t mind breaking his nose. I gave him my death glare.
He just shrugged and stood up. “Let’s go.”
Everyone probably thinks that he’s an angel sent from heaven --- he isn’t. An adorable guy whose charm is loved --- he isn’t. Someone so sweet to the point that he’s irresistible --- he isn’t.
I hate to break it to you, people. Chinen Yuri is not what he seems to be.
Well, maybe he actually is.
But not with me.
I consider myself unfortunate to have met him. Since the first time we saw each other, I never saw his smile. The good impression I had for him faded the moment he scowled at me. He has this cold aura whenever I’m near.
Just what did I do to deserve such treatment? For crying out loud, he doesn’t even know me in the first place!
And that, that’s what made us the best of friends.
“Earth calling Mai,” Chinen poked my forehead, his tone impatient. “I said let’s go. We’ll be late for the fireworks.”
We started walking, him a few steps behind. It was a warm night, a taste of summer; the season for hanabi*. A time when the starry sky is lit up with colors. I breathed in the air, an action which relaxed my tensed muscles. It was a pleasant feeling. In no time, excitement flooded me.
Nobody can ruin my night.
“What are you smiling about? You look stupid.”
Poof. My happy thought is shattered.
I glanced at his direction and saw he’s already beside me, matching my pace.
“Ke~” I muttered, frowning. “Why are you with me, anyway? I didn’t ask for a body guard.”
“Who told you I want to be here? This is an errand. Your mother told my mother you wanted to see the fireworks. I was forced going with you. End of story.” He pulled a face and complained, “I should be hanging out with my friends tonight.”
Our parents are college buddies. But, even in the next life, their children will never be.
“I’d rather have your sister’s company,” my brows puckered.
Why? Why do I have to be stuck with a bitchy monster tonight?
If only he’s a little kinder . . .
We continued to walk in silence. Instead of an awkward atmosphere, it’s a cease-fire for us --- a moment of peace and meditation to restrain ourselves from killing each other. Our ill-temperedness will forever remain a behavior we’ll always save exclusively for each other.
As we neared the venue --- a soccer field --- people could be seen crowding the place, everyone in high spirits. Elated, I quickened my pace towards the gathering, ignoring the boy with me, ready to get rid of him as soon as I reach the field.
A hand grasped my right arm.
“What now?”
“You are not going anywhere without me.”
Irritated, I exclaimed in a stingy voice. “I don’t want someone like you to spoil the fun, Yuri.”
“Deal with it, Mai.”
I tried to get away from his firm grip with no luck.
Resentfully, I surrendered, grumbling in a low voice, “To hell with killjoys.”
“What did you say?”
I shot him a sweet smile. “Nothing. Just wondering how tall you are.”
Paying no attention to me, he led us towards the crowd. We squeezed in between people, murmured “sorry” to those we bumped into until we found a free spot enough for two. He then let go of me, hands in his pockets, with a dull expression.
I rubbed my arm and stared at him with a transparent look of bitterness on my face. He was watching a bunch of kids play at the other direction, avoiding my gaze.
If only he’s a little kinder . . .
I sighed in exasperation and started distracting myself with thoughts that doesn’t involve murdering people.
About three minutes before the pyrotechnic display, I noticed he took a step closer to me in my peripheral vision.
Nobody’s talking.
Expecting that he’ll start bugging me again, I pulled out my earphones from my purse and pretended to listen to some music to avoid another pointless conversation --- although I didn’t play a single song.
I began humming stupidly.
I think I was pretty convincing. He didn’t bother me.
I checked my watch --- two more minutes.
He peeked at me, then nothing.
The sudden change of mood made its way to me. Something seems different. Something feels different.
I heard him clear his throat. I bobbed my head as though I’m swaying with the music, still trying to fake it.
A minute to go . . .
He cleared his throat again.
“For acting crabby, for all the pesky insults . . . sorry about that,” I heard him say, not loud for me to hear but audible enough.
Humming and bobbing my head at the same time, I pretended to be preoccupied with the sound coming from the earphones that wasn’t there.
Assured that I couldn’t hear a thing he says, he continued.
“Being angry with you . . .”
20 seconds . . .
“. . . I think it’s easier.”
He stopped.
16 seconds . . .
My earphones still plugged in my ears.
14 seconds . . .
I waited silently for his next words, looking at the sky, waiting for the display to start.
11 . . .
Nothing came.
10 . . .
I did a mental shrug.
9 . . .
“Yes, it’s easier . . .” Chinen nodded, agreeing to whatever he’s talking about.
7 . . .
I can see everyone looking up now.
5 . . .
“. . . easier than realizing---”
4 . . .
He breathed deeply.
3 . . .
“---that I’ve---”
2 . . .
“---already fallen for you.”
1.
The sky burst with colors, exploding volleys of sparkling lights, illuminating star-like scenery. I stared at the beautiful sight in awe; my lips forming into a smile.
But you know what’s the most beautiful thing I saw that night?
It’s him.
Wearing a smile I’ve never seen before.
Summer is definitely all about the fireworks.
---
* hanabi - Japanese word for fireworks