Yusuke

“Nami-chan,” Aimi exclaimed while waving excitedly. I looked behind me, and the sight of the gorgeous Nami Fukuyama running in our direction stunned me, leaving me speechless for a moment.

“Wow, Nami-chan looks beautiful,” commented Tonkatsu, practically stealing the words from my mouth, as I shared the exact same opinion.  

The slight cringe on Fukuyama-san’s face when she saw me didn’t go unnoticed, proving once again that she still didn’t feel comfortable with my presence, even though I had once gone out of my way to escort her to the karaoke and even held hands with her. I already suspected she avoided me as much as possible; she insisted on not eating lunch with us at school and ignored me whenever we happened to meet—neither talking to nor looking at me at all. It was as if I didn’t exist, and it kind of hurt, to be honest. As someone who was used to having girls ogling me twenty-four-seven, it was disturbing that the only one who piqued my interest did her best not to interact with me.

Maybe it’s because she knows I am a demon.

“Fukuyama-san isn’t happy to see me,” I mumbled, glancing at Aimi. “You didn’t tell her I was coming along today, did you?” I squeezed my eyes accusingly.

Aimi shook her head, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Nope. Why would I, when I knew she wouldn’t come if I did? This is the only way I found to hang out with the three of you at the same time, and I don’t feel the slightest guilt for omitting it to her.” She puffed out her chest with pride. 

I sighed, “I figured you didn’t.” 

“I was surprised when you texted that the four of us would be spending the day shopping,” said Tonkatsu to Aimi, his gaze thoughtful. “Firstly, because I wasn’t expecting Yuu to want to meet us during the Golden Week, as he is usually away at his family’s house. Secondly, because I didn’t think Nami would accept being in the same group as Yuu, considering it’s obvious she doesn’t like him.” He shot me a mocking smile. “Even though he’s quite the heartbreaker, and I didn’t think his charm would ever fail on anyone.”

Aimi joined him in the teasing. “And that’s one of the reasons why I like Nami-chan so much. She’s the only girl I know who isn’t head over heels for Yuu-kun; on the contrary, she seems to despise him with all her guts, which is interesting and entertaining. It’s also a good lesson in humility for our friend here.” She patted me on the back harshly. 

I grumbled, “Humility? I am humble.”

Aimi burst out laughing. “As if. You’re an arrogant and prideful prick who has the world at his feet, and you know it. You’re cold-hearted with the girls you go out with and extremely dry with everyone else. In fact, you believe you’re a god just because you’re handsome, popular, and rich.” 

Tonkatsu nodded. “What she says.”

I stepped back, offended. “Tch. Why are you attacking me? I’m here, aren’t I? I’m spending the day with you, aren’t I?”

“Hi,” Fukuyama-san greeted us, waving shyly. “I am sorry I am late.”

Aimi beamed at her in response. “Let me guess, you took the wrong train and got lost, am I correct?” she smirked.

Fukuyama-san blushed scarlet and looked down. “I guess there is no point in denying the truth, is there?”

Tonkatsu threw an arm around her neck, his action awakening in me a strange sensation of what I could only call jealousy. To say that I was flabbergasted by my own reaction was an understatement; it was the first time I had felt jealous because of a girl. 

“You’re not very good at following directions,” he observed, laughing out loud. “Be careful not to get lost again while we’re shopping.”

“By the way, you look so beautiful,” complimented Aimi, gesturing at Fukuyama-san’s outfit—faded blue jeans, a white T-shirt with the hem tucked in, a long red coat, and black boots. Her hair was loose, with strands falling gracefully down her shoulders.

For some reason, the fact that I had chosen to wear a red hooded sweater that particular day made me happy, as it matched her red coat. 

We could be a couple. The sudden and nonchalant thought took me by surprise. 

“Well, thank you for meeting me in front of the train station; otherwise, I do not think I could have found you at all,” Fukuyama-san sighed, visibly embarrassed.

“Don’t fret,” responded Tonkatsu before shooting me a side-eye and adding, “You’re the reason why Yuu-kun has agreed to tag along with us today, anyway.”

“What?” she gasped, glancing at me for a second before looking away.

I, on the other hand, just started walking toward the main street nearby, where several stores were located. I heard footsteps right behind me, indicating that everyone was following me. 

“What have you been doing this Golden Week, Nami-chan? Did you visit your parents in Aichi-ken?” asked Aimi.

The angel—literally—answered, “Aichi-ken? But Father and Mother do not live—” She suddenly closed her mouth and pursed her lips, her brows furrowing deeply. “I mean, yes, I visited my parents and my brothers in Aichi-ken and returned to Tokyo last night.” The smile on her face reeked of fakeness.

This girl needs to be careful if she wishes to keep her real identity hidden from unsavory characters. How can she be so careless, especially with me around? She’s so confusing.

“Hold on. Does that mean that you live here in Tokyo alone?” Tonkatsu sounded incredulous as he gaped at Fukuyama-san.

“Yes, I do.” She gave him another fake smile. 

“So, you and Yuu-kun are two peas in a pod,” Aimi pointed out, arching an eyebrow at me. “Isn’t that cool, Yuu?”

I shrugged, avoiding saying anything unnecessary and making Fukuyama-san even more wary of me. 

“Two peas in a pod? What does that mean?” The angel was confused.

Tonkatsu explained, “It means that you’re similar because Yuu also lives alone here in Tokyo, although he does so in a huge mansion surrounded by maids. He even has his own driver.” 

“Really?” Fukuyama-san gazed at me, mouth-agape. 

I shrugged again. 

Suddenly, Aimi jumped and squealed, “We’re here. This place is awesome for buying makeup stuff.” She grabbed Fukuyama-san’s hand and dragged her to the first makeup store she saw, not minding that the angel was frowning and reluctant to go with her. 

Tonkatsu wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “What do you want to do while they are busy buying those things?” He pointed at the makeup products on display.

“I want to buy something to drink because my throat is dry.” 

He snapped his fingers, his expression lighting up. “I know! Let’s get milk tea with tapioca bubbles from the shop around the corner.” 

“Sure. Why not?” I conceded, unbothered by the idea of drinking matcha milk tea with tapioca bubbles. It wasn’t too sweet and would certainly satisfy my thirst.

“Girls are ogling you, as always.” Tonkatsu shot me an envious look, which I deliberately ignored. “Why does my best friend have to be so handsome and outshine me wherever we go?” he pouted, crossing his arms in front of his chest. 

“I’m not too handsome; you’re the one who’s too ugly,” I joked.

He glared at me and playfully snarled, “Die.” 

As we approached the milk tea shop, I wondered what flavor I should buy for Fukuyama-san. “What flavor would Fukuyama-san pick?” I mumbled,  scanning the menu.

“Wha-What? You’re buying milk tea for Nami?” Tonkatsu blinked several times, shocked. “You’re buying something for a girl?”

“Is there something wrong with that?” 

“It’s the first time you’re being considerate toward a —” He stopped, widening his eyes even more. “Wait a minute. Did you accept hanging out with us today because you wanted to be with Nami-chan? I was actually joking when I told her that you did, but…” He trailed off, his mouth hanging open.

Bullseye.