Vali's Perspective:
A day after the "almost kiss" in my kitchen, the rest of the week was a bit… weird, to put it mildly. Work was full of awkward silences at first, but little by little, things started to feel normal again. The manager, Feme, kept spying on us with her mischievous grin, munching on popcorn or chips while gossiping; it seems like her new favorite hobby was watching us. By the way, her name fits her perfectly, since the Greek goddess of gossip and rumors is also called Feme. Not much happened during those days. The only thing was that I learned how to do my job there, and they told Eris and me that a regular customer, who hadn't been able to come by much lately because she was busy, was going to start working there or at least was looking for a spot. Also, Eris told me it's probably because she's going to stop working there after the holidays. I got mad and anxious because she hadn't told me earlier and why she hadn't mentioned it before, but then I forgot about it because school started the next day.
As soon as the school day began, I had to show up to be introduced in my classroom. I knew it would be hard to get used to, since I'm not used to talking much and I'm not exactly the most outgoing person. It was my first day at my new school, a modern and impressive place that had welcomed me.
When I got to where they told me to go on the first day, they handed me a schedule and took me to the classroom where my first class would be. I could hear laughter and chatter until the teacher came in and told everyone to be quiet and get organized because she was going to introduce the new student. She had me come into the classroom to introduce myself. I walked in quietly and introduced myself quickly, feeling embarrassed; there were a lot of people. The teacher told me to sit in a corner of the classroom.
That's when I saw her.
Sitting next to the empty seat where the teacher told me to sit, holding a book I had recommended to her, wearing clothes that showed she wasn't very outgoing, was Eris. Her dark hair fell softly over her shoulders as she read, focused, oblivious to the noise around her. There weren't big groups of people around her, no loud laughter. It was the same Eris I had met at the concert.
As I walked closer, my brain took a few seconds to process what was happening. Eris? Here? Out of all the people, in all the schools in the city, after the almost kiss! Surprise, followed by a strange sense of calm and a bit of nervousness and anxiety, washed over me. She wasn't the popular girl at school or the leader of a clique. She was… like me. A bit reserved, maybe a bit "nerdy" in other people's eyes, and clearly more caught up in her own world than most. The coincidence wasn't lost on me: me, just arrived in this city, and her, who had lived here her whole life, had run into each other at work at the same bookstore, at the same concert with seats next to each other, in a park when we first met for the first time, and now, by some kind of whimsical twist of fate, we were also in the same classroom, at the same school.
"Eris?" I said as I approached the seat next to hers, which was going to be my spot for the rest of the school year. I felt shy and excited to be with Eris at school. Eris looked up slightly when she heard my voice.
"Vali, what are you doing here?" With a smile on my face and a sense of calm seeing her, I said, "Well, I guess the same thing as you, studying. What a coincidence running into each other here." I said it trying to sound as calm as possible; the idea of spending the whole school year with her instead of seeing each other at the bookstore was exciting.
Eris showed a hint of excitement and happiness in her eyes before looking away. I noticed she was clutching the book I'd recommended against her chest when she turned away. "Yeah, I guess so," she whispered, trying to sound casual, but it showed she was happy and relaxed. "It's… a pretty big coincidence."
Just then, I heard a voice coming from the seats in front of us. "Eris, I've never seen anyone react like that before. Don't tell me you don't like the new guy!" said a girl with long, messy hair and bright, energetic eyes. Next to her, a tall guy with a calmer expression was laughing quietly, shaking his head.
Eris, who was already on the verge of blushing, turned so red I thought steam might come out of her ears. She tried to sink into her seat, clutching the book even harder against her chest. "Suzune! Kaito! Stop saying nonsense!" she said, her voice barely a whisper of indignation. For them, it was obvious that her shyness went through the roof when she was around me.
Kaito, with a playful smile that stretched from ear to ear, added, "It's not nonsense, Eris. It's the first time we've seen you so… colorful and shy! And all because of the new guy. Couldn't it be that something's already happened between you two?" He said it as a joke, but Eris and I got nervous; out of the corner of my eye, I saw Eris laughing and laughing. "I was kidding, but it looks like I hit the mark," Kaito said seriously, reacting to our laughter.
Suzune and Kaito exchanged a glance with a sneaky smile. From the way they teased each other playfully, with little nudges and looks, it was clear they were a couple. It was a cute couple dynamic, like they were in their own world, but also really focused on Eris.
Suzune and Kaito came over to introduce themselves and asked what had happened between Eris and me, and that Eris and I denied anything had happened, but we admitted we already knew each other.
At that moment, right then, Suzune got up from her seat and walked over to us, with Kaito right behind her. Suzune had a mischievous smile that didn't hide any of her curiosity, while Eris kept calm, but his eyes sparkled with the same playfulness.
"Hey, new guy," Suzune said, holding out her hand to me with infectious energy. "I'm Suzune, and this is Eris, my… partner in crime and couple, and we're friends with Eris. And you are?"
I shook her hand, feeling a bit relieved by the interruption. "I'm Vali. Nice to meet you." I also noticed a jealous look from Eris; it was like she was questioning with her eyes why I was so friendly with Suzune when I'd just met her.
Kaito nodded with a smile. "So, Vali… looks like you already know our dear Eris. Even though she's too embarrassed to say where from." Kaito turned to Eris, who was still trying to disappear under her desk. "Come on, Eris, it's not every day you react like this. Tell us, where do you two know each other from? Or better yet, what happened between you two?"
"We just know each other from a concert and from work, nothing else happened between us," Eris said, lifting her gaze slightly, still blushing.
"Are you sure nothing happened? Like, you haven't been to each other's houses or anything?" Kaito said with a tone that made it clear he wasn't going to let it go, since he didn't believe for a second that nothing had happened between Eris and me.
Right before Suzune could keep up the questioning, and just when Eris gave me a look that said, What do we do? Help me get them off our backs, they're asking too much, I haven't even processed the almost kiss yet, Eris and I were saved by the teacher calling everyone to get to their seats quickly.
"Miss Suzune, Mr. Kaito! To your seats, please! Class is about to start."
"You got lucky for now," Kaito said, and he and Suzune gave us a look that said this wasn't over, but for now, they'd stop the questioning.
The two of them, Suzune and Kaito, went back to their seats with one last amused glance, leaving Eris and me in a state of anxiety and relief. The "almost kiss" was still our secret. Even if we denied it a thousand times, the "almost kiss" had left its mark. For Eris, it showed in that lingering blush and the side glances she gave me; for me, it was a secret happiness I couldn't completely hide.
The rest of the morning had a tense calm, like we knew this wasn't over yet. During breaks, Suzune and Kaito didn't hesitate to come over to us; this time they weren't grilling us, but they started including me in their friend group, though I would've ended up there anyway since it was Eris's friend group.
It turned out that, like Eris, they weren't exactly the life of the party at school. Suzune was lively and outgoing, but her energy was more for her close friends than for being popular. Kaito, on the other hand, was energetic but also a bit of a brainiac, though not too much, and he had a really sarcastic sense of humor. We quickly realized we liked the same kind of music and movies.
"So, you're new in town, Vali?" Suzune asked during lunch. "Eris isn't great at introducing people, and it took her forever to introduce you, probably because you and Eris look like a little couple. Are you guys in love or have you gone on a date or something?"
Eris, sitting next to me, choked on her drink when she heard the last part of what Suzune asked. Eris didn't just turn bright red, but without thinking, she leaned over toward where I was sitting and ended up resting against my chest, like she was looking for a safe place where they'd stop asking her about us.
"So, you're already all cozy and flirting in broad daylight," Kaito said, seeing Eris leaning against my chest while I didn't know how to react from embarrassment; all I could think was that I wanted to hug and hold Eris while she was resting on me. Suddenly, Kaito went on with what he was saying before: "Eris, I've never seen you so affectionate with anyone, let alone so red; you don't even let Suzune hug you, and you've known her for years, but you're all cuddly with the new guy." Kaito finished, looking at us with a look that said he wanted to know what would happen between us and that hanging out with us was going to be fun.
Eris, realizing she was still pressed against my chest, suddenly pulled away a bit out of embarrassment and looked away. "Sorry, it was an accident, I just slipped a little, that's all; it's not like I wanted to hug you or be close to you or anything," she said in a voice that tried to sound serious but felt more like she was forcing herself to say it.
"Well, looks like our Eris, when she's in love, isn't just shyer and bolder than usual but also a bit tsundere. Didn't see that coming," Suzune said, looking at me like she wanted to see how I'd react. I had a feeling Kaito and Suzune would get along great with Feme, the manager at the store where I work and Eris used to work—well, now it's just where I work, but according to the manager, Eris won't be working at the bookstore during the school year, or at least that's what I understood.
The day went by with a mix of boring classes, chats with Suzune and Kaito, and awkward but adorable moments with Eris. Suzune and Kaito's presence put us on edge. Their jokes and comments were spot-on; even though nothing serious had happened between Eris and me, it still made us embarrassed and made me scared to fully understand what I was feeling.
One Friday at lunchtime, I opened my lunchbox to find, as usual, a squashed sandwich and some cookies I'd grabbed in a rush. Eris, sitting next to me, looked at my lunch with a face that mixed disapproval and a touch of pity. She always brought her food carefully prepared, with her containers organized and her fruit neatly cut.
"Vali," Eris said, her voice low, almost a whisper. Suzune and Kaito were eating alone on a date, being a couple; for the first time, I could be alone with Eris. "Why do you always bring such unprepared and unhealthy stuff to eat? I know you don't know how to cook, but… ugh, never mind," Eris said.
"I know I should take better care of myself, but I don't know how to cook well, and this is what I manage to put together in the mornings. Sorry if it worries you about my health," I replied to what Eris was saying.
"Don't be dumb, it's not… it's not that I'm worried about your health, it's just… it's just… ugh, it'd be better if I made you food some days. If you want, I could help you; it's not like I'm worried about you, it's just that sometimes I have extra food, don't think anything weird," Eris said, blushing and looking away.
"I'd love it if you cooked for me, but… I don't want to be a bother, so only if it's not a problem. You could make me food for some days, and if possible, teach me how to cook better," I said, surprised.
"Fine, since you're insisting so much, but don't think I'm doing it because I like you or anything weird; it's just because you're insisting so much. Plus, we're friends, so I'll also give you cooking lessons, but let's not have a repeat of last time," she said, referring to the almost kiss, which made me embarrassed and look away, thinking about what to do.
"Thanks so much, this helps me a ton, and… it won't happen again like in the kitchen, it was an accident. Plus, I'll be a lot more careful next time," I said, happy that not only was she going to help me with food, which I know she loves cooking, but she was also going to teach me how to cook.
Eris nodded, looking relaxed and pleased with my response. "Starting tomorrow, I'll bring you something to eat so you don't neglect yourself too much," she said.
From that moment on, my relationship with Eris grew stronger. She brought me homemade food, and her visits to my house to "help" me organize and cook became more frequent. At first, her visits were specific and very serious, almost like a mission. She organized my pantry with pinpoint precision, taught me how to chop vegetables without losing a finger, and showed me how to make rice without it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Eris was incredibly organized, a total contrast to my chaos. At first, it felt weird having her at my house, but now it was comforting. I found out she could be a bit bossy when it came to organizing; the way she told me what to do wasn't shy or too harsh, it was… how do I put it, kind of sweet but firm and serious.
"Vali, how many dirty dishes are in this pile? And this is from yesterday's breakfast!" she scolded me one day, while I tried to hide my guilt.
"Sorry, Eris, I'm still kind of messy, and I didn't expect you to come today; you showed up out of nowhere on a Saturday, which I wasn't expecting," I said, trying to calm her down.
"Yeah, sure… It seems like you only organize and clean when I'm coming over," she said. I made a guilty face when Eris pointed out that, yeah, I only organized when she was coming. "Ugh, Vali, you should organize more often. And it looks like I was right. I'm not saying it to nag; I'm saying it for your health. It's not good to eat poorly or be so disorganized," she said, lowering her voice at the end, like she was embarrassed for me to hear her say that.
Seeing us both arguing about organizing the house and kitchen made me embarrassed to think we might look like a newlywed couple. Her reaction when she saw my face told me she was thinking the same thing, but her look was like, Don't say it, don't you dare say it. But I spoke without thinking and said, "We look like a newlywed couple arguing."
She hit me instinctively, but lightly, while pouting from embarrassment.
"Why did you have to say it, why did you have to say it, why?" she said in a voice so low I barely understood her.
"What are you thinking, saying that, dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy?" Eris said, still pouting and dying of embarrassment.
I laughed a little, enjoying her oh-so-typical reaction.
"Sorry if I upset you, Eris. It's just that I couldn't think of anything better to say right then," I said.
"It's not… it's not that it upset me, but… ugh, just focus on organizing. And tomorrow I'm bringing new shelves for those books you have piled up on the floor," she replied, still sighing and with flushed cheeks.
"Those aren't just any books, Eris! If you want to see I'm telling the truth, read them and you'll see," I said, noticing she was already pointing at a stack of novels with a look of disapproval at my bad organization.
Despite the arguments, we kept getting closer. From seeing each other at school all the time to arguing about my mess or the moments when she taught me to cook, all those moments filled me with a happiness I'd never felt before and made my heart race.
Eris showed up the next day as promised, bringing a box with two foldable shelves. I didn't know where to buy them, so I paid her in advance to help me get them, though she refused to let me pay for both. While I was already looking tired from how much energy Eris had, she started looking for the best spot for the shelves, moving stacks and stacks of books I had piled up.
"Vali, if we're going to do this right, we need a system," she said in her "organization captain" voice.
"Organize? It's not like I want to organize everything, what's the point? It's fine for me like this," I said, smiling.
"What are you talking about? Just because you're used to it doesn't mean it's good. Besides… I love seeing you happy with what I do for you," she said, lowering her voice to a whisper and blushing slightly at her ears; I barely noticed Eris was blushing.
We spent the afternoon organizing and sorting my books, with laughter, moments of embarrassment, and even awkward silences. Eris, though new to my books, had already devoured the one I recommended in just a few days, and now she was helping me organize my collection at an impressive speed.
"Look," she said, pulling out a book I barely remembered having. "This one? Have you read it?"
I nodded.
"A long time ago. It's a bit heavy, but it has some good moments," I said.
"Maybe I should read it. Do you recommend it?"
Eris was taking notes on my bookshelf, thinking I didn't notice, looking at my books like they were sacred treasures so good they were practically a must-read, even though they were just books I'd bought little by little.
After several hours, my house looked unrecognizable. I'd only been here a few weeks, and I'd already forgotten that this house could feel so spacious without books scattered everywhere.
"Much better," Eris said, seeing everything in its place.
"I never thought this place could feel so roomy, and you've been here a bunch of times since I moved in," she said.
"Amazing, I didn't even know this house was so spacious anymore. I don't know what I'd do without you; you always help me and keep me company. You'll make a great wife someday," I said without thinking. I think my brain doesn't process what I say when I'm with Eris, and I know I should think things through more, but sometimes I just speak on instinct.
Eris blushed a little, looking away.
"Don't say silly things. I just… like things being in their place," she said, though her voice couldn't hide her satisfaction.
"And what makes you say I'll be a good wife at a time like this? I'm not ready for this," she whispered to herself.
"Could you repeat that? I didn't hear," I said, because I really hadn't heard.
"Nothing, dummy, just… ugh, never mind. I was just saying you should be more organized," she replied.
At that moment, the sun started to set, painting my living room in shades of orange. The atmosphere felt more intimate. The books neatly arranged on the shelves, the warm light, and Eris, there with me, made my heart race again. The "almost kiss" in the kitchen, Suzune and Kaito's teasing, the secret of the homemade lunches… it all felt… how do I say it, it didn't feel real, but in the end, it was completely real, and that made me more than happy.
Soon after, Eris and I said goodbye, and she was going to head home, though I wanted to spend more time with her. But it was already night, and there probably weren't any buses at that hour. Plus, it could be dangerous for Eris to go alone, and even though I wanted to walk her home, the news said there were strong winds and it was risky to go out in that weather. So Eris had to stay at my house. Since my place is so small and my room is the only one with air conditioning, we both had to stay in my room, on separate futons.
Eris's Perspective on the Futons:
Why does this have to happen to me? Vali's scent is so nice, but… ugh, what am I thinking? I can't possibly think about Vali like that. What if something happens, or lightning strikes, and I hug him out of fear? Why am I imagining these scenarios? Besides, Vali's just my friend, nothing more. Why do I feel so unsure and sad thinking I'm just his friend and nothing else? Calm down, Eris, calm down, breathe. Ugh, I can't, I just keep thinking about Vali because of his scent. Wait, why do I even know what Vali smells like? I'm going to calm down and rest for a bit.
P.S.: Eris finally fell asleep after two hours, not knowing how to handle sleeping there.
Vali's Perspective on the Futons:
Why does this have to happen to me? I have to sleep with a really cute girl right next to me. I know Eris told me to keep this a secret, but that just makes it even more embarrassing. Plus, I know I'm happy to share secrets and unique moments with her, but this is too much.
P.S.: Vali couldn't sleep all night, except for the last 15 minutes before the alarm went off for Eris to go home and change for school.
Feme's Perspective (the store manager):
I came here because I saw Eris heading to Vali's house, but it doesn't look like anything's happening. A few hours passed, but it was worth it. I had to go back to my place and watch with a drone because of the strong winds, but I'll be able to see and record with the drone how Eris and Vali are staying over together. I can't wait to see what happens.
P.S.: Vali's boss and Eris's former boss, since Eris only worked at the bookstore during the holidays, was watching them from the moment she saw Eris go to Vali's house in the evening, even if it was with a drone because of the strong winds.
I adjusted my glasses, my eyes glued to the drone's screen. The signal was a bit shaky because of the wind, but clear enough. There they were. Vali and Eris, in the same room, with their futons spread out. Jackpot! I knew my gut wouldn't let me down. It was worth the effort of going back home and flying the drone in these conditions. My curiosity was itching more than ever.
The small screen showed Vali and Eris, each on their own futon, a good distance apart. Vali was tossing and turning restlessly, while Eris looked tense, almost stiff, like she was about to burst. I could see their faces in the dark, barely lit by the streetlight sneaking through the window. They were like two statues frozen in place, unable to relax. What a letdown! No getting closer, no sneaky glances, not even an accidental brush. And here I was with my popcorn ready!
I frowned. This wasn't what I expected. Where was the spark? The drama? The romantic tension that the "almost kiss" had promised? They just stayed there, still, each in their own bubble of nerves. It was almost as boring as an ancient history textbook.
"Come on, lovebirds, give me some action!" I muttered to myself, with my bag of chips half-finished. "You're not seeing the golden opportunity right in front of you."
Time dragged on, and the scene didn't change. Vali kept tossing, and Eris kept staring at the ceiling like it was the most fascinating thing in the universe. It was maddening. After hours, sleep got the better of me. I dozed off, my mind dreaming up the scenarios that never happened.
I was jolted awake by the drone's alarm, set to go off at dawn. I stretched, my eyes flicking back to the screen. Vali was already up, his hair a mess and dark circles under his eyes that practically reached the floor. He looked like he hadn't slept a wink. Eris, on the other hand, was getting up with the speed of a turtle, rubbing her eyes. She seemed less tired than Vali but just as tense.
The drone caught the final moments: Eris rushing out, clutching a backpack she'd prepared in advance (so prepared!), and Vali closing the door behind her, letting out a sigh of relief that was almost loud enough to hear. A sigh of relief!
"Oh, Eris, Vali!" I exclaimed, lightly tapping the table. "You're so slow! But this gives me so much more material for the future!"
I turned off the drone, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. The night hadn't been the big event I'd hoped for, but Vali and Eris's awkwardness and nerves were pure gold for my gossip collection. Plus, the fact that nothing happened just meant the tension would keep building. This was going to be way more fun than I thought. I could already taste the popcorn for the next few weeks. The drama was far from over.