Like a family

Mana smiled cunningly and said, "To pick up Risa. I have to get school supplies for her." and went for a shower. But little did she know, Takumi was willing to meet her deep inside.

"Mama! I mished youuu"

"I missed you too my baby~ Let's go out toda—"

"Takumi kunnnn you're here". Risa jumped into Takumi's arms, as if she was happier to see him.

"Ehhh I thought you missed your mom more Risa chan", pouted Mana.

"Mana san, I will be borrowing her for the day, thanks!", Takumi joked.

As I thought, he gets along with Risa a lot. I wouldn't be able to give Risa a father figure...

That day, Mana didn't feel as uncomfortable to be with another guy. Takumi kun was a gentleman. And more importantly, he took care of Risa as if she were his own sister, or maybe even her daughter.

They became closer that day- the three of them. Having brunch, knowing each other's likes and dislikes, buying Takumi's clothes, they were like a family. It brought in a sense of security and trust between them. There were giggles and hugs.

While Risa played in the kids' section, Mana finally addressed the awkward moment between them.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like that yesterday. And I'm sorry for that day", Mana said, looking genuinely apologetic.

"Did something happen to you, Mana san? You were very angry at someone. Maybe some ex boyfr—"

"I'm sorry I don't want to talk about it right now."

Takumi kept his hand on Mana's. It was the first time Mana saw how big his hands were. She stared at his eyes, his dazzling green eyes. They weren't lenses. They are real.

"Your eyes are beautiful". But it wasn't Mana who said that. "Those honey coloured eyes, they are beautiful". Mana was taken aback. She could see he was being genuine. Takumi gently put her stray strands behind her ears. "You honey coloured hair, it's beautiful. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever met". Mana couldn't believe her ears. What is this shortness of breath? She had butterflies in her stomach. Takumi wanted to say something, but he held back.

Mana took the chance, "Why me?". But the chance was short-lived.

"Mommm let's go have icecreams!", Risa interrupted. Both Mana and Takumi got up, fidgeting.

"Which flavour Risa chan?", asked Takumi to break the silence.

Just like their conversation faded away, so did their day together. Takumi parted ways with them and went straight home. He wondered what he would've said to convince her that she was the one.

A part of Mana didn't want to hear Takumi's response. It wasn't like her to fall for guys who half heartedly liked her. She shook her head in denial. There's no way I have time for all this.

The next day at the university, Takumi wandered around at lunch, unsure where to eat. He didn't know how to approach Mana, or tell her he wanted another bite of her food. His classes were hectic as finals were coming. And all he wanted was her food and a glimpse of her. He paced up and down, contemplating, while his friend Mamiya gobbled down two big burgers.

"Upset stomach?" Mamiya asked.

Takumi rolled his eyes at him. "How do I ask her out?"

"Woahahah the legendary Takumi is having girl problems?", snickered Mamiya. "Well, you could start by actually inviting Mana san out, or even texting her, instead of doing" He pointed at Takumi's stressed out paces "all this".

"What if she doesn't reply, or thinks I am just some annoying brat? She did laugh when she found out I was a year younger." Takumi squatted down with stress.

"Stop overthinking man, text her alreadyyyy"

"Fine fine. What do I say?"

"Don't be a baby about it. I don't know"

Takumi scoffed at Mamiya and took out his phone.

"Takumi kun!". Takumi thought about how he liked her so much, that he began to hear her voices. He realised what a simp he was. He smiled at himself. Who wouldn't simp for her?

"Ta-ku-mi ku-n! Where are you lost?", Mana asked him.

It wasn't his imagination. She was here. Takumi's ears blushed and burned out of happiness.

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