Unnoticed Gem

Chapter 8; Acquaintances

After 3 more days...

Haru's POV

Today is Friday, August 25, 2023. Just another normal day at work.

Still can't stop thinking about Aoi.

Aoi's fever is gone after just one day of resting. Hikari did an amazing job taking care of her.

Meanwhile, in order for Hikari to stay as Aoi's friend. I decided for us to be together officially.

At first, Hikari does not want to because I'm living with Aoi.

She said, We should live somewhere else. I then said, I don't want to live somewhere far away from my company. She then said, Do you really love that Company that much? I said, I do!

We were both silent after this.

Then....

*Flashback*

Hikari: Can I just live with you guys then? I mean the more the merrier.

Haru: I guess you can. We can both have my room while Aoi have the couch.

Hikari: I think we should let Aoi used the storage room as her room. Since she's also paying the rent. It's so unfair if she continues sleeping in the couch.

Haru: Then we should let her use it then. We're am I going to put my things in storage room then?

Hikari: We can put it at my house for the time being. Don't worry, We can put it in my house attic. Is the fine with you?

Haru: Sure! The only problem is, How do we move all that? if I'm busy most of the time.

Hikari: Don't worry Haru! I'll take care of it. I Would like to transfer all of that without Aoi's knowledge. Let's surprise her in her new room. The day I move to be with you. Only then will we show Aoi her new room. She deserves it. I'll do that while you two is working. So that Aoi wouldn't see. Are ok with that?

Haru: How are you going to do it on your own?

Hikari: Don't worry! I have some backup.

Haru: What backup?

Hikari: Your other kittens. If I tell them we are now together they will definitely help me.

Haru: Help you or get mad at you?

Hikari: Hahaha... You really don't know your kittens really well. All we ever wanted was your happiness. The bet we have is all about getting you but also when you chose someone we will all automatically gonna respect it. Also the bet does not really involved money or anything else.

Haru: That's good then.

Hikari: If only money is involved. I probably have tons of money now.

Haru: Well... that's not my problem.

After this, Hikari and I hangout inside while Aoi is still resting.

*Present*

It is lunch time now and for some reason I really want to talk to Aoi. We never really talk at home. Maybe just a little bit. I think she's ignoring me and I don't know why.

Aoi's POV

I'm ignoring Haru because I now know Haru and Hikari's secret.

They are not my true friends.

They both lied to me.

They didn't know that I went downstairs for a while to drink water when I was still feverish while they are talking outside the apartment.

I heard they weren't really in a relationship before, they just pretended or act that way to me.

To fool me.

I am so annoyed when I heard that so I immediately went back upstairs and pretended to be asleep.

Even though I'm actually crying inside.

Because I realized I never really have any real friends. Except maybe Junya.

I really need to trust no one in order for me to survived in this Cruel World we live in.

After 2 days...

Hikari's POV

We finished taking all of Haru's stuff from their storage room and put it in our attic.

Haru's other kittens are my helpers.

Meanwhile, The old storage room is now Aoi's new room.

We are going to surprise her later today.

*At the Afternoon*

Haru and I is waiting outside until Aoi finishes her part time job.

We talked outside while waiting for her.

She's taking a long time to arrived so Haru and I decides to go inside and watch some TV show while eating some Ice cream.

She arrived at around 9:30pm and she's with her Bestfriend Junya.

Aoi: Tadaima!! (I'm Home!)

Hikari: OKAERI!! (Welcome Back!!)

Aoi: Oh! Hikari! Why are you here?

Hikari: I'll tell you later!

Aoi: Ok!

Hikari: Why is Junya here?

Junya: Hi! Your here again.

Hikari: Why is he with you Aoi? Haru might get mad because he's here.

Aoi: Don't worry Hikari! He's just gonna eat here tonight.

Hikari: Why??

Aoi: I invited him as a thank you for buying some food and medicine for me when I'm sick. Don't worry he's not gonna stay here for a long time.

Hikari: But...

Aoi: If you guys don't want to eat with him then were just gonna eat somewhere else.

Hikari: No! You should stay with him here. I will force Haru to allow Junya to eat here as well.

Junya: I should be the one to force him. You girls go outside for a while.

Aoi: Are you sure about it Junya? what if Haru fights you?

Junya: that's why I want you and Hikari to go outside for awhile. So we can talk properly. it's up to us if we fight or not.

Hikari: I hope you don't have to fight so that we can all eat. I'm very hungry. We waited for Aoi earlier because Haru and I had a surprise for her.

Aoi: What surprise?

Hikari: It's not a surprise if I tell you now.

Aoi: Ok! I'm gonna wait for it then.

Hikari: Good!

Junya: Both of you can go out now.

Aoi/Hikari: Ok then!

Junya's POV

When Aoi and Hikari were already outside.

I immediately talked to Haru. He doesn't look angry. Just annoyed. Maybe!

Haru: Why are you here? Where is Aoi and Hikari?

Junya: Just outside.

Haru: Are they the one who told you to talk to me?

Junya: No! I decide on my own.

Haru: Good! So..what do you really want?

Junya: I want you to allow me to come here whenever I like.

Haru: What are you talking about? Are you insane?

Junya: Nah.. Just a worried friend of Aoi! if you don't allow me to do what I want. Then, Aoi need to know your secret immediately.

Haru: Don't you dare tell her anything about my secret.

Junya: Or what?

Haru: ....

Junya: My favor is very easy. Just accept it and Aoi will never know your secret. Deal or no Deal?? Very simple.

Haru: No way...I just can't....

Junya: Just can't what?

Haru: Never mind! It's a deal then.

Junya: Are you sure?

Haru: Yes!

Junya: Good! Can I eat here tonight then?

Haru: What?

Junya: Aoi invited me. As a thank for the food and medicine I gave her when she's sick.

Haru: I guess so! Since Aoi invited you. I can't do anything about it.

Junya: Yatta!! (YEY!!!)

Haru: Can we let the two in now?

Junya: Sure!!

Aoi and Hikari went inside the apartment asking questions about what Haru and I talks about.

Of course we didn't tell them anything but... suddenly...

Hikari: Aoi! I can tell you now why I'm really here.

Aoi: Isn't it because you want to hangout with me?

Hikari: Of course that's a huge part of it but, there's more.

Aoi: What do you mean?

Hikari: Tell her Haru!

Haru: Why it have to be me?

Hikari: Since your her housemate.

Aoi: Wait! Are you going to move Haru?

Haru: No Aoi! It's about Hikari. Hikari just tell her already.

Aoi: Please guys just tell me! I'm too curious about it now.

Hikari: Aoi! Starting today. I'm gonna live with you and Haru.

Aoi: E...Really?

Hikari: YES!!

Aoi: That's AWESOME!! When are you going to move in here?

Hikari: I just move in today.

Aoi: Yey!! Where's your things though?

Hikari: It's already on the room.

Aoi: The room? Haru's Room?

Hikari: Yes!!

Aoi: So the two of you is going to sleep together?

Hikari: Yes!!

Aoi: I don't get it. I thought the two of you already broke up?

Hikari: The thing is...

Haru: We just got back together last week. So I told her she can live with me now so we can see each more.

Aoi: Oh.... That's.... That's good news then. Congratulations to both of you!!

Hikari and Haru: Thanks!!

Aoi: So do I need to move out or not?

Junya: Yeah! It would be awkward if she continues to live here with you guys.

Aoi: I know right! I can look for a new apartment now.

Junya: Do you want me to help you with that Aoi?

Aoi: Sure! I'll gladly do.

Hikari: No Aoi! You need to stay with us. There's another surprised and its all just for you.

Aoi: What is it?

Hikari: Haru told me that your back hurts because you sleep in the couch everyday.

Aoi: Yeah! It does hurt. But, how did you know Haru?

Haru: You literally keep saying everyday that your back hurts.

Aoi: Do I?

Haru: You always did! I always thought your complaining.

Aoi: Not complaining at all. It's like my hobby to say what I feel in every moment that I think is important to me.

Haru:...

Hikari: So our surprised to you today is... You are going to sleep in your own bed from now on.

Aoi: Wait! Really? Where?

Hikari: In Haru's storage room.

Junya: What the heck? That's pretty messed up.

Haru: It's not!! It used to be my storage room.

Hikari: We just turned it into her bedroom.

Aoi: Really? Can I see it?

Hikari: Of course!

Aoi: By the way, What about your things Haru! Where did you put it?

Haru: It's in the Attic in Hikari's house.

Aoi: Oh! Good! I thought you sell them just for me.

Haru: There is no way I would sell my things. It's the only thing I have from my deceased family.

Aoi: What??

Hikari: Ahmm.. Haru parents and 2 sisters died in the car crush 4 years ago. He's with them but he's the only one who survived.

Aoi: Oh no! I'm so sorry Haru! I didn't know.

Haru: It's fine! It's already a long time ago. I'm just happy I don't need to worry to anyone else other myself and Hikari.

Aoi: Oh cool! That's good then. Atleast you guys have each other right?

Haru: Yeah!!

Junya: Can we eat now? My girlfriend is definitely waiting for me now to go home.

Aoi: Wait! I thought the two of had a Fight yesterday?

Junya: We did but we're the type of couple who can't be mad at each other for a long time. So when I woke up this morning the first thing she did is say sorry to me. Even though it's totally my fault. I just accepted her apology because I don't want another conflict between us. Of course I also did apologized to her.

Aoi: Awesome!!

Hikari: If that's the case. Why not call your girlfriend so she could eat and drink with all of us. It's gonna be so much fun.

Junya: Is that ok with you Aoi? We both know the two of you does not really get along.

Aoi: It's fine! I'm just gonna eat dinner then sleep. You know damn well I don't drink alcohol.

Junya: Sure! I'm gonna call Gumi now then.

Aoi: Go ahead!

I called Gumi and she agreed to go. After 15 minutes. She arrived.

*Outside the Apartment*

Gumi: So this is where she lived?

Junya: Yeah!

Gumi: Why are you here then?

Junya: Aoi! Invited me. She's thanking me for.... Helping her find a job.

Gumi: Is it really about just that?

Junya: Yeah!! There's nothing more to it.

Gumi: If you say so! Let's go in now then.

Junya: Sure!

*Inside the Apartment*

Gumi: Long time no see Aoi! You still looks the same as before.

Aoi: You too Gumi! Your looks does not age at all.

Gumi: Thank you! Who are they though?

Aoi: They are my friends. This is Haru and this is Hikari! They are a couple.

Gumi: Oh! Nice to meet you guys!

Haru and Hikari: Nice to meet you too.

Aoi: Can we eat now? We waited for such a long time already.

Hikari: Sure! Let's all eat then!

All of us eats like We never ate before.

Just because we're all starving.

We ate all the food really fast. Like it was not even there in the first place.

Aoi: I guess it's time for me to go!

Gumi: Wait! Your gonna sleep already? We never even talk yet.

Aoi: I'm so sorry Gumi but I don't drink and I need to wake up early in the morning. We can just talk next time.

Gumi: Wow that is so disappointing. You never change even just for a little bit. Your still the same boring person I know.

Haru: Sto....

Junya: STOP saying that Gumi! You can't just say something like that to my Bestfriend and think I wouldn't even care about it. We both know you hate her because she gets more attention than you do. You looks pretty but Aoi has many things that many boys like that you don't have.

Gumi: I FREAKING HATE YOU JUNYA!! *Walks away while sobbing*

*After Gumi Left*

Aoi: You shouldn't have told Gumi that Junya. it's fine with me. She's saying the truth. Because I'm definitely a very boring person. Probably that's why guys don't like me at all. Not like you said earlier.

Junya: Your totally wrong about that Aoi! Your definitely very popular with boys. Even if you don't wanna admit it. Am I right Hikari?

Hikari: Based on my observation. I do think many guys likes her but they chose not to tell her because there's a really big chance they are going to be rejected.

Aoi: Are you serious? No freaking way! Then why are they not confessing their love to me then?

Hikari: It's because your too dense Aoi! They are literally everywhere you go.

Aoi: Really? I wonder who they are. Hmm....

Haru: You should probably sleep in your new room now Aoi! We're gonna continue drinking without Ms.Gumi.

Aoi: Wait! Junya can't drink with you guys. Because he's going to find Gumi right now so he can apologized to her again.

Junya: But ...

Aoi: No buts needed Junya! You should go and look for her. She's definitely waiting for you to get her.

Junya: How did you know? You don't even have any experience in love.

Aoi: Who says I don't. I just don't wanna talk about it.

Junya: e...

Aoi: Just go and look for her already.

Junya: I will look for her if you tell me all about your past next time.

Aoi: Sure! But to you only.

Hikari: It's not fair. Were your friends too Aoi.

Aoi: Probably when I get to know the two of you more.

Hikari: Ok then!

Junya: I gotta go now!

Aoi: Please don't make her cry again Junya. We don't get along well but that doesn't mean you should be at her when she says bad things about me. I really don't mind it.

Junya: It's just that. She just says too much sometimes. It pisses me off.

Aoi: As her boyfriend you should have a lot of patients for her.

Junya: I'll try next time.

Aoi: Ok then! You should go now! It's already very late.

Junya: Sure! Looking forward for you past love story.

Aoi: Can you just go already before my mind changed about our deal.

Junya: Ok ok!! Hahaha..

I left after this.

Aoi is just so cute whenever she's annoyed or upset.

I quickly look for Gumi.

I found her in the park alone in a swing.

It's her favorite place to stay whenever she's sad or upset about something.

So I tried talking to her.

*At the Park*

Junya: *sit on the adjacent swing* Gumi! Gumi! Please talk to me. Here look at this. I just buy your favorite Matcha Ice cream for you.

Gumi:....

Junya: I'm really really sorry Gumi! I know it's totally my fault just like yesterday. I will never do it again. I swear!!

Gumi: Don't swear on something you can't keep Junya! Because if it happens again! We're totally over. Don't ever show yourself again after that.

Junya: Definitely not gonna do it again. Here take your Ice cream. It's gonna melt if you don't eat it right away.

Gumi: *Takes her Ice Cream* Thanks!!

Junya: Your welcome! It's your reward for being such an understanding Girlfriend. I can buy you more if you want.

Gumi: No! This is enough. But, I really hope you are not fooling me though.

Junya: Fooling you about what?

Gumi: Fool me that you have changed but actually not

Junya: Stop thinking too much negative stuff Gumi. You might go old faster than everybody else. Do you want that?

Gumi: Of course not! I just want you to spent more time with me than everybody else. Can you do that for me?

Junya: Of course! Just call me whenever you need me. I'm gonna run towards you immediately.

Gumi: Thank you!!

Junya: No problem! Can we go home now?

Gumi: Sure!

I can't how easy it is for Gumi to move on. It's like I never tell her anything painful earlier. I guess she's a better person that I thought she is. I guess that's a good thing.

Hikari's POV

*At the Apartment*

Hikari: This is your new room Aoi! What do you think?

Aoi: Wow! This is really cute. Do you do this on your own Hikari?

Hikari: Not really! Haru help me out with the design.

Aoi: Really? That's really cool. Is this a new Bed?

Hikari: Yes! We buy that for you since your back is hurting because of the couch.

Aoi: I really don't know how to repay you guys.

Haru: Don't worry about it. You don't need to pay us on anything else. Your rent payment is enough.

Aoi: If you say so.

Haru: You should sleep now Aoi! While Hikari and I celebrate us getting back together.

Aoi: O...k..

Haru: Let's go Hikari!

Hikari: See you tomorrow Aoi and Goodnight!!

Aoi: Good...night!

We started drinking after that.

I think Haru is depressed about something. He drink a lot tonight.

This is not the usual him all.

He only drink 2-3 bottle when he is fine.

He drunk 7 tonight.

He can barely walk towards our room.

That's why I supported him while walking until we reach our room.

And then we both fell asleep without taking a bath after that.

The NEXT DAY....

Aoi's POV

I think I'm the only one who woke up early today.

I take a bath as fast as I can before they both woke up.

Then just left after that.

I decided to eat my breakfast in 711 today.

I just don't want to be a burden for both to Hikari and Haru now that they are "Back" together.

After eating my breakfast at 711.

I immediately went straight to my workplace.

Because I'm so early, our company is still closed. haha..

*At the Apartment*

Haru's POV

When I woke up today.

I realized that Aoi left very early.

I wonder why.

She usually wait for me before she leaves.

Is she trying not to bother Hikari and I?

I really can't understand that girl sometimes.

Hikari: Where's Aoi?

Haru: She already left.

Hikari: Already? Did you see her before she leaves?

Haru: No she's already gone when I woke up. Maybe she don't want to bother us.

Hikari: Probably!

Haru: Do you have any medicine for a headache? My hungover is so bad today.

Hikari: It's because you drunk to much last night.

Haru: How much exactly?

Hikari: 7 bottle.

Haru: Wow! That is definitely too much for me. I should cool our breakfast now.

Hikari: No! Go take a bath. I will cook our breakfast for today.

Haru: Are you sure?

Hikari: Yeah! Just do what I say. My work is still at noon so don't worry about me.

Haru: Ok then!

I took a bath while Hikari is cooking our breakfast.

But, to be honest.

The only person in my mind at that moment is Aoi!

I don't know what power that girl has. I think I am trapped in her spell now.

I'm supposed to be a very happy go lucky person when I'm with girls but I can't do that when Aoi is there.

She's definitely a different kind. Not like any other.

2 weeks passed. There's a ball in our company tonight. I really want to see Aoi in her dress. So I called her while it is still lunch time.

Aoi: Oh! Haru! It's rare for you to call. What do you want?

Haru: Are you going to the ball tonight?

Aoi: Nah! I'm not a fan of gatherings. Maybe next time. Also I only want the go there if I have a date. I don't wanna go alone.

Haru: I can help you with that.

Aoi: What do you mean?

Haru: I have a friend that can be your date. You can go with him.

Aoi: Is he handsome?

Haru: Well yeah but..

Aoi: But what?

Haru: He's actually GAY. Is that fine with you?

Aoi: Totally!!

Haru: e.. I thought you might not like it being partnered by a gay person.

Aoi: No freaking way. As long as they are handsome and hot it's totally fine by me. Even though he likes someone else at least I can be with him in that moment. That is enough with me. Can you introduced me to him?

Haru: Are you really sure?

Aoi: Of course!! I'm so excited to see him in person.

Haru: This is his number. 080-XXXX-XXXX

Aoi: Thanks! Ok talk to you later. I need to finish eating. Bye!

Haru: Bye!

Aoi: *Hang-up*

I can't believe Aoi just accepted my offer like that.

I wonder if Akito will accept her though.

He never like any girl in his life. Because his mother treat him like s**t.

I only recommend him because his the best looking guy in all my guy flings before.

*After work hours*

Aoi's POV

Oh s**t I just realized i need to call someone.

I hurriedly called Haru's friend

Why is Haru's friend gay though?

*Dials 080-XXXX-XXX*

Kaito: Hello! Who's this?

Aoi: E... Haru doesn't tell you anything?

Kaito: What do you mean? And who the heck are you?

Aoi: I'm one of Haru's friend. My name is Aoi. He gave me your number. He said you can help me.

Kaito: Help you with what?

Aoi: He told me you can be my date in a Ball tonight.

Kaito: No freaking way. I don't even know you.

Aoi: I also don't even know you but I'm still asking you because I'm too desperate.

Kaito: Hahaha!! Then your the most desperate person I have ever known.

Aoi: Yeah! Maybe! Also since your Gay, can you do my make up? I just don't know how to apply them.

Kaito: What the heck your a girl but you don't know how to put make up?

Aoi: That's why I want you to do mine or maybe just teach me how to.

Kaito: I don't even accept your request yet and your planning something already. Your such a weird girl.

Aoi: I'm a weird girl since the day I was born.

Kaito: Since your a very honest person. I guess, Your request is accepted.

Aoi: Wait! Really?

Kaito: Yeah!

Aoi: Thank you thank you thank you!!! So excited to see you. Haru said your very handsome.

Kaito: Is that what you really want from me?

Aoi: Well... Actually yeah! Hahaha... It's ok if you don't want to do my request now. I never even wanna go there. Haru just said I should go.

Kaito: Why not go with Haru then?

Aoi: He's going with his Girlfriend Hikari. I just don't wanna go in the Ball alone.

Kaito: Wait! Haru has a Girlfriend?

Aoi: Yeah! Is it rare for him to have a Girlfriend?

Kaito: Well... it's kind of complicated.

Aoi: Complicated like what??

Kaito: Ahm... Nevermind. What time the ball going to start?

Aoi: I think it's 8pm. But we can totally go there a little bit late.

Kaito: Can you send me your address?

Aoi: You already know. I am living with Haru and his Girlfriend.

Kaito: Wait! Really?

Aoi: Yeah!! They told me they are not gonna be in the house today though so it's gonna be just the two of us. I also don't have any dress so can I borrow yours?

Kaito: What the heck? You don't have any dress whatsoever?

Aoi: Yah! Because I don't think I need them.

Kaito: Your such a unique person. I really wanna help you now. Your just very interesting. Are you in the Apartment now?

Aoi: Still on way but I'm very close.

Kaito: Ok then.

Aoi: I'm just gonna wait for you outside when I arrived.

Kaito: Sure!

Kaito's POV

I can't believe I just accepted to date a girl I don't even know.

I just felt like she really needed someone right now.

I hope I am not wrong about her though.

*After 20 minutes*

I finally arrived at their Apartment Complex.

Wow! It's very nostalgic.

I can still smell Haru's scent in the air.

I can't believe he has a girlfriend now.

When I arrived outside their Apartment Complex.

A not so pretty girl aprroches me.

Aoi: Hi! Are you Haru's friend?

Kaito: Yeah! So sorry if I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Yamada Kaito. Nice to meet you Aoi!

Aoi: Nice to meet you too Kaito! You really are very handsome.

Kaito: Thank you! Can we go inside now?

Aoi: Sure!

When we went inside. the atmosphere changes a little bit. It's like she's sad all of a sudden.

Kaito: Aoi! Are you Ok?

Aoi: Yeah! Totally! Maybe I'm just tired from work.

Kaito: Maybe! So what do you want me to do first? Putting make up on you or do you choose a dress to wear first?

Aoi: Please put my make up on first.

Kaito: Sure!!

This girl is definitely a type of girl I can be friends with.

I'm so glad I once slept with Haru.

Because if it's now for him.

I will never meet this unique girl.

After finishing Aoi's make up.

I am so shook.

She looks so beautiful but even more beautiful when she's wearing a dress.

She's definitely the most beautiful girl I have ever scene in my life.

Many people is going to love her in that Ball.

Aoi: How do I look? Kaito!!

Kaito: Spendid! You rock it girl.

Aoi: Thanks!

Kaito: Now it's time for me to change and do my make up too.

Aoi: Woah!! It's exciting!

While I was changing.

Aoi is singing something very familiar to me.

A song my long lost childhood friend used to sing when she's happy.

To be continued....