Beyond the Obvious

Chapter 3

Avery's Point of View

The next day, after I finished an errand, Hiro invited me to go to the mall because he said he needed to buy new shoes.

"I understand that you’re very rich, but didn’t you just wear your new shoes last night?" I asked him while folding my clothes. I know I’m not really in a position to ask since it’s his money, but he literally just wore his new shoes.

"No, no, no, I meant I need to buy new baseball shoes for our game next week," he explained. His summer vacation hasn’t started yet, and when he visited the Philippines last month, he only missed a few days of school.

"Sports Day is next week, and I broke my shoes at practice last Friday, so I need a new pair," he added as he sat down on the swivel chair.

"Why not just invite one of your friends? I mean, with a handsome face and personality like yours, I assume you’re quite popular and have tons of friends," I suggested while putting my clothes in the cabinet before turning back to face him.

"Sureeee, I have lots of friends, but I want us to have cousin bonding time," he said, trying to look cute. I laughed at his antics and just agreed to go.

"YESSSSS!"

🍨🍨

When we left the store where Hiro bought his shoes, I asked, "So, what now?"

"Help me pick a gift for my girlfriend," he replied, walking ahead.

EH.

"Why do you need my help?" I asked again as we entered the boutique. The boutique is really cute, it had flowers everywhere even the ceiling. You can definitely see that the target market for this place is women with a classy and elegant yet cute style. He looked me up and down before answering.

"Because you, my dear, is her exact size" he said, leaving me, so I just sat down on a nearby stool patiently waiting for him.

I looked around the boutique, and I have to admit, it was big and filled with lots of clothes—dresses, jeans, pants, tops, skirts, and even accessories.

Hiro came back with an armful of clothes.

"Try all of these," he said, pulling me toward the dressing room.

"So many!" I complained when I got inside. "But honestly, his taste in women's clothes is pretty good," I added, and started trying them on.

After each outfit, I would step out to show Hiro. He stood with a saleslady beside him, simply saying "yes" or "no" to each one.

"Yes."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"No"

"Definitely a big yes"

My day is definitely full of yes's and nos from this guy. He is literally the type of guy that spoils his lover nonstop. What a lucky girl his lover is.

"So?? Out of all the clothes I have tried on, how many are you getting?" I asked as we walked toward the cashier after he spoke with the saleslady.

"All the clothes I approve of," he replied as we reached the cashier. I was so shocked I stayed speechless until we got to the car to load up the shopping bags. Since we were both underage, Hiro had arranged for a driver.

We went back inside the mall to get ice cream and buy gifts for his sister, Hina.

"Wow... Your girlfriend must be really happy with you, spoiling her like this. I mean, you have the looks, money, personality, brains, you’re sporty... What else could she want?" I said, amazed, as we sat in the ice cream shop.

"Thank you. Now, if you were her, would you accept all those gifts?" he asked.

"Of course. Even if it would be a bit embarrassing to accept so much, I’d still take them," I replied.

"Then great! I’m glad you like all those clothes, they’re actually for you," he said with a big smile before taking a bite of his ice cream.

"What?! What for??" I asked, hardly believing what he was saying.

"Consider it my welcome gift for you. Welcome to Japan, Avery Velasco!" he said, smiling widely.

"I thought those were for your girlfriend?" I said.

"Aren't you my friend who's a girl?" Hiro replied.

Oh my gosh, that’s what he meant when he said "girlfriend"! I thought he meant a romantic girlfriend. Hiro’s attention went to his phone when he received a notification.

"Oh, and by the way, I want to invite you to our Sports Day next week. My baseball friends are eager to meet you," he said after replying to the message he received.

"Hard pass," I answered while looking at my phone, since I also received a message. I am an introvert, so going out in new places and meeting other people is very hard for me.

He grabbed my phone and held it out of my reach.

Is this guy for real? Flexing out his height. I see.

"Hey!"

"Please, Aveeeeeeeeeeee," he pleaded. I sighed and just agreed so I can get my phone back.

"Sure, now give me back my phone," I said, holding out my hand. He gave me a big smile before handing it back.

"YAY! Thank you!" he said, gratefully.

"Oh, and while we’re on the topic, let me tell you my schedule," he added.

"Why?" I asked.

"Classes start at seven, so I have to leave the house early, and they end at four. Since I also have baseball practice, I'll get home at six, giving me an hour to change and eat dinner. Then I’ll tutor you from seven until nine. Does that sound okay?" he asked after explaining his schedule. I nodded in agreement.

"Won’t you have time to do your homework?" I asked again, feeling a bit guilty about taking up so much of his time.

"Classes are ending, and I’ve already submitted all the take-home assignments my teacher gave me for when we went back to the Philippines," he explained.

After we finished our ice cream, we got up to head home.

"Hiro-san!"

To be continued...