Ironies of life

CHAPTER 5: That was unexpected

‘Dante can't achieve something like that. Gala broke up with him, she would never agree to go to the prom with such a person…’ Naoki wondered as he walked. ‘But, even so, he looked so confident, he was sure he’d get whatever he wanted…’ Dante looked so self-confident that Naoki found himself walking to Gala’s house to ask her. If they went to the prom together, they would still be doing what Dante wanted them to do. There was no way to avoid the fact that Dante was getting his way, so Naoki did what he found to be best for himself.

Naoki rang the doorbell and Gala opened the door and smiled.

“Nao! What are you doing here? We’re watching a movie, wanna join us?”

“I’m going to Loin's house, we’re meeting to finish the last assignment of the year. It’d be painfully long to do it alone but...before going I wanted…I wanted to see you...because….” He didn’t know how to say it. He wanted it to make sure it didn’t come out as a disaster, but the words already started spilling out.

“I wanted...I wanted to ask you a question.” Gala continued smiling, patiently waiting for Naoki to ask.

“You know...this is our last year and...well...you told me you were looking forward to going to the prom this time...and I’d also like to see how it is so...if you aren’t already going with someone...I thought we could go together? Like friends?” Naoki didn’t have to wait for an answer as Gala threw her arms around him.

“Of course! I’ll definitely go with you! Thank you so much for asking! I was really looking forward to going this year.” Naoki smiled back, his nervousness settling down as relief and calmness took over, and let Gala hug him a while longer.

“I have to talk to my friends about it, and I have to buy my dress and...I have to do a lot of things! Oh, I’m so happy! Are you sure you don’t wanna join us for the movie?”

“No, I don’t want to keep Loin waiting. See you tomorrow!” They parted ways. Naoki waving happily as he turned. Once he looked away he began blushing up a storm, grinning like a fool as he walked away. He made her so happy. It wasn’t that they were going to start dating or something, but seeing her that way, so excited and bisfull, it was enough for him.

...

“You’re going to the prom with Gala? When did you decide that? When did you ask her?” Loin questioned in surprise.

“I asked her just before I came here. I thought we should go like everyone else. It’s an experience that we should remember, you know. So she agreed to go with me as a friend.” Naoki answered.

“So you want to discover how it feels to be drunk and half-dead. That’s what happens in prom.” Loin raised an eyebrow as he spoke matter-of-factly.

“I mean, I don’t mind going, I can ask a random girl to go with me. In fact, I think it’s a good idea, but this doesn’t seem like something you’d want to do. You’re not that kind of guy.” Loin stated skeptically.

“Well you aren’t either but you agreed to come.” Naoki pointed out.

“I’m only saying that your behavior is weird. And yes, I’ve agreed to go because we both know that Gala will be dancing most of the time so you’ll need someone to keep you company off the dance floor. Also, my cast is being taken off on Friday so I’ll be able to drive you.” Loin shrugged and waved his cast in the air lazily.

“That’s perfect! I was planning on drinking for the first time.” Naoki grinned, his best friend was awesome.

“That’s what I thought. So how much will my baby-sitting salary be?” Loin joked.