Ironies of life

CHAPTER 3: Not this time

Naoki was surprised. Dante didn’t get away with it this time. For the first time in his life he didn’t get what he wanted.

One week after that particularly torturous gym class, Naoki found Gala crying, hidden in the back stairs of the high school. Naoki was instantly concerned and quickly made his way over.

“Gala, are you okay?” He sat next to Gala on the stairs, sharing the same step.

Gala shook her head and covered her red and tear-stained face with her hands.

“What’s wrong? Can I help? Do you want to talk?”

“I don’t want to talk to YOU.” Gala’s voice was slightly congested, and she sniffled as she scooted away from Naoki.

Naoki looked away from her and sat quietly for a moment. He wouldn’t force her to speak, but he didn’t want to leave her crying alone. His voice was meek and cautious when he finally spoke up.

“Do you want me to tell someone else? I’ll drive you somewhere if that’s what you want.”

Gala hit his arm, feeling more guilty the longer Naoki tried to comfort her. She sniffled and looked at him.

“Nao, do you know why you always end up hurt?”

“Because I have a blond shade with freckles tormenting my existence?”

“It’s because you are too good, Nao, that’s why. It’s because you’re extremely good. If I tell you what happened, you’ll say “I warned you.”

“Oh, so this is about Dante.”

Gala nodded even though Naoki already knew the answer.

“I thought that this time I would have a partner to go with to prom,” she began, “I’ve always wanted to go, but I never had a partner and I thought that this time….maybe...perhaps….but I can’t wait three more weeks dating Dante. I can’t wait even one more day, Nao.”

“Did he hurt you?”

“No...it’s not that...in the beginning he was so kind and charming, but then when we started dating….he tried to force me to drink and smoke. He said that we couldn’t have fun if I didn’t drink….I was so scared. I can’t do that. They even have drugs there, Nao!” Gala distressed.

“And does that surprise you?”

“I know! I knew you would say something like that. We’ve grown up trash talking him and watching how the other girls ruined their lives with him. But I thought I could be special, and I know it’s my fault. I know it’s a stupid feeling so I don’t need you to remind me how stupid I’ve been.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, Gala. You know me better than that.”

Gala smiled knowingly at Naoki.

“Ah, but you were thinking it.”

Naoki rolled his eyes and nudged her with his arm.

“I can’t control my thoughts, Gala!” Naoki smiled as he felt the tension disappearing between them.

“Can I hug you?” Gala asked suddenly.

“Anytime.” Naoki replied, unable to look at her as he answered.

She may have been a close childhood friend, but his more recent feelings for her had him fighting a blush. Gala wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and they sat like that.

“I’m sorry. I know this hurts you. I knew that you hated him and I still started dating him despite that….”

“But you broke up with him, right?”

“Yes, I did just a while ago. Why do you ask? Do I need to punch you?”

Naoki could hear the joking tone she used, and he gave a soft smile.

“Do you really think I’m going to ask you out now? It’s one thing for Dante to believe the world revolves around him, but I didn’t expect it from you.” He teased, and they both burst into laughter, pulling away from the hug as they did so.

“Thanks, Nao.”

Naoki smiled and despite how hard it was, he forced out the next words.

“That’s what friends are for.”

Gala hugged him once more before standing.

“See you tomorrow in class.”

He smiled and watched her go, absent-mindedly rubbing his shoulder where she laid her head.

‘Not this time, Dante. Not this time.’ Naoki thought happily.

Unknown to Naoki, a certain blond haired, freckled boy was behind the back door, watching the entire scene take place. He clenched his teeth, vexed, and stormed back down the empty hall, kicking a piece of trash left on the floor, and suddenly an idea came to mind.