A few months had passed and his pestering had gradually become less frequent. Naturally, I was beyond grateful to whatever was keeping him at bay. "Yusaku." I jumped and nearly fell out of my seat. "You're spacing out again. What's got you? The Love Bug?" "I'd rather die than fall in love." Takeru slid closer to me. "It's not that bad." "As if I'd constantly want my heart literally pumping blood so fast for another human. Ridiculous. Falling in love is a waste of time. Nothing good comes from it." I felt him pat my back as I turned the page. "Did someone hurt you in the past?" "No."

Couldn't he see that I'm just a bitter senior in high school? "I'm making this my mission. Getting you away from technology and start meeting people." "Please don't do this." "Too late. Aoi already knows." I would've had him by the throat if we weren't in public. "You'll thank us. It's just going to be a small party. 10 people max." "You're going to have to drag me from my room." "Don't test me, Yusaku. I will do it." I hated that I knew he would. I just wanted to be left alone as I was content with my current friend circle.

School had ended and I was soon joined by Aoi and Takeru. "Dumb and dumber." "I'm offended." "Good." She pinched my arm then walked ahead. "Yusaku..." I shrugged as I was used to her negative response. "So, the party. Aoi's tomorrow at 3. I'm coming to get you at 2:30." "W-" He jogged ahead to catch up to Aoi. They've stopped taking my feelings into consideration lately and hardly give me a chance to voice my discomfort. I didn't need the social interaction as much as they did.

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I finished off my snack as I finished up the new update for my site. It was relaxing not having my phone blown up by Ryoken, but it was also a bit strange. Was he giving up? He seemed more determined than that. I jumped as my ringtone blared out. It was him. I reluctantly answered but noticed he hadn't said anything. "Hello?" Silence. I moved to hang up then heard voices. "Did you get your money back?" "No. He's stubborn as ever. It's a bit fun to torment him." I put them on speaker and turned up the volume. This could be informative.

"Are you done with finals? I'm checking out tomorrow." "Ah, same. Are you going home?" "Definitely. I miss my mom's cooking. You?" "Yeah. I miss my family a bit." "Don't you live far though? I started making plans to hang out winter break." So he's currently a student in college. It still didn't change my mind from calling him an annoying dumb adult. I sighed quietly then ended the call. It worked out for me since it meant he wouldn't be bothering me at all. All I had to do then was survive the party tomorrow.

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I woke up then ruffled my hair while yawning. I had stayed up late creating easier ways to stay under the radar. I checked the time then sighed. Then I jumped out of bed. It was close to 2:30. I wasn't one to sleep in, so I had to have been up really late last night. I quickly hopped in the shower then scrambled to get dressed afterwards. The last thing I needed was for Takeru to bark in my ear.

I picked up my keys just as the doorbell rang. I had made it in time. I jogged to the door and tried to not look as if I hadn't just woken up a few minutes ago. "Ready?" "Of course. I'm so ready to go to a party that I had no say in whether I want to go or not." He frowned as I shrugged. I had to get my piece out. "So, you don't want to go?" "Wow, nice of you to ask last minute." "Yusaku...I'm just trying to get you to experience new things." I sighed then stepped out of my apartment and proceeded to lock my door. "Let's go."

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There were 10 others just like he said besides us and Aoi. A few of them looked older than us. "So you came after all." "I'm surprised too." I spotted the food on the table and immediately walked over. I filled my plate then found my quiet corner. I watched as people mingled amongst themselves. I busted myself on my phone then noticed a pair of legs in front of me.

I looked up then frowned. His smile had disappeared as well. "Kid?" "Dumb adult?" "Let's stop calling each other names." "You started it." "Habit." I placed another chip in my mouth while waiting for him to speak. "So, why are you here?" I rolled my eyes then pointed a chip at him. "Why else would I be here? Do you think I'd come willingly?" "Maybe." I leaned over and saw that a few people were eyeing us. "Are those your friends?" "Acquaintances. They're my friend's friends." I nodded as I went back to my phone.

I was soon chasing him around as he held my phone up and out of reach. "Give it back!" "That sounds familiar doesn't it?" I was red from both anger and embarrassment. He soon stopped then held it up higher. "You want it?" "Obviously." "Then give everyone in here a hug." "You wouldn't." "Try me."