By Zephyria Don’t lie.
Koi became anxious at once, as if he had heard Ashley’s voice, and continued, looking down at his plate as if he were cutting the swordfish.
“Really. After I broke up with you, I dated a few people when I was in the West. So you don’t have to give me dating coaching. I know as much as I need to know.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he put the cut fish in his mouth. As expected, the savory taste that filled his mouth was something he had never felt before, but unfortunately, he didn’t have the leisure to savor it. Koi chewed the fish, trying to act as nonchalant as possible, swallowed it, and even drank some wine. Then, Ashley, who had been silent until then, opened his mouth.
“Well, it’s been ten years, so I guess that’s possible.”
He spoke in a tone that still didn’t convey any particular emotion, and looked at Koi and apologized briefly.
“I’m sorry, I was rude. Of course, you would have dated a girlfriend too.”
No.
For a moment, Koi almost shook his head without realizing it and confessed the truth.
Actually, there was nothing like that at all. Who would go out with me if it wasn’t you? I’m Corner Niles.
He couldn’t believe that he had told such a huge lie. But the opportunity to correct it had already disappeared. Ashley was already continuing his meal as if it were nothing to do with him, and there was no particular change in his expression. It would be ridiculous to confess now that he had been showing off for no reason, so Koi barely suppressed the words that had risen to the tip of his tongue and instead swallowed the fish.
While continuing the rest of the meal, Ashley continued with ordinary topics. He treated Koi with a consistently kind attitude, spending time smiling occasionally and listening to Koi’s words. Koi was relieved by the safe topics, but his conscience was heavy with guilt for lying.
* * *
“Thank you for today.”
Koi said to Ashley, who had parked the car at the place where they had met. Koi realized just before getting out of the restaurant and into the car that he had drunk almost all of a bottle of wine, but Ashley grabbed the steering wheel as if nothing was wrong. You can’t drink and drive, Koi thought in a panic, but Ashley didn’t seem drunk at all. The staff also didn’t stop him. Rather, they gave him the car keys as if it were natural, and Koi sat in the passenger seat with half doubt and half belief. And surprisingly, he drove Koi home just as safely as when he had come to the restaurant.
“Um…”
“Koi, can you take out the shopping bag in the back seat?”
He was about to say that drinking and driving was dangerous, but Ashley suddenly said that. Koi missed the timing and did as he was told without realizing it. Koi reached out and grabbed the large shopping bag, and when he straightened up again, Ashley said.
“Take it, it’s yours.”
“Huh?”
Koi, who was about to hand the shopping bag to Ashley, widened his eyes in surprise. He didn’t know what he was talking about all of a sudden, so he just looked at him, and Ashley continued.
“Wear it when you go on your date tomorrow. I guessed the size by sight, but it’ll probably fit.”
Koi was just surprised and blinked his eyes at the unexpected words. Ashley smiled at Koi’s expression. When his smiling face, which he had seen all day, felt somehow unfamiliar, Ashley opened his mouth.
“The clothes you’re wearing now are what you wear when you meet a friend like me, but it’s different when you meet a woman. There’s nothing more tacky than forcing yourself to wear clothes that don’t fit. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for her to be with a man like that?”
“Ah…”
Ashley’s words were right. Koi understood well enough, but there was something he didn’t understand. Koi hesitated and spoke with difficulty.
“Um, even so… why are you giving me this gift?”
The reason Ashley bought clothes for Koi in the past was because they had feelings for each other that were more than friendship before they started dating. But it’s different now. Didn’t Ashley say with his own mouth that they were friends? So why is he giving him something like this?
Ashley readily said to Koi’s insecure question.
“Of course, it’s because I want your date to be a success.”
“So, why?”
Koi asked again. This time, he wanted to hear his true feelings. Feeling somehow nervous, he pricked up his ears, and Ashley opened his mouth. Looking straight at Koi.
“I want you to be happy.”
His voice was so calm. As if he couldn’t put any more sincerity into it than that. Ashley smiled faintly at Koi, who was staring blankly at him.
“Very much. The best.”
And he added quietly.
“I hope you’re the happiest person in the world.”
Koi had nothing more to say. No one would doubt Ashley. Of course. Because he’s really, so sincere.
“Thank, you.”
Koi stammered, barely muttering because his throat felt somehow choked. Koi got out of the car with the shopping bag in his arms, and when he stood on the sidewalk and looked back, Ashley smiled at him and soon started the car. The car quickly left, and Koi was left alone, watching the car drive away.
Ashley checked through the rearview mirror that Koi was standing there blankly. He was still holding the gift Ashley had given him tightly in his arms.
Yeah, I mean it.
Ashley pressed down on the accelerator and increased his speed. I want you to be happy, more than anyone else in the world.
A sneer settled on his lips. It was completely different from the smile he had shown Koi all day.
You have to be at the peak of happiness so that when that day comes, your heart will be torn apart more painfully.
* * *
Koi arrived at the place where he was supposed to meet Julie the next day 15 minutes earlier than the appointed time. The clothes that Ashley had given him as a gift the day before were surprisingly a perfect fit for his current size. Moreover, Koi once again felt admiration and gloom at the same time for the simple and neat design of the shirt and pants that were not excessive and suitable for a first date.
Ashley’s skill was flowing out without filtering even here. Seeing the clothes that kept the precarious line so well, not burdening the other person but not losing the purpose of the date, his heart naturally became heavy. Moreover, the size was perfect as Ashley had said, and Koi, who had tried it on as a test, couldn’t help but sigh.
It doesn’t change anything to be hurt by remembering how familiar Ash is with this kind of thing.
Koi whipped himself and calmed his mind. He didn’t forget to repeat to himself that we’re friends. He must never have excessive expectations for Ashley’s kindness or cross the line.
He thought so and went to the meeting place wearing the clothes Ashley had bought him. Julie had arrived 10 minutes earlier and immediately found Koi and gave him a bright smile.
“Hello, Koi. How have you been?”Koi greeted Julie, who welcomed him warmly, and then listed the movies he had already looked into. Coincidentally, the movie Julie had chosen was the most popular, and the only showing he could get was more than 4 hours away.
“How about we eat first?”
Koi readily agreed to Julie’s suggestion, and they went to a nearby restaurant. As they sat across from each other in the casual restaurant, eating and talking, Koi brought up her articles. Ashley had advised him the day before to pick a few of Julie’s recent articles to read, and when Koi mentioned them, Julie was surprised and delighted, and chatted happily. Thanks to that, the atmosphere between them quickly lightened, and by the time the movie was about to start, they were exchanging silly jokes.
“Caramel popcorn is the best, after all.”
Julie winked, holding a box of caramel popcorn along with their drinks. Koi smiled back and followed her into the theater.
Julie had chosen an action movie. It was the latest film starring an actor famous for climbing skyscrapers and hanging from airplanes with his bare hands, without using computer graphics, and all the seats were taken.
“I watched all the previous movies last night to see this.”
Koi vaguely mumbled an answer with a smiling face. He had never seen a new movie because they were too expensive. He was glad that he didn’t necessarily have to watch the previous movies, even if it was a series, when the lights went out and the movie started.
The movie was very interesting from the beginning. Koi was quickly drawn into the overwhelming scale that filled the screen, as befitting a blockbuster movie.
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