CHAPTER 6 (1/2)

Naotoshi and Erika went to the nearest convenience store to grab some sandwiches and drinks before they rode a cab going to the park.  No one is speaking during the trip.  Both are busy eating.  Naotoshi noticed the awkward silence and coughed nervously.  Erika glimpsed at him and smiled a bit.

"Why are you so quiet?  Are you sick?"  Nao asked.

"No, I am fine, just tired I guess."  Erika rubbed the back of her neck and swallowed the last piece of her hotdog sandwich.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have invited you to go somewhere else.  Would you like to go home instead?  We can instruct the driver."  Naotoshi offered.

"No, you don't need to say sorry.  It's like we are not friends when you say that.  You're such a girl!"  Erika joked.

"Hey, I'm not a girl.  I love girls but I'm not one of them."  Naotoshi said in defense.

The awkwardness in the air disappeared and both of them are now giggling and exchanging jokes.

It took them at least an hour to reach the park.  The two stepped out of the cab and Erika ran straight to the swing.

"This is the best thing ever!!"  she giggled and settled herself on the right swing.

"Hey Naotoshi!! Push this thing for me please??  Erika requested.

[Naotoshi's POV]

I ran towards Erika who's already sitting at her favorite swing.  Should I tell it to her now?  I think this is the right time.  I cannot hide it any longer.  Is she feeling the same?  I don't know.  I don't care.  As long as I let it out and it's up to her if she's going to feel the same or not.  I hope we will still be friends.

"Hey!! Did you hear what I said??"  she then shouted and redirected my thoughts to the present time.

"Yeah, yeah I heard you.  I'll push the swing now."  I answered.

She giggled and I walked to the back and gently pushed the swing.

"Hey, why is it too gentle???  Push it higher.  I knew it, you're a girl!!!!"  she further teased.

"Once the swing swung back I pushed it higher and she squealed in delight.  Seeing her this happy makes my heart rejoice.  I am in love with her, no doubt about that.

"Woah!!!!"  she screamed when I pushed the swing again when it swung back.

I settled myself at the swing next to her so that I can see her.  I shook my head and tried to swing the thing myself.

Finally, our swings stopped swinging and the only thing that I can hear is her heavy breathing and my own heartbeat.  I stared at her and we both smiled.  Finally she said something.

"Wow.  This swing takes me back in time and to my hometown.  I kinda miss it though."  she smiled and looked at me afterwards.  I keep on staring at her and she looked away.  I've been staring at her for a moment now when she finally said something again.

"Is there something wrong with my face?  Why are you looking at me like that?"  she asked.  Looking away afterwards.

"NO, ah, nothing of course, it's just that, ahm, you know, you look...really... ah good. Ahm." Shit! Why am I stuttering?  Aish I bowed my head to hide my embarrassment.

She let out a nervous laugh and continued to swing the thing slowly.  Aish!  Why is this so hard?

After a couple of minutes, I cannot further wait.  Time is gold, I should say it right now.  I let out a sigh.

"Erika?"  I said.

"Yes?"  she answered but not looking.

"I know that we've been friends ever since and I really considered myself lucky about that, but as time goes by, I realize that it's not the same anymore."  I managed to say without stuttering.

She looked at me now with her eyebrows creased.

"What do you mean Nao?"  she asked.

"I, ... I really like you.  More that just a friend."

[Erika's POV]

My eyes widened with what I just heard from Naotoshi.

"Are you dead serious?"  I managed to respond.