Chapter 8: Chapter : 8 : I Am The Lucky One!
Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, golden rays streaking across the room like warm ribbons. My eyes fluttered open, and I stretched, yawning as the haze of sleep lingered. It was a rare moment of calm—until I noticed something strange.
Wait. The curtains were closed last night?
I sat upright, blinking, my senses sharpening. The air carried a soft melody—a familiar hum—and the unmistakable clatter of utensils echoed from the kitchenette. My heart raced as I turned toward the sound.
There she was.
Aisha.
She stood at the counter, her hair tied into a messy bun, an apron draped over her petite frame as she cooked breakfast. The light from the window framed her figure, making her appear like an angel sent to chase away the darkness in my life.
She is dressed in a way that was both casual and enchanting. She wore a red off-shoulder top that rested delicately on her shoulders, highlighting her graceful collarbones and fitting snugly over her figure, subtly emphasizing her ample chest without revealing anything. The fabric clinging just enough to hint at her curves without being too revealing. Paired with it were black leggings that hugged her slender legs, giving her a chic yet comfortable look. Over her outfit, she had tied a simple apron, slightly dusted with traces of spices from her morning cooking, adding a warm, homely charm to her already captivating presence.
She turned to me with a radiant smile, her cheeks dusted pink. "Good morning, Ito-kun," she said warmly.
I blinked at her, utterly baffled. "What… what the hell is going on?"
Her lips curled into a teasing grin. "I'm here to take care of you, of course. Unless… you don't want me here?" Her voice carried a playful lilt, but her eyes searched mine for reassurance.
"No! It's not that!" I exclaimed, panic creeping into my voice. I scrambled to get up, but in my haste, my foot caught the edge of the table. I stumbled forward, falling directly onto Aisha.
The world seemed to slow as I landed on top of her, and my hand—of all places—rested firmly on her chest.
Her soft gasp broke the silence, and my brain short-circuited.
Oh no.
She turned her head to the side, her cheeks glowing red, as she whispered shyly, "I-Ito-kun… your hand."
Realization struck like lightning. I jerked back with a loud, "SORRY!" practically tumbling over myself in my attempt to get away.
Aisha sat up, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her apron. Her face was flushed, her lips slightly parted. "I-it's okay," she said softly. "I'm not mad. I could never be mad at you."
Her words hit me like a gentle wave, washing away my embarrassment. She was so understanding, so… perfect.
Clearing my throat, I changed the subject. "Uh… did you… did you take out the garbage?" I asked, gesturing toward the now-spotless corner of the room.
She nodded with a smile. "Of course! This place was a mess. How do you even live like this?"
"S-so cute," I muttered under my breath, unable to stop the words.
Aisha's eyes widened, and her blush deepened. She glanced away, pretending not to hear, though the small smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.
After freshening up, we sat across from each other at the small table. Breakfast was laid out before me—a feast compared to my usual instant noodles. The aroma of miso soup, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble.
"Aisha," I began, my tone mock-serious as I pointed a finger at her. "I have questions."
She tilted her head, mirroring my dramatic demeanor. "And I have answers!" she declared, matching my energy.
"First question: How did you get in here?"
Her eyes darted to the side. "Uh… your door was unlocked," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
I slapped a hand to my forehead. Of course, I forgot to lock it. Embarrassment welled up, but I quickly moved on.
"Second question: Why are you here? Don't you have work?"
Her expression softened. "I spoke to your uncle," she explained. "I told him I wanted to take care of you, and after a bit of convincing—and explaining our relationship—he agreed."
My face heated at the mention of our relationship. I love her, I thought.
"And about my shifts," she continued, "I only have three a week now. I used up my overtime hours while taking care of you at the hospital, so I have more free days."
I stared at her, awe-struck. She had gone above and beyond for me, sacrificing her time and energy. Without thinking, I leaned forward and hugged her tightly, burying my face in the crook of her neck.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "You've made my life so much brighter. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'll never stop being grateful."
Aisha froze for a moment before wrapping her arms around me, holding me just as tightly. "You don't need to thank me," she said softly. "I'm here because I love you."
I pulled back slightly, our faces inches apart. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her lips trembled with unspoken words. I couldn't resist.
I kissed her.
It wasn't a gentle kiss like before. This one was full of passion, my emotions pouring out in waves. I pressed her down onto the floor, our fingers intertwining as our lips moved together. She kissed me back with equal fervor, her hands sliding up to cradle my face.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless. Her chest heaved as she looked up at me, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," I replied, my voice steady and full of conviction.
She now sat beside me, her eyes brimming with affection as she watched me devour the breakfast she had made.
"It's the best thing in the multiverse," I declared with childlike enthusiasm, bits of rice sticking to my cheeks. "Seriously, it's like it came from another dimension!"
Aisha giggled, her laughter light and melodic. "I'm glad you like it," she said, her smile warm and radiant.
As I stuffed another piece of tamagoyaki into my mouth, she tilted her head and said, "Oh, by the way, I met your landlord this morning."
I paused mid-chew, my curiosity piqued. "Really? What did he want?"
"Well," she began, her tone casual, "he was standing outside your door when I saw him. I asked who he was, and he told me he's your landlord. Then he asked who I was."
"What did you tell him?" I asked, narrowing my eyes in playful suspicion.
She smirked mischievously, her cheeks faintly pink. "What do you think I told him?" she teased before answering, "Obviously, I told him I'm your girlfriend."
I nearly choked on my food. "You what?"
"Why wouldn't I?" she said with a shrug, her smile widening. "Although… he did look really surprised. I wonder why?"
Given our age difference, his reaction wasn't exactly shocking. I scratched the back of my neck, offering a sheepish smile. "Yeah, that tracks."
Aisha's expression softened as she continued, "He mentioned he came to talk to you about the rent. But, considering what happened recently… he seemed hesitant to bring it up."
I frowned. "Oh. That's…"
"Don't worry," she interrupted, her voice light. "I asked him the amount and paid it myself."
I froze, chopsticks halfway to my mouth. "You did what?"
"I paid it," she said simply, her smile unwavering.
"You didn't have to do that!" I protested, guilt bubbling in my chest. I fumbled for my wallet. "Let me pay you back."
Before I could even open it, she reached across the table and gently held my hand, her touch warm and reassuring.
"There's no need," she said softly, her voice steady. "You can pay me back with your love."
Her words pierced straight through me, and for a moment, I was speechless.
"Aisha…" I whispered, my throat tight with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes as I clutched her hand tightly. "I'm so lucky to have you."
And then, much to her amusement, I began crying—a loud, comical wail that echoed through the room.
She burst out laughing, her fingers wiping away my tears. "You're such a baby sometimes, Ito-kun," she teased, her voice full of affection.
"But I'm your baby," I shot back, sniffling dramatically.
She smiled, her cheeks glowing, and pulled me into a tight hug. Pressing my face against her chest, she began cradling me gently, like I was the most precious thing in the world.
"You're so cute, my love," she whispered, her voice as soft as a lullaby.
The days passed, and soon it was time for me to start the next chapter of my life. Aisha stood beside me at the door, holding my hand.
"Are you ready?" I asked, smiling at her.
She nodded, though her grip on my hand tightened. "Yes, but… I'll miss you."
"We'll see each other tonight," I reminded her. "I have a new school to attend, and you have your shift."
She pouted playfully. "Just don't go making new girlfriends on your first day, just because I allowed you in the hospital."
Her words made me laugh nervously. She doesn't know about the 1,000 girlfriends thing yet, but she's so open-minded. I love her for that.
I kissed her goodbye and headed out, my heart full of hope.
At Osaka Kunei High School, I walked the corridors, my mind racing with thoughts of Aisha and the overwhelming task ahead of me.
Lost in thought, I collided with someone.
Or rather, two someones.
Both of them tumbled to the ground in a heap.
"Are you blind?" one of them snapped.
"I-I'm sorry," the other whispered.
They said it to me. What an ironic reaction.
As I looked down, our eyes met, and a spark of recognition passed between us. My heart skipped a beat.
The three of us stood there, blushing furiously.
They are twins.
What have I gotten myself into?
END OF CHAPTER : 8 : I AM REALLY THE LUCKY ONE!