(Ongoing – Nacina's POV)
I was taken aback. I didn't know what to do in this situation... Should I just deny it?
"It's unfortunate that he only has eyes for your friend."
"I don't care. It's not like I'm in love with him or something."I held my composure as best I could.
"Then go on a date with me," he suggested.
I wasn't able to stop myself from frowning fast enough—I knew he noticed.
"What's wrong with me? That was a really disgusted face you made."
Instead of answering, I started speedwalking home.
"Come on, it'll be fun… This is my first time in town, and I'd appreciate a tour."
I scoffed and picked up my pace, only slowing at the crosswalk to make sure no cars were coming.
"I'm sorry… but something about you is extremely annoying," I muttered.He was still nearby—I knew he heard me—but instead of getting offended, he laughed.
"I love Aki… so… it doesn't matter what my stupid heart wants. She comes first. Plus, you're not ugly, but… spending more time with you is something I do not want to do. At all." I added, to be clear.
"Not ugly?" he repeated, then burst into hysterical laughter. It was so bizarre I actually stopped and turned to look at him. "Most people would describe me as sexy as heck." Tiren's voice reeked of confidence.
I couldn't help looking disgusted again. He just laughed a bit more and added,
"I think you're cute. And I'd like to spend more time with you."
"No thanks."My answer was immediate.
We were close enough now that I could see my house in the distance. I could also see Akina and Shion standing on the sidewalk outside hers—right next to mine—with their lips locked. My heart sank. I looked from them back to Tiren.
"Do you like coffee?" I asked abruptly, then stomped toward the nearest café.I didn't even look back. I just assumed he was following me—seeing that once was enough.
Once inside, I ordered a mocha latte. He was beside me and got an Americano. We sat together at a small table in the back corner.
"So... why do you care so much about my private business?" I asked, taking a long sip from my cup.
"It's not your business I care about… if I'm being honest."
I waited a few seconds for him to elaborate.
"My brother has never had a serious relationship before, so I was trying to figure out if this was real—or if he's been… sampling multiple goods."
I frowned. "He's never even glanced at another girl, as far as I know."
I knew my tone was bitter, but I figured I didn't have to pretend around this guy.
"What's your favorite color?" He smirked at my question then asked,
"Trying to change the subject?"
I put my cup down as I replied, "Yes. The current conversation was starting to bore me."
He laughed. "It's blue."
I sighed. "I hate blue."
That made him laugh again.
"Rude… but I guess you don't have to like it."
I crossed my legs and took another sip.
"What's your favorite mythical beast? I'm partial to dragons."
He finally took a sip of his own coffee.
"I like sirens. Winged women who use their beautiful voices to lure sailors to their doom. I feel like I relate to them…"
After saying that, he stood up and walked off to make a purchase.
Tiren ended up buying me a muffin after I finished my drink and talked with me about nonsense until the sun began to set.
"I know I seem confident," he said suddenly, interrupting our conversation about jello flavors, "but I've never had a girlfriend before."
"Oh? How old are you?"
He tapped his chin like he had to think about it.
"I'm 25."
I hummed, then said, "That's not so bad."
"It's horrible. I'm so attractive, yet I haven't found anyone worthy to be with. It's a travesty."
He must be the dramatic type.
"Well… how many women has Shion been with?"
He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I lost count years ago."
Is Shion a playboy?!I could tell by Tiren's tone that he wasn't lying. But Shion seems so devoted to Akina… and he's only 17. I thought she was his first too.
"Wow… big bro, you better catch up. Can't have little brother showing you up."
He smiled a little from my teasing, then said, "It's… too late for that. Anyway, I've gotta go. It was nice to meet you, Nacina."
He tossed his cup into the trash and headed toward the exit.
I stood from my chair and raised my voice.
"We can hang out again! While you're in town… if you want…"
He looked back at me, but I couldn't meet his eyes.
That's when Tiren walked back to my side and said,"I would love that. Let's exchange numbers."
He eagerly pulled out his phone.Despite my earlier hesitation, I had enjoyed our time together… so I complied and gave him my number.