Friday Afternoon Part 1

“Leo, Nel, let’s go,” I said a few minutes after the afternoon class ended.

“Are we heading to Liz’s house?” Leo asked.

“We are, but first, we need to stop by a store to grab some snacks,” I replied.

“Strawberry ice cream!” Liz suddenly exclaimed.

“Yes, Liz, we’ll be getting some strawberry ice cream, along with some other flavors,” I answered.

“Nel, what flavor of ice cream do you like?” Liz asked, walking up to her.

“I like strawberries too,” Nel shyly replied.

“Is Liz always this full of energy?” Leo asked, walking toward me.

“Yeah, especially on Fridays when we buy tons of her favorite snacks,” I said. “But she’s a bit extra happy today.”

“So, what snacks do you usually buy?” Leo asked, smiling.

“A few bags of chips and cookies, a couple of half-gallon tubs of ice cream, a couple buckets of fried chicken, a couple of liters of soda, and whatever other tasty food we can find,” I replied.

“That’s a lot of good food,” Leo commented.

“How long have you guys been doing this kind of stuff?” he asked.

“It’s been eight years,” I answered.

“No wonder Liz eventually fell for you,” he said.

“I guess that’s part of the reason,” I replied.

I looked at him, smiling, realizing something.

“Was it a bit underhanded?” I asked.

“Not really. I knew you were coming to spend time with her brother,” he said. “I was a bit complacent, I guess.”

“Do you regret it?” I asked.

“A little, but just seeing how happy she is when she’s with you, I can live with it,” he said.

“Take care of her, okay?” he added.

“I will and always will,” I replied.

“So, what are you two talking about?” Liz asked, jumping between us.

“We were just saying how you and Nel seemed a bit closer today,” I replied.

“Yeah, that’s what we were talking about,” Leo agreed.

“Nel is my new friend,” Liz said.

“Right, Nel?” she asked.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Nel answered with a bit of doubt.

Liz then returned to Nel’s side, and we continued walking toward the store.

“We’re going to get the ice cream,” Nel said, holding Liz’s hand.

“Okay, we’ll buy the rest,” I replied.

“Wait for us at the entrance after you guys grab the ice cream,” I added.

“Got it,” Liz said, dragging Nel along.

“Do you think they’ll be okay?” Leo asked, looking worried.

“Probably,” I answered.

“So, how are things with you and Nel?” I asked, placing a few bags of chips into the basket.

“We’re doing okay, I think. Nel started dating me knowing I liked Liz,” he replied.

“And after the duel, I finally got closure and started taking Nel more seriously.”

“I know I’m not in a position to say this, but I hope the best for you two,” I said.

“Thanks, Rin,” he replied. “I’ll grab some cookies and biscuits,” he added.

“I’ll get the soda,” I said.

After about ten minutes of shopping, Leo and I headed toward the entrance.

There were the two girls, waiting by the entrance with tubs of ice cream in their basket. They waved as they saw us coming.

“Nel and I already grabbed a couple of buckets of fried chicken,” Liz said, just as I was about to ask if I should buy some.

“Let’s go,” Liz said happily.

“Let’s go,” Nel added.

It seems like Liz’s cheerful personality is contagious, even for Nel.

Liz grabbed my left hand while Nel took Leo’s hand.

After walking a few steps ahead, Liz suddenly whispered, “Thanks, Rin.”

“Anything for you,” I replied with a smile.

About five minutes later, we arrived at Liz's house.

I saw Ed waiting patiently by the front door.

As usual, Ed and Liz’s parents wouldn’t be back until dinner since they always go out together on Fridays.

“You guys are just in time,” Ed said as he opened the front gate.

I had already loaded the 833rd episode and prepared the room.

“833rd episode?” Leo asked.

“It’s the anime Ed loves to watch,” I explained.

“I see,” Leo replied, clearly a bit confused.

Ed took the two shopping bags from Liz and Nel. Liz then guided Leo and Nel to Ed’s room, while I placed the rest of the items on the table.

“Excuse us for intruding!” Nel and Ed said as they entered the house.

“It’s been a while since Leo visited,” Ed remarked.

“No wonder my twin sister seems a bit different,” he added.

“Different?” I asked.

“Different, like a burden’s been lifted from her shoulders,” Ed replied.

“Don’t get me wrong, Liz is much happier since she got into a relationship with you, Rin,” Ed continued.

“Don’t worry about it, Ed,” I replied.

“I’m just happy that her friendships are starting to heal,” I added.

“Now I feel like the fifth wheel,” Ed suddenly said.

“Why not invite Zhane?” I suggested.

“I did, but she has prior commitments with her family,” Ed replied.

“Well, maybe next time then,” I said.

“So, what are we going to do after watching four episodes of anime?” Ed asked.

“How about Virtual Skydiving?” I suggested.

Ed gave me a devilish smile at the idea.

“Virtual Skydiving without a parachute,” he said.

“Your sister’s going to hate us both for that,” I said, referring to Liz’s fear of heights.

“You know the best way to conquer fear is to face it head-on,” Ed replied.

I couldn’t help but think that Leo and Nel were in for quite a treat.

A few moments later, Leo came downstairs to help me carry the food and drinks to Ed’s room, while Ed grabbed the utensils.

Liz was sitting next to Nel on the couch in the middle of the room.

It was the first time I’d seen this fluffy couch in Ed’s room, as we usually sat on the floor or small chairs when watching anime.

“That couch looks new,” I commented.

“I bought it last week when Zhane and I visited the furniture store and had it delivered,” Ed replied.

I sat in the corner and leaned back against the backrest.

“How’s it feeling, Rin?” Ed asked.

“Perfect,” I said, giving him a thumbs-up.

Liz then moved closer to me.

The circular couch could fit at least seven people comfortably. Ed sat beside Leo, who greeted him warmly.

“Today marks the start of our ninth year watching anime.

I hope to keep watching with you guys for many more episodes to come,” Ed said.

At first, Leo and Nel were a bit confused about what was happening in the 833rd episode, but as usual, Ed answered their questions.

Liz poured soda into their glasses while Ed and I opened bags of chips and cookies.

It seemed like both Leo and Nel got hooked, watching the 834th episode attentively as they ate snacks.