Chapter 5

Katsuo’s POV

For a while I doubted if he could smile at all, but when he did it was so unexpected that it made my heart skip a beat. To hide it I cleared my throat and quickly made a list.

“I can give you plenty of reasons,” I announced confidently, still Nagata’s gaze was giving me a weird vibe, like he asked that question seriously, however not care about the answer. Those unique amber eyes intrigued me even more and started to think that I want to win his heart or at least befriend him. No, that kind of scenario would be painful. Every ‘yes’ has a consequence.

“I am all ears.”

“First of all, I am handsome.”

“I can agree,” his voice lacked emotion, I tried to see to understand and know him.

“Second, I am rich.” Ha, he must react now to that if he didn’t know about it already.

“Good for you.”

Getting nothing frustrated me, I didn't realise I clenched my fists and unfortunately my hands were already on the table. And he noticed that, I was sure.

“Thirdly, I am really generous.”

“Good for the people around you.”

It should impress him, people hearing that I don't mind spending money on friends actually had sparks in their eyes. Meantime I got a raised eyebrow with a silent question “Is that really all?”. I couldn't understand that was always enough for people to start liking me, so why didn't it work on him, and he just got back to whatever he was doing before I came. Confusion was growing, I couldn’t understand why most people were craving my attention and when I was deliberately giving it to someone, there was no reaction. Oh, yeah, that sounds like a spoiled kid, who didn’t get what he wanted.

I decided to take another approach, this time showing how caring I could be. I tapped him lightly in the shoulder and this time his reaction was quite fierce, I felt like I scared him. Good to know he can space out and it’s better not to bring him back too unexpectedly.

“Sorry, I just wanted to ask if you did get hurt yesterday, you didn’t give me a chance to do so.”

“I hurt my ankle, but it’s nothing serious,” Nagata shrugged his shoulders. “I should ask the same.”

“I am perfectly fine.” The smile I added with an answer also didn’t meet any extra expressions except a light, single nod.

My actually spoiled nature was ready to give up and admit that I shouldn’t joke about being a couple from the beginning to save my face. I didn’t want to play a game I couldn’t win, I would rather resign than lose. Nagata was aware of my presence but still got back to his duties, so I was thinking about some words that could end our three day long acquaintance. I started to regret it actually started, I should ignore his presence in the club's room and go my way.

As my speech was ready, the sunbeams decided to show him to me in a new way, with a smile so warm and beautiful, after seeing something on his phone. In my imagination he was shining, little sparks were jumping around tousled black hair, dimples, perfection I wanted to get myself. I forgot to breathe for a moment and I realised that I am doomed and some help would be desirable. It came on its own, in time I looked away before melting and giving myself away.

“Hey, captain!”

Ayame’s POV

Seeing those two together accidentally made me sink in hope that my ship was still sailing. I wanted to ask them about many things, but soon realized that I fooled myself once, so it would be better to stop trusting my imagination and not interfering. When I was ready to let go, Shimada called me and asked to come closer. My steps lacked confidence and my attention was focused on Ryouta, who just nodded to greet me and was getting ready to leave.

“You can ask that question once again.” Shimada proposed, but I wasn't sure what he was actually expecting. “My charm worked out, so…”

“What are you talking about? What charm?” I asked confused, while my neighbor was noting something down and the other one tried to telepathically message me.

“That the third time I would fall for him and not on him, so I did.” Ryouta explained shortly and got up. “So if you would ask now, if we are a couple, I guess that was in Shimada’s mind from the beginning, you would get ‘yes’ from both of us.”

He left the note to his just announced boyfriend and packed his things. I couldn't say a word, but Shimada looked like being in a bigger shock than I. While leaving Ryouta stopped next to me and whispered in my ear.

“Don't say a word to my siblings about it. This fake relationship won't last long, he will get bored soon. That's all you need to know.”

He confused me so badly and tore a massive hole in the deck of my ship. Fake? What do you mean fake? Do you both think the same? So why do I feel a gaze full of jealousy on me? I smiled awkwardly, hoping it would calm Shimada down a bit and he would stop thinking about ways to get rid of me. Fortunately he came to his senses and switched the anger for determination. What the hell did I get myself into? I was thinking about leaving, but the person sitting in front of me quickly took my hand and squizzed it lightly.

“Captain, I hope you are not trying to abandon the ship.” He smiled kindly, but I found the hidden message that there is no escape now. “I need your help.”

“Why?”

“Because I am a victim of my own charm.”