Two Weeks With Ikkun

"So you really are living with Tachibana, right Aoto?"

My heart stopped beating for a second. The air in the living room suddenly felt heavy. I felt my blood run cold.

"Are you joking, right?" I asked him, my voice cracking a little. I tried to force a laugh, but it came out dry.

Then he picked up a book from the sofa. It was small, with a light pink cover. He turned it so I could see the first page.

"See this? This book has 'Tachibana Sara' written on it!" he said, *his eyes fixed on me, waiting for my reaction.*

*I froze.* It was the exact book she reads every night before sleeping. I had told her not to leave it outside.

"Oh yeah, I remember," I said, trying to sound casual, but my hands were trembling. "I actually asked Tachibana for her book. My book got lost and I can't find it."

He didn't believe me. Not even for a second.

"You know, Aoto, I rarely use my brain and whenever I use it, my guesses are always right," Ikkun said, *crossing his arms with a confident, teasing smile.*

"What?" I said, *my voice getting smaller.*

He didn't answer. He walked to the kitchen and looked around slowly, like a detective. His eyes scanned everything.

And then he asked, "Why are there two rooms?"

"Because Mom sometimes comes here and she lives there, so hehe," I said, *laughing awkwardly and scratching the back of my head.*

"Then why are you sweating?" he asked, *leaning closer and staring at my face.*

*I was sweating very hard because I was afraid.* My shirt was sticking to my back. My forehead was wet.

"I didn't turn on the AC, that's why it's too hot," I said quickly.

Ikkun said, "It's winter and the temperature is low too," *with a blank expression, like he knew I was lying.*

"I am just..." I tried to speak, but no words came out. And he went inside the room.

*My stomach dropped.*

I tried to stop him but failed. He started searching for something. My heart was beating like a drum.

"You can't enter anyone's room without their permission," I said, *trying to sound angry to hide my panic.*

"I'm your best friend, so I don't need your permission, right?" he said, *grinning.*

And he continued his searching and reached Sara's study table. He saw all her books and copies arranged neatly.

"Is Tachibana that kind that she gave you all her books and copies?" he asked, *picking up one of her notebooks.*

And he also said, "I saw utensils for two persons," *his voice getting more certain.* "That means I was right, you are living with Tachibana."

*There was nowhere left to hide.* I took a deep breath.

And then I accepted everything. My shoulders dropped.

After that he asked, "So you managed to make Tachibana your girlfriend?" *with wide, curious eyes.*

"No, she just lives here in the same apartment with me," I said quickly, *waving my hands in front of me.*

"Well, I had a feeling that you both might share something," he said, *sitting down on the chair.*

"You had a feeling, but how?" I asked, *confused.*

He said, "I noticed that whenever Ren talks about Tachibana, your eyes always get big, and when he says that he will confess to Tachibana, you always start looking down."

*I looked down instantly. He was right.*

Then I said, "Umm, yeah, buddy, you got me. I am living with Tachibana Sara!" *My voice was resigned.*

"See how much IQ I have, but I'm too lazy too," he said, *acting proud and leaning back.*

"Yeah, yeah, you are very smart!" I said, *rolling my eyes but smiling a little.*

After that, I started smiling from inside and thought, *Yeah, I knew this would happen.* Let me tell you what happened.

Few hours ago, when Sara and I were on a call.

Sara said, "You can call Hajihime to home."

*I was shocked.*

"But why? He will catch our secret," I said.

She said, "Yeah, it doesn't matter how much you try to hide, our secret will get caught if he comes over to our home. But I believe he won't tell anyone about it," *her voice calm.*

"Yeah, I know he won't tell anyone. Still, didn't you always want to keep this as a secret?" I said.

She said, "Yes, I used to want that, but lately I was thinking that I should tell everyone about this, because some of the school boys are annoying."

"How?" I said.

She said, "Because lately, every day someone approaches me and just confesses, and I don't feel good after rejecting anyone. That's why I am thinking of telling everyone, so every boy will not confess to me," *her voice sounding a little tired and annoyed.*

"And how will they not confess to you?" I asked.

"They will probably think that if you and I are living under the same roof, it means we are dating, so they won't try," she said.

"No need then, I don't want to be the center of attention," I said, *frowning.*

"Yeah, center of attention... I hate this too. Yes, you are right, I shouldn't make you the center of attention," she said, *softening her voice.*

"Yeah, better if we don't tell anyone," I said.

"Wanna make a bet?" she said, *suddenly excited.*

"What bet?" I said.

"Call Hajihime to our place, and if he doesn't figure out that I am living with you, then I'll try to come home early. And if he figures it out, then I'll take 2 weeks to come," she said.

"You don't wanna come home?" I said.

"My cousin sisters are all here, that's why I don't wanna come home right now, hehe," she said, *laughing.*

"Then you can come home after 2 weeks, there is no need for a bet," I said.

"Still, you have a chance to make me come back home early," she said.

"I'm gonna lose, I know," I said, *sighing.*

"Something is better than nothing, idiot! I know you have low chances to win, still try," she said.

Ahhhh, she planned everything!!! Then I realized she placed her book here on purpose. I know Ikkun — if he didn't see that book, he would never try to check Sara's room and kitchen. He checked because he got a clue.

Ikkun asked, "So you two are living together from the starting, right?"

"Yes," I said, *nodding slowly.*

"I guess that's how you were able to place 4th in midterms," he said, *with a knowing smile.*

"Hehe, yeah!" I said, *scratching my head, embarrassed.*

He asked, "So why did you call me here? Is Tachibana not in home?"

"Yeah, she isn't home right now. She actually went to her cousin's wedding. She will probably come after 2 weeks," I said.

"Okay, but I am thinking something else," he said, *his tone changing.*

"What?" I said.

"You like her, right?" he said, *staring directly at me.*

*My heart skipped a beat.*

"Nope," I said.

"You sure?" he said, *leaning forward.*

"Hmm, I am sure, I don't like her," I said, *looking away quickly, my face getting hot.*

Ikkun said, "You know Ren is going to confess to Tachibana after a month."

*My chest tightened.*

"I know," I said, *quietly.*

"So would you feel bad?" he said.

"Nope. Ren is a good person. He will treat Tachibana well, so it's fine. Let him take her," I said, *trying to sound like I didn't care, but my fists were clenched.*

He said, "So tell me, why did you call me to your home?"

"Tachibana will come home after 2 weeks and I'll probably get bored staying at home. That's why I want you to live here with me for 2 weeks," I said, *finally telling the truth.*

"Stay here for 2 weeks? You have all games that I like to play?" he said, *his eyes lighting up like a child.*

"Yeah, all games," I said, *smiling a little.*

"Okay then, I'll live here for 2 weeks until Tachibana returns. By the way, where will I sleep?" he said.

"In my room," I said.

"And you?" he said.

"In my room?" I said.

"I don't like to share a room with anyone," he said, *making a disgusted face.*

"Me too, but we have to, hehe," I said, *laughing nervously.*

"You can't sleep in Tachibana's room?" he said.

"Nope, I can't. I am not allowed," I said, *shaking my head seriously.*

"I'll sleep on the floor," he said, *sighing.*

"Oh, thanks, buddy!" I said, *feeling relieved.*

"And should I tell Ren about you and Tachibana living together?" he said, *with a teasing, evil grin.*

*My eyes went wide in panic.*

"No!! I believe you, that's why I let you know," I said loudly.

"Whatever, you know cooking?" he said.

"Yeah," I said.

"Perfect," he said, *smiling with satisfaction.*

And that's how I have to live with Ikkun for 2 weeks.