Developing Feelings

Oh, the dreaded project! It was time to tackle that beast with Cherry by my side. But first things first, we needed a topic. So there we were, brainstorming away like a couple of mad scientists on a sugar rush.

"I'm all about gaming, and your essay from earlier was just epic! I mean, you're like the peanut butter to my jelly, you get me!" Cherry's eyes lit up like fireworks as she gushed about her love for gaming and how my previous essay had impressed her.

"But Yui sensei seems more into scientific stuff, like, research-y things," Cherry added, her expression taking on the seriousness of a detective hunting for clues in a murder mystery.

I sighed dramatically, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. "Why can't teachers appreciate the brilliance of gaming? It's the future, I tell you!"

After much debate, we settled on the topic "Human vs. Machine Creativity." It was like a high-stakes showdown between us mere mortals and those AI geniuses. Challenge accepted, Yui-sensei!

Cherry's plan for dividing the work was brilliant—she'd handle the compilation and make it look pretty, while I'd dive into the data pool and fish out the juiciest tidbits. And of course, we'd join forces for some knockout diagrams. A perfect tag-team combo!

As we got to work, I couldn't help but notice the calm and soothing silence enveloping us. Surprisingly, it wasn't awkward at all, which was a miracle considering how I usually felt sitting in silence next to someone. It was like we had our secret code of understanding—no words needed, just the soft tapping of keyboards. And her coffee-vanilla aroma wafted around, making me feel like I was floating on a cloud of warm happiness. I know, I know, I'm not getting all mushy here, just stating the facts.

My focus was sharp, or so I thought, until my little sister Alyssa materialized out of thin air, bearing snacks and juice. "Hey hey nee-chan! Here, have some fuel for your genius minds!" she said with a beaming smile.

Cherry thanked her and patted her head, and it seemed like Alyssa was falling under Cherry's charm. Little sister, you're easily swayed!

Time flew by as we worked together, and after an intense hour, I felt like a squeezed-out lemon.

"Man, I need a break," I declared, feeling my brain cells waving the white flag of surrender.

"Sure thing," Cherry agreed, probably grateful for the temporary respite from my hilarious company.

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang just as we were about to kick back and chill.

"Coming!" I hollered and opened the door to find Mom standing there with her usual cheerful smile.

"Welcome back, Mom," I greeted her, hoping she wouldn't notice Cherry's shoes sitting pretty by the entrance. But as fate would have it, her mom-senses were tingling, and she went straight to the heart of the matter.

"Oh, someone's here, dear? And is that a girl's shoes I see?" Mom's eagle eyes locked onto the evidence.

Oh, no! Panic mode activated.

"Um, yes, Mom. She's a friend from school, and we're working on a project together," I stumbled through my explanation like a criminal caught red-handed.

And then... the worst timing award goes to... Alyssa, who was dragging Cherry downstairs, presenting her to Mom like a precious treasure. Cue the spotlight and confetti!

"And she's so pretty!" Mom gushed, and I could feel my cheeks heat up like a frying pan. Could the ground just swallow me whole, please?

Cherry handled it gracefully, introducing herself with a polite smile, like a well-mannered diplomat.

"Please stay for dinner, dear. I insist!" My mom beamed, and Cherry couldn't refuse the offer. Typical mom move—any excuse to feed someone and show off her culinary prowess. And just like that, Cherry was part of the family dinner extravaganza.

For the time being, in the living room, Cherry and I sat, the awkwardness slowly creeping in. We fumbled for something to talk about until the TV came to the rescue, sparing us from a conversation disaster.

But, of course, Alyssa had to make things interesting. "Tell me about you, nee-chan!" she prodded Cherry with twinkling eyes.

Cherry blushed and modestly confessed, "Well, I'm not that interesting, really. I love gaming and reading, and I cook a bit too."

"You like gaming? Just like onii-chan!" Alyssa chirped, totally on board the friendship train.

"And you can cook? Awesome! Can you make crepes for me?" Alyssa beamed with excitement, and I swear, Cherry had just gained a devoted fan.

Crepes? Cherry's culinary prowess was officially Alyssa-approved.

"Sure, why not? I'll make you some," Cherry replied, instantly becoming Alyssa's favorite person on the planet.

"Hey, Karma, why don't you come to my house tomorrow? Bring Alyssa too! I'll feed you guys and we can work on the project as well," Cherry suggested with a warm smile, and Alyssa's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Huh? Yeah, that sounds cool," I managed to mutter, trying to play it cool. But inside, I was secretly jumping up and down like a kid who just got handed a lifetime supply of candy.

As dinner was called, we all gathered around the table—mom, Cherry, Alyssa, and me. It was like a quirky family dinner, and I couldn't help but feel like Cherry was already part of our crazy little clan. Mom and Cherry got along like long-lost buddies, discussing their mutual love for cooking. I couldn't help but feel like the third wheel at my own dinner table.

As I found myself gazing at Cherry's bangs falling gracefully over her face I couldn't help but be captivated by her. Why did she have to be so beautiful? It was like the universe was playing a prank on me.

"When are you going to ask her out?" Alyssa whispered conspiratorially.

My reaction was probably worthy of a cartoon character, with my eyes bulging out like a startled owl. "Wait, what? I don't like her like that," I stammered, trying to convince myself more than Alyssa.

But she wasn't buying it. "Of course, you do. It's written all over your face. Your face is like a billboard screaming, 'I have a crush!'"

My face had betrayed me, and my brain was struggling to catch up with the reality.

"Come on, Karma. The sparks are flying! Just ask her out already," Alyssa teased, wiggling her eyebrows in a way that could only be described as "extra."

"No, no, no. I can't do that," I protested, feeling like a chicken running away from love's arrow.

But Alyssa had a plan, and there was no escaping her matchmaking machinations. "Tomorrow, at Cherry's house, you'll have the perfect opportunity. Crepes, dessert, and a chance to confess your feelings. It's like a rom-com dream come true!"

A culinary adventure awaited, and who knows, maybe the ingredients of fate would cook up a love story too.