EPISODE 1: THE 11PM BELL

" PM11 時間近の にぎわう 街並みに、まだ サヨナラ 言う には 全然 早すぎるのに。"

" It's 11PM soon and the crowded cityscape, it's still early to say goodbye though. "

~シンデレラガール (KING & PRINCE)~

* * *

Graduation party. That was the thing I really hated in high school. I'm not fond of crowds, I hated gatherings.

But I guess I just have to go with it for now. I'd rather prefer this thing than deal with the one in my house.

The graduation party theme is too blinding for me. Ladies are dressed like some sort of princesses in ball gowns and dresses while guys are on their tuxedo suit. They were all dressed fancily unlike me, which in hasty, have draped myself in a rugged jeans, a black sweater and rubber shoes. It's funny how I look like a bandit among princesses.

I saw the buffet table loaded with different kinds of foods. My mouth went watery because of the food stacked in delicate manner. I immediately went there and without hesitation, grabbed a plateful of foods. Then I went to the corner of the hall, the spot that can't be noticed easily and enjoyed the moment.

Ignoring the princes and princesses dancing on the melody of sweet music, I binge eat. I'm sorry but I'm not a cinderella, I will not go looking for a prince. I'm perfectly fine alone.

" Ah, I forgot to get chocolate dips for marshmallows. " I mumbled to myself when I look at my plate. Ah, what a pain.

I am about to stand up and get the dip when a guy showed up in front of me. He was a little tall, wearing the usual tux suit everyone was wearing. His curious eyes were looking down at me as if he found some strange rock inside a castle.

I didn't say anything as I meet his gaze. His eyes were deep and mysterious, like they were hiding something.

After a minute of silence, he finally smiled. A smile that didn't even reach his eyes.

" Hello. "

I didn't respond to his greeting. I don't know him after all. And I have no plans of knowing him.

" May I sit here? " He asked which I reply with a nod. I don't own this bench anyway. He can sit wherever he likes. Why bother asking me?

" I'm Ren. Ren Nagase. " He extended his hand which I ignored. I just nodded as a recognition of what he said.

" And you? "

I'm not rude enough to dismiss a person talking to me. I just don't like talking a lot so I feel a bit annoyed.

" Cindi. " I didn't tell him my real name of course. First is that I don't trust strangers and second is I'm annoyed.

He chuckled a little.

" Cindi? Just like Cinderella? " Then he look at my clothes and he chuckled again.

" I'm not a Cinderella. "

" Indeed. Cinderella will never wear rubber shoes. "

He took marshmallows from my plate and dip it on chocolate dip he is carrying.

" Hey! That's mine! " I burst out. What a thief!

" Nah. Don't be greedy. I can buy you a bunch of that later. " This time, his small chuckle turn into a loud laughter. And he was oh so good looking with that laugh.

I rolled my eyes. Such a psycho.

" You know Cindi, you don't smile a lot. I think you will look pretty good if you smile. "

Tss. Lame way to start a conversation. This guy is no different from the rest.

I didn't reply hoping he will give up on starting a conversation and will leave me alone, but on the contrary, he just become more persistent.

" Why aren't you replying? Did you bite your tongue accidentally? Are you okay? Hey, what's the matter? "

My nose crinkled in annoyance. I'm patient but this guy is so ugh!

" Hey- - - "

" You're annoying! Can't you just shut up and let me enjoy my food here? " I burst out. Heck yeah! My date with food has been ruined.

He just laughed loudly and shrugged his shoulders. Then, he became silent as dead night.

I sighed and enjoyed my food. This can really lift up my mood. Food is really the best medicine.

I tasted the piece of chocolate cake I've taken. Uwah! It tastes so good. Ah, I'm so happy.

" Ah! Finally, you smiled! "

I almost throw up my spoon in surprise when he suddenly spoke. Gosh!

" You scared me. " I said feeling my fast beating heart.

" I knew it! You really look dazzling when you smile. " He look so excited. What's so good about smiles anyway?

" Nah. Smiles are not meant to show good looks. " I think there's no way I can avoid conversation with this guy, so I might as well enjoy it. Just for once. Only once.

He pouted. Eh? How can such a big guy be so cute?

" But I do look good when I smile. See? " He smiled like an idiot. He looked so silly. Hahaha.

" Hahaha! You look stupid. "

For the first time this year, I laughed for real. I don't know but I just know it was real.

" Cute. "

Ah! What the! I'm not used to receiving compliment even if it's a joke. I feel my cheeks burning up.

" Stop it! " I said trying to cover my face to hide embarrassment.

He just smiled. What a weird guy.

I'm so blinded by your light

You're so blinding light to me

I'm so blinded by your light

You're so blinding light

My phone rings. Ah. It's the 11PM alarm. My curfew has come. I have to go.

Without a word, I stood up and sprang out of the hall. I even hear him calling out but I took no notice of it.

11PM. Time for my idol's online concert. I won't miss it.

* * *

The guy was left speechless on the hall. Clutching his chest, he felt the erratically beating of his heart. As he recall in his memory those dazzling smiles from the girl he just met, he realized something.

He was in love.  

* * *

💛Yua: Konnichi wa Min'na-sama! Nagase Ren in the multimedia!!! The cutie hottie from King & Prince is here for Cinderella girl.

💛michiedayua💛

侍姫悠亜

samuraihimeyua

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