Chapter 2: "Help him make her fall in love 1"

Theo: Be my love adviser, Akiyo.

(The three of them had their eyes widened. Akiyo stood up and looked at him.)

Theo: I know we just had this conversation and that you don't know me well. I also think you'll be able to help me get to know her better and finally get her attention. As her bestfriend, I know that this favor I'm asking is too much but I'm really desperate to get her. So will you please help me? I'm begging you..

Aki: I don't know...

Theo: Please? You're Celine's bestfriend, you know her the best. I'm not trying to ask you to tell us her private informations or anything, I just want your advices on how to win her heart since you know her preferences.

(Akiyo stood there with her arms crossed. It was really quiet for a few seconds. )

Aki: I've finally decided.

Theo: Anndd...?

Aki: I'll help you Theo.

(Theo smiled at her and was too excited to finally have the chance to be with Celine.)

Aki: But on one condition.

Theo: What is it?

Aki: I don't want you to act too much such as following her everywhere, stalking her or even disrespecting her feelings. If she rejects you despite everything, please respect that. I'll help you, but I can't guarantee she'll like you back as it is her choice.

Theo: I'll keep that in mind. I won't go that far, I promise. So when shall we meet?

Aki: Are you available tomorrow afternoon?

Theo: Yes, I think so.

Aki: After class at the fried chicken place. See you tomorrow!

Theo: A-alright. See you!

(Akiyo brought her books and left.)

CHRIS: What gave you the guts to ask her that bro? We were just supposed to ask her some of the things Celine likes so it'll help you.

Theo: I just thought it isn't time for me to act all shy and be a coward. It's time for me to finally take action and maybe she'll help me achieve my goal. I just need some advice, that's all.

CHRIS: I know Akiyo is a really nice person, but why did she agree to your idea even though you asked her in that way?

Theo: Maybe because I was really desperate.

CHRIS: Maybe..

Theo: Was I really that shameless?

CHRIS: You even dared to ask? You probably had a bad first impression to her, and maybe she'll even tell Celine about it.

(Theo started imagining scenarios in his head such as Celine rejecting him, Akiyo and Celine laughing at him and many more crazy ones.)

Theo: I-I did wrong. Oh no! What should I do? Should I say it was a prank? Should I take it back?

CHRIS: Too late Theo.

Theo: Oh no....

MASHA: Wait, I remember you guys saying you'll meet at the fried chicken place. Theo, bring me with you please? You guys are going to eat fried chicken! Bring meeee!

CHRIS: *sigh* Masha...

MASHA: Take me along with you okay? Okay Theo? Right? You'll take me, right?

Theo: Masha!

(Everyone looked at him as he screamed inside the library. Masha immediately kept a distance from him and acted as if he's a stranger.)

STUDENTS: Shhh! Quiet will you?

Theo: Y-you—

[ THE NEXT AFTERNOON ]

Students bid their goodbyes to each other as the day finally ends. Some ran, walked and even rode their skates outside the campus. Theo however, was walking towards the fried chicken place outside to meet Akiyo. He finally enters the restaurant and sits on a vacant seat.

Theo: What should I tell her? I think I should explain what happened yesterday.

(Akiyo arrives with her backpack.)

Aki: Sorry I'm late, I had to talk to Celine first.

Theo: You didn't....

Aki: Don't worry Theo! *laughs* I'll keep your feelings a secret since you'll have to tell her yourself someday.

Theo: Right, thank you. By the way, I'm really sorry about yesterday, I wasn't thinking straight. I was just so desperate since I saw another guy hold her hands and take her away. I guess that made me disrespectful enough to ask you that way. I'm sorry Akiyo, I guess you think I'm not good enough for Celine anymore.

Aki: No, no,no! It's fine Theo, really. You must really like her which made you act that way. I understand.

(Theo smiled at the thought that was Akiyo was really nice.)

Aki: So shall we start? What do you wanna ask?

Theo: First and foremost, is the guy the the other day his boyfriend?

Aki: Ex-boyfriend that is.

Theo: W-what?

Aki: Well, she found out he cheated on her so yeah.

Theo: I see.

Aki: Alright, so I have to tell you this one honestly.

Theo: What is it?

Aki: She likes calm, serious, composed but also sweet guys.

Theo: You're literally saying I'm way too far from her type.

Aki: *laughs* Yeah, sorry. But maybe if you stay true to yourse—

Theo: Then I'll change for her. No matter what.

Aki: Your determination is so.... But are you sure? Isn't it like faking your personality just for someone?

Theo: Yes, I'll do anything to be with her. I'll change starting from now on.

Aki: Well, it's your decision anyway. So what's next?

Theo: What does she like to do? Maybe I could ask her to hang out and do something she likes.

Aki: Well....

[ A FEW HOURS LATER ]

Akiyo and theo talked about Celine the whole time. They talked about her hobbies, favorite stuff and even the things she dislikes. It was pretty late when they were about to go home.

Theo: I didn't notice the time... I'm sorry you had to stay this long.

Aki: No, it's fine. I enjoyed the talk anyway.

Theo: Let me send you home.

Aki: It's alright! I can manage by myself.

Theo: I can't let you walk on your own at this time. Take it as a payment for today's advices.

Aki: *giggles* Alright, if you say so.

(They started walking towards Akiyo's home. They chatted along the way. It was pretty quiet around the neighborhood and only a few cars passed by, so they had to talk to avoid the awkwardness.)

Theo: It seemed like it rained in this area.

Aki: Right, the road is pretty wet.

Theo: By the way, I noticed.... You smile a lot huh?

Aki: Yeah, I get that a lot. I just can't help it.

Theo: Celine must be lucky to have a friend as cheerful as you.

Aki: No... I think I'm lucky to have her. She—

(At that moment a car went by and splashed water towards their direction, but Theo quickly held Akiyo's shoulders and covered her. Akiyo was startled and she simply looked at him. Theo glanced back at her and realized how close they were. He immediately let go of her.)

Theo: A-Are you alright? Sorry for that.

Aki: Yes, I'm fine. Why do you have to be sorry, you covered for me and now your clothes are dirty... What are we going to do?

Theo: It's alright, I can wash this at home.

Aki: You shouldn't have done that. But thank you, really.

Theo: No worries Akiyo. So shall we go now?

(Akiyo nodded and smiled. They started walking to reach home.)

[ TWO DAYS LATER ]

Another cloudy and beautiful it is, students chit chatting and teachers getting ready for another day. It's still 30 minutes away from class but Theo and Akiyo are already inside the campus, waiting for Celine.

Aki: Are you ready Theo?

Theo: *exhales* No... but I have to be.

Aki: *laughs* But seriously, do you have to change the way you dress too? Isn't it tiring enough to change your personality?

Theo: I can do anything as long as it is for her.

Aki: Love, love, love. It's still early in the morning and you're already being cringey.

Theo: You have to get used to it after all, you'll help me until I finally confess to her.

Aki: I hope you do confess to her sooner.

Theo: Aww c'mon, it's not that bad to be with me.

Aki: *laughs* Seriously, I'm kidding!

Theo: But after all this I promise I'll return the favor. You can wish for anything then I'll make it come true.

Aki: Really?

Theo: Yes, but of course make sure it's in my budget. *laughs*