What exactly is liking someone?

"So, why are you today so early?" Airi asked Carter, who was currently busy calming his erratic heart, and watching his steps as well.

"Early? Ah, today is the weekend. So thought droppin' by early," he responded to her, while eyes up ahead on their way.

"Oh, so you do know it's the weekend?" Airi grinned at him, even though he wasn't really looking. "Then, tell me, why the fu*k you are this late?" this time her voice dropped down from that cherry node, and she stomped on his foot as hard as she could.

"Ouch! Whaddahell did I do to deserve this?" Carter seethed in pain, but thankfully, he didn't lose the grip on her. "I wouldn't be late, but on the way here, I… met with my acquaintance. So yeah, talkin' with him took some time."

"Acquaintance? Who? Where? Is he injured? Visitor?" Airi got all jumpy, showering him with questions.