Kateki

**It's short story around 50 chapters or so**

Ace, a 17yr old high school student. He doesn’t interact much and lives in his own world, and doesn’t like being the center of attraction. His life was the usual one until he became friends with Annie. Annie is also a high school student and Ace’s classmate. But unlike him, she is good at interacting with others, except that she also doesn’t like being the center of attraction.

From that day, his life changes little by little, realizing and experiencing new things. Will these changes be a good one? How will it end? This is the story of a couple who will change each other’s life.

Can I Be Your Friend

It's the 14th of December and Sunday… Another day of me being at my home doing nothing.


I heard my phone ring, oh! It's Annie. I picked up the call and said, "Hello?"


"Hey Ace, Umm… Are you free right now?"


"Actually, we are meeting at a certain place for our team discussion. So – " As Annie said this, I interrupted her as I already knew where it was going.


"Umm…Sorry, but I won't be able to join you guys as I got works to do." I said -  Lied to her. 


Sorry for this lie, but if I join you guys, things might change, and also, I don't know what those changes might be. So it's better this way. 


"Thank you and sorry."                                                                                                                                  


"No, No, that's fine, don't need to be sorry. I will update you with the details soon, and also I'll tell you what you have to do for the team. Then see you soon."


"Because it's better this way… And also, I didn't want to disturb their relationship." I spoke.


"But that's not for you to decide, right?"


"It might not be, but there's a girl who will get caught in that disturbance. I don't want that to happen."


"Huh? When did she become this precious to you? Or is it just that you are using her as an excuse?" 


After our call ended, I left for the team meeting.


About half an hour later, I reached Dave's house, where our team discussion was held, and I was the last one to arrive.


"By the way, guys, why the sudden change of place?" I asked them 


"Don't mind the small details," Dave replied.


"What happened to that guy, Ace? Why isn't he coming? Rosh sarcastically questioned.


"He said he has some work to do, so he won't be joining – " as I was saying this, Dave interrupts and said,


"Don't you think he is just lying and doesn't want us to join?"


This reply kinda made me angry, and I replied, "No, I don't think so. And even if he is lying, then there's certainly might be some reason, and that's for sure." 


Dave's mood changed a bit; I didn't know the reason but definitely saw that change.


After the conversation about Ace, we finally started doing what we came for. Almost two hours passed, and Dave suggested taking a break, and we agreed.


Our plan was to go out and get something to eat. Nalani and Rosh were the first to leave the house. I was also about to leave, but that's when Dave held my hand and said, "Annie, I want to say something to you."


This startled me; "Yes, Dave?" I replied.


Chapter 9