Ch. 17 - Personally troubled.

Its finally Saturday, we planned on a trip to the mall to purchase the newly release games and books, and also for Kazuo and Ryota to bring their dates.

After our work, we all decided to go home first to change and get some rest, we agreed to meet at the bus stop before 6 o'clock in the evening. I was the first one to arrive as my house was the closest.

Waiting by the bus stop for my friends, I look at myself and see if I am dressed appropriately.

"A black shawl-cardigan with a white shirt underneath, navy blue pants...."

I try my best not to look so bland, but I also didn't want to wear very bright or colorful outfits cause I would look childish. But I feel like im dressed like a student whose going to attend college, I think im not wearing the right attire for this.

"Senpai!!"

I heard a familiar voice coming somewhere, im not sure whose it was or what direction its from cause the sound of traffic is drowning the voice.

"Senpai~!"

I heard it coming from behind me, I look towards it and I saw Chinatsu, waving her hand walking towards me.

"Chinatsu!"

I said as I wave back at her.

"So your the only one here senpai?"

"Yeah, it's just me."

She looks around confuse.

"How long have you been waiting here, senpai?"

She ask worrying.

"About 30 minutes...."

She started to look gloomy.

Akagi : "Dont lose hope yet, we still have 15 minutes before 6 o'clock, they'll arrive soon."

Chinatsu : "Oh really?"

She pulls out her phone to check on the time.

"Oh, I didn't know that, I should've check the time first."

She said.

"Hey senpai, how do you think of my outfit?"

She ask as whirls around.

She's wearing a pink puff sleeve dress with white kneesocks.

I can't help but think its too childish and baggy for her, but I guess it does fit her energetic personality and she's a girl. So best I can say is..

"It looks cute but its baggy."

I am always honest with my judgement.

"Eh? Its baggy?!"

She carefully looks at herself.

"No its not! senpai, your mean!"

She pouted afterwards.

"Hey, dont worry, I said its cute and your outfit fits your personality well~."

I said.

Chinatsu : "Oh really? you think so?"

Akagi : "Yeah, it looks perfect on you."

Chinatsu : "Ehe~ thank you, senpai~"

She smiled afterwards.

Akagi : "How about me? how I look in this?"

She looks at me from my head all the way down.

"Describe how I look, be honest and dont even worry how I would feel."

I said to her, she nods in response.

"It looks like your clothes are a little tight...."

I think she's right.

"...But you look sharp and mature, senpai!"

I kinda have some doubts about what she said.

Akagi : "Uh..? Chinatsu are you sure?"

Chinatsu : "Yes, senpai!"

Akagi : "I dont look like a college student?"

Chinatsu : "No, senpai, just like what you said to me, your attire also fits your personality."

Akagi : "Oh really? Thank you~."

Chinatsu : "Your welcome senpai!"

After that we both remain silent, I keep looking at the sun setting, while Chinatsu, is becoming more impatient as minutes pass by.

"Senpai! where are they? its almost 6 o'clock already!"

She said in a distressing voice.

I scratch my head and replied...

"Yeah, where are they?!"

As I pull out my phone to call them, a bus pull out in front of us. The bus driver opens the door.

"Are you guys hoping in or not?"

Said the bus driver.

I look around for a bit more, hoping I would sight them for a minute before boarding the bus. But they are no where to be seen, Chinatsu already board the bus so I just follow her inside. I felt a bit disappointed, I actually thought they'd made it, I'd assume they'd went ahead and be waiting for us there, but they would've inform us about it. Im starting to think that all of that waiting and planning are going to waste. Why is it always whenever I got my hopes high life starts to b*llsh*t me?

"Chinatsu, I dont think they're gonna make it..."

I mumbled to Chinatsu.

"No senpai, look they're over there."

She points her finger at the end of the bus and Kazuo, Ryota, Haruna and Fuyuko all four of them sitting next to each other.

"Yo! Mako-kun over here!"

Kazuo wave at us. We both approach them and realize my mind overthink again, but im relief that I was proven wrong.

"I thought you guys wouldn't make it! Got me worried for a few moments."

I told them as I sat down, the bus then started to move.

"Sorry we board ahead cause there's also a bus stop near our homes."

Said Ryota.

Akagi : "Nah, its okay. At least we're all here now."

Kazuo : "Oh yeah, Akagi, meet Fuyuko! I know you two already know each other~ hehehe."

Fuyuko and I lock eyes, we both knew each other since Highschool, we get along in the early stages of our time together, but recently we've been bitter to each other and we rarely talk nowadays. To make it worse, the last time we talk to each other we had an argument that we still haven't solve, I can still remember it and my mind is still conflicted about it.

But I dont wanna make an spiteful approach to her, I kinda want all of this to go smoothly and fun. So I put my differences aside and try my best to suppress my raging emotions and have some fun.

I reach out my hand for a handshake.

"Fuyuko, nice to see you again."

She shook my hand and greeted me in return.

"Nice to see you too, Akagi."

After that we both remain silent and didn't talk to each other for the whole bus trip. But Kazuo was definitely making alot of moves and is engaging her in alot of conversations, same goes for everyone else. I just sat there and put on my headphones while I look outside the bus window only giving small verbal confirmations whenever they ask me.

We arrive at mall as the sun completely set. The sky is dark as nighttime comes, the establishments around us slowly lights up with a plethora of lamps and fancy bulb lights, complimenting the glittering stars on the sky above.

I was amaze on how beautiful and exciting this place is, I haven't really gone outdoors for so long, especially with such a huge company.

Haruna : "Wow! this place is huge!"

Chinatsu : "This place is amusing and looks fun!"

Kazuo : "What do you think, Fuyoko?"

Fuyuko : "Its my first time going out in a place like this, I've say im thrilled!"

Everyone seems excited as well, while they're having a short chitchat as to where they would go first, I stare at each one of them and check if my attire blends well with their own.

Ryota is wearing a red and white striped rugby shirt.

Haruna is wearing a white blouse with red skirt, along with a red neckerchief on her neck.

Kazuo wears a jean jacket with a cyan shirt underneath. Fuyuko wears a cyan coat and jeans with a white scarf. She always dressed herself in an elegant manner.

At first I thought there was nothing wrong, but soon I realized that both Kazuo and Ryota wears matching outfits with their dates, Haruna and Fuyuko.

No wonder why I feel out of place when it comes to our attires, they've planned it all along!

We all went inside, as usual Chinatsu is always on the lead, while Kazuo and Ryota are walking in pairs with their dates, and im at the back. While walking inside I can't help but feel out of place. Everyone is wearing matching pairs of clothing, both casual and somewhat fancy wear, yet they all look great.

I stumbled upon a mirror of a boutique stall. I look myself into it and see if there's anything wrong with my attire.

"Why does it matter?"

I told myself, there's nothing wrong with my attire, I should try to stop thinking about negative thoughts im not here to look fabulous. I look good in this, my attire fit my personality very well, serious and forward thinking. And besides, some people dress with too much exposed skin, others put on too much accessories, makeup and jewelries, to look fabulous. Those kind of people dress that way to get attention from others, to create an impression as being fashionable and popular. However im happy with this, I spend my money wisely, I spend it on what I want or need, not how others would see me. Plus, I look smart and stable in this.

After talking to myself, I look back at my friend and they're already far away. I didn't realize I was left behind, I speed walked towards them and when I reach them I try to act normal like nothing happened.