Twist
#21 of Alternatives
Ends up, even after three days later, I never got to know what on earth happened with Jin... and Jo. I didn't want to push Jin into telling me... Some relationship problem, huh. Kayla Illuva... Hmm... wait. Illuva? I seem to have heard that name from somewhere. I can't point out from where, but I think I've heard that name. I... argh, I'm distracted again.
Tapping my pencil against my muzzle, I try to figure out the math problem again. Yes, I'm doing up my schoolwork again. The amount of homework from school never seems to end, so it is almost constant that I'm doing work after school. I wonder once in a while whether it is worth doing my homework or not; seeing that my results aren't that great anyway.
As I scribble down the working steps, I let out a groan when I'm stuck yet again on the same question on the topic of complex numbers. Screw the roots with the i, and that sine and cosine and...
*beep*
'Hey wolfy, whatcha doing nw?' Jo texted.
'Nth much, just some complex numbers.' I reply with a thought before adding, 'why?'
I lift my arms and stretch, trying to freshen up and tackle the problem again when another text came in.
'Heh. Just wanted to know how you're doing. :)'
I frown at the text, wondering why Jo is so free to text something like that. Doesn't he have to do the assignment as well? I sigh and put the phone down, deciding not to reply. Not that I don't want to, just that I don't know how to reply that... and that text did make me smile a little. Well, at least someone cares... I grin to myself again and begin to attempt the question again.
This goes here... convert the sine and cosine... rationalize... and-
"Hey," a voice trails out.
I jump and turn back in shock to see my dear sister holding a bowl of pineapples, entering my room. It's really rare to see her at home, much less in my room. Most of the time she is out partying, clubbing or any other social activity that allows her to stay overnight some place out there. Either that, or she will lock herself in the room, using the net, chatting and snaps at anyone who dares to interrupt her. Not being very friendly to us huh.
"Why are you here?" I raise my eyebrow, deciding to cut the chase and ask directly, "Not going out with anyone?"
She makes an annoyed look, "Can't I stay at home today? It's been a while since we've talked you know, I figured that I should spend a little more time with you," I roll my eyes almost immediately, "Anyway, here's some cut fruits from mum."
I take the bowl from her paws and stick one piece into my muzzle with a fork. Hmm, sweet and juicy. My mum always have a knack in getting the tastiest fruits, be it rock melon, watermelon, apples... I never figured out how. Maybe she just asked fruit monger directly, I don't know.
"So... what do you wanna talk about?" I ask, "School is fine, my grades are still average..."
And then the conversation when pretty smoothly, talking about normal life and experiences; the latest trend in town, the most popular music right now, and making parodies about it. It's really fun to talk to her when she is not on the phone every other minute or when she doesn't feel that everyone in the family is invading her privacy or something. She is quite the gemini wolf here. One day she can he fun and nice with you, but other times she can be such a nasty, irritating rowdy bitch, screaming at anyone within 3m of radius. Still, she is my sister, one of the few people in the face of the world that I share my thoughts with. I wonder if I should come out to her... since that topic comes up pretty often.
"So how is it in school? Any one that you like there?" she asks bluntly.
"No, not really, why? Did mum get you in here to ask about this...?" I roll my eyes again.
"Nope. Well, go around and socialize! Don't let opportunities pass, you know, just have some fun with some people.." she says.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll see to it myself. But you know me, natural loner and stuff like that. Let's not talk about me. How bout you?" I divert the question back to her.
She is pretty easy to distract (as always), because she continues with her stories about how she meet with different people and finally confesses that she is seeing someone.
"Really?" I ask, considering that she has introduced so many new guys on her phone, "Which one?"
She scroll down the list of friends on her phone and rested on a picture of a white bunny, "This."
"Wayne? Seriously?" I ask. Not that I'm against that bunny or whatsoever, but I personally believe that people you meet from clubbing most of the time isn't serious in having a relationship. They just want to have fun and chill out. To expect much from a party animal is really... ambitious.
I don't really want to burst her bubble, but I foresee that the relationship probably won't go far. I know that my sister takes her relationships seriously; she was only attached once so far. She ditched the old one saying that he is too boring, but having this new one who goes to parties every now and then... I can already sense drama coming along where she suspects on him cheating on her by hitting on someone in the club or something. Oh well...
At least my friends aren't the party party type though we are already but barely legal... I think. I know Jo doesn't.
After listening to her talking about this Wayne guy, I shoo her away with the empty bowl when I look at the clock then at my unfinished work. I better rush to finish before it's too late...
-
Finally... writing up those nasty assignments took up an hour or two. I shut off the lights in my room and rest for the day starting by hopping on to my bed, but was interrupted soon after by my phone's ringtone. I reach out and grab my phone before lying back down on the bed. Who can it be? No one ever calls me...
"Hello?"
"Hey!" a happy voice calls out which I recognise immediately that it belongs to none other than Jo, "You free to talk?"
"Yeah, sure. Was about to sleep though, lucky you," I reply with a smile. I don't know why, but I'm having this small warm feeling in my heart when I realise it was Jo on the line.
We chat a little about school and gaming stuff, which I can hear that Jo's voice getting more and more tense... especially so when I told him I wanted to hang up and rest.
"So I'll see ya tomorrow, I guess?" I say.
"Typh..." he calls out.
"Yesh? You alright?"
"I... I was wondering if you..." Jo hesitates, "If you are free... tomorrow? It's about that day... I mean... I... I want... to go on a date with you."
I can feel the heat rising to my muzzle when I hears that. I bet Jo probably feels the same way. I can feel my heartbeat rate increasing along with my tail before I hear a, "Umm... hello? You there?"
I must have spaced out for quite a while, "Yeah, I am. Hah, sure. I'd love to!" I grin into the phone as I hear a soft squeal, even though Jo can't see it at all.
Jo's enthusiasm comes back instantly, "Okay! I'll fill you in with the details tomorrow! See ya!"
So that's what Jo was after, I laugh as I put down the phone. Seems like he has been planning this, from the way he said earlier. I feel slightly flattered because I'm actually chased by a big grey wolf... a guy that has many suitors, but of all people, he is after me, his best friend.
I can't shake off the feeling that I'm just not good enough for him. I have no idea what that grey wolf sees in me. All I see in the mirror is an average guy that has no qualities or talents to attract anyone. I don't have the brains or the brawns... Or a good personality or whatever. So why Jo...
I sigh as I let myself slowly lose conscious to drift off to dreamland. Jo... what do you really see in me? Perhaps you will grow tired of me easily and go for someone else when you realise I really have nothing to offer compared to you...
-
I wake up to the horrible alarm, I wish time can stop like right now and let me sleep till I'm contented. I groan in lethargy as I force myself up and out of the comfy blankets. My mum will probably rush in soon to check if I'm awake. I rub my face on my paws as I begin my daily routine... and figuring out my dream earlier.
I know it is something about Jo. Hmm. Perhaps it is that I've been thinking too much about him. I'm pretty surprised because I don't even realise that until now. I can't believe I've gotten over Gerrald so easily... or have I?
Well... Jo is cute and strong... I wonder why I haven't fall for him before? Why did Gerrald come in first? I mean, Jo is smart, cute, and muscular... that grey fur and he has always been around me! I don't know... I thought about the recent times where he is close to me... like the one where he fell on me in his house... his adorable muzzle and hazel eyes staring at me; or the other time at the slope where he hugged me and refused to let me go...
I keep daydreaming and spacing out until the real Jo, the one who has been doing all these to me, knock me out of it with a soft nudge from his knuckle. I turn back at him, and see his slightly amused face.
"You okay? Everyone is leaving the bus," he asks.
I stare back at him and answer, "Y-Yeah... Let's go."
I wonder when all these new feelings about Jo arose. Am I starting to like him... more than just as a best friend?
-
I don't really understand what's wrong. I'm becoming more aware of Jo's touches, like his tail or an accidental brush when reaching for something across. In fact, Jin has also become more physical towards me. Back pats, tail brushing, arm nudging... Am I getting overly paranoid with my senses? I guess it's just that I don't get those often... At least I manage to concentrate on the lesson somehow.
Still, the awkwardness between those two guys is still there. Obviously Jin hasn't resolved his problem, but is still reluctant to tell me. Occasionally I think to myself bitterly whether Jin really did treat me as a friend. They weren't as silent as that lunch break; they are talking a little bit more everyday, but not as crazy as they would have done usually. I really wonder what's wrong...
Walking back home from school, Jo gives me a brilliant smile (is he trying to win me with that?), "About later... let's meet up at 7pm, at Starkk's Square? At the telephone booth beside Starbucks."
"Okay... what are we going to do? Any dress code?" I ask.
"Dress code? Seriously? No, just casual. As for what we are going to do... that's a secret," Jo says with his usual stupid wolfish grin, "Just don't be late."
-
5:45pm and I'm still trying to figure out what to wear. I mean, he did say casual, but I don't want to be too casual... Argh. From earlier till now, I've been thinking like what is Jo up to... He can be very random and does the oddest things at the oddest time... But this is a date... a date. Not just any other outing. It's my first date... Will we end up... kissing? I blush madly at that thought. Or it can go even deeper...
This is not the time to be thinking about that!! Me and my annoying hormones. I hastily snatch my stuff and head out for Starkks. I can't be late!
6:50pm
Phew... Seems that I did make it on time. I thought that I will be late... Jo isn't here yet though... Should I call? But it isn't 7 yet... Hmm... There are quite a number of people here today... Families, friends and couple holding hands... I wonder if Jo and I will end up... Argh.
7:00pm
It's has been a long ten minute. Although... where is he? Jo isn't the kind to be late... I'm sure he wouldn't. I mean, he planned this... date. Maybe he got stuck in the traffic? Possible, judging from the dark cloudy skies. Seriously, Jo should come before it pours... Sigh. At least he should leave a text or something to inform me...
7:15pm
The wind is picking up already... I have been walking up and down around the phone booth... Jo is actually late already... But why isn't he picking up? Come on... *Call failed*
7:20pm
The first few raindrops fall onto the ground; each making dark blotchy marks on the pavement. It's starting to drizzle and I still have no news from him... Jo, what's going on?!
7:23pm
The rain pours down as I run into Starbucks. Jo... Why aren't you picking up? Deciding that he probably got stuck somewhere, I turn in to buy an umbrella and head out to find him.
7:25pm
Going down the street beside the mall, I begin to get worried. Jo wouldn't keep himself not contactable. Where are you, Jo?!
7:28pm
I've looked through the shops along the street and I still can't find him or contact him... Come on... I cross a narrow road towards the next street before I catch a whiff of smell in the alley between... It's that slightly tangy metallic smell. My brain slowly processes the fact before giving a feedback:
The smell of blood.
I stare into the alley with widen eyes as I begin to panic... My mind begins to run on overdrive. Blood... blood? Could it be... Jo?
It could have been anyone else, a gang fight or something similar that may prove to be dangerous for me to wonder alone. But I am too worried to care about it. My eyes open even wider when I hear a bark from the alley... A... a canine?
I charge into the alley and turn around the bend to the source of the sound. The sight in front of me made me drop my umbrella instantly.
Standing in front of me is two hulking man catching their breath. One has his back on the wall, fists and fangs clenched tight with trickles of blood flowing down his jaw, glaring at the other right in the eyes, not intending to break the eye contact any soon. The other taller one stands slightly over him, with one arm outstretched against the wall just beside the other's muzzle, and is bleeding from the nose, staining his white fur.
The puddles around them are slowly stained with blood like ink dripping into water. Both of them didn't even flinch from the raindrops hitting their muzzle.
I run towards them kicking the umbrella aside, "What the hell are the both of you doing?!"
Both muzzles turned to face back at me with a mild shock look and it confirms my suspicion. Jo and Jin mutter 'shit' in unison while I approach them. I ram into Jin who has been standing over Jo in attempt to push him away. Jin barely lost his balance and takes a few steps back, losing his posture but still glaring back at Jo. Jo wipes the blood off his muzzle and spits on the ground, growling back. Jin charges almost immediately, until I stop him with all my might by hugging his striped arms together.
"Let go!" Jin shouts out.
"And why should I do that?" I growl back, looking up at him.
He points an accusing finger at Jo, "He... he... he betrayed my trust!"
I turn my head back at Jo and sees him looking down at an arbitrary direction with a subtle pout but anger still evident on his face. I see, so Jin is speaking the truth.
"Stay out of this," Jin grits his teeth at me.
"How can you expect me to just walk away now?!" I reply.
"Typh, just let go. This is our problem, not yours. You shouldn't be involved. It is about the same problem you asked Jin about a few days ago," Jo growls lowly.
"And you think I'll just let you two fight again???" I yell at them.
"Out... of my way!" Jin shouts and his body tenses up and leaps out of my grip, making me stumble while the two furs clash and start exchanging blows at one another. I roll my eyes at the two meatheads and spot some random blunt metal rod beside a dustbin. Both of them are snapping and lunging at each other before I toss the lid of the bin at the mess of fur and smashed an empty beer bottle with the rod to get their attention.
"ENOUGH!!" I roar at them both.
Both of them stop at the sound of broken glass and glance up at me.
"Try fighting again and see if I will toss a few glass bottles at the both of you or I'll phone the cops," I threaten.
Jo pushes Jin away and gives him a dirty look, "Fine."
"What kind of relationship problem of Jin's can get the both of you into a fight?" I question them.
Jin looks away stubbornly while Jo looks at the other direction.
...
"Well?" I ask.
Jin roars at Jo, "You know I like that person and now you actually want that person for your own without telling me?"
"You said that you weren't sure about it or ready to take on that relationship, so why can't I go ahead? And I already had feelings before you told me!" Jo retorts back angrily.
"So why didn't you tell me earlier before, only now?!" Jin bares his fangs at Jo again, "I thought you were my buddy, I thought that we will be at least honest to each other!"
My head is whirling while I try to piece up whatever they are trying to say. That person Jin mentioned is someone that Jo likes... where Jo had feelings for...? Jo only has his newfound feelings someone... that is obviously not Kayla Illuva.
It's... me?
"What... what are the both of you saying?" I ask quietly.
"No more hiding, huh?" Jo says, "I think he already knows by now, no point avoiding it, Jin."
Jin flinches before turning back slowly to me but doesn't make eye contact, "Fine... I... I have some feeling for you too, Typh."
I walk up to Jin and push him by the shoulders to the wall, looking at him. Jo has one of his paws on my left shoulder, probably wondering what the hell I'm doing.
"Are you serious?" I ask Jin for confirmation and gulps. I'm trembling, from the rain, the cold or the new truth, I don't know.
Jin's pale blue eyes meets mine before he gives an answer that stuns me entirely.
"Yes. I like you, Typh Wolfie."