Chapter 84: That's a foul!

Amber rubbed the sides of her temples as she inwardly groaned. It has been a tiring night for her ever since she had that dream. She could not help but think of that white wolf that she immediately woke up after that. And then, she could not fall back asleep.

And what was up with that 'mate' thing?

Last time, she also dreamed about that 'mate' thing albeit differently.

Sighing, she looked around her with consternation. She was in her classroom where everyone was busy setting up the final touches. The Open Day will be tomorrow so they were rushing to finish everything up.

Amber had just finished painting some little bits of artworks on the canvas for the menu when Erick walked over, wearing his costume. He was wearing an informal Japanese clothing called yukata [1]. It was made of cotton, which was a bit light and airy, making it easier for him to walk around. It was all black, other than the cream-coloured belt that was tied around his waist.

Looking up at him, she has to admit that it made him look even more handsome. Though, he looked like a foreign young master living it up in an Asian country.

She was staring at him blankly that Erick could not help but tease her. "Have you fallen for me more?" he asked teasingly.

Flushed red, she turned around without answering him, suddenly busy packing her art materials.

Erick chuckled as he sat next to her. He brushed away a strand of her hair from her forehead and said, "Tell me when you're ready to go home, okay?"

It was then Amber remembered her mother's invitation. She turned back to Erick and stammered, "Oh yes… I… uh… I…"

She became even more embarrassed. Why is it hard to ask a guy out for dinner or to tell him that her mother invited him for dinner?

Erick tilted his head in question, a confused smile on his face. He thought it was cute to see her being nervous. It seems like that there was something she wanted to ask him. But he wasn't sure what it was. So he could only wait patiently.

Amber then decided that she would only ask him later when there were the two of them. But then she remembers that Hamish will be going with them later.

She groaned inwardly. It seems like she was never going to have a private moment with him. She couldn't possibly ask him through a message, could she? It wouldn't seem right. It's more personal to ask him out verbally than through a message.

She let out a sigh and said quietly to him, "I'll just tell you later."

Erick frowned but nodded.

He sneaked a glance at Hamish, who was standing a few meters away. He was helping one of their classmates to rearrange the tables and chairs, as well as setting up a wooden divider someone brought from home.

Hamish, sensing Erick was looking at him, turned his head around. Then he saw Erick making signals with his eyes towards Amber, who was still packing her things.

Hamish looked at Amber, who had her back towards him and back again at Erick. It was then he understood what the latter meant.

He quickly finished setting up everything with the others and walked towards Erick, who was still sitting next to Amber.

"Yo," Hamish greeted.

Amber looked up with a smile and said, "Hey Hamish. What's up?"

Hamish just shrugged. He then turned to Erick. "I'll be going off with Isaac later. You don't have to wait for me," he said with a poker face.

Behind Amber, Isaac was carrying posters to be posted outside the classroom when he heard Hamish's comment. His face was clearly saying, 'You will? I am?'

Hamish narrowed his eyes at him warningly without Amber noticing.

Isaac then began to laugh out loud awkwardly. "Ha ha ha. Yeah, I… Er… need some help from Hamish," he lied, still laughing awkwardly.

Amber's mouth formed an 'o'. "Do you guys need some help?" she asked. Seeing that she was one of the committee members, it wouldn't be fair if Hamish does all the work.

Isaac shook his head. "Nah, we'll be fine."

Before Amber could protest, Erick stood up and said with a grin, "Alright then. We'll finish things up here and then we're good to go."

He looked down at Amber, who looked a bit confused and said, "I'll go around and check if anyone needs any help. Just look for me when you're done."

Amber could only nod.

Few minutes later, their class was fully decorated. Chairs and tables were arranged like those in the restaurants with tablecloths and a small sign stand with a menu written on it. Posters with their theme were pasted outside their classroom, with decors beautifying the door frames. There was also a wooden divider that separated the dining area from the 'kitchen', where there were more tables to place their oven, portable stove, cooking utensils and drink stations. Just near the door was another two tables for the hostess and cashier.

On the walls of the class, there were many drawings with a Japanese theme and most specifically Japanese food. They even pasted a Japanese style lamp on the ceiling to make the place more authentic.

Looking around the classroom, everyone in the class felt proud of themselves as they cheered heartily, congratulating each other on their hard work.

Shortly after, they all went home with a big smile on their faces. Each of them carrying their costumes in their arms to be worn tomorrow. Some even made arrangements to sleep over at the other's house to prepare themselves together.

Even though Amber wanted to sleep over at her friend's house, she couldn't. Not because she hadn't told her parents about it but because she never went to any sleepover before. She never made any close friends to do any sleepover.

She sighed. Maybe next time, she thought as she walked out of the room with Erick walking beside her.

Noticing her mood, Erick looked down and asked, "What's up? You seem distracted since earlier."

Amber jumped in surprise. She then laughed awkwardly. "Ah, it's nothing," she replied quickly. Earlier, she was stressing over the invitation. Now, it's a different thing.

It was then she realized that she will be alone with Erick for the trip home. She began to flushed red at the realization. It has been awhile since she was alone with Erick.

She then thought about the invitation. She peeked a glance at him. 'I should tell him later then,' she thought vehemently.

Outside at the student parking lot, Erick opened the car door for her before going over to the driver's side and slid in. Inside, once Amber was seated, he leaned across her and put on the seat belt for her.

She became nervous at the close proximity that when Erick straightened up, he looked at her and saw her blushing. "Are you that nervous being alone with me?" he teased.

Amber glared and punched him on the shoulder playfully. "Stop it!" she protested.

Erick just chuckled as he switched on the ignition. After the car had started, he switched on his music player. A soft melody drifted out of the speaker, sending blissful vibes to the two occupants.

'I will always love you,

I will always stay true,

There's no one who could love you like I do,

Come to me now.

I will never leave you,

I will stay here with you,

Through the good and bad I will stand true,

I'm in love with you [2]'

She began to feel warm as her heart beat furiously, especially when Erick sang the last words softly as he took her hand and held it tight.

Letting out a long breath, trying to calm herself down, she turned her head to Erick, who was still singing softly to the song. She really didn't expect that this manly guy would listen to beautiful love songs like these.

Hence why she asked, "Do you love all these mushy love songs? I didn't expect this out of you."

Erick glanced at her before turning back to the road as he drove. "Not really. I only listened to these songs because they reminded me of you."

'That's a foul!' she protested in her heart.

As if knowing what she was thinking, he shot her a cheeky grin and a wink before turning back again to the road.

Amber pouted. "Anyway..." she said slowly, still trying to calm herself.

"Yeah?"

"Would you like to come over to my house for dinner?"

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[1] Check the photo of Yukata here: https://kyotokimono-rental.com/en/column/japanese-traditional-dress.html

[2] In love with you by Jacky Cheung and Regine Velasquez