DANGIT! I just realized I missed a scene in the FF.net version of chapter 9... so I'm gonna re-create it here.
Aya took off after the shop closed that day. That left Ken and I fixing dinner for three while Omi did his homework at the kitchen table.
“I can’t believe you did that. In the middle of the shop and everything!” Ken said. He stared at me with a look that suggested that I’d done the gutsiest thing he’d ever seen anyone do.
“I’m just glad no one walked into the store while I was doing it.” I replied, just as astonished.
Omi was happily scribbling away in a notebook of his. He was still humming that tune. Did he have it stuck in his head, or something? It was really starting to bug me. Anyway, at this point Omi stopped and looked up at the two of us.
“Yeah, you were lucky, Yohji-kun. Are you going to that party?” He changed the subject.
“Of course.” I answered. The conversation died. After a few minutes Omi resumed humming.
“Hey Omi.” Ken asked. “What’s that song you’re always humming?”
Well what do you know? It seems I was not the only one being annoyed. Omi flushed a red tinge, and stopped. He was just BEGGING to be teased, with a reaction like that. I walked over to Omi, put my hands on his shoulders, and leaned in close to his ear.
“Don’t worry. We won’t think any less of you if it’s dirty.” I told him, loud enough so Ken could hear. Omi just looked at me, his eyes wide with disgust, blushing even harder.
“Yohji-kun! It’s not DIRTY!” He insisted.
“Well then, what is it?” I said. Omi sighed.
“It’s I love You Always Forever.” He answered through clenched teeth.
“Awww, now isn’t that cute. Omi has a crush on someone.” Ken taunted, turning off the stove. He placed a sieve in the sink.
“I didn’t say that!” Omi insisted, but Ken was merciless. He’s been hanging out with ME too much.
“So, who’s the girl?” He asked, draining the water from the noodles he’d been cooking.
“It’s not a girl.” Omi said, trying to return to his notebook. Ken didn’t even miss a beat.
“So you DO have a crush on someone.” He realized. “Who is it?” Omi relented.
“It’s Yohji.”
Needless to say, we had an interesting dinner. Ken kept on Omi about having to wait until I was ready for him. Omi kept insisting he was willing, and that he was sure I’d be worth it. Besides, he’d get nowhere being pushy.
“I mean, just look at YOU.” He pointed out. Ken stopped dead in his tracks.
“Oh, shut up, you.” He said.
That Saturday, Omi helped me pack up the order from my stepmom into the flowershop mobile. True to form, he remained bright and cheerful through it all. He made pleasant conversation. Just small talk about the party. I couldn’t help but admire the kid. I’m not the easiest person to be around when I’m upset. Aya-kun has made this clear to me on several occasions. It’s amazing that through all my whining and moping, Omi’s still here with me, trying to cure a broken heart with late-night offerings and contagious optimism. Fairly soon we were packed, and I mounted the bike.
“Have fun.” He said.
“Yeah, right.” I replied sarcastically. I started up the engine and puttered ahead a few feet.
“It won’t be that bad.” Omi insisted. He stayed where he was, and waved “Bye!”
I turned back to face Omi. Winking, I paused long enough to blow him a kiss before leaving. The look on his face was priceless.