A Spirit's Love: The Romantic Shadow

Even when I fought with Tom, I still went to the 'date' with Senior Rizal. This time, Tom didn't follow me like he always did. Let him be!

Yeah, over all, I would have fun with Senior Rizal. If I could be a little bit aware of my surrounding, I thought he liked me. Ahaha... but, I couldn't put too much hope in it, right?

The day was getting darker. Now we were sitting in the bank of a small river which was located a little bit far from G city. Why he brought me here, I didn't know. There was nothing good to see here. Beach was better than this place. We could see the sun setting down, hiding behind the horizon, leaving colourful sky behind it for the world to see. It was such a romantic sight!

It was getting darker and darker and worry and nervousness started to creep on me. We were still sitting here, talking nothing important. I couldn't hold it anymore, so I voiced out the question in my head.

"Senior, why are we here?" I whispered to him.

He looked at me gently and smiled. I could feel my heart beats faster inside my chest. "Sshh... just watch." He whispered, in lower voice.

I looked at him in confusion. What should I see? What will I watch?

"They are coming out." Senior Rizal whispered again, but this time his voice laced with joy and happiness. But, that's not what my concern was. My concern was he was hugging my shoulders and my eyes seemed to jump out from the sockets. He pulled me closer to him until I could feel his warmth against my skin.

But, wait, what is coming out? Ghost? Monster? Fairy? Is it some kind of joke?

I held myself a bit not to see what was in front of me. But, my fear was taken down by my curiosity. I opened up my eyes and I finally understood what he said. My eyes widened in surprised as I saw what he meant by 'them'.

"Hotaru[1]..." I mumbled in disbelief.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" He smiled at me.

"Yes, really." I agreed with him. Now I got why he brought me here. He took me far from the city only to show me this rare experience that I guaranteed would never be found in the city. It was even more beautiful than watching sunset.

The fireflies appeared more and more. Now, it was not as dark as before. The dim light from the fireflies and the moon in the sky shone where we were sitting on.

"Like..."I heard Senior Rizal mumbled something, so I turned my head to look at him.

"Did you say something?" I asked.

"I like you." This time, the words were clearer. I was stunned. Was I dreaming? Or did I really hear a confession from my idol, Senior Rizal?

"Going out with me. Be my girlfriend, Jane. I really like you." He repeated firmly. His face was slightly blushing even under the dim light of the fireflies.

"Ah.. I.... I...." I stammered. Why was I stammering like this? Wasn't it what I wanted? My love was not a one-sided love and I could feel my face blushing like crazy.

"Do you like Dino?" He asked. It was a surprising question. I shook my head quickly. "Or Mario?" He asked again. I shook my head again.

"It's pissing me off every time I saw you with one of them. This is the first time I want to monopolize someone just for myself, and it's you." He admitted while bowing shyly. How cute!

"I like Senior Rizal." I said without even realizing what it means.

Senior Rizal stared at me. Then, I realized what I had said. My face was flushing red and my heart bit like crazy.

"Is that a yes?" He asked me, sounded full of hope.

I nodded slowly and shyly, didn't want to see too excited. "Yes..." I said slowly.

Oh gosh, may I faint now?

Senior Rizal smiled widely. "Thanks God." He mumbled. He looked awkward.

No, the air felt heavy and awkward. What is happening here? We were finally dating, but why is this happening? Senior Rizal suddenly got up and sat behind me. Then, he hugged me from behind and hid his face in my shoulder.

"I don't know anymore. Now that you're mine, I won't let you go." He whispered in my ear.

I laughed slowly. He was so funny. How come he became this childish? I patted his head gently. Woaahh... This was the first time we were this close. But, then... *kiss* ...a kiss landed on my cheek. My cheeks were getting hotter.

"Just let us be like this now. I'll be staying up late tonight to finish my drawing task." He whispered.

I smiled. "Okay..."