Podd
"Do you like Earth?" Kenji asked me.
I wonder why Earth's friends were suspicious about our relationship. Did I show my interest in him?
"What do you mean?" I asked him back.
"Nothing. I just want to know. He looks happier since he knew you." What? Was he? Did I make Earth change. I always see Earth cheerful.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about? Is it secret? Why are you whispering?" Earth stopped eating.
"Nothing, Earth. Have you finished your meals? Let's go home." Kenji started to put his stuff into his bag.
After we said goodbye to Joss, we went to the parking area.
"Earth, is that your car?" Kenji asked when Earth was still walking toward my car.
"Oh yes, I forgot."
"P Podd, I think you should stay at Earth's apartment. You look really tired."
"I'm okay. Don't worry." Actually I was really tired. I walked all day at Joss's college. Furthermore, the weather was really hot, too.
"Kenji is right, P. Come to my apartment. You can rest. Tomorrow you are free, right? You can go home early if you want to," said Earth. He looked so serious. He wanted me to go to his apartment. Should I accept his offer?
"How, P?"
"Alright. I agree with you." Finally I said yes. Could I sleep at Earth's room? He would be so close.
"Good. Let's go home. Bye Kenji, take care!" said Earth while entering his car.
Kenji and I went to our cars. When I found my car, Kenji stopped and prevented me open my car's door.
"P, I think you like Earth, don't you? I can see from your eyes. If it is true, you should tell him. He must be happuer. Few days ago, Earth told me that he was happy to know you. He also said that his feeling could not be said by words." Did I hear right?
"Kenji, I don't know why you told me about this. But, I'm glad to know that Earth was happy with me. I don't know what to say to you, but ..."
"Just don't hurt him." Kenji interrupted me. "If you don't like him, don't be too nice to him."
"I know. I won't hurt him. Thanks, Kenji for telling me." Kenji nodded and went to his car after saying goodbye.
I entered my car and I had to follow Earth to his apartment. I didn't think I would spend this night at his apartment.
30 minutes later.
We arrived at the parking area of Earth's apartment. I saw Earth coming to me.
"P, I have to buy something at the minimarket. I think I'm still hungry." What? He just had dinner few minutes ago.
"What are you going to buy?"
"Instant noodles or chips, I think. I only have fresh vegetables in my refrigerator. My mom bought them for me when she visited me last week."
"I'll cook for you."
"What?"
"Do you know that I can cook, right? You should eat healthy food."
"But are you not tired?"
"No, I'm going to cook a simple dish for you."
"Well, okay then. Let's go."
We finally went to Earth's apartment. When we were in the lift, we were silent. I had nothing to say. Why was I too shy? I have ever spent night in my friend's apartment, but there was nothing weird. But, why did my heart beat faster when I knew that I would spend night in Earth's apartment?
"Come in, P. There is a bathroom. That is a kitchen. Just enjoy like your room!"
I looked around. There is a large bed, a long couch, a large wardrobe. There is a table where some photos on it. There is also a table with some books and scripts.
"Ehm, I think I should cook now. What do you like to eat, Earth?"
"It's up to you, P. While you're cooking, I'll take a bath."
"Okay."
I cooked salad and soup for Earth. He didn't like vegetables but I had to force him to eat them.
***
Earth came out from bathroom with pajamas. He looked fresh with wet hair.
"P, are you done?"
"Yes. Here you are."
"Wow, they look delicious. Oh, are they all vegetables?"
"Yes. You should eat them. I put some pieces of pork in the soup."
"Ehm, okay I'll try to eat them. Well, P. Why don't you take a bath? I have prepared warm water in the bathtub for you."
What? Earth prepared warm water for me? Did my face look red now?
"Okay, thanks. I'll take a bath."
When I was taking a bath, I thought what I had to do next. I had to feel relaxed. Earth would think bad of me if he knew what I felt right now.
After 15 minutes, I came out of the bathroom with the same shirt and shorts. Then I put my trousers in my bag. I didn't bring my clothes, of course, because I planned to go home after visiting Joss.
"P, here is my T-shirt. It is large. I think it suits on you." Earth gave a white T-shirt to me.
"Is it okay?"
"Of course."
"By the way, how are the meals?"
"They are all delicious, P. I like them. Usually I didn't like vegetables salad, but your salad was yummy. I hope you can cook for me again next time."
"I'm glad you like my cooking, Earth."
Then I went to the couch and prepared to sleep.
"Hey, P, are you going to sleep there?"
"Yes, why? You have only one bed."
"My bed is large, P. You should sleep with me on the bed. I won't let my friend sleep on the couch."
What did he say? He wanted me to sleep with him?
"But Earth..."
"No, but. Just sleep here." Earth put a pillow from a cupboard.
"Oh, what is this? Is it a blanket?" I took a weird thing on his bed. It is a wolf cloak.
"I don't know what it is actually. My fans gave it to me. All dolls on the bed are from my fans too," said Earth while brushing his teeth.
Then he started to go to bed. We shared a brown blanket. Earth didn't have a bolster, so there was no gap between us on the bed.
After chatting for a while, I saw Earth sleep soundly, but not me. I couldn't sleep. His right arm always touched my left arm.
I felt really hot, so I decided to get off and open a curtain.
"P, you couldn't sleep?"
Earth surprised me.
"Ehm.. actually yes. Just don't mind me. Go to sleep!"
"No, P. Let's talk." Hearing what he said, I closed the curtain and got on the bed.
"I also can't sleep, P."
"But you looked like you're sleeping soundly."
"Umm... I just want to test you. I think I feel what you feel, P"
"What do you mean?"
"You were not comfortable when we slept together, right?"
"So you felt the same. But why didn't you let me sleep on the couch?"
"No, I didn't mean that. My heart beat faster right now. I don't know whether it is because of you or not."
Did I hear wrong? Earth, you have said it.
"Earth, do you like me?"
"That..."
"I like you, Earth." He was surprised.