The Blue Orchid Years

Chapter 24: An Evening of Surprises

January 29th 2627

"Look who is awake and ready for his late morning coffee!" Moira greeted me from the living room as I made my way down the stairs. "Rain and everybody else are out exploring that seaside cave Akira took us to the other day. They let you sleep in because they understand you've been sleep deprived these days."

"That's nice of them," I answered as I rubbed my eyes and poured liquid creamer into my coffee. "Isn't it scorching hot outside? I hope they bring sunscreen."

"It's just as hot as usual today. The weather forecast indicates it's gonna get chillier in a few hours, though, chilly enough for light jackets. Hey, are you listening, Nardho?" Moira waved her hand in front of me when I didn't look up from my coffee mug.

"Sorry, I was distracted for a moment." I blinked and gave her a quick nod before gesturing for her to show me her phone. Just like she said, the temperature could drop later this afternoon.

"You have anything you wanna do before our evening get-together with our professors?" Moira scrolled through her planner before pocketing her phone. "I mean anything other than revising our bi-weekly reports. Didn't you say there's someone who wants to meet with us?"

"Yes. Give me a minute to get ready and then we'll go."

The wind blew our hair as we walked hand in hand to the same ice cream shop Tony proposed to Nardhia at. This time, however, instead of meeting with my sister and her fiancé we would be seeing Izumi. She texted me last night just before bedtime that she had a surprise she thought Moira and I would be thrilled to hear. I begged her to drop some clues but she remained tight-lipped.

"What do you think Izumi has in store for us?" Moira asked just as I was about to push the door to the ice cream shop.

"Probably something like she wants to throw a party for Nardhia and Tony, who knows?" I shrugged. "It's the only thing I could think of. Aside from us being in the same group project, I haven't spent much time with her to have a better idea of what she might be planning. Your guess is as good as mine."

"Isn't she one of your best friends? Or was that more of a one-sided declaration on her part?" Moira gave me a quizzical look as we sat in an empty booth waiting for Izumi to arrive.

"I regard everyone in our dorm as my best friends, honestly," I replied as I scanned the menu. "But you're right in implying that even so I must admit there are a few I naturally grow closer to and a few I still yet to get to know. By the way, which ice cream flavors sound good to you? Let's share a cone."

"Sharing a cone would be messy, wouldn't it?" she chuckled and flipped the menu. "Let's just get the big cup and get two or three scoops of different flavors."

"Oh yeah, with a cone you gotta eat the ice cream fast enough but with a cup you wouldn't have to worry about making a mess as it melts," I grinned and glanced at her. "I'm fine with whatever flavor, just don't pick anything too sweet."

"Nothing too sweet? I get it, I'm the sweetest thing you could handle."

Wait, did the normally shy girl just tease me? Who taught her all about teasing?

"Moira, did my twin tell you to give me diabetes? She's coaching you in how to kill me with an overabundance of puns, isn't she?"

"Maybe?" she started giggling. "Did I nail it or was it too in-your-face?"

"You don't have to change the way you talk to me, you know," I winked. "Just be yourself. I have to say that I'm impressed you delivered that line confidently, though. Good job."

"Yeah, good job, Moira!" a high-pitched voice joined in our conversation. Izumi put her arms around the smiling girl's shoulder and snorted. "Nardho, don't even try to hide your happiness. I know you secretly enjoy hearing her talk like that."