Humans (Chuuya Nakahara x reader)

30: Disparate

The next morning we were awakened by Rei.

I slowly opened my eyes to see  Chuuya burying his face in his pillow. I couldn't help but laugh a little. "I see you're still not a morning person" Rei said. "Get lost" Chuuya groaned. "Hey, that's not nice to say to someone who made dinner reservations for you" Rei said and crossed his arms.

"Reservations.. what?" Chuuya asked and sat up on the bed.  "Everything's on me" Rei smiled proudly. "Why would you do that?" Chuuya asked. "You know me longer than today" Rei said. "I know but still" Chuuya said and let out a sigh. "You both seem to have gone through a lot. I want to give you the opportunity to relax with no worries" he said.

Chuuya looked at me.

I felt a little uncomfortable knowing that his friend was not only offering us a place to stay but also paying for our food. "Thank you so much.. you really didn't have to do this" I said to Rei. He shook his head. "It's my pleasure" he said.

———

As it was time to get ready to go the restaurant, I started feeling odd. I never looked at Chuuya in a certain way. All I know is that he made me comfortable. I felt save around him, but seeing him tonight made me feel different. He borrowed a suit from Rei and his cologne was strong yet subtle.

I couldn't help but admit that I felt attracted to him in some way. He caught me looking at him for a bit too long. He raised his eyebrows. "Are you going to get changed?" he asked. I snapped out of my thoughts. "I-I'm sorry.. yes I'll get changed now" I said and turned around to select some clothes.

My eyes caught the attention of the dress that Chuuya bought me yesterday. He must like to see me wearing it. I picked up the dress before making my way to the bathroom. I got dressed into it and looked at myself in the mirror. I detangled my hair with my hands and looked at myself. I didn't feel happy with the way I looked.

I haven't had human contact for very long, but I know for a fact that most people would describe the way I looked as unattractive. I want to fit in with other humans. I want to feel pretty and confident but I never cared enough for it until now. I heard a knock on the door. "Are you ready?" Chuuya asked. I let out a shaky breath before opening the door.

Chuuya's eyes were glued on to me. "The dress" he said. "You look.. stunning" he said as he was eyeing me up and down. I felt my cheeks heat up. Was I flustered?

"Thank you" I said as I looked at the floor. He chuckled. "I didn't know you could blush" he commented. I felt myself slightly panicking. I looked up to meet with his eyes. "I-I've never been complimented by anyone" I said. He took a step towards me and examined my face. "I'll compliment you more often then" he said and smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back.

"We should get going if we don't want to be late" he said as he checked his watch. I nodded and followed him outside.

---

At the restaurant, Chuuya and I talked a lot. The waitress eventually came and handed us our menu's. I opened it and immediately felt a wave of sadness hit me. I couldn't read. The waitress held up a pen and notebook. "Let me know what you guys want to order" she smiled at us. Chuuya ordered his food and waited for me to do the same.

Did he forget that I can't read? Should I bring it up? Why did I feel embarrassed? Chuuya and the waitress waited in anticipation for me to say something. "I...I don't know yet" I said.

The waitress nodded. "That's ok, I can come back later when you made up your mind" she said before walking away. "Chuuya" I said. He took a sip of his wine. "Mhm?" he said back. "You know I can't read" I said. His expression immediately changed. "I'm so sorry.. I forgot" he said and quickly grabbed the menu from me. "I'm used to normal people" he said as he opened the menu. I was taken back by his comment. "It's self explanatory that the people I hang out with know how to read so I need to adjust to you" he added.

I felt hurt by his words. Did he try to initiate that I wasn't normal? I know I'm not like the people he is used to but still his words affected me. He helped me pick out what to order and called the waitress back. "I'm sorry it took so long, she doesn't know how to read" he told her. She gave me a surprised look. "You must have had a special youth" she said before writing down the order. "Don't feel embarrassed, we all have our flaws" she said before walking away.

I felt miserable and humiliated.

Why? Why did he have to talk me down like this?

Was I overreacting by being hurt?

No. I have all the right to feel the way I do.

I am human after all.