𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐝 - s. ᴍᴀɴᴊɪʀᴏ

𝟎𝟏𝟗: 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧

"Draken?" You greet in confusion, opening the door to see the tall boy.

"You and Emma are friends, right?" He asks, scratching his neck and averting his eyes. You've never seen Draken look nervous. You nod and ask why he came all the way to your place to ask that. "Emma's birthday is soon," he informs, "And uh, I don't know what to give her..."

Locking your door, the two of you head down, exiting the building. Draken told you Emma's birthday was on the 25th. He tried to ask Mikey for any ideas, but the boy laughed at him, making fun of how serious he looked. You told Draken that you and Emma aren't that close, but you had an idea of what he could get her.

You both walked into the arcade, he seemed confused about why would pick this place. "There!" You point at one of the claw machines. They were filled with pink teddy bears.

Draken crouches down, looking at the bears closely. "It's kinda ugly," he blurts out.

"No, it's not!" You disagree strongly. He puts in his coin and tries to get one. You looked around the claw machines. Walking to the Sanrio one, you went up to the glass, squinting to see if you could find it.

They must've taken it out since it was ripped, you thought. Thinking back about the My Melody plush Mikey ripped trying to yank it out. You giggle to yourself thinking about it.

"Do all girls like pink things?" He asks, and you quickly turn. Embarrassed he might've heard you laugh to yourself. "No... but girls like cute things," you answer. You noticed he had the plush in his hands already. "Woah! Did you get that first try?" You asked amazed and the boy nodded.

As the two of you walked out, you couldn't help but notice that he looked awkward holding onto it. You held your hand out, "I can hold onto it for you," you offer. Draken lends you the bear.

"You can pick it up whenever," you tell him. Draken thanks you for helping him out. Waving, he smiles at you and greets you goodbye.

You think about how lucky Emma was to be getting a full plush. You didn't even get to keep the ear Mikey ripped since he took it back. Setting the bear down, you wonder if you should give Emma a present as well.

-

November 25th, 2005.

"Hello? Oh, sorry I'm out right now, but I have the bear with me. Meet me at the beauty shop."

You hang up. You had the bear hidden in a gift bag, in case you ran into her. You continued to look at all the makeup products, unsure of what to pick out. You had a tight budget, so you would only be able to get one item. Your phone rings.

"Hello?"

"I'm outside."

"Well, come in."

"No."

You look out the glass windows and spot him with his back facing the store. He was wearing a longer, warmer version of his usual top. Most likely due to the autumn cold.

"Oh, man up, I need your help deciding anyway."

"Does it look like I wear makeup?"

"Just come in."

The bell on top of the door chimes and you watch him walk up to you with his head down. You sigh, seeing this as not much of a big deal. He looks around, "This store smells funny."

You point out that it's because you two were around the fragrance aisle. You continue to walk around the store and he follows from behind. "Why do you need my help again?" Draken asks, slightly irritated. You couldn't help but laugh at how embarrassed he sounded. "What do you think Emma would look pretty in?" You ask back. You watch him look around the store.