The Ball

Chapter 2
Confusion

Len's Perspective

Len was in a gift shop. He still couldn't ask Rin to the ball. He was scared that she might refuse, also scared that she might accept Jun's invitation. He decided to start out by buying Rin a gift. Rin liked to tie ribbons around her hair. She probably had dozens of white ribbons. For a change, Len purchased a pink ribbon.

"I would like it to be wrapped in a gift box please," he requested to the shopkeeper.

He met Rin on his way back, and seized the opportunity immediately.

"Hey Rin!" he called out to her.

"Hi!" she called back with a wave, and came over to him.

"Here, take this, it's a gift from me," said Len.

"For me?" replied Rin.

"Yes." Len grinned and went off.

Rin's Perspective

Rin got back to her house, and went to her room. There, she unwrapped Len's gift, and took out the ribbon. She started at it. It was beautiful. And pink in colour, for a change. She carefully put it in the box and carefully kept. She was worried when Len called out at her. She thought Len was angry with the incident with Jun, but she guessed he was not. At least there was 6 more days until the ball.

Len's Perspective

Len decided to ask Rin as soon as possible. There they were again, the next day at the cafeteria after school, having lunch. They were chatting casually. Len waited for an opening to ask her. Just then, he saw Jun coming towards them. No, no, no, no! He thought. Blast! He's probably coming to ask Rin.

Just as he was within ear shot, he asked Rin abruptly, "Rin, want to go to the ball with me?"

"Huh?" she looked at him with confused eyes.

Jun stopped dead in his tracks. The sounds from his feet made Rin notice him, and she looked from Len to him. She blushed, her face redder than ever.

"I, um…"

"What a coincidence! I was going to ask her the same thing!" Jun said cheerfully.

Len's hands were clenched. The nerve of him!

"I-I, err," stammered Rin.

The two boys were staring at her.

"Well, it's your choice," Jun said, smiling.

"Uhh, yeah." Len followed. The truth was, he wanted to smash Jun into a thousand pieces and tell Rin to accept his invitation. But then again, that was not the reality of the situation, so he played along.

"Um, can't you give me some time guys?" Rin said softy.

"Certainly, certainly!" said Jun. "Five whole days to think about, no worries!"

"Yes, yes," followed Len.

"Um, excuse me, I have something on," said Rin, stood up, and left the cafeteria.

"Quite a girl, hm?" said Jun to Len.

"…"

"Well, see you around, mate." Jun said, and also left the cafeteria.

Len was there for several minutes. He thought he totally ruined his chances by asking Rin in front of Jun. How stupid of him! Now what was he supposed to do? He definitely couldn't approach her again. It might be awkward. He just had to wait for her to say her "Yes". Or "No", he thought darkly.

Rin's Perspective

Rin ran all the way home, went into her room and slammed the door. Now what was she supposed to do? It would be definitely awkward when she meets them again. But she still couldn't make up her mind. The thought of going with Jun was wonderful, with such a nice and strong guy, but she also wanted to go with Len. What was she supposed to do? At least tomorrow was Saturday, so she won't have to worry about meeting them.