Anywhere But Here
Why must I post another story that will never be finished in the first place?
October
I dropped my pencil on the floor and let out a huge sigh. This isn't working, I muttered in frustration. We have a lot of homework and projects recently because were seniors and all. But I can't set my mind into work at all. For the past few months, all I can think about is Sakurako. Sure, it's the same old bratty Sakurako but somehow, she's getting less annoying and more amusing to me.
We don't fight as often as before. No hair pulling, cheek pinching brawls. In fact, I never thought I can interact with her in a very civilized manner without the presence of other people. What's happening to me? Maybe it's all this work, the stress is getting into me. But despite my attempts to rationalize my situation, my thoughts wandered back to the girl that confuses me the most. I traced the line of words in the book with my fingers silently, my eyes half closed. I wonder if Sakurako's already done with our homework for tomorrow. Knowing her, she'll just copy someone else's work. I certainly won't let her copy mine, though.
...
'Maybe I should call her?' Before stopping to think, I grabbed my phone and dialed Sakurako's number.
Ring...
Ring...
R—
"What do you want?"
'Is that how she usually greet someone on the phone?' I wondered, my hand clutching the receiver tightly.
"Why do you sound so annoyed?" I asked. I didn't like her tone at all.
"Why do you hafta call me anyway?"
...
"Sakurako..." I warned.
"I know, sorry. I'm in the convenience store right now."
Huh?
"What are you doing there? Isn't your family supposed to be having dinner right about now?"
"You knew that and still called me? Anyways, I'm looking for Onee-chan. She went out half an hour ago saying she needs to buy something."
"You're looking for her on your own accord?"
"'Course not, Hanako kicked me out! She told me to find Onee-chan and buy some milk along the way."
Sometimes, I don't know who's older, you or Hanako...
"Did you find her yet?"
"Nope, but I found that new brand of chips in your fridge. Tasty~!" Wait, don't tell me...
"Sakurako, you little—!" I heard her laughter before the line went dead.
Ugh... okay, so I'm still annoyed at her. I forgot why I even called her the first place. After all my efforts—tsk—fine, she can fail all our subjects for all I care! Okay, calm down Himawari. Get it together, it's just stress. Go outside and cool off, maybe a trip to the convenient store will clear my head.
Getting my purse and jacket, I stepped out of the room. I didn't see Kaede on my way to the front door. "Kaede, I'm going out for a bit. Do you want anything from the convenience store?"
No answer. I shrugged, I'll just buy her pudding then. Putting my jacket on, I stepped out of the house.
I walked as fast as I could, the convenience store is not that far but it's such a cold night tonight. No surprise there. Winter is just around the corner, after all. I hugged my jacket closer to my body, tucking my fingers inside the sleeves. I sped up when I saw the flickering light emitting from the sign post, they should really change the bulbs on that.
Stepping inside, I grabbed a grocery basket and went into the aisles looking for a snack. I took two bags of chips (the same brand that Sakurako stole from me), a chocolate bar and a pack of gummy bears. I put them in the basket and grabbed some pudding for Kaede.
I also checked the magazine racks, browsing through the magazines looking for something to read. When I was satisfied, I went up to the cashier to pay for everything.
While the cashier was busy with the cash register, I looked at the wall clock to check the time. Ten past nine in the evening. I better get home and work on my homework.
Stepping out of the store, I looked up, a starless night.
Achoo!
Sniff... a cold starless night.
I was about to walk off but something caught my eye, two figures standing by the store. Even in the dim light, I can recognize one of them. Nadeshiko, Sakurako's older sister. The same person Sakurako was trying to find earlier.
She's standing closely—almost leaning—towards another girl. The girl have long dark hair and brown eyes. They were whispering to each other, so I tried to get closer without being seen. I know this is bad and totally none of my business but there's something about their closeness that bothers me.
"It's getting late, want me to walk you home?" Nadeshiko said, her brows furrowed.
"It's okay, I can manage that," the girl sweetly smiled at her.
"I'll miss you..."
She chuckled. "We can see each other at school tomorrow."
"I know, but that's... different," Nadeshiko pouted at this.
Different? How so?
I was racking my brain out when suddenly the girl giggled and kissed her lips, much to Nadeshiko and my surprise.
...
...
...
I think my jaw just hit the floor. They're going out!
Uhh... well, they're going out, like dating each other!
I leaned against the wall and touched my cheeks. I closed my eyes, my face feels hot. I must look like a tomato right now. 'Why am I getting excited all about? I've seen a couple kissing before! But they're girls!', my inner voice argued. I tried to clear my head but the image of them seemed to replay over and over again. What's the matter with me?! Gah! I'm turning into a pervert! Gotta calm down, okay breathe...
Inhale... Exhale... See? That was easy. It'll be gone. I'm not a pervert.
But by the time I opened my eyes, Nadeshiko is standing in front of me looking slightly irritated.
"Hey." She almost growled. At that moment, I wished I just stayed at home and did my homework.
'What do I do now?' I started to wonder in my panic. I'm trapped and I know it.
Trying to calm down at this point is the farthest thing in my mind.
BETA: Keirajoy
Thanks to Keirajoy for that wonderful fangirling moment of Himawari, I couldn't have done it without you.
—Nhame