A (Second) Chance Meeting

Kyoko and Kaname stand waiting for the train to take them home. Kaname sighed heavily and

looked wearily around the train station. Kyoko was worried about her because she looked so unlike

her usual self. Kaname felt herself being watched and thought it might be Sousuke but then realized

it was Kyoko. When Kaname looked at her, Kyoko said. "What's the matter, Kaname, feeling ill?"

"No," replied Kaname. "Just feeling tired." "From what?" asked Kyoko. "Too many school activities

or being class representative?" Kaname just shook her head and said. "If it was only those, I'd be

alright but I have to endure a larger burden – Sousuke Sagara." Kyoko frowned then said. "I know

he acts unconventional at times but he seems to be a nice guy and you two seem to have fun at school."

Kaname looked her in the eye and said. "Unconventional, yeah, you can say that. Once or twice being

unconventional a week or month would be funny. He does it, once or twice a day, sometimes per hour.

I am worn out, tired, exhausted of Sousuke Sagara! I need to get some distance from him or time away

by myself." Just then, the train arrived and they boarded. As the doors closed and they started off,

Kaname heard someone say. "Chidori?" It was a male voice and seemed somewhat familiar. She turned

and saw the speaker, her heart skipped a beat then beat faster while her face warmed. She said. "Hello,

Fuwa-senpai."

Sousuke was worried about Kaname, she was not acting normally. Any activity out of the

ordinary was usually a trouble sign and he was watching her carefully to see what the problem was.

While watching her over the week, she hardly seemed aware of him. Not even a single hit or shout

had come his way and why was she always looking at something in her schoolbag and sighing? On

Friday afternoon after class, he and Kyoko were doing the cleaning. Finally, he decided he needed

more information and would see if Kyoko knew what Kaname's problem was. He spoke up. "It's

strange, but, the way Kaname is acting, she is either being blackmailed or abusing drugs." Kyoko

started to say. "I not sure..." when Sousuke broke in to say. "I'm worried about her." At that point,

Kaname came in and gave a casual glance around, told them it looked good and went to get her bag.

Sousuke was still behind her and startled her when he said. "Miss Chidori, is there a problem

that I can help you with?" Kaname swirled around and gave her nervous laugh. "No, no problems. I -

ah, no really, nothing, so don't worry about. I have some business to attend to and have to leave early."

She grabbed her bag and ran from the room. Sousuke said. "I'm worried, very worried." Kyoko turned

suddenly and asked him if he was busy that Sunday. When he said he could make time available,

Kyoko asked him. "Would you go out with me on that day?"

On to Chapter 2