"So?"
The voice was calm, carrying through the silence of the hallway like waves rolling to the shore. It sent tingles up her spine, and she couldn't help but lean into it, drunk on the sound already. It was how she expected it to be, strong, no stuttering to be heard. The girl who possessed it was firm and stood tall like the strong oaks she often sat under in the sunlight, kendo sword perched at her side as always.
Still, Saya could pick up the faintest hints of pleading, unexpected from Saeko Busujima. Maybe she was nervous, perhaps embarrassed. Struggling in a class to the point of needing a tutor was never something to be proud of. It was evidence to someone's extreme stupidity, and Saya didn't help stupid people. To assist the all brawn and no brain girl in front of her would be taking away her own free time. It was a ludicrous thought, one she never considered.
Saya looked up at the violet mane, noticing the sunlight shine through it. It was what Saya could picture an angel to look like, though she'd never imagined one before. Could the same effect be recreated on canvas? Continuing down from the hair, Saya's eyes traced the sharp contours of Saeko's face, noticing the flaws but unable to care. The skin looked smooth, but stretched in some places, as if the girl had spent many hours glaring or in deep thought.
Saya avoided her eyes, feeling their piercing gaze. Were they observing her too? Or was she just weirded out by the staring?
Saya felt a rush of heat to her cheeks, her impulsive confidence dwindling slightly. But still, she did not look away. Following the slope of Saeko's chin to her torso, Saya cursed the world for the restrictive clothing blocking her view. Another rush of heat soon followed.
Saya inhaled shakily, squinting at the ground. Her fists were clenched tightly to her side as she debated the pros and cons of what she was being asked. If she agreed to this, then she'd be spending a lot more time with Saeko. Time she could be painting or reading, her free time. Saeko would come to her house...her room. Saya had never had anyone from school in her room before, much less someone like Saeko. It's not like she had anything to hide, she was rich and of a high class after all. Her home was extravagant, her clothes were designer, and she was incredibly intelligent. She was perfect, more so than Ms. Failing Grade.
So why?
Why was her stomach clenching?
Why did she want to leave?
But at the same time Saya rooted herself to the spot, she wanted to hear that voice. She wanted to feel that pull. That's why she had to say no. Those feelings were absurd and illogical, two words that would never define her. She had never given them a chance to define her. She grimaced and looked up, now face to face with the kendo champion.
"I'm sorry Ms. Bus-!"
But those eyes. Those deep beryl traps pulled her in. They had her, and she didn't even struggle to tear away. The grip was firm, and just so natural. Everything seemed to pass by as Saya was rooted to the earth, but it was all dull compared to the sea she was floating in. Her shoulders drooped, and her fingers uncurled.
Was this what happiness felt like? The peace…
Saya found herself unable to speak momentarily, but oh how she wanted to shout. She was bubbling over with an unidentified emotion, and it annoyed her that she could not understand it. Saya blinked, catching a glint in the other's eyes. It was subtle, but it screamed at her. Nothing mattered but Saeko, and for once Saya felt focused on. She was being seen, completely seen. Was Saeko surprised as well? Surprised at what exactly? That…that feeling maybe? She didn't even know. But she did know her answer to the predicament. She bit her lower lip before finding a faint whisper of her voice. It was all she had, and it was cowardly and childish. But she had to use it, or else…
"My house…tomorrow night."
Saya didn't know what compelled her to agree, but she knew that turning away from…that person, whoever she was to her, would've been reprehensible.
AN: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been updating but school has been busy lately. I do want to keep these drabbles going though. If you guys have any prompts you want to see with these two, feel free to tell me ^^ Please review, I love hearing feedback, and boy do I need it. Thanks for reading! Fic inspired by Signal Fire by Snow Patrol (listen while you read!) ;)
