I recognize this sign. Why do I recognize this sign? Where the hell does this sign fit into where I am? Which way did I go the first time I saw this sign? Why must I have such god forsaken navigation skills? The questions never end. I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, breaking my concentration on this stupid shop sign.

"Where are you? You're late." -Iyo

As much as I would love to just ignore my sister and focus on figuring out where I am, I decide that maybe incurring her wrath on this particular day is a bad idea. Her usual irritating nature has turned into one of downright inconvenience as of late, especially so when she's upset. I have no idea what happened, but whatever it was has made dealing with her a hell of a lot more difficult than it used to be.

"Somewhere in town. I'll be there in a bit." –Kenji

I resume my staring at the vaguely familiar sign, only to be interrupted by another text.

"You're lost aren't you?" –Iyo

"No" –Kenji

Choosing to ignore the follow cluster of texts in favor of finding my way home, I look up to the sign again. After a few moments, a familiar face moves in front of mine, startling me. It takes me only a moment to recognize girl as the one from the hospital… Kimura?

"You're staring at that sign the same way you did me. Either you just like staring at things, or it's important somehow," she teases.

"I recognize the sign, but I don't remember when I saw it," I clarify, refusing to admit to this girl that I'm lost. "Although you seem to be awarding yourself some unearned importance, there."

"Well, you stared at me for a good ten seconds without saying anything, at the hospital. That would make most girls feel pretty self-important, wouldn't it?"

"You just caught me off guard, that's all."

"Right, just like the sign. So, what does a doctor in training need to wander around the town for an hour for?"

The questions just never end with this one. She almost reminds me of Mizutani's friend, the irritating one that kept pestering me about her. Except Kimura seems like she's genuinely intelligent, even if she's just as irritating.

"And how do you know how long I've been here for? Are you stalking me?"

"A smart looking guy wandering by the same coffee shop four times is just a tad interesting, don't you think? I figured I would see what you're up to."

"I'm just trying to kill some time before I have to be somewhere. I should actually get going now," I say, attempting to slip away from this uncomfortable conversation as quickly as possible. It's as if the girl is invading my mind itself.

"Well, where are you headed?"

"For now, just to Shin-Moriyama station."

"Really? Which direction are you riding?"

"Towards Kachigawa."

I beg the gods for her to say something other than what I know is coming.

"Oh, so am I. Mind if I walk with you?"

The gods are worthless to me.

"Just how would I stop you if I did?"

Kimura responds with a genuine smile that makes my heart stop for a moment. Irritating or not, I can't deny how beautiful this girl is (in my head, that is; you'd never catch me saying something like that out loud).

She's quiet for the walk to the station, and I'm surprised to find that although she's clearly leading me to it, I'm unconsciously keeping a few steps behind her. This girl has me accepting her help without even offering it. She's a damned genius.

We sit on the train in silence for the first few minutes, before she breaks the silence again.

"So, you already know my given name, and I don't know yours. That's not very fair, is it?"

I turn to look at the girl, who's staring contentedly out of the window across from us. Asking such ridiculous question as if it's nothing, just who the hell is this girl?

"It's Kenji. Most people just call me Yamaken, though."

"Hm, I think I prefer Kenji."

"Oi, don't just use people's given name without their permission."

"You told me, didn't you? Isn't that permission enough?" she quips, sneaking a sly look out of the corner of her eye.

As I get off at Kachigawa, I hear her call out to me, "I'll see you around, Kenji!" I don't turn around until I'm on the platform, and I see her waving at me from the train. Without even thinking to, I catch myself waving back. As the train pulls away, I can't help but wonder what kind of a mess I've gotten myself into with this girl.


Another appearance from Ayane brings out Yamaken's awkward side! You really didn't think he was so cool and collected all the time, did you? Anyways, thanks for reading once again! New chapters should be posted weekly, around 5-6 PM (EST), assuming I don't drop this and let it die in my fanfic graveyard(I'll do my best not to!). (11/1/15)