Chapter 3- Intense realizations

   "Listen to the other side... Let the other side shine through... Don't be so dense... There's more to you than it seems... Love isn't all hurt... Listen to your heart..."

   I awoke with a start.  I looked around and realized that I was still in Miaka's apartment on her recliner.  

   Man, I must be really tired...

   Then I remembered the dream I just had.

   Man, that was freaky, I wonder what that was all about...

   "Taka, can you run and get some more food... please?"

   "Miaka, did you eat it all ready?"

   "...maybe."

   "All right. I'll be right back everybody."

   "Thanks, Taka baby!"

   And then the door shut.

   "Miaka, is Genrou asleep?"  A familiar Ryuuen-like voice asked.

   Seems as though all the guests came without noticing me asleep.  I wondered how long I had been there.  Not very long, I thought.  

   "Err... I think so.  I think he's sick or something."

   Sick, yeah, that must be what's wrong with me.  That's why...

   "Listen to your heart..."

   I cringed and sat up.  

   All eyes were on me.  

   I faked a smile and waved.

   Everyone went back to their original conversations.

   I couldn't even think straight... What if Miaka was righ--

   "Genrou!  What's going on, old buddy?"

   "Kouji! How ya doing?!"

   Kouji smiled at me.  "You look like you've been up studying too hard."  He patted me on the back.

   I laughed.  Kouji, my best buddy, he would be able to take my mind off that girl, if no one else could. "You're looking good yourself, ol' buddy!

   Kouji winked and nudged me, "What do ya say to us meetin' up later and chatting over some sake?"

   "Sounds good to me!"

   "Hey, well, I'm outta here. Talk to ya later!"

   I waved as he walked away.

   The odd feelings returned.  

   What was this feeling?  I couldn't tell anybody.  I'll get over this.  I'm a man.  Strong and... if I'm so strong... then why do I feel so weak?

   How could I let a woman do this to me?! I HATE WOMEN! This was not happening to me, of all people.  I refuse to believe it.  I refuse to give in.  

   Then all of a sudden, the door knocked and Miaka bounced to the door to answer it.

   No..., no, it can't be.

   It was the girl I had run into on the sidewalk.