|-|Nothing is Forever|-|
|Part Eight|
The day was sluggish and boring. Perhaps even a rather melancholy day. Regardless, the feeling was dull, yet in a content way. Tamiko thought so, anyways.
Taichi was working out an essay for a class he had next while Aiko was reading something in a magazine. A breeze came by, playing with their hair a bit, before dying down again. Clouds were passing by with the same feeling of laziness they all felt.
"Hey, there's a new shop opening up close by here," Aiko said, looking up. "It's really not that far. We should go when it opens."
"What kind of shop is it?" Tamiko asked.
"A clothing store," she said and pointed to the glossy page. "They'll sell little knick-knacks, too. Like charms and posters."
"Not interested," Taichi said, tapping his pencil as he thought about what he wanted to write.
Aiko's eyes narrowed. "It's almost summer break! We need to actually do something this time!" she exclaimed.
"What do you mean? We did plenty last time," Taichi mumbled as he had suddenly found inspiration. The pencil scratched against the paper with speed.
"Right, the pool. Tamiko couldn't even go with us half the time!" Aiko protested. "We're going to do something interesting this time. More stuff, different stuff." Suddenly she whirled on Tamiko. "And you can ask that guy you like to come along! I mean, you don't really have to let your parents know he'll be going, right?"
Her face grew warm. "I never said I liked him!" she said, taken aback by her words.
The other girl raised an eyebrow. "Mhmm," she said. "Psh, lately he's been the most you talk about."
"Probably because he's new and unusual," Taichi said, stuffing his belongings into his backpack. "He's different from us."
Tamiko perked up at this. "Oh yeah! I found out he really is a shinobi!" she said.
Aiko turned her head sharply. "You've talked to him again?" she asked.
The blonde girl nodded. "We meet occasionally," she said, looking at her hands. "He's been…easy to talk to."
Aiko's face slowly morphed into a gloating smile. "Ahhhh," she said, hooking an arm around her friend. "I knew it! I swear, this is going to be good!"
Taichi rolled his eyes while Tamiko's face began to glow red. She wasn't sure how to respond.
Sai sat on a tree branch as she sat on a rock. The mood was mellow and relaxing. It was probably a nice break from his work, she imagined. At least, she hoped it was.
With her back facing him, she didn't see the piece of paper he was holding or the words scribbled on it. The water was cool as she swirled her feet in it. The days had been getting cooler, signaling the hot season might be ending.
"What do you enjoy doing?" Sai asked, looking away from his paper.
"Enjoy?" she asked, turning her head to the side.
"An activity you like to do," he said, actually reading the definition he had copied. The book he had taken this from was tucked back in its spot in Konoha's library. "For amusement."
"Hmm, I guess reading," she said, looking up at the sky. "I enjoy watching performing artists, like dancers or actors. What about you?"
He paused for a moment. "Calligraphy," he said. "It's…soothing. And I enjoy drawing."
At this, she turned around. "You like to draw?" she asked.
He stared at her. He had just stated that he did… Sai nodded.
Tamiko smiled. "If you don't mind, could I watch you some time?" she asked. "It's actually one of the things I like doing, too. Whenever there's somebody doing sketches for money, I like to watch."
His dark eyes had widened in surprise. "I haven't actually had anyone watch before," he said, shifting his gaze to the side. "I mean, people have looked over my shoulder plenty of times, but…"
"Ah, you don't have to if you don't want to," she said hurriedly.
He smiled at her. "No, its fine," he said. "I'll bring proper art tools with me next time."
Those two words created a warm feeling in her stomach. Next time, he had said. So he wasn't just visiting her out of a feeling of obligation.
Aiko's words came back to her suddenly. Tamiko had never really liked anyone before. She had already known that her parents would pick somebody for her, so she never really cared for looking at guys.
Almost immediately after, though, Taichi's words planted doubt in her mind. If he really was just new and interesting, then this feeling probably wouldn't last very long.
But it was such a nice feeling.
My internet is back! :D it was gone for almost five days!
Hope you liked it :) It'll get more interesting soon...
Jen
