Wish you were here

Hi there! Chapter 10. Hope you enjoy!

It was tomorrow that Shiori wondered if it had been a good idea for having brought Kakeru and Yuka here. She couldn't know it, but she thought if she didn't bring them to Index, she couldn't have developed so strong feelings toward Kakeru. She was sure of it.

When she woke up and got dressed, she noticed that the house was silent. The lounge was silent and in darkness. She remembered Yuka's words yesterday and she thought they were already gone for their date. Sighing, she took her breakfast and thought visiting Sophia today. After all, she broke up with Samson and even if she didn't admit it, Shiori knew it bothered her very much. She was sure of it.

However, while she opened the door and came out of the house, she met a person she didn't expect to see: Kakeru. Shiori goggled. He stood up and smiled to her.

"Hi Shiori!"

"…Kakeru?"

He was dressed in a chic suit, the one he took when he went out with Yuka for a date usually. He came closer to her. "What are you doing here?"

Kakeru raised one eyebrow. "Aren't we supposed to go out today to buy some medicine for Yuka? We had rendezvous here at 6:00. "

"…But. I thought…You and Yuka were supposed to go out…"

Kakeru sighed. "Yes, she wanted it today…but…To be honest… I went out by myself alone."

"Is that so…"

"We will buy some medicine for her. I don't think she is fine to go out today. And it's too bad. I just want her to enjoy her stay here after all."

"…Yes, you're right."

Kakeru smiled. "After all, we aren't doing anything bad, are we?"

Shiori blushed a bit. "…Yes."

"So, let's go." Kakeru said.

After having bought some medicine to the chemistry, Kakeru and Shiori walked around toward Shiori house. Kakeru looked around, enjoying the view of the Italian art of houses around him. He smiled and turned back toward Shiori.

"It's really a beautiful town…Thanks again, Shiori."

"…You're welcome."

"Oh! Do you want me to carry this bag?"

"No, that's okay."

"It's ridiculous. Let me carry it!"

"It's okay!"

"Please! Give me it!" Kakeru gently caught the bag from Shiori's hands. "I'm Yuka's boyfriend. It's my role."

"…" Shiori stayed silent. While they walked, Kakeru noticed an ice cream shop before them. He talked to Shiori. "Hey! Do you want me to buy you an ice cream?"

Shiori goggled, a bit surprised. "No, thanks. You don't have to."

"Yes! It's okay. I've some money on me. I would like to thank you…although it isn't a great thing."

And without hearing Shiori's answer, he headed for the ice cream shop and bought one for two of them. He gave it to her. "Thanks." She said.

"Let's sit down for eating it. If you want…" "Okay."

They sat down on a bench and began to eat, Shiori enjoying her ice cream. It was the first time to her. She never ate an ice cream. On the other side, she didn't have really time for it. Her job took a lot of her time.

"Kakeru…"

"Yes?"

"Why…do you do so much for me?"

Kakeru stopped to eat and stared up at her. "We are friends, aren't we?"

"…"

"I know…the next year, we won't see each other often anymore. I will have my exams and you…your job. I won't have my time to see you. The others won't."

"…"

"So. I would like to enjoy much of my time with you. My friend Shiori."

"…Kakeru…"

"Hm? He muttered, eating in his ice cream again.

"I would like to ask you something…"

"Hm?"

Shiori began to feel awkward. "Do you…really love Yuka?"

"Yes, I do! Why?" He asked her, surprised.

"I just find it weird…she isn't with us."

Kakeru sighed. "She likes you. You are her friend, Shiori. But…she is very possessive and jealous. That's her bad side."

"…"

"She is actually a good person. She really cares for her friends. You are included. But…sometimes…she is like that. I can't help it."

"…Yes. I understand. Sorry for having asked you it."

"Not a problem."

Kakeru smiled. "You know, Shiori…It's as lovers do. We love the person…despite its bad side."

"…" Shiori looked down. "You will enjoy it one day! I guarantee you!" He smiled to her, tapping her head gently, which made Shiori blushing again.

"You know." She began to say. "You're nice, Kakeru. No wonder why every girls love you."

"Eeeeer?" Kakeru asked her, surprised. Shiori smiled. "Misuzu, Kukuri…" Me.

"Are you joking?"

"No…"

Kakeru chuckled, awkward. "I remember the last time with Misuzu and I. But it was nothing."

"…"

"You're really cute too, Shiori! I'm sure you made some boys falling for you, didn't you?"

"…Not really." Shiori sighed. And I just want one…

"Do you love someone?"

Shiori looked up at him, shocked. "Sorry! I didn't want to ask it!"

"…Not a problem."

She stayed silent. "Yes…"

"Really? Who?" Kakeru came closer to her, excited like a boy in a candies shop. "Tadashi?" He asked to tease her. Shiori glared at him. "Sorry."

Shiori took a breath. "…The boy just doesn't see me."

"How can he do that?" He sighed. "Who is he?"

"He…"

She ended up by looking down. She wasn't sure of it. But she ended up by remembering Sophia's words. It wasn't a good idea to hide its feelings…And even if she was rejected…what could she have? She won't see him anymore after all. It wasn't a problem. But…could she really do it?

"Shiori…Are you okay?"

"Yes…"

"But…you're crying! Shiori!" Kakeru cried out when he noticed tears rolling on Shiori's cheeks. "Shiori! Wait! Take my…"

Shiori took another breath. "Thanks. I'm fine. It's okay. I'm just…tired."

"Are you sure? Shiori! Tell me something!"

"Kakeru…it's okay."

She ended up by wiping her tears and smiling to him. "I will say it to you…"

"Are you sure?" He asked, concerned.

"Yes. Kakeru…I…"

Kakeru came closer to her. "I…love…y…"

"Ursula of the Bookshelf!"

The two of them turned back, stunned. A magus from Index was here. Shiori already saw him. I=he was often with Johanna during some meeting. He had a severe face. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry for asking you to follow me."

"What?" Kakeru cried out. Shiori took a scared look. "Why?"

"Great Holy would like to see you."

"Johanna?"

"Yes. Follow me, please."

"But…what's happening? What have I done?"

"Just follow me." He said with a haughty look. "Now."

"But…wait! Shiori! What does he want from you?"

"…I don't know."

But she just had a bad feeling.