Chapter 11
The call to Kaien's office was unusual, as he said something about a teachers' meeting and that Naora was late. She didn't hear about the meeting so it must have been an impromptu decision. Naora didn't find anyone else heading in his building's direction, so she really was late.
Naora knocked on Kaien's office door. Kaien ushered her inside. Once she set foot through his door and saw nobody else except him, Naora sighed. Sneaky Kaien.
"I'd like a quick word with you, Naora," Kaien said as apology when her expression noticeably fell.
"What about?"
"What's going on between you and Toga?"
Naora went to the large window and stared out it. "We've spent time together. He's a fascinating person. We're… arguing at the moment."
"He cares very much for you. He's experienced difficulties due to you not telling him details about your past."
"Doesn't privacy get valued here?" Yagari deserved to know about what he wanted to find out most. But was she ready to hear what he had to say, should he have the real answers she sought?
"Of course. I care about both of you, though, and I can't sit by when I see something is wrong."
When Naora didn't reply, Kaien chuckled for some reason. Naora finally looked over at him and he elaborated. "Toga did the same thing as you when I spoke to him, going to this window."
"He must be rubbing off on me, then." Kaien's concern was poignant as cared for her even as much as Yagari whom Kaien had known longer.
Naora closed her eyes and rested her hand on her chest. "Toga has gotten inside me so much, I can't breathe. There are things I don't know if I should share with him."
She heard Kaien rise from his chair. He moved to her and Naora glanced at him. He patted her shoulder in comfort.
"I'm not going to say what's wrong or right. You'll have to solve that mystery. If you want any help, you can always ask me." Kaien's encouragement lifted Naora's spirits a little, even though she didn't know what to do yet.
Kaien's supporting smile cheekily turned up. "A romantic dinner or schedule changes, I'm at your service."
Naora smiled at his gusto. "You really would do that, wouldn't you?"