Chapter 45

Miyuki


School felt…lonely without Tsukasa. Even though there were only a few lessons left, I couldn't keep my mind off my missing companion. And even though a couple of people asked me for help, I was waiting for Tsukasa to come by, looking nervous and embarrassed with a textbook held tightly in her hand, and say, ' Miyuki….will you help me with this problem please?'

I still took notes for her. Obviously, for my benefit as well, but I copied a set of simpler, neater ones that I hoped she could use. I'll be doing that for every lesson I have now. That's what a good friend would do.

I walk home quietly, wishing that Konata was here to ask me some kind of pointless question. So that I could give an equally pointless answer. I even miss her and Kagami's squabbles, even though I used to get horribly embarrassed when they used to fight in the middle of the street. It feels like we've all separated, even though, of course we haven't. Not really. So, Konata's gone to find Kagami. I hope they've been reunited. I wonder how Kagami will react when she comes home. It seems that everything has changed in so little time. Will Tsukasa just magically change into the girl she used to be? Will Misao suddenly forget about all the anger that's been lurking inside of her? Will people ever look at Kagami in the same way? I sigh, carrying my school bag, heavy with books. I even miss Konata's constant rude comments. And that's a big thing for me. I always though that was Konata's biggest flaw. She never knows when to shut up.

I'm nearing the train station now. The streets seem quieter than usual. A lot quieter actually. Oh well. Quiet is good. I notice a figure running towards me. Not running to come up to me, just ready to run past me. Whoever the person is, they look distressed. They've definitely caught my interest. The person comes closer and closer. And as the figure runs past, I realise something. Long ginger hair pulled back in a headband - even though many strands of hair have come loose. Big blue eyes. As they run past me, I stop. My head turns. Ayano?

Running has been a large embarrassment ever since Konata pointed out my… um…large breasts. It takes a Herculean effort to forget about the fact and focus completely on Ayano. I begin to run - and let me say, I thank God that the streets are quiet - slowly catching up with my classmate. I don't think she's noticed me yet. But, I'm catching up with her now. She's getting slower, as I begin to run faster. She has slowed into a jog, while I have ran into a sprint. I catch up enough to place my hand on her shoulder and yank her back as gently as possible.

Her eyes widen. She probably thinks she's being mugged. I smile at her as she recognises my long cherry blossom pink hair, and my glasses. I adjust my glasses as they had been knocked askew slightly.

"Takara-chan….what are you doing?" she asks, breathing heavily. I notice that her eyes are surrounded by blotchy red skin, from crying probably.

"I was wondering why you were looking so upset." I say gently, leading her to a nearby café'. " I'll pay for your drink." I say, pointing at the cold drinks.

" I…..are you sure? I mean. it's nice of you but…are you sure?" she asks, looking a little nervous. I can understand. We're not exactly friends. More like acquaintances. I nod in reply.

"Now, what do you want?"

After we have ordered, we sit down. I notice that Ayano chose the cheapest drink on offer. "Minegishi-chan, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, Takara-chan." she replies, twirling the straw in her drink.

"Really, Minegishi-chan?" I ask quietly, my eyes meeting hers. She quickly glances at the floor, looking uneasy. I keep my face locked into a calm smile, a welcoming smile, ready for her problems.

She looks up at me, and frowns a little. "I ran into Misao…." Ah. Misao. The memories from the principals office flood my mind. Of course, in Misao's mind, Ayano abandoned her. She took somebody else's side. And in Misao's mind, that, is obvious betrayal. Maybe what Ayano did is betrayal.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice clam on the outside, but my brain assessing the situation thoroughly on the inside. Ayano, sipped her drink before answering.

"She hates me.." she said, looking shaken by the fact. I'm not surprised. Those two are always together. Like a married couple. Jeez, if Misao was a man, those two probably would end up married.

"Hey, cheer up." I insist, touching her arm gently. "Ayano, you know she's wrong. She's being a bully. Everybody knows that you're not a bully.." I say, speaking more casually than usual. I have a feeling that if I speak formally, it will scare her off a little.

"Thank you, Takara-chan." she says, looking at the floor. She really is upset. Even though Misao doesn't deserve to have such a nice friend. I hate to say it, but I've never been fond of Misao. People say that's she similar to Konata, but, in my opinion, she's far from it. Yes, they're both lazy, but there's something about Misao. Or am I just saying this to defend a friend?

"It's fine. Really, Ayano. " I smile, knowing that she's beginning to relax.

"I…..thank you Yuki-san." she smiles a little, before taking out her headband and rearranging her hair. I've never seen Ayano without a headband before, and let me tell you, she looks lovely.

"Why don't you wear your hair without a headband? You look nice." I suggest, watching her scrape her hair back.

"Misao didn't like it that way." she says, her eyes meeting mine. I can't help but wonder how much control Misao's had on her life. If Ayano had never met Misao, would she be more confident? Would she wear her hair without a headband? Would she like different bands, or different clothes or even different people? I have a feeling that these questions are going to annoy me all night. I'll stay up all night, trying to answer these questions.

"Yuki-san! You've missed your train!" Ayano exclaims, glancing at her watch.

"Call me Miyuki. And, I guess, you've missed yours." I giggle covering my mouth with one of my hands. Ayano also begins to laugh along with me. It's not even that funny. All we've done is missed a train.


AN: I'm very sorry about the delay for this chapter! Really, I'm more popular than I thought! No, I'm just kidding, I have been busy, and hopefully the next chapter will be out soon. Thank you for reading :D