I am sorry, writing this chapter is difficult. I got stuck for several months after the second scene. Thank you for you reviews and message, they provide the necessary will of power for me to break through the writing block.
I do try to run this into online checker sites but so far I have not found any tools that can help me for spotting grammar inconsistency. I am trying to use present tense in this chapter, does it helps ?
"Morning Takagi-san", Mano greet me as I close the door to my shoe locker.
"Morning", I greet her back and walk slowly toward the stairs.
At the foot of the stair I pause as I briefly contemplate how I should conquer this obstacle. Unfortunately there is no other means to get to the second floor, so I have to take the steps one at a time.
"Here goes ...", I take a deep breath and place my right foot on the bottom rung.
As I hoist myself up, a small jolt of pain surged up from my right calf. I cringe and let out a small hiss.
"Are you alright ?", Mano's concerned voice coming from behind me.
I glance back and see Mano behind me, looking with a worried expression.
"You seem to be in pain", Mano said as she steps up to stand next to me.
"My leg hurts", I whisper.
Mano just nodded and offered her hand as a support. With one hand on Mano wrist and another on the stair's railing I take another step upward.
"Did you pull a muscle ?", Mano whispered after I reach the middle of the stairs.
I shook my head in reply. "Just overdid it a bit", I smile but quickly grimaced again as I took another step.
"Two more steps, Takagi-san", Mano give me an encouraging smile.
I nodded in thanks as I concentrate on climbing those final steps. As my left feet touched the topmost rung, I unconsciously let out a relief sigh.
"Thanks, Mano-san. Walking should be fine", I said as I let go of Mano's wrist.
"Do you think I should do some exercises too ?", Mano quietly asked as we head toward our class. "After all Nakai does it and now you too ..." she mumbles.
"Why not .. if you wanted to", I shrugged. "Just make sure not to overdo it", I winked at Mao just as we were about to pass the classroom door.
Mano let out a brief laugh. "Right back at you, Takagi-san", she grins as we reach her desk.
"Yeah ... I know", I shrug as I headed to my desk.
'Right ... remember to tone it down tonight', I berate myself.
"Ouch ...", I mutter as I climb the stairs leading to my room.
The pain has lessened to a slight tremor now, but it is still there as if reminding me of my foolishness.
"Ah ... home sweet home ...", I drop by bag on the desk and collapse face first onto my bed.
After a while I turn around and face the ceiling.
"Maybe I should skip out today ...", I mumble as I bring my knees to my chest so that I could massage the underside of my thigh.
"But I only got a month until Nishikata return to school", I sighed.
Speaking of Nishikata ... Didn't I receive a message from him this afternoon ?
Reluctantly I got up and reached out to grab my bag. Taking out my cell phone, I open my conversation list. Indeed Nishikata did leave a message.
'Proof of me attending theraphy', the text said. The message also include a video.
"Nishikata won't post a prank video, right ?", I wonder out loud.
My finger hover for a few second before pressing the play icon. The video show Nishikata standing in between two horizontal bar and his hands tighly gripping the bar.
"Here we go, Nishikata-san", a male voice echo from behind the camera. "Please try to move forward", he add.
Hearing the command, Nishikata shift his right grip forward before slowly extending his right foot. His body lean forward for a few second, shaking in between before the right side of his body move forward. After taking a few deep breaths, Nishikata then move his left grip and extended his left foot before leaning the left part of his body forward.
This process repeat it self a few times until Nishikata reach the end of the bar. Throughout the whole process, a man follow on Nishikata's right side
"Good job ! rest a bit before we do cooldown", the man said as he help Nishikata to his wheelchair.
The video stop playing, allowing me to let out the breath that I unconciously held.
With a grin I post a thank you for your hard work sticker to Nishikata.
"I guess I can't afford to skip today's practice either", I sigh as I stand up and start to change out of my uniform.
"Thank you for this meal", I mutter as I finish my lunch.
"Why do you eat so fast, Takagi-san", Mano whines as I reach out to close my lunch box.
I raise my eyebrow and stare at Mano, still chewing her lunch. "It's onigiri, I take bigger bites", I shrugged.
I look down at Mano's lunch box and see that she still has a quarter portion left.
'I wonder if the taste is good ...', a stray thought enter my mind.
"Hey Mano ... I never tasted your yakisoba before ...", I trailed off.
Mano titled her head in confusion. "I never tasted your onigiri or your fried rice too, Takagi-san", she reply timidly.
I let out a shaky breath, "So ... how about we trade lunch ?" I put out a suggestion.
Mano ponder my idea as she chews another scoop of noodles.
'I hope I did not go too far ...', I nervously glance at her.
"How about I make a bit extra the next time ?", Mano finally answer.
"And the next time I make onigiri, I will make an extra one for you ?", I offer.
"That would be wonderful", Mano smiles.
"I can't wait", I smile back while reaching out towards my lunch box to tidy it up.
"Oh ... Takagi-san ...", Mano calls out as I latch the cover.
I raise my head and stared at her, "Yes ... ?"
"You are not planning to make one tomorrow ... or the day after ... right ?", Mano stares back.
'Huh ? Since when can Mano read minds ?', I inwardly frown.
"Of course not ...", I give her a feeble laugh.
"You see ... I am not looking forward to cooking another batch of yakisoba so soon", Mano mutter. "Maybe next week ?", she gives me a weak smile.
"Next week then", I nod and turn around to put back my lunch box.
'Is making yakisoba that difficult ?', I silently ponder.
As I approach the house, I can see the old lady outside bending over a pot of flower.
"Good morning, Suzue-san", I politely greet her.
"Good morning, Takagi-chan", she smiles. "Come on in, Nishikata is already inside", she gestures toward her house.
I nod in reply and reach out to open the gate. Looking back as I close the gate I saw Suzue-san already duck back to attend to her potted plant. With a shrug I take a few steps to the porch and let myself in.
"Nishikata ... ?" I call out as I leave the foyer.
"Here ...", his voice echo from further back.
Ah ... the dining table then. Time put my plan in action. Taking a deep breath, I push myself forward to where Nishikata is. As I predicted he already sat on one of the corner seat, so I take the seat in front of him. Nishikata frown as he saw my action but did not say anything.
"Hi Nishikata ... today is a hot day, isn't it", I give him a big smile as I open the top button of my shirt and started fanning myself with a plastic writing pad.
"Do you want to cool down first ?", Nishikata ask with a serious face.
"Nah, I'll be fine", I politely decline his offer. "Shall we start ?", I ask Nishikata.
Nishikata open his mouth but then close it again, then he sighs and push his book towards me. "Can you explain this sentence to me ?", he points to a particular line.
"Hmm ... let's see", I mutter while scanning said sentence. Continuing to fan myself, I slowly open the second button. Then I rotate and push back the book to Nishikata.
"The not here indicate present tense instead of a negation", I explain while toying with the second shirt button. "Therefore the third options actually have the same meaning, even it seemed to be a positive sentence", I finish.
"So two negative can not cancel themselves like in math ?", Nishikata frown.
"Not in formal english", I shake my head. "But between friends ...", I stand up and bend over, putting my face in front of Nishikata's. "Did you see anything, Nishikata ?", I smile.
"I do", Nishikata nodded as he met my gaze. "White, right ?", he smiles. Then he put both hand on my shoulder and push me back to my seat. "Can we study for real now, Takagi-san ?", he stares at me.
'What ! ... he saw ... but he is not supposed to ...', I scream inwardly.
Really ? After you opened two buttons ... ? Yeah right ... my mind sneer.
"Takagi-san ...", Nishikata call again.
"Uhm ... yes ... of course", I mutter as I try to discreetly close one of the buttons.
'Damn you Nishikata ... !' I let out a silent scream.
I let out a sigh as I lower myself to sat on the bed. "Hurray for ground floor guestroom", I mutter as I absently rub my aching thigh.
My cellphone's ringtone suddenly blare, prompting me to reach over and see who the caller is.
"Hellp, Ayame-san", I speak as I thumb the accept button.
"Heya squirt, how's the study session today ? Did she make any move ?", a loud female voice can be heard from the other end.
"It went well, as you predicted Takagi-san try to lean over in front of me", I answer.
"Ohoho ... did you see her bra ?", Ayame laugh. "She wore one, right ?", she adds a few seconds later.
"She did ... unlike you", I mutter.
"Hey, that's one time and only for the purpose of your training", came Ayame's protest.
"I should report you for trying to seduce a minor", I shot back.
"Oh come on ... teenage boys like you should be grateful to be able to see and feel these bountiful babies", Ayame gave an ever louder laugh. I can bet she jiggles her breast as she makes that claim.
"Well I call it traumatic experience", I mumbled. "Anyway, how do I make her stop ?", I ask after taking a deep breath.
"You want her to stop teasing you sexually ?", Ayame sound confused.
"I want her to stop teasing me, period", I answer.
"Are you sure ?", Ayame ask again.
"I am sure!", I answer back.
"All right ... here is what you need to do ...", Ayame start to explain.
As I approach the now familiar gate of Suzue's house, I can help to notice the fluttering feeling in my stomach.
'Calm down ... it is just a regular study session ... I am not doing any teasing', I silently mouthed.
"Should I ring the bell ?", I mutter as I notice the locked gate.
"Ah, Takagi-san", Suzue-san's voice broke me out of my musings.
I look up and see Suzue -san already unlocking the gate.
"Come in", she gave me a gentle smile as the gate swung open.
"Thank you", I nod to her as I went past the gate but stay beside her as she close the gate.
"No need to wait for me ... go on", Suzu-san usher me inside.
"Ah ... I will go in then ...", I nod and turn to walk away.
"Wait", Nishikata's voice suddenly interrupted my step. My head turn and see him standing by the front door with both crutches on his side.
"Takagi-san, before we begin can you promise me something ?", Nishikata give me a serious look.
"Sure, what is it", I give him a big smile.
"No teasing from now on", Nishikata answer. "In any shape or form", he adds.
"Why ?" I ask. "Didn't I promise you this before ?", I take a step closer.
"I hated your teasing", Nishikata give me a hard stare.
'He hated it ... well of course ... no one like to be teased ... but hate ... ?', my mind scream.
"I see ...", I whisper as I look down in shame.
'He hated my teasing ... but I am the one who do the teasing ... does that mean that he hated me too ...', my mind continue to race in turmoil.
"If you can't promise me that, then please leave", once again Nishikata voice startle me.
'Don't make me leave !', my heart shout in response.
"Wait !", I half shout as I raise my head.
Nishikata has already turn back, but he stand there motionless as if waiting for me.
'I have to make that promise, right ?', I debated. 'No teasing is much better than no Nishikata, right', I reason.
I took a deep breath to calm myself. "I solemnly swear that I from now on will stop teasing you in any shape or form", I pronounce. "Is that good enough ?", I add with a quivering voice.
"Yes ... please come in and help me study", Nishikata answer without turning back. Then he proceeds to hobble inside while leaning on his crutches.
I want to follow him but I find my legs refuse to move. I just stare at Nishikata's retreating back until I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Come on dear, let go in shall we", Suzue-san whispers to me while giving me a gentle push.
"Hey, Takagi-san !", Nishikata's voice startled me out of my stupor. "Geez, what's wrong with you", he mutters with a frown.
"Ah ... sorry", I stutter. "Anything else you need help ?", I add with a strained smile.
"How about a break ?, I have some snacks", Suzue-san pipe up from the front room.
"I suppose we better take a break", Nishikata sigh. "Thanks Suzue-san", he adds.
"Come and help me, Takagi-san", Suzue beckons me to come as she stands up from her chair.
I stand and follow Suzue-san to her kitchen. "What do you want me to do, Suzue-san ?", I ask as she pulls out a drawer and take out two mugs.
Suzue-san grabs my hand, "You are here to help him study, right ?", she smiles. "Forget what happen earlier and focus on helping him", she pats my hand before letting it go.
"You're right", I sigh. 'Nishikata's warning have shaken me too much to properly do my job', I grimace.
Shutting my eyes and taking a few deep breath, I wrestle whatever mixed feeling I have and store them away. 'Focus ... help Nishikata ...', I chant over and over.
When I finally feel much calmer, I open my eyes and see Suzue-san nodding with a smile.
"Come, take this", Suzue-san gestures to a tray on the kithen table before moving out of her kitchen.
"Ho ... the wind felt nice", Nakai grins as he steps out into the balcony.
"Nakai-kun ... here", Mano approaches him, offering an opened lunch box with a few sandwiches in it.
"Thanks Mano", Nakai happily grabs one before turning back to watch the courtyard.
"Want one, Takagi-san ?", Mano turns back and offers them to me.
"How about we trade ?", I take one of my wrapped onigiri and offer it to Mano.
Mano nods as she steps back to lean against the railing, standing beside Nakai. So I walk over to her and put one onigiri on her box.
"Takagi-san ... Nishikata mention that you help him study", Nakai asks before biting his sandwich. "How's the progress ?", he adds.
"We started to cover second year's material last week", I reply while unwrapping my onigiri.
"I see", Nakai answer before turning back. "When is he supposed to go back ?", he frowns.
"His mom is supposed to talk to the principal next week, why ?", I tilted my head in confusion.
"We have one month left before summer vacation ...", Nakai began. "Can you cover three months of material in one week ?", he grimances. "... or two ?", he adds.
I lean forward and rest my head against the railing next to Mano, "It's impossible ... What should I do ...", I groan.
For a few second there is no other sound other than Nakai munching on his sandwich and Mano nibbling on hers. I chew my onigiri as my mind churning at high speed trying to find a solution.
"So ... Nishikata will need to take supplementary lesson during summer holiday ?", Mano timidly offers a solution.
"That's the best case scenario", Nakai sighs.
"And ... what's the worst ?", Mano asks with a scared tone.
There is no direct response as Nakai take a big bite and Mano following with another nibble. I also took a big portion as my mind keep on firing of scenarios.
"... Nishikata repeating his first year", Nakai suddenly speaks. "That's the worst case", he adds.
Nakai answer bring a chilling sensation on my stomach. My hand unconsciously clench over what is left of my onigiri. 'ITS YOUR FAULT ... ALL OF IT ... YOUR FAULT ...', my mind screech. My knees felt weak, causing me to kneel down in front of the railing.
"Argh ...", I growl as I turned over to lean back. "I am sick of this", I bring my fist down against my thigh. "I wish I could turn back time", I groan.
"Our first year is a great year, huh", Nakai mutters.
"Best year of my life", I whisper.
"Ouch !", I yelp as hot water rained on me but made no move to adjust the shower knob.
"I am exhausted ...", I mutter as I slide down the shower wall and lean sideways against the wall.
Mother would have scolded my for wasting water, but she is not home right ? I think she left a message saying that she would come home late ... that's yesterday, right ?
Or maybe today ? My mind felt hazy ...
"I wanted to sleep", I groan and try to stand up.
Feebly my hand reach over the knob to turn the scalding water off before blindly grope and pull my towel from the hanger beside the shower.
As I dry myself, I try to recall if there is any homework that I need to do.
"... English ... Math ... History ... Lunch ...", I try to list the subject I had today. "Hmm ... then what ?", my mind draw blanks after lunch.
"Whatever ... I'll ask Mano", I sigh as I step out of the shower and immediately grimace as my towel accidentally brush over my knee.
"Yeah .. I need to put a band-aid on that", I hop over the sink cabinet looking for a couple.
"I really should not run when my mind is elsewhere", I mutter as I put in the second band-aid.
When I open the bathroom door I groan as soon I see my running attire scattered around the door.
"Mother will be mad if she saw this", I scold myself as I pick them up and toss them into a basket.
"Should I do the laundry now ... but I wanted to sleep", I debate as I stare at the basket. "I guess I won't know when I will wake up", I sigh for the umpteenth time.
So I amble toward my room to pick up today's uniform. As I pull them out of their hanger, I glanced at my phone. "Right, I need to ask Mano", I nod as I reach over and type in a quick message. Then I stumble back to the bathroom and begin the tedious task of pre-laundry.
About fifteen minutes later, my phone beep as I open my bedroom door ready to crash into my bed.
"Mano ?", I muttered as I open the screen. "Nakai ?", I frowned as I saw that Nakai send me a message. Curious, I open said message.
"I figure you need a pick-me-up after what happen at lunchtime", I read aloud Nakai's message and then click the accompanying video.
The video show me and Nishikata in our seat. Judging from where we sat this must be taken after we change the seating arrangement.
"Nakai-kun, you shouldn't", Mano timid voice can be heard.
"It's just for my safekeeping", Nakai's whisper back.
I cannot hear clearly what Nishikata said but I can see his confident face as he talks to me. I can see myself putting my finger on my chin before I nodded in reply.
Nishikata seem to think for a moment before he said something that faintly sound like a number. I shake my head in reply and raise a finger as if counting.
Nishikata frowned before asking something which I promptly answer while smiling. My answer somehow make Nishikata frown deeper.
For a few seconds Nishikata seem to be deep in thought until I tilted my head and goad him while once again smiling. Immediately Nishikata fluster and I just raise my eyebrows.
Finally, Nishikata seem to make up his mind and rattle out another number. I shook my head before I raise another finger and laugh. This prompted Nishikata to lean over as I raise a piece of paper towards him. Then his eyes widened and his face turn red before he put both hand over his head and screamed.
"Damn you ... Takagi", I can faintly hear his scream as well as my boisterous laugh in reaction to his action. This scene continues for a few seconds.
Then the video stop and I blink as I notice a few drops of water on my phone's screen.
"Eh ... ?", I whisper as more drops fall upon the screen. "Am I crying ... ?", I mutter as those tears turn to sob and I collapse on my bed.
For a few minutes, my shoulder shook as tears continue for come out. No matter how hard I try to shut my eyes, they keep on coming out unhindered.
"Why ... Nishikata ... sorry ... my fault", broken words come out of my lips as I try to stop the flood of tears.
Suddenly a growl come from my stomach and interrupt those pesky waterworks.
"Ahh ... what should I eat ...", I groaned. "... instant ramen ... ?", I frown while trying to remember whether there is any left.
As I languish over going down and waiting for three minutes, my phone beep once again.
"Huh ?", I blindly pat around my bed for the phone. As I found it and raise it over me I caught a glimpse of the message and its sender on the screen.
"It's Mano ... No homework or test ... are you all right ?", I read it loud.
"Ah ... I am so tired". I let out a relief sigh and close my eyes.
Suddenly a wave of sleepiness hit me and before I know it I found myself carried over to slumberland.
"Hey, Nomura. Let's stop by that convenience store", the boy next to me exclaim while pointing up ahead.
I glance and see a store up ahead of the intersection we are has a couple of benches just outside of said shop. Those are currently empty, so I can see why he would like to laze around there.
'But I am trying to save my allowance', I sigh.
"I think I'll pass", I shake my head and start to turn right.
"Oh, come on", he pout.
"Maybe some other time", I wave before marching ahead. Before long there is another intersection ahead of me.
"Maybe I'll take the long way", I start pondering. "Yes, the riverbank should have a nice breeze", I decided.
So I take the road that went downhill and soon caught a glimpse of a river ahead of me.
"Ah ... it's nice", I exclaim as a strong gust of wind blew past. "And there is nobody around as well", I smiled as I twirl around as I walk.
I make a good decision on going a separate way. It has been a while since I have this solitude.
Feeling good, I smile as I stroll along the riverbank.
"Argh ... Damn it ...", I heard an angry shout up ahead from the river.
'Huh, did someone plunge into the river?', I run and carefully peek down.
I see someone in in T-Shirt and short kneeling down on the grassy bank by the river. Judging from the long hair, that person is most likely a female.
"Shut Up!", she suddenly shouts as she curl and fall sideways. Surprised, I also fall down on my butt.
"I get it ! It's my fault !", she continues to shout as I crept back to peek at her.
I stared as he shoulder seem to shake. Is she crying ?
'Should I go down there ?', I debated. 'Or maybe I should leave ?'
I still have not made up my mind when she turns and lay back on the grass. One of her hand rubs her eyes before falling on her side, allowing a glimpse of her face.
'Takagi-san ?', I immediately withdraw myself to avoid her gaze.
"I think I better leave", I mutter as I retreat further.
Once I am back on the road, I stood up and walk briskly to leave the spot. Away from the scene of my seatmate crying her heart out down the river bank.
I feel myself climbing a set of stairs, my gaze set at a door on top of the stair. As I reach the top, I reach over to the door knob and gave it a push. Suddenly bright light spilling out of the door, prompting me to close my eyes as I walk forward.
I took a couple of tentative steps before opening my eyes. Immediately I see Nishikata in our school uniform standing in front of me.
"Congratulation on your graduation, Takagi-san", Nishikata smile.
I look down and see a diploma tube on my hand. Did I get drag into a timeskip ? I look up and did not see any tube in Nishikata's hand.
"You are graduating too, right ?", I ask.
"I have to repeat a year, did you forget that ?", Nishiakata frown.
"Oh, right", I look down in regret.
So Nishikata end up repeating a year and I graduated ahead of him ? Ah ... this is the worst case scenario Nakai is talking about. All because of me ... it's my fault, right ?
"I am sorry !", I bow down.
"Why are you apologizing for ?", Nishikata frown deepened.
"The accident ... you repeating a year ... it's all my fault", I answer while keep on bowing. "I am sorry !", I bow even lower.
Nishikata step closer. "Please raise your head, Takagi-san", he gently says. He waited for me to do so before continuing. "I am glad the accident happen", he smiles.
"What do you mean ?", I tilted my head in confusion.
"I now have a girlfriend", Nishikata answer. "Thanks to me repeating a year", he added.
Girlfriend, since when ? Who ? How ? My mind reeling with questions.
"Who ?", I stutter.
"****-san", Nishikata frowns. "Are you all right, Takagi-san ?", he takes a step closer and stand close to me.
"I'm ... fine", I take an involuntary step back.
"Nishikata ... ?", a female voice came from behind me.
I turn around and see a black hair bang coming up the stairs. Is that Nishikata's girlfriend ?
"Coming, **** -san", Nishikata shouts as he walks to the door. As he reaches the doorway Nishikata stops and turns towards me.
"Good luck with high school, Takagi-san", Nishikata smiles before disappearing beyond the door.
"Nishiata, wait !", I shout as I try to run after him. But somehow my feet refuse to comply and I end up falling forward.
"Ouch !", I yelp as I feel myself hitting the floor and open my eyes.
I see a dark room ... wait ... this is my bedroom !
"A dream ?", I whisper in confusion. "What time is it ?", I squint around trying to find my phone.
"Five thirty ...", I groan. Way to late to go back to sleep but too early to do anything.
As I ponder on what to do, my stomach gave a loud growl in protest.
"I skip dinner, didn't I", I grimace and groggily stood up. Unsteadily I reach the door and amble down the stairs towards the kitchen and grope around for the light switch.
I briefly shut my eyes as light flooded the room. "Let's see", I rummage in the cupboard and pull out the first ramen cup I find. After I poured in hot water an seal the lid, I turn toward the fridge.
"I wonder if there is anything left", I mutter as I pull open the door.
"Eggs ... perilla leaves ...bean sprout ... cheese ... tofu ... asparagus", I mumbled before closing the door and sat down to think.
"Should I make stir-fry ?", I tap my chin. "But cleaning up would be a hassle", I sigh. "How about boiling ?", I tilt my head. "But there is no stock, so I can't make soup ... ", I scratch my head in despair.
Then a crazy idea pop into my head. "Lets try to make an onigiri filing out of those", I nod as I stand up in excitement.
Alas my stomach decided to temper my mood by growling once again.
As I reach the top and the stair and headed to my class I spot a familiar due standing near the classroom door.
"Good morning, Mano-san ... Nakai-san", I greet them.
"Good morning, Takagi-san", Mano replies while Nakai chime in as well. "Uhm ... yesterday you send me a weird text ...", Mano added with a diminishing voice.
"Ah ... my brain got a little fuzzy", I laugh. "But I am fine now", I smile.
"I see ... I am glad", Mano smiles back.
"Oh, thanks for the video Nakai-san", I glance at Nakai.
"Does it help ?", Nakai raises his eyebrow.
"Certainly", I flash him a huge grin.
"Good then", Nakai nods with a smile.
"See you at lunch", I bid them goodbye went inside.
Taking my time, I reach my seat, put down my bag and sit down. As I prepare for first period, I can see Homura coming up the aisle.
"Good morning, Homura-san", I smile and greeted him.
"Ah ... morning ... Takagi-san", Homura stutter as he reaches his desk, which is next to mine.
As I went back to my task, I feel Homura gaze on me.
"Do I have something on my face, Homura-san ?", I raise my head and look back at him.
"No ... yesterday ...", came Homura's startled reply.
"What about yesterday ?", I waited patiently.
"I see you ... on the riverbank ... running", Nomura explain.
I did run yesterday, right ? But I did not remember seeing anyone.
"Ah ... I did not respond when you call out, right ? Sorry ...", I grimace.
"No ... you were gone before I could call", Nomura gave me a nervous laugh.
"I see", I nod. "Call out the next time you see me, then. I don't mind chatting with you", I smile.
"Yeah ... sure", Nomura replies, but he remains rooted in place.
Why is he not moving ? Does he want to say something else ? Do I just ignore him ?
"Everyone, take your seat", our homeroom teacher come in and break up that awkward moment.
That's it for now. I know where this would end but I am having trouble writing about what happen in between. Hopefully I can have some better ideas in the coming months. Oh, any suggestions are welcome.
Please drop a review and tell me where I should improve.