Chapter Thirty-One
I woke in a state of heightened awareness, coming off a dream. I didn't dream much, but last night had been an exception. And I'd dreamed of Kotoko. It wasn't anything in particular… just her. There was her liveliness, the specific way she walked with a sort of bounce, and the smile that stuck with me even after the dream ended. I might've also dreamed a conversation with her, but I couldn't remember what about.
I rubbed my eyes into focus. It was quite early in the morning, much earlier than I usually woke. I figured I'd get a jump on the day, maybe get out of the house early and avoid my mother. She'd been especially bad since Kotoko moved back in. She'd taken the word "overbearing" to a whole new level, constantly making comments about me and Kotoko, looking at me like she knew all my secrets, and spying on me. It was to the point I almost wanted to move out.
I got dressed, made myself some toast, and headed out for Tonan University before anyone was even up. Tonan's library opened at six o'clock every morning, so I could read there until classes started.
I wandered into the abandoned library. The only person there was the book keeper, as expected since it was only a little past six. I roamed the shelves until I found a suitable book and seated myself in the back corner of the library. I started to read.
The only problem was that my mind couldn't focus. Well, it could, but not nearly as well as it used to. I'd thought that once I knew what had been bugging me, I wouldn't be so burdened by it and would be able to think without disruptions. But now I knew and still couldn't think.
Giving in to my mind, I snapped the book shut. If this was all my thoughts could linger on, then so be it. I was done denying myself the privilege to think about whatever I wanted.
Once I let the thoughts flow, they came through as if a dam had broken. I found myself thinking it again… that magical phrase that I'd somehow familiarized myself with.
I'm in love with Kotoko.
The corners of my mouth lifted into a small smile. Now that I thought about it, she truly did everything she set her mind to. No matter what it was, no matter how impossible. She was gifted in ways many people weren't. She had faith in the impossible and made it happen. Kotoko was astounding. Amazing.
So, maybe there was one thing Kinnosuke and I had in common. Just one. And I understood it. I could understand why he'd loved her for so long, could see it with my own eyes.
But I didn't know what to do with this information. I couldn't reveal it. My mother would have a fit of telling me she always knew what was best for me and then she'd try to control every other aspect of my life. I couldn't risk losing that control once I finally felt I had it.
For over an hour I sat there with a book held in front of my face and trying to read as more students strolled into the library.
Feeling that it was time to get going, I put the book away and walked across the university to my department.
I was twenty minutes early, but others had also begun to show up. Among them was Yuuko.
She sauntered over to me and we walked into the classroom.
"You're a little early today," She said, slinking into the seat beside mine, "What's that about?"
"No reason." I lied.
She was silent for a minute, looking me over, "You live with Kotoko Aihara again, right?"
"Yes." I said. What did Kotoko have to do with anything?
"Okay, well maybe you can answer this, because I'm curious." She waited for a nod of approval.
"What?"
"There's a rumor she's been dating Sudo. Is it true?"
Blasted rumors again…
"No, it isn't." I said, refusing it. She hadn't been leaving the house to go out on dates or getting calls or anything of the sort. It didn't seem true, and she and Sudo would have been a strange couple.
Until the professor came, Yuuko went on about tennis and talked about the essay we were writing.
The professor came in five minutes late and started his lecture right away. The entire class was silent, diligently taking notes and listening to him. The hour was gone surprisingly fast. Yuuko and I made for our second class of the day.
"I have something else I'd like to ask you," She said as we made out into the air that was chilling for winter, though still not very cold, "I have two tickets to a movie this Sunday. Would you like to go with me?" My mind formed an immediate rejection to this proposed date.
I wasn't able to get the words out before I spotted Sudo and then Kotoko. On a bench, they sat rather closely together. I narrowed my eyes at them. She laughed at something and they stood, having not seen Yuuko or me.
Kotoko stumbled and Sudo caught her. It looked very suspicious. Maybe I had been wrong. The idea swept through me with a bite. Suddenly agitated, I wanted to interrupt them. Yuuko did that for me.
"So the rumors were true?" She said as we passed by. Kotoko turned a confused eye to her.
"What rumors?" She asked. Sudo came to attention.
"The rumors that you and Sudo are seeing each other."
"No! Of course not." Kotoko exclaimed. I gritted my teeth, not believing it. Her eyes roamed over and landed on me, as if waiting for me to respond.
"Really? It created a sort of sensation in the tennis club. Everyone thinks you're giving up on Irie-kun for Sudo." Yuuko said. Sudo shook his head.
"Really, Irie-kun, there's nothing going on here." Kotoko said. I couldn't take her word for it. They'd looked too close to not be dating or at least almost dating.
"I'm not particularly concerned," I said, "And Yuuko, I'm free on Sunday. I can go to the movies with you."
"Great!" Yuuko said. Sudo and Kotoko stared after us.
I was up in fumes for the rest of the day.
A/N: When originally asked, I said no, but have since changed my mind. Takendo Nakagawa will be appearing in this story. I hadn't thought about it, but now I think it would be fun and I'm looking forward to it. Hope you enjoy. :D
