Stay Away
"You," Nozomi said, a bit taken back.
"Yes, me," Junichiro said.
"Why?" Nozomi said.
"I'm the new school librarian," he answered. "The school hasn't had one for a while."
Nozomi stared at him blankly and reminisced about their last encounter.
"I hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable," he said.
"Oh my," Nel said, a book placed to her nose as she walked over and looked at Junichiro. "I'm Nelliel Tu, Nozomi's friend."
Nozomi held a groan. Nel did exactly what she denied the previous day. She didn't hesitate to introduce herself.
"My friends call me Nel," Nel said, handing in her book.
"And he's not a friend," Nozomi added.
"Fair enough but still hurtful," Junichiro said, scanning the book in.
"You'll get used to it," Nel said.
"Is she always so cold," he asked.
"Yes and no," Nel said, dragging the no, but her yes a little too far in thought.
"Nozomi, he's a librarian," Nel said. "Which makes him harmless."
"Knowledge is deadly," Junichiro said.
"See," Nel said, smiling at his cheeky wit. "Harmless."
"So, it's Nozomi," he said, feeling satisfied that he had figured out her name.
Nozomi handed in her book.
"I'm checking this in," Nozomi said, firmly and clearly indicating that she didn't want to engage in the conversation.
"Don't mind her, she'll open up, eventually," Nel said.
"I'd hope so, I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but I understand the hesitation to meet someone new. I'm aware of what has happened," he said lowering his gaze.
"Then you'll excuse us for being distant," Nozomi said, stepping away from the desk and grabbing Nel.
"Geez," Nel said. "What's gotten into you?"
Nozomi kept walking without looking at her friend.
"I don't want to be involved with any people with any kinds of relations," Nozomi said, stopping at her locker. "It's exhausting."
Nel looked at her friend and took a deep breath in and let out a heavy sigh.
"What?" Nozomi said, without irritation but quizzingly.
"You're going through it again, you're isolating," Nel said. "It's not because of the incident, it's because of you."
Nozomi's head started to pound. Her hand rested on the locker and she kept her eyes locked on the materials in the locker. She would not droop her head in defeat.
"Slow down," Nel said, watching her friend in her silent turmoil. "You're not alone."
"I know," Nel said, softly.
"One more week and he'll be here," Nel said.
"I can't do this right now," Nozomi said, fighting back the emotional outburst ready to leak and explode from her confined chest.
"You can't go into class like this," Nel said. "I'll walk you to the nurses office."
Nozomi didn't want to argue and nodded her head.
As soon as they walked into the office, the nurse immediately looked over to Nozomi with a concerned look.
"Is everything okay?" the nurse asked gently.
"Nozomi's not feeling well and needs to rest, the noise and crowd is a bit overwhelming at the moment," Nel said.
The nurse nodded in understanding, "I'll take it from here."
Without a word, Nozomi walked over to an empty room and took in the dark, cold and quiet space. To some it would have been eerie and creepy, but to Nozomi she welcomed the dark. She wanted her mind to shut off and emotions to be solidified by the cold.
She walked over to the farthest bed and set her bag on the floor. She drew the curtains and fell to the bed. She rested her head on the cold pillow and could smell the faint smell of clean linen. This was a bonus, to be wrapped in clean sheets. She kicked off her flats and wrapped the cold sheets around her.
The nurse came and looked over at Nozomi.
"Is there something you want to talk about," she asked.
"No, talking is not what I want to do right now, I just want the quiet," Nozomi replied.
The nurse sighed and walked over to Nozomi. She rested her hand on her forehead and didn't feel an unusual temperature. Nozomi felt the gentle and warm hands rest on her forehead. The physical contact brought emotional pain. Nozomi quickly shoved the pain deep down into the corner of her mind. She was grateful that the nurse didn't linger long and removed her hand. She pulled the sheet upper onto Nozomi.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but you can rest as long as you need. I know you're one of our brightest and well rounded students, so it's concerning to see you so tired. I'll have your day excused. I know it's been a lot lately," the nurse said.
She went over to the door and kept it slightly opened.
Nozomi was thankful that the nurse didn't pressure or force anymore questions. Nozomi finally felt her mind drift and eyelids flutter. She didn't fight the sleep, but welcomed it.
Nozomi woke up to the sound of a soft shuffle into the room. She didn't make a sound or movement. She was too comfortable to move and didn't want to be disturbed.
She recognized the nurses soft whispers but couldn't make out the voice. It was low and smooth, but heavy.
From the sounds of it, someone was going to be sharing the room. Nozomi was fine as long as they didn't attempt to speak to her. The nurse's soft footsteps made their way to Nozomi's bed.
"Nozomi," the nurse called out.
"Hmm," Nozomi replied, tiredly.
The nurse turned on the lamp light. It wasn't too bright to offend her senses, but enough to dimly lit her area.
"You slept all the way to lunch period, I need you to eat a little. It's a light snack," the nurse said.
Nozomi slowly got up and watched the nurse set down a nectarine, vanilla pudding, crackers and 2 orange juices on the side table. For some reason, these items brought up an appetite.
"I snuck in an extra orange carton, don't tell anyone," the nurse winked. "How are you feeling?"
"A little better," Nozomi said, smiling at the kindness. "Thank you."
"Does that mean you'll be able to attend your remaining classes?" the nurse asked.
Nozomi frowned, feeling the headache come back again. She shook her head.
The nurse frowned, but nodded with understanding. "Can't you give me a glimpse of what's going on?"
"It's a headache," Nozomi replied in honesty.
"Alright, I'll let you rest, but you'll be sharing this room with another student," the nurse said.
"That's fine," Nozomi said, reaching for the orange juice. The nurse made her way out and left the door slightly open.
She welcomed the chill and tangy taste of the beverage. She could feel it flow down her system and wash away the congestion of uncertainties. She slowed down on her sipping trying not to finish it all in one go out of bliss.
Nozomi looked over to the drawn curtain. She could slightly make out the figure. They appeared to be tall, but unrecognizable.
Nozomi set down her juice and grabbed the nectarine. She looked over for a trash can, but couldn't find one next to her. She let out a sigh when she noticed one across from her in front of her neighbors section. Nozomi slid out of her bed, slipped on her flats and walked over to the garbage. She wouldn't make eye contact. She would mind her own business, besides it was clear whoever was next to her wasn't in a talkative mood.
She silently stood peeling her nectarine. She focused on the peels and getting the peel off in one slow circular motion. It was oddly satisfying peeling a nectarine. The room filled with the tangy and cool scent and it made Nozomi's mouth water. She looked up trying to break out of the nectarine hypnosis. As she gazed over to her side, her eyes widened.
Ichigo was sitting on the bed watching her nonchalant, but weary interest. Nozomi looked back at her nectarine and ignored him. She would go back to quietly minding her own business. She slowly peeled the white veins off the bright orange fruit.
"Why are you staring at me?" Nozomi asked, feeling his gaze on her.
"I'm staring?" he asked, boredly.
"If not you then who else?" Nozomi said, staring back at him tiredly.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow at her. He watched her stand quietly as she attentively peeled her nectarine. She pulled the fruit apart in half and took a piece and brought it to her mouth.
"It was unintentional, never seen anyone peel a fruit carefully," he replied.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"You and your endless questions." Ichigo said.
Nozomi blushed and looked away. She felt silly for asking a question when she was the one who wanted to mind her own business.
"Never mind," she mumbled, retrieving back to her space.
There was immediate silence and Nozomi moved back to the bed and slowly nibbled at the nectarines' pisces.
"I haven't slept for a while, so I ended up here. The noise started giving me a headache," Ichigo said. "What about you, Ms Detective, what brings you in here?"
"The same reason," she replied. "The crowd and loud noises started giving me a headache."
Ichigo didn't reply.
Nozomi took a sigh and remembered his sweater.
"Your sweater, I still have it, but I'll return it to you. I just couldn't find the right moment," Nozomi said.
"Is that so, I do like that sweater. It's one of my good ones. You actually kept it safe," Ichigo said.
"Of course I would, despite your poor demeanor," Nozomi said.
"Poor demeanor?" Ichigo said, chuckling at the statement.
"Ill character," Nozomi said, casually. Taking another bite off her nectarine.
The curtains were suddenly undrawn and Nozomi froze. Ichigo was staring at her with keen curiosity. He watched her startled reaction.
"Explain yourself," Ichigo said.
Nozomi scuffed and continued to finish her last nectarine without a rush. She took her juice and slowly sipped the drink. He watched her lips wrap around the straw and made slow motions to extract the drink. Nozomi pulled her lips away from the straw and licked the side of her lips.
Ichigo watched the slow and enticing movements.
"You're rude, perverted and confusing. Did you forget about our last encounters?" Nozomi said, bringing her legs back up to the bed and laying down. She reached for the lights and flickered them off.
"Still not over it," he said, settling back in bed.
"No, so can you draw back the curtains?" Nozomi asked, wanting back her confined space.
"And if I don't," Ichigo replied, fiddling with the curtains.
Nozomi turned around and stared at the shadow that fitted so perfectly and peacefully in the dark. She wanted to throw any items that came into her reach at him, but felt her energy depleting. It would do no good to bicker with him.
"Ichigo, please draw the curtains. I want to be alone," Nozomi said, fiddling with the pillow case.
At the sound of his name, Ichigo stopped fiddling with the curtains.
"You must be desperate since this is the first you've said my name," Ichigo said.
"I'm tired," Nozomi said, softly. "I don't want to be difficult."
Ichigo smirked and stepped out of bed. He made his way to Nozomi. Her eyes were closed and her hand rested under the pillow while the other fiddled with the bed sheet. He gently cupped her hand and felt her hand jerk. He gripped her hand and could see the surprise on her face.
"What are you doing?" Nozomi asked, startled.
"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you," Ichigo said.
He slipped his other hand in his pocket and pulled out a wrapper and placed it in her hand.
The small foil crinkled in her grasp. His warmth spread through her cold hands as he intertwined his fingers in hers.
"It's ginger candy, It's tangy but refreshing," Ichigo said, feeling her fingers loop with his.
Their hands rested in one another. Nozomi looked up but couldn't make out his facial expression. Ichigo slid his hands away from Nozomi slowly and she felt a sudden panic come over. She didn't want the warmth gone, she wanted to feel his skin against her touch. She let the candy slip from her grasp and gripped his fingers. He stood still, patiently. Ichigo brushed her fingers with his thumb and felt the ice-y tremble from her skin.
"What am I going to do with you?" Ichigo said, a question towards him then to her.
Nozomi didn't say anything.
He leaned in and cupped her hand in his and puffed his warm breath into hers. Nozomi shivered at the intimate, yet innocent gesture. Her fingers tingle from his warmth. He rubbed his palm against hers and brought warmth to her skin. When he felt the warmth spread through her hand, Ichigo took her palm and placed it under her sheets. He brushed his hands against her cheeks and gently tucked her hair behind her ears. Nozomi felt hot under his gaze and felt a burning sensation crawl up her skin from his touch.
"Sleep, Nozomi," Ichigo said gently and stepped away from her bed.
Nozomi buried her face in her pillow and felt the intensity of her pounding chest. Ichigo had slipped into his bed and settled in with ease. She closed her eyes and tried to calm the beating in her heart. She brought her hand to her face and could still feel his warmth in her palms. She tucked her hand under the pillow and gripped the fluff as if she were holding onto his warmth. Her nerves began to settle and sleep finally took over her senses.
She didn't know how long she was out for but she woke up drowsy with Nel standing next to her. Nozomi looked at her friend and over to the vacant bed next to her. It was tidied up, as if no one was there. The sheets were spread neatly and the pillow fluffed at its end.
"Feel any better?" Nel asked.
Nozomi looked over at her pillow and the ginger wrapped in its crinkled gold foil.
"Yeah," Nozomi said lightly, taking the candy and putting it in her pocket.
Nel raised an eyebrow and helped her friend clean up her area before leaving the area.
"Is the day over?" Nozomi said.
Nel snorted, "Yes, you basically slept the whole school day. How are you going to be able to sleep tonight?"
Nozomi stepped outside and welcomed the warmth of the sun on her cool skin. She didn't know how and let her friend's question linger. In some way she felt lighter.