Hi, here is the next chapter, enjoy. I have an author's note at the end.
Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 2: On Campus
I frequent the library more, always looking for her, and oftentimes finding her there, pouring over a text or typing on her computer. She will come to greet me as well. Whenever we find each other, we smile and say hello, and then sit silently together as we do our work. These times with her are precious to me, and I find myself longing to be with her more. This is so new for me, I have always felt alone, even when I was with Makoto and Helena. With her, I experience the happiness that I had believed was out of my reach. I peer over the sheet music that I am studying and watch her profile. Her elbow is placed on the armrest of the chair and she has placed her hand on her cheek as she looks through the window at the leaves and branches swaying in the breeze. A smile plays across her face, but is soon replaced with an expression of sorrow. I have seen this before, making me wonder of what she is thinking, what can cause such conflicting emotions? She turns her head towards me and smiles before returning to her work. I glance at my watch and realize I need to go to class.
"Mishima-san?" I say quietly.
She turns her head towards me once more and answers, "Yes, Kisaragi-kun?"
"I need to be going now. Good luck with your studying."
She looks at her own watch and says, "I probably should be going, too."
"All right," I answer.
We both collect our things and start to walk towards the door.
Kisaragi-kun and I exit the library. I decided to go home, but will walk with him part of the way. I glance again at him, and as is usual, I am impressed by his continuous calm demeanor. I find myself vacillating between emotions, my memories preventing me from attaining such balance. He notices me looking and smiles, and, embarrassed that I was noticed, I blush and turn away.
"Mishima-san?"
I look at him again and say, "Yes, Kisaragi-kun?"
"I thought, since we're friends, that it might be nice to call each other by our given names."
I am startled by his comment, even Kamina-kun and I weren't on such a basis. I look away, and wonder if I should, if it would be all right. But, I also think that Kisaragi-kun has a point, why shouldn't friends use given names?
"All right, that's fine with me, Itsuki-kun." I answer with a smile.
He looks surprised at first, did he think I might say no? But, he smiles soon afterwards, so I stop worrying.
We walk ahead, and I see where I will need to split off to go home.
When we approach, he says, "Have a nice day, Haruka."
"You, too, Itsuki-kun," I answer as I wave and walk away.
Not having seen her in the library, I walk across campus, and notice a bench underneath the shade of a tree, and I decide to sit down and have my lunch. As I eat, I watch students walk by, talking and laughing. I stop as I see one figure approaching.
"Haruka."
She turns her head in the direction of my voice, sees me, and smiles.
She walks over to me and says, "Itsuki-kun, what a nice coincidence, seeing you here."
Although I am disappointed that she continues to use –kun when referring to me, I am confident that it will disappear with time.
"Would you care to sit down?"
"Yes, that would be nice, thank you."
She sits down and looks to me for a moment and smiles.
"Haruka, I realized earlier today, though we've known each for a little while, we've never asked each other what we plan to do after college."
I think about what he just said, and realize he's correct.
"You're right, Itsuki-kun."
He nods his head in agreement.
I smile and say, "What are you planning to do after graduation?"
"I plan to continue what I'm doing now, turn music into words."
Surprised, I say, "Turn music into words?"
"Yeah, all music carries a message even if it doesn't have lyrics. And turning those messages into words is my research topic."
"A music translator?"
"That's a nice title! A music translator, eh? Haruka, what are you going to do after you graduate?"
What am I going to do? I know what I want to do, to find a way to be with him again, but how is that possible?
"I – I don't know yet."
Realizing I probably sounded upset, I continue, trying to sound better, "But, I'm sure I'll decide soon!"
"I see. I'm sure you'll excel at whatever you choose, Haruka."
I turn my face to him and smile as I say, "Thank you, Itsuki-kun."
I look at her, knowing that she was forcing herself to act and speak as if she was fine. I wish I knew what was troubling her, and that I could be of help, I do not want her to ever experience such sadness.
"How long have you been a music translator, Itsuki-kun?"
"Since my first year, I actually decided to come to this college because of the music research program here."
She nods her head and says, "How interesting. My family lives here. I thought the college seemed nice, and I also want to help take care of my sister, Megumi."
"That's kind of you."
She smiles genuinely, and continues, "Megumi is so cute, she can be defiant sometimes, but I think that's a good quality, too."
I laugh and say, "Megumi sounds like a great person."
She nods her head yes and says, "Definitely!"
We both laugh and I feel relief, glad that, at least in this moment, I was able to help her recover happiness.
Author's Note:
The English used in this chapter from a scene in episode 13 was translated by HQA&ANBU. Rightful credit goes to this group and its members.