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Chapter 4: -3, 15:45

Asahina lays her head on her desk and moans, "I've had enough of studying!"

Mamoru laughs and says, "I figured you could take more than that, Hiroko, especially since the teacher gave us the afternoon to study."

She glares at him and sticks her tongue out before saying, "Torigai, you jerk."

Repressing my own desire to laugh at the scene, I glance at my watch and realize it's 15:45.  I remember another promise of my mother's, that she would be home for dinner tonight.  Of course, she had promised, too, to stay for breakfast.  But, feeling guilty about what I did this morning, I decide that I'll make dinner for both of us, in expectation that she will actually be there.

Asahina, having noticed me looking at my watch, lifts her head up and looks to me with a hopeful expression as she says, "Kamina-kun, do you have to go?"

I consider the time, but also remember my mother saying that she wouldn't be in until about 18:30, so there's still plenty of time left.

I shake my head no and answer, "No, my mother won't be home for a while, so I can stay longer."

She frowns and says, "Ah, I thought I might find an ally in you."

I shrug but grin as I say, "Sorry to disappoint."

His expression kinder, Mamoru looks to Asahina and says, "Why don't we take a short break then?"

She smiles at him as she says, "Your best idea in a while, Torigai."

His face contorts as he responds in a sarcastic tone, "Thanks."

He is answered by her laughter.

Ignoring it, he turns to me and says, "What college are you looking to get into, Ayato?"

"I'm looking at ones with good art programs."

"Your mom is actually letting you major in art?  I'd have guessed that you'd get a lecture about how there's no future in art, no job prospects, and everything else parents feel the need to say."

"Your mom is really ok with it, Kamina-kun?"

"I'm not sure why, but she's always let me do whatever I want."

It's not like she's ever around to stop me anyway…

"Wow, it must be nice to have a parent like that," Asahina says.

"Hmm," I respond, not so sure that it really is.

"Onee-chan, my break's just about up."

I look to her from my desk chair and say, "Ok, I'll come by later to bring you home."

"Do you have reports to work on?"

I smile as I say, "As always."

"That's my Onee-chan, forever working!"

I laugh and say, "And you should too, Megumi."

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

She stands and walks towards the door.  I wave and she smiles as she walks out.

I am about to return to work when I hear a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

The door opens and I am surprised to see Itsuki-kun there.

"Itsuki-kun."

He smiles as he approaches and says, "Haruka."

"Please sit down."

"Thank you."

He seats himself, and I grin as I say, "So, what brings you here, Itsuki-kun?"

Appearing upset, he says, "You're really going, aren't you."

Startled by his comment, I respond, "Of course, I volunteered, remember?"

He looks down, and seems surprised when he sees my calendar.

I notice his body tense as he answers, "I remember, from when you first told me.  But, even still, I – I worry about you, Haruka.  You don't know what could happen while you're there."

I laugh and smile as I say, "You're too serious, Ituski-kun.  I'll be fine; I'm going back to a place I know well and, besides, the MU will have more to worry about than one TERRA intelligence officer."

He lifts his face to mine once more, surprisingly, with a look of shock that, even more strangely, rapidly turns to one of sadness.

He remains silent for a moment before saying, "So brave, what courage you have to – achieve your mission.  I can't help but be envious."

Confused, I respond, "I don't know if it's courage like you say, but this is something I've wanted to be part of – for a long time."

He smiles calmly and says, "You should be proud, Haruka."

"Thank you, Itsuki-kun."

He carefully pushes back his chair and stands.

Startled, I say, "You're leaving already?"

He nods his head yes and answers, "I remembered there's something I still need to finish."

As he begins to walk back towards the door, I say, "Good luck."

He stops in front of the door and turns around, a playful smile on his face as he answers, "I should be the one saying that to you."

Before I can respond, he turns around once more and exits, closing the door behind him.