Title: Dawn's Darkest Hour (2/4)
Author: Ume Chikuzan
See Part 1 for disclaimers
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Part 2 - Hesitations
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I scratched idly at my desk with part of my pen, digging a groove into it as the teacher droned on in the background. I knew I should be paying attention, but I couldn't. My mind was elsewhere today. A glance at the scratches on my desk said where - I had carved Kaede's name into it.
"Jounouchi Sai," Sakuyono-sensei snapped, glaring at me. "Jounouchi-san, it might be considered beneficial if you paid attention to today's lesson, as I am currently going over what will be on the final.
"Gomen-ne," I said, firmly laying my pencil down and turning my mind back to school. My father, a commander in the Japanese army, had insisted I attend a military academy* for my high school years, and even though I had already attended for over a year I was still not used to how strict they were here.
I still hadn't completely forgiven him for it. I had wanted to go to Yokohama Futaba High School** along with Kaede and most of my other classmates from Ohtori Junior High**, despite the fact that I had few friends among them. But he had insisted, and I had no say in the matter. It still hurt that I couldn't see Kaede every day like I wished.
The only good thing, as far as I could tell, was that the students here, though astute, knew how to keep their mouths shut. I knew some of them guessed how I felt - I had left enough carvings to betray me - but as of yet there had been no mention of a source in any of the tabloids from the academy.
The bell rang then, and with a sigh of relief I stood. It was the final bell, and I had plans with Kaede to go to the local Piffle Princess and practice for an hour or so. I quickly packed up my homework and the textbooks I would need and exited the door.
To my surprise, she was waiting for me outside the school. She had sat on the grass underneath a tree, leaning back. Her eyes were closed, and as I watched a small breeze stirred her hair slightly, and she smiled. My heart stopped, and I couldn't breathe. I stood there, in awe of what I saw - she seemed a wood sprite, so at home was she, so down to earth.
It took me a moment to register the fact that she had opened her eyes and was looking at me. "Sai-san," she said, and stood up. She dusted the back of her skirt off and came forward. A small frown graced her features as she looked up at me. "Are you alright? Sai-san is looking very pale," she added, worry tingeing her voice.
I swallowed, trying to force the lump in my throat to lessen in size. "I didn't expect you to be here, Kaede," I managed to get out in what I hoped was my usual cool tone. It sounded fine to my ears, but with all the blood rushing through them I couldn't be certain.
"Is it a bad thing that I came?" she asked, now amused with me. "If I had known that Sai-san would react this way, I would have stayed away." Her green eyes glittered humorously, and she was smiling.
I shook my head. "No, it's not that," I replied, and started to walk towards the academy's gate. "I've just had a strange day, is all. I'm glad you came, Kaede." I smiled down at her as she walked beside me, the smile only she ever got to see. "Already my day is better.
Kaede's smile grew bigger, becoming the smile that had won the hearts of Angelic Layer fans everywhere. "I'm glad. It feels good when Sai-san is happy.
I stopped then. She continued on for a few paces before she realized that I was no longer with her, and she turned to look at me. "Sai-san?" she asked, puzzled at my behavior. "Are you sure everything is alright?
"Do you really mean that?" I asked then, unable to resist. Did I really affect her that much? Why? Why would I affect her so?
She smiled again. "Of course. Sai-san is my best friend, how you feel is important to me.
"How Kaede feels is very important to me too," I said, putting as much feeling into the words as I was capable of. I stood there, frozen, wondering how she would react to my words.
"Then I'm you're best friend too?" she asked me, her gaze wide and innocent.
I broke, just a little. It hurt. "Yes," I whispered. "Kaede is my best friend.
She smiled, and we walked on.
tbc
*I am of the opinion that Kaede and Sai go to different high schools, considering that they wear different uniforms and all. Also, in my opinion Sai's uniform is very utilitarian, and the design has led me to believe she attends a military academy. Of course, it's just my own humble opinion, but you can understand my point, can't you? ^.^
**Both Yokohama Futaba High School and Ohtori Junior High are located in Yokohama, of the Kanagawa Prefecture, which is where the anime states both Sai and Kaede come from. Furthermore, Ohtori Junior High is located near Sankei-en Garden, which has many cherry blossom and Japanese plum blossom trees (thinking, of course, of the flashbacks Kaede has showing Sai looking out the window of their junior high at pink blossoms).
And yes, I did do my research ^.^