FFEELINGS

CHAPTER 2: Worries and...Care?

"Seira didn't even come to school, and she didn't call up earlier to say that she'll be absent" Meimi complained to Ryoko and Kyoko the next day. "Meimi, get off of it. Maybe she's just sick and had to stay in so she didn't have time to call earlier." Kyoko assured her worried friend. "Yeah, maybe you're right Kyoko, thanks. I'll go home now then. Bye!"

Meimi walked away but she couldn't help to think of Seira. "How is she doing? What could be wrong with her now? Why didn't—""Talking to yourself now, huh, Haneoka?" Asked somebody behind her.

Surprised, Meimi turned to see, "Asuka Jr.! What are you doing here?" "Going home." He replied. "Well see 'ya!" Meimi continued to walk.

What's with her? "Hey! Haneoka!" Asuka ran after her. "Hey! What's wrong? Too dumb to think now?"

"Just leave me alone" Meimi replied coldly.

Meimi, what's wrong with you? Oh, why the heck should I care? Yeah! Why the heck should he? He doesn't know but, according to Seira, everybody else does.

Asuka no baka! All he thinks of me is some unrefined girl to tease. Oh, why the heck should I care [familiar?] On the other hand, why does it hurt so much that he hates me?

[Next day]

"Still no Seira." Kyoko commented while packing her things. "Sshhh...Don't let Meimi hear you. You know she's upset about all this." Ryoko said looking to a very sad Meimi.

"Haneoka, matte!" Asuka shouted as he ran towards Meimi. "Hey, Haneoka, something bothering you?" he asked.

"Why should you care? Don't let this bother you. You of all people. You're just trying to get something to tease me. I'm really not in the mood right now." Meimi replied without stopping on her tracks but instead she began to fasten up her pace.

"But Mei-Haneoka, I just want to help." Asuka said keeping up with her pace.

"I said I AM NOT IN THE MOOD!" Meimi broke into a run. But when she least expected it Asuka ran after her and grabbed her by the wrist making her lose her balance from the sudden stop. She fell backwards only to be caught in Asuka's arms. Tighter and tighter, he held her then and there. Meimi's eyes were wide with shock.

"I told you...I just want to help..." Asuka told her, his face now buried in her hair.

[At the park]

"Seira huh?" Asked Asuka looking at Meimi looking at the ground they were sitting on.

"I'm just too worried about her...I don't know what else...to do...I - I don't...get any...calls...from her...or anything..." Meimi buried her face in her palms. Asuka went closer to Meimi, encircled his right arm on Meimi's waist and held her close. Meimi put her arms around his neck and cried. That just made Asuka hold her closer adjusting his arms so that he was now embracing her, cuddling her lithe form. Meimi tightened her embrace.

"Don't worry, I'm here for you, always." Asuka whispered in Meimi's ear.

[Meimi's home]

"Thanks Asuka. It's real nice of you to comfort me and walk me home." Meimi said smiling at Asuka.

"I just wanted to make sure you're safe home. I guess I'll get going." Asuka was walking away when..."Asuka!"

Meimi ran toward him, got to her toes and planted a small, soft kiss on his cheek. "Thanks again and bye." She turned around so as not to let him see her blushing and ran into the house, a smile on her face.

"Yeah, thanks..." Asuka said, blushing. He turns around and walks a way, a smile now creeping through his face.