The bell was going to ring any moment now. I tensed; I was sitting sideways in my chair, facing the door.
I'll be the first one out when the bell rings.
I checked my watch again. Only a few minutes, I thought. My eyes unconsciously surveyed the whole classroom.
Kumiko was chatting on another table. Occasionally one gestured to make their point.
Gomen ne, Kumiko...I can't tell you how grateful I am when you didn't ask questions. But I can't tell you about Haku...or what I've been through...I can't stand the rejection if I did...
Just then, Kumiko turned and saw my gaze. Her expression was unreadable. I smiled at my friend; the smile was returned.
Well, at least she still accepts me, when Kumiko turned back to chat again.
...I think...I added doubtfully.
The school bell rang, signaling the end of school and I darted among the tables and chairs to be the first one out.
Minutes later I arrived at the benches. I was puffing a little from running as I lowered my bag on one of the bench. Nakamura had not arrived yet.
My palms were sweating. Shrugging my shoulders I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach. Walking to the old tree, I put my hand on the bark and studied it.
Meanwhile, my thoughts were wandering.
Nee, I'm going to see you soon, Haku. I wonder how you might look like now. Are you hair any longer? I chuckled at that. Haku's hair was long like a girl's, not that I minded, of course. It was just part of Haku; without it then it wouldn't be Haku.
"Maah, you're sounding like his lover," I muttered.
Am I?
My heart fluttered and my cheeks felt hot; I was blushing.
Can I be counted as his lover then? I asked myself. I mean, I do love him...I wonder if he loves me back....
"Chihiro!"
I jumped and turned around guiltily, though I had no reason to do so. Nakamura was waving, her bag bouncing up and down as she ran.
"Gomen ne, I'm a bit late. Did you wait a long time?" she dropped her bag on the opposite bench and sat down. I followed suit, hoping that she wouldn't notice my blush.
"Ok," her tone suddenly brisk. "First things first, how did you know my name?"
"Oh, that one," I paused before answering.
"...The dragon in the lake by the neighborhood park told me. She said you know where Haku was."
For one moment I doubted the dragon's words. Nakamura blinked, and seem to have no idea what I was talking about. I opened my mouth to explain when she exclaimed out.
"OH!! That one! You mean Murasaki?"
"Huh? I don't know...she didn't tell me her's-it- name," I finished lamely.
"Hm, oh well it seems to be her," Nakamura was quiet for a while, lost in her own thoughts. Then she jerked as if realizing I was there.
"Oh! Gomen ne, I spaced out." She smiled.
I frowned. The smile was weird, as if there was something else behind her smile.
"So, I guess you want to—"
"Did Haku told you about me?" I cut in.
"Yes, he did in fact," Nakamura answered. "Actually, he sort of showed me, by showing me his memories."
I felt a flash of jealousy. Haku showed her his memories!?
She was blushing when I came. She tried to hide it, but failed miserably.
Probably thinking of Haku, I suppose...I thought bitterly.
I couldn't believe it when she said she knew Murasaki. Murasaki!!?? Whatever had she done to attract her attention?? One more thing added on my jealousy list. My, what a shock!
I tried to mask my emotions. Hmm...quite a brat with something...
Apparently I was lost in my thoughts until I forgot she was there. I faked a smile at her, my emotions raging behind it. It filled my head to the last inch, and I thought I would burst. I seriously wondered my smile could hide it.
When she asked that question, it was my turn to unleash some of my hidden whirling emotions; it worked. I saw something flickered across her face; jealousy.
"Mah, mah! You don't need to feel jealous! Really, we're just friends! Nothing more than that!" Even as a friend, I don't see why you deserve him, I silently added.
I leaned forward and added in a lower tone: "Anyway, you are the only one in his heart." I paused for effect.
"He loves you."
As much as I hated to admit it, it was true. Haku loved Chihiro with all his heart, if he ever had one.
I saw her blush at the last words. I grinned and slapped my hands, bouncing back into the bench, laughing. She blushed even harder. I felt like slapping her.
"Hehe, heheheheha," I stopped laughing and took a deep breath, steadying myself from being swept away by the enormous wave of emotion.
"Oh, this is too funny for words," I sobered up, strengthening my mask. You can't let her see you emotions...
"So, back to the point." I leaned forward again. "You want to meet him, don't you?"
Without waiting for a reply, I continued on: "Haku is in a faraway place. I don't exactly know where; I've only meet him in a trance once, and he usually comes to me, rather I to him. You get what I mean? So, I'm going to prepare a spell for you to meet him."
"Spell?" she repeated. Doubt was drawn all over her face. I had expected it; it's a common reaction. Even so, I felt angry.
"Anou," she began hesitantly.
"Look, if you don't want my help, you can always find others." I burst out, before I could stop myself. A cold fire burned inside me. Doubting my abilities, are you?? I sneered mentally.
Despite the fact that I was fuming, my smile remain on my face. It always does on this kind of situations. But, as much as I wanted to continue this, conscience flickered at the back of my mind.
I closed my eyes briefly.
"Gomenasai, Chihiro-san," I said when I opened my eyes, smiling my fake smile. She looked pretty creped out. Humph...
"I don't guarantee that my spell will work for you, Chihiro-san..."I said quietly. "After all, nobody's spell is superior to others. One spell might work for one, but not for another. Unless, of course, you make you own spell." I leaned back into the bench, folding my arms.
She seemed to be lost for words.
Regarding her, I said: "But based on my experience, I don't think you know to do it, do you?"
She shook her head dully. I smiled.
"Well, I guess that means a "yes"?" I said after a while.
"Hai"
"It'll be ready in a few days. If you have any more questions or doubts, you know where to find me." I smile and stood up.
"Hai !Arigatou gozaimasu!" she bowed, and I smile, waving my hands.
"Ja, matta." I turned and walk away.
