Let the Rain Fall
pass the broccollini
Author's Note: The usual disclaimer. I do not own His and Her Circumstances. If I did, I would be out selling merchandise.
I apologize for the EXTREME delay in the production of this chapter. Usual excuses of busyness and such. Looking back on the previous chapter, I decided to make a few changes. Nothing huge has changed...just some added details.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Please read and review!
Response to Revieweres
Kira666 and Kerichi and other anonymous reviewers: Thanks for reviewing so honestly about the old ending. I didn't like it either.
Thank you to all my reviewers! Your honest comments, criticism, and encourgament really help!
Chapter Nine:
Arima had woken up at his usual time, 4:30 am. He had showered, brushed his hair, and gotten dressed, just like every other day. After getting his kendo gear from the closet, he headed off to school for early-morning practice. The captain was a senior, which meant that Arima had a really good chance of being captain the next year. Arima had been debating whether or not to accept the position. He already had so much to handle...the school trip committee, the school sports fest committee, head of his class, etc. Kendo was really intense, too. He'd have to set up the sparring schedules and everything.
He entered the gym and was immediately greeted by the Captain.
"Hey, Arima! You're partnered with Osaka today!"
"Thanks."
It only took a few moments for him to get dressed and into the sparring ring. The heat of the match actually helped erase the thoughts of Miyazawa from his head. Each blow to the upperclassman in front of him (a Junior) was like an attack on her. Strike. Duck. Parry. Evade. Strike. Strike. Strike.
You know she hates you.
Strike. Strike.
You don't love her.
Evade. Evade.
She only likes you because you're popular.
Strike. Strike.
"Never seen him fight like this before." The other members of the team were watching Arima and Osaka duel. Even beneath the black kendo mask and uniform, they could see the ferocity in Arima's eyes.
"I think it's cause his girlfriend likes that Asaba guy."
Arima heard the chuckles of laughter and struck even harder and with a ardent rage until the faculty sponsor yelled "Time". After bowing to Osaka and the Japanese flag, he got changed in the dressing room.
Everyone's laughing at you.
No, they're not.
Trust me. They are.
Two hours later, during his first class, he noticed the odd looks he was receiving. Whispers of "Hey, do you think he's single now." reached his ears as he passed clusters of girls chatting to each other before the first lesson.
They're talllllllllllking about you.
They always are. It's because I'm so
So what? So devishly handsome? Brilliant? Attractive? You don't need Miyazawa. Miyazawa needs you. The sooner you get rid of her, the better.
"What?"
The entire class stopped and turned to Arima. That was the first time he had ever daydreamed/been caught daydreaming in class. Noticing the confused expressions from his teacher and classmates, he slowly lowered his head down again. Had he said that out loud?
Yes.
"Uh...nothing, sorry ma'am."
The teacher continued with a lecture about the importance of pronouns in the English language as Arima contemplated getting rid of Miyazawa. Sure, his mind had been telling him to kill her...but that was just a joke. People used the verb 'to kill' all the time. I'm going to kill the teacher, she gave us such a hard assignment. That type of thing. But actually getting rid of her? Could he do such a thing?
Yes.
No.
Class ended and Arima got up and shoved his books (and his homicidal) thoughts in his locker. Unfortunately, the school hadn't upgraded the metal cabinets in a while, and the contents of Arima's locker were bound to spill eventually.
Review, please!