A/N: o.O updated….after like…ten years…
"Aoshi…what is wrong?" Misao asked. He had always been cold and distant, but today he was even more so. Having met him in the halls, she realized he did not have the cluster of people speaking when he wouldn't. He was alone, and his normally immaculate posture was hunched. When she had caught up to him, he did not say a word but simply nodded to acknowledge her. She touched his shoulder. And then he shrugged it off.
"I'm afraid..Misao." He said slowly, as though he were a computer and someone else had added her name in at last minute for him to say. "I cannot take you to the winter dance."
The world flashed despairingly in her eyes. And filled with tears. "Why not?" Misao choked out. The only person she had ever thought she could love.
"I am in a relationship..." Misao let out a sob. "With…another person." She did not say who. She did not want to know who it was that was so obviously better than her in every way.
"Then…I guess." Misao did not know what to say. These stupid hot tears were making their way down her face and she could already hear the whispering and sympathy clucks behind her back. "I guess it's goodbye." She tried to say something poetic, something that would make him stay or at least regret his decision.
"I loved every moment with you. Even if it wasn't for long." Certainly nothing she wanted to embroider on pillows. But still. She dared to look up. And Aoshi's eyes were melting. But they did not melt. They were perpetually frozen chips of ice. She looked down again, ashamed of herself. This was so obviously her fault. He cupped his hand under her chin and forced her to look up. His eyes were orbs of fire.
"I suppose…we will be seeing each other." He said then cleared his throat. "Around school I mean. At least I am allowed that. I will miss you."
Misao wondered, what did he mean? She wasn't sure if she wanted to know. She nodded stiffly. Then forced herself to walk away. What she did not know, what she could not see, was that the fire was still in his eyes. He was silent, still watching her. And even if they were not together, he would always watch her. Always love her.
Why is life this way?