Chapter 3

It had been days since, Nay gone to the gym to watch the basketball practice ever since that incident. She went home immediately after class and only stayed back when she had Art Class meetings. She was too embarrassed after what happened the other day with Rukawa. He had actually seen those drawings she had done on him.

She was spreading the oil painting over the canvas when suddenly the vision of Rukawa popped into her head. She froze for a moment and shook her head.

What is wrong with me? She wondered. I am never distracted whenever I'm painting!

On the other hand, at the gym where the boys practice basketball, Rukawa stood at the side with the other year one student watching his sempai and waiting for Akagi's instructions. Even without looking at the top balcony and exit doors, he knew all the girls were there rooting for him and cheering for him even though he wasn't doing anything.

The usual girls, though the one that he wished would be there was not at her usual place. That shadowy corner she always sat hiding her presence from others. That place remained empty for almost three days now. He was disappointed that she didn't come. He had no idea why. When she was around, he thought that her presence was disturbing, but now that she wasn't around, he felt disheartened. Feelings were always so confusing. That was why he never let himself to feel and always concentrate on basketball and nothing else.

But that girl who had sketch the way he played basketball had caught his attention. Everyday he looked at the sketch and everyday he found that sketch beautiful. She had poured all her emotions and inspirations into it and he found one thing that they are alike. They were lonely.

Nay left the art room after the meetings and made her way out the school building by herself.

Rukawa left the gym to get a drink on the vending machine somewhere down the corridor when he saw a small familiar figure walking away the other direction. It was Nay, he blinked. He turned away from her to push some coins into the vending machine and pressed for the drink he wanted before turning back to her direction but she was no longer around.

Why didn't she come? He wondered as his can of drink dropped out from the slot with a loud clang.

He didn't wonder for long when Akagi had urged everyone to start practicing again.

The next day in school…

Nay sat under the big tree behind the school again during break like she use to, she was biting onto an apple and reading a book by Stephen King, 'Pet Cemetery'. She was so engross with the story she didn't know someone was nearby until his shadow loomed over her.

She smiled and looked up, expecting to see Mitsui but instead she stared into a pair of cold expressionless blue eyes. Her smile wilt instantly and her eyes widened.

Rukawa had been watching her since break, he knew she studied in the class next to his, year 1 group 9 and always went around school alone during break. She was no where to be found in the school grounds. He was pretty amazed he followed her here to the back of the school where she sat down under a very big tree for shade and start reading a book. He then decided to go talk to her when nobody was around.

He wanted to give that sketch back to her and ask for her name.

She smiled when she looked up at him though it didn't last for long.

Kawaii! Shit! Where did that come from? He scolded himself.

"Here, you drop this." Rukawa said vaguely and handed out the piece of sketch paper he had picked up days ago. "I believe this is yours."

Nay blinked craning her head to look up his face. Finally she stood up slowly and took the piece of sketch from him.

"So your hobby is to draw?" Rukawa asked surprised that she didn't say 'thank you' or blabber away like a mindless girl would whenever they see him.

She nodded once slowly still watching him cautiously. Why? She didn't know. Maybe it was because, she knew him and it was not like him to talk to anyone and he was talking to her.

"The sketch is really good."

She shrugged.

Doesn't she ever speak? Rukawa thought slightly annoyed.

"You capture every single detail in your sketch."

She inclined her head watching him wonderingly.

Rukawa sighed inwardly.

"What is your name?" He finally asked.

Nay's eyes widened and sadness cross her face. Hardly any students really know who she was even know she was a transferred student from a special school. Her parents had talked to the principle about her popularity in school. She wanted to have a normal life and wanted other students to treat her like a normal teenager, so not many students know that she can't talk, except for her classmates and Mitsui.

Rukawa watched the girl's face darkened slightly and wondered what he had said to make her upset. He was simply just asking for her name.

"OI!" Someone shouted behind Rukawa.

Rukawa could recognize that voice and groaned inwardly. It was Mitsui. Of all time to turn up, he had to turn up now!

"Rukawa what are you doing?" Mitsui walked up towards them and stood before Nay like a protective boyfriend.

Rukawa remained silent looking at him for moment and turn his gaze towards Nay who was looking at him from around Mitsui towering figure in front of her. She smiled softly at him picked up the notebook she slung around her neck and wrote something on it. She tore the paper away and hand the note and the sketch to him before she walked away and into the building.

"Nay?" Mitsui watched after her agape, turned his fierce stare at Rukawa one last time before he rushed indoors after her.

Rukawa puzzled at her gesture, looked down at the piece of note she had given him and his eyes widened with shock. Her handwriting was dainty and neat but what shocked him was what she wrote.

Nay wrote…

Sorry, I can't answer you. I can't speak. My name is Nay Ozuki. You can call me Nay. As for the sketch, you can keep it. It's a gift. Thanks for liking my work.

No wonder she didn't answer me. Rukawa thought. But why would a girl who has speech disability come to Shohoku High?