A Heart Locked in Frozen Winter

by Zara Allegra Vespertine

Satsuki Shishio is struggling hard after breaking up with Suzume Yosano. Weeks of doubt, uneasiness and lack of self-confidence forced him to re-examine his true intentions toward Suzume. Breaking her heart was not an easy thing to do, especially if you see her everyday. He considers it as punishment for failing her. A multi-chapter series in bits and pieces from his POV.

4. Chapter 4

A/N:

This is a series of Satsuki Shishio's POV as he ponders about Suzume Yosano, a highschool girl he fell in love with but was forced to leave alone due to the inappropriate circumstances of being her Homeroom teacher.

For the moment I am picking up random objects and turning them into somber topics for dear Satsuki Shishio. He has such a lot of things going on his mind right now, and I kind of feel like everything on his house reminds him of Suzume. How pathetic is that? But I still find it somewhat endearing.

Do check out this manga if you happen to just stumble upon my work. I may be putting some spoilers here, so be warned!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

Test Paper

Suzume Yosano.

I stared back at the name written neatly on top of the paper I was holding. I knew I shouldn't be spending my Saturday afternoon grading history essays, but if I don't do them now, I would be facing a mountain of paperwork by next week.

My hand brushed the back of the paper. And I felt the indentations made by the ballpoint pen behind.

It was obvious that she spent some time pondering on what to answer on question number 23, due to the fact that she doodled a bit on the sides of the paper.

I have encountered so many things a student does on his or her test papers that nothing seems to surprise me anymore. Some students will scribble names of their crushes on the sides; plans for a meeting during the weekend; a name of a plushy toy shop a few blocks away. Sometimes I look forward to the things they write at the edges. It tells a lot about my students.

However.

I tapped rear end of my pen, still holding Chun-Chun's paper. Her papers are only filled with doodles. Endless curls, circles and crisscrossing lines. My finger traced her name.

Suzume Yosano's paper reflects her confusion and sadness.

A drop of water splashed her name, and the ink spread into a spidery flower formation.

I wiped away the traces left behind by my single tear. I quickly graded her test and shoved it between the piles of finished tests as if my hands were scorched.

I hurt her. And her hurt and sadness seems to seeped into the sheet I was holding moments ago.

A/N: Let me know what you think.