History Essay

Risa Harada stayed quiet and continued to work on her geometry homework for that evening. It was bad enough that her friends would talk about Satoshi Hiwatari nonstop, but it was just disastrous how they had forced him to come over to their table and eat lunch with them. They looked stupid. She looked stupid.

"Have you ever been in a long-term relationship, Hiwatari-kun?"

Both Risa and Satoshi winced at the "kun". Risa didn't like it when other people used that ending with him. Only she was allowed to use that ending... but then again, what made her think that?

"I don't have time for relationships."

A swoon came across the table, and Risa glanced at Satoshi. He looked as if he were going to puke. Poor spud. She had to stifle her laughter as she looked away from his pale face. Satoshi Hiwatari must be so used to these things. Risa scowled to herself as she wondered how many other girls became jealous when she used "kun" with Hiwatari.

Oh, she wouldn't be able to stand that. Being one of them. Those girls who swoon over everything a man does, who stare longingly (and noticeably) at him from across the room, who send notes and proclaim their everlasting love without even knowing the guy's favorite color. She shivered at how she used to be like that. She never wanted to be like that ever again. Not since Dark. Not since she matured and realized how foolish she was. No. It was too stupid, too painful.

Never again.

"If you'll excuse me..." Risa suddenly stood bolt upright, startling everyone at the table. "I must go to the library to... research."

"Research what, Risa-chan?"

"Sensei's paper was due yesterday."

"No, no," Risa stuttered, wanting more than anything to get out. "It's... a paper I'm doing for... extra credit." She didn't bother sticking around to hear people question her. She was somewhat surprised at how fast she moved out of the cafeteria and into the hallway. She let out an audible sigh of relief, relaxing... and feeling just ever so slightly burdened.

"Harada-san." Oh, this couldn't be real. "Harada-san, are you really struggling with history that much?" Risa could feel her face heat up as Satoshi Hiwatari began to walk along side of her. "I could give you some assistance if you would like."

Risa couldn't help but chuckle. "You're so formal..." she half whispered. Then, louder, she said, "No, I'm actually fine with history. I just couldn't stand another minute being in your fan-club." She gasped as Satoshi smiled, amused. "I mean-! Not that you're not attractive! Or... I mean... not that I'm trying to offend you... I just... I mean, you're quite... u-umm..."

Satoshi waved it away. Wait... did he just chuckle? As in actually find something humorous? "It's alright. I understand. You're not attracted to me, nor am I with you."

"... Right... right..."

There was a tremendously awkward silence as the two students stood in the hall, unaware that they had stopped walking. Both knew that Satoshi had said the wrong thing, but neither were willing to admit to it. Risa cleared her throat, feeling a familiar aching sensation in her heart.

"Well, I should go," she said quietly, turning away. She was stopped by Satoshi's large, strong... warm hand taking her own. She looked, confused, as Satoshi's grip tightened the slightest bit. They were both lost for words until Satoshi finally managed to press out,

"Please don't send me back there."

Silence... then a small giggle escaping from Risa's throat. She tried to cover it up, but only managed to snort. Satoshi began to chuckle... and before too long, they were laughing hysterically, unable to stop. Well... Risa was a bit hysterical, but, in a way, mere laughter was hysterical for Satoshi.

"Oh, God, I am so sorry," Risa laughed, clutching her gut. "Y-you poor thing!"

Satoshi let out a breath, watching her for a moment. He liked her laugh, her smile. He really did. Coughing a bit, he motioned for the way to the library. "Shall I assist you in your extra credit essay for history class?"

Risa smiled. "Yes. Thank you very much."

And they walked down the hall, content, happy... still holding hands.