A Heart to Love Chapter 7: Boyfriend I like you, an azumanga daioh fanfic

Disclaimer: See the first chapter.

Asumanga Daioh: A Heart to Love

Chapter 7: I'll be your boyfriend… I like you

"So what do you think?"

"Well, speaking as your vice-principal, I'd have to say, that studying for your college entrance exams is far more important right now then any social life you may hope for. While both Sakaki-san and Mizuhara-san are both very good students, neither is particularly exceptional, unlike Mihama-san. In addition, your own goal of attending Tokyo University is a lofty one. You're going to have to seriously dedicate yourself to preparing for it. Have you signed up for cram school yet?" The middle-aged man looked pointedly at the young teen.

"No, not yet." He continued to look out the window.

"I see." The man paused for a moment. "Now, as your therapist, I'd have to say, this is a positive step forward. It's been too long since you've allowed anyone to get close to you. Whether it be Sakaki-san or Mizuhara-san, I see it as a positive, and necessary move towards allowing yourself to heal within."

"I wasn't asking if you thought it was a good idea, therapeutically."

The older man laughed. "No, of course not. Sorry, old habits and all. Well, from what you've told me, you enjoy spending time with Sakaki-san but are unsure of her feelings for you, and you find Mizuhara-san attractive and you obviously know she likes you. Hmmm… Sounds like you have quite a dilemma."

"Thank you, Sensei. You've been so-o-o helpful." Ashitaka gave the vice-principal a sarcastic smile and an exaggerated bow.

Again the older man laughed. "The trials of youth." He grinned. "You're a bright young man, Ashitaka-kun. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Just make sure it doesn't sidetrack you from your ultimate goal."

The boy nodded. "I guess we're done for today?"

"Unless there's something else you'd like to talk about, and remember, my door's always open whenever you need to talk. Don't feel you can only come during our prescribed sessions." The man stood up and gave the taller boy a pat on the back.

"Yes, Sensei. Thank you." The teen bowed sincerely this time.

"Now go, before you're late for class."

(000)

There were still a few minutes before the bell and Yukari hadn't shown up yet when Sakaki and Ashitaka met at the door coming from opposite ends of the hall.

Ashitaka offered the girl a bright smile. "Good morning, Sakaki-chan."

"Morning, Ashitaka-kun," Sakaki answered plainly at first but her expression softened slightly and she added, "We missed you this morning."

"We?"

"Chiyo-chan and me."

"Oh…" He continued to gaze into her eyes, hoping somehow that by this simple act, he would be able to read her thoughts and know whether she liked him at all, or was simply a polite person, as he suspected.

"About the question you asked me yesterday…" Sakaki started.

"Yes?" he asked hopefully.

Glancing in the room for a moment, she caught a glimpse of Yomi smiling happily, and chatting idly with a girl, Sakaki did not know by name.

"I just wanted to say… I think you and Yomi-chan would make a very nice couple. I'm sure Yomi-chan will make you very happy." She lowered her head slightly. "That's all I wanted to say." Then she darted into the room.

"Saka-" The boy never got to finish. Just then the bell ran and he felt a warm breath wash over his ear. "Waiting for me in the hallway, Ashitaka-kun? How bold of you."

The boy jumped. "Yukari-sensei!" He bowed then rushed into the room.

Giggling, the teacher whistled happily as she entered the classroom.

(000)

Unlike the day before, this day was unseasonably warm and a lot less windy up on the roof of the school.

Yomi pulled the two bentos out of her school bag and handed one of them to Ashitaka. "It's rice balls with pickled radishes. I hope you like it." She smiled hopefully.

"I'm sure it's delicious." He took it from her and held it in his hand.

Yomi dug around in her bag. "I know I put some disposable chopsticks in here, somewhere."

Setting the bento aside, he reached out and placed his hand over her other hand. "Yomi-chan."

"I know they're in here." She kept rummaging around. "I'm sure I put them in here. I know it."

"Yomi-chan, the chopsticks can wait. I'd like to talk to you." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"No," she replied, without looking up.

"No?"

"No, because I know what you're going to say. I saw you and Sakaki-san talking just outside the classroom. I guess I sort of knew all along. It's not surprising really." She turned away. "Sakaki-san is taller than me. She's prettier and has that mysterious thing going for her, and she's not fat, like me. I know you guys walk together to and from school almost everyday. I guess, I was hoping that if I asked you to be my boyfriend first, that maybe I'd have a chance." She looked up at him with watery eyes and smiled. "Silly, huh?"

"Yomi-chan… " The boy ran his palm along her cheek, bringing his finger along her lower eyelid, and capturing the tear that formed there. "You're not fat." He smiled. "And I think you're very pretty, and smart, and funny. Besides, what you saw was Sakaki-san telling me we'd make a nice couple, you and I. She said, you'd make me happy."

The sandy-haired girl's brow wrinkled in confusion. "She said that?"

He nodded. "And I think… I think she's right."

Yomi's quivering lips slowly formed into a weak smile. "You… you do?"

He nodded. "I do."

Standing up, the girl bowed her head and declared, "I promise, I'll do my best to make you happy. I will… I promise."

Ashitaka placed his hands upon her shoulders, causing her to gasp in surprise, and look up at him. "And I'll do my best to make you happy, Yomi-chan. I promise." He smiled warmly.

This time Yomi smiled was genuine, but it quickly turned to surprise when the boy started to lean in towards her. Automatically, she began arching her back slowly in an attempt to keep a safe distance from him. Seeing him tilt his head slightly and slowly close his eyes erased any doubt concerning his intentions. Yomi drew in a sharp breath and closed her eyes as well, preparing herself for her first kiss.

"So this is where you guys ran off to!"

Ashitaka instantly released the girl and she stumbled back a couple of steps. He stuffed one hand in his pocket and scratched the back of his head with the other. "Haha, yeah, you found us."

"What'ya'll doin up here?" Osaka asked, following Tomo through the door.

"That's what I want to know!" The short-haired girl hurried over to her friend. "What were you to up to, just now? Huh?"

Caught off guard for a moment, Yomi's glasses suddenly steamed up. "Uh, well…"

"Yomi-chan, why are you blushing?" Osaka wondered aloud.

"Tomo-san, you were right, they are up here." Chiyo said with a smile as she walked out onto the roof with her friends. "Hello, Ashitaka-kun, we missed you this morning."

Ashitaka smiled. "Sorry, Chiyo-sempai. I had an early appointment."

Tired of waiting for a response from her friend, Tomo turned to the boy and asked, "So what were you to doing just now, when we showed up?" She grinned knowingly.

"We were just talking. That's all." The boy sat back down and picked up the bento Yomi had given him earlier. "Did you ever find those chopsticks, Yomi-chan?"

"Huh?" It took a moment for Yomi to get her composure back but once she did, she played along perfectly. "Oh, yeah, they're in my bag, I think." She walked over next to him and picked up her school bag. Flipping it open, she searched for a minute. "Ah, here we go." She pulled out two sets and handed the boy one.

"Thanks." He turned his head toward her and winked so the others couldn't see.

Keeping her face forward, she lowered her head slightly and gave him a smile, then turned and sat down next to him, picking up her bento as well. "We better hurry."

The boy nodded and wasted no time digging into his food.

Chiyo sat next to him and pulled out her bento as well. Tomo and Osaka sat next to Yomi and opened the sandwiches they picked up at the cafeteria.

After a few minutes of silence, Chiyo said, "It's a shame Sakaki-san always eats her lunch in the classroom. It's such a nice day today."

(000)

Sakaki sat at her desk, poking at the lunch her mother made for her. She was not one to waste time when eating, but today, she just wasn't hungry, or at least that's what she told herself. She sighed and continued poking at the food.

"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I think it's dead, so it should be safe to eat."

Looking up, Sakaki saw Kagura standing next to her with a grin on her face. "What?"

"Your lunch." She pointed. "I don't think stabbing it will kill it any more than it already is."

The long-haired girl looked back down at her food. "I'm just not hungry, I guess." She closed her bento, tore open a wet-wipe pouch, and wiped her chopsticks clean, then put both back in her bag. Setting her elbow on her desk, she rested her chin upon her hand and stared blankly ahead.

Kagura tilted her head and wrinkled her brow. "Is something wrong, Sakaki-san?"

"Hmm?" She looked up at the other girl.

Shaking her head, the young swimming star sat down sideways in the seat in front of Sakaki, and placed her hands on the back of the chair. "Okay, what's bothering you?"

Sakaki's eyes went wide and her sat up straight as a board. "Y-you're…"

Kagura shook her head. "I'm, I'm what?" She stood up and spun the chair around then sat back down and drew close to the other girl's desk. "What is it, Sakaki-san?"

The taller girl started to perspire and hyperventilate. "Y-you're… in…" Unable to take it anymore, she jumped to her feet, rushed out of the room, and headed to the restroom.

Kagura just stared dumbfounded after her. "Weird."

(000)

In the restroom, Sakaki splashed cold water upon her face then slowly raised her head and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She sighed and reached of a paper towel to dry herself.

"Here," a familiar voice said, placing a towel in her hand.

"Thanks." Sakaki started to pad herself dry, then gasped in shock and turned to see Yomi standing behind her, smiling from ear to ear. "Yomi-chan!"

"Didn't mean to startle you, Sakaki-san. I just wanted to thank you." The girl bowed sharply, smiling even more broadly.

"Thank me?"

"Ashitaka-kun told me how you encouraged him in making his decision… to become my boyfriend." She slapped her hands against the sides of her legs. "He told me how you said you thought that he and I would make nice couple, and that I'd make him happy." Unable to contain herself anymore, Yomi lunged forward and wrapped her arms around the taller girl, pressing her cheek against her breasts. "Thank you so much."

Sakaki froze in shock. Never before had anyone hugged her like this, not even her parents.

Feeling how rigid, her friend had become, Yomi quickly released her and took a step back. "Sorry." She chuckled softly. "I just… thank you, Sakaki-san." She bowed once again. "Thank you." Then she turned and left the restroom.

The tall girl stood with a wet paper towel in her hand and water dripping from her chin.

(000)

When the last bell of the day sounded, Ashitaka quickly placed his things in his bag, stood up, turned around and waited for the girl who sat behind him to finish getting ready.

"Aren't you ready yet, Sakaki-san?" Chiyo said with a giggle, coming up next to the tall boy. "She's so slow sometimes, don't you agree, Ashitaka-kun?"

The boy looked down at the diminutive twelve-year old and smiled. "Yes, very slow sometimes." He turned to the girl in question and offered her a smile and a wink.

Sakaki gave him a hesitant smile back, then a moment later stood up and announced, "Okay, I'm ready."

The sound of someone clearing her throat caught their attention. Turning they saw Yomi standing near by, her hands clasped together over the handle of her school bag. She smiled up at her boyfriend, waiting and hoping he would get the hint.

He stared at her for a moment, not sure what to do or say. Finally, it dawned on him and he grudgingly asked, "W-would you like me to walk you home, Yomi-chan?"

Her smile grew until she noticed the other two girls staring at her, then she cleared her throat and stared up at the ceiling. "If you want to. I don't want to make you go out of your way, or anything."

"No, that's okay," the boy replied. Turning to the other two girls, he said, "I guess I'll see you in the morning." He smiled and gave them a nod goodbye.

"See you tomorrow morning, Ashitaka-kun, Yomi-san." Chiyo bowed.

"Bye." Sakaki gave a subtle wave and watch him leave with his new girlfriend.

"That's strange. Why is Ashitaka-kun walking Yomi-san home? She lives in almost the opposite direction." Chiyo wondered out loud.

Sakaki looked around the room and saw a few of their classmates looking over their way.

"Come on, Chiyo-chan, I'll explain outside," she whispered and lead the way out.

(000)

"So Ashitaka-kun and Yomi-san are dating now?" Chiyo asked with a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Ah-huh." Sakaki nodded.

"But…" The young girl in ponytails looked down at her feet.

"But what, Chiyo-chan?"

"But… I thought you and Ashitaka-kun were sort of… like… dating already." She looked up at her friend, sheepishly.

Sakaki stopped and looked away. Her breathing became labored as she tried to compose herself. "No, we're just friends. Just like you and Ashitaka-kun, nothing more." Finally, she turned back towards her friend and gave her a faint smile. "That's all, just friends."

"But Ashitaka-kun seemed to like you so much."

"You think so, Chiyo-chan?"

"Mmm hmm, he always seemed so happy whenever he was around you, Sakaki-san." The girl paused a moment, looking thoughtfully at the ground, then looked back up at her friend. "Sakaki-san, don't you like Ashitaka-kun?"

"Aaa…" The older girl was beside herself, unable to answer.

"Why didn't you tell Ashitaka-kun you liked him?" Chiyo asked.

Sakaki blushed and turned away. "Its too late now, Chiyo-chan. Yomi-chan already told him she likes him. She already asked him to be her boyfriend… and he said, yes." A tear escaped her eye and she brushed it away roughly. "I have to go, Chiyo-chan." She started to run down the street.

"But Sakaki-san…"

"See you tomorrow, Chiyo-chan!"

(000)

With lips quivering, and eyes red and watery, Sakaki burst into her house and slammed the door behind her. She rushed up the stairs and into her room, locking the door. The tall, strong girl felt completely drained. She staggered to her bed and collapsed upon it, grabbing one of her stuffed animals and holding it tightly in her arms. A steady flow of tears fell upon her pillow until she fell asleep a few minutes later.

A half hour before her normal bedtime, Sakaki woke up. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she slowly got off her bed and wobbled her way to the door. Still rubbing her eyes, she walked down the stairs and past the living room.

"Finally!" Her mother snapped. "The oversized princess graces us with her presence." She said scornfully from the sofa where she busily mended one of her husband's work shirts.

"Sorry," the teen said meekly.

"Your father works hard to put food on the table. The least you could do is honor him by showing up when it's time to eat."

"Yes ma'am." She bowed. "Sorry father." She bowed again.

Her father never looked up from his newspaper.

"Fine. If you're hungry, the food is in the refrigerator. You know how to use the microwave." He mother's anger subsided a bit.

"Yes ma'am." Sakaki bowed once more and took a step towards the kitchen.

"But before you eat, go to the store and get some milk for breakfast and some soy sauce, I'm running low. You know where my purse is."

"Yes, ma'am. Anything else," the girl said softly.

"Yes, buy some udon noodles but only if they're on sale." The woman said, while still concentrating on her sewing.

"Yes ma'am." Sakaki turned and started towards the entrance when her mother snapped.

"Is that how I raised you. To be so disrespectful!" Her mother jumped to her feet.

"I'm sorry ma'am." Sakaki bowed low.

Her mother stomped up to her and slapped her across the face, causing the girl to gasp in shock. It had been at least four years since her mother hit her and while it wasn't hard enough to hurt her physically. It had the effect the woman wanted it to have.

"I raised you, I pick up after you, and feed you! Don't think for a second you can go on without showing me the proper respect! Someday, you'll be on your own, and you won't have me around to do everything for you. And don't you think you'll have a man around to take care of you! What man would want a tall, ugly girl like you?"

"Honey! That's enough." Her husband lowered his paper and gave his wife a stern look.

"Don't look at me that way! You know it's true. She's a big monkey and she knows it, and so do you. Go back to your paper." She gestured, and the man did as he was told. "Now what was I saying?" She looked at her daughter who stood waiting patiently with her head bowed low. "Well, don't just stand there, get going before it gets any later." She turned and sat back down.

"Yes ma'am." Sakaki bowed and headed for the door, stopping at the small table in the hall where her mother's purse was, she took out some money then slipped on her shoes and left.

Sakaki took her time walking down the street. With her mother in one of her moods, she was in no rush to get back home. She stared up at the stars and the moon, and wondered what life must be like billions upon billions of light-years away. Without realizing it, she crossed over to the other side of the street and was half running as she spun round and round trying to make out the constellations. "I wonder if Karon-san knows all the constellations?"

Suddenly, she felt a sharp blow to her back which knocker her off-balance and sent her to the ground. "Ouch!"

"Sorry! Sakaki-chan?"

The girl rolled over and looked up. "Ashitaka-kun?"

"Oh, gosh, I'm so-o sorry." He reached down and took her hands, pulling her up to her feet in one swift yank. Being a bit over zealous in his effort to help her up, he caused the girl to stumble forward and bump into him.

"Oh, sorry," she whispered, noticing for the first time how much taller he was than her. She took a step back and stared up at him.

His eyes were already gazing down into hers and for a moment they were the only two people in the world. A gentle breeze blow, sending a shiver up Sakaki's spin and causing her to realize that her hands were still in his. "Hmm." She slipped her hands free.

"Oh, sorry." He chuckled and rubbed his hands together.

"You don't need to apologize." She smiled while dusting herself off.

"Yes, I do. I'm really sorry of knocking you down. It was very careless of me."

"It wasn't your fault, really. I was… sort of spaced out." She admitted. "Ouch!" She pulled her hand away from her knee, slightly startled by the dark stain on it.

"Good God, you're bleeding." The boy grabbed her hand, staring angrily at it.

"It's nothing, really. Just a scratch." She insisted.

"We should get it cleaned, right away, before it gets infected." He pulled her along.

"Where are we going?" She asked, offering little resistance.

"To my apartment. This is my building." He guided her to the elevator, which opened almost as soon as he pressed the button.

"It's really not necessary, Ashitaka-kun. Really, it's just a scratch." She insisted, but he had already pulled her into the elevator and was on one knee examining her leg.

Sakaki gasped when she felt his hands tough the sides of her knee.

Standing back up he informed her, "It's still bleeding." A moment later, the elevator stopped at the fourth floor and they stepped out and headed to apartment 402. Pulling out his keys, he unlocked the door, and opened it for the girl.

She hesitated for a moment, having never been in a boy's home before, but this was Ashitaka-kun, she reasoned and slowly walked in. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the door lock. Then his hand was in hers, guiding her to the sofa in the living room.

He flicked on the lights. "I'll be right back." Then he turned and disappeared down the hall. A moment later, he returned with a small first-aid kit, a bowl of warm water, and a washcloth. He knelt down in front of her and dipped the washcloth in the water. Ringing it out, he began gently wiped around her knee and dabbed the cloth over the injured area as well.

Sakaki's face turned bright red and she bit her lower lip. She clinched her fists at her sides, and tensed up her shoulders.

"I'm really sorry. I'm not usually so careless when leaving the apartment," he said without looking up. Satisfied that he had cleaned the area sufficiently, Ashitaka opened the first aid kit and took out a small aerosol can. "Now, this might sting a bit." He spread it on her wound.

She drew he leg back slightly.

"Sorry." He immediately stopped spraying.

"No!" She leaned forward then slowly eased back. "I mean, it didn't hurt, it sort of tickled."

The boy smiled up at her and nodded. He sprayed the wound once more then used the washcloth to pad off the excess that started to run down her leg. Taking out a bandage, the teen was about to apply it to the scratch when he noticed how damp the area was. Leaning in close, he gently blew around the injury.

Sakaki felt the blood rushing to her face and bit her lower lip again.

Satisfied the area was dry enough, Ashitaka gently applied the bandage. When he was certain it was secure, he leaned forward, kissed the bandage and smiled. "There, all better." He looked up and saw the wide-eyed, flushed expression on the girl's face and he instantly blushed. "S-sorry, Sakaki-chan." He looked away. "Just a habit I picked up from my mother, I guess." Quickly, he picked everything up and hurried to the bathroom.

Sakaki, who was still blushing, heard the sound of the plastic bowl bouncing around and then the boy screamed, "SHIT!" She couldn't help but chuckle softly, putting her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.

A short time later, Ashitaka emerged from the bathroom, futilely trying to dry himself with a towel. Seeing him padding himself just made it harder for her to control her laughter.

The angry boy looked up when he heard a strange sound coming from the girl. Seeing her with her hands over her mouth, in a desperate attempt to keep from laughing out loud, melted away his anger instantly. Smiling, he looked down at himself and laughed. A moment later she joined in.

They continued to laugh for several minutes before the boy settled down enough to speak. "I'll be right back." He gestured to the closed door behind him. I'll just go change." He continued to snicker.

Sakaki placed her hand over her mouth again and nodded.

A few minutes later, Ashitaka re-emerged from his bedroom wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

Seeing her classmate like this stopped Sakaki's laughter instantly.

"Is something wrong, Sakaki-chan?" The boy tilted his head and looked down at himself. "Is there something on my clothes?"

Sakaki blushed and turned away. "No, you look … fine." She turned an even brighter shade of red. Standing up, she kept her eyes on the floor and started walking towards the door.

"Wha… where are you going?" Ashitaka moved in parallel with her, being sure to keep his distance.

"I have to go to the store. My mother needed some things." She replied while reaching for the doorknob.

"Sakaki-chan!"

She stared at her hand as it held the doorknob tightly. Taking a few deep breaths, she turned and offered the boy a modest smile then bowed. "Thank you for taking care of my knee." Hesitantly, she looked up into his eyes. "I have to go now."

"Sakaki-san!"

She stopped and looked back at the boy.

He opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came.

"Yes, Ashitaka-kun?"

His eyes darted around the room trying to think of something, anything to say. Looking over at the stove, he blurted out. "Are you hungry? Would you like some stew?" He mentally slapped himself in the forehead. Idiot! Of course, she's not hungry. It's way past dinnertime.

"Stew?" The emptiness in her stomach made itself known to her.

The boy smiled. "Yeah, I made some Kalops."

"What?"

"Kalops… oh, I mean beef stew." He gestured awkwardly towards the stove. "I had a taste for it for as long as I can remember." Quickly, he moved to the small round kitchen table and pulled out one of the chairs. "Here." He then darted over to the stove and touched the side of the pot. "Ssst!"

"Are you alright?" Sakaki took a step towards him.

He shook his hand while offering her a wide grin. "Yeah, fine. Hahaha… Pot's still a bit hot is all. I was just on my way to the store too, to get some bread to have with the stew."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Sakaki took a step back towards the door.

"No!" He moved towards her. "It's okay. It's not really necessary." He pulled the chair a little further out. "Please sit. I'll serve us both." He turned and opened one of the cabinets, and took out two bowls.

Still unsure, but not wanting to be rude, Sakaki slowly sat at the table and folded her hands over her lap.

Having filled both bowls, Ashitaka set them down on the table and sat down. "Spoon!" He stood back up. "S-sorry." He hurried to the far end of the kitchen and pulled open a drawer, took out two spoons and came back to the table. "Here." He held one out for her to take.

"Thank you." Sakaki accepted the spoon, but hesitated in sampling the contents of the bowl.

The boy paused as well. Is she afraid to try it? She's probably waiting for me to try it first, to see if it doesn't kill me. He smiled at her then looked down at the bowl and scooped up a large spoonful.

Sakaki smiled and did the same. "Mmm, it's good."

"It's kinda plain. I guess I didn't season it enough. Though, I guess it's supposed to taste like that."

"I think it's very good." The girl reiterated. "What did you call it?"

"Kalops," he replied. Seeing her questioning stare, he elaborated. "It's Swedish beef stew."

"Swedish?"

"Mmm… " He took another spoonful. "My mom used to make it at least once a week. It was one of my dad's favorite dishes."

"You're mom? Was your mom Swedish?"

"Well, she was born and raised in British Columbia, but her family was originally from Sweden."

"British Columbia? That's in Canada, right?"

"Yeah…"

"So, you're only half Japanese."

Ashitaka smiled. "Yeah… I thought it was pretty obvious." He grabbed a lock of his sandy-blonde hair.

Sakaki blushed. "Well, yeah, I guess."

"That's not a problem, is it?" A hint of concern showed upon his face.

"NO!" Sakaki blushed a deeper red and turned aside. "No, it's no problem. I guess I just never considered the possibility, that's all."

Ashitaka smiled again, staring at his guest a bit longer than he should have. Finally, he roused himself and said, "Your stew's getting cold."

"Oh… " Sakaki looked down at the bowl and started eating again.

Ashitaka grinned and began eating as well.

"Would you like some more?"

"No, thank you. I draw the line at thirds." The girl smiled.

"Thirds? Already?" The boy looked down at the two empty bowls, got up and looked in the pot. "O-oh… I told Yomi-chan I'd bring lunch tomorrow." He moved the ladle around the bottom of the pot, trying to fill it as best he could. "Oh well."

"I-I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."

"No, that's okay. Don't worry about it." He turned around and smiled at her. "Really, it's okay. I guess I'll just have to go to the store and bye something else to make."

"Oh, well… I was going to the store. Want me to go with you?" Sakaki stood and asked timidly.

"Sure, that'll be great."

Sakaki smiled.

(000)

"You didn't have to walk me home, really." Sakaki averted her eyes, "It's not far, and…" She thought of what else to say.

"It's okay. I don't mind." Ashitaka smiled at her, then looked down at the ground. After a moment, he added, "You know, if you ever want to, you can come over… to study, … or for dinner, …. or just to talk. It's okay." He smiled again.

"Ashitaka-kun -"

"Really, I don't mind. Not at all."

"Ashitaka-kun -"

"To tell you the truth, I could use the company sometimes." He offered a mild laugh. "You know, maybe next time I can make some-"

"Ashitaka-kun!" Sakaki started even herself.

The boy bowed his head. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling."

"Ashitaka-kun." She paused for a moment then looked up into his eyes and said, "I don't think I can do that, and I don't think we should walk to school together anymore either."

A sad and confused expression played across the boy's face.

"Yomi-chan is my friend, and you're her boyfriend now. People have a way of talking."

Ashitaka shook his head. "Let them talk. We know we're just friends."

"But it could hurt Yomi-chan to hear that kind of talk. And I won't hurt my friend." Sakaki turned aside, unable to endure the strength of his stare.

"Does this mean we can't be together anymore?"

"Sure we can, at school, in the company of others." Sakaki offered him a hopeful smile. "It's like you said, Ashitaka-kun, we're friends." She bowed. "Goodnight, Ashitaka-kun." Then she turned and opened the gate to her house.

"Sakaki-san," the boy whispered.

She stopped but didn't turn to look at him.

"I… I like you, Sakaki-san."

She turned and stared at him sadly, her voice caught in her throat.

"I'm… I'm sorry… " He turned away for a moment then looked at her once more. "I'm sorry, I didn't have the courage to tell you before." He took a deep breath and gazed into her eyes a little while longer. "I'm sorry." Then he turned and started walking home.

"Why couldn't you say that before?" Sakaki asked, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Why couldn't you say that before you told Yomi-chan, you'd be her boyfriend?"

He looked down. "I don't know. I'm sorry. I-I just don't know."

Her breathing became labored as her eyes clouded behind unshed tears. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came.

Ashitaka stayed staring at the ground until he heard the gate close, and a minute later he heared the sound of the front door open, then close. "I'm sorry, Sakaki-san," he whispered and slowly walked home with his small bag of groceries.

(To Be Continued)

AN: Sorry this chapter took longer than I had hoped. I hope you find it worth the wait. This should move a bit faster from here on out, I think.

Also, I'm sorry for any spelling or grammatical errors. In order to get this out sooner, I've posted it without my beta's edits. When she gets it back to me, I'll report the edited version.

I'd also like to thank everyone who has read and reviewed my story. Thank you all.

A. Amishi