Chapter Three
"Natsuki looks well this morning," came Shizuru's cheerful greeting. The blue-haired girl scowled. "Now, now Natsuki."
"Shizuru…"she growled.
Shizuru smiled and threw her arms around the younger girl.
"Imari!"
Both girls froze. "Shizuru…I meant Shizuru."
The joyful mood was gone, and in its place was an awkward silence. Neither knew what to do.
"Natsuki?" The older woman's voice was filled with nervousness.
"Y-Yeah?"
"Who's Imari?"
Natsuki didn't answer.
Mai looked like she'd just won a free trip to the karaoke bar. "That's so great!" Mikoto watched as Mai pulled Aoi and Chie into another hug. She wanted a hug too.
"Thanks for your...blessing Mai," Aoi said, blushing. Chie grinned next to her.
"So you two really only just got together?" Mai eyed the two girls. "Cus I was sure that the two of you were dating."
"Really Mai, we've only been dating a few days," the dark-haired girl laughed.
Mikoto wanted Mai to pay attention to her. She wanted Mai to hug her. She wanted Mai to smile for her. She wanted Mai to smile because of her.
"Hey."
She growled at the intruder.
"How are you doing?"
This girl sounded way too happy.
"I'm new here."
God! Would this girl just go away!
"I'm Sakuya. You?"
"Nao." She glared at the girl. Two words: Pink. Hair. The girl had pink hair. If she hadn't hated the girl before, she certainly hated her now.
Silence.
"Well…" Sakuya mumbled something. "I guess I'll see you later."
"Whatever."
It scared her; she could admit that. She didn't want to love anyone, it made things too complicated.
She could feel it growing, day by day. Ever since she'd finally allowed herself to open up, her feelings seemed…not changed, for they had existed before. But she was now long past it simply being potential. Potential didn't involve someone constantly on your mind, the flutter of the heart of just being near, the longing when apart. No, she was past potential.
It pained her to be near her. Part of her just wanted to take her dear friend into her arms and kiss her, while the other merely wished to flee.
Was this what she had condemned Shizuru to?