Sorry for the wait! Here's chapter 2! Not a lot of development just yet, but it's going to get worked out. I was in a brief slump for a little while.
Yeah, actually, nothing happened when I saw her walking home. I'm not even sure if she saw me anyways, but I had to assume she lived and worked somewhat close by for her to be walking down this street. Most people in this town had cars, bikes, or some kind of scooter.
I returned to my apartment, unloading the goods, then settled into my apartment. I hadn't had time to call the company for internet yet, so I was pretty bored. I chose to play a bit on my PSP while eating the chilled ramen I bought.
My cell phone went off and I peered at it. It was a text from Mai.
[Hey, how's the new apartment? Come into the city some time and hang out with us when you've got time!]
I rolled my eyes, knowing what she wanted to rope me into doing.
…
…
I noticed that that woman passed by my apartment twice a day in the morning and once in the evening. Early mornings were for her jogs, while the latter two instances were for walking to and from work. My runs and commutes to work usually occur a little while after each of her runs and walks, so we never really run into each other.
I'm not a stalker, okay? She just happens to pass by and I just happen to be able to see her.
In any case, I didn't really feel like going out with Mai and the others anytime soon, so instead I lounged on the floor while checking the internet I obtained only after waiting a miraculous two weeks for. Most of the time, the internet took about two months to set up.
Where do I work? It's actually just a part-time at the nearby garage, I guess. Or more like a "go in whenever I feel like it" job. Nothing special. It's pretty cool and all, but I'm waiting on the upcoming job. I kind of just go in to work on cars and motorcycles whenever I feel like it.
What job am I waiting on, you're wondering? Teaching... I guess? Don't laugh!
I'm starting pretty soon for the school year, and the cherry blossoms will be blooming not long after.
…
I ran on my usual route and practically crashed into someone who was just around the corner when I made my turn. I caught whoever it was by the hand before they fell.
That's when I realized how soft those hands were, and how mesmerizing those eyes were up close.
It was that woman.
But what was she doing here? Her run was supposed to be over by now, wasn't it?
Suddenly I heard a melodious giggle ring in my ears.
"Ara, ara, you're still holding my hand. I wonder if Stranger-han doesn't want to let go?"
I dropped her hand like it was hot coal and I could feel my face heating up.
Ah, but that voice... it's really warm. Kyoto-ben, it sounded like...? I suppose she's not from around here, either.
"Erm... sorry. For running into you, I mean. Er, and your hand, yeah..." I managed to get out. Man, what happened to the cool and collected me? Lady, what are you doing to me?
She smiled softly, "It's not a problem." She was gazing right at me.
I found myself at a loss for words.
I also wanted to ask why the hell she was running at this time rather than the usual, earlier runs she makes, except I couldn't exactly go up to her and suddenly say: Gosh, I've been watching you run past my apartment every day and I couldn't help be wonder why you were out here running later than usual.
"Well... if Stranger-han has a name, I'd like to thank her for catching me."
"Errr.. Kuga... Kuga Natsuki."
"Kuga-han, is it? Ookini." Wow, could you say my name like that one more time?
"Yeah, no problem..."
I shuffled my feet a bit, shifting my weight from one leg to the other, unsure of what to do or say. I didn't really want her to leave just yet... not when we've finally run into each other.
"I've seen you run past my apartment."
Wait, what, I didn't say anything! It wasn't me! … Wait, did she just say what I thought she did?
"I'm sorry, what?"
"You run past my apartment a little while before I have to leave for work."
She smiled again.
"Er... I see. I live right over there, so I guess sometimes I see you pass by, too." I jutted my thumb out at the general direction behind me.
Suddenly there was a glint in her eyes that I couldn't read and I blinked a few times, crossing my arms.
"Well, Kuga-han, I'll see you around some time, perhaps..." With that, she jogged off before I could comprehend what she had just said.
See you around? What? And I never asked her why she was even running out here later than usual...
I decided to skip my morning jog today, spun around on my heel, and headed back to my apartment.
I never got her name.
Yup. A little bit of development, I guess?