"Because I think it's quite fun."

I stand rigid, body pinned against his, and start trying to think of an intelligent response. Unfortunately, the right words don't come to me fast enough and I stay paralyzed and powerless. All I can manage is slightly dropped jaw.

He smirks and releases me, putting space between us. "Just kidding. Calm down."

Still paralyzed. Mom, I'm really hoping you've got some timely advice for me. Go on, send it down into my head. I'm ready.

"Seriously, Haruhi."

I blink and spit out, "Right. Sorry."

"I can come back later, but we both know why I'm here. Word travels fast at this school."

Both of my hands go to cover my eyes and I . "No," I say, as I slide down the bookshelf until I hit the floor, "we should talk about it now. Might as well. Although I'm not sure I have anything of substance to say, sorry."

He sits down next to me, leaving a respectable amount of distance. "Stop apologizing over stuff that doesn't need apologizing for."

"Sorry." Normally, I'm much more articulate than this. How embarrassing. When he looks at me again, I smile sheepishly.

Really, Mom. Could seriously use some help right now. Preferably some grace and confidence, thanks.

Mori looks up at the ceiling blankly. "Looks like I've got myself a girlfriend," he suddenly says, grinning.

"You what?"

"I mean, what else would you expect? We're dating now."

"We are not dating, senpai. We can't-I can't-you can't." I shake my head and stare at him.

"Why not?"

When I don't respond- and I can't because no answer would ever convince him otherwise- he smirks again. He stands up and ruffles my hair.

As he walks away, he says quietly, "Bye, girlfriend." He shoots me a mocking look and in return, I stick my tongue out. I yell out that he's a jerk and he waves his hand dismissively before leaving the library.

For a while, I remain in my sitting position on the dirty marbled carpet. My fingers lightly trace over the edge of my black sneakers absently as I stare off into space. During this period of comforting oblivion, I can only think of three things: how study hall is about to end, that I need to make a run to my locker, and that I need to change my uniform pants because there's a little scuff on the knee from when I dropped to the floor moments earlier. It's easily been two minutes when I regain focus and think to myself,

What the hell just happened?