Happy as hell.
It's what I should be feeling right now, lying in bed, listening to the rain pound against the walls. For once I've got a valid reason not to get up and go to school, running like a maniac just to reach class on time.
"Damn it!"
Yelling doesn't help. It's too quiet – even the deluge outside is nothing but white noise.
… Should I call her?
Yeah, like she'd pick up the phone. Stupid Ritsu.
Punching myself lightly on the forehead– it hurts… but not where you'd expect it to. There's this dull ache in my chest, like the start of a bad cold. I wish it would go away.
But I brought this all on myself, didn't I? It was perfect, at least until I- No. That's not it.
Did Mio even hear what I said?
Between the deafening boom of those fireworks and my racing heart, there's a clear winner.
"I see, so both Yui and Ritsu aren't here."
Can't say I'm surprised, though I think Tainaka's absence has little to do with the weather. Like a little drizzle like this would stop that madwoman.
"It's nice of you to drop by, Nodoka- always keeping an eye on everyone even when you're busy!"
Despite the clammy weather, Tsumugi's encouraging words make my mouth twist into an unexpected smile.
"Well, it's not that hard. You're one to talk, Tsumugi."
She laughs softly as a light blush darkens her cheeks- like some pageant contestant. Sometimes I think she would make a far more popular president than me. Shame she didn't run.
"Is Mio feeling better? I heard that she was in the clinic."
"Oh, you should probably go visit her later. Maybe during lunch? Yes, that sounds about right."
That should be enough time for Akiyama's puffy eyes to go away. I would go visit her myself, but I don't think that would make her comfortable. Besides, Tsumugi's more familiar with her. I'd just ruin the atmosphere, standing around like some chaperone.
Tsumugi's laughing about something, but I can't understand a word she is saying. Everything I said earlier keeps playing in my head; it's driving me crazy. I... I can't believe I just stood by idly while she cried her heart out.
"Look, Mio... before you say any more, think about it for a second. Is this something you really want me to know? She is your best friend, after all."
Why didn't I just stay quiet and listen, like any friend would have done? Like Tainaka would... But then, how could I? The truth is... I don't really feel like helping her fix their problem. When I hear her say that girl's name, something in me withers.
Besides, Mio and I are barely friends.
The pianist was looking at me expectantly, so I nod and smile, despite having no clue as to what she was talking about. She seems convinced by my act, and proceeds to speak again. At least this time I manage to listen.
"Thanks, Nodoka. I hope she didn't catch a cold."
"I hope so too."
Maybe I'm the one who should have stayed home today.
When is it going to stop raining?
The curtains are white. My hair is black. The skies are grey.
Everywhere I look – white, black, grey. It's all the same, colorless walls. Even my skin looks a little paler against the cool sheets. It's ghastly- if I wasn't sick before, this depressing atmosphere is sure to make me come down with something in no time at all.
Again, my eyes flutter shut in an attempt to mimic sleep, but they just won't stay closed. Stubborn flashes of light pollute the peaceful darkness behind my eyelids. I'm nothing but a bundle of frayed nerves. Maybe I really am sick.
"Hello, Mio. Feeling better?"
The curtains rustle open; my eyes are finally treated to some color. It's Tsumugi.
"Yeah, just a cold. It's nothing."
Hopefully my eyes are a lot less red than they were this morning. She looks concerned and embarrassed at the same time. Ah well, who wouldn't act strange, standing beside a croaky mess?
"I wanted to bring you some cake, but the nurse wouldn't let me take the basket in."
"What? You… tried to smuggle food… into the clinic…?"
The image of my gentle Finnish friend glaring at the nurse while lugging along a hefty wicker basket bursting with slices of cake and fine china… Why– why am I laughing? It feels so inappropriate but I can't help myself.
"It's nice to see you cheerful again, Mio. You'll get better in no time."
"Thanks, Mugi. I- really, thank you."
"Oh, but I didn't do anything."
It's nice to see that some things don't change. If Yui and Azusa were here I bet they would be bickering like lovesick puppies. It's fun to watch, but I make it a point not to encourage them. Actually, I think I hear two people arguing outside. It doesn't sound like those two though. Probably just be some student pretending to be sick. The curtains open a second time. I hope the nurse isn't booting me out for some truant.
"Here you go."
"…N-nodoka?"
It takes forever for my brain to understand that the class president is standing right in front of me, holding out a basket of delicately baked pastries with a strange look on her flushed face- perhaps from arguing with the nurse? Or is it genuine embarrassment? I'd ask, but I don't know what to say; "Why in the world did you do this?" doesn't sound quite right. I resort to thanking her, though I'm not sure what for. She shakes her head at me and grins awkwardly.
"Would be a shame to waste this much food, after all. You should eat it before the nurse decides to take some for herself."
Tsumugi beams at her and starts passing out plates and forks, but she hurriedly retreats, mumbling about some meeting she has to attend.
"That was pretty nice of her, don't you think? She could have gotten into trouble though. It's good to see that you two are close."
"…I guess. I should thank her properly later."
We're not! The only reason Nodoka is talking to me is because it's her job to be nice to everyone. I shouldn't burden her with my problems; she has enough of her own.
I only have one.
"So, which one would you like?"
In the short span of time that I zoned out, Mugi has already set up a full desert bar on my bed.
"That one, please."
Sugar is a lethally delicious poison. Makes you smile, and then it goes to your thighs. Well, my thighs can turn into balloons for all I care. Anything to forget these past couple of days, even for a moment. Why is everyone acting so strange? It's almost as if everyone's in on a joke that I'm not.
Then again, hasn't it always been that way?