WAAAH! My chapters always seem longer when I'm typing them! Sorry again, but I did get a few chapters done so that makes up for it, right??

Whisper of the Heart (c) Studio Ghibli

Chapter 6: Building a Bridge

Shizuku peeks out from behind the large elm where she had been eavesdropping on Seiji and Grandpa. Oh Seiji, I didn't mean to put you through all that. Slumping down, she leans against the majestic tree and wraps her arms around her knees. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, she debates on the best way to patch things up between them. With a gentle purr against her legs, she reaches out to pet the roaming Moon. "You silly cat, it's almost as if you had this whole planned out. Thank you for leading me here." And Moon's reply? He turned and looked to her with that typical all knowing cat stare as if to say, 'Of course I planned it, I am a cat you know.' With a smile, she gives him one final pet before standing and heading towards the shop. But first, she changes direction and goes home to leave a note.

I wonder if I should have asked him where Shizuku was. No, if they are fighting, the last thing he'd want is to hear her name. I just hope everything is alright. Maybe I should go to her house and see if she is there. With a decisive nod, Yuko crosses the street and thinks of surprising her with a sweet to cheer her up. She enters into the first café she finds and walks up to the counter to look at all the delicious goodies they have for sale. "Excuse me ma'am, could I get two squares of brownies with nuts to go please?"

"Of course, one moment please." The waitress boxed up two large squares and gave it to the person standing at the register. Yuko then got in line and waited to pay. Luckily, the line was short, only three others in front of her. She stood there and was running through the different ways she could cheer up her friend when all of a sudden a familiar voice called her name.

"Yuko? Is that you?" Sugimura was behind her, waiting to pay for his own items.

Oh no, why did I have to run into him! She instantly turned red when she turned around and looked at him. "Hello Sugimura." What should I do? Here is my chance to talk to him, but I really should go and see Shizuku.

"Miss? Is this all for you today?" The waiter waited with her take out, a bit anxious since the line had grown.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry!" Quickly she paid for the items and moved aside with a sigh. I guess he will just have to wait till another day. Right now, I should go and see if I can help her.

He moved up to the counter and paid for his items, all the while glancing at Yuko. She seemed worried about something. Then again, so was he after the little fiasco he had with Shizuku earlier. He really needs to stop thinking about her, she made her feelings very clear to him and he just needs to accept them. "So Yuko, what's in the bag?" Moving aside to let the other customers through, he looks to her.

"Umm…brownies." He's going to think I'm a pig! I should just leave now before get worse. She begins to inch her way closer to the door, not really wanting to leave yet, but knowing that it's probably for the best.

He watches her in confusion. Did I say something wrong? "Brownies? Those are my favorite." Suddenly he remembered what Shizuku told him…Yuko had a crush on him! Now it was his turn to blush. Well that explains why she's acting a bit awkward around him. Looking to her now, he was unsure on how to behave around her. He never really gave her much thought, it was always Shizuku he had in mind. But since she wanted nothing to do with him, perhaps he should open his eyes to other possibilities…

He's looking at me, why is he looking at me? "O-oh, really? I bought some for Shizuku and I, this isn't all for me. I find brownies to be extremely sweet, too sweet to eat all that I bought." And now I'm babbling, great. "I should probably go."

"Wait, did you say Shizuku? How is she? Did she get that scrape cleaned up?" He tried not to sound too interested, just someone asking a casual question.

Turning back to look at him, Yuko stares at him, full of questions. "Did you say she was hurt? When was this? I just saw her an hour ago." Why would she be hurt? That guy she likes doesn't seem the type to be violent.

"Um, yeah. I was in here eating when I saw her trip outside. She scraped her knee, but it didn't look that bad. Must have just tripped on a crack or something. I told her she should go home and get it cleaned before it got infected. But she seemed like something was bothering her so I don't think she really heard me. Anyways, she left just a bit ago to go home. What ever was bothering her, it didn't seem like she wanted to be around anyone." Well, that wasn't the whole truth, but she didn't need to know about the argument they had.

Yuko looked down to the floor and then to the bag of sweets, perhaps I should just give Shizuku some time alone. What ever is bothering her, I'm sure she'll call me later and tell me about it. Also, this will give me the chance to talk to Sugimura. "I guess I'll let her be for now and just call her later. If you're not busy, would you like to share these brownies with me, that is if you didn't already have dessert." I can't believe this, I'm actually going to talk to him. She could feel her whole face turn red, I can't back out now, I have to do this!

"That sounds like a good idea. How about we go to the park and sit there?" He was a bit confused at her request, but maybe it would give him a chance to ask a few questions about Shizuku. Maybe Yuko can tell me why she's so against me. "Hey, let me get us something to drink, I'll meet you outside."

All she could do was nod and quickly walk to the door, trying very hard to contain her excitement as she stepped out into the bright day. I can't believe this is happening, I can't believe this is happening! Okay, I need to calm down before he gets here. But was it wrong for me to abandon my original plan just to spend time with him? She couldn't help but feel guilty at what she did. Then again, it was a little late for her to change her plans once more. I just hope Shizuku can forgive me.

He quickly got back in line, his mind wandering as he waited. Finally, maybe he can find out what is going on with Shizuku. I've always been so nice to her, why doesn't she share my feelings?

"Sir, can I help you?"

The waiters words snapped him out of his thoughts. "Umm, yes. Two cartons of milk to go, please." As he paid for them, he felt a wave of guilt beginning to wash over him. Is he really going to use Yuko just to satisfy his curiosity about Shizuku? He knew guys who wouldn't hesitate to do just that and he always thought that they were disgusting. But here he is, about to go through with it. And to top it off, Yuko liked him. He didn't want to hurt her feelings and he certainly didn't want to make her cry again. With a sigh, he took the bag with the milk and walked to the door. Maybe, he should just forget about Shizuku once and for all and focus on getting to know Yuko. He paused at the door as he looked out to her standing there. With the sun shinning on her hair and the gentle blush on her cheeks, he couldn't help but feel his own cheeks redden. Yes, I think that is a good idea.