Last Time

Miroku hadn't slept very well that night. By morning he was even more exhausted than before. He headed straight to school, not picking Sango up. He felt a little guilty, but he needed a few minutes alone. He needed time to think about Shima. No, he wasn't being dramatic. This was a big deal. Kagome had told him that she had asked for him already. Why, though? They hadn't spoken in a year. Why was she interested in him? Of course he didn't have the slightest clue.

Once he arrived at school, he sat in his car a few minutes. Seeing Shima again had shaken him. She wasn't just another girl. She used to be his world. And he didn't know how to handle that. Miroku finally got out of his car and ehaded for the school building. Maybe nothing would come from her return? He needed to stay focused on Sango. No one else.

Walking down the hall, the usual girls waved at him. Miroku returned the gesture kindly and sighed. Just relax, he thought. He went into the cafateria and took a seat at a table further from the others. He held his head in his hands and shut his eyes. He didn't want to get so bent out of shape. Sango would wonder what was wrong with him. But he couldn't tell her, she would be hurt. Who wanted to hear that another girl was on their boyfriends mind? All he could do was hope that he was blowing things out of proportion. There was a good chance that he would never cross paths with Shima.

"Hello, Miroku."

But then he heard that saccharine voice. He gathered his strength and looked up. Her eyes were shining and her lips had a perfect smile painted across them. She tucked her hair behind her ear and held her hands together behind her back. She giggled like he had just told her a harmless joke.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" she teased.

"Good morning, Shima."

"May I sit with you?"

Miroku clenched his jaw tightly and nodded.

"Gosh, this place hasn't changed a bit," she said while glancing around.

"No, I don't imagine it has."

Shima gazed at him innocently. Miroku sat back, averting his own gaze uncomfortably.

"What's wrong, are you expecting something?" Shima asked.

"Er, no, I'm not..."

"You're a bit different," she said. "Its probably because of me."

Miroku cleared his throat. Now he was really uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, I..."

He looked at her, seeing her lip quiver. She looked like she was going to cry. His heart dropped and he took a deep breath. No matter what, he didn't want to see any tears.

"I made a mistake. I understand if you... hate me."

"I don't hate you, Shima," Miroku replied softly.

"You don't?" she asked, her green eyes even brighter.

"No, but it is hard seeing you back here."

"I know, I know. Its only until the end of the year."

Miroku nodded again.

"I wish I hadn't hurt you. I've missed you a lot," she confessed.

Miroku stared. He hadn't expected to hear that, not ever.

"This is a little heavy isn't is?" she asked with a chuckle.

"Just a little."

"I was hoping we could patch things up. Maybe we could go somewhere after school? Just to talk. Please?"

He wanted to say no. God KNOWS he wanted to say no. But the look on her face, he couldn't resist it. She seemed genuine. It couldn't hurt, right? At last, he agreed and she smiled.

"Thank you."

"Yes, well, I won't be able to stay very long with you."

"That's fine, I'll take anything."

The bell rang suddenly, startling Miroku. Shima got up with her bag and walked away after a quick hug. Miroku's head was swimming. He then caught a glimpse of Inuyasha's silver hair as he was leaving the cafateria. He hadn't noticed him come in. Was Sango around? Miroku hurried out of the lunch room but didn't see her anywhere. At last, he retreated to class. He took his seat and brushed his hair back rougly with his hand. The day was already starting with a bang, thanks to Shima. Why couldn't he have just declined? He didn't need to fix things with her. He was fine with keeping a distance between them. Only now he knew he couldn't.

"There you are," a voice chimed.

Kagome sat at the desk next to his.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"Where were you?" he asked back, trying to sound calm.

"With Inuyasha, eating breakfast."

"And Sango?"

"She had gone to the library."

"Oh, I was just... late getting here."

"Hm. Alright. You wouldn't believe how excited Sango is for prom!"

Miroku winced and pulled out his textbook, trying to distract himself. Thankfully the teacher had a test with him. Miroku didn't want to have any conversations at the moment. He was still trying to comprehend the fact that he'd be seeing Shima after school, alone. He couldn't help thinking about their history together. She seemed like she had returned back to her old self. If that were the case, maybe they could be friends? There wasn't anything wrong with that. No, but there was soemthing wrong with lying about talking to her. He just kenw that Kagome would have had a problem with that. Especially under the circumstances.

After first period was over, Miroku headed to his next class. He would have Sango with him, along with Inuyasha. When he saw her walking, he rushed to grab her from behind, forgetting about Shima for a moment. Sango jumped in surprise and turned in his arms. She smield up at him and kissed his cheek.

"Where were you this morning?" she inquired.

"Just around, sorry I didn't get to see you."

"Its okay. At least I'm seeing you now."

Miroku walked into class with her, his arm draped around her shoulders.

It was subtle, but she could sense it. Sango could tell he wasn't focused on her very much. She sat quietly beside him in class and did her work. She didn't want to be too needy, or clingy. Still, she was afraid he might be hiding something. Inuyasha acted the same as always, apparently not catching Miroku's mood. Sango was probably just imagining things. Kagome had told her more about Shima and her relationship with Miroku. She had been reluctant at first, but Sango had been pushy. She just wanted to make sure that she wouldn't have to keep her eye on Miroku.

He was very smooth, as always. He played with her, trying to act normal. When class was over, he excused himself from her presence to go to homeroom. He would just meet her for lunch. He put his books in his locker and took one out to put in his bag. When he was finished, he leaned against the locker door and took in the silence. Again, he reminded himself to relax. After a quick breather, he made his way back out into the hall and to the cafateria. With incredible luck, he managed to run into Shima. She didn't pass up the opportunity to talk to him.

"How were your classes?" she asked casually.

"Dull. Yours?"

"I had Philosophy for the two periods, so it was fun."

"Really? You can take that class?" he asked with interest.

"Yes, thats why I came back. And for Sociology and Statistics."

"Thats very lucky, you always liked those classes."

"Yup, I'm glad you remembered."

Miroku couldn't help but smile. Yeah, he had remembered.

"So, do you have a girlfriend or anyone?" Shima asked coolly.

Miroku paused.

"If you don't want to answer me, its okay."

"No, its fine. I do have a girlfriend. Her name is Sango."

"Sango? Does she hang out with Kagome?"

"Yes, they're very close."

"I met her, she seems nice."

"She is," Miroku said.

Miroku opened the door of the cafateria, allowing Shima to walk ahead of him. Many eyes went to them instantly and a small murmur errupted. A couple of girls seperated them instantly, taking Shima to a table. She gave an exasperated look and smield at Miroku one last time. He then proceeded to get in to the lunch line, finding himself feeling at ease. Talking with Shima wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. After he got his food he found his friends and sat next to Sango. Immediately he noticed an unusual silence. Inuyasha was staring at him with a smirk, Kagome was glaring, and Sango kept her eyes down. They had seen who he had walked in with. And they didn't seem to like it.

Love triangles are the best. Haha. Read and review pleasee. Hope you guys enjoyed the chappie.