Zaizen and I have avoid eye contact or rather avoid each other for the past few days. It was really something that I have expected but I didn't want it to continued forever. I wanted us to enjoy our last moments together before I leave,I wanted to speak to him again. However everytime I had the courage to speak and wanted to approached him,I always think of what would happen next. I mean I fear that he might not want to speak to me again and break our friendship apart.
Furthermore,I didn't had time to stay back after school because of the packing I need to do. But I always walked by Zaizen's house during the evening when I went to buy something just to peek at Zaizen. And I never saw him most of the time. Even if I did,I would hide before he could see me. By the end of the third day,I gave up on my intention of speaking to him again.
On the morning of the fourth day,I gave up hope and just walked into class without checking he was there. I just sat at my desk to wait for the teacher to arrive. Then there was a shadow clouding me. I looked up and saw Zaizen's eyes on me as he began to speak.
"Are you fine if I ate with you during lunch?I mean if u don't mind."He asked.
Immediately I muttered yes to him.
Zaizen then had a smile on his face. That smile was the brightest I have seen so far,the one that make me think he was actually smiling. Of course the smile last for a second,afterall Zaizen is not the kind of happy guy. As he walked to his sit,I faced the window and smiled to myself. I guess I shouldn't have gave up that easily.
During lunch,we went up to the place where I first spoke to him,the rooftop. And of course we were very careful to avoid attracting the teachers' attention. We did not have much to talk about since we were still very unsure of the situation. But still we made an effort to try.
"Akiyama,why did you leave immediately after school these past few days?"Zaizen asked as he looked at the sky.
"I had to pack stuff since we were leaving soon."I answered as I joined him looking at the sky.
"Oh,sorry. Should have guessed that..."and he continued,"So,are you free today?I mean you want to come over to my place?".
"Sorry,I still need to pack...Instead why don't you come over to my place?I mean could you help me pack?"I said with an random idea.
So Zaizen finally came over into my home for the first time. I was embrassed about the mess from packing but Zaizen didn't mind. I was even more ashamed to ask him to help me pack but that was the best idea I could think of. We had our little discussions during packing and it was fun to do it with him. He didn't complain about anything from it and that was the good part.
By the time we were done packing stuff,it was evening so it was time for Zaizen to leave and for me to cook dinner. But before he left,he handed me my racket that he used my money to buy and I entrusted it to him. He then said,blushing,"This is yours,keep it. It could serve as a reminder of your time here..."
I held it close to my chest and thank him. With that he left my place. However my father was already at the gates as Zaizen came out of the house. My father even saw the tennis racket I held in my hands and looked at us emotionless. He then acted as if nothing had happen and bid Zaizen farewell before entering the house. My heart was pounding like mad,I mean my father most likely would start scolding me as I enter the house. Zaizen on the other hand placed his hands on my shoulder and looked at me as though he is giving me support. I took a deep breath and said to Zaizen,"Wish me good luck."