Classes seemed to drag. I could not focus on much now. I was worried about Yoshioka-san.

She had kept to herself the past few days and was hardly seen. I wondered what had become of her. It had been three days since she broke down on the sidewalk. I remembered the details of it. How wet my shirt had become from her tears, how calm she became after she tired out. And especially, how my heart was skipping so many beats while it happened. What was going on?

The loss of that guy, Mabuchi, really left a scar in her. I began to wonder. Was she with him before his final moments? If she was, then why wasn't she on that train? What was going on between them? She may have liked him way more than what could be seen with the naked eye. How long have they known each other? There definitely was a background between those two.

Wait. Why am I wondering so much about Yoshioka? I've only wondered about a girl like this once before, and that was in middle school. Suddenly, I wanted to know everything there was to know about her! No. I must exercise restraint. I can't go off liking someone, like this! Especially, after such a tragedy. But there definitely was something there.

I needed to know what was between and behind those two. I wanted to know. I had to know. But how? I can't just casually ask the guy anymore, he's gone, and it would weird and uncomforting if I asked Yoshioka about her directly. It might even kill her. I've heard that severe heart break can cause possibly lethal attacks such as heart attacks. No, I definitely did not want that to happen. The only way to find out was through her friends. The one shy girl with the short hair has been giving me death stares recently. She found out I've been with Yoshioka during her outbreaks, so etching tells me we wouldn't be getting along that well. The only other one I could ask was Shuko-chan, we were classmates in another class, and conveniently that class was right before dismissal. However, this other dude, Kominato I think his name was, was always around her. He was waaaayyyy too overprotective. He wouldn't let anyone near her in some cases, anyone who was a decent looking guy. Although I didn't want to confront him, I would have to if I wanted to try getting information out of Shuko...

The bell rang. Next class was the last class. Just another hour, and I'd have my chance.

During class, Shuko sat quietly, being as attentive as attentive can get to the lessons on the board. Half, my mind was on the lesson, ten percent was thinking about my band, and the other twenty percent was thinking about Yoshioka-san. By the time class was over, my note page was only half full of equations from the lesson. Not good, Kikuchi, not good.

After bowing the door was filled and packed with departing students. I almost lost her in the crowd. I pushed my way through and stayed an ample distance back from her as she left the school. She was constantly looking at her phone. No doubt she would meet up with her friends after school today. There was still a decent crowd around us as we walked down the sidewalk, so I didn't look like a stalker. Then, to my surprise, Yoshioka ran up and met up with Shuko. I didn't really know her before, but I remember she had a smile on her face whenever she was with friends, but now she had a neutral frown across, and her bangs draped a dark brown curtain across her face. She only walked a little but with Shuko, saying a few things in a drearily quiet conversation. I could not hear what they were saying. Then she broke off and went her separate way.

"Hey, Shuko-chan!"

Great. It was that guy Kominato.

"Oh, hi," she responded.

They went on to have a somewhat awkward conversation for a few minutes. This guy really was not getting her interests that well. Ultimately, they fell into an awkward silence. The crowd was thinning out, I had to say something now, there was no more cover.

"Hey, uhh... Shuko-chan."

She turned around, well they both turned around.

"Could I talk with you for a minute?"

"Sure."

"In private?" This was gonna be awkward...

"Huh?! What do you plan to say huh?!" Kominato seemed provoked.

I grabbed his tie and pushed him to the side.

"You need to relax."

He was about to get up, but Shuko shot him a look, and he stood down.

"Sure, come with me."

We went into a nearby alley.

"Who are you and what do you want?"

"Kikuchi Touma, and I am concerned for Yoshioka-san."

"She is already sad enough, don't make things worse. You don't know anything."

She was about to walk away. I responded quickly,"You're right, I don't know a thing. But I want to help her. Can you tell me anything?"

"What part of leave her alone do you not understand?"

"I-I'm sorry. I knew I shouldn't get involved."

"Wait."

I turned back to her.

"Do you feel something for Yoshioka?"

She was so monotone when she spoke.

"That- that I'm not sure about. It's possible..."

That was so open. What was that Kikuchi? Are you gonna tell her any other secrets before you go?

"It's not a good time right now. But I believe that happiness can bring Yoshioka back. Currently, she is lost in a pitch black darkness. This loss affected her on a major scale. But if you can provide a source of happiness to Yoshioka, you may be able to guide her back into the lightness of her life. You might...and I say might on very loose terms, bring her back, and she might possibly even like you. Although most likely, you will not succeed, you may try, and I may even support you. But if you make matters worse, she may never recover. So for you to decide what ever you want to try, I will tell you a little bit of backstory between Futaba and Kou."

Mabuchi Kou, that was the guy's name.

She proceeded to tell me about Yoshioka's love life and how she loved this guy since junior high. How she was left hanging waiting for him to show up at some festival, and how she wanted to relive those years and have a second chance. It was tragic to listen to really. Then she told me how Yoshioka's point of view occurred during the day of the wreck, thoughts and hopes and everything else. Man, Yoshioka told her everything, I could produce a classroom style notebook full of this information, it was really descriptive.

"So that is what happened."

"Yes. But try not to bring up this information. Especially the fact that I told you."

"Okay then."

"Remember, Kikuchi, Yoshioka is a very fragile girl, she's already cracked, but if she shatters I will hold you responsible if you decide to go through with this. Be careful what you try to achieve."

Thinking of Yoshioka made my heart fluctuate.

"Thank you, Shuko-chan. I will try my best to bring her back to how she was. But, one thing, please keep my feelings a secret. I am not sure what they are and even if I was, I wouldn't want them leaking out. Especially to that one other girl with you guys."

"Who? Yuuri? Yeah, she isn't fond of you yet. Fine, I will remain silent on the matter. Now, I must get going. See you around."

"Bye bye."

Thank you Shuko-chan, you really helped me understand more. Now, I had to start. Coincidently, tomorrow, I happen to be being moved into a class with Yoshioka. Tomorrow, I make my first move.