Chie: As always, the name list is at chierafied . livejournal . com / 1061 . html

25. Contemplation

461 Words

It was the lunch break. Izumi was sitting on her usual corner table, accompanied by Noriko and Himeko.

A loud laughter suddenly echoed in the cafeteria, and Izumi turned to look at the table the sounds were originating. Satsuki was giggling hopelessly, Kouji was chuckling beside her. Taiki was laughing loudly, and in the centre of the group was the widely grinning Mitsuo. Izumi pursed her lips thoughtfully as she studied the boyish actor.

"What do you think of Mitsuo-kun?" Izumi asked abruptly.

"Mitsuo-san is nice," Noriko said, blushing slightly. "He is a good actor and I like doing scenes with him. He's always really kind to me."

"He gets along great with everyone," Himeko observed. "I think he's funny and a good enough guy, even though he has picked a bad habit of stealing Kouji-kun from me."

"Taiki really likes Mitsuo-san, too," Noriko added.

"Why do you ask, Izumi-san?" Himeko prompted, eager for gossip.

"Because I'm trying to make up my mind." Izumi said, her expression thoughtful. Her gaze was still resting on Mitsuo. "You know, last week at the party Mitsuo-kun told me he likes me."

"Eh?" Noriko gasped.

Himeko giggled.

"Now isn't that something," the feminine actress mused. "The boyish prankster and the mother hen…?"

"It's not official yet," Izumi reminded. "Though I have to say I feel tempted. I think he's awfully cute."

"Do tell!" Himeko urged, her brown eyes sparkling.

"He was blushing up to his ears and was so shy and flustered. I thought he'd ask me to dance with him, but he didn't, he just stood there and stared at me nervously. So in the end, tired of waiting him to make the move, I figured why the hell not… and I asked if he'd like to dance with me."

"You're so bold, Izumi-chan!" the shy Noriko said, admiration in her eyes.

"I wouldn't say bold as much as impatient," Himeko giggled, tossing a few locks of her carefully curled hair over her shoulder.

"Oh shush," Izumi said and playfully smacked Himeko's shoulder.

The popular idol grinned at her, and then turned to stare at the faraway table where Mitsuo and his company were still laughing cheerfully.

"If you want my opinion though," Himeko spoke, "just go for it."

"I think you would make a cute couple," Noriko piped up and then blushed furiously.

"Hmmmm…."

Izumi's thoughtful brown eyes settled on Mitsuo's form just as the boyish actor chanced to look up. For a moment, their gazes were locked, before Mitsuo hastily turned his head. Izumi caught the sight of the slight blush spreading on the man's cheeks.

Her lips curled up in a delighted smile.

"You know what, girls? I think I just might," Izumi concluded, the smile lighting up her face deepening.