60. Gratitude
330 Words
"I'm sorry, Yukino-san."
Satsuki started and glanced at the man who had just rescued her from an awkward situation for the umpteenth time.
"For what?" she asked, confused.
"For addressing you like that without your permission, it was quite impolite."
Satsuki bit her lip.
"It's fine," she blurted. "I understand."
A silence fell for a moment. Satsuki blushed slightly when she realised that Ken's hand was still resting around her waist.
"I hope you didn't mind that I played along," Satsuki said after a while.
"I was very glad you did," Ken replied with a smirk. "It made the impact so much better. The dumbfounded looks on their stupid faces, so priceless."
The corners of Satsuki's lips twitched upwards.
"Thank you," she said abruptly.
"Now that is unexpected," Ken said, glancing at her slyly out of the corner of his eye.
"Huh?"
"This is hardly the first time I've had to come to your rescue, but it is the first time you've ever thanked me for it."
Satsuki blushed again, feeling embarrassed.
"That's because… This time, I really feel grateful. For a moment there I felt absolutely helpless, like I'd once again be in high school –" Satsuki quickly fell silent.
She was doing it again, just like that day at the café. Opening up to Narita Ken.
Ken noticed the distressed look in the actress' brown eyes and scowled. She did not need to say it, he could pretty well guess what sort of things she had gone through. He had seen it happen, his class had had some of that type of girls too. Making fun of everyone they felt were inferior to them, everyone who did not fit that mould that spat out such worthless bitches.
"It's in the past, Yukino-san. You don't need to worry about such petty girls anymore. They have fallen into your shadow."
"Thank you. That is a nice thing to say."
He smiled, and for a moment her heart felt much lighter.