(The next chapter is forthcoming. Expect it within a couple of days.)
Act 3 – Chapter Ten, First Branch: Dissonant Serenity
"So, what do you want to do?"
Hisao's question catches me off guard. I answer as honestly as I can - "I... don't know." I pause, waiting his response, hoping against hope that maybe he'll...
"I don't know about you, but I think I'm going to try and take a nap. My head is killing me."
Oh.
I don't know what he thinks I'm feeling, but I can't speak. I honestly thought he might... No. I was stupid. I can't have ever really hoped that he would see me the way I see him...
I turn on my heel and walk away, as calmly as I can. Hisao comes with me and I try to keep my eyes as dry as possible. I won't let him see my tears. We stop outside the dormitories. "Well then, g-goodbye." I stop short, cutting off any more words that might escape from my parted lips.
"Do you want to have some tea or something, later? How about a game?"
How dare he? After what just happened, how dare he try and fix this so soon, and so abruptly? It's all I can do to keep my disappointment, my anger, my guilt, my embarrasment from shining through. I just want to part from him with no further ado and move forward. "I... I'm tired. Maybe tomorrow? I've got homework..."
Take the bait, please take it. Don't drag this out any longer. My heart is already breaking, don't force the wound to open wider. Please.
"Ah, homework. Thanks for reminding me; I've got a stack to do as well. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
Maybe. "See you, Hisao." I don't give him a chance to reply, to hurt me any more than he already has. Maybe it would have been better if he'd never come to the library that day, if we'd never met. I turn again and continue walking, refusing to look back. Maybe tomorrow will be better. It definitely doesn't look like it, though.