For a couple of weeks being here at Kisaragi Academy, I must say that I don't regret the experience I've been given.

A matter of fact, why didn't it happen so much sooner?

Here, many would be asking themselves, "Hey Shinohara, what are you talking about? School sucks!"

I agree! It does when all the unnecessary "learning" is involved. Not to mention the meaningless work we're given that doesn't apply for our future career choices! AND let's be real, everyone's going to forget, so why even bother us with these assignments?

In my case, like anyone in general, I have a family. BUT! A family that needs caring resulting me to become a powerhouse for them. Meaning that there's barely any time for me to relax, and already, the chores at home were killing me! So being stacked with this school stuff along with those home responsibilities, doesn't do good for my health!

But what can we do? If we wanna get somewhere we just have to deal with it.

And I know, I know...!

I'm not explaining WHY I'm enjoying the Kisaragi experiencei, ha!

So I guess I'll get to that now?

Everyone has a few reasons right? I sure do!

Let's see!

The food here is YUMMY! Or um... adequate?

You got the clean smeeeeell. Fresh air. Of course that's only if nobody REEKS. Hahaha!

The academy doesn't look so bad either!

Then we have the faculty and students, most are shown to be nice and reassuring!

Anything else I can add? Hmmmmm.

Nope!

Then again... I'd be lying if I didn't mention that OTHER reason!

But this reason does involve... someone. Someone who I met on my first day here. A girl like myself, who I happened to catch outside, alone. Like all students she walked past the school gates, and only focused on the direction that was ahead of her.

She didn't go inside Kisaragi but she did sit herself down on an unoccupied bench, which they were by the main entranceway.

When I finally adjusted myself, that's when I began gazing at her.

Bizarre because... I normally don't just STARE at anyone, but she so happen to have caught my attention and for whatever reason, I just did that. For a minute, noticing her movements and her expressions, that's when I figured something.

Something I could see that not many could right away tell. Because... what she was showing was something I would personally go through often. As for I, carried that same anxiety that was rooted inside her.

After all she was alone and... it became apparent that she had nobody by her side.

It didn't take very long before she began seeing me. And when she did, she only stared back.

By that immediate sight, when our eyes first made contact, and seeing her in awe... that's when everything... clicked.

I didn't know who she was, or what values she had, or what background she came from... regardless, that first moment seeing her just had me. Leaving me with an urge... an urge to explore for this deeper interaction between her.

So by doing the necessity that's what I tried for.

I waved at her and she returned it... then immediately after, we both smiled in our own distances. Which that smile, raised every inch and flow inside me. Building the motivation. As if the smile in it's own was... presented like a trophy that was shining.

I mean that was what was literally going on. She was the prize before my eyes, and I really wanted to talk to her.

Soon enough I went to her bench... sat down with her and then talked.

And we weren't just "talking", we were bonding and growing from it. Just like that!

And then...

Experiencing her voice... her responses, the close ups of her movements and expressions...

Haaaaaaaah...!

How in the world can I NOT fall for her?

We became "friends". But from what I've said and how I came off, what I have harboring for that dear "friend" is beyond friendship!

And it's a shame because... I can't tell since there's nothing she's said or done that would suggest that she shares what I feel. Putting me into a place of uncertainty and into a position that would bring pain in the long run... if I don't dare finding "alternatives".

Maybe that's a smart choice, and maybe its not bad as one would make it out to be. It is a process everyone goes through. And If so... well.

I'm not doing that to her.

Like why? Who in their right mind would jeopardize a relationship with this one-of-a-kind girl?

Who doesn't wanna... make her happy?

And speaking about her happy... god, that's something I couldn't describe with just words...

Like once you have witness it, you just can't live without knowing and... you just want to keep her that way.

Every smile, every laugh... and if it's done because of me?

Haaaaaaah...!

Overtime with these thoughts and temptations, the craves have only gotten wider. To that degree where simple interactions were no longer enough to settle this heart. Pushing me towards into those unconventional means of being a "friend".

But if she TRULY considers me nothing more then there's no point trying to hide them.

Again these feelings won't just stop and someday, she might discover them.

And when she does?

Heheh...

I wonder how that'll turn out.

But uhhh, so...!

Anyway, back to reality!

The entire time of our teacher lecturing, I was daydreaming these thoughts, but soon enough the familiar bell rang. Our teacher then began packing up her belongings and she reminded us a few things we needed to know for tomorrow's little quiz. But worrying about that grade? Oh I could care less!

Like how can I think about school work when the girl of my dreams is literally right beside me? Just howwwww?

(Naomi): "Shinohara, it's time to go!"

(Seiko): "O-Oh now?"

Everyone was leaving and already we were the last ones behind. While still sitting down Nakashima began helping me with my stuff. Closing up my spiral and putting it into my bag for me.

(Naomi): "Ah you dork, you can't be expecting me to do this everytime! Heh!"

(Seiko): "Sorry Nakashima! I was paying EXTRA attention to today's lesson. You know how much we love work!"

Terrible but it was an ongoing gag we both came up whenever one of us wasn't mentally there.

While not being all UP THERE, that's also when my cheeks began burning. Mostly due to Nakashima moving herself close to me.

(Naomi): "We sure do! But hey, let's get going! Do you need to wash up or anything?"

Then immediately I rubbed my face in-front of her to show that the color was done by that rubbing. While showing her that I was alright!

(Seiko): "Oh no, I'm good! I can stand!"

(Naomi): "I hope so."

I got up and brought the bag onto my desk, buttoning and placing it around me. Before moving anywhere else Nakashima put herself by my side, being a sweetheart as usual!

Heheh!

(Naomi): "Are you sure?"

(Seiko): "Hmm, if you're standing this close, I might be unable to hold my own!"

A risky remark but it seem to not bother her. Rather, it only made her smile even more. Tempting me to go even further with these unused tactics!

(Naomi): "Heh, well now... if I don't get startled then maybe I'll catch you! I'm not completely guaranteed."

(Seiko): "Does that mean we'll go down together?"

At that moment she smiled even harder and shut her eyes closed, shaking her head once more.

(Naomi): "Oh you!"

Eventually we left our homeroom and soon enough I began realizing that half of our classes were already done, meaning that it was LUNCH TIME!

Before we thought about all that food and eating, me and Nakashima first went to our lockers to put the unneeded belongings away.

Seeing her go in, sliding things in-between... or just seeing her overall, doing things, was making me excited. I tried playing it cool by pretending that I was interested with my phone as she was still managing through her materials.

And there, that was another challenge! The sight, those thoughts, were all piling on me. That's when I slammed by back into the lockers. Only hoping that I could keep these feelings under control.

...I hope she feels similar.

(Naomi): "Huh, what do you mean by that?"

(Seiko): "Hmm, something going on Nakashima?"

(Naomi): "Oh um, I just heard you say something."

Wait, what? There's no way she heard that!

(Seiko): "Did I?"

(Naomi): "Yeah? Something about you hoping a girl feeling the same? Something like that?"

Ugh! Haha!

(Naomi): "Were you talking about me?"

(Seiko): "Oh, no! Don't mind me! It's nothing!"

(Naomi): "If so then you should have no trouble telling me, right?"

Before I could speak again Nakashima continued.

(Naomi): "W-Well I'm with you RIGHT now. So it must be me you're mentioning? Unless you have been hanging around with some other girl that I'm not aware of?"

Then my mouth dropped from the unexpected response.

(Seiko): "Whaaaaat? Me and another girl? Why would I need someone else's company when I have you?"

(Naomi): "I dunno, you tell me."

Next thing she did was hid her face into her locker, while she was still organizing her school books, and whatever else she had carried through the morning.

At that moment I was thankful the subject changed, but immediately began worrying and feeling unsure on why this sudden behavior was happening.

It didn't take long for me to figure this one out!

Waaaaait a minute! She's actually JEALOUS?

Oh my god that's cute!

Maaaaaybe I should reach in and just hug her?

But that felt too soon. So I held myself back for a little longer before that attempt!

(Seiko): "Hey now! Seriously? It's just you and me!"

(Naomi): "Cool."

Ah not THAT again!

(Seiko): "Haaah...! Don't hide your face from me, I wanna see your eyes!"

(Naomi): "Why? You can still hear me?"

(Seiko): "B-But Nakashimaaaa! It's not the same!"

(Naomi): "I guess you'll have to deal with it!"

What a TEASE!

The descriptions of my "symptoms" that happened very recently, didn't seem to take a strong effect this time. Leaving me to feel like I had more authority and that I could engage more without delay. Meaning I could go in and... just embrace my retaliation!

(Seiko): "Oh? Is that so? I GUESS I need to solve this problem!"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

Confused as she was, she couldn't foresee her consequence.

(Naomi): "...Shinohara!"

There we were. With my arms wrapped around her, squeezing her body into mine. Resting my head on her shoulder, softly making my cheek rub into hers. This without a doubt, made her felt so vulnerable, and all she could do was comply. If she didn't want to create a bigger scene.

Meanwhile, I'm there, enjoying every bit of her within my grasp. Not worried at all if anyone saw us.

So waaaaarm, so sooooooft... and do I smell strawberries?!

Haaaaaah, she smells so pretty!

(Naomi): "Not here...!"

(Seiko): "DEAL with it, hehe!"

(Naomi): "Dork!"

We both let out a few giggles. Then immediately after I gave one last squeeze before I released.

(Naomi): "Geez, that was tight! Did you like... hug a lot of teddy bears when you were growing up?"

What came next were those big, brown eyes, faced at my direction for me to admire. Mesmerized by those glamorous peepers, I quickly followed a remark that came from the top of my head.

(Seiko): "Clearly not enough of them if that's the case! Maybe I should take you home instead, and maybe keep you there for the night? It could resolve that issue!"

D-Did I just say that?!

After she slammed her locker shut she turned to me completely and gave me an unique look, one that had a mix of smile being forced shut, yet with a dumbstruck fixation.

(Naomi): "Noooooo idea how I'm supposed to take that..."

(Seiko): "Take what? I'm the one who's taking you!"

Oh my!

(Naomi): "Ummm, I'm done. We should get going now!"

Oh, no-no-no...!

(Seiko): "That's fine by me!"

It really isn't! I need some reassurance!

Nakashima turned around with her back faced towards me and walked ahead as I followed her.

There I was left with even more worries. With no idea on how to approach our next topic.

But soon enough she spoke again, returning me a soft tone unlike any other time I've heard. It almost sounded... like if she was a different person. If I could say so myself!

(Naomi): "You're really something special, Shinohara."

(Seiko): "...Ohhh Nakashima! You really know how to make a girl smile...!"

I'm going overboard, need to quit it...!

(Naomi): "Glad to hear that? Heh!"

Even after that exchange I was convinced Nakashima somewhat knew the truth. The flirting from me was now overly direct and she seemed to be fine with everything I dished at her. But there was still no guarantee, or any reciprocation that could be met.

I would love to just think, believe that she does have feelings for me. However I cannot let that wishful thinking taint my judgements. It has only been TWO weeks since we've known each other, and for all I know, I could make things very uncomfortable if I'm not careful.

*Sigh*

Still! As long as I have her... and as long as she's happy with me, everything should be good!

Remember that, Seiko!

Eventually we picked up our food from the cafeteria and changed our routes to go eat outside! When we made it there we then sat down on the cement with our backs against the wall, with our trays on our laps, digging in!

(Naomi): "And they said school food was bad!"

(Seiko): "Ehhh, it's not bad! But once you take a bite what I can put together, you WON'T ever wanna eat here again!"

(Naomi): "I can only imagine! I know you cook a lot for your family."

(Seiko): "Damn straight!"

(Naomi): "Heh! But speaking of cooking, maybe *Munching* *Mumble*"

CUUUUUTE!

(Seiko): "Chew and swallow!"

(Naomi): "Excuse me, heh! Like I was saying! When you eventually come over to my house, you and my mom could maybe share and compare techniques, in the kitchen! She's extremely into cooking!"

(Seiko): "Is that so? If that's the case please let me know when! Because I will go in there and leave a GREAT and UNFORGETTABLE taste! And that's a promise Nakashima! I'll blow both of your minds! AND! Maybe your stomach!"

(Naomi): "My stomach? Heh! That doesn't sound like good cooking."

(Seiko): "Hehe! One of these days you'll EAT those words too!"

We giggled, finished up, returned the trays back to the cafeteria and began walking through the hallways, gradually returning to homeroom as we wanted to get there extra early because... why not?

The universal chatter within the halls slightly grew louder, and a few more students were appearing. Half of them moving to their destinations while the other were surrounding their lockers. Doing everyday stuff.

(Seiko): "Knowing Mr. Tamiki won't be uh, MOTIVATED to teach! Why don't we do something fun for class?"

(Naomi): "I'm all ears!"

(Seiko): "Why don't we like, write some goofy messages and maybe draw some WEIRD things on the board? Because getting a reaction from him for everybody would not FAIL the day!"

(Naomi): "What if he catches us in the act? He would probably fail our grades..."

Oh my god!

(Seiko): "Bwahahaha! My, Nakashima! you've made a funny!"

(Naomi): "Oh? Oh! Hahaha, I guess I did! But for real, I don't want us to get into any more trouble."

(Seiko): "Hey no worries! That's why we are going in early!"

(Naomi): "Ah I see. Well you're not wrong. Class would be super boring if we didn't do something like that."

(Seiko): "And you know it's worth it!"

(Naomi): "Heh, I guess so!"

With everything being said we were on our way getting there, eventually meeting hallways filled with loud and countless exchanges resonating throughout the school. But within the crowd we wound up pausing on foot before a couple guys showed up. And looking at Nakashima she seemed to know if not both, at least one of them.

The second tallest boy, without wearing the school jacket, seemed surprised as he examined Nakashima. Instantly wore a smile after.

(Naomi): "Hey Satoshi!"

Satoshi?

She's never mentioned him before!

And seeing her, hearing her now... ugh, she has the hots for him!

(Satoshi): "Hi Naomi!"

WAIT WHAT!?

H-He called her by her first name?!

There's no way they've known each other longer and if so, when?!

Still! How come I never heard about him?!

I tried remaining persistent and go-getter-like, but the jealousy was taking over, leaving me quiet while it kept surfacing on it's own.

(Naomi): "Who's your new friend?"

(Yoshiki): "Yoshiki Kishinuma. This guy over here, has shared some interesting stories about you."

(Naomi): "He has?"

(Satoshi): "Hey, why are you saying it like that?"

(Yoshiki): "Oh he has, a lot of good stuff."

(Satoshi): "And why are you ignoring me?!"

Then there I remained quiet, throughout the entirety of their exchanges.

(Naomi): "We might need to talk about that later, Satoshi!"

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma...!"

(Yoshiki): "Nah no need. He hasn't shared anything crazy."

(Satoshi): "Really man?"

(Naomi): "Heh, okay! Anyway, my name is Naomi Nakashima! Nice to meet you Kishinuma!"

(Yoshiki): "Same."

Everything between them went well. Except for me of course. Which I was the only one standing alone, arms behind me and mouth shut, contemplating really hard with my options and figuring what would be the best recourse. Meanwhile there was that build-up of jealousy, influencing me to do the opposite.

Mean thoughts I would say, while those thoughts were unlike me.

Even if they weren't, it was so tempting to just... do something embarrassing.

(Satoshi): "I'm Satoshi Mochida, and you must be...?"

When the others went silent that's when I knew I had to respond. But without reevaluating, that's when I decided. That's when... I moved up closer to Nakashima and brought her arm around me. I forced myself a grin and felt the burns off my cheeks.

(Naomi): "...?"

That's when I realized it was a bad idea but... it was too late to stop!

(Shinohara): "Oh me? I'm just... Naomi's GIRLFRIEND!"

That's the moment where all blood shot up and the pain and stretching were being done not just my cheeks... EVERYWHERE! I even began tapping one of my heels gently against the floor to find some balance.

The guys themselves had their jaws dropped while NAOMI's entire face turned pink, radiating brightly that the look changed into complete red.

What also followed were students that overheard the scene, which they began to halt where they stood. Seemingly waiting for what would happen next, before our very eyes.

Oh my god, I can't believe I'm doing this...!

Haaaaaah, I'm sorry Nakashima!

I knew it couldn't just stop there so I had to improvise. I had to continue the act just a little bit longer.

(Naomi): "...!"

Within the moment that's when she yanked herself away while I, kept playing along with the entire scene.

I hugged her from the side, holding her very tightly.

(Seiko): "Hey, what's wrong sweetie? Did I do something wrong?"

I mean... what could she even say?

She wasn't fighting it yet.

(Naomi): "I-I..."

(Satoshi): "You both are really...? That's wonderful!"

(Seiko): "Uh-huh!"

(Yoshiki): "Social norms are rough. Even so it's good you two went for it."

(Naomi): "Uhhhh...!"

Immediately that's where she broke free once again but this time, she attempted to set things STRAIGHT.

No pun intended!

(Naomi): "No! T-This isn't-"

(Seiko): "Why thank you guys! Those words mean a lot!"

(Naomi): "N-No! Don't listen to her! She's not-"

(Seiko): "AND we are happy to say it's going ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN! She loves me! Her family loves me! Our future is set and stone!"

(Naomi): "Oh my God... We're just friends!"

Then the public chatter from the groups that surrounded the halls were beginning to be heard.

"So cute! I wish he did that for me...!"

"Where's the camera? Is this scripted?", "I have no idea man."

"Is this a prank?", "Wow, c'mon now! It's legit! Why would they not be together?"

"Awww, she's into girls? Damn, that hurts my heart...", "Sucks to be you."

"They totally look like a fanfic pairing."

(Yoshiki): "You two do look like a pairing from a fanfiction."

(Naomi): "W-What does that even mean?!"

I knew this needed to stop, so quickly I moved forward and raised my hands up.

(Seiko): "I hate to disappoint you guys. BUT it's all an act!"

The crowd, including Mochida and Kshinuma, had faces of disbelief. Some others looked at one another, then a few vocally expressed their thoughts.

'I knew it was a prank!' 'I guess it was?"

'Yes!' 'Calm down, hot dog boy!'

'She's good!' 'Yeah, good with toying people's hearts!'

'I guess it's not real after all?' 'No it's damage control!'

'Noooo! Ships are meant to be made, not destroyed!'

Gradually they left. But before they entirely went, some stood around. Some were scratching their heads, a few were laughing, then some others were just there, confused.

Once a good amount of students fleed out the hallway I then faced back towards our sloppy rhombus, while both Kishinuma and Mochida were glancing at the shrinking crowd, then they returned their eyes on us. Mochida looked amazed as for Kishinuma himself shown puzzlement.

But then he immediately gazed at Nakashima, and then set a cold stare at me.

(Yoshiki): "That was incredibly awkward. Is that what girls do nowadays?"

(Naomi): "..."

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma! No need to be rude...!"

(Yoshiki): "Me? Rude? Seriously? Are you really going to dismiss what just happened to Nakashima?"

He has a valid point... he's not wrong at all...

(Naomi): "No don't mind her that... that was only a joke."

(Yoshiki): "Joke? Where's the humor in what she did?"

Ahhh, this is incredibly awkward... why did I go through with this?

Now I feel even more of an ass!

(Yoshiki): "I'm out. Satoshi, you know where to find me. Good day everyone."

Then just like that Kishinuma walked away. Mochida on the other hand didn't look sure on what to do during the transition.

(Satoshi): "Sorry guys, he's uh... really blunt with his thoughts! But uh... I'll catch you both later!"

So he followed his friend. While it was just me and Nakashima alone in the hall. Left with such an awkward atmosphere.

And oh boy, that was the point when things got more tense.

(Seiko): "Um so..."

One look at the other direction and Nakashima was seen walking the other way. The route that didn't lead to homeroom.

(Seiko): "Hey Nakashima! Where are you going? Class is on the other side!"

And just like that she ignored what I said and kept carrying on, up the stairs.

Uh-oh...

Immediately I followed her as she was moving up. Step-by-step.

Where's she going?

(Seiko): "Nakashimaaaa!"

Obviously the calls weren't working but I knew I couldn't let her go. Not right there.

(Seiko): "H-Hey! Wait up!"

(Naomi): "Go awwwaaaay!"

(Seiko): "How? I can't just leave you!"

(Naomi): "Yes you can! You've done enough for today!"

(Seiko): "Are you... really that upset?"

(Naomi): "Leave me alone!"

Why did I do this...?

(Seiko): "I-I won't...!"

No, no... I can't lose you now... not like this!

We were on the last floor. From the distance, Nakashima made her way up to the end of the hall. She took the final staircase that led to the rooftop.

What is she doing...?

(Seiko): "Nakashima!"

I hope she's not... no. Don't be silly Seiko!

So I went for her, without hesistating, I ran down the hall, then up on the steps. Once I reached the doors I made sure I pushed through them with considerable amount of force, since the doors were cold and heavy.

Soon they were open and immediately I was outside. Before my very eyes, the setting I stepped into... took my attention away from the objective, leaving me into a dazed state as the outdoor view swallowed me whole.

The sky, had an overwhelming hue of blue, with a few whitish clouds covering around, not too much, but a decent amount so you had a balance to see both. My eyes then went towards the city, there, admiring the size, being able to see majority of the known, tall buildings, including having a look on the shopping districts that were laid across. A few wide roads were seen, some highways, including train tracks that were above the surface, as a few were to be seen leading underground.

The local park was visible too. Unbelievably massive! The big trees were poking high, higher than the telephone wires, even over a few, three-to-four, story-high complexes that were nearby that area.

That was only the center of the view...

Then on the far sides, left and right, the suburbs were easy to pin. The streets me and Nakashima take to get to Kisaragi Academy.

One breeze of the wind did put me back on tracks. Once more I looked around on the roof itself.

It didn't take long to find her.

Nakashima was sat down with her back against the wall of the stairway building. Only seen alone and conflicted.

Here I approached her and called for her again.

(Seiko): "Nakashima..."

(Naomi): "Just... leave me be."

(Seiko): "*Sigh*"

Besides hearing her low voice, viewing her with both arms crossed and her head tilting to the opposite direction from me, was painful to watch. Knowingly I did wrong. I did something that might've changed everything...

Even if things worked out... how could she want to open up to me after that? Now she has to worry what I'll do everytime when we are together...

She trusted me and I... betrayed her.

(Seiko): "I... I'm truly at fault here."

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

(Seiko): "What I did... may have been the most unfair thing I've done to you."

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "I'm... really, really sorry Nakashima. I messed up. If you want me to... leave you be, I'll try my best to get out of your way. I-I totally don't deserve you after that. No one... deserves a bad friend."

And at that moment a part of me was also convincing myself to follow her initial demand. Even if I don't consider her just as a friend, I did pass a line and became selfish. I lost myself into jealousy and not only harmed myself, but harmed the person who I... love so dearly.

But I knew she didn't have anyone else to talk to... I couldn't just leave her there either.

Especially after what I put her through.

(Seiko): "Nakashima. Do you... really want me gone? At least, for the remainder of the day? I could skip homeroom altogether if you... need that time alone from me."

No response.

This time around I sat myself down with back against the wall, only to view the skies. Probably the last time before I... left her alone.

(Seiko): "You know... this coulda been the perfect spot to hang out. But I guess I screwed that up huh?"

Slowly Nakashima turned her head, not completely but enough to see a glimpse of her face, and with the things I've been saying she shook her head, seemingly in denial of whatever was on her mind.

I... I don't know what to do. I'm usually the cool-headed one who has all the plans. But this is beyond anything I've done. I can't undo what I did.

Even so...

I won't give up on you, Nakashima.

(Naomi): "Homeroom's gonna start soon. You should get going Shinohara..."

(Seiko): "C-Class isn't my main priority. You are!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "Even if I went to homeroom now... how could I go inside knowing I... let the world down? And left it behind?"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "That's what I did... I burned my world carelessly. All because I was greedy. Thoughtless. Just..."

There I looked down at her, with one fist in a clench.

But after unfolding what I said Nakashima began adjusting herself into a criss-cross position. While she placed one hand over her own forearm. Then at the center of it she traced short lines with her index.

(Naomi): "Did you just called me your world?"

(Seiko): "...Huh?"

Oh my god! I did...!

(Naomi): "Heh... well um."

Then absentmindedly I reached out for her hand and grabbed it into mine.

I don't know how I did it but I just did... even after everything I just said.

Nakashima began... blushing. But she wasn't resisting by any means. She actually allowed me to hold it and... massage it.

Gosh... I'm forgetting what to say...

Haaaaaaah she's so amazing...!

A-And she's blushing and... god.

There's so much going on here...

There was. And I couldn't really muster any single word without sounding broken. So before saying anything, that's when I took a deep breath and then put all my focus into her eyes.

That same color was still ongoing between us.

(Seiko): "Nakashima. Let me fix this."

(Naomi): "Fix what exactly?..."

(Seiko): "Let me... bring that beautiful smile back."

(Naomi): "Ohhh..."

Finally her fingers wrapped themselves around my palm.

But... suddenly everything changed.

Nakashima's face shown exchanges, what seemed to be unnecessary guilt, sadness, and a tinge of confusion and probably some frustration. Frustration that maybe was directed at herself?

I didn't know exactly what was on her mind but she was clearly showing me a mix of emotions.

(Naomi): "Do I really deserve to smile?"

(Seiko): "Of course you do! Why... are you saying that now?"

(Naomi): "Shinohara, I... I ran off. I... left you behind. And instead of facing the problem, I tried letting you go. I gave up just like that...!"

(Seiko): "No, no. Nakashima, your actions are justified. I provoked this, remember?"

(Naomi): "But that doesn't mean I should be giving up on a whim! I could've handled it so much better..."

(Seiko): "Hey, Me too! But coming from you it's understandable. You were put into a bad spot...by me! I'm the one who made you uncomfortable, in-front of lots of people... Anybody else would've done the same!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "Don't do that to yourself now! Let's just... work this out together, okay?"

The silence settled in for a short while. Only until Nakashima spoke again. And she did.

(Naomi): "*Sigh* Okay."

Still hand-in-hand, we both got up together.

(Seiko): "No sighing! C'mere!"

(Naomi): "Um, oh! Heh!"

And then we hugged. Tightly. Yet softly. That being because of her... massive boobs.

Oh they were not just for looks. Those babies were big and they did their job at keeping me stuck! And surely, she must've noticed that I was enjoying them.

(Seiko): "Do you forgive me for being a jerk...?"

(Naomi): "Huh? Oh. You being a jerk? Is that what we're calling it now?"

(Seiko): "Heheh! So is that a no?"

(Naomi): "Shinohara, of course I forgive you."

Couple minutes pass we began to separate ourselves. We stood very closely and faced one another like the usual. But one detail caught my attention which involved Nakashima's face again. Like if... she was trying to hide something too?

Huh, what is she hiding? Hehe!

But another closer look, besides that familiar blushing... heheh, Nakashima also seemed to hold some frustration? Maybe... she was brewing some passion?

(Naomi): "But still! You're sooooo unpredictable! If I'm not paying attention to you for ONE second, you already got me in your mess! But even when I pay attention, it doesn't even matter! I get played regardless how hard I try to avoid it!"

(Seiko): "Played? Aw don't say it like that! That sounds awful!"

(Naomi): "Speaking about "awful", it kinda is! Awful because you not only confuse me and put me through a circus, but you even let others see it! Publicly! For others to see me and you act like idiots! I'm not mad or upset but..."

She sounds kindaaa mad!

(Naomi): "What you did today. We're gonna have rumors about us now!"

(Seiko): "Rumors keep the fun going!"

(Naomi): "...Not when you're trying to date a boy!"

(Seiko): "I don't need a boy to have fun! Neither do you!"

(Naomi): "...!"

And like that, she just glowed brightly... ohhhh so brightly! I really wanted to put my hands on her cheeks! Just to know... what kind of heat I make her feel!

But her being all cutie, also made her muffle like a muffin!

Cuteness that just... got so intense!

(Naomi): "...You're totally a mastermind."

(Seiko): "Hey you're giving me TOO MUCH credit! I'm not thaaaaat clever!"

(Naomi): "Clever or not, what happened today... you really are up to something! Yeah... there must be some kind of intention! Nobody just does what you did and moves on like it's nothing!"

Oh boy... it's getting to that point huh?

She wants an answer!

Theeeeennnn she began moving her own hands around, kinda ninja-like ha!

Okay that's an exaggeration but still! She's just being adorable as ever!

As usuaaaaal!

(Naomi): "What was your end-goal, huh? What were you trying to accomplish back there? Does this have something to do with you being like a SADIST or something? Is that it huh? Do you just enjoy... making me suffer?..."

(Seiko): "I told you! I am a bad friend! Heheh!"

(Naomi): "You're not a bad frien-*Sigh* I know you're joking but still no, you're not bad! You just... act bad! You put me in BAD spots!"

(Seiko): "Sounds like a bad friend! Am I right?"

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

She doesn't get it!

(Seiko): "Heh-Heh-Heh!"

This one is such a keeper...!

(Naomi): "Ughhhhh! You are actually driving me nuts! Why am I getting like this now?!"

(Seiko): "Hey now! If you keep this up you won't survive Mr. Tamiki's class! That would be PROBLEMATIC!"

We both then laughed at one of my BEST puns! Bwhahaha!

After laughing, she shook her head and gave me those squinty eyes, and that cutely, embarrassed stare!

But... she caught me off-guard with... such lingo. That literally grabbed my heart!

Like if... she finally claimed ownership... finally acknowledging what belongs to her!

And what... belongs to me!

(Naomi): "What am I going to do with you, Seiko?"

(Seiko): "...!"

N-No way!

Did she...?

Haaaaaaaah...

(Naomi): "Are you... okay?"

(Seiko): "Y-You just called my name!"

(Naomi): "Huh? Don't I always?"

(Seiko): "You said..."

(Naomi): "Uh... oh. Oh! I'm sorry about that!"

Oh my god no!

(Seiko): "N-No! Don't be! I'm not offended in the slightest!"

(Naomi): "So you... prefer Seiko now?"

Haaaaaah!

(Seiko): "Yes! Yes! It sounds so natural when you say it!"

And then Nakashima brushed her hair, with her eyes being darted to the side. Right away after she returned the eye contact.

(Naomi): "Heh, well then! You can start calling me Naomi from now on."

In Japanese culture, people who associated one another by their own first names meant they had a close relationship. And it's a big deal because hardly anyone, outside of their family, would do that with just anybody.

It meant you were really, really special to them!

And at that moment I felt like I earned everything...!

Nakashima... I mean... Naomi, heheh!

Gosh...!

(Seiko): "Naaoooomi!"

(Naomi): "Haha, Seeeeeiko!"

(Seiko): "Naomi!"

(Naomi): "Heheh, yeah Seiko?"

One more time!

(Seiko): "N-N-Naomi!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Enjoying this moment huh?"

Before anything else I went in-front of Naomi and gave her yet another big hug! With this one she didn't hesitate hugging right back. But what did caught me off-guard was... this one smooth stroke down my backside.

Haaaaaaah!

(Naomi): "We've been here for awhile huh? Class might've started already!"

(Seiko): "...Mmmm! I don't care!"

(Naomi): "Heh, you're such a goofball!"

One day, I will tell you Naomi.