It has been a week.

A week without Senior Sakura contacting me. I don’t know what happened, but every time our eyes meet, she always been running away from me. I want to chase her, but she doesn’t want to see me at all.

It’s a week with my intrusive thoughts kicking; “I might get hated by her,” “I’m so full of myself that I end up getting through her personal space.”

Or perhaps, she knows that I got confessed to? No… it’s not it, right?

“Hey, Kira.” I called one morning as soon as I arrived at school.

“What’s up?”

Sitting down on my chair, I face him and looks straight in his eyes. “You didn’t tell anyone about what happened last week, right?”

“Huh? What do you mean—”

I lean forward and whispers to him. “The confession. You didn’t tell anyone about it, right?”

Kira twitched as I relay the message and seriously looks at me. “Nope, no one…”

I sigh in relief. I don’t know what will happen if Senior Sakura knows it. No—no way… why am I getting bothered if she learns about it? We’re just friends, even if I like her.

I won’t convey these feelings for her. I don’t want to get hurt by anyone again.

“What’s the matter?” Kira asked.

“No, it’s nothing.” I replied and turn away from him. This is confusing. Why am I getting bothered by not talking to her? If she doesn’t want to see me, there’s nothing for me to sulk, right.

I mean, we’re just knowing each other… and her hating me… Ugh, what should I do?

Turning to face Kira again, “Hey” I called.

“What’s up?” He asked again. I avert off of his gaze and heaves a deep sigh. “What does it mean if a girl starts avoiding you? Even though you didn’t do anything?”

“Hmmm? I don’t know. Why? Is Senior Asahina avoiding you?”

“Huh?”

Kira’s eyes sneer at me, as I turn away from him. “So, you told something that made her avoid you, huh?”

“It’s none of your business.” I snarl and lean my head down to the desk. This isn’t something I should get worked on. It’s enough for me to have these feelings for her.

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And the pretense that we’re just friends suffice the reason that I can stay by her side.

****

Senior Sakagami went to the classroom to call out on Kira, since they’re going home together. “Haruki,” she called.

“What’s up, Senior?” I asked.

“Sakura’s still at the classroom. She forgot to bring an umbrella. Do you have one with you?”

“Ah, yeah? I have one…”

“Then, you should go see her. She’s waiting for you.”

What? Why…? Why do I feel happy knowing that she’s waiting for me…? Without waiting any afterthought, I leave the classroom with my my bag. If I remember, she’s in Class 2-4.

Each steps I make causes the drum beat of my heart. What should I say? What should I ask on her? Why is she avoiding me this past week? Everything doesn’t make sense.

Arriving at the classroom, only she’s the one remaining. Lying her head down on the desk, it seems she’s asleep. I tiptoed, entering inside the classroom not to disturb her.

Reaching her place, I heard her murmuring. As I thought, she’s asleep. Seeing her sleeping face makes my heart flutter. “I wish Haruki would come here to get me.”

Huh? What—what did she…? Is she dreaming of me? I crouched down and whispers. “Then, the person you’re waiting is here.”

That moment, her eyes suddenly open wide, causing me almost stumble from my balance. I know she’s pretty, but right now… I can see her prettier looks. In a moment, Senior Sakura flinched and composed herself.

Then we have exchanges of banters, and she asked me if I do have a girlfriend. Wait…? Does she knew? How? Kira said he didn’t told anyone about it. I want to ask her about it… but I can’t find a courage to do so.

“I… I didn’t mean to overheard it. I was, I was just worried about you. It’s the first time I saw you having a serious looks. So…”

Huh. It seems she sees me having that confession. Kira said he didn’t notify anyone… so it might be, she followed us that day. That’s only my speculation. I don’t want to make this an issue.

Let’s better get this off and move on. After all, that girl isn’t something to be think of.

“But no worries, I turned her down.” I said that word. Yes, it’s true I rejected that girl. Not because I like Senior Sakura, but because the past I’ve been carrying; it taunts me not to believe in anyone anymore.

That made Senior Sakura shows a subtle-like glee on her face. She’s trying to conceal but I can feel she’s happy about it. After a bit more of conversation, we decide to go home.

The rain isn’t that much strong. I rummage on my bag and get the unbrella. Upon open it at the door of the lobby of the school, we started walking through the gate.

Senior Sakura scooch on my side as I hold on the umbrella. Fortunately, the umbrella is big enough for us two. I feel our shoulders are bumping to each other.

Her flowery cologne scent wafts under my nostrils. It feels like we’re embracing each other. “Haruki…” she suddenly called, her eyes gazes at me. I look sideways, where she is. “What?” I asked.

In a sudden, she grabbed my left arm, where she is, and linked her arms. “Senior Sakura—”

”I want you to tell me, if you’re planning to date someone in the future.” that sentence suddenly halted me from walking.

“Huh?”

Senior Sakura averts her eyes off me as her grip tightened. “I don’t know why I am saying this… but I feel frustrated when I heard you’re getting confessed by someone. I… I don’t want to be mean to you, and because we’re friends… that I want to know more.”

“Do I make you uncomfortable about it?”

That question made her eyes looked at me with wonder, and slowly turns in pained expression. “Yeah, it makes me uncomfortable… I don’t know why…?”

I see, so it turns out to be like this. I understand what she wants to imply, but let’s pretend that I don’t know about it. “Alright, I’ll tell you about it when I decide to date someone in the future.”

“Thank you, Haruki.” she speaks with a gentle smile carved on her lips. We both proceed on walking under the rain, whilst of the unsaid thoughts lingers between us.