*Thump* Thump*
What’s that? Knock it off heart! This must be what it’s like to engage in social activity… Even if I am just staring.
Riku peeked over his carefully constructed fort of textbooks at Ichika who finally stopped playing with her eraser, and diligently attempted her homework again. Should I go over and help? I want to. But I can’t!
“There you are Doihara san”! Toshika pulled up a chair behind his textbook wall.
Why is she here! Awk! Get away! I have no business with you!
“…”
“I see… Were still at this point.” He’s constructing a wall of books just to hide himself from the world. This is worst then I thought! At This rate I’ll never find my special one! Like a wrecking ball Toshika’s almighty fists slammed the books onto the floor.
“Soooorrryyy” Toshika made a polite bow to all the onlookers.
“Ok Doihara san the first step to opening up is to clear the walls within your heart, as well as the ones your constructed physically!” Toshika placed a hand above her mouth and started to giggle a little.
Riku started to pick up his books. He thought he couldn’t spend any time with Toshika his social anxiety wouldn’t let him. He hurriedly put his books in his pack, and headed towards the exit.
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One last peak though. Riku didn’t know why but he wanted one last glimpse of the Ichika that was working hard at her studies. Her long dyed blond hair which started to fade a little. Her natural brown roots. The way she pushed the bottom of her lip with her pen, as her brows furrowed on the current problem she was on, made Riku stare a little bit longer. What was meant to be a glimpse seemed to carry on to what Riku could imagine was a whole hour, he wanted to see every nuance of her personality and actions for reasons he didn’t know yet. Not that anyone would notice Riku. He was the school’s ghost. Invisible to all. Well all except…
“Sugawara san? Something the matter with her?” Toshika suddenly appeared in Riku’s line of sight.
“Aw!” A small yelp was pushed through Riku’s throat.
“Ha I got some sound! At least we can rule out you being mute.” Toshika giggled again.
I know your intentions are well, but can you please leave me.
Riku turned his back on the library and started to exit. Without giving any thought to the one person who now acknowledged his existence.
“Hey! Waaaaaaaaitt!” Toshika sped in front of him. She held her right hand up and gestured as if she was blowing a whistle. She stood between him and the exit. Riku nervously turned around as if trying to find a different exit.
“Come on I’m not that bad! Won’t you spend some time with me?” Toshika pulled out a small drink from her bag and offered it forward. “I can see you wanna talk to Sugawara san. Do you perhaps like her?”
As if time stood still all of Riku’s attention honed in on those words “like”. Riku never really thought about liking her let alone anyone. But Riku couldn’t deny his curiosity to know more about her. A curiosity that he hadn’t felt about anyone before.
As if pulling teeth, Riku forced a nod.
“Hey why did you turn your head away? Is that a nod?” Toshika scratched her head.
Unable to make direct contact with Toshika, Riku turned his head and nodded into space. He really really didn’t want this. But he wanted to get to know Ichika more.