"Oha, Nao-kun. How you feeling?"
A few minutes into visiting hours and Jougasaki-san walks in. A surprising development as she usually visits during the afternoon, not to mention today being a weekend; I believed she'd be having fun elsewhere.
"Good morning, Jougasaki-san. I didn't expect to see you today."
"Just thought I'd come as soon as I can, she still visits, doesn't she? Don't really want to bump into her."
"Oh."
That'd be rather awkward, given the circumstances.
"Well, it hasn't happened yet thankfully."
"Wanted to play it safe today."
With that said, she positions herself by the window like usual; closing the curtains, she sighs a bit before sliding a chair to my bedside.
"Jouagsaki-san?"
"How is she? Tsuchida-san?"
"How?"
With such an abrupt question, I'm left clueless as I waited for her to further clarify. However, she doesn't as she simply awaits my answer.
"She's been, well? Nothing jarring... Did something happen?"
"You could say, things have been happening. I guess she doesn't want to make you worry, or at least, she doesn't want you to see her vulnerable. Though, I wonder how much longer it'll last."
Standing up before heading towards the window, she doesn't attempt to look out, but simply rests her back near it.
"What do you mean, what's happening?"
"With what has happened over the time you've been away, rumors have been spreading about. Over you and her; your condition and the reason why you ended up in hospital."
"...I guess it was only a matter of time, but what do you mean by rumors? They don't know what happened, right? And you're on her side, at least for the moment, right?"
"I made sure to state she nor anyone else is responsible for your current condition. You simply fell down the flight of stairs and injured yourself, that's the lie I told. The majority of our students accepted it at face value, but a few choose to deny the statement."
"And Tsuchida-san feels pressured?"
"Perhaps, she's been getting a lot of eyes on her as of late. I've made sure that no one accuses anybody, but that doesn't stop the rumors spreading about of her involvement."
"I see..."
Despite what has happened and the current situation I'm in because of her, it doesn't bode well to me to place her in such a position. I can't help but feel responsible...
"With what has happened, I'm surprised you're satisfied with just playing along with her game and not trying to alter it."
"I wouldn't say I'm satisfied... but, what else can I do? Even with what has happened, I... I don't want..."
"Hahh, " Jougasaki-san sighs rather loudly, "You know, I'm pretty sure that's what lead you here in the first place. Even now, I guess your nature doesn't quite change."
"...Meaning..?"
"No, it's nothing."
As if she finds the situation amusing, she chuckles a slight.
"I'm beginning to see how this will end. Keep an eye on her when she comes. I have a feeling it'll be over soon enough."
"What do you..."
With all that's laid bare, Jougasaki-san begins walking towards the door.
"Jougasaki-san?"
"Hm, you'd like me to stay?"
As though to poke fun at me, she turns back and grins.
"Ah, n-no it's not that... ehh..."
I just thought you'd stay a bit longer... not like I can just say it to her face. I wonder, just how close we were before. Perhaps our relationship is just purely to do with the Student Council.
"Hmph, well I mainly came to keep you updated on the situation."
"O-Oh, I see... I'm sure you're busy with a lot of things, especially now. Thanks for coming to see me, Jougasaki-san."
"...Himeko."
"??"
Playing with the strand of hair against her bangs, her eyes gaze off to the side before she shakes her head.
"No it's nothing... I was just remembering how long it took for you to call me by my given name. Hahh.. what a trial that was."
"Is that so..? ...What kind of person was I?"
"Hmm... well who can say? Among the Student Council members, you worked the hardest; perhaps a little too hard. I was afraid you'd crash one day and have one of us pick you up, but you never did. Your grades are good and sure enough, people admired you for it. Easy to approach but hard to befriend."
"I see..."
So I guess I wasn't the best at socialising, it sounds about right in all honesty.
"Well regardless of what, it'll come round again soon enough. I'll bring in something in from home for lunch tomorrow, so be sure to leave enough room for it."
...
Later into the day, Tsuchida-san paid another visit. Much like her first, she was overly excited. With much to talk about, she openly expressed her feelings and pretty much spoke enough for us both. Even if my mind dawdled on what Jougasaki-san mentioned previously, I couldn't help but enjoy our time. She spoke of the things she's done, her hopes, dreams; both held very much sacred to us. Even if most of the time I couldn't put my thoughts into words, I listened as she didn't seem to mind being the one that only spoke.
I believe her; I want to. As it stands, she doesn't appear to harbor any ill intent towards me. And ever since our meeting in the hospital, she hasn't brought up Jougasaki-san. However, I know things can't stay like this, and sure enough I'm positive she realises this too.
Still, days passed as the numerous tests confirmed that there's no real impairment to my ability to memorise the cards. Thus, there's little reason to stay as my head trauma has healed to the point house remedies would suffice. Once discharged, things may come back to me; most importantly, visiting the places I grew familiar with.
...
"So, tomorrow's the day you'll be discharged..."
In a rather gloom expression, she doesn't quite look at me as she'd rather stare around the room. To be honest, I thought she'd be thrilled with the news.
"Yeah, I'm kinda looking forward to it. Haha, I wonder how my house is like. Have you visited before, Tsuchida-san?"
"Hmm? U-umm, no I haven't..."
She used to be all smiles, but lately she's become rather secluded. I can't recall a point in time where I may have made her upset; it troubles me. Though, it could just be that the hospital visits have taken on toll on her well being.
"Oh I see."
With dark circles under her eyes, her skin's paler than usual; it's as if she hasn't slept well in days.
"How's school been like?"
"Oh, it's been, umm..." taken back as if she didn't expect such a question, she takes moments to think, "It's been... different, without you there. Hehe... it's rather lonely."
"Lonely?"
Assuming we spend time together on a regular basis, it's understandable she'd feel that way. But I feel as if... something dark lurks around the corner. Why is that feeling so... familiar? It's almost suffocating, as if I'm afraid. And yet.
"Mm... ehe, just a bit."
Rising from her spot, I found it rather surprising as the only times she ever got up was to leave for the day. It's not like it's wrong for her to leave, however, it's only been a fraction of the time she usually stays.
"Tsuchida-san?"
Calling out to her, she doesn't answer until she stood by the door. Taking hold of the handle, she turns it a slight before coming to a pause, as if she felt compelled to answer but unsure how.
"Sorry, Senpai.~"
Turning back to me with a bright smile, it was almost enough to make me believe nothing was wrong in the first place.
"My parents said I have to be back early today."
"Your parents?"
Looking out the window, the sun still has yet to set, though in her previous visits, she does stay mostly until sundown.
"Well I can't argue with that, sorry to keep you out so late, Tsuchida-san."
She shakes her head, "No, it's okay. I'm glad to have spent these times with you. Hehe, I love you, Senpai."
"A-Ahh... Yeah, mm..."
Whenever she said that, it always caught me off guard. I don't even know how to respond, I don't want to hurt her; we're not going out, and yet...
"Me too... I-, I l-"
"No..."
Out of nowhere, she speaks out, "Don't, that's not what I..." with such a tone of authority, I'm left speechless as she chuckles.
"You already know, don't you, Senpai? About everything, about us. About what I've done."
"..."
Unsure what to say, I thought I'd be able to at least cheer her up, but it'd appear I stepped over the boundary as tears seem to have welled up in her eyes.
"Hehe... sorry, Senpai. I-, no... it's okay, back then and even now... Against her, I'm nothing. It's useless. Goodbye, Senpai. I hope you do recover without me there."
"W-Wait, Tsu-"
...
Tsuchida-san ran off which left me to ponder whether or not I should've chased after her.
"Hmm, didn't think she'd leave this early, " before I realise it, Jougasaki-san steps into the room moments later as I snap back into reality, "You seem to be lost in thoughts, did something happen?"
"N-No... Well I mean something did but... It seems Tsuchida-san's had enough."
"Oh, is that right? Perhaps-"
At that moment, a muffled ring tone sounds as Jougasaki-san pulls her phone out.
"Sorry, do you mind?" she asks, as I gesture for her to continue.
"Hello?"
Facing the other way, her eyes widen in shock before she pulls away and sets the phone on speaker.
"You win."
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