@iLeo221: i know you've been waiting for kojiharu, gomen if it took 7 chapters before she appeared hehe
@cisda83: all i can say is, yuko moves faster than minami lol
@chiqinna, Chichay12: i hope minami's denseness will soon subside
@ayudewi6, Justqle: believe me, i really wanted to make their relationship level up a little faster
@noah minami, Haruko: i really like kojiyuu! so maybe i'll make some special chapters for them soon
@deguchi: marimii couple, i'm not sure if they'll also appear in zenpen so we'll see
minna, gomen if i took longer to update than usual
damn all these meetings and deadlines..
reality sucks, i just want to stay in my world of stories and imagination lol
When the Time Stops
Chapter 8The morning class of our second year's first day has ended and Yuko suddenly disappeared from my sight again. So I went out of our classroom alone to take a break and saw Atsuko already standing outside our room. She's leaning against the wall, waiting for me. As usual, many male students are still stealing glances of her. At first, they really get into my nerves but eventually I got used to it and just ignore them. We walked side by side heading out to the school grounds where we used to eat lunch together.
"So, how's your first day?" I asked her as I open my bento.
"Nothing new so far, but later the drama club members will be having our first meeting of the year to discuss some arrangements." She said and then she looked at my food.
"Your bento, why is it always meat?"
"Ah, you noticed. Well actually, I'm kinda picky when it comes to food. I prefer to only eat meat." I answered.
"So that's why.. by the way, is Yuko not eating with us today?"
"Maybe she's already eating somewhere alone again. Or, she's stalking that new transfer student in our class. I think Yuko likes that girl a lot."
"Oh. So, do you like her too?" Atsuko asked.
"Me? I just think that girl's really pretty, that's all." We started to eat our food, then Atsuko spoke to me again.
"Ne, Minami.. I was just wondering.. have you ever liked someone?"
I don't know how to answer her question because I don't actually have an idea how it feels to like someone.
"I guess those things never came to my mind yet."
She looks disappointed with my answer.
"Now that you mention it, there's something Shinoda-san told me before she graduated. She mentioned about that someone that you like." I said.
"E-Eh? W-What else did she tell you?"
"She only said you already like that person even before you and Shinoda-san met."
"Ah.. well it's true." She confirmed and this time it's me who felt disappointed.
"So, what kind of person is he?" I asked in an unhappy voice.
She stared at me for a few seconds before she answered.
"The one I like is the kindest person I have ever met. And that person is the only one who can make me love and hate that kindness both at the same time." She giggled.
Eh? That was quite a weird description, and I didn't try to ask her another question about that person again.
-
Weeks has passed and there has been an announcement that all classes will be having a 3-day school trip. A day before that trip, Atsuko and I once again went to the restaurant where Tomochin works part time. We are already on our table when Yuko suddenly arrived.
"Hi guys! I brought someone here with me." She greeted us, she's with the new transfer student. It seems like they're friends now.
"Takamina, can you please transfer from your seat? Just sit beside Aachan."
"Why would I..." Yuko grabbed me and forced me to stand up. Then she sat on my spot.
"Sit right here next to me, Nyannyan."
"Nyannyan??"
"Hi, uhm.. I know it's a bit cheesy but since Yuuchan's my first friend here, I had no choice but to let her call me the way she wanted." She explained.
"Yuuchan?!"
What's with their childish terms of endearment now?
"Nyannyan and I met at the rooftop. She still doesn't have friends here yet so I decided to introduce her to you guys." Yuko said.
"Nyannyan, the girl with the shorter hair is Aachan. She's from the drama club. And this one with the shorter height is Takamina, our class president."
"That's a very nice introduction from a person who's merely 1.5 inch taller than me." I glared at Yuko.
"Anyway, how should we call you?"
"I prefer Kojiharu, that's how my old friends used to call me." She requested.
"I'm special! That's why I'm the only one who can call her Nyannyan!" Yuko butts in. She's in her super hyper mode today.
Tomochin went to our table to get our orders. Yuko also introduced Kojiharu to her.
"Takamina, we have some new sushi flavors. Why don't you try them?" She suggested me.
"Sorry Tomochin, but Minami only eats meat so just give her usual katsudon. Anyway, let me try your new sushi." Atsuko ordered food for us.
"Okay desu!" Tomochin got all our orders and left the table.
"Hey Aachan, looks like you already learned many things about Takamina, ne?" Yuko said to Atsuko, but she just ignored her.
While waiting for our orders to arrive, we asked Kojiharu some questions for us to get to know her better.
"I transferred to your school because it's the nearest one from our house. We came to this town because of my mom's nature of work. She was assigned here for I don't know how long." Kojiharu explained.
Our food arrived and we continued our conversation about many things. We also talked about our school trip tomorrow and everyone seems excited about it.
"So the four of us are now officially a group!" Yuko said.
"All of you are from the same class, why am I the only one who's different?" Atsuko complained.
"Then let's invite Tomochin to join our group, too!" I suggested.
"Oh, nevermind." Atsuko immediately took back what she said.
"Huh?" I'm confused. Is there something going on between them?
"I-I mean Tomochin's schedule is always full so maybe she doesn't have time for other things. A-Anyway, will you excuse me? I just need to go the restroom."
"Aachan, wait! I'll go with you. I'll be right back, Nyannyan.."
Yuko followed Atsuko. So Kojiharu and I were left alone on our table.
"Say Kojiharu, do you already have a club in mind that you want to join?"
"I haven't thought about it yet." She answered.
"I was thinking maybe you can help Yuko join a club." I said.
"Why doesn't she join the music club?"
"Music club? But why?"
"I just heard her sing and she has a very beautiful voice." Kojiharu said.
"Yuko sings?" I was surprised.
"Eh? You don't know?"
"I thought she only likes listening to music wearing those headphones."
"I see.. so that's how it is.. Ne, Takamina?"
"Yes, what is it?" I asked.
"Please don't tell Yuuchan about what I told you. Just don't mind what I said." I just nodded eventhough I don't know her reasons why.
"We're back! Nyannyan did you miss me?" Yuko and Atsuko came back to our table.
"Yuko, you're only gone for less than 5 minutes." I said.
"I'm not talking to you Takamina. Nyannyan, let's go home?" Yuko asked as she clings to Kojiharu's arms.
We went out the restaurant and Yuko's still hugging her Nyannyan. Poor Kojiharu.
"Hey Kojiharu, you can actually file harassment against Yuko in school if you want. And I'd be glad to send that squirrel to detention." I teased.
"Would that be really possible?" Kojiharu giggled.
"Eh? Nyannyan! It's just a simple skinship! Takamina never had one so she wouldn't understand."
I never had one? I suddenly got flashbacks of Atsuko's kiss. Isn't that a type of skinship, too?
"It's just that you never do that to me! Well, it's not like I want that from you either." I told Yuko.
We reached the area where their bicycles are parked.
"Yuuchan? How can we ride our bikes if you're not letting go of my arms?" Kojiharu said.
"Then can we share on your bike instead? I'll hug you from your behind all the way home." Yuko had a smug look on her face.
"Da~me! Abunai."
Kojiharu didn't agree so Yuko had no choice but to obey her. She finally let go of her and they ride their own bikes.
"We're going now. See you guys tomorrow!"
They bid goodbye, so Atsuko and I were then left alone. We started to walk together heading to the bus stop.
"I've never seen Yuko that happy before." I said.
Then suddenly...
"A-Atsuko?!" I was startled. Atsuko slipped her hand to hold mine.
"I was just thinking that somehow you're jealous of Yuko and Kojiharu's sudden closeness." She said.
"I'm not jealous! I'm actually happy for Yuko."
"Well, I just want you to know that you still have me." Atsuko explained. "I understand if you don't want to hold my hand.."
"I want to!!! I mean... it's okay with me." Did I sound too obvious?
We continue to walk ahead holding each other's hands. The atmosphere between us became too quiet again.
"Minami, you're shaking. If you're not comfortable then I'll just let go of your hand." She said.
"Don't! Please..." I begged. Atsuko smiled when I said that.
"Then let's try clasping our fingers, it might stop you from shaking... here... like this..." Our fingers intertwined, I never thought they can fit so perfectly on each other.
TOKI DOKI TOKI DOKI.. my heart.. it's beating so wild again.
We reached the bus stop and there's still few more minutes before her bus comes. We sat down, still holding hands. Then Atsuko speaks again.
"Minami, about our trip tomorrow. I'd be joining my class and be separated from you. Yuko and Kojiharu will surely go together, and I'm worried that you might be left alone. So I was thinking... when the day trip ends, can we see each other right after?"
TOKI DOKI TOKI DOKI.. Oh my God, my heartbeat is making me speechless.. Say something!!!
.....
In the end, nothing came out from my mouth so I just nodded. I'm such an idiot after all. Her bus came and she squeezed my hand softly before she finally let go of it.
"See you tomorrow, ne." She smiled.
Atsuko rode the bus and then she's gone. I put my hand, the one she held, near my mouth. Her fragrance remained on it. It was only less than a minute ago when she left but why do I miss her already? So then I wonder what kind of feeling is this... do I actually... like her?
TBCi wanted to update already!!!
so i'll try to spare more time... hopefully.
thanks for reading!
Topic: ZENPEN: When the Time Stops [AtsuMina - COMPLETED] (Read 68478 times)