Chapter 6: Reconciliation

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Reconciliation

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I arranged my books but as soon as I was about to place the bag hanged on my shoulder I was called out.

"So, Oota, are you free this weekend? The group were planning to hit the amusement park," Aki asked, sounding excited. He had just finished answering his call and now was with Junpai and Inosuki. I on the otherhand just slide my other pair of shoes inside my locker and locked it.

"Amusement park?" I repeated.

"Well, you see... Junpai got himself a girlfriend and wanted to show her off," Aki replied, placing a hand on Junpai’s shoulder, the one who seemed to had made the suggestion.

I know I shouldn’t be shocked since I had guessed as much but man I was shock. Junpai and a girl hanging out was like watching a rat and a snake make out. What an unsatisfying visual that would be.

Well that would explain the reason why he was fixated on his phone all through this morning, even when he was the one who dragged me along to school. The negga must have been in heat I tell you.

"Wow, seriously? Junpai-senpai? Is that true?" I asked, surprised and excited.

"Come on, guys, don’t tease me like that... it’s only a trial thing to see if we can actually hang out, and Oota stop calling me that we’re in same class now" Junpai said, slightly embarrassed. I was already at the time used to calling him senpai in school, we weren’t actually in the same class last semester. But I was promoted further at some point.

"Sorry, it’s an habit of mine"

"Still, it’s cool that she gave you a chance," Aki said his hand on Junpai’s shoulder teasing him. Aki was looking for a reaction from him which in turn Junpai did react, his eyes were like scanning the floor instead of looking at us, all of us could tell how uncomfortable he was but yeah I can still tell, he doesn’t actually hate it. It was just us guys thing.

"Besides, she was the one who suggested this," Junpai added. "What if later, she decides it just wouldn’t work out"

"Or maybe just couldn’t look at me that way, but as a friend" Junpai expression saddens, "you know how the girls in this school are"

I understand where he was coming from the girls at this school are all elites in their own profession and strictly designed to ensure efficiency, yeah some do talk and joke like normal girls but yeah, you know what I mean.

"Then we just have to put on a great show and win her over for you, right?" Aki added. Making it sound so simple.

"Still, I’m jealous. Hitting on an upperclassman is on a totally different level," Inosuki who had been quietly listening to us talk finally uttered a word, he was gloomy and appeared lazy, patting Junpai jokingly.

A weekend cruise with the guys and a girl who is going to be our wife soon, haha honestly yeah it sounds like fun. But if the amusement park is all they are after it wouldn’t be as as fun, we should make plans if Junpai truly plans to win her over.

"Well, I’m in. Think we could hit the movie theater after?" I suggested, sounding genuinely excited.

"A movie theater, huh... yeah, that could work," Aki Junpai replied.

"But wait, weren’t you like not a big fan of movies?" Inosuki inserted, bro knows me too well even when we only hang out a few time than Aki.

"Uh, no not really-" I couldn’t hide, cause there was no use to, and part of me wanted them to actually consider not actually picking anything scary for the show.

"Oota, you are scare of those sorts of things. Dude that aren’t manly at all" Aki said while he laughed out loud. Yeah he must be feeling good right now. I felt blessed cause they were all good friends, their personalities weren’t bad and they genuinely care.

As the conversation continued, i turned slightly to my left where the hallway was located, i had noticed the gradual absence in students passing by meaning it was nearly 10:00 AM but then noticed Shion walking past. From the look of it, she hadn’t seen me yet.

"H-Hey, uh, Shion!" I called out. I wanted to smooth things over between our selves, she had done so much for me and I wanted to respect that.

The moment she heard my voice, she stopped.

Slowly, she turned to me. Her eyes widened, and while she froze in place.

I can’t tell what she was thinking, but what I could notice was the shock that flashed across her face. She took a step to move away.

"Shion!" I repeated this time a bit louder. Which my friends noticed immediately.

She finally stopped again.

"Right, we should head on ahead," Aki said giving the group the signal to give us some space.

I approached her slowly. Her eyes shifted back and forward from me to the floor, her nervousness was visible and cute honestly.

"Hey, uh... I know we have a fight going on, and I was a bit insensitive on my part."

I looked away briefly from awkwardness.

"Things got awkward between us so fast. I didn’t know how to handle it. It just became harder to talk to you by the day... and, uh-"

I paused, embarrassed, scratching the back of my head. I felt strangely self conscious around her.

"I’m sorry... I really am-"

"You shouldn’t apologize, Oota. I didn’t know what you were going through, and I said some terrible things I shouldn’t have... I’m also sorry." Her words cut me off completely, Shion’s expression softened, her gloom clear in her eyes. I wasn’t expecting her to react this way at all. I knew she was forgiving but her quick change of mood made it clear to me that she was really looking for a way to actually apologise or smooth things over with me.

It made me happy.

I chuckled lightly.

The sound caught her off guard.

"I guess we both said some things we shouldn’t have, didn’t we?"

"Still I’m also grateful "

"Hmm?" Shion muttered.

"I heard you were helping with my book updates, and you also helped with my mom’s medical bills.....Thanks. It means a lot."

I smiled, genuine and warm.

"Huh? Uh... sure, no problem. I’m glad it worked out," Shion replied, smiling and postive.

"Wait, how did you-"

"Oh, i got the information from the hospital," i explained before she could finish. I wanted to make it clear, she was obviously playing dumb, not wanting to claim the credit. She had done all these when we were both arguing.

"Really, you didn’t have to go to such roundabout method just to help me"

"Well I can..I can understand why it must have been awkward to confront me directly"

"Uh... when was that?" She asked carefully. This made me start to wonder if she really were the one? I mean if she was the one, why would she try to hide it now?.

"Hmmm...is something wrong?" I questioned a bit confused to Shion sudden question. I couldn’t tell if she was pretending or not. One thing was certain, she wasn’t directly lying or trying to deceive me.

"That question seemed a bit off"

"W-well you seemed a bit too confident that it was me so I wondered why?" Shion replied, there were no nervousness in her tone, she seemed to be playing with me now. I guess I will play along with her if that’s what she’s after. She wasn’t flagged.

Must be embarrassing getting caught doing what she did.

All this event was perfectly executed which suggests...

There is a third party

Things just don’t fall in place like that in random. Tho I guess my only clue is the ’Yyxx’ ...I should just accept it for now

"I think it was Friday last semester, the day before our finals. Some students spotted you on the way to the hospital, and when they asked, you mentioned something about wanting to visit a friend’s aunty at a nearby hospital," i explained.

I paused slightly, thinking.

"Well, apparently they said you were waiting for a friend. Not to mention it was the same day the money was donated,"

Even the books had the same handwriting as hers

Should I let her know ?

"so I just kind of put the pieces together and came to that conclusion." Yeah now I sound like a detective in a American TV series show.

"Oh"

"Wait... is something wrong?" I asked, noticing that she seemed lost in thought for a second.

"Oh no, it’s nothing serious... I was just wondering if you’re free this weekend?" Shion replied quickly, her voice nervous. Her cheeks flushed red. She looked away, then back at me. One of her hands was hidden inside the sleeve of her oversized sweater, which she lifted slightly to cover her mouth, trying to hide her embarrassed expression.

No one can explain how cute and attractive she was right now. Her embarrassment for making a move on me was so obvious. But this is Shion we are talking about she acts the same with Mataguchi our childhood friend.

Thinking about Mataguchi how is he doing these days? I bet his still working on his novel, his several Chapters aways from me last time we saw each other.

"Oh, uh..."

"Well, ahh... I had plans to head out with some of the guys this weekend," i said, equally nervous, I mean it was kind of hard missing an invite from Shion to hang out.

"...Right. I understand. Well, ahh... maybe another time then," Shion muttered, disappointment creeping on her voice. I feel bad seeing her like this.

"..."

"..."

Silence settled between us.

A notification beep broke the stillness from my pocket. I pulled out my phone, my eyes scanning the screen. Shion kept her head lowered, the awkwardness thick in the air.

Inosuki had just sent over the location for the amusement.

Ino(Inosuki): You pick the theater. The others will decide on the meet up time.

The silence lingered for a moment longer. Yeah this is awkward and nerve-racking, I have to clear the air.

I spoke, trying to sound casual though my nervousness still showed.

"So... would it be okay if you came along with us? Uh....only if you want to, okay? I just figured it would be fun with you there."

Shion’s eyes widened instantly. She lifted her head.

"W-wait, are you sure it’s alright for me to come?" she asked, her voice trembling between excitement and nervousness.

"Yeah, it’s okay. Well... I’d actually like to have you there," i added, reassuring her.

"O-Okay... I guess I’ll start getting ready for the big day," Shion said, smiling. The gloom from earlier had lifted, replaced by visible excitement.

We began walking toward our respective classrooms. it was almost time for classes to start. Shion seemed cheerful now, I on the other hand was just happy to had reconciled with her.

"You don’t have to put in too much effort. You’re cool in anything you wear," i replied.

We both chuckled softly, the atmosphere noticeably lighter. Oh wait I shouldn’t get carried away, I do have an upcoming event coming up soon. I have to make plans for the big day. Man I can imagine Junpai completely flustered and worried for recognition. I can’t wait.

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"The memories and warmth of others proves your existence"

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