Words || Daisuga (Temporary Hiatus)

14. Confusing

"Are you hurt?" I finally whisper.

He doesn't say anything. I gently poke him on the arm.

He seems to snap out of a trance and looks over at me.

I'm worried about him. He was staring into space just now, "Please say something."

"My stomach hurts." He barely whispers.

Does he mean stomach ache hurt? Or was he punched in the stomach?

I'm really worried, "Anywhere else?"

"Surprisingly, no." He whispers.

I'm still really worried, "Do you wanna go to the nurse?"

"What's the nurse gonna do? Give me an ice pack and say I'm fine?" He rolls his eyes.

He's got a point. That's exactly what would happen.

"Well-" I start, but get interrupted.

"I have an ice pack in my bag, so what's the point?" He smiles.

I'm surprised he can still smile in a situation like this.

"I'll grab it." I whisper as I stand up.

"No, it's ok." He whispers, but I'm already walking away.

Which pocket is it? Should I ask? Or should I guess?

I should ask.

I look over at Sugawara, who's looking at me. He's holding up two fingers.

The second pocket? I hold up two fingers. He nods.

I really hope that means the second pocket.

I open the second pocket. Sure enough, there's an ice pack in there.

I grab the ice pack and walk back over to Sugawara.

"Do you just keep an ice pack with you?" I ask as I hand him the ice pack.

"You gotta be prepared." Sugawara whispers, taking the ice pack.

I can tell he's in pain. But he's still smiling. Just how?

Earlier, he was in tears because he was alone. But now, he probably just got beat up and he's smiling. What a strange guy..

Sugawara looks at me as he holds the ice pack to his stomach. "What are you staring at?" He looks away, obviously blushing.

Was I staring? I didn't mean to stare. Oh my god, Daichi pull it together. "N-Nothing."

"So how-" Sugawara starts.

I look over at the door and see Azumane peak in.

"Suga, shh."

What did I just call him?

He looks at me, then looks where I'm looking.

I didn't realize that Takeda-Sensei and that guy left.

How long have they been gone? And how long has Azumane been standing there? Did he hear any of that? He couldn't have, we were whispering.

We both wave as he walks in.

"Is everything ok?" He signs.

Sugawara nods. I shake my head.

Azumane looks at us, confused, "Which one is it?"

"Maybe." I sign.

Sugawara looks at me, "What do you mean maybe?" He pauses, "I'm fine."

"Really?" I pause, "If you're really fine, then what just happened?"

Sugawara sighs, "It was nothing."

"You needed an ice pack for nothing?" I roll my eyes.

"He may have punched me in the stomach a few times, but I'm fine." Sugawara looks away.

He's crazy. There's nothing wrong with that.. but I can already tell he's crazy.

Azumane looks confused and worried, "What?"

What am I supposed to say? Sugawara obviously doesn't want to talk about it right now. Azumane is confused. And I don't know enough to explain.

"Later." Sugawara signs.

Later? He'll explain later? Or something's gonna happen later?

Either he's confusing, or I'm just dumb.

Later..