Lighter | Noriaki Kakyoin

15| Galaxy eyes

I got up to a huge text from Semi in my inbox. Your average "this was supposed to be an apology but it came to me while I was writing it that you are actually the one to blame" text message. I decided not to answer. I do feel a little bad about Chiyoko having to deal with his mood, but maybe that'll make her realize what kind of trap she's willingly stepping into.

I walked leisurely, taking longer than usual. The world was born again before my eyes, every corner possibly hiding an incredible monster or ghost I could only dream of. I inspected the moving shadows with expectation, only to be greeted by the shake of the leaves or the neighborhood cat making her morning walk.

I arrived later at class, just in time. Even then, I felt relaxed by the time I spent alone. I needed some me-time, and I realized it as soon as I entered the classroom and found Kakyoin was looking for me.

He had his expression matching his crossed arms while he and Jotaro spoke. This conversation was quickly interrupted as he came my way as soon as my presence was noticed. He stopped by my desk before I even had a chance to sit down.

"Yubi-chan, I hope you had no problems coming to school today?" He laid his violet blanket of attention over me, not letting the slightest details pass unnoticed. I always get the impression that even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to lie to him.

"None. It was the opposite, actually. Today is a beautiful day." I tried my hardest to concentrate on our conversation and not on how close he stood, or how his worry hesitated to dissipate.

"That is good to hear." He mumbled these words only to fill in the empty spots of a normal conversation, as he clearly had something else to say. I silently waited as I took my stuff out of my bag. "I asked Jojo what he does when he needs to calm down, and he told me to visit an aquarium. So I was wondering if maybe you would like to come with me?" He spoke faster than usual, giving the impression he was forcing himself to finish before he could change his mind.

I smiled at how cute it all was. "That's so sweet! Of course I'd like to."

I heard him almost perfectly disguise a sigh of relief. Almost. "I'll go get you after class, okay?" I nodded at the same moment the teacher entered, putting an end to our conversation.

I found myself growing increasingly nervous throughout the day. Even after he left me home, I was still anxious. Was this a date? Should I dress up as if we're going on a date? Does it even make a difference? I ended up trying out and neglecting almost all the clothes in my wardrobe until my time ran out, and I had to pick one.

I studied my reflex on the mirror: A short, turquoise dress with a fitting bow addressing my short hair. My hands were restless around my skirt when I received a message. "I'm here" glowed beneath his name, and I hurried out with a quick farewell to my parents.

Kakyoin stood on the walkway, putting his phone away after seeing me. He wore an oversized brown blouse with embroidered mushrooms, the delicate forms aligned with his slim figure.

"You're cute as always, Yu-chan." He touched my bow delicately, the eyes of an artist as he traced it for a second.

"Thanks." I usually don't like people getting too close to my hair, but I'll open this exception.

The day continued as pretty as it started, the afternoon breeze keeping us company while we talked our way to the aquarium. Inside, the air was chilly, the illumination tinged by the soft blue of the waters surrounding us. I looked around in a daze, my feet planted to the ground. You didn't have to go far, it appeared, to see magical places. 

Everywhere we looked held different species of multiple color combinations, of all forms and sizes. Their peaceful behavior did remind me a bit of Jotaro, and I wondered if this quietness was one of the reasons he enjoyed this place so much.