First Sight

63: The Space Between

"So you and Katsuki are on good terms now?" Melissa asked. 

"In a way... I think so. It's still a bit strange for me to get used to thinking about." Izumi said. 

"I'm surprised you changed this much. Last time I saw you, you kept saying you were cutting ties with him completely, so what changed?" Melissa asked. 

"Well it could be that now he knows who I really am, and a few other things..." Izumi mumbled. 

The blonde wasn't buying it, so she quickly leaned towards the greenette and looked deep into her Emerald Green eyes. Izumi wasn't sure what Melissa was doing exactly, as she froze from how close her friend was to her face.

"Hmmm..." 

"What? Is something wrong?" 

"Uh huh- you're not being honest with yourself." Melissa said. 

"Huh? With what?" 

"That you still like him." 

Izumi froze and slowly turned bright red. 

"W-What?!?! No I don't! I don't like Katsuki!" she yelled. 

"Uh huh... it's pretty evident that you do." Melissa said. 

"No I don't! I said I don't!" 

"Don't lie to me, Izu, the only reason you haven't cut ties with him is obvious that you like him." Melissa said. 

"I told you, I do not! Just because I didn't end up cutting ties with him doesn't mean I still like him!" 

"'Still'?" Izumi froze. 

"Hah- we're just friends now, just like we were in high school, nothing more. And though he clearly confessed that he still likes me... he said he wasn't going to pressure me and we should just... continue our lives like usual..." Izumi said, her voice sounding disappointed.

"Hah- fine, I won't ask you anymore about you and your feelings. But does this mean you went back to working at his company?" 

"Mn. Since I agreed that my house is still on the line, I need to work for 2 more months." Izumi said. 

"So does that mean you're on a lunch break from your job right now?" 

"Yeah..." 

"So what's next? Gonna actually try to find someone to date?" 

"Ah- yeah right! Actually, me and everyone on my floor at work are going on a business trip." Izumi said. 

"A business trip, to where?" 

"I'm not sure... they didn't say the exact place, but I'm sure we'll know soon."

"It seems we have news that the destination of the business trip will be at Wakayama." Sirius said, and everyone erupted with excitement. 

Well, except for Izumi and Katsuki, who have heard the name of this place all too well. 

'That's-' 

"Our high school trip." 

Izumi looked up and didn't realize Katsuki was standing next to her. 

"Ack- when did you get there?" 

"Looks like we're going to a familiar place." Izumi froze. 

"Ah- um, yeah... it's been a long time..." Izumi mumbled.