A L W A Y S

Two

Nova POV

"What are you going to do today after school?" I ask Ami as we put our books into our backpacks. 

It is a slow morning, and I am grateful for it. I have been bothered by Kenji more often than I realize, and having one morning without him feels refreshing. Truthfully, I don't mind Kenji's presence. He can be around or nearby. However, what bothers me is when he starts talking, and all I hear from him is the horrific sound of a bad joke. 

"Not sure. I was thinking of studying since we have that big test tomorrow." I hear Ami say. 

Today is Thursday, and Thursdays are my mom and Kenji's mom's self-care gatherings. They usually pull me into their crazy plans, but I'm not feeling up for it today. This test has been haunting me since last month, and I don't want to be distracted by my mom's tipsy slurs. 

"Can I come over to study?" I ask with conviction, "Kenji's mom is coming over today, and I really don't want to be home," pleading with Ami.

Ami smiles knowingly, feeling like she has some alternative plan, "Yeah, you're welcome to come over whenever!"

I'm unsure what her smile meant, but I am relieved to know I have somewhere to escape. 

"Great! I'll be over after I drop some stuff at home."

Changing the subject, Ami starts walking, but stops mid-way, "I wonder if—"

Before Ami can elaborate further, we hear the other students' whispers around us. It's as if the study body has seen something unfathomable, and the whispers turn into full-on conversations. As we try to see what has caused the commotion, sounds of gasps and breathy words surround us. Even when everyone is invested in what is happening in front of them, some students begin to look at me as if I am also part of whatever is happening. That's the last thing I want. I have tried so hard to be as invisible as possible, but even that has caused me to be the talk of the town. 

"Holy—" Ami whispers, and I can tell by her eyes that she's shocked.

Turning completely around, I aim to feed my curiosity as I discover what everyone is talking about.

Like a slow-moving horror movie, Kenji and Ema are coming through the entrance doors, hand in hand, in front of me. 

A pinch in my stomach starts to form since I have never withness Kenji with another girl. Now that I think about it, Kenji has never mentioned being with or dating a girl in our entire life. Though he is not obligated to tell me, seeing him with someone like that feels, a bit different.

But I can't think about that right now. I have always felt indifferent about Kenji's life and I will continue to feel that way. Turning around, I ignore how my stomach begins to turn and make my way to class. At this moment, I forget that Ami is with me. Stopping mid-step, I look back to find Ami a few steps behind me. Her eyes meet mine, and they're no longer gleaming with smiles. As a matter of fact, they look... almost.. concerned.

"Sorry, I –" I start. As I watch her catch up to me.

"It's okay," Ami cuts me off, "let's go to class."

Walking through the doors of my homeroom, I head straight to my seat next to a nice large window. I love how the sun meets my desk and only my desk. It's a warm feeling that heats the pores of my skin. I could sit in the sun for hours on end and never be tired of it. It's my favorite spot and part of the day. Pulling out my books, I do the usual to get settled when suddenly a shadow appears before me. 

Whipping my head straight up, I just about rip this person a new one. That is, until I see who it is.

"Um, could we trade seats today?" Ema asks, "I want to sit next to Kenji."