New Beginnings

Chp. 4

"Finally lunch time." I breathed out in relief.

I look around to see my classmates all gathering in their groups leaving me alone. It's only the second day and I still haven't made any new friends. Sighing I get up with my lunch and head out to the vending machine.

"Hey Natsumi."

"Oh hey Suga."

I hadn't stopped thinking about him since last night. So to say I was happy to see him is an understatement.

"So where are you headed off to?"

"The vending machine and then maybe eat my lunch outside I guess." I said with a sigh and he smiled.

"Mind if I join you then?"

"Sure." Feeling a little shy I tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Let's go."

He grabbed my hand and started to run. He only slowed down when we got outside, but by then I was almost out of breath.

"Oh sorry I didn't realize I was running too fast for you." He said with a laugh as he led me to a bench.

"Here sit down for bit. What did you want from the the machine?"

"Um...Peach tea I guess."

I was going to reach for my wallet, but he stopped me.

"I got it, just wait here."

He ran off before I could stop him. A minute later he came back with our drinks. He handed me mine and I took it.

"Here you go."

"Thanks, but you know you didn't have to buy it  for me."

"I know, but I wanted to thank you for finding my wallet for me yesterday." He scratched the back of his neck and I smiled.

"Well your welcome and thanks again." 

I opened the the tea and took a sip. It was so good I involuntarily let out a small moan, and heard Suga choke on his drink.

"Oh my god are you ok?"

I scooted closer to pat his back.

"Yea... just went down... the wrong pipe." He said between coughs.

After he calmed down a bit he turned his head to me, and I was lost in eyes we were so close. Then he started to come closer to my face.

'Oh, no. Is he about to kiss me?!'

Panicking I backed away and stood up.

"I...I have to go." I said, but my feet wouldn't move.

"Wait. I'm sorry please.."

Suga stood up too in a panic, but when he reached for me, I flinched. He saw it and immediately put space between us moving slowly with his hands up so I can see them.

"Hey... it's ok Natsumi... calm down." He said calmly, but I was too far gone, locked in a memory I didn't want to relive. I shook my head no as tears started running down my face.

"I can't..."

I crouched down on the ground with my head in my hands and rocked back and forth. I don't know how long I was like that before I felt soft hands on top of mine.

"Natsumi look at me."

I slowly looked up and met warm eyes.

"That's it. Everything is just fine. You're ok. Just breathe."