The White Room Dropout - A CotE Fanfic

Part 7: The Final Months

Winter had draped its icy veil over the city, transforming it into a picturesque wonderland. Inside the cozy confines of my apartment, I found myself seated on the couch, my thoughts consumed by the months that had passed since Ayanokouji had entered my life. It was undeniable that he had become a significant presence.

My grades had steadily improved under his guidance, and I felt a newfound enthusiasm for learning. But it wasn't just the academic progress that had captured my attention. There was something about Ayanokouji's calm and enigmatic demeanor that drew me in, leaving me yearning to unravel the mystery that shrouded him.

Lost in my thoughts, I was interrupted by the sound of my mother's laughter. Looking up, I saw her sitting across from me, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. She had always been quick to pick up on the subtlest of changes, and she had noticed the transformation within me.

"You know, Kei," my mother said, a playful smile dancing on her lips, "ever since Ayanokouji-Kun started visiting us, I've noticed a remarkable difference in you. You seem happier."

A blush crept up my cheeks as I tried to dismiss her teasing. "Oh, come on, Mom. It's not like that. Ayanokouji is just helping me with my studies."

My mother's laughter filled the room, the sound both comforting and teasing. "Oh, dear, don't be so quick to brush it off. I can see the sparkle in your eyes when you talk about him. There's more to it than just studying, isn't there?"

I sighed, feeling a mix of annoyance and affection towards my mother's persistent teasing. "Mom, please. You're exaggerating. Ayanokouji and I are just friends, okay? We study together, and that's it."

My mother raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Just friends? Well, I've seen the way he looks at you, Kei. Are you sure there's nothing more?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to find the right words. "Mom, I... I can't say for certain. Ayanokouji is... different. There's an air of mystery around him, and I can't quite figure him out. But that doesn't mean we're anything more than friends."

My mother chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, my dear, you're growing up so fast. Sometimes, it's the unexpected connections that bring the most joy and excitement into our lives. Don't be too quick to dismiss the possibility."

I felt a mixture of frustration and gratitude towards my mother's teasing. On one hand, it was exasperating to have her speculate about my feelings for Ayanokouji. But on the other hand, her words planted a tiny seed of hope within me, igniting a sense of curiosity and wonder.

"Mom, can we drop this topic, please?" I pleaded, my voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and determination.

She leaned back, her smile softening. "Alright, my dear. I'll respect your wishes. Just remember, I'm always here for you, ready to listen and support you, no matter what."

I nodded, appreciating her understanding. "Thank you, Mom. I know you mean well."

She stood up from the couch and made her way towards the kitchen, but not without a final playful remark. "Oh, by the way, if there ever comes a time when you need advice on matters of the heart, you know who to turn to, right?"

I groaned, rolling my eyes playfully. "Yes, Mom, I'll keep that in mind."

Her laughter echoed through the apartment, filling the air with warmth and love. As I returned to my thoughts, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my mother's teasing and playful nature. She had a way of making even the most uncertain situations feel a little lighter.

...

As I sat at the lunch table with my classmates, my mind focused on the casual chatter around me. The conversations ebbed and flowed, touching upon various topics. It was during one such moment that Hiroshi, one of my classmates, began discussing an unexpected subject—the girl who had occupied my thoughts for months: Karuizawa.