cat•a•lyst | noun
- a substance that increases the the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any damage or change
- a person or thing that precipitates an event
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The only memories she has are of her suffering. She has tak...
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"to be alive! not just the carcass but the spark. that's crudely put but... if we're not supposed to dance, why all this music?"
chapter 22
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Many things happen during the week after the sports festival and before the internships.
The first being the inevitable conversation waiting to happen between Noa and her brother as he nearly corners her in a desperate attempt to finally get a private word. Noa takes a very deep breath in and twists her fingers together while he spends a few minutes staring at her with an unnamable expression.
"I have so many questions, and absolutely no clue where to start." He finally says, running an exasperated hand through his hair. It's strange to see him like this, frustrated and at a loss for words. He's usually very direct with what he needs to say, put together. Noa waits for him to continue.
"Are you okay?" He chooses, which makes Noa want to slam her head into the wall. She resists the urge.
"Mentally or physically? Because no."
It's weird to finally admit it. She is not fine. Her head is pounding with a very possible concussion, her entire body hurts, and she can't move her face without grimacing. Not to mention the events of the festival, as well as the events after. And hell, why not add the USJ and the whole kidnapping business to the list.
Shoto presses his lips together. "What happened? Physically."
Noa takes a deep breath, deciding honesty is the best approach with him. "A long story that ends with me falling into a building."
His eyes widen. "You need to see Recovery Girl."
"No, I don't. I'll be fine." She says with an eye roll. Shoto continues his questioning, asking where she's staying, if she's safe. She informs him that a rooftop is perfectly acceptable as a temporary home and that she is protected by herself. He doesn't look convinced, but his gaze drops to his hands.
"I got home and you were just...gone. Your room was empty and he couldn't care less."
Noa snorts. "I didn't expect anything else from him."
"Fuyumi, Natsu and I have been talking. We think we may be able to do something if we try hard enough."
Though she appreciates the gesture, it isn't needed. She smiles softly at him.
"I already left, Sho. I forced myself to make as much peace with it as I can, and while I miss you and the others, I can't go back. Not after everything."
Shoto refuses to let his emotions show. This is tearing him apart on the inside. He tried so hard for so long to get Noa to trust him, to open up. Just when they had started getting closer, he got possessive. He didn't understand why she made friends with the others and never him. And when he needed her the most, he pushed her away. He tried so hard to keep her that he ended up losing her.
