𝑺𝑲𝟖𝑹 𝑩𝑶𝒀 || 𝑹. 𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑨𝑲𝑨

𝑻𝑬𝑵

~first person~

Tap, tap, tap.

Yachi tapped her pencil on the desk beside me.

This whole class, I hadn't been able to focus on what the teacher was saying. It was very unlike me. Usually, I always pay attention to the lessons and take notes. Very neat, legible notes.

I looked down at my notebook in front of me with a small frown. I could barely read my own handwriting, and there wasn't even much to go off of. There was maybe one or two sentences, the rest of the page covered in mindless doodles.

I looked up at my teacher, trying to slow my active mind.

After a few minutes, I find myself paying attention to anything but what I had meant to.

The girl behind me bounces her leg at an unnatural pace, and every time her shoe touches the ground it makes an annoying sound that reminds me of the metronome my old band teacher used to use.

Yachi continues to tap her pencil on her desk. 

People whisper from around the room, in their own worlds. 

I don't know exactly when I just got fed up with everything (and everyone) around me, but I was just done. My hand shot up.

"Yes, Shimizu-san?" I felt the class's eyes on me.

"May I go to the bathroom?" I asked in a quiet voice, trying not to pay attention to the people watching me.

My teacher nodded. I wasted no time getting up and leaving.

☆☆☆

I walked along the long hallways that I was beginning to get used to, with no destination in mind. I studied the papers decorating the walls around me. Some were flyers notifying students of events going on. Others were from clubs, asking for new members. None really caught my attention, but I felt myself drawn to the volleyball flyers that I helped Kiyoko put up over the summer. They were simple, pretty much just saying a manager position was needed for the boys' volleyball team.

Maybe in another life, I'd join and work alongside Kiyoko. If I wasn't so busy with dance.

I zoned out, thinking about how I haven't gone to one of my ballet classes in a few weeks, I've been busy with school starting. I made a mental note to stop by soon.

I was pulled out of my thoughts as I bumped into somebody. I took in the slight scent of cinnamon and musk. It probably would've calmed me if it wasn't for the fact that I just walked walked straight into someone.

I backed up, quickly bowing. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I open my eyes, looking at the floor. I catch a glimpse of  the person's shoes. They looked familiar.

Before I could think about when I'd seen them before, I heard a chuckle from above me. I recognized it immediately. I looked up, feeling an embarrassed blush creep up onto my cheeks.

Tanaka.

I silently study his amused face, and as cringy (and confusing) as it is, I felt my worries fade. Granted, it was replaced with embarrassment, but I'll take what I can get. I smile sheepishly at him.

He stops laughing, a smile still on his lips. "I just got deja-vu," his eyes meet mine. I look away.

"We need to stop meeting like this," I joke, returning his smile. 

I see him nod through the corner of my eye. "So, whatcha doing walking around like this? Are you lost again? Man, I thought I was a pretty decent tour guide," he sulked.

"Ah, no, I'm not lost," my eyes return to his face. "Just needed to get out of that class."

He raises an eyebrow. "So, you're skipping? Wow, Himiko-chan, I didn't take you for such a delinquent," he feigned shock. I couldn't help but giggle softly.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," I joked, acting tough and mysterious.

"Oh, I'm sure," he rolls his eyes playfully. 

Tanaka walked me back to my class. We kept up a playful banter as we walked, talking about everything. Well, as much of everything you can really talk about in the 5 minutes it took to reach Class 5.

"Thank you, again," I looked up at him, my eyes meeting his blue ones that I had previously found so intimidating. Now, they just looked welcoming. Happy, even.

He smiles, nodding. "Of course. Hey, I'll come get you when lunch starts. You can join me and some of the team members," he asked. I don't know if that's the right word, it felt more like he was telling me instead of asking. Either way, It made me feel a bit happy.

I smiled back. "That sounds nice. I'll see you then, Ryu-senpai."

I could've sworn I saw a faint blush appear on his cheeks. Maybe I'm just imagining it..

"See you, Himiko-chan."

I wave, turning around and walking back to class. I sigh, disappointed that the moment's over.

A/N

I finally updated