Beyond The Classroom

Rejected

As the Christmas presentation began, Yoko and Kenji sat together on the bleachers, watching the play unfold.

The festive atmosphere and the lights of the stage added a magical touch to the evening.

Kenji, sitting close to Yoko, gently took her hand in his. "Do you play the guitar?" He asked, Yoko nodded.

"Yes, I do. I love playing it."

Kenji nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I used to play too, but my hands are very sensitive now. I can't really play anymore." He extended his hand towards Yoko.

"Feel it." He said.

Yoko hesitated but then lightly touched his hand. It was rough, and she could tell his skin was indeed sensitive.

But as she held his hand, Kenji thightened his grip, making Yoko feel uncomfortable.

"Kenji; why are you holding my hand like this?" She asked, trying to pull away gently.

Kenji sighed and looked into her eyes. "Yoko, I know we've only known each other for a few days, but I really like you. I feel a connection with you that I can't ignore."

Before Yoko could respond, her phone rang. She quickly answered it and heard her friends Angel and Isabell on the other end. "Yoko, some sir with us on the chairs! We're saving a spot for you." Angel said cheerfully.

Relieved, Yoko nodded. "Okay, I'll be right there," she said, hanging up. She turned to Kenji and offered an apologetic smile.

"I need to go sit with my friends. Thank you for the drink and everything."

Kenji looked disappointed but nodded. "Okay, see you later, Yoko."

Yoko got up and made her way to where her friends were sitting. To her surprise, she saw Ms. Faye sitting with them.

Angel stood up and whispered to Yoko, "Ms. Faye was the one who really wanted to call you. She just asked us to do it."

Yoko's heart raced as she approached Faye, who stood up with a serious expression. Without a word, Faye took Yoko by the wrist and led her to the backstage area.

The noise of the play faded as they moved further away from the crowd.

Faye turned to Yoko, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?" She asked.

Yoko forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine."

Faye shook her head. "No, you're not. Uhm... I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I thought you have feelings for me, but I guess I was wrong."

Yoko felt a lump in her throat as she gathered the courage to speak. "Ms. Faye, I-"

Before Yoko could finish, Faye interrupted, her tone softening. "We should go back to the bleachers to watch the play."

Yoko's heart sank, but she nodded. As they walked back, she couldn't help but feel the weight of unspoken words between them. She wanted to tell Faye how she truly felt, but the moment had slipped away.

When they returns to their chairs, Yoko took her seat next to her friends, feeling the distance between her and Faye more acutely than ever.

Faye sat a few seats away, her eyes focused on the stage but her mind seemingly elsewhere.

The Christmas presentation continued, the joyous music and festive atmosphere contrasting sharply with Yoko's turbulent emotions.

She glanced at Gaue, who briefly looked back, their eyes meeting for a moment that seemed to stretch on forever.