Whispers of a nightmares

Sympathy

Art class is usually my escape—except today, I'm paired with Otani. The guy's got this permanent cocky grin plastered on his face, like he's about to say something incredibly stupid. Somehow, I find him... kinda funny? I don't know why. We're literally nothing alike. Maybe I'm just losing my mind.Yes,yes I am.

The teacher stands at the front of the class, arms crossed like some drill sergeant, and announces, "Today, you'll be drawing the person sitting next to you."

I blink. "Wait, I have to draw him ?"

Otani looks over, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "Looks like you're stuck with me."

"Great," I mutter, already regretting all my life choices.

I used to be good at art—back when I actually cared. My mom was an art teacher, and we used to draw together all the time when I was a kid. But, you know, time flies, people die, and now I barely pick up a pencil unless someone forces me to. Like today.

—

After a long art lesson , I meet up with the group at the cafeteria. I flop down into the seat next to Sakura and Sachiko, throwing my head down on the table dramatically.

"Hey guys," I mumble into the desk.

Sachiko leans over, tapping my arm. "Are you tired, Mai?"

I groan. "Mhm."

Sakura eyes me suspiciously, pushing up her glasses. "Did you eat anything this morning?"

I shake my head, still facedown. "Nope. I'm not hungry."

"Of course," Sakura sighs, like she's not surprised at all. "You never are."

"Well, me and Takashi are going to get food 'cause we actually eat," Kairo says, standing up. He grabs Takashi's arm, and they both wander off to get lunch.

Sakura leans closer to me, grinning like an idiot. "Is it that time of the month, Mai? You know you get all moody when you're on."

I groan even louder. "Not now, Sak."

Sakura, clearly feeling nostalgic, starts giggling. "Remember when you first got it in middle school?"

Sachiko's eyes light up. "Oh my god, yes! You were crying like a baby!"

They both burst into laughter, cackling like a couple of hyenas, while I'm sitting there dying from cramp pain and wanting to strangle them both. I swear to god, I love them, but sometimes I hate them so much I could murder them.Well not actually, of course..

"I'm literally in pain right now," I say, glaring at them. "And you two assholes are laughing. So kind."

Before I can flip the table and storm out, Kairo and Takashi come back with their food. Takashi's holding a cookie wrapped in tissue.

He taps me on the shoulder with it. "Here. You can have it. I'm allergic to hazelnuts."

I look up at him, suspicious. "Wait, Takashi? You're giving me food? What's the catch?"

He rolls his eyes. "You want it or not?"

I snatch the cookie before he can change his mind. "Yeah, I want it."

As I take a bite, they all start laughing and talking about god knows what. All I'm thinking about is this cookie.And murder.

---

After school, I stand by the gates, staring off into the distance. I could be going to the band auditions right now. But no. Of course not. I've gotta go see Nina.

Sachiko walks up beside me, bubbly as ever.
"Ooh we're walking together!"she smiles.
People always describe Sachi as annoying or stupid but she's nice.She's like a little, loveable puppy.

"Yay!"I say sarcastically waving my arms in the air.
"Mai, we should get Icecream!"she points at a small, abandoned looking ice cream shop from the 80's.
"You know I would really love to but I've got Nina."I sigh

"Why do you go to this Nina chick, anyway?"

I shrug. "I don't fucking know ."

Sachiko nods, her lips pressed into a thin line like she's trying to understand, but I know she can't. She never will. "Oh, okay..."

I spin around to face her, the words burning at the back of my throat.

"It was after my mom died."

Her face softens, a look of pity flashing in her eyes. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you—"

I cut her off, my voice harsh and jagged. "Sachiko, I don't want your sympathy. I don't need it."

She blinks, her confusion as obvious as the helpless look spreading across her face. "Huh?"

I gape at her, feeling the anger bubble up from somewhere deep, dark. "How the fuck do you not understand?!" I spit, stepping closer. Her eyes widen in shock, but I don't stop. "Sachiko, I don't think you get it. I don't want your FUCKING PITY!"

Her lips tremble as tears pool in her eyes, her whole body trembling like she's been struck. She tries to hold herself together, but I can see her breaking. She blinks back the tears, but they spill over anyway. "M-Mai, I..."

Before I can say another word , she suddenly turns and bolts, her pink heels clicking frantically against the dirty pavement as she runs, her sobs muffled in the evening air.

I stand there, the adrenaline still coursing through me, but all I feel now is the emptiness. I rub my temples, trying to ease the pounding headache that's already forming.

"Fuck!" I yell ,kicking and punching the garbage bins.Then watching her disappear into the distance as I rubbed my now injured fist.

But this isn't on me. It never is ,anymore.

---

I then stop at the door to Nina's office, and I'm already mentally preparing myself for the next hour of therapy bullshit.

I flop down in the chair in Nina's office, already making myself comfortable. I slouch back, spreading my legs out. Therapy. Fucking hell.

"So, how was your day, Mai?" Nina asks, all calm and professional.

I sigh dramatically. "Skipped band auditions to be here. I'm a shit friend. And I have the worst cramps ever."

Nina raises an eyebrow, scribbling something in her notebook. "Uh-huh."

I roll my eyes. Another session of me ranting about random shit while she nods and pretends to care. Great. Just great.

---