Something Like Love (xxxHolic)

Chapter 14 - Progress

"Are you sure about this, Shizuka?" His mother asked.

"I'm sure, mother. I'm sorry to be asking so much of you." Domeki said, bowing in apology. "I'm sure aniki would be glad to take over instead of me."

(Okay, I know Domeki doesn't have an older brother, but I'm not going to mention him after this, so... yeah XD)

"Well... okay. Just make sure that this is really something you want to do."

"Yes, mother. Thank you."

----

Watanuki dropped off the konnyaku to Kohane and Obaa-san and walked home alone. Apparently, Domeki went off to the temple to talk to his mother about canceling the omiai. Watanuki was relieved that Domeki didn't want to go.

Through the relief that Watanuki felt, there was also embarrassment. He kept on remembering the words that were said that obviously clued Domeki into his feelings. Watanuki wasn't sure how to face Domeki at first but decided in the end to just act natural. If Domeki thought that Watanuki loved him, then go ahead; it wasn't like Watanuki really did say it.

The megane paused in front of the apartment complex and an instant blush appeared on his face. Seeing as how he was in front of his apartment, he ran inside and slammed the door shut, sliding down the back of the door.

Watanuki almost let out a scream just thinking about confessing to Domeki and moved around his apartment, cleaning everything that seemed out of place to get his mind off of Domeki. It somehow worked after an hour because Watanuki became immersed in cleaning a smudge off the counter.

A sudden jolt ran through his head, making him drop the rag he was holding. Watanuki winced in pain and gasped as a wave of information entered his head and quickly disappeared. He knew supernatural when he saw it, and this information - even though forgotten - was supernatural.

"Should probably go back to school tomorrow..." He muttered, ignoring the remaining throbbing. "Hopefully some of the sensei's won't chew me out for being absent for four days..."

----

Watanuki woke up early the next morning and got ready for college. He didn't say anything about returning to Domeki, but Domeki might get the hint anyways, Watanuki thought.

As he was walking down the street, Watanuki noticed some spirits following him and raised his eyebrows.

This hasn't happened in a while. He thought. He ignored it and continued walking. He was on time for his first class and sat at his usual spot. He sat through lecture and took the necessary notes. After the sensei dismissed the class after an hour and a half, Watanuki walked up to talk to him.

"Um, Hiro-sensei." Watanuki spoke, clearing his throat.

The professor turned around and brightened up when he saw Watanuki's face. "Watanuki-kun! Are you feeling better now?"

"Huh?"

"Tsukishima-sensei told me that you had a bad cold and stayed home. You don't have a fever anymore?"

"Ah, yes. I'm fine now." Watanuki stuttered. He never really talked to Hiro-sensei, and talking to him like this was a first. He thought that sensei would be mad for missing a couple of days, but surprisingly, he wasn't. "Is there anything I have to do to catch up on the last few days I missed?"

"Luckily for you, all we've gone through the last couple of days is just go over chapter eleven in the workbook. So just read the whole chapter and answer some questions at the end of each section and you'll be fine."

Watanuki brightened up after hearing that. "Thank you!" He bowed. "I'll head to my next class now."

"Take care of yourself, Watanuki-kun." Hiro-sensei chuckled.