Dating Aina

3: Behind every mask

"Hey Hikari" she said and I look at her and she's pointing on one of the exercises in our English textbook.

I looked at it only to see she has troubles in translating the text. "Oh that!"

And i told her how is it translated. "You just have to make sure if it is plural or singular"

"I see" She said and begun scribbling on her notebook.

"Have you joined other clubs?"

"Hmm.. not yet. I just dont feel like joining since I am working"

"That's too bad"

And she stared at me.

(Whoa.... did i say something wrong?) And i felt that my cheeks are burning red from her stare.

"Let's see" She said.

****

During our lunch break I asked her to come with me at the student council room to show her the list of clubs that are available in the school.

"I used to be in an art and photography club, is there any like that here?" She said to me while we were walking around the hallway.

"Yeah, there is. Do you want to join them?" I said. So she's more on art. I wish she have chosen literature instead.

"I would like to see their past activities first if you may"

"Sure"

I invited her to enter the room and lead her to one of the sofas there. "Have a sit here and i will get the club info and the records of their past activities"

"Thank you"

And i immediately went to the records and when i found the most recent, i handed to her the album. As she began pouring over the pages, i went to my desk to get the sign up form.

After filling up some of its parts, i put down on the table the form in case she have decided to join. But then i noticed she's staring in one of the photos of the members.

I peak to see whom she is staring at and see the picture of the previous president of the club.

Misaki Ema.

I wonder if she knows her.

After a few minutes, she finally made up her mind.

"I-I would like to join the art and photography club" She said.

"Sure" I said and pointed out to her the form. "All you need is to fill up this form and go to the second floor of this building, room 202 to submit it"

"Thank you" she said and took the paper.

"Is there anything that i can help?" I asked. The truth is i felt disappointed when she chose the other club.. however, i got curious why she become easily attached to the photo of the previous senior of the art and photography club.

"None, thanks for the help Hikari"

And she left.

***
while Yuri and i are sorting the forms for various club, i can't help but ask about the previous president of Art and photography from Yuri.

"Misaki Ema? Why did you suddenly become interested with her?"

"Nothing in particular." I can't tell her that its all because of Aina.. She might get suspicious about me asking details that is related to Aina.

"As far as i know, she's one of the great photographers in the club and a talented painter too" Yuri said. "In fact, she's the one who painted the portrait of the principal that is displayed at her office"

"Wow" no wonder Aina is looking up to her. Maybe she is Aina's role model, the very reason why she also transferred here.

"Also" Yuri paused and look from behind if there are other people near them, "i heard from the other seniors that Misaki Ema has once dated someone younger than her and they usually see each other at the train station".

" Really?" i said and then i remember Aina looking at the picture of Misaki. However, i shove the idea that it might be Aina and Misaki. It might be just a coincidence and that maybe its a guy that is younger than her. Maybe that's it.

prrrr.. prrr...

"Someome might have texted you, why not answer it first, i'll arrange these forms in the box"

"Okay, thanks"

I took out my phone our from my pocket to check who texted me: Eri.

[Hi Hikari, are you free on saturday afternoon? I was wondering if we could talk]

I wonder if this is about Aina.

I texted her back maybe I will know more about her. [Yeah sure! Where and when should we meet?]

The thought of knowing more about Aina made me even more transparent about what i feel. And this made Yuri to start asking questions she don't usually ask.

"Looks like a date" and she smiled as she arranged the papers by alphabetically...

"Uhm, not that kind of boy-girl date. I'm just meeting someone I met from the other school" I said and received a text message from Eri.

[Bella Bistro, at 2pm]

"That's great!" Yuri said looking relieved. "At least you are starting to move on from that rollercoaster 'ship with Inagi (my ex-boyfriend)".

" Yeah"

*******

Aina was standing at the train station when someone stand beside her. And wheh she looked to her right, she was surprised to see someone she is familiar with . And they caught each other's eyes.

"Long time, no see Ai" said the girl with a beautiful hair hanging loosely on her shoulders. She's wearing a cream-colored dress, a a bold blue cardigan and brown high-cut boots. She has a name plate on her cardigan that only shows she's a university student.

"Ema" she responded in surprise.

"You've all grown up" she said and noticed the uniform she's wearing. "Glad you transferred to that school. But too bad I'm no longer attending that school"

"It's not all about you, y'know" and Aina looked away anticipating the arrival of the train.

"You were always cold towards me, Ai" She said.

And Aina looked at her with a hurt expression. "And you always play innocent, so better cut it" Afterwards, she rode the platform while Ema was left standing outside smiling at her.

When the train had left, those smiles on her face fade away.

"What made you change, Ai?