A Faint Clap of Thunder

Not Such Fine Weather Anymore

Kaito laughs as they start walking. "In the sixteen years I've known you, Keiko, you've never been good at avoiding questions,"

Keiko turns her head to the side pointedly and ignores him.

"Wow, I take it back, Kei-chan. You're great at avoiding questions... and everything in general." Kaito says sarcastically. Keiko turns back to glare at him a little. "Don't call me that."

Kaito cocks his head to the side. "Why not? You let me call you Kei-chan when we were seven,"

God, he's insufferable.

"Seven, Kaito. We're sixteen now. That's a nine year gap, see? And in those nine years, I've decided that 'Kei-chan' is an annoying nickname." Keiko retorts, using exaggerated hand motions as if she's talking to a five year old.

"Kei-chan," Kaito says in a singsong voice, dragging out the vowels. "You are so annoying," Keiko sighs exasperatedly.

"You must not mind me that much, seeing as we've been best friends for all our lives," Kaito says, his playful tone gone, yet there's a small smirk present on his face. Keiko opens her mouth, then closes it after a moment.

I don't mind you at all.

Kaito grins at her. Keiko feels her cheeks heat up ever so slightly, to her horror. She glances up at the sky to avoid Kaito's gaze. She catches a glimpse of the school gates up ahead.

There are more clouds than there were before, and they're just a touch darker.

~

"Well done, Miyazaki-kun," the teacher smiles as she hands Kaito's paper back in last period. "Thank you, sensei," Kaito murmurs, then turns around in his seat.

"Keiko, look, I got full marks on the test," Kaito says happily, showing his paper to her. He's not telling Keiko to boast, but rather, he's just stating it. It's another thing Keiko likes about him.

"You always do. Chemistry is your best subject," Keiko replies, looking down at her own paper and at the red '90' in the corner. Kaito shakes his head a little.

"Not always. Only when I study hard enough."

Keiko scoffs. "You, studying hard? More like you go through your notes for a couple hours, then goof off for the rest of the day and still manage to get high marks,"

"That's not true-"

Their conversation is cut off by the teacher calling for attention. Kaito turns back around and Keiko stares at the back of his head.

It's really not fair how he can be so smart and cute, it really isn't-

What.

Keiko blinks and glances out the window. The weather only worsened throughout the day.

The sky is almost completely covered in grey clouds, a promise of a storm.

Keiko looks back down at her desk and puts her pen to the paper. She makes it her resolve to beat Kaito in the next test.

20 minutes later, the bell rings and the teacher dismisses them. Immediately, the room is filled with the sounds of chairs scraping against the floor, papers being put away and the students' chatter.

"Baseball practice's cancelled today, because of the storm," Kaito says, gesturing outside. "Do you mind if I walk home early? I could wait for you if you want-"

"Of course I don't mind, go home," Keiko interrupts, waving her hand. She checks the time. "I've gotta go to practice now, don't get caught in the rain, yeah?"