Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 29

_Chapter 29~ A Walk Home_

Where was he?

Keeping my eyes peeled, I scanned the flock of students making their way to the shoe lockers after class. Despite standing by his locker, I couldn't locate him no matter how long I looked. My hopes fell.

He still wasn't here yet? Why? Did he possibly stay home from school today?

Frowning to myself, I readjusted my grip on my bag.

"Sheep spotted!"

I jerked my head in the direction of the shout. It startled me to find Miyabi walking alongside Ryu from down the corridor. I straightened my posture and smiled once Ryu and I locked eyes. The boy in mentioned merely darted his gaze, stunning me. He came to an abrupt halt, whispered something to Miyabi before speeding back into the hallway they came from.

Puzzled, I watched dumbly as Miyabi approached me, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Sheep!"

"Where did Iwasaki go?" I demanded in return.

"Hmm..." He hummed, snatching my gaze. "The correct response would've been 'Hey, Miyabi! Long time no see. I missed you.'" He held his hand to his ear, beckoning me to talk. "You can say it, Sheep. I know you can. C'mon."

My expression shifted into the form of a scowl. Miyabi immediately lost his courage and cleared his throat to fill the silence.

"I-I see... It's okay. We can work on proper greetings another time." Smiling a bit, he shrugged. "Iwasaki didn't really say. I think he might've had something he needed to deal with."

I frowned. "Is he going to come back then?"

"Not sure," he replied. "I'd suggest you don't try to wait up for him if that's what you're planning."

So we weren't going home together today? I swallowed back the almost melancholic thought. Whatever. It was fine. I just got so used to going home with him since we live right beside each other, but I'd be find even without his company.

"Is this "thing" he has to do involved with his Class President duties?"

Miyabi made a face at the idea. "Nah. Iwasaki never looks that frantic when it comes to that stuff. He usually tries to ignore them, if anything. Luckily he has me by his side to force him to do it!"

He stood up taller, beaming proudly as if he'd worked extremely hard at that. Considering his personality, I wondered if he even knew how to work hard. Regardless, I forced a smile in return.

"About that," I drawled. "How do you and Iwasaki know each other?"

He sauntered towards the exit. "Ooh, you're curious?"

"Frankly, yes," I said, following him. "I've always wondered how considering you're so different."

"Well, we are pretty different. Before I first approached him, I seriously thought he was really mysterious, y'know. A bit of a misfit too. But now I know he's simply a confusing guy to understand. He can be really direct about stuff and mean, but he can also be pretty diligent. Plus he's super smart, and I've never once seen him paying attention in class. And I didn't even know he liked sweets until you told me that one day. Honestly, he just keeps surprising me."

Sympathizing with Miyabi entirely, I bobbed my head. "And on the other hand, you're as easy to understand as can be."

"Yup. As clear as the sky on a sunny day. I'm not complex to understand in the least," he boasted. "Plus, I'm smart, friendly, kind..."

"Idiotic?" I offered.

He counted that down along with the rest of his fingers. "Yeah, idi— wait." He lurched away from me. "Huh! That's so mean, Sheep! I'm not an idiot!"