Obsession (Ayano x Budo)

Chapter 13

Everyone was leaving.

The martial arts session had ended, and Ayano was still no where to be found. Budo pulled his arms over his head, trying to stretch out the electric buzz of the workout. He sighed heavily and let his frustration escape through his teeth.

So far, the passive plan wasn't working out. Of course she would have been too shy to be so near him. I'll think of something tomorrow, then.

"How you feeling, Taro?" he called over his shoulder.

A weak "Mm" came back in reply. Budo turned slightly, still stretching, and caught sight of Taro sitting on the wooden floor, legs bent, head resting on his knees. He was a picture of fatigue. Pitiful. He can't even handle a workout like this.

Taro lifted an exhausted face, black hair stuck flat to his warm forehead. "I'm... good," he managed tiredly. "Go on. See you tomorrow."

"Okay, I will. Well done, by the way. You'll sleep well tonight."

Taro gave a weak nod before closing his eyes and laying his head back on his knees. Budo let his arms swing back down to his sides. He turned back to the door, about to leave, when his eyes noticed something thread-like caught on the corner of the doorway, only just hanging on. His body halted.

Budo studied the long, wispy thing. Hand reaching out, he caught it between his fingers and brought it closer to his face so that he could inspect it more throughly. Medium-length black hair. He felt it, a strand so fine. It glittered like a single spider's thread caught swaying in the moonlight. Budo instantly knew it was Ayano's.

She was out here all along. Watching us quietly. The thought brought a tinge of excitement running up his spine, like a strange, pleasant shiver. I wonder if she saw how pathetic Taro looked. Or maybe how skilled I am.

Budo allowed himself to stare at it, a perfection, for a few more seconds, before he carefully put the hair strand deep into the pocket of his outfit. Once he got home, he would put it somewhere more safe, he decided.

The thought instantly made him think of something strange, and he considered it as he began walking out the door.

What if I started a shrine for Ayano?

Strange idea or not, that idea was very appealing.