The One Who Slipped Away

-Account of Haru Kanzaki- Part III

-Account of Haru Kanzaki-

Part III

Katsuri stayed in my room, sitting at my desk chair.

She was constantly looking at the portrait I drew of her.

"Say, why did you draw me, Haru?" she asked as she looked at me.

"I don't know. I just felt like doing so."

"I see. Are you sure you want to be with someone like me?"

I was confused with her words.

"Of course I do! I like you, Katsuri-san."

She just smiled at me once more.

But, somehow it seemed different.

It is because were going out now that I feel that it has become different?

It was getting dark at that time.

I didn't realize that so much time passed us by.

"I'd better get going then." Katsuri said as she was putting on her shoes in the doorstep.

"Let me take you to the station then."

"Thank you, Haru." Katsuri said as she stood up.

Walking towards the station, our distance was somehow a bit closer than before.

Back then, it was just a dream to be standing near her.

It took me a few minutes to muster up the courage I need and I held her hand for the first time.

"Haru..."

"Ah... sorry if I took it so suddenly..."

Katsuri then tucked her arms around mine.

"I think this should be appropriate." She smiles and puts her head on my shoulder.

"Katsuri-san... let's stay like this forever." I uttered softly to her ear.

She remained silent but held my arm tighter.

Days went on to continue as it is.

I still haven't told Hisashi that Katsuri and I have been going out.

But, I know I have to tell it to him someday.

I've decided that I would tell him tomorrow.

The next day, I went to the station where I would meet Hisashi.

We greeted each other and boarded the train.

"We're going out."

"Eh? Where are we going?" Hisashi asked with shock.

"N-no... I mean Katsuri and I... we're going out."

"Oh, where to?"

"Stop playing jokes with me, Hisashi."

"But seriously speaking, it's only been a few days since you've met and you're already dating her?" Hisashi said.

"I know it's been fast, but I think I really love her."

"You think or you feel? Which is it?"

"What's with these questions Hisashi? You're acting strange today."

"It's... nothing. Just don't mind me today." Hisashi replied as he looked the other way.

We arrived at the school gates, and I just noticed someone grabbing my arm; it was Katsuri.

"Good morning, Haru, Hisashi."

"Good morning, Katsuri-senpai."

"I'd be going first, Haru." Hisashi said as he walked a bit faster.