Shima's Light

Chapter 5

(Next Day)

     Akari woke up in the morning and went about her routine for the morning. She got herself ready, pausing to look at herself in the mirror. She finally sighed and looked away, 'I hope Renzou won't watch me for half the day again...maybe it'll be better now that we got to know each other...' she closed her eyes briefly then made her way to the kitchen. She put a piece of bread in the toaster and moved on to get her a drink. Once she opened the fridge, she heard her doorbell go off. 'Who could that be?' She peered over at her door before she walked over and opened it.

     "Gooooood morning, Akari." Shima greeted as he stood grinning on her doorstep. 

     Akari stared at him for a moment then sighed, "am I going to wake up to this every morning now?"

     Shima hummed, "is that such a bad thing?"

     Akari didn't answer, instead stepping aside and opening the door wider, "you might as well come in...we have a good twenty minutes before I normally leave."

     Shima blinked in slight surprise at the invite inside, but stepped in happily. "It's even nicer on the inside..." he said softly, perhaps more to himself than to Akari.

     Akari shut the door behind him then walked back to the kitchen, 'at least I'm dressed and ready...' She glanced back at Shima, "did you really walk all the way over here? We have keys that lead directly to the cram school for a reason." She took her toast out of the toaster and began to spread peanut butter on top.

     Shima watched with interest as he walked over, "I don't mind if I get to see you more than just in class. Besides, I want to make you feel welcome in the cram school. If you walk the halls with a friend other than alone, than I'm sure you'll be more relaxed...at least, I know I would." 

     Akari started to eat her toast as she listened, pausing only to respond, "sure, but you're so early...what are we going to do for twenty minutes?" She took another bite and leaned back, 'this is weird...it's just us and it's hard for me to entertain when I'm busy eating breakfast...even if all I'm eating is a piece of toast with peanut butter...' 

     Shima paused then nodded, "well, I have another question for you...but it can wait if you want to eat..." He shifted the weight on his feet and turned away, "it would be easier if I just had your phone number..." his voice hummed.

     Akari took a breath but caught herself before she started coughing, "my number..." she swallowed her bite and looked away, "...already?"

     Shima looked at her out of the corner of his eye, remaining silent. 

     Akari could see his look, 'there's something hidden in those eyes...but it's impossible to figure out what.' She closed her eyes briefly then pulled her phone out of her pocket and flipped it open, showing it to him. "Here." She muttered as she ate the last bite of her toast.

     Shima's eyes widened, "really? I-I was just-...never mind." He took out his phone and quickly input her number before she decided against it. Once he finished, he snapped his phone shut and grinned, "we're going to be great friends, Akari!" 

     Akari blushed lightly as she shut her phone and looked away, 'geez, can he be any more out there? He sure shows a lot of emotion when he's happy...' she turned away and grabbed her tea, taking a sip. 'but he's so....' She blinked away the thought and turned back to him. "So...what was that question of yours?"

     Shima tucked his cell in his pocket and nodded, "I'm just wondering...why did you center your chair in class?" His eyes held curiousity.

     Akari paused, looking up into his eyes as she thought over the question. 'The curiousity and happiness has to be hiding something...the sooner I find out what, the sooner I can fully open up to him...the sooner I can trust him.' She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked away, "it's so I can see the whole room. After what happened...I try my best to see as much of my surroundings as I can at one time."

     Shima paused, "wouldn't you want to sit in one of the back corners then?"

     Akari studied him for a moment, 'he's definantly covering up something...' "I sit in the middle so one side of the room is not favored."

     Shima seemed to relax a little, "I guess you're right..."

     Akari and Shima has continued their chat until it was time to go. Akari used her key to get to the cram school then walked beside Shima toward the classroom. 'I guess he's right...walking with someone does feel better than walking alone.' She glanced up at him as they walked down the colorful hallway.

     Akari slowed as they neared the door, following behind Shima as they entered. She glanced after him as he went up to his seat. She looked away as she approached Yukio, "have you figured anything out for a private study yet?" She asked kindly. 'The sooner I can summon demons and learn how to fight, the better.'

     Yukio looked at her and gave a kind smile as he pushed his glasses closer to his face, "sorry, Akari, I've just been too busy to schedule a ti-"

     "Hey, teach! I can teach her as long as I have a list of things to go over!" Shima called then made his way down to them.

     Akari narrowed her eyes slightly and looked up at Shima in surprise. 'He wants to...teach me?' She blinked and relaxed a little. 'What am I thinking, of course he does.'

     Yukio glanced at his papers, "well, I guess that will work, but only if Ms. Ferin is okay with it."

     Akari hesitated then gave a nod, "sure, I just want to learn."

     Shima smirked and hummed, casting a wink at Akari.

     Yukio's eyes flashed, "as long as you two are actually doing work..." he warned.

     Akari stepped forward, "don't worry, Mr. Okumura, I'll make sure we are on task."

     Yukio sighed but nodded, "I'll prepare some topics for you two to cover each night. Come see me before you two head out."

     Shima nodded, "right." He then turned and walked back to his seat, humming softly. His hands were clasped behind his head with his elbows in the air as he walked.

     Akari watched him, pausing as Yukio studied her. 

     "Are you sure about this, Ms. Ferin?" He asked, clearly a little unsure.

     Akari smiled and nodded, "I'm sure. I already know how much of a flirt he can be." 'As long as I can keep him focused and he knows what he's doing, I'm sure it'll be fine...besides...' She looked down, 'now I get to spend more time with him...'