Something Like Love (xxxHolic)

Chapter 4 - 彼氏じゃない (Not a Boyfriend)

"Looking for someone?" Watanuki turned around to see Mr. Tsukishima getting out of the restroom, wiping his hands. "What happened?" His eyes turned to Watanuki, narrowing.

Watanuki felt a little shiver run down his back and he turned his eyes away from Tsukishima.

"I-" Watanuki felt a calm feeling at the edge of his brain as a presence was felt.

"We were just heading to class, sensei," Domeki said, putting a hand on Watanuki's shoulder. "I went ahead, and this idiot was trying to catch up."

"That's because you just walked out of the room!" Watanuki yelled. "Let's just go."

They left Tsukishima standing there, staring at them as they walked away. Watanuki tried glancing back but Domeki stopped him.

"You didn't have to go after me," Domeki said as he handed Watanuki his things. "You could've saved the trouble of carrying your own things, and you could've talked to Kunogi. You two haven't talked in a long time."

"You mean us three," Watanuki said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You haven't talked to Himawari in a while, too."

"That's because you're always happy when she's around," Domeki muttered, not looking at Watanuki.

Watanuki looked at him. He smiled gently as he saw Domeki frowning. "This is rare~" He teased. Domeki stopped as they turned a corner. "Are you jealous, Shizuka?"

Domeki tensed as his name rolled off of Watanuki's tongue. Watanuki laughed, watching. He patted Domeki's back and kept on walking.

"I just like Himawari's presence; it's not love or like anymore. No need to get jealous."

"Who said anything about being jealous?" Domeki said as his long strides passed Watanuki's.

"Hey! Don't walk so fast, dammit!" Watanuki screamed.

Classes in the hallway turned their heads to the screaming heard. Girl's giggled and boys sighed as they heard the familiar sound of two known people arguing – or one just screaming and the other covering his ears.

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"Welcome back!" Maru and Moro cheered in unison as they circled around the two. Mokona raised its hand as they neared the main room.

"Yo,"

"What's Yuuko-san doing?" Watanuki asked, putting down his stuff near the room as Domeki did the same.

"Just woke up," Mokona said as Maru and Moro opened the sliding doors.

Watanuki sighed. "Go ahead and greet her, Domeki; I'm going to get sake and dried fish for her."

Domeki nodded and walked in, instantly getting hit by the strong smell of tobacco. His expression didn't change as he saw Yuuko sitting on her couch, smoking her pipe.

"Where's Watanuki?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "He did come today, right?"

"He did," Domeki said. Mokona jumped onto Domeki's shoulder. "He's getting ready your sake and dried fish."

"Hmmm, he's grown into a fine young man; don't you agree?" Yuuko asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Uhhh..." Domeki said, glancing at Yuuko. "Somewhat; he's still an idiot though."

"Who the hell are you calling an idiot?" Watanuki scowled as he walked into the room, holding a tray of dried fish and sake.

Yuuko clapped her hands in joy. "Watanuki! Have I ever told you how happy I am that I hired you?" She reached over to take the sake and poured it in a cup, downing it in one gulp.