Let's Not Meet Anymore

Chapter 3

DISCLAIMER: All rights to Maid Latte are reserved to Fujiwara Hiro.

(Third Yr Jr. High) Today is the day the results will come out for Shoku... I was crazy nervous. It was already cold and yet, it felt like it was getting colder... I stared at the board looking for my ID number. I looked and looked, but I couldn't find it. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and looked one last time... I found it! I found it!!! I could not believe it. That was the hardest exam I had ever taken and passed. I came flying to the bakery to share the good news. Satomi was happy I passed and decided to offer me a cake for celebration.

Before I left, I wanted to straighten things out with Touma. So I decided to meet up with him at our spot (Maid Latte).

At this point, I had told no one but my family and Satomi about my acceptance. I told my family not to say anything to Touma. I wanted to be the person to tell.

He came with an unwilling mood, which put me in a not so good mood myself. I wanted to clear the air between us because our families are very close and I didn't want them dealing with our awkward tension. He seemed like he didn't want to see me. I better make this quick, it shouldn't last any longer than it has to.

At Maid Latte

Yukino: How have you been?

Touma: ... Alright, I guess...

Yukino: How are your studies coming along?

Touma: ...

Yukino: ... *silence* ... *awkward atmosphere* How are your parents?

Touma: Is this what you really wanna talk about!?**

Yukino: *trying to remain calm* Why didn't you tell me about her? **Mumbling** What did I do to make you hate me?

Touma: ... *looks away*...

Yukino: Why can't you tell me? Why won't you tell me anything anymore? We were happy then.

Touma: That's exactly it. It was 'then'. Can you accept that we are over?

Yukino: ...*tearing up*... Why are you like this with me? It's like you don't want to be near me anymore?

Touma: What we had was nothing. We are friends.

Yukino: No, we are not. Not after what you did.

Touma: I didn't DO anything. Tell me what I did!

Yukino: *remembering what happened in the classroom* Did you feel anything when you were with me?

Touma: That's not the point. *phone buzzes; checks and replies*

Yukino: Are you not going to look me in the eyes while you answer me?!

Touma: *avoids eye contact* I can't deal with you like this.

Yukino: I can't. I can't do this anymore.

Touma: *looks up  and then looks back at phone*

Yukino: ... From now on... let's not meet... (inside: we can't turn back now) ... if we see each other it's best not to acknowledge each other.

Touma: ...*silence*...is that all you wanted to talk about?

Yukino: *angry then with a sad and disappointed look; heartbroken walks away*

Our eyes met as I got up from the table; he too had a heartbreaking look in his eyes. I was waiting for him to stop me but, he didn't.

From then on we are strangers. Promising to be strangers because what we had wasn't worth fixing for him.

Feeling hurt and broken, I rushed home, finished packing, and went to bed... I didn't get to tell him that I was leaving. Maybe it's for the best.

--S