You Were Mine

Chapter 4

(Shimizu)

I've gotten quite used to texting Hitoka-chan every night before I go to bed. It's just suddenly become a part of my day to text Hitoka-chan, talk about important things, and even nonsensical things. Hitoka-chan is really something, more than I ever expected.

The next day, I met with Hitoka-chan during lunch to talk about how I would approach the conversation with her mom.

"If we put ourselves in your mom's shoes, I think what she really needs is assurance that you will be safe and away from harm in Tokyo. And confirmation on who will be responsible for everyone during the time away, what exactly we will be doing, and clarify that we are not there to roam the busy city and go sight-seeing, we're there for training." I said.

Hitoka-chan just sat across me, staring at me motionless, I think she doesn't understand a single thing I said.

"You mentioned your mom won't be home until next week, right?" I asked.

"Uhmm, yes. Why?"

"Intend to go to and speak to her in person when she comes home." I said.

"H-h-huuh???" she exclaimed. "N-n-n-n-no, y-you can't. We're both gonna end up d-d-d-dead." she warned.

"Hitoka-chan." I look at her dead in the eyes. "I strongly believe this is the only way to convince your mother into allowing you to come with us to Tokyo."

"B-b-but.." she stammered.

"There's no point in trying other ways if they'll still have loopholes for your mom to go through. Trust me, this is the way to go. This plan is fool-proof." I declared.

She just shook in her seat, I grinned. "Don't you trust enough how I'm admired by adults for my sensibility and with how well I can kiss ass?". She sighed in defeat.

"O-okay, Kiyoko-senpai... I'll leave that to you..." she muttered. I chuckled. "Do you want to grab lunch together?" I asked.

She suddenly blushed and said: "S-sure.."

I treated her to ramen at a restaurant nearby. And we just sat and chatted while eating ramen, enjoying our company together.

While she was talking about her first puppy "Hoshi", I noticed how small her hands were, and they looked so soft and smooth. I was surprised at myself how I suddenly reached for her hand to hold it. That took her by surprise, and I immediately regretted doing that, but the deed was done. Then she smiled despite immensely blushing, and intertwined her fingers with mine. Now, that took me by surprise, it sent shivers throughout my body. I don't understand this feeling, but I liked this light, inexplicable sensation.

Later on, I paid our bill, and we left the restaurant walking down the hill back to the school. We were walking side by side, our hands softly brushing past each other as our arms swung with the motion of our walking. It's that static current again, constantly electrocuting me every time our hands touched. I felt the urge to hold her hand and instantly gave in. I held her hand while we walked down the hill. I felt her flinch at first but she relaxed and held my hand too.

I noticed her looking away. "Hitoka-chan?"

"Th-th-this is the first I've h-held hands with someone while w-walking..." she stuttered. "I-I guess this is what friends do, right?" she added.

"Friends, huh?" I thought to myself, pouting a little bit. "Yeah! You'll have to get used to this too, Hitoka-chan~" I said out loud and she giggled.

It was time we made our way to our own classes, and we went our separate ways but our hands lingered in each other. I didn't want to, but I was the first to let go. "I'll see you later at training, Hitoka-chan~" I waved, she waved back and turned to go to her classroom.

(Hitoka)

SHE HELD MY HAND. K-K-K-K-K-KIYOKO-SENPAI HELD MY HAND. AND SHE SMILED AT ME TOO.

Hours went by after we had lunch together but I could still feel Kiyoko-senpai's hand on mine, a lingering feeling. Her hands were so soft and supple, too. Even her hands were flawless and perfect. I just blush uncontrollably every time I think about it.

My classes went by in a blur and it was time for dismissal. Just like everyday, Kiyoko-senpai was waiting for me outside my classroom.

Seeing her reminded me of my time with her at lunch. I-I-I can't go out to see her yet. I quickly took a broom and started sweeping with the cleaners.

"Hey, Hitoka. Who is that girl who waits outside for everyday?" It was my seatmate, Yuuki.

"I-I-I, sh-she..." I couldn't say a single word.

"Yuuki, isn't it obvious? Who would come and wait for someone everyday? Of course, that's Yachi's girlfriend." said Satsuki, another one of our classmates.

Yuuki and I reacted in unison. G-g-g-girlfriend??? I-Is this what it is??? Is this what she is to me????

"Sh-she held my hand and we text every single night..." I thought out loud.

"I mean, isn't that what girlfriend and... girlfriend do?" Satsuki said. My world came crashing down, no wonder... Am I that stupid not to realize it???? Or was she just discreet???? What does anything mean??? What is existence?? What is love???