The Other Half On The Second Floor

Chapter Sixteen

Even after returning home I still had this troubling feeling lingering. I felt much more reassured seeing Eiichi smile so brightly and genuinely, but something within me still didn't feel right. I crashed onto the soft mattress that my bed contained. My eyes glued to the ceiling for a few seconds but then covered my vision with my arm.

The sudden ring of my device forced my arm off of my eyes to look at who had called me. It was Hisa.

I pressed the pick up button and Hisa's voice filled my right ear. "Kaito! What's new?"

"Hey.." I unintentionally trail off.

"Um, are you alright..?

Sighing, I answered his question. "I don't, I don't know. Eiichi and I made plans this weekend with this guy that he started being friends with and I feel off."

"Why? It's just a friend right? What about it makes you feel so troubled?"

"I don't know-"

"Kaito," his voice suddenly was stern as if he was a parent speaking seriously to a child, "think about it. And I mean really. Kaito I've known you since the beginning of junior high. Something as simple as a hangout doesn't make you feel like this. Especially with Eiichi."

When I attempt to think about what is giving me such a feeling, my mind goes blank. Hisa must've gotten a hint that I myself didn't know so he asked yet another question. "Okay then, tell me about this friend. What is he like? How close is he to Itsuki?"

"Well... they actually just met today. He was a new student in Eiichi's class. I can't and don't want to say they're closer than him and I, but they seem to get along pretty good. But during lunch, I saw them eating together. And Eiichi was crying!"

"K-man, just from your voice I know what this is about. But, this is something that you need to figure out and learn from yourself. I'll help you along the way, but nothing will be solved by me just telling you." I stay silent as his words. I knew that he was speaking nothing but the truth, yet I still felt lost, and maybe a little empty. "Well.. a change of topic. I got a hold of Akemi. And he wanted me to explain why he hasn't called or texted-"

"Hisa.. it's fine. I know why he hasn't contacted me. I heard what he said that day in the restaurant."

"Y-you did?"

"Yeah, it's okay. Really. I'll admit that it stung when I first heard what he said.. And it still does, but there's nothing I can do about it."

His small sigh had a hint of relievement. "I'm glad that you're at least taking it somewhat okay, I tried talking to him and he said that he just isn't sure he feels about it. He doesn't hate you though."

"That's good to hear.." My voice once again trailed off. Hisa's mother then called him into the kitchen for dinner. Rushing, Hisa left quickly saying goodbye. The phone call ends and I am once again left plopped onto my bed. I sigh as I turn and lay on my side, I grip my pillow firmly and close my eyes. Leading to a state of sleep.