had been a few days since Naomi and I had that talk; she was really a piece of work. All that stuff about 'starting from zero' was really driving me for a loop.
We really went through a lot, huh?
I was hoping that she'd finally changed her ways. I guess we'll see.
Really-
"Oh, morning Tatsumi, same old stupid smug face as usual, I see."
Ugh, Naomi again? At least she wasn't putting on the act anymore; that was good to know.
"Morning, Naomi, same old annoying face as usual, I see."
I jerked my shoulders slightly.
Naomi clenched her fists as her voice sharpened.
"Not as stupid as you, Stupidsu!"
There she went again using that nickname, to be honest, I didn't care as long as she didn't call Tatsu-kun.
Just then-
"Mornin', Kyoshiro. How's it hanging?
Tsumigi was acting strangely. I mean, who even says "how's it hanging" nowadays? To be fair, though, he had always been a bit of an oddball. What was different now?
I cocked my head as my gaze lay its route to Tsumigi.
"Dude, what's up with you today?"
Tsumigi's gaze averted my own. Maybe he was embarrassed that I called out his odd behaviour.
"What do you mean? "
I didn't care that he was trying to feign innocence. But whatever he was hiding, it started to bug me.
Tsumigi's arm latched itself around my shoulders as his lip curled.
"Kyoshiro, you're too paranoid, loosen up a little, we're going on a class trip after all."
Wait...wait, when was that decided? A trip? To somewhere in Japan, or to some tropical country? I seriously couldn't wait.
A big elephant was yet to be addressed. How did bro know this?
As we sat down before class began, the feeling never drifted too far from my thoughts.
Little did I know my thoughts would soon be put to rest.
"Class, as you may or may not know, our class is due to have a trip. This is mandatory... However, students make the decision where we go. "
Everyone's gaze was glued to the front. Fists clenched, as if we were a volcano about to erupt.
Then-
"Let's go abroad."
"ooh or some place like Okinawa."
"No, let's go to-"
The teacher's brow furrowed as she grit her teeth. She wasn't one to flip her lid, but I could tell she was holding back from what her heart truly felt.
"Quiet! If you want to go somewhere, do a class poll for it, don't erupt like wild animals!"
Or maybe not...
"And just to lead you in the right direction, keep in mind this is for acting, so a place that has a bustling acting scene should suffice. Somewhere like Hollywood would be best."
The teacher's voice bore a persuasive tone; from the outside looking in, she just looked desperate.
Her gaze met everyone's eyes in the room. From the outside looking in, you could obviously tell she was letting her personal feelings get in the way of what we as students wanted, but who could really blame her?
After all, Hollywood was beautiful; it was dubbed "An actor's paradise," or that's what I've been told anyway.
...
It's also the place-
Where she is.
Just then-
"Teacher, with all due respect, it's not your call, it's ours. However, a poll is the easiest way to settle this, I'll give you that."
Naomi...
Her gaze latched onto mine as her arms folded and her cheeks puffed. It was like she could tell I agreed with our teacher.
"Stupidsu, I'm guessing you're one for Hollywood, huh."
Why did she have to call me that stupid name here, of all places? It's one thing saying it when it's just us, but in public is a whole other pill to swallow.
What was she thinking?
"...yeah, I guess."
"..."
Naomi's voice had a hint of jealousy to it. As much as I was flattered she liked me, it must have been hard having that luxury taken from her; even for Naomi, it must have stung. I'm just glad we've started over. It was better this way - for both of us.
I wonder what Akio would've thought?
Her hands clapped, bringing the discussion back on topic.
"So, we have Hollywood, what about others?"
The room was scanned under that cold tsunderes' gaze.
"Uh, what about some place like Tokyo? It'd be cheaper since we're all already in Japan."
Since we're based in Japan, it would've been the right call. I mean, travel expenses would be kept to a minimum, and accommodation too. I didn't care.
My legs forced me upright as I left my wooden seat below; the table in front shifted along with it.
"I vote for Hollywood."
My actions? I knew they were derived from selfishness. I think everyone who knew me could see that. But still, my resolve wouldn't waver, nor did I care. If there was even a slither of hope to see her, I'd take that chance faster than you could say 'Akio and Tatsumi.'
Then, another figure rose from the seat at the opposite end of the room from mine. Her hair gracefully flowed to one side as she rose. Anyone else would've thought she was an angel sent from the heavens, but I froze.
"Well, I guess if Stupidshi is in, I'm in as well."
The person, or rather Naomi, flicked her hair with her hand.
seems like she's not going down without a fight, huh?
Naomi's cheeks, to put it simply, turned red.
Our gaze locked, if only for a moment. Seeing me stare at her, her normally hollow eyes sparkled, like they were iridescent.
"..."
Naomi pointed a finger toward me as her tongue clicked.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only doing this for your sake, so you better not chicken out!"
"As if I'd take help from you..."
Just then, I covered my mouth with a hand before letting out a smug laugh.
"What's so funny? I'm trying to help you."
I wiped a tear that had started to well up in my eye. It wasn't every day you saw such sincerity from such a two-faced girl. I felt as if I should savour the moment.
"Sorry, sorry, it's just, isn't she technically the girl you lost to?"
"Aren't you the boy I like? Don't get it twisted, Tatsumi, yes, I lost, but it doesn't mean I don't... care for you." That last bit came in whispers, as if it were a mouse.
My gaze softened at the edges in the face of her words. Who would've thought the girl who tried to imitate Akio would now be trying to help her? Some would even call it 'a full circle.'
My gaze wrinkled slightly, and a warm, almost delicate smile took its place.
"Thank you...Naomi"