Chapter 14: Calm Before The Storm
Another day passes by and the four of us once again find ourselves sitting together at lunch. As the three girls are talking, I silently observe them. Occasionally I'll pitch into the conversation, but no further than that. Although I'm the one that came up with this idea, I feel like it would be best to let the two girls take a more active role. But more than that… No, never mind. I don't have a doubt in my mind that Kotori will eventually warm up to Kyoko and Yamaguchi. Instead, I decided it would be best for me to keep watch of the ones that have been giving us looks of disdain, ever since yesterday. I don't know what they're thinking, but I'm sure it can't be anything good.
"So Kotori-chan are you in any clubs?"
"M-me? Well, um… no not really," Kotori mumbles whilst twiddling her fingers.
She's probably unaware of this but, her tension is really apparent when she repeatedly looks up at Kyoko and then back to her lap whilst speaking.
"Is there anything you're interested in? Like any hobbies?" Kyoko asks, tilting her head slightly while putting a finger up to her cheek cutely.
"Um… Well, I guess I like… li_______."
"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that, Kotori-chan. What did you say you liked?"
"I-It's nothing… There isn't really anything I'm particularly interested in," Kotori's cheeks slightly tint red as she quickly dismisses Kyoko's question.
"Is that so? I actually decided to join the student council. I do enjoy sports like volleyball and basketball. But I think helping students and trying to make the school better for everyone is the best after all, ehehe."
"Heh, that sounds just like you Kyo-chan. Good luck with that. We'll be rooting for you to make big changes," Yamaguchi chimes in giving Kyoko a playful wink.
"Ehehe, thanks Ri-chan~"
"That's an ambitious goal… I don't have anything like that haha… " Kotori responds to her with a dry laugh. A laugh that clearly exudes self-deprecation no matter how you look at it.
"…"
"…"
Picking up on her dismal tone Kyoko and Yamaguchi simultaneously look at each other and back to Kotori.
"Hey, Kotori-chan."
"Y-yes?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"Favorite food? Well, I guess… I um…like sweet stuff, like Parfaits and Crepes."
"Really?! I love sweets as well. Although I try not to eat too many, otherwise I'll gain weight, ahaha."
"I-Is that so…"
"Yep yep~ What about music? What type of music do you like, Kotori-chan?"
"Um well…"
"Oh oh, how about your birthday? When is it?"
"That's—"
"Oh how about a subject you're good at? I could help you study if you want!" With each question, Kyoko leans closer toward Kotori with an unusual amount of enthusiasm, even for her standards.
"W-wait, I um…" Kotori slowly leans away, waving her hands in front of her as she's unable to respond to Kyoko's barrage of questions.
"Kyo-chan yer gonna scare her if ya barrage her with so many questions, ya know," Yamaguchi says, putting her hand on Kyoko's shoulder and reeling her back down.
"B-but—"
"No 'buts'."
"Mmmm…" Kyoko pouts, slumping her shoulders dejectedly.
"So, Miyazaki."
"Y-Yes?" Kotori immediately straightens up and becomes tense once Yamaguchi calls out to her.
"Ya don't need to be so stiff around us. Just try to relax alright?" Yamaguchi says in an uncharacteristically gentle tone.
"R-Right I'll try…"
******
"Hiya, Kotori-chan~"
"Yo, Miyazaki."
"H-hey, Yamaguchi, Yuzu—"
"Jiiiiiii"
"I-I mean Kyoko-san."
"Mm, that'd do for now," Kyoko nods her head in approval.
The four of us are sitting at our usual table, eating our usual lunches. Although, I guess you can't really call what I'm eating lunch per se. Today, Kyoko's bento in particular looks very appetizing.
"It's been pretty hot lately hasn't it, Ri-chan?"
"Ugh…yeah. The heat's a huge pain in the ass."
"What do you think, Kotori-chan?"
"M-Me? Um, yeah it's been pretty hot."
"Oh, I know! We should all go to the beach during summer break!"
"What're ya on about Kyo-chan, it's barely April ya know?"
"Ah. That's true, ehehe~ But it's exciting to think about going to the beach with everyone. Don't you think so too Kotori-chan?"
"O-Oh yeah, the beach might not be such a bad idea."
"See Ri-chan?" Kyoko says, proudly puffing out her chest.
"Yeah yeah, whatever you guys say," Yamaguchi says, shrugging them off as she continues to eat her lunch.
"…"
Kotori has been sneaking glances in Kyoko's direction. However, she isn't looking at Kyoko, but at what's in front of her on the table.
"Hmm? Kotori-chan, do you by chance… want to try some?" Kyoko asks, eyes glimmering with excitement.
"Huh? N-no I didn't mean to…" After being caught red-handed Kotori tries to deny it, presumably feeling bashful.
"Ehehe, it's alright here, say 'ahhhh'."
"Um…" Kotori looks over to Yamaguchi for backup.
"Sorry Miyazaki, but there's no getting out of this one.
"N-no way…"
And just like that, she's fallen victim to what I like to call the "Kyoko Calamity". Once it's set its sights on you, trying to escape becomes futile and an entailing feeling of embarrassment is inevitable. Trust me, I understand how you feel Kotori.
Kotori hesitates for a bit but ultimately obliges. She must've really wanted to try Kyoko's bento .
"A-Ahhhhh."
(Bite)
"What's your verdict Kotori-chan?" Kyoko asks with great anticipation as Kotori downs the food.
"…This is totally super tas— I-I mean it's pretty good…" Kotori quickly cuts herself off and instantaneously changes her tone.
"Ahaha, you sound just like Ri-chan."
"Hey! What's that supposed ta mean?!"
"Fufu, well I'm glad you liked it, Kotori-chan. Are there any other dishes you like?"
"Oh, um… W-well, I like Tamagoyaki I guess..."
"Alright, I'll make sure to remember!"
"Y-you don't have to trouble yourself like that…"
"Don't just ignore me!" Yamaguchi interjects, shaking Kyoko back and forth.
"Sorry sorry Ri-chan, I love you as well."
"…D-don't think you can get out of everything by saying you love me, Kyo-chan. Yamaguchi bashfully rebuts, pinching Kyoko's cheeks.
"Awww, no good huh?
"Fufu."
"…"
"…"
A brief silence hangs in the air as Kyoko and Yamaguchi look at each other, taken aback by what they just heard.
"Hey Ri-chan, am I crazy, or did Kotori-chan just laugh?"
"Yeah, I definitely heard it too."
"No, wait! I didn't really mean to—" In a fluster, Kotori vigorously shakes her head trying to deny it.
"You're sooooo cute Kotori-chan!" Kyoko tightly hugs the red-haired girl and rubs her cheek against Kotori's.
"H-Hey Kyoko-san?! Cut it ou—" Kotori initially tries to resist, but eventually gives in and accepts Kyoko's embrace with an ever so faint smile.
*******
"TAADAA!" Kyoko enthusiastically holds a bento in front of Kotori.
"What's this?" Kotori questions with a baffled expression.
"It's a bento silly~"
"Well yes… I can see that, but why are you holding it out to me?"
"That's because it's for you, Kotori-chan~"
"M-Me?" Kotori looks around and then points to herself.
"Yup. I even added Tamagoyaki in this one for you. I remember you said you liked it."
"Oh no… I-I couldn't. I haven't really done anything to deser—"
"Miyazaki."
"Y-Yes…" Kotori flinches upon hearing Yamaguchi's stern tone.
"Accept it. She didn't make it for you because she felt obligated to. She did it because she wanted to, 'cause she's very fond of ya. Even me… It's not like I dislike ya or anythin' like that. In fact, I like you way more than that idiot over there, staring into space."
"I'm sitting right here you know…"
"I said it 'cause yer sitting there."
"Tch…"
"Is that really true?" Kotori turns to Kyoko and asks her with an expression filled with a plethora of culminating feelings. Anticipation. Fear. Worry. Hints of them can all be seen if you look closely enough. But the one that's showing vividly, the most important feeling being reflected in her eyes right now… is hope.
"Of course! We've only been eating together for a short while, but I wouldn't trade our time together for anything!"
"Ah…" Kotori's eyes widen and tears begin to form, "Are you sure… you want to be around someone like me?"
"What are you saying ya, idiot? If we didn't wanna be around ya then we would've kicked you to the curb by now already."
"Translation, she likes being around you," I chime in.
"Shut yer trap Fuyuki!"
"Ri-chan didn't put it the best way, but that's how we feel. It's because it's you that we've had so much fun every day at lunch. It has to be you Kotori-chan."
"Well in that case," Kotori quickly wipes away her tears, "I'll totally accept your offer, ehehe."
Kotori places her hands over Kyoko's, accepting not only the bento, but something else. Something far more precious. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but that's fine. Right now, at this very moment, none of that matters, and that's because… For the first time since I met her, Kotori is smiling from the bottom of her heart.
******
"You have a lot of pretty jewelry, Kotori-chan."
"You think so?"
"For sure! I've always thought you had a great sense of fashion. What stores do you usually shop at?"
"I just get most of my stuff from the mall and whatnot."
"Ah, I just got a great idea! We should all go to the mall and hang out together! Don't you think that's a great idea Ri-chan?"
"That's cool with me. So long as Fuyuki doesn't come."
"Again, I'm sitting right here…"
"Ahaha, Yamaguchi and Fuyuki-kun's banter will totally never get old."
"I'm glad you find me being verbally abused to be entertaining Kotori…"
"Don't worry Akira-kun, you can come too if you want~"
"Thanks, but wouldn't it be more fun to just have a girls' day out instead?"
"Ah. That might be true."
"Well, in that case, I know a bunch of great stores we can hit up," Kotori adds with a hint of enthusiasm in her voice.
"Yay! Alright, it's settled then. Kotori-chan will lead the way during our girls' day out!"
"By the way Kyoko-san, you and Yamaguchi have matching bracelets right ?"
"Yep! Ri-chan and I are totally matching," Kyoko lifts Yamaguchi's hand, showing their matching bracelets side by side.
"H-Hey! Cut it out Kyo-chan, that's embarrassing…"
"Awww, but this is an important symbol of our friendship. I love showing it to people!"
"Well, that's true…" Yamaguchi's cheeks begin to tint red as she shrivels up from embarrassment.
"Fufu, you guys are totes like best friends aren'tcha?"
"That's right! I love Ri-chan~"
"Mhm…" Yamaguchi averts her gaze and slightly nods in agreement with Kyoko's assertion.
"And now you're our new best friend Kotori-chan!"
"I am?" Kotori asks with a slightly surprised expression.
"That's right!"
"That's right!"
Kyoko and Yamaguchi both exclaim without the slightest hesitation.
"That… makes me kinda happy, hehe," Kotori cutely giggles whilst scratching her cheek.
"Kya! You're soooo cute Kotori-chan!" Kyoko hugs Kotori and nuzzles against her cheek.
"Yeah yeah, I got it already."
Kotori no longer tries to resist and simply pats Kyoko's head while returning her gentle embrace.
*******
"Hey, you've been pretty quiet lately haven't you, Fuyuki-kun?"
"You noticed that too Kotori-chan? I've been pretty worried actually. Are you feeling alright Akira-kun?"
"Me? I'm fine. I've just been enjoying watching the three of you talk and mess around, that's all."
"What are ya, some kinda creep?"
"You know Yamaguchi, you've been really letting me have it lately…"
"Hmph! It's not like I want you to talk with us or anythin' like that," she says, averting her gaze and crossing her arms.
This girl is about as tsundere as they come…
"She's right. You've totes been way too quiet. Is there something bugging you?"
"No particularly. I was just thinking you've become a lot more lively since you first started eating with us."
"Ah, that's true," she says, looking down at the table with a slightly sad smile.
"Kotori?"
"Ah… I-it's nothing, haha."
"Kotori-chan was just a little shy at first. She was super cute, like an adorable small animal."
"Hey, watch who you're calling a small animal!"
"I see you're ok with being called cute though," I tease.
"That's because it's the truth after all," Kotori confidently exclaims with a smug smile plastered on her face
"The part about you being small was also true in that case isn't it?"
"Don't call me small!"
"Ahaha."
The three of us burst out laughing at Kotori's adorable rebuttal.
"By the way Kotori, you're in the same grade as us, right? When's your birthday?"
"It's February 28th."
"Oh oh, mine is December 24th," Kyoko happily exclaims, raising her hand.
"I already know your birthday Kyoko."
"Mmm…" Kyoko pouts at my dismissive answer.
"Woah, that's surprising. Your birthday is on Christmas Eve, Kyoko-chan?"
"Ehehe, yup! Pretty cool huh?"
"Yeah, that totally sends me, haha."
"Mine is September 14th by the way."
"Heh, so you're a Virgo Yurika-chan?"
"Mhm, that's right."
"What about you Fuyuki-kun?"
"Mine is April 27th."
"Wha— That's totally coming up in a couple of weeks!"
"Oh yeah, now that you mention it, Fuyuki's birthday is this month."
"Ah, I guess it is huh," I remark disinterestedly.
I've never been big on birthdays, to be honest. In fact, I despise celebrating my own. The way I see it, it's just a regular day like any other. But more importantly, it's a reminder that we're another year closer to dying…
"That's no good Akira-kun! You should be more excited!"
"Yay, I'm so excited for my birthday, Kyoko…"
"Hey! Even I know when you're being sarcastic!"
"Ow ow ow, I'm just kidding," I quickly retract my sarcastic remark as Kyoko reaches over and pinches my nose.
"I'll let you off the hook this time, only if… you pat my head until I'm satisfied."
"Yeah yeah," I obediently oblige and pat Kyoko's head.
"Ehehe~" Kyoko leans forward and places her hands on top of mine.
"Wow! Fuyuki-kun and Kyoko-chan are super lovey-dovey."
"You get used to it…" Yamaguchi sighs, seemingly already accustomed to scenes like this.
"My condolences Yurika-chan," Kotori says, placing her arm around Yamaguchi.
"Thank you, Kotori…"
"Hey, I wanna join in the group hug!"
"Wait, this isn't really a—" Yamaguchi tries to stop Kyoko, but to no avail.
"Ei!" Kyoko pulls the two girls together and embraces them.
"Hah, what am I gonna do with you Kyo-chan?"
"Ahaha, Kyoko-chan is always so energetic. She's really such a handful."
"Hehe, I can't help it when I'm around you guys~"
As I watch the three girls laugh together two feelings arise in my chest. I open the door and welcome them. A warm feeling, a sense of accomplishment. I allow it to envelope me as a smile creeps onto my face. However, that smile temporarily wanes as another feeling tries to enter. I quickly close the door. In an attempt to wash away the stains left on my heart, I try to reassure myself.
This is good.
This is how it should be.
I'm glad everything worked ou—
"Looks like you're having fun with your new friends, Kotori-chan," A familiar voice calls out to Kotori, interrupting my train of thought. An unpleasant voice, coming from a person I couldn't describe as anything other than unpleasant.
The four of us simultaneously look toward the person in question. However, even without looking, three out of the four of us already know exactly who that voice belongs to.
"I see you've replaced us already. So are you gonna use them next? Well, Kotori-chan? Or should I call you 'Fake'?"
"Ryuji-senpai…" Kotori's expression darkens and she begins to tremble after hearing something Ryuji said.
Goddammit. Just when I thought things were going well… The storm that had been brewing since Kotori first started eating with us has finally come to wreak havoc and bring ruin to our peaceful times together.