Underlying Feelings

The next day we got out of the classroom together and headed straight for Hideo's house. After yesterday's announcement, club activities halted their sessions until the end of exams. Though anyone can still show up if they want to. The school stayed lenient with that. 

We arrived after chatting throughout the walk. Everyone was familiar with the house except Fumi. As Hideo opened the door, Aunt welcomed us at the door. 

“Welcome Kaori. It's been a while.” 

“Hello aunty, hope you're doing well.” Kaori greeted her.

“Yes, I just talked with your mom yesterday. Oh and you must be Yoshino, right?” Aunt said, looking at her.

“Yes, I'm Yoshino Fumi, you can call me Fumi. It's a pleasure to meet you and thank you for having me.”

“Don't be so formal. Now that you're here, I can say my thanks in person for the Yatsuhashi your family sent.” 

Oh no, she mentioned it. I was fearing she might say it the moment they came in contact. Last time I hid those Yatsuhashi from Hideo and took those return gifts early in the morning while Hideo was asleep. I should've told her to keep it a secret from him. I didn't want him to grin at us. Damn.

“Oh, I should thank you for those amazing dishes. I would like to learn it from you some day.” 

“You can come any time. I'm glad that you liked it.” 

“Wait, what Yatsuhashi?” Hideo said confusingly. 

“The one her grandma sent.” 

“Huh? When? And why?” 

“Uhm, hey we're going to be late, it's going to get dark pretty soon. We won't have much time to study.” I glanced at Fumi and gestured for help.

“Yeah, I told grandma that I'll be back early. I have to help her in making dinner. Let's go.” She gave me a helping hand, nudging Kaori to move.

“Alright, alright. Which room?” Kaori asked.

“Mine.” 

“You boys and girls go on, I'll bring something to eat.” Aunt said, smiling. Everyone nodded to her offer.

We took off our shoes and walked up the stairs to my room. I cleaned it thoroughly yesterday night. Though there wasn't much to clean anyways, just some books scattered on the table and the dust on the floor. 

As we entered the room I opened the windows and sprayed an air freshener. Hideo and I pulled the table to the middle. On the other hand, Fumi and Kaori placed the cushion on four sides. We sat on each side and opened some reference books. 

“So, which subject's first?”

“How about Math? As both Fumi and Hideo are having problems with it. Then we'll take science. We'll cover two subjects each day.”

“Hmm, that's okay with me.” Kaori agreed. Following her, the other two also nodded in affirmation. 

We opened our Math book and notebooks of our own. Since I had a better grasp of it, I took the lead and reviewed their problems. After a while, Aunt came with a tray, carrying pastries and tea for us. 

“Hideo, be attentive, okay? Exams are coming, so spend less time on the phone.” His mom said with a stern voice. 

“Yeah yeah. Now go, let us focus.” Hideo brushed it off with a shy gesture. 

Hideo's mom smiled and turned, closing the wooden door.

After spending almost two hours studying and doing fun talks in between, I stretched my legs which felt numb. 

“Let's end for today.” Fumi said, checking the clock in my room. It's close to 17:00. 

“Yeah. Today was really helpful. Thanks to you Akito.” Kaori remarked. 

“It was nothing, I also benefited from revisions.”

I helped everyone with Math and Science, though the theory part was explained by Hideo. He had a knack for theories. Although I had brain lock, it was surprisingly easier to study with them rather than alone. 

I was afraid of how I'll do in the exam due to that and headache but if we keep doing study sessions like this, I think I can manage. 

“I told you, he's a talented guy.” Hideo said proudly. I gave him a sharp glare to keep his mouth shut. 

“Indeed.” Fumi followed. Ahh…this is so embarrassing. I like to drop dead right now. 

After clearing my throat with loud enough noise, I got up from the cushion and went to the drawer of my bookshelf. I picked up a jar which had some toffees. 

“Here.” I gave each one of them.

Everyone showed their gratitude as they took it.

“It's delicious. Really melted away the moment I took it in my mouth.” Fumi was the first one to give a remark. 

“You're right, Fumi. It's so smooth.” Kaori was also appreciated.

“Oh this one. You brought it from your home?” Hideo already tasted it before. We used to buy jars every time he came to my home. 

“It's my favorite toffee from Setagaya. There was a convenience store just three blocks away from my house, I used to buy it from there a lot. Though I still haven't found it here. I have to look it up online.”

“That means, there isn't anymore left.” Kaori said, shockingly.

“Yeah, sorry. I'll try finding it.”

“No, that's not what I meant. I mean thank you for sharing with us.” 

“I'm pleased that you all liked it.”

“How about we find it together in the large department store in Komachi St? I'm they might have it.” Fumi suggested. 

“How about this weekend? We could study till afternoon and use the rest of the time wandering around.” Kaori added.

As everyone agreed to the plan Fumi and Kaori packed their bags and we went downstairs. As they were about to leave after politely declining the dinner invitation from Aunt, Uncle came home. They greeted him and he told us to drop them home. 

Seizing the opportunity, Hideo said, “I was about to say the same. Akito, why don't you drop Fumi as you've been there before. I'll go with Kaori, you know how bad she is with directions.” Kaori wanted to protest at his end statement but decided to refrain.

“...Right.” 

After we got out of the house, Hideo and Kaori went opposite directions from us. There was a narrow passage leading to Kaori's area. It's only used often by locals, as cars can't fit into that passage. 

Fumi and I walked slowly, in the dark night, only the street lights and people's houses were lit. In this dim light, her dark brown hair was flickering like silk. Her silhouette and timidness burned the membrane of my heart. 

There was silence among us yet it didn't feel awkward. The air is chilling during this time of the year. Glancing at her, I saw fog from near her mouth. She must be feeling cold as she is walking while crossing her arms. 

I was still in my school uniform like her. I opened my coat and gently put it on her. Then rolled down my sleeves to save myself from this cold air. 

Feeling the gesture of mine she panicked. 

“You'll get cold. Take it back.” She hurriedly spoke in concern. 

“It's fine. I can manage.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yes, 100%.”

“Thank you! You can take it back once we reach my home.” 

“Yeah.” I wanted to tell that she can return it whenever she wants but that would seem like I'm forcing her to keep my belongings. 

“Kaori is having a hard time now, keeping her feelings in check.” 

“Oh and now today's event might stir things up more.” 

“Yeah, I think she'll confess to him if any major trigger happens.” 

“Well I think it would be best if we're around when that happens. I'll reveal everything Hideo used to say about her.”

“Hahaha, I think I'll also add more fuel to it then.” She said with a chuckle.

“Speaking of which, thanks for helping me there. I knew Hideo wouldn't leave me if he found out that I visited your grandma. He would've kept pestering me.” 

“Then, how about a return favour?” 

“Whatever you wish.”

Honestly I don't think she'll give me an impossible task. Though I can't come up with anything that she might want from me.”

“I'll tell you when the time is right.” 

“Wait, don't do that to me. This itchy feeling of curiosity will eat me away.”

Sure positive surprises are good. Sometimes it amplifies moments in many ways. But leaving someone on a cliffhanger, it's so cruel. 

How does it feel that a major arc is happening in a novel and the volume ended right in the middle of it. You found out that this volume was only just released and you'll have to wait for a couple of months for the next volume. Worst of all, if it's on hiatus. 

A long sigh escaped me. 

“Don't get sullen, you don't have to think deeply about it. Just promise me that you'll remember it.” She said with such a pure hearted tone. Her face looked adorable as she made the request.

“I will.”

How can I say no to her?

Author's note: Sorry for the late update. It's been a rough week. Even the last chapter was a bit short for that reason. But I'll try my best to be on schedule. Your engagement with the series will motivate me to do better. Hope you're enjoying this novel. Over and out.