The Shape My Hands Remembered

Has Saya gone in hibernation? It's been 2 days since our outing, and she feels kind of dormant now. As I was racking my brain over this, I noticed her near the lockers and changing her shoes.

"Yo Saya, how's it going?"

"Hmm, hey Natsuki. Feeling sleepy, kinda." She let out a big yawn, with slight occurrences of black circles under her eyes.

"Staying up all night 'gramming?"

"Nah, I was just busy with the English revisions. You know, the exam's right around the corner, right?"

"Oh yeah, makes sense." I never quite keep track of it.

"Life looks easy for a student who does not even need to study. Sigh, if only you could use your brain more." Saya offhandedly commented. What did I do to warrant that!

As we walked out of the school building, I wondered why she didn't ask me for help in her studies? Was she holding back?

We had almost reached the gate when I noticed a ball rolling loose to my feet. I carefully picked it up, only to notice Asuka following its track.

"Oh, hi Senpai. Thanks for getting the ball." I noticed her not-so-heavy breath, and slight sweating on her brows. Yeah, she is still taking it easy in practice.

As I noticed the ball in my hands, I tightened my grip over it. It stuck to me like rubber, not wanting me to leave it alone. I loosened my fingers over the corners, and made a pass to Asuka. Weirdly, my posture was already in shape for it.

"Oooh, still fast as ever." I gave a little shrug, maybe my body still wants to go back. Not that my heart will allow it.

"So anyway, how's the practice going for the nationals?" I was just slightly curious.

"We look to be on the right track, but if we want to win the whole thing we need something more. You know, someone who can bring the whole team together. I'm trying my best to mould myself into that role, but it hasn't been easy." The side-eye was penetrating my whole body, but I chose to ignore it.

"I'll think about it, I still got some tests to cover." She looked quite unamused by my answer.

"So, did you reconsider our proposal? Why not join for a game in the cultural festival at least. Just for old times' sake." She sounded a bit more emotional than usual, making my heart sway. I had to wonder why she was so fixated on me, when I was the one who left them.

I abandoned my thoughts to look over at Saya, who had already started marching toward the gate. Whoa, whoa! Where do you think you are going off to?!

"I'll think about it! See ya later, Asuka." I said this as I turned and ran toward Saya. Asuka's face was slightly distressed as I left her, but I knew she was strong enough now that she didn't warrant my attention. Weird, so why didn't I think the same for Saya? And why do I feel this annoyance all day that she was not up to something? Ugh, sorting out my feelings is the hardest part of my life and this time I can't even take help from Saya! I know at least this much, I cannot just ignore her.