Introduction.

As a kid I had a hard time making friends. I was always treated like I was different, like I wasn't me. I didn't know what to feel… because I could only feel what they did. I was scared. I didn't know what it was, but… I finally felt something real for once. Now, I'm 17 years old, and I'm back where I started.

The school bell rings, signaling the end of the school day. I begin to place my things inside my bag. Then suddenly someone lightly taps my shoulder.

"Excuse me."

Nervousness

"Yes?"

"You're Takoshi-san right"

"That's correct."

She brings her finger tips together as her eyes fall to the floor.

"I… um, I heard from a friend… that… you can read emotions."

This again? It's always someone who wants to figure out if their crush loves them or not.

"Look, my ability only works whether a person is feeling that emotion in the vicinity around me. I can't just know whoever has a crush on you."

She frantically shakes her head, "no—no, um… I wasn't going to ask you that."

Embarrassment

"Oh, my apologies. Please, tell me what's on your mind."

"Okay, the thing is… I like you Takoshi-san."

Admiration, Hope, and Fear

"I appreciate it, but I'm not sure if I understand."

"What don't you understand?"

Anxiety

"People like other people all the time. Why did you feel the need to tell me?"

"I… I understand. If it's okay with you… can I show you what I mean?"

"Oh, alright."

"Is it okay… Th-that I call you by your first name?"

"I don't mind."

"Okay! See you later, Itsuki!"

Fulfillment

"Yeah, see you later…"

Why did calling me by my first name make her so happy?

-

It was a few days later when my normal routine went out the window. It's been an everyday thing where Yukima greets me at the front entrance or waits near my classroom when the lunch bell rings.

As the bell rings she's standing there waiting like she usually does.

"Good Morning Itsuki."

She forms a warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, Yukima."

"It's okay if you call me by my first name."

"Yuki?"

"Yes, that's correct! Do… you want to eat lunch together?"

Anticipation

"I don't mind."

"I… I made us both lunch."

Yuki proceeds to place two bento boxes on top of the desk. She then turns the chair in front so it's facing towards me. As she takes her seat she pushes one of the boxes forward.

"Do you like tamagoyaki?"

"Tamagoyaki?"

"It's an omelet that's made by rolling thin layers of eggs together. I usually make mine sweet if you're wondering."

"Oh, nice."

I lifted open the lid and inside it carried three rolled omelets.

Affection

"I appreciate it, Yuki."

"Anything for you Itsuki."

Happiness

Her smile… Why does she smile so much towards me? Is it because she's happy… am I the reason she's happy?!

I took the first bite, and she wasn't lying when she said it was sweet. But overall the flavors were really good and the eggs were cooked perfectly.

"This is really sweet…"

"Oh I'm sorry—is it too sweet?"

A tear falls down my face, but not my tear.

"Itsuki… you're crying?"

"Sorry, My ability allows me to read others emotions. If the emotion is strong enough… my body can react to it."

"Oh…"

Hesitation

What… Why is she hesitating?

"I'm okay, Seriously—I… I see you put real care into this and I appreciate it."

"Thanks… Itsuki."

Gratitude

"I'm not too big on sweet stuff, I usually prefer things that are less sweet."

"Oh okay, I'll remember that next time."

"Yuki."

"Hmm?"

"Why do you do so much for someone like me?"

"Well… It's because I like Itsuki."

"I know you do."

"Then why did you ask me that?"

Confusion

"I don't understand why you liking me makes you do so much for me."

"I just want to do those things for you."

"Why?"

"That's what love is Itsuki."

Love?! Is this what she meant by liking me?

"So you're saying that you… love me?"

"Yeah, That's what I've been meaning this whole time. How did you not realize?

"I never had a chance to understand emotions without my ability telling me what they are."

"Yeah, but wouldn't it tell you how I'm feeling?"

"You're right on that, and it did."

"So what was the confusion?"

"Love isn't just one emotion, it's a bundle of them. So while you were feeling love, I sensed admiration, hope, and fear."

"Oh… I'm sorry."

Guilt

"No need to apologize, I haven't really opened up to someone about that."

Lunch didn't last long after that. Yuki returned to her class, and I found my focus into mine. But, she hasn't left my mind this whole time. Everything Yuki does is because she loves me, and I couldn't even understand that.

As the final bell rings, the hallway becomes crowded with students leaving for the day. I was already walking towards the door when I saw her.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow, Itsuki."

But, something inside of me; something built in the center of my chest. I didn't know what was happening with me.

"Yuki, I… I'll see you tomorrow."

Then, I felt it. Yuki's arms wrapped around me. That feeling wasn't from me… it was from her. I could feel her chest beating; the weight of her head against my shoulder.

Happiness, affection, nervousness, comfort

I could feel everything from her. Is this what her feelings are towards me?

We didn't stay like that for long, and she soon left after that.

-

On the way home, I stopped by the corner store. I want to grab something to drink before I head home.

The bell above the door rings as I enter, and the cashier greets me as always.

"Good afternoon Itsuki!"

"Good afternoon Ms. Hoshimi."

"You seem different today?"

"I guess you could say that."

I grab an Energy drink from the display cooler and place it on top of the counter.

"Is that all you're getting?"

I look up from my wallet, "Yeah."

I watch as she places her hand over my wallet, "No need, This one's on me."

"I appreciate it."

A small smile forms on their face as I exit the store.

When I reached the door to my apartment I didn't hear anything from inside.

I guess she's not home yet…

When I unlocked the door, there was still a takeout sitting on the table.

I wished she'd cleaned up before she left…

I place the drink on top of the counter, and place the leftover takeout into the trashcan. I suddenly felt an unwavering sense of lethargy, and I stumbled towards a nearby wall.

Today was a bit unnatural for me… I should try to sleep this feeling off.

After that, I headed to my room and flopped on top of my bed. The comfort I usually felt was different than normal. My arms wrapped around the pillow as I pressed my face against it. I didn't feel the warmth I usually felt or the sheer relaxation from the comfort of my bed. Something was missing… something… someone.

Am I obsessed with her all of a sudden?! It feels like my body doesn't know how to react anymore.

My annoyance soon later ended as I slowly drifted to sleep.

-

"Itsuki…"

A voice called for me… I must still be dreaming…

"Itsuki…"

That voice… It feels familiar… is it real?

"Itsuki."

My eyes flutter open, and lock onto the ceiling above me. I look around the room, searching for something I can't vividly remember.

Something… Someone was calling for me.

As I sat up, I felt the dryness built in my throat.

Water…

When I exited my room, I could hear something from the living room. My natural guess was that my sister was still awake somehow. As I got closer the television became clearer.

"In today's tragedy, an anomaly attack occurred on the outskirts of New Ellendale. Three people were reported injured, with one fatality."

What is she watching?

"The victim has been identified as Yukima Yuki, a local high school student."

"Oh, Hey Itsuki… what are you doing up this late?"

"What…"

"I always wonder where the defense force is at in times like these."

"Yuki… is dead?!"

"Do… you know that girl?"

I could feel my body starting to feel light, and my vision slowly obscuring.

"Itsuki?!"

Darkness.