Kimuki was walking toward the school, his mind already busy forming a plan.
How can I get close to her without anyone questioning me? he thought. Minatsu is pretty quiet. Even if I try to get close and he notices, he wouldn't say anything. But Gintama and Taneki… they'd give me hell.
He stepped into the classroom and sat down beside Gintama.
"You're early," Gintama said.
Kimuki raised an eyebrow. "And how is that surprising?"
"Lately you've been late to school," Gintama replied.
"That's because my sleeping schedule is messed up right now," Kimuki said, leaning back in his chair. "But don't you worry about it I've got it all figured out."
"Oh yeah? How's that?"
Kimuki grinned, full of confidence. "Lately I've been sleeping around two or three in the morning and not getting enough sleep. But if I just don't sleep one day and then crash the next, it'll be back to normal."
Gintama stared at him. "This is you're 10th time doing this, and u still somehow mess it up everytime."
"I guess my body is just used to sleeping late." kimuki said and leaned back, his thoughts drifted.
I can't exactly say my sleeping schedule's messed up because I can't stop thinking about the girl that you hate, oh and btw the one you think I hate too.
He glanced across the room. Karumi was sitting alone.
Wait She's sitting alone… I just noticed that. What if I sit next to her? No, no, I can't do that it's too obvious. What if I sit close to her, but not exactly next to her?
He looked around the classroom. Every seat was taken.
It's the only available seat in the room. What can I do…?
Then, suddenly, a thought hit him.
When English class began, Kimuki started chatting with the students nearby.
"What is all that noise back there?" the teacher called out.
"Sorry, teach," Kimuki said quickly. "I was just saying something to Nanami."
"oh so you we're just saying something to Nanami I guess it must be something really important that you're disturbing my class," the teacher replied sharply, "if it's that important then please tell the whole class or keep it to yourself."
"S-sorry. Won't happen again."
Moments later, Kimuki started talking again but this time more loudly.
"I swear to God, if that's you again, Kimuki…"
"Sorry, sorry!" Kimuki said.
The teacher sighed. "I guess it can't be helped It's not going to work out. You'll have to change seats or I'm gonna kick you out of the classroom which one would u prefer."
Inside, Kimuki grinned. Yes, sweet victory. Now I just have to sell it.
"That was the last time, I promise!" he said out loud. "I'm not gonna talk again!"
"As I said," the teacher replied, "it's not gonna work.
"okey ma'am I will change the sit" kimuki said.
"Let's see the available seats… oh, you can sit next to Karumi." Teacher said.
Gintama snickered quietly. "Tough luck, Kimuki but do enjoy your stay."
Kimuki muttered back, "It's like a first class ticket to hell."
Gintama laughed under his breath.
Kimuki moved to the empty seat beside Karumi. His heart was pounding so hard he thought everyone could hear it.
Okay, I'm here. Now what? She still thinks low of me. It's like I can't do anything right… no snap out of it. You're gonna see this through.
"Karumi," he said.
She turned her head slightly. "What is it?"
"I understand why you hate me… but I don't and I never will," Kimuki said quietly. "Please, just accept my apology."
Karumi studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You know what, Kimuki? I actually like this side of you. But… you'd never say anything like that if your friends were listening. And if you do say it some day, I'll accept your apology. Everyone knows you're completely different when you're alone compared to when you're with them it's actually kind of lame if you ask me but good for you i guess."
Kimuki froze. Inside, his thoughts tangled together.
Everything she said is true. I can't blame her for thinking that way. B-but she said she liked me… she liked this side of me?? but this is my honest side, I know what she meant, but still hearing that face to face was.... I feel like I'm gonna drown.
He covered his face with his hands and rested his head on the desk.
"Are you okay?" Karumi asked softly.
"I'm fine. Really."
Karumi reached out, lifting his head slightly. Her hand brushed his forehead. "You're really hot."
"Thank you," he said without thinking.
"I meant you're burning up, moron!" she said, her tone snapping back. "And your ears are red—get your hands down from your face!"
"It's nothing, really. Please don't worry."
Karumi tried to pull his hands down, but when she saw his face—flushed and red—she paused.
"Your face is red," she murmured.
"No, it's not! Shut up," Kimuki said quickly.
"You're so weird," she huffed, turning away.
In her mind, though, Karumi thought, He's so cute.
Suddenly, Kimuki slapped himself.
"Are you okey Karumi?" Kimuki asked with concern.
Karumi got flustered and said. "I'm fine there was a fly on my face and i tried to get it off me that's all."
Karumi suddenly turned her head the other way and thought to herself. "Why is my heart being raced by Kimuki am i going crazy....?"
Girl that was seated behind Kimuki and Karuma spoke. "Karuma why are you're ears so red did u catch a cold or something?"
Karumi said. "no it's nothing no cold here."
Kimuki smiled quietly.
the whole day they didn't talk after that, both of them we're avoiding eachother, the last bell rang and the school ended.
Minatsu walked up to Kimuki and said. "You coming?"
Kimuki replied. "yeah I'm coming"
Minatsu said. "I'm not gonna stay after school I'm going home. there's some family drama going on that i can't miss."
Kimuki said. "is that the reason why you didn't come to school yesterday."
Minatsu said. "well that was part of it, also i had a headache so there's that."
Kimuki stood up and said. "everythings gonna be alright, don't look so gloomy."
Minatsu glanced at karumi and said calmly. "hey Karumi."
Karumi replied without looking at him. "hey."
Minatsu said. "I saw you two talking to each other."
Kimuki got flustered. "that's not true, we barely talked."
Minatsu said. "I saw that too, you talked for a good amount and then you stopped that was kind of weird don't you think."
Kimuki got nervous and said. "that's not funny why would i talk to her of all people."
Karumi stood up with anger and said. "So that's how it is, I understand it now thank you Kimuki." She walked out of the classroom.
Minatsu said. "what's her problem."
Kimukisaid. "beats me she's always like this."
Minatsu said. "she was not angry she was upset."
Kimuki said. "you're overthinking it Minatsu let's just head home."
Minatsu said. "oh right let's go."
Kimuki and Minatsu walked out of the school. Kimuki started to drift in his thoughts
I really am the worst, am I ashamed that i have feelings for her? or is it that, i'm scared that my friends are gonna reject the idea, but why should i care it's my feelings, despite that they're still my friends and i don't want to disappoint them.
"They say love changes you. Maybe that's true. I used to be alone and miserable. Now I'm just miserable with someone else in mind.
I'm the worst