The week ended as I continued making excuses, dodging the situation. It was like the turtle that had retreated back into it's shell.
I began to distance myself and before I knew it I felt alone once more. I still spoke with Ayako but I felt hesitant around her. I wasn't sure if she was aware that I was there that day and knew what had occured. Also I felt it was wrong to ask.
I was stuck in limbo unsure of what my next move was.
Then one day while studying at the library someone sat beside me. She was an upperclassman. Although she appeared like the cute preppy type Noa noticed that she was clutching a light novel closely to her chest as she was walking near.
- I wonder what's up with this girl she's sitting next to me when there are other seats available, not that I mind or anything. Am I overthinking it again? I should get back to work.
Noa begins doing his assignments but that was short lived. The girl beside begins to talk to him in endearing voice, "I don't think I've ever seen you before, you must be one of the transfer students."
Noa: "Y-yeah, what gave me away?"
"I have a knack for these kinds of things," she boasts confidently. "My name's Nayumi Shinotomo and I'm a 3rd (Senior) year student, nice to meet you."
Noa: "Y-eah same, I-I'm Noa Imai 2nd yaar, I'm from the states so I'd prefer it if you use Noa."
Nayumi: "So what got you so down in the dumps?"
- Wow even a complete stanger can tell?
Noa: "How would you know? I just met you."
Nayumi: "Honestly you remind me a lot of my brother. You seem to wear your heart on your sleeve but you also guard it from others. I might be wrong but it seems that you are trying to shoulder a burden alone."
Noa: "Dang, it seems I'm an open book. You are right I'm caught in middle of drama between two friends. I've been avoiding the situation because I don't feel equipped to deal with the conflict."
Nayumi: "Hmm, if you ask me I'd say reconcile with year friends. I won't pretend to understand what's going on. But if they are your true friends it could only benefit you. Our youth might seem endless but it's finite. Why waste time being angry at one another knowing that?"
- Noa was mystified by her near sage like wisdom.
Noa: "I feel like you're right but what if things become worse?"
Nayumi: "If we lived our lives based on that principal then we wouldn't truly be living. Things could always be worse but it's up to us to put in our best effort and make the most out of every situation."
At that moment Noa could feel the unspoken bond that had formed between them.
Noa: "Thank you senpai (senior)."
Nayumi blushes a little, "I suppose I should let you get back to studying."
Noa: "Lunch time is nearly over anyways I don't mind. I was actually curious about that novel you're holding."
Nayumi: "Oh this novel was actually one my brother's favorites. I always wondered why he loved it so much. It's really grown on me."
Noa: "Y-yeah I really like the 'Distant Ties' manga series too it follows the novels. He's one of my favorite Authors. I-I heard that they were working on an Anime adaptation a few years ago but for some reason they stopped production."
Nayumi began to say "The author was hospitalized and was in critical condition..." but then her voice trailed off.
- She must be a bigger fan than I thought. Maybe even a bigger fan than me.
Noa: "I haven't heard any updates on his condition so it's probably safe to assume that he is recovering."
Nayumi: "Yeah..."
Noa: "Anyway, lunch should be over soon. Do you come here often?"
Nayumi: "Sometimes but I also have school activities that can keep me busy. If you need help with studying for mid terms let me know they are just around the corner."
Noa: "Y-Yeah thanks for reminding me I've been working on make up work soon I'll have to study for midterms too. Actually I-I'm most likely going to need help with Japanese."
Nayumi: "Well you're in luck I that's one subject I excel at."
Noa: "I-I would really appreciate any help I can get. Especially since midterms aren't too far off."
Nayumi would hang out with Noa and help him the days that she was free.
Nayumi: "You know, you really should make up with your friends."
Noa: "Y-yeah, I-I need to stop pushing it off. I'll speak to them soon."
The next day during 3rd period.
Kazumi: "Hey Noa why don't you eat lunch with us today?"
Before he could make up an excuse Kazumi walked up to him and looked him straight in the eyes. As Noa tries to avoid eye contact. She says "I know that you've been ghosting us. You haven't been speaking to Hiro for a while now. What ever it is you two need to make up."
- Figures, I wanted to lay low for a bit until the tension blew over. I should have anticipated that this would happen.
Noa: "I'm not mad, I really did just want to complete my assignments. If you two wouldn't mind maybe you can help me. Since you've probably already completed them it would probably make things easier. Also mid terms are coming up, so maybe we can do some brief studying for that aswell once I've finished my assignments."
After lunch as Noa heads off to his next class Hiro calls out. "Hey Noa, can we talk for a second.
Sorry I put you in such a hard spot. I can't ask you to sweep it under the rug and forget about everything, but thanks for not telling Kazu."
Before Hiro says anything else Noa says, "I've decided.
I've decided that you will both be friends again. If you two become friends then I won't be the only one in this awkwardness."
Hiro doesn't say anything.
- Alright, fair enough Noa if it's possible that's what I desire aswell.
Noa: "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
Hiro: "I still really care for her. If it's possible I'll do it."