Where Things Stand

-Toshiki-

Yumi’s drawn to me because of her. To tell you the truth, I don’t know how to deal with it. I’ve already hurt her once. Her parents insisted I make it right. They didn’t say it in words. I saw it in their eyes.

Fine. I don’t know if can get through. But I have to try.

I knocked on Yumi’s door.

“Yumi? Yumi?” I backed up when she opened her door. Yumi peeked through the crack. I could tell that she looked so dejected.

“What do you want?” she asked. I stood there. Come on. Spit it out already! I stood up straight.

“I’m so sorry!” I quickly bowed. “We need to talk. Can I come in?” She didn’t respond. Instead, Yumi backed up and opened the door.

“Thank you.” I followed her into her room.

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This was the hard part. Yumi and I sat on her bed. She wouldn’t look up at me. I pressed my lips together.

“Um…” I looked out in the dim room. How was I going to do this? I lifted my chin.

“Yes,” I said. That was all I could say.

“Hm?”

I looked at her out of the corner of my eye, She had her head cocked to the side. I took a moment to think how I was going to proceed with this. I already screwed up once. I couldn’t afford to do that again.

“Yes,” I said, again.

“Do you mean it?” Yumi asked.

“Yes,” I said again. She didn’t look convinced. Still, I know I can’t give up. But I don’t know what to say.

“Um…” I started looking around the room. This is hard. I drummed my fingers on my knee.

“Your mom told me what happened…” Where was I going with this? She’s staring at me now. I threw up my hands.

“Look,” I said. “I think I love you for you.” Think? What was that? What did that mean? I rubbed the back of my head.

“I don’t know what I am saying,” I said.

“Stop,” she said. I froze. Yumi held up her hand.

“Stop. Just stop.” She put down her hand. Yumi took a breath. I waited for her to speak. Instead, she leaned over onto my arm.

“Can I stay like this for a while?” she asked.

“Uh… okay,” I said.

“Thank you,” Yumi said. And that was it.

We didn’t talk for hours. She just leaned on my arm. It was fine… guess. I don’t think we got anywhere. I put it out there. Now she has to be the one to make the call.

I will have to see what comes next. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?