They were deep into their conversation, and I could barely keep up. It was like being in a different world, endless gossip, girl talk, and a lot of inside jokes that flew right over my head.
"Ichika, have you seen that cute guy in Class A?" Yoshida asked, her tone suddenly laced with excitement.
"Misa! I know you're totally into him!" teasing her with a playful nudge.
For the first time during this entire conversation, I forced myself to listen. What a cute guy? Did Ichika like him? My heart started racing a little, and for reasons I wasn't willing to admit, I found myself leaning closer. Was this jealousy? No, that couldn't be it.
If Ichika liked this guy, if they started dating, where would that leave me? Would she still have time for me, or would I fade into the background, just a memory of her past? The thought of losing her as a close friend hit me harder than I expected, and I realized that I had to know more. Were they... together?
"I don't think dating is okay at this age," Misa chimed in, her voice taking on a serious tone. Of course, a typical response from her. I suppose it made sense she'd say that.
"Hm, yeah, I've seen him, but what about him?" Ichika replied, her voice casual.
"He's sooo cute! You should date him, Ichika!" Yoshida squealed, almost bouncing in her seat. Her energy was infectious, and it felt like she was trying to push the conversation in a specific direction.
Ichika shrugged, her face calm. "Uhh, no. I think I'm pretty much on Misa's side with this one."
Thank god.
"Aww, guess I'll take him for myself, then!" Yoshida declared dramatically, throwing her hands in the air. "He'll be miiiineee~!"
The playful banter made the air lighter, but I couldn't shake the relief flooding my chest. So Ichika wasn't interested in anyone, at least not this guy. I let out a small breath I didn't even realize I was holding.
And then, before I could relax fully, Yoshida turned her sights on me, her eyes glinting with mischief. "And what about you, Kenji? Dating anyone, hm~?" Her tone was teasing, but her question hit me like a truck.
I could feel the heat rushing to my face, and I practically froze in place. Was this a date request? Wait, no. Was she joking? I didn't know what to say..
Yes?
No, no?
No.
"Uhh, n-no..." I finally stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
Yoshida giggled. "Don't be shy!"
Just as I thought I'd implode from embarrassment, Ichika stepped in, her voice firm but gentle. "Shh, leave him alone right now, Minami." Her words were like a shield, protecting me from further embarrassment.
Minami? Yoshida's first name I guess.
Yoshida pouted but backed off, her teasing grin never faltering. "Fineeeeeeeee."
The conversation continued, their laughter filling the room, but my mind was elsewhere. As much as I wanted to stay and talk, or at least try to follow the conversation, I realized with a jolt that I was late for Kudo's party. The sleepover. The cosplay sleepover.
I glanced at my watch. Crap. I was practically late, and I still had to make it back to the dorm in time to avoid any more trouble.
"I, uh, need to get going..." I said, standing up abruptly.
Ichika looked at me, concerned. "You're leaving already?"
"Yeah, I forgot I promised a friend I'd stop by for something tonight," I explained, trying to hide my growing panic.
"Well, don't keep her waiting," Ichika said, smiling softly. "But you can always come back later, okay? We were just about to watch a movie..."
I nodded, grabbing my things. As I made my way to the door, Yoshida called out, "Kenji, you better not run away!"
I managed a weak smile as I slipped out the door, my thoughts a jumbled mess. Between Minami's teasing, Misa's formal demeanor, and the looming cosplay sleepover, I wasn't sure what to think anymore.