Kazuma tries empathy

Kazuma paused a bit before answering. “I’m sorry,” he began. “I hadn’t thought about how quickly this progressed.” Satsuki gave him a look that said ‘of course you hadn’t, cause you’re a guy’. Kazuma continued. “But I was worried that that things would be awkward between us after yesterday. I wasn’t sure how… how we would…be”

Hearing Kazuma’s response and how nervous or unsure while he was saying it, made Satsuki feel a little better. So, he’s kind of confused like I am, she thought. Turning her face away from his, she quietly said “Thank you,” before she resumed walking.

Was that a good ‘thank you’, Kazuma thought to himself, unsure of the effect of what he just said. He resumed walking to school, with a few quick strides to catch up to Satsuki. The two walked in silence until they reached the school entrance, when a familiar voice addressed them.

“Good morning, Satsuki. Morning Morisawa” Haijima greeted from behind. The two stopped and turned towards her. Haijima was the captain of the girl’s volley ball team, so she and Satsuki were pretty good friends, since she was also on the team. She had short, dark hair, with a small pony tail and two bangs hanging to the sides of her face. While she did have a good figure for her age, she was pretty serious.

“Morning Haijima,” Satsuki replied.

“Will you be able to make to practice today?” Haijima asked as the three continued into the school. “I should be able to,” Satsuki replied.

“Good,” Haijima said. “I heard from one of the teachers that a girl is transferring to our school. And she has a serious interest in joining the volley ball team.”

“Do you know anything about her,” Kazuma asked. As he did, Satsuki shot a glance at him. Really, she thought. Kazuma picked up on that. “I I’m just curious. I didn’t mean anything by it!” Satsuki frowned at him.

“Are you two ok?” Haijima asked out of concern.

“What do you mean?” Satsuki inquired, trying to hide that there was anything different.

“The two of you seem a little different today,” Haijima said as they reached the lockers. “But I could be wrong. I will see you at practice,” she said as she left them for her locker.

Once she was out of earshot, Kazuma quietly apologized. “Sorry,”

“It’s fine,” Satsuki replied with a sigh. “I’ll see you aft…” she began to say before she stopped herself, her face turning slightly red again. “I I made you some lunch… if you want to…”

“Of course I would,” Kazuma answered, seeing how it was hard for Satsuki to ask.

“Good,” she replied quietly. “I will see you around noon.”