Another Time, Another Kiss - Chapter 16

Am I a monster or what? Naoki folded his arms and frowned almost immediately at the thought of seeing the dramatic expression on her face when she had finally became aware of his presence before blacking out as if it was the right thing to do.

“I am glad you are here.” Doctor Yamada finally broke the awkward silence inside the ward when the two men were alone. Yamada knew exactly who Naoki was even though he knew this day would eventually arrive.

Naoki ignored the comment and stood motionlessly beside the bed near the window. He had his glance fixed at the sleeping lady all the while but she just kept fidgeting over the pillow even though both her eyes were tightly shut.

“I used to think that she is the bane of my life.” Naoki sighed, “I’ve never been able to understand why she could be so persistent…Never.”

“She’s just like a cockroach, wherever you go, you can always see it.” Naoki turned and looked at Yamada who looked back at him with a puzzled expression on his face.

“I’ve often thought of inventing something, like some kind of insect repellant for getting rid of her. Telling myself how splendid it would be to stroll freely around in school without hearing echoes of Irie-kun!!!!”

“Wouldn’t that be a good idea? Doctor Yamada?” Naoki asked with a bitter smile hung on his face.

“If it’s meant to be a joke, Doctor Irie, I don’t think it’s a very funny one.” Doctor Yamada replied, feeling a little disturbed by what he had just heard.

“You don’t think that’s a good idea? Doctor Yamada?” Naoki said. “And it’s not meant to be a joke.”

“My idea of a perfect life doesn’t involve cockroaches or any other household pests.” Naoki bit down on his lower lip, paused and looked carefully back at the sleeping lady.

“I kept telling myself that it was her presence that made me uncomfortable and sad. But I was wrong.” Naoki said, keeping his eyes fixed on Kotoko.

“It became worse when I finally knew..." Naoki then closed and opened his eyes with every word as if it was a major effort to utter each syllable.

"...that she had decided to stop.”

***

Flashbacks…

“Are you avoiding me?” Naoki remarked causally when he finally caught Kotoko alone in the pantry. Of course, Kotoko was so surprised by the sudden confrontation that she had done something only Aihara Kotoko would do.

“Hey, watch your coffee!” Naoki managed to back away before his white robe became a victim under Kotoko’s hands.

“Gomen ne!” Kotoko quickly apologized and at the same time backing away from Naoki so as not to create any further of her trademarked liquid spilling chaos, but Naoki was utterly disappointed.

“What’s wrong with you?” Naoki demanded. “Why are you backing away?”

“Gomen ne! Gomen ne!” Kotoko just continued with her apologizing for she was loss for words at that moment, trying hard to figure out why Naoki was getting so angry when she didn’t even spill the coffee onto him.

Both of them pouted simultaneously, each having their own thoughts. “What’s going on in here?” A voice was heard and it belonged to Doctor Yamaguchi.

“Nothing’s wrong!” Kotoko quickly took a step toward Doctor Yamaguchi. “Are you looking for me?” Kotoko quickly said; her heart pounding.

“As a matter of fact,” Doctor Yamaguchi diverted his glance to the man behind Kotoko, “I am looking for Doctor Irie. You have a visitor waiting for you in your office.”

“Thanks.” Naoki said, obviously disappointed. He stared at Kotoko for a moment longer and then exited the pantry.

“Are you feeling okay?” Doctor Yamada asked. “You are looking a little pale.”

“Dai jo bu.” Kotoko assured. “Do you want any coffee? I just brewed it.” Kotoko asked as she offered Doctor Yamaguchi the cup that she was holding to.

“Thank you very much, but…” Doctor Yamaguchi paused and pointed at the cup. “It’s empty.”

...To be continued.