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 inside jokes that flew right over my head.
"Ichika, have you seen that new guy in Class A?" Yoshida-san asked, leaning across the table with sudden excitement. "He is so your type! You should totally talk to him."
For the first time during the entire dinner, I forced myself to listen.
Your type? Did Ichika like someone?
My heart kicked against my ribs. For reasons I wasn't willing to admit, I found myself holding my breath. If Ichika liked this guy... if they started dating, where would that leave me? Would she still have time to hang out in my dorm, or would I just fade into the background? Just a memory of her past? The thought of losing her hit me harder than I expected.
"I don't think dating is appropriate at this age." Tanaka-san chimed in, her voice taking on a strict tone.
"Hm, yeah, I've seen him," Ichika replied, her voice completely casual. She shrugged, her face calm. "But no thanks. I'm pretty much on Misa-san's side with this one. Not interested."
Thank god.
"Aww, you're so boring!" Yoshida-san groaned, waving a hand. "Whatever, I'll just go after him myself."
The playful banter resumed, but I couldn't shake the massive wave of relief flooding my chest. I let out a small breath.
And then, before I could fully relax, Yoshida-san turned her sights on me. Her eyes glinted with mischief like a predator spotting prey. "And what about you, Kenji-kun? Got your eye on anyone?"
I hated questions about me. The heat rushed to my face, and my mind completely blanked. Why was she asking me that? Was she trying to set me up? Was she trying to make a joke out of me? I was the ultimate loner.
The idea of me dating anyone was probably hilarious to her.
"Uhh, n-no..." I stammered, my voice barely a squeak.
Yoshida-san giggled, leaning closer. "Aww, 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-chan." Her words were like a shield, protecting me from further embarrassment.
Minami? Yoshida-san's first name I guess.
Yoshida-san 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-san called out, "Kenji-kun, you better not run away!"
I managed a weak smile as I slipped out the door, my thoughts a jumbled mess. Between Yoshida-san's teasing, Tanaka-san's formal demeanor, and the looming cosplay sleepover, I wasn't sure what to think anymore.