The Borrowed Handkerchief

[tego_chii]

Title: The Borrowed Handkerchief
Author: ME of course
Characters: Chinen Yuri and OC
Type: Oneshot
Warning: I haven't posted something for a year. I don't know what I'm writing here.
A/N: I intended to write a short one but it turned out to be longer than expected.


“Yumi-chan, I’m going to wash my hands.” I informed my classmate and friend, Sayaka Yumi as we’re about to head back to the classroom from the gym. PE class just ended and my hands were quite dirty from all the activities we’ve done.

“I’m going to come with you then.” Yumi said

I shook my head, “No need. It might take me a while so it’s better if you go ahead.”

She smiled, “I’ll wait for you in the classroom.” Then she walked towards the opposite direction.

So I headed for the restroom to wash my hands. It didn’t take me much time so I immediately left. Math class is next so I really need to hurry. Our Math teacher is quite strict so I better reached the classroom before she can or I’ll end up being scolded. The gym is far from our building so I have to run. You see, there are different buildings in this school and each is for every year level. The seniors are lucky since their building is near the gym and the school cafeteria. Easy access.

Speaking of seniors, they’ll graduate soon. How lucky.

I was on my way when I spotted two students, one holding a pail of water and the one with the mop. Cleaning duty, maybe.  I already walked pass them when I heard a splash sound. I turned around, only to see the one student soaking wet. The other one is quite surprised of what happened. I noticed a ball near them so I guess that he was hit by a ball. The other student picked up the ball and went to the direction where a group of students are playing soccer.

I pity the one who’s drenched in water so I walked towards him, “Here, use this.” I offered, handing him my handkerchief. What he really needed right now is a towel, not a handkerchief. I’m a bit hesitant about lending him my handkerchief, since this one is special, among the others that I own.

He seemed to be surprised when he saw me and the handkerchief but he then smiled, ”Thanks”. I can feel my heart beating fast. I can’t help to blush.

It’s taking me quite some time here. I should go back now, but I can’t leave him alone here. Not when he still have my handkerchief. Suddenly, his companion came.

“Come on, we need to go now.” He helped him get up first and dragged him immediately.

“Wai-“ I murmured. Don’t drag him yet, he still hasn’t returned my handkerchief.

The next thing I knew, they were out of sight. I just let it go for now. I’ll find him later. Based on his appearance, he must be a freshman.

I went back with heavy footsteps. It seems like class already started when I reached the classroom.

“Would you mind joining us here, Fujiwara Michiru-san?” Naeka-sensei asked. Crap. I totally forgot about her.

“Good morning Naeka-sensei, I’m sorry I’m late, May I come in?” I bowed. This day isn’t my day.

She gave me a sharp look, “Come in and try to catch up with what I’m discussing.”

I hurriedly went to my sit and brought out my books. Still, I can’t forget what happened earlier, and that smiling face.

Later during lunch, I told Yumi what happened.

“So that’s why you’re late. I thought something bad already happened to you.” Yumi said while eating her bento.

I sighed,” Yeah. Now all I can think of is how I can retrieve my handkerchief.”

“Losing one or two isn’t that bad right?” she replied.

I pouted, “That handkerchief is reaaaaally important”

She’s already half way finished eating her bento while I’m still not bringing out mine.

“If you’re that troubled, you shouldn’t have lent him that one in the first place.” She commented

“I can’t leave him like that, if you were in my place, you would do the same, right?” I shot back.

Then the bell rang, I didn’t eat my lunch. Really, I’m hopeless.

That afternoon, when class ended, I immediately went to the freshman building. I searched and searched, but I didn’t find him. I went to the trouble of going to each and every classroom looking for that familiar face, but my efforts are in vain. Oh no. I’m in grief. I just went home. While I’m on my way though, I remembered how I got that handkerchief.

People often say that I’m cold and doesn’t care about others much. Actually, more than anyone, I easily succumb to loneliness and I’m a cry baby. There’s one time when something bad happened to me in my previous school. I went to the farthest corner of the gym and cried. You see, I don’t want others to see me cry and all.

“Here, take this.” A voice of a guy from behind me said.

I’m surprised that someone saw me at that time so I rejected the offer.

“Stop crying. Everything will be fine. Girls are not pretty when they cry. You must smile” He murmured, ”You use a handkerchief for times like this, right?”he added.

I was so touched about what he said that I took his handkerchief, but still I didn’t face him. I must try to calm myself first before turning around and thanking him. It took me a while to calm myself though, so when I turned around, he’s not around anymore.

So just like that, I ended up being the owner of the handkerchief. Since then, I treasured that handkerchief more than anything else.

The next day…

I’m still troubled about losing the handkerchief. I’m sulking in my desk when I heard my classmates saying, “Kyaaaaa~” and screaming. I looked up and saw the guy yesterday at the door.

I stood up, “You…” I whispered.

He seemed to recognize me so he walked inside the classroom and beamed at me.

“It’s really you. Thank you for yesterday.” He smiled, making the other girls scream more. I just lent him that handkerchief because he really needed it, but why does it seem like he’s really happy about it?

“Ah, it’s okay, but, I was wondering, can you please return the handkerchief?” I said, hoping that that’s the reason why he came. “I looked for you at the freshman building but you’re not there.” I added.

He seemed surprised when he heard what I just said, “You really can’t find me there, I’m your senior.”

What? This hyped kid is my senior? He doesn’t look like a senior. He’s really cute and always flashing an irresistable smile but he’s not that tall though, even though he’s a bit taller than me. So I always thought that he’s still a freshman.

“Chinen Yuri desu.” He introduced himself

“Fujiwara Michiru” I replied back,”But, chinen-sempai, as I was saying, can you please give back what I lent you yesterday” I continued.

“Oh that’s what I came for. Your handkerchief, right?”

It lit up my mood in an instant. “Yes” I beamed at him.

“I forgot it.”

And that’s all it took for me to sulk again in a corner.

“But I’ll return it soon” he promised.

I smiled at him in return. The bell rang a signal that class is going to start. He left afterwards and now, a group of girls, my classmates actually, formed a circle around my desk, attacking me with questions.

“How did you meet Chinen-sempai?” the other said. “Are you close?” The one beside me asked. “Can you help me become his friend?” They’re talking at the same time that I don’t know where to start answering. I didn’t know he is very popular. I was saved when our homeroom teacher came.

“Are you alright?” Yumi-chan tapped my shoulder

I sighed, “I guess I’m still alive.”

When will I get that handkerchief from him? Another day has passed. But it’s a relief that he already knew me and I also knew him. Retrieving it would be easy.

Next morning…

I was on my way to the seniors’ building when I noticed Chinen-sempai hiding behind the bush, and he’s holding a camera. I think it’s good that I found him easily.

“Chinen-sempai!” I yelled at him.

He was surprised when he heard me that he even stumbled on the ground. That sight was too cute I can’t stop laughing. He pulled me in the bush immediately and before I knew it, we were so close to each other. I can feel his warmth. I blushed. I moved away from him in an instant.

“Geez, sempai, what are you doing here?” I asked. I looked to where he’s looking and saw a couple kissing each other. “Sempai! How can you peek to other people’s business? You even have their picture taken. That’s a crime.” I added in disbelief.

He laughed, “I’m in charge for the graduation album so I’m collecting materials.” He explained “Here, take a look.” He hand me his camera.

Wow. His shots are good. All of those people in the camera are all smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“What? It’s good right? I’m take pictures like a pro even though I’m not.” He said, proud of himself.

I returned the camera to him and I didn’t say a word. He seemed surprised at my lack of reaction.

“Hey, I’m just kidding.” He murmured, taking back all that he said earlier.

“No, I like them. I really do.”He blushed when he heard what I said. What a reaction. Too cute. I smiled, amused by him.

Just then I heard the sound of the camera.

“Hey! Did you just take a picture of me? Delete it! Delete it!” I protested.

“But it’s cute.” He said.

“I’m not that cute. I know it myself.” I told him. I suddenly felt sad. “I’ve been told by the other guys that I’m ugly and all. I’m not like the other girls.” I started to cry. Really? Why am I crying? I don’t want him to see me crying.

“You’re crying again.” He said

What does he mean by “again”?

“It’s not something to worry about. They don’t know you at all. Don’t mind them.” He then wiped away my tears.

I’m embarrassed but I also felt relieved because of what he said.

“But anyways, please delete it!” I protested once more.

He stick out his tongue. So he can be very childish at times too? I tried to grab the camera but I lost balanced. And just like that, I’m on top of him. What an awkward position. I stood up immediately and he did too. Then, I remembered why I’m here in the first place.

“Chinen-sempai, I’m here for my handkerchief.”

“Oh. That, I left it again at home.”

What? So I came here for nothing?

“It can’t be help. But please return it soon.”

He was about to say something but I turned around and left.

Every day, I visit his classroom, asking for my handkerchief. His replies were always the same, “I forgot it. Sorry.” I ended up spending time with him more than usual. I even helped him with collecting materials for the graduation album. He would even walk me home when he asked me to help and I end up staying longer than expected.  As days passed by, we really became closer to each other. But what really surprised me is what I’m feeling. I suddenly wanted to be by his side more now. Maybe I’m starting to like him? I don’t know. It’s just impossible

It’s been a week already since the day I lent him my handkerchief.

“So, did you already get that handkerchief?” Yumi-chan asked me while we’re walking home together.

I shook my head. “Not yet. I just ask for it tomorrow.”

She stopped for a while then looked at me.

“what?” I asked

“Starting tomorrow, the seniors will not be going to school. They’re graduating soon right?” Yumi reminded me. “They won’t return until the graduation ceremony.”

Oh yeah, I forgot. Crap. How can I ever get it back? More than losing the handkerchief, the thought that I’m never going to meet him anymore is more painful.

The following morning…

I’m walking along the corridor thinking about Chinen-sempai and my handkerchief. Right, I won’t be able to meet him until the graduation ceremony.

“Good morning Michiru~” I heard someone say.

I turned around, surprised to see Chinen-sempai.

“What? Are you surprised? Did I scare you?” he asked, worried by my lack of reaction.

“Why are you here?”

“I’m in charge about the graduation album, remember? Sensei called for me.”

I turned my back at him.

“It’s a bother.”

He seemed shocked of what I’ve said

“Your graduating soon yet why are you getting close to me after all this time?” I said, I can feel the moisture in my eyes

His eyes are apologetic, “Yeah, I’m really sorry that it’s close to graduation”

“But I thought that I would definitely regret it if I don’t act right now.” He added.

I’m really confused right now.

“We’re on different grade levels and buildings so it was hard for me to get close to you. I tried to make excuses so we can spend each other more.  I did it all because I don’t want to give up on you again, Michiru”

Tears flow from my eyes and I can’t speak.

“Here, use this.” Chinen sempai said, “Use MY handkerchief”

I was shocked. This is my handkerchief.

“You use a handkerchief for times like this, right?” he added.

That’s exactly what the guy from before said. Could it be?

“Sempai? The one who’s at the gym… the one who comforted me… it’s you?”

He sighed, “Really, Michiru, can’t you recognize the voice?”

I was taken off guard. “But…But… You left right after that.”

“It’s because I knew that you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want others to see your weakness. I just left for a while to get my things. I’m surprised too when I didn’t see you. I’ve been observing you ever since then” Chinen explained.

“Observing? Me?”

“You’re not like the others. You shine in your own way. And that’s what makes me attracted to you.”

“But why didn’t you tell me?” I need to clarify everything now.

“You wouldn’t believe me anyway, right?”

It left me silent. I don’t know what to do.

He held out his hand.

“Even though I’m going to graduate soon, would you still want to start a new with me again?”

I reached out for his hand. Even though my mind is full of bizarre thoughts right now, with him by my side, I know that everything will turn out just fine.