ECHOES

      "Bye, Mom! Tetsuya's here!" She picked up her book bag and started for the door.

      "Wait! You haven't finished your breakfast yet!" Mrs. Hongo called after her daughter, poking her head through the kitchen door. She shook her head and smiled as she heard the front door slam shut. "Oh, those two…"





      "Hey!" greeted Tetsuya as Yui opened the door to the car.

      "Hey, yourself," she said as she slipped inside. She leaned forward and smiled as Tetsuya met her halfway for a kiss.

      "Aaw shucks…how sweet…," came a sleepy voice from behind.

      "Keisuke!" Yui quickly pulled back and blushed as she glanced back at Keisuke who was sprawled across the backseat. Yui swatted Tetsuya on the arm, giving him a why-didn't-you-tell-me look.

      "Oh yeah, we're giving him a lift," said Tetsuya waving his hand dismissively.

      "Don't mind me, Yui," said Keisuke as he slouched further down the backseat, intent on catching another quick nap during the ride. He winked at her before closing his eyes and threw his jacket over his head.

      Tetsuya glanced at the rearview mirror then gave her a rakish. "Well then, we'll just have to finish that later…" he whispered, letting his voice trail off meaningfully.

      "Tetsuya!" Yui cried. She shot a quick glance at Keisuke.

      "It's okay, I didn't hear a thing," Keisuke said, his voice muffled by the thick material of his jacket.

      "Thanks a lot," she said dryly, glaring at Tetsuya as she buckled her seatbelt.

      Music suddenly blared out of the car speakers as Tetsuya turned the ignition.

      "Aaww…man! Can't you see somebody's trying to sleep here!" whined Keisuke.

      "Ah, listen to that! What do you think? I had it installed the other day," said Tetsuya as he revved up his car.

      "Who cares about your new stereo? You have it changed every month," mumbled Keisuke as he tried to plug his ears with his fingers.

      "Hey, give it a little respect. This baby costs more than that car of yours--which by the way, refuses to start."

      "Haha. Very funny," said Keisuke who was now sitting up, rubbing his eyes.

      Instinctively, Yui braced herself as Tetsuya started down the street. She looked out the heavily tinted window, the trees, houses and people seeming like shapeless blurs as Tetsuya's car whizzed by them.

      "Now I remember why I don't get rides from you," remarked Keisuke as he struggled to put on his seatbelt.

      "Haha. Very funny," Tetsuya mimicked. "Now remind me why I agreed to give you a ride again?"

      Yui rolled her eyes, at the same time, trying to suppress a smile, as the two continued their banter. Some things never change, she thought.





      "Yui!"

      Yui turned as she got out of the car.

      "Miaka! Taka!" she called out, waving at the two as they approached. "Keisuke's here."

      Miaka ran up the car, dragging Taka along with her.

      "Hey, Tetsuya!" Miaka chirped brightly as Tetsuya rolled down the window. "Keisuke? What are you doing there?" she asked, poking her head through the window.

      Keisuke threw up his hands. "The car won't start."

      "Again?" asked Miaka incredulously.

      Keisuke scratched his head. "Yeah. It's about time I asked Dad for a new one, ne?"

      "Yeah, right. You wish!" said Miaka. She straightened up and turned to Yui who was talking to Tetsuya.

      "I'll pick you up later, ok?" she heard Tetsuya say. Yui nodded. Tetsuya leaned out the window and motioned to Taka. "C'mon man. Hop in."

      Miaka took her books from his hand and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Go on. You'll be late."

      Taka gave her hand a tight squeeze before opening slipping in the passenger seat.

      "See you later," he raised a hand to Yui to bid her farewell.

      Yui smiled. "Put on your seatbelt," she reminded him, her eyes twinkling.

      Taka glanced at Tetsuya then winked at her. "Don't worry about me. I'm a veteran."

      Yui and Miaka watched as the car backed out of the parking lot and zoomed out into the road. Yui raised an eyebrow when she heard Miaka sigh.

      "What's wrong, Miaka?"

      Miaka gave her a bright smile. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking how perfect everything is right now. I just hope things will remain the way it is."

      Yui let out a small laugh. "I think I know what you mean," she grabbed hold of Miaka's hand and tugged at it. "C'mon. Let's get to class."

      Taka flopped down his seat and opened his book. He had not been able to study the night before because he had to work on double shifts since one of his co-worker failed to show. He didn't mind since extra hours meant extra money. But he was too tired to do any reading when he got home.

      His eyes scanned the page frantically all the while shooting nervous glances at his watch. He was ten minutes early since Tetsuya gave him a lift but he could have had more time to study if he just told Miaka he couldn't walk her to school today. But not walk Miaka to school? Even the idea was ludicrous. He sighed.

      Thumbing aimlessly through the pages as he realized he wasn't gonna learn anything by speed reading a whole chapter in ten minutes. He resigned himself to the fact that he'll just have to flunk this exam and make up for it later.

      He rested his chin in his hand as he looked out the window, brown eyes, brown hair and the faint scent of lilac filling his thoughts.

      He snapped out of his reverie when something brushed softly against his forehead and the smell of lavender pervaded the air.

      Taka looked up to see a girl standing in front of him, her back turned. Her burgundy hair hung to her waist, the faint breeze from the open window causing it to ripple in a graceful, fluid motion.

      The girl moved to one side and stray strands of her long, silky hair brushed against his face once again.

      As if sensing he was watching her, she turned around and their eyes locked.

      He felt his breath catch. It was as if time has stopped and a chasm has opened up between them.

      Her eyes. I…I've seen it before…

      His mind was swirling and the moment stretched to an eternity. The girl looked back at him, a flash of recognition in her eyes.

      Taka moved to stand but suddenly, the connection was broken.

      The girl turned away from him, grabbed the bag she had placed on the desk and walked towards the opposite part of the room, taking a seat by the corner.

      Taka stood frozen for a few seconds.

      What just happened?

      He glanced over at the girl who was looking at ahead of her, not looking at his part of the room.

      Taka picked up his books, intent on taking the vacant seat next to the girl. It was then that their professor entered the room.

      "Alright, take you seats. Put away your books. I want your desks cleared," the severe-looking man in horn-rimmed glasses said briskly, clapping his hands sharply for emphasis.

      Taka let out a sigh of frustration and sat back down. He shot a glance at the girl. She was looking down at her desk.

      "Eyes on your paper!"

      Taka jumped as his professor slapped a sheet of paper down on his desk and gave him a sharp look.

      Damn. Who is she? Is she new here? But why do I get the feeling I've seen her before?

      He tried concentrating on his exam, only to bury his face in his hands. He couldn't even understand the questions!

      This is the last time I go to class without reading at least one page.

      He cast a furtive glance at the girl. She wasn't in her seat anymore. His eyes scoured the room only to find the girl talking to their professor. He saw her hand him a green slip.

      So she is new.

      The professor scanned the paper, nodded then said a few words of instruction which he couldn't quite catch. The girl nodded then walked out the door.

      Taka was on his feet in an instant, gathering his books and paper.

      He walked up to the professor and handed him his exam.

      "Sukunami-san, are you sure you're finished?" the professor asked eyeing his nearly test paper.

      "Hai," Taka said distractedly as he ran out the door. His professor watched him go, shaking his head.



      "Shoot!" Taka muttered as he scanned the empty hallway. Missed her!

      He shoved his hand in his pocket and walked towards the library to wait for his second period class there.

      "I could have sworn she was avoiding me," he muttered. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.





      "Hey."

      "Hey, yourself."

      Yui slid into her seat but didn't lean forward as customary. Tetsuya raised an eyebrow.

      "What? No kiss?"

      Yui looked back at the backseat and then gave Tetsuya a quick kiss on the cheek.

      "That's all?" asked Tetsuya, disappointment evident in his voice.

      "That's all," said Yui firmly.

      "C'mon…what's wrong with showing a little affection?"

      Yui blushed but bit back a smile. "Stop it," she said feigning sternness in her voice.

      "Hhmm…she's upset…" he said in a stage whisper, rubbing his chin thoughtfully in an exaggerated manner. I think I could remedy this."

      Tetsuya leaned over and opened the glove compartment. He pulled out a small box.

      "Here. Look, I'm sorry okay."

      "Tetsuya," said Yui as she took the box. She had a feeling she already knew what was inside. "You don't have to…"

      "No, it's fine," he said, urging her to open the box.

      Yui bit her lip and undid the small bow around it. Her eyes widened when she took off the lid: inside was a pair of earring with small diamond studs.

      "Tetsuya," she replaced the cover and placed it back on the dashboard, "I thought we talked this over already," she said, her voice flat.

      "No, listen," Tetsuya said hastily. Yui's hands clenched at her side.

      "I can't believe you did this." She grabbed her bag and opened the door.

      "Hey, wait! Yui!" The door slammed shut on his face.

      "Damn!" he cursed as he got out of the car.

      "Yui! Please!" He ran up to her as she started walking away. He got in front of her, forcing her to stop. "Look, I'm sorry okay? I just thought…"

      "You thought what? That if you bought me diamond earrings, I'd take it off? What were you thinking? That you can buy me off?" Yui's voice shook from trying so hard to mask the anger in it.

      Tetsuya suddenly grabbed her and hugged her tight. Yui was shocked into silence.

      "Please, listen," he whispered in her ear. "Don't be mad ok?"

      Yui's anger began to subside as the smell of his cologne filled her senses. She leaned unto him for a moment, burying her face in his jacket. Then she gently pushed away from him. "Alright, tell me," she said.

      Tetsuya placed a finger under her chin and lifted it up so she was looking at him. He took of his sunglasses, his eyes looking directly into hers. His other hand cupped one side of her face, his thumb touching the blue pearl in her left ear.

      "I didn't buy that for whatever reason you had in mind. We've talked about it before and believe me when I say I won't ever try to make you take it off. I understand, believe me, I do. I won't make you part with something so important to you. I won't force you to do something you don't want to do. You should know that. I bought it because they're so beautiful, they remind me of you. If you don't want to wear it, it's fine. Just take it, as a gift. You do believe me? Right, kirei?" he said softly.

      In response, Yui wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a long, searing kiss.

      "God, I'm sorry. I'm so stupid. You should be mad at me," she said as she broke off the kiss.

      "No, that's okay," said Tetsuya breathlessly as he wrapped an arm around her waist for support. A goofy smile spread on his face.

      "I should make you mad more often," he joked.

      "Baka," said Yui fondly. She wrapped an arm around his waist and they walked back to the car laughing.





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