NARRATOR: 'The sound of footsteps comes up to the door, making me perk up. If I made a move on her, how would she take it? Is she in an emotional state that allows her to make a reasonable decision about a relationship? How would she cope with anything that might happen afterwards? There's also the possibility that I'm just completely misinterpreting Hanako not a difficult thing to do with someone whose social skills seem to be so underdeveloped.'
I really don't think my feelings are just those of friendship any more. I want to protect and shield her from the pain she feels. I like her, I can admit that much to myself. NARRATOR: 'I still don't know what to make of my relationship to Hanako. Not that I haven't been doing so previously ever since our trip to town, Hanako's been on my mind.' This gives me at least a few more minutes to think. I have to admit that this is a bit of a relief.
We exchange morning greetings before I take my seat. The two girls from the newspaper club are here in the two seats to the left of Hanako's, as are Shizune and Misha, but that's about it. It's empty, and after glancing around the classroom, it looks like she isn't here yet. My eyes immediately turn to the third seat from the left in the back row Hanako's seat. NARRATOR: 'Finally reaching the classroom after the usual walk from the dormitories, I step inside.
