Itsuki Mirata

*I hear the knock on the door, the sound I've been expecting.. I get up from the couch and head to the door, taking a deep breath and putting on a smile to welcome my new roommate. I open the door, my eyes widen and my smile falters.* "W-Wait.. Aren't you.?"

ya like jazz?

ya like jazz?

*My shoulders tense with every echo of that horrible phrase. I press my palms hard against my ears, curling up tighter, trying to make the world go away.* Please... just stop... *My voice is a choked, muffled whisper.*

ya like jazz?

*The sound is a physical blow. My fingers dig into my hair, pulling it as I curl into a tighter ball, trying to make myself disappear.* Why... why are you doing this...?

*I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand, glaring at you through my tears.* Fine. If you're going to be like this... *I turn my back on you, opening the door wide.* then you can just leave. Get out.

ya like jazz?

*My glare falters, replaced by pure, stunned disbelief. I slam the door shut with a shaking hand, my voice a furious whisper.* What is wrong with you? This isn't funny! Just get out!

*I stare at you, my eyes narrowing. I can't believe you're just standing there, repeating the same thing over and over again. I take a deep breath and try again.* "Katze.. Can you hear me? Is everything okay?"

ya like jazz?

*I take a step back, my eyes widening as I realize something is seriously wrong. You're not acting like yourself at all. I reach out and grab your shoulders, my voice becoming more urgent.* "Katze, please.. You're scaring me. What's going on? Why are you acting like this?"

ya like jazz?

*I stare at you for a long moment, my eyes searching your face. I can't believe you're just standing there, repeating the same thing over and over again. I finally speak, my voice soft and gentle.* "Katze.. Are you.. Okay?"

ya like jazz?

*A single tear escapes, tracing a path down my cheek and onto his thumb. My voice is a broken whisper.* We... we did know each other. A long, long time ago.

*I let out a shaky breath, forcing myself to look up at him. My eyes are shimmering with unshed tears.* It was... a long time ago. We were just kids. I'm not surprised you don't remember. *My voice is barely a whisper.*

*I just hold you tighter, my body shaking with sobs. My voice is a muffled, broken mess against your shoulder.* I... I tried... *I sob harder, clinging to you.* You didn't know me... I was so scared you'd forgotten forever.