As a sophomore, I don't share any subject with Rain. Somehow, that brings me total relief. However though, remembering the events that occured during the Acquaintance Party, I feel that Rain didn't even recognize me. Or at least pretended not to.
After the self-introduction of the freshmen, we were randomly grouped and asked to sit in a circle facing one another. Each one would stand in the middle of the circle, introduce himself/herself and show his/her talent. We all just had to remember the names of all the members in our group and the talents that they would showcase.
As cruel as fate was, I was put in the same group as Rain's. I carefully picked a spot where she wouldn't easily see me. As if that were helpful when I would later stand and introduce myself anyway.
She had her turn before I had mine.
"I'm Ayla Rain Matsunaga, 16 years old. It's nice to meet you all."
I couldn't help but notice how straight-faced she was. The 'Rain' that I remember from my childhood was always fierce. But apparently, she levelled up.
As for talent, I couldn't have guessed. But she sang 'Amazing Grace'.
And then warmth.
I remember warmth surging in my chest that time. It was utterly familiar. But I couldn't understand why that would be familiar. When did I hear that?
When the others clapped to her performance, I managed to get rid of my bothersome thoughts. And I saw from my peripheral view that Jake who's in the other group was looking and clapping his hands!
Jake must've gone head over heels with Rain. Plot twist indeed.
When it was my turn, I intentionally faced sideways such that she wouldn't get a good look of my face.
"I'm Vincent May. I'm 18 years of age and a sophomore."
It took me a few seconds, or maybe a minute, deciding what talent to show. Was there any that's worth showing?
And then the other members in the group who knew me already started chanting,
"Dance! Dance!"
I shook my head and fished my smartphone from my pocket. After a few seconds of searching through my files, I showed them a sketch.
"I draw", I said.
"Whoa! Seriously, Vince? Could you get any more talented than this?" Cried a junior from the group.
"Lame, Vince! You should've just danced! Those moves, you know? Gosh!" Added another junior.
I just smiled, put my phone back into my pocket, and sat down.
I realized that Rain couldn't recognize me when it was time for us to tell the name and the talent shown by each of our group's members. She couldn't remember almost half of the members' names, including mine. There was no sign of recognition from her. Somehow, I know that I should be grateful. But at the same time, I feel it's unfair that I'm the only one who recognizes her.
As much as I wish to remove thoughts of Rain from my mind, being friends with the twerp wouldn't allow me to. Jake just won't stop talking about her!
"Her voice, man, her voice! It's the most wonderful voice I've heard in my whole life!"
I pretend to ignore him and continue to read a novel. I was right about deciding to read the book outside the library. I wonder how Jake would perform his endless monologue had we stayed inside the library.
"Hey, bud, you're such a meanie! I need your attention y'know? It's my love life we're talking about."
I turn to look at him.
"You don't have a love life", I say.
"Yet", replies Jake and flashes a knowing -and might I add- annoying grin.
"Whatever. It's just so pointless telling me all these. Why don't you just go and confess?"
Jake's eyes glimmer with sparkles.
"You think so?" He replies.
Goodness. I wasn't even serious.
"But, no. Not a good idea. I didn't leave a good impression during the Acquaintance Party."
"And in addition, Jake, you two don't even know each other yet", I say, which I am about to regret as Jake replies with,
"Exactly! So you will help me get close to her! We just have to be friends with her, right?"
"Why the hell are you involving me in your affairs? Why do I need to be friends with her?" I agitatedly retaliate.
"'Buddy'", says Jake giving it more emphasis, "she would think that I'm suspicious if I do it alone."
"And do you think she would think of you as less suspicious if I befriend her? I'm just as much of a stranger as you are to her."
"Come on, Vincent May, I'll do whatever you want. Just for one month, please?" Jake pleads.
There he goes again with saying my name. He's really serious? Just how easy is it for him to fall in love?
I heave a sigh of surrender.
"Fine. You'll do whatever I ask of you", I finally say.
"Yahoo! Thanks bud!"
It's fine, I suppose. She doesn't recognize me anyway, does she? I just have to be careful not to uncover my past.
One month. Just one month.