One By Millions

chapter 44

Watching building after building after building fly by was oddly calming. Shino had been in the car for but a minute and had done nothing but stare out the window. She could make out the buildings despite the speed with which the car was moving. Shino's vision was different from everyone else. Her eyes could keep up with impossibly high speed with ease. She made a game out of discerning the use of every building she passed.

While she was busy admiring the outside world, her companion had eyes on her.

Momo expectedly decided to accompany her on her trip to the hospital. She didn't really have a say in it. After school Shino just took her by the hand and led her to the car. She had said nothing for the entirety of the ride. Momo found herself staring and wondering what could possibly be going on in that head of hers. She had feared that things would change between them. But things remained fairly the same. Albeit Shino was more of a tease now. It relieved her to have things remain as it was. Shino was still the carefree, amused, casual tomboy who was always in her own world.

Momo observed her closely.

Shino had removed her blazer, remaining in her dress shirt and loose tie. Her shirt had two buttons free, revealing her collarbone. She had pulled her legs up to her chest, kicking off her shoes in the process. She had an arm resting on the car door and her head leaning on the light glass. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she took in the passing buildings. Her lips moved with muted words as she debated with herself. Discerning each building's worth.

Momo's eyes lingered on her lips. How she wished to have them against her own again. Her lips were so soft and sweet. She wanted to be in her arms again. To be held securely and gently. Her body pressed against her own. Their breath mingling. Her gentle hand on her cheek. Those gleaming eyes staring into her own with an unknown intensity.

Momo felt the heat rising to her face. She wanted to look away, suddenly feeling uncomfortable and self conscious. But she couldn't. Her eyes were glued to Shino's figure. She watched her every move. The rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took. The slight movement she made to adjust her scarf. The way she scrunched up her nose when something excaped her eye. She was fascinated by it all. She told herself to look away. If she stared any longer Shino would notice and she didn't know if she could handle Shino's eyes on her at the moment.

But she didn't and she caught Shino's full attention. Rose golden eyes met her own and she didn't know what to do. Shino looked at her with her eyelids slightly dropped. It was a look full of tenderness and warmth. There were other emotions accompanying them. Again they were unknown to Momo. Her gaze was comforting, but her self consciousness increased when Shino's pupils dilated.

A small smile grew on Shino's lips as she slowly moved towards Momo. She could hear the other's beating heart loud and clear. It was rapid and only increased the closer she got. It made her own leap, knowing that she was the cause of it.

Momo let out a shuddering breath when Shino lightly touched her cheek. She was sitting in front of her now, their eye contact never breaking. They were close, but not close enough. Momo longed to be closer.

Shino could see the plea in Momo's eyes. Her want to be closer was not ignored. Shino shifted. Her other hand slipping around Momo's waist and pulling her into her lap. Their bodies were fully pressed up against each other now. They could take in each other's scent.

Shino rested her forehead against Momo's. Her thumb was forming slow patterns on her soft skin.

Her lips brushed hers softly, delicately. like butterfly wings, just long enough for her to inhale her breath. Feel the warmth of her skin. The taste of chocolate lingered far after she had gone.