Takuma’s words rang in my head, and my eyes widened in surprise as my mind finally understood what he meant. My head absentmindedly turned towards the door of my room, and I slowly stood on my feet while keeping my eyes on it. I honestly did not know what to feel as mixed emotions surged in me – relief, surprise, fear – I don’t know. All those feelings came at me in one swift swoop that I did not have time to sort out the overwhelming feelings in me. I did not long how long I had been standing there when I heard Takuma speak again.
“Annika? Are you still there?” He asked.
“…Um, yeah.”
“Why are you not saying anything?” He responded with confusion in his tone and a little disappointment. “Are you really mad at me for raising my voice a while ago?”
“N-no, no. It’s not like th
