The question echoed in his head.

Why am I doing this?

He asked this when the lunchtime bell sounded.

Reluctantly, he stood up.

Why am I doing this?

He asked again as he willed his feet to move,
gripping the umbrella in one hand.

He paused to stop in front of her.

Why am I doing this?

She had been tucking away her things.
She looked up, noticing him.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Those who passed by stopped to stare as well.

Why am I doing this?

His tongue felt dry.

He opened his mouth, forcing the next words.

"... Come with me for a moment."

Why am I doing this?

She blinked, frozen as though she could not believe what was happening.

He was the same, too.

Why am I doing this?

He waited for her to answer,
blood rushing to his ear.

Then, very, very slowly, she nodded.

"... Okay."