Thoughts
Flashback
sounds
Tips: read slowly
Umi pov
I can't remember when it all started. When I realized that I had fallen for you. Was it when you looked at me worriedly when I was sick? Was it when you called out to me that day? Or… was it when we first meet during that day? I don't know when…
But all that matters is that I could stay by your side.
"Umi-chan~~!"
I turn and saw you, I feel like time had stopped as I took in what you are wearing. Soft grey-hair tied to the side with blue scrunchie along with that cute little tuff on your head, white inner shirt and blue vest with brown lining with a light blue skirt. So cute.
I snapped out of it and saw youwaving your hands in the air, calling my name while trying to catch my attention. Weaving through the crowd; I make my way to you. I greet you back while trying to catch my breath. You smiled and ask if there is a place that I wanted to go. I just shook my head and told you that any place is fine. I could feel myself getting excited for the date. After all, it has been a while since we have our last date, since both of us are busy with our works.
"Do you want to watch some movies then? There is this new movie filmed. It's been recommended." You talked while moving your arm in gestures. Cute… again it seems like that is all I could think of whenever I'm with you, I can't help but smile. Soon we've arrived at the cinema; we bought tickets and snacks for the movie. I looked around and saw that the place was nearly packed.
"We're lucky that we manage to snag the highest seats." You smiled while munching on some snacks. Lucky indeed. Looking at you sitting beside me, who wouldn't? –Although I would never say it out loud- I chuckle silently to myself. Not long after that the lights dimmed and the movie starts.
The movie was actually quite good. Both of us got good laughs watching the movie and we decided to have a walk home after having dinner. You talked animatedly about the movie. Your golden eyes shone when you talked about your favorite part of the movie and give some comments of your own about the movie. I listened to you while eating our shared fries.
"I mean really I can't believe that he fell down stepping on nothing! *laughs* that's so priceless."
Giggling, I off handedly commented on how the character brilliantly tricked his brother onto thinking that he was mute when he actually wasn't. You agreed and commented that it was sad that the character had to die in the end. You admit that it was a good plot twist. We talked for a while occasionally sipping on our milkshakes and eating fries.
Soon it is time to go home, I insisted to walk you back home. The walk was quiet, it wasn't awkward, rather it was actually quite comfortable. Though I noticed that although you were quiet, your eyes seemed to look far away. I could tell that something was on your mind and so I asked. You seemed hesitant at first but after contemplating everything you decided to tell me.
"There is actually something that I need to tell you…"
"Alright, meeting dismissed."
I clean up my things, preparing to go home. I greet my colleagues 'good bye' and went out of the building. As I walked down the streets I remembered what you told me few days ago…
"There is actually something that I need to tell you..."
I was worried. My heart beats rapidly as my mind wonders if anything or something had happened.
"Umi-chan… I-I-I got promoted."
I froze my mind went blank. I let out a breath that I didn't realize that I was holding, I flicked your forehead, you flinched and pouts as you give me the puppy eyed look. I moved my head near to your letting it touch, I told you not to scare me like that and that it was actually good news.
"I wasn't finished. My boss decided to send me to some country to present the business the day after tomorrow. And it's on the day of our anniversary!"
You whined and I told you that it is alright and that we could spend some time before you took off. You smiled and told me that you were glad that I wasn't sad for missing out on that day.
As I walk down the street a shop catches my eye. It was an antique shop, I walked in and the bell softly tinkles signaling that there are customers coming in. It seemed to be quite different than most antique shops. The shops bears simple to almost no decoration and yet gives off a warm and cozy feeling. The shelves sit many antique dolls, accessory and trinkets.
I look around not knowing what to buy and yet my heart tells me to keep on searching for… something. Not finding anything on the shelves interesting I walked to the counter, the shop void of people somehow didn't strike me as odd. I walked to the counter looking under the surface.
Something then catches my eye; it is a watch, a wristwatch to be precise. I didn't know why but the watch catches my eye. It looked like an ordinary watch. The time piece is silver in color with soft blue band. There were a few gems surrounding the watch's face, one on each side. The gem seemed to be glowing softly –though I would say that it was the trick of the light- and it seem to draw me in.
"See anything you like?"
I jumped, not expecting a voice. I looked up and saw –surprisingly- a woman no older than I am. Her low purple twin-tail hair sways softy as she walk to the counter. Her emerald eyes glance at what I was looking at. She then smiled –softer almost motherly- to me.
"Are you buying this watch?"
She asks. I nod and requested to buy the watch as a pair. "I will sell them to you but under one condition and for two prices." I ask her why. "The watch is no ordinary watch. The watch is enchanted. Once you wear them it will not stop, it will not break no matter how high it fell, as long as the heart stays true. It is a high price to pay, knowing this will you still take it?"
I was skeptical and hesitant but the notion of having something that my love has something of me pushes it away. I agreed and paid for the watch. "I will take the other price when the time comes after the sixth ring. Now I will tell you about the condition for having that watch." I wondered how she knew when to get the other price from me but my thoughts were caught off by her next puzzling words.
"The condition is… For your heart to be true to each other…"
Tick…
It was the day… the day of our anniversary and the day that you will travel to the other country. It was also two days since I bought that mysterious watch. Oddly the watch hand is not moving but seeing that I was nearly late, I ignore it as I rush to the airport.
As anxious as I was I knew that you would be able to take care of yourself so I had nothing to be worried about. I spend some time with you before your flight arrived. Deciding that it is the best time, I present to you the watch.
*Gasp* "Umi-chan?! B-but I didn't get you anything." You were shocked of course and guiltily eyed the present, I didn't mind since I said not to since I knew that you will be busy for your flight.
I told you that it is alright, that I've only bought it not long ago. You were happy and I was glad that I decided to buy the watch.
I told you about what the woman said of the watch, I knew that you were as skeptical as I am. You ask me whether I was sure I wasn't tricked. I ensure you that I wasn't –even though I didn't know if I was duped or not myself-. The watch shines beautifully on your wrist, its dark blue gem glowing softly under the sun light.
Not long after your flight has arrived and we hugged for a while, you and I said our 'good bye' and 'I love you'. You promised to call once you've arrived and that you will mail me every week whenever you could. I waved you good bye and watches as the plane ready to took off. I didn't realize that the watch that I put on, the watches hand that wasn't moving that morning had moved without me even realizing.
Tick…Tick…
That night, I was sitting on my work desk finishing up some leftover paperwork on my laptop when I got a call on my phone. Looking at the ID I saw that it was your name. Excited I close my laptop and answer your call. You told me that you have arrived at the hotel and safely tucked on the bed. I laughed at how silly you were being and can't help but found it endearing.
"Are you tired? If you are you should rest. I'm sure that we could talk tomorrow when you not tired." I insisted. Not wanting to pressure you to stay up.
*giggle* "Umi-chan, I'm fine. I miss you." It's a good thing that I'm already sitting down. If I was still standing I would definitely fall since my leg decided to become a useless jelly.
We talked till late at night. You would've insisted to talk throughout the night if I hadn't reminded you of work the next day. I could tell that you were pouting even through the phone and knowing that I laughed quietly before decided to finally hang up –though not before promising that we would talk again next time- that night I slept peacefully.
The first few weeks we talked as much as we could while exchanging more information to each other. You told me how it went with the industry over there and I told you what had been happening here. This went on and on.
It was then few weeks later I was hoarded by work, only taking a break when I want to eat. I haven't heard from you for a few days but I knew you were busy with work also judging by the tired sound of your voice whenever we could talk.
When we do finally manage to talk to each other, either you would fell asleep first or I would. So I always tried to get to you before going to work during the morning, even then it is rare, since I either have to go to work earlier or both of us would sleep through the calls.
Tick…Tick… Tick…
..cr…k...
A month flew by and tomorrow, it was time for Kotori to go back and also a special day. I finish up work as much as I could so I will have the day off on that day. I could feel myself get excited. I got off from work early.
"You're done for the day?" My boss, the red-head greet me as I cleaned my desk. I give her a nod and told that I've got something to do. "Alright, take care of yourself and enjoy your day off." Her raven haired companion said to me while she tries to catch up with the boss.
"Hey, Maki! Wait up!"
"What are you doing here?"
"Can't I visit my dearest tsundere?"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING TSUNDERE?"
I sigh. I swear that they are dating despite their denials. I mean everyone could practically see it. I shook my thoughts away and went to the nearest store to buy something for dinner later. I haven't told Kotori that I finished early. I think I'll just surprise her by making dinner. She did think that I would be busy with work. With that thought in mind I finished my shopping quickly and went back to my apartment.
After taking a quick shower and cleaning up the apartment, I went and prepare the foods. I look at the clock on the wall and saw that it was 7pm. Kotori should be here about another hour. 30 minutes later the food was heated and the table was set. I sat down on the couch and decided to watch the TV while waiting. Without realizing an hour or so had passed. Worried I decided to give you a call.
*Ring* come on *ring* *ring* come on *ring* *ring*
*Click* "H-Hello?" Your voice came on –Oh how missed your voice- your voice sounding cracked and tired. "Kotori?"
"U-Umi-chan?!" Your voice sound much clearer now. "Kotori, where are you? Aren't you suppose to go back today?" I heard you gasp and stuttered. "I-I was b-but my boss decided to extend my time here a-and apparently they still need my help here. A-and I was going to call you earlier after work but I accidentally forgotten." Long silence… "U-Umi-chan? A-are you angry?" I heard you asked timidly. Oh so that's why. I silently let out a sigh of relief, glad that nothing had happened.
"No. No. I'm not angry I'm just glad that you're alright. I-I was worried that something had happened."
"I-I'm sorry." I heard your voice fades a little. "It's alright. You should rest."
"A-alright. I'm really sorry for making you worry Umi-chan…" I feel myself let out a small smile.
"It's alright. You were busy."
"Goodnight Umi-chan."
"Goodnight Kotori." And the line went dead.
"Happy Birthday Kotori." I look at the present sitting beside me.
Staring at the wrapped present, I decided to mail it to Kotori tomorrow. Finishing my dinner, I put the leftovers in the fridge and went to bed after brushing my teeth. Hopefully Rin didn't mess up my mail this time.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
..crrr…k….
Months passed by. We hardly ever talked after our last call. It still hurts. I wonder how are you Kotori?
It was a few months after the call –the day when you were supposed to come back- I was hanging out with some co-workers, celebrating a good news from Maki and Nico. They were getting married within the next month –Finally!- so they decided to celebrate that night and also celebrating my birthday –that somehow they had found out-.
After hours of celebrating, I decided to go back home. It took me a while to go back to my room seeing that I was a bit drunk. I didn't know that you were back home since you said that you've been held for a bit longer in New York. So it was a surprise to see you in my living room. Though what shocked me more was that you were angry that night. At me. I couldn't exactly remember what exactly happened.
I just knew that you were accusing me of something –later I realized that the smell of alcohol and my messy clothing would probably send wrong message to you- and I was denying everything you've said. I knew I wasn't doing anything that would get you angry but feelings got the better of us and the next thing I knew, my head sharply snapped to the side, my left check stung as I stare blankly to the side.
My bangs hid my eyes, so you wouldn't see the tears in my eyes. You left in a hurry screaming that you hated me. Idiotically, I just stood there before everything catches up. When it did, I fell on the floor curled up wailing and crying until I fainted. That is how Maki found me when I didn't show up to work for weeks, curled up and crying in my bed.
After a few weeks of trying to get in touch with you, and not answering made me lose hope. I still keep on trying to reach to you. Mail, text's, calls and none were received or accepted. Now walking along the shopping center, I walk around trying to find the lottery booth, trying the lottery given to me earlier by a blond haired lady.
"Welcome! Welcome! Try your luck on the prize! Only 2 left!"
"Oh! Welcome ma'am. Would you like to try?"
Nodding, I walked to the booth and handed the ticket to the vendor. I take a look at the prizes and saw only the golden prize and a silver prize along with consolation prize. Turning the lottery barrel around, a marble fell out.
Clang! Clang!
"Congratulations ma'am! You've won the golden prize!" He grabs the box prize and handed me a ticket. "Enjoy your weekend!" I look at the ticket on my hand. What it says on the ticket left me in shock. XX/06/2016 Departure: 9:00am. Destination: New York. I feel like the air was knocked out of my lungs. This is it. A chance! I'll be able to clear our misunderstanding. Wait for me Kotori! I have the perfect idea. The date is a week from now. I need to clear up my work before asking for a leave. With such determination driving me, I went back to home already planning to finish up my work early.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
…crrr…kkk…
"Thank you for flying with us! We hope you have a nice day~!" The flight attendance greets as all the passengers got off the plane and to the arrival section. Waiting for the taxi, I stood there for a minute as I took in the view. Good thing that I'm wearing thick clothes. When the taxi came to view I wave it over and got in.
"Where to young lady?" The man spoke in perfect English. "O-Oh could you go t-to this place, p-please?" I gave the man a slip of paper, an address, as I stutter. Nodding, the man gives me back the paper and drove off. I sat there in silence as I took in the moving surrounding, feeling nervous.
Before I knew it, the cab stopped. I look up and saw a huge building, the building where you were sent. GreyBird Co. The biggest chain of clothing company. The building is much bigger than the ones in japan. I walked in and went to the receptionist. The chestnut-haired woman look up while giving a small timid smile, adjusting her glasses she greets me.
"Hello, w-welcome to the GreyBird Co. H-how can I h-help you?"
"Can I ask if Kotori Minami is in?" The woman looked puzzled at first before replying.
"I'm afraid that Minami-san is out for the day. Would you like to leave her a message?" I shook my head.
"No, it's alright. Thank you. Do you know where she might go to?" The woman ponders before saying that you would've probably gone to eat dinner. I thank her before I went out. I walk around just staring into nothing before I went in one of the store to buy a snack. After getting the snack I went back out, not realizing I was in someone's path, we collide. I hold my head feeling a bit woozy from the impact. I stand up to apologize.
"O-oh, I'm sorry. I didn't –"
"No, it's al-"
I froze because right in front of me was the one person I was searching for. Kotori. You looked shocked also and I saw an emotion flicker in your eyes. Fear? Why? I shrug of my thoughts and went to hug you. You stood there still motionless that is until I hugged you.
"U-umi-chan?! Wh-What are you doing here?" You asked me, voice high but I didn't think too much of it.
"I-I wanted to see you and to say that I'm sorry for that night. It was a misunderstanding." You release from my hug and look at me.
"I-it's alright. I-"
"Kotori-chan!" at the shout you whipped around in shock and a ginger haired woman hugged you. Again that look, what is it? Who is she anyway? Is she her friend? She a Japanese too. Must be one of her- My thoughts broke what I saw in front of me. It broke my heart as I try not to burst out in tears.
There you were in front of me with an unknown woman –unknown to me that is- your hands linked together while she kiss you. You broke the kiss, face flushed, and turn your head away. The ginger finally saw me.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
…crrraaaccckkk… …crrraaackkk…
"Oh, hello. Sorry I didn't see you there. I'm Honoka Kousaka, Kotori's girlfriend." She held out her hand. I took a peek at you and saw you avoiding my eyes. "I'm Umi Sonoda. Kotori's f-friend." My heart throbbed; it took me all my will not to grasp my chest as I held in the tears.
"H-honoka-chan. Could you go and get me some drink? I need to talk to umi-chan."
"Alright." The ginger went in the store. Awkward silence hung before I decided to break the silence.
"Your girlfriend, huh?" I look away my bang hiding my eyes. I didn't want to look at you, in fear that I would burst out crying. So that's why you have that expression. The fear and guilt.
"U-Umi-cha-" "How long." I cut you off and you look at me confused, I still refuse to look at you.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
…crrraaaccckk…crrraaackkk… crrraaackkk…
"How long, were both of you together?"
"A few months. We officially started after our fight."
You answered quietly. I stay quiet. So it's been that long. Is that why you couldn't come back home? Because of her? But one thing in my head was why? WHY? WHY? WHY? Was I not enough? Was it because she is more precious to you? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
…crrraaaccckk…crrraaackkk…crrraaackkk… crrraaackkk…
I let out a sigh before walking away. "U-umi-cha-" I cut her off again, for the last time. "Well, I-I hope that she made you m-more happier t-than I did." I walk off not hearing her replies. I ran and ran. Trying to get my mind off everything.
I slowed down and walk instead. I look to my hand, I was holding a small velvet box. Looking at it brings more pain in my chest and this time I couldn't stop my tears. Why… you promised…
It was months after we started dating. We were laying down on a wide hill, looking at the stars. When you suddenly asks, "Ne, Umi-chan. Do you think that we will get married someday?" I looked at you, a little bit incredulous, it was still early for us to know I told you. "Besides we don't have enough money yet." You were silent before we make a promise.
"Then, when we do, would you accept me to be yours?" You said giving me a velvet box. I sat down and look straight to your eyes. I gripped the box holding it near me.
"Yes, I would. Until then please, stay with me."
And now, that promise will never be fulfilled. I lament at my cowardly self. I was planning to ask you today but it seems that I was too late. And I didn't realize that the whole time I was walking, my time is also running out.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
I didn't realize that as I cross the street, a truck was heading my way in a fast speed. Loud horn blares to the night sky. By the time I turn around it was too late.
*HOOOOOOOOOOONK!* *SCREEEECH*
*CRASH*
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
A bright light shone as I squint, trying to adjust my eye as I look at my surroundings. It was black, an endless void. Oddly enough there were two chairs in the middle of the void. One of the chairs is occupied, by a purple-haired woman, she looked familiar. I racked my brain when I remembered who she was. "Y-you!" The woman just calmly smiled and gestures to the chair in front of her.
"Please. Sit down." I took a seat while eyeing her warily.
"Don't fret. I'm not here to harm you. I'm just here to get my payment." She explains to me. "Do you remember what happened to you?"
I nod and retell her what had happened. I ask her about the payment and how I would payback since I don't have any money with me anymore. She just smiles and told me everything. That on the day that I bought the watch, I was in some kind of a test. The watch was searching for a true 'heart'. Many of its owners previously before wasn't successful and it seems like that this time I was also unsuccessful.
"And so, as I said when we made the deal, it is a high price to pay. Once the watch cracked and broken, it fixed itself by taking the owner's soul." I was shocked. I knew that the watch was something unexplainable but to take its owners souls is just…
"Please, just take mine. Don't take Kotori's." The woman looked shocked.
"But if I were to take your soul you will die. Currently you're not dead but if I did what you insisted you would definitely die." I shook my head.
"Even so, I don't want Kotori to die. I will take her place also please, just don't let her die." The woman went quiet. "Very well if that is what you wished for but I would have to take her memory of you since you are taking her part of the deal." I nod and steel myself, I'm just glad that Kotori wouldn't die.
I'm glad that I could at least do this. Kotori, I hope that Honoka will make you happier in my place. I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill my promise to you. I love you forever more.
"G-GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH"
Tick…Tick…Tick…
Tick…Tick…Tick…
Tick…Tick…Tick…
Tick…Tick…Tick…
…CCRRRAAACCCK!...
==END==