Hello, hello! Kusa, here~ I was so frustrated because of the (damned) writer's block so I decided to do the shuffle challenge. Don't kill me if it's mostly angst and/or random, because wow my playlist. It's just too magical.

Disclaimer - Inazuma Eleven Series belongs to LEVEL-5!

Tears of Regret
 SCANDAL - 涙のリグレット

[ It was never been an easy thing to say goodbye, wasn't it? ]

The summer streets glimmered that day. I could never forget how painful it was to look at your face, seemingly calm and cold towards the things that hurt me the most; you were never one to care about petty feelings such as this, but... why can't I be as ignorant as you? I just can't erase this feeling, no matter what I try. Pathetic, indeed, yet... is it because I, myself, don't want to erase it?

You put your luggage beside you, as you stood there with me beside you, waiting for the bus that was to come. To pick you up from this small town, to somewhere that is surely filled with much more challenges waiting to be beaten.

You always liked challenge, right? I could see that; from all the years I've spent with you, during your lowest and highest...

I wonder if we looked like lovers in front of others' eyes?

Such hopeful thinking...

As I looked at you discreetly from the corner of my eyes, I couldn't help but to be reminded of our younger years.

"Ibuki-kun!"

"What is it, (L/N)?" You asked, a smile etched on your lips.

"Would you help me water the flowers at my house?"

It took a while for you to reply, because chores of any types were the number one thing you hated the most. "...Sure," you replied, which surprised me, "But in turn... you got to make me some takoyaki, alright?"

A pout, "Mou... you aaalways want that as a payment... oh well! Mom just went to the grocery store earlier this morning, so I guess we have a lot of ingridients!"

Another smile from you, "Well, what are we waiting for? To the (L/N) Family Garden!" I could only giggle as I followed you towards my house.

I wonder... when did this love, this undying love for you started?

I wonder... why is it so hard for you to realize?

Maybe I'm nothing more than a childhood friend for you, maybe I'm nothing more than a girl next-door, but... would you please look at me, for what I'm worth?

...I hate you. I hate your arrogance.

But I can't seem to stop loving you.

As we grew older, our reflections grew apart. We were no longer always by each others' side; you because of your newly found obsession, basketball, and I because I didn't have the courage to meet you face-to-face.

The bus came earlier than we expected. I tried to steel myself, as we nodded at each other. No, no tears would fall here; you're going to reach your dream, after all. Shouldn't I be happy? I should send you off with a smile... because you've promised me that you'll come back with success.

"I'll call you." You said, after a moment of silence.

"...Yeah," I replied to you, holding back my tears. Seeing your eyes, I couldn't help but to worry, "...How will you survive in the city... if you're so unobservant...? To not realize my feelings..."

"...(F/N)?" Ibuki's call snapped me back to reality. I hastily shook my head to dispel bad thoughts. How could I be this way? I'm not being a good friend at all...

"...Good luck, Ibuki."

That was the last thing she said, before I entered the bus. After the door closed automatically, I turned to look at her, just to see her crying, as she desperately tried to wipe the tears off of her cheeks with her arm.

Just as I thought, I can't live without you, after all.

"I'll come back after I attained my dream."

"Really?"

"Yes."

...And by that time, I'm sure I could face your feelings and mine properly.