IT HURTS

Chapter 1

I stared at the dark sky as I reminisced what happened earlier. I just couldn't accept it, my father's death. Tears welled up in my eyes and began rolling down my cheeks like rivulets. I felt like the world started collapsing on me. Why am I still alive? What's the point of living? Questions filled my thoughts. I couldn't think straight and I just kept walking straight without giving a thought of my surroundings. Suddenly, out of the blue, I was pushed aside. I turned around and saw a girl breathing heavily beside me.

"What were you thinking!?" she questioned.

I turned around and saw a car off road. I quickly got hold off the situation and gave a sigh.

"Dying huh. Maybe I should just die. Wouldn't that settle all my problems." I said as I bit my lips.

I turned my gaze to her and recognize who it was. It was Maya, she was my classmate in my second year of high school. Didn't expect to bump into her here.

"Are you okay, Hagane?" she asked.

I stood up and just gave a nod to her without any exchange of words. I turned around and started walking. I couldn't face anyone now, not now.

Maya suddenly grabbed hold of my arm and started to walk towards the other direction. She went into one of the nearby café and we both sat down.

"Let me ask you again, are you okay?" she asked as she gave me a look of concern.

Maya was not just a classmate, she was my childhood friend. It was natural for her to be this worried since she never seen me like this before.

"Would you listen to my story, Maya? I asked.

She just replied with a nod and listened to my story.

"I've always lived a hard life, had to work multiple jobs just to support my family while still attending school. My father been crippled after a certain accident which occurred a few years back. So I had to do what I had to do. However it turned out to be a waste. My father died a few hours ago and I was astonished and couldn't believe the news. My pillar of hope crumble in front of my eyes, I've lost everything." I explained.

I was shock of what Maya did next. She took my hand to her face and tears started streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry Hagane, I didn't know. She said.

"What are you crying for? I asked.

"I'm crying for you Hagane, I don't want you to cry alone. So Hagane, don't lose hope cause I'm always here for you. She said.

I didn't know what to say. I turned my gaze to Maya and she gave me a sadden smile. I knew that she was always there for me. So God, don't take anything else from me. Let me protect this one person you gave me, Maya.

"Thanks Maya, for being there for me." I thanked her.

"Always." She replied her a big smile.

"Let's go home Maya." I said.

We both then exited the café and made our way home. Soon after, I was in front my house.

"You didn't have to walk me home Maya, It's the guys job to walk a lady home, not the other way round." I said.

"I felt like it. So don't mind me." She replied.

I then gave Maya a hug. I will protect you Maya, no matter where you are. So God, let me protect this one person, for my sake.

Maya soon developed a blush across her checks.

"Ha... Ha...gane?" she stuttered.

"Yeah?" I asked

"How long are you going to hug me?" she asked while flustered.

"I'm never letting you go, ever." I said.

"Bu... but," she stuttered.

"I'm just joking." I said with a smile.

I soon let her go and said my goodbyes.

"See you tomorrow, Maya." I said.

"Yeah. See you tomorrow too Hagane." She replied.

She then gave me a kiss on the cheek and then ran off. I stood there flustered and happy.

"I'll protect you Maya" I said.

To be continued.