Background Information: This fic takes place three days after The Hand of Time Incident in the anime (episode 23, to be precise), you know, with Freedert, and everything? Risa and Riku discovers that Hiwatari-kun is actually Krad, "white Dark", as Risa calls him. Risa blacks out, and Hiwatari covers her with his jacket, and leaves her on a bench. Upon awakening, she finds a white feather, which she stares at during the song "caged bird"
Disclaimer: not mine. I have yet to think of something witty to say in my disclaimer.
She Smiled
Why do some people smile with ease? How can they forgive you, knowing that you've hurt them. Why do they want to still be your friend? It doesn't make sense. As such, Risa Harada defies comprehension.
"What's the matter, Hiwatari-kun?" she said out of the blue three days after the Hand of Time incident, her eyes shining with concern. I looked away. I don't deserve that look.
"Don't you hate me?" I asked, ignoring her question.
She looked thoughtful for a second before answering without hesitation, a tinge of confusion in her voice, "No. Why. Why would you ask?"
It isn't a light matter. Did she forget already? Hurting her, along with Niwa-kun and Harada-san has plagued me with guilt for the last few nights. I will never forgive myself for being weak.
"I hurt you." I heard myself say.
"It's not like you wanted to! Don't worry. It was nothing serious. You saved us from white Dark, and I'm grateful."
Is she being serious? Or is she just being polite, mocking and despising me somewhere deep down in her heart? As if she had read my thoughts, she smiled sweetly to assure me of the validity of her words.
"Oh, here's your jacket. Sorry, it's a bit crumpled."
"...thank you." I stepped closer to her to retreive it. Her hand reached up and lightly touched mine. "I don't know what you are thinking, but know that I care about you, Hiwatari-kun."
I feel warm inside. Thank you, Risa.
END