Chapter 1: Arrange Marriage
Never Wait
It is common custom to all Japanese to be engaged even before birth like my story.
By the way my name is Fuuko Kirisawa, as written on my birth certificate. It was unfortunate for me because I am a child of a very traditional family who practices arranged marriages, my mom and dad are also arranged and also my grandmother
and grandfather.
Before I can even step the earth's ground I was already engage to Tokiya Mikagami, the son of my parent's closest friends. At a very young age we were already told that we would soon be wed when we reach the age of maturity. For us to get along our parents let us play together, Tokiya which I later called Mi-chan is actually okay, we get along fine. Every time someone bullies me at school he is always there to protect me, he is always there when I needed help and we play together like there is no tomorrow. I even told him my secret that I wished I was a guy so I can be allowed to go to fieldtrips, run around like crazy..blah blah…that's when he started to call me a monkey because it suited my freakish personality.
We became very much inseparable where ever I go he goes it made me think we are destined to stay together not minding our future being arranged by our parents. Everything changed though, when Mi-chan turned 7 his parents died due
to a car accident, and to make it worst at age 9 his sister was killed by 2 robbers who barged in their house.
I don't know what his sister told him before she leaves this world but after the unfortunate event he started acting too mature for his age, I even remembered
walking up to him asking him if he wants to play but he brushes me off and told
me to grow-up. It was the first time he acted so coldly to me. The very next day
I was told by his nanny that he was sent by his relatives abroad to study and I never heard from him after that.
Even though it ended ugly, his nanny/caretaker frequently visits my family when she feels lonely.
The last 6 years, I had cast a shadow in my life. I felt so incomplete…I don't know why? I was gloomy and moody at the same time. I stop playing the piano, I always end up in trouble, I engage myself in street fights just to entertain myself from my boredom, must be the Mi-chan effect. He was my pillar and without him I slowly collapse trying hard to build myself back again. I tried to be mature and kept a cool persona…I changed a lot because of him.
I'm also in love with a friend of mine whom I met after Mi-chan left. His name is Recca Hanabishi. He was such a big challenge for me because he never sees me as a girl but a boy inside a girl's body (to think I had long hair back then and he doesn't find me attractive!). He was my only friend…well sort of because we always end up fighting. Other than him I have no more friends because of my straight forward and fighter persona (which I find weird because I used to be the one who's always been protected) everybody was scared of me causing me to be a loner.
I changed though after meeting a very sick girl named Kirin. Our friendship was accidental I never want her to see my soft side. I was too stubborn for changes but not once did she give-up just to be my friend. She maybe weak but she was able to open my lonesome mind after blocking me from being hit by a gangster. I was able to save us both on time. I admire her patience, courage and strong-will she changed me and I thank her from the bottom of my heart. She left the country after the incident to treat her sickness (which was cancer, I even cut my long hair and offered it to her) and we still remain friends. In addition to my friendship tree I met Domon, one of my challengers who became madly in love of me after losing to me…lol
Everything has change after that 2 years later I grow up thinking the arrange marriage was just a big gag. It was my high school debut, I'm happy and contented with my one-sided love with Recca. Fate though has yet played a trick on me when Yanagi came along. I was heart broken again and it was enough for me to act before thinking. The next thing I know I was already trying to kill him with a madagou a strange woman gave me. He was able to save me though from killing myself from my own actions. Little did I know before I even blackout I saw a familiar man standing outside the school gates.
When I thought everything was fine after accepting that fact that all I felt from Recca was infatuation, I began feeling Mi-chan's presence. This feeling of mine was answered after his nanny excitedly went to our house announcing everyone that Mi-chan has returned. My world shatters thinking the arranged marriage is back and I never want to think about it.
Days after hearing upon Mi-chan's return Yanagi, Recca's hime disappeared. I as the closest friend of Recca comforted and helped him find Yanagi. I was surprised to see Mi-chan behind everything…I can't blame the girl if she looks like his dead sister. Mi-chan's kind of possessive with things. I don't give a shit of whatever is coming in and out of his big brain so I just leave the fighting stuff to Recca. Mi-chan lost in the end…he can't battle with true love, you know!
So many questions I wanted to ask him after he came back but he acted as if we just met. I want to show him the new me but he always snicker and call me a monkey I always repay him with a knuckle punch or a kick. Once when we were alone I suddenly have the urge to ask him what has been bothering me for the past 8 years.
"Mi-chan…uhm…why did you leave?" I gulped worrying that he would not answer my question. He looks at me, there was a long pause and I was losing my patience that I started tapping my foot.
"I wanted you to feel free…"he answered emotionlessly. I gave a dumbfound expression at his reply then I mentally kick myself after pondering what he meant. "Can we start over again…as friends?" I asked, I didn't mean the romantic type of starting over again but I guess he knew what I was implying when he smiled. He never shows this other side of him to others…just Yanagi and I when we are alone.
"Hi, I'm Fuuko Kirisawa!" I smiled and reach a hand in front of him. He looks at me then at my hand for awhile pondering whether how to react on this, a few seconds later he smirks then turn his back against me. "I don't befriend monkeys!" he sneers before leaving me hot headed. I have forgiven him though right then and there. He was in love with Yanagi together with his rival Recca, I was left to look for someone else to love…Domon was definitely out of the question.
(A/N: I would not bother telling the whole Sodom fight….knowing that you already know the story…Fuuko met Raiha…)
Two years after Sodom, I let my hair grow leaving my boyish looks behind, I started getting suitors which I don't get to entertain because I was too busy with my studies. Mi-chan was always there to help even with the simplest school work. I was for my parent's gratitude after treating him like their own son. They were still hoping though and as surprise as it sounds…I was also hoping he would reconsider both our parent's arrangement but I don't want to tie him down. I fell in love with him secretly wanting to see him everyday, wanting to know him more. But It all came to an end when he was about to leave again for college. Those two years wasn't enough for me to know the real him. I wanted him to stay…yes I'm selfish!
"Mi-chan can't you consider studying here instead?" I asked him why tying his tie. He silently wears his toga and then looks at me. "You're falling for me aren't you?" he said with a serious tone. "I…um…yeah" I nodded as a reply. He gave a frown and his hand reaches my shoulders. "I have dreams Fuuko…and I know you have yours too" he answered a little hesitation. I knew he has forgotten his feelings for Yanagi so I give no hesitation in expressing my feelings for him. "I want you and only you that is my only dream!!" I answered back, tears betraying me. "Then you have to consider my dream then" he glared at me. I forgot how selfish he also is, I found myself running out of words. His eyes suddenly soften after seeing my broken his fingers wiped the tears on my eyes. "I want you to feel free…" he whispered before leaving me again, this time I was angry.
We are a good match but not in the good time.
A/N: By the way the story of Kirin was base in the Manga mostly of it was true…yes, Fuuko used to have longer hair and she used to be like Tokiya (girl version) except she has little patience. For more info read vol. 7 around chapter 68 of Flame of Recca. Guys!!! Please don't be afraid to give your comments!! Tnx!!