©Tanaka Meca
Support the mangaka by buying her works c:
I'LL ALWAYS BE HERE
I was sitting in the back seat of the car with Teppei excitedly giggling in his seat. I had tears of laughter in my eyes. Dad was driving in front, laughing happily. Mom was beside him, equally happy.
A big truck suddenly appeared out of nowhere, smashing its way towards us.
The last thing I remembered was the horrified faces of my parents trying to cover Teppie & me with their own bodies.
Everything went black.
When I blinked my eyes open, I was standing in a beach at early sunset. Teppei was gripping my left hand as he stared at our parents who were standing before us.
They were also holding each other's hand, smiling so kindly. They looked...different. They were glowing & slightly translucent.
Though they never opened their mouths, I heard them say, 'Fumino, take good care of Teppei for us, okay? Teppei, be a good boy, listen to what bun-cha will tell you.' Teppei started to sob.
'We love you so much, always remember that. Goodbye, Fumino, Teppei...We will see each other again.' They turned their back on us & walked away.
'W-wait! Mom, Dad!' I yelled to them but they didn't seem to hear me. I carried Teppei in my arms & ran as fast as my feet could carry us both.
They were just walking leisurely along the beach but I couldn't catch up to them, though I was running at full speed.
'Wait, please! Mom! Dad!' I pleaded. 'Don't leave us alone...' my voice broke as I cried & my knees gave away.
I woke up with a startle. I sat up on the futon, clutching my pounding chest.
A dream. It was just a dream.
I was breathing hard like I'd really been running. My knees were trembling...no, not only my knees but my whole body was pretty shaken up. I had my hands clenched in a tight fist. Sweats trickled down my temples & neck. My cheeks were wet too; I was crying.
I glanced beside me & Teppei was there, peacefully sleeping. An overwhelming surge of relief flooded through me. Then I remembered my parents' faces before the car crashed; scared & horrified. My eyes welled up again.
After a few moments, I stood up, still shaking & crying, I went to the kitchen for some water.
The faces of my parents still lingered in my mind I couldn't help but cry silently.
'Fumino?'
'Gah!' I gasped. I'd probably dropped the glass if it wasn't resting on top of the kitchen counter.
There, silhouetted in the bright moonlight seeping through the window, was Sensei.
'Sorry,' he apologized.
I quickly wiped my tears. 'I-it's o-okay.' I stuttered.
He clicked on the lights & the sudden brightness blinded me. I covered my eyes with my trembling hands & stifled a sniff.
'Are you alright?' I heard him asked.
I nodded, still hiding my face from him, pretending to be shielding my eyes from the light.
A gentle grip on my wrists pulled my hands away, revealing my red-rimmed eyes.
'Hey... what's wrong?' He asked ever so kindly.
'Had bad dream?' he prompted when I didn't respond. He lowered to my level trying to hold my eyes.
I sniffed like a child & nodded. He enveloped me in his arms & caressed my hair, 'ssshhh... its okay. I'm here,' he said as he kissed my forehead.
It wasn't actually a nightmare (as it was about my parents) but I don't like having dreams like that. It reminded me so much of day of the accident. It felt like my physical & emotional wounds were freshly opened again.
'Come on, let's get you to bed. You got a lot of exams tomorrow, right?' He led me towards our bedroom. I tensed; I knew he wouldn't dare to do anything but just in case...
He lied down on to my right side of the futon. I was wedged between him & Teppei, who was mumbling something about Ryuu-sensei.
I lay there, blankly staring at the ceiling. But I was aware that sensei was looking at me.
He gently put his hand on my eyes, blocking my perfect view of the ceiling.
'Sleep.' He ordered.
'I don't want to...' I protested; my eyes stinging again.
'You have to,' he insisted.
I gulped & sniffed, 'if I close my eyes, I'll see things I don't want to see,' I whispered, fighting the tears that threatened to wet Sensei's hand.
He moved his hand on my cheek & turned my head to face him. His face was full of love & kindness as he smiled at me.
'Then just look at me,' he said as his touch on my cheek left burning marks.
Involuntarily, I put my own hand on his cheek, 'Sensei...'
'Hmm?'
'Are you tired of taking care of us?'
He looked surprised, 'Look, I don't know what you have dreamed of, but I will never ever leave my family. Got that?' He pinched my nose. 'Now, go to sleep & I'll always be here . I promise.' He said in a serious voice & solemn eyes.
I sighed & smiled gratefully.
'Thank you, Sensei.' I mumbled as I closed my eyes.
He pulled me closer to him & kiss my forehead, 'I love you,' he whispered.
'I love you too,' I whispered back as blood ran to my cheeks.
We cuddled each other as the night closed on us.
minna-san, konnichiwa!
natsu_no_sora desu, yoroshiku onegaishimasu! m(_ _)m
hai, so...this is my first story for FTAK, I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading!
I hope to see your reviews, bye! C: