CHAPTER 2
I'm on my flight back to Osaka. I should have told Kazuha that I'd be back tonight, but unfortunately my stupid cell phone doesn't have any battery left. I should have charged it last night.
She must be angry at me. I promised her this morning that I would turn on my cell just in case something happens to … well, either of us. But I broke that promise. Again. Oh God, I assure you she will be angry at me for only emailing her once today. And I couldn't even receive her reply since my cell died right after I sent it. Hopefully she did get my email. Or I'll be dead tomorrow morning.
I am sometimes still scared of her. She hits like a man does. Now before you say anything, I'm not saying that she's a man; she's a woman for God's sake. A really powerful, scary, yet beautiful woman whom I love ever since I was small. But it took me more than a decade to realize that because I was too stubborn to do just that. Although, I was more than happy when I told her that I was in love with her. She was as well by the look on her face. She even cried when she heard the three words from me. And hit me with the most painful whack I've ever received in my entire life. But I know that I deserved it, for making her cry. And for making her wait for the words to flow.
I still remember it clearly. It happened just after we both graduated from high school. Before we went to our separate places, I pulled her by the hand to an isolated corner where no-one could see. I heard some snickers and wolf-whistles from some of our friends, but I didn't care by bit. I just carried on walking with her behind me.
"Heiji, what is it? Where are we going?"
I kept her wondering where we're heading until we reached our destination. She was leaning against the wall with me standing just in front of her, still holding her hand. I kept silent for awhile, stroking her soft hand. Never knew it was that soft; should have done it a long time ago.
"Heiji?"
I looked up to see her looking at me with a stunning smile plastered on her face.
"What is it?" she asked again, now running her free hand on my cheek.
I let out a steady breath and started talking, "Kazuha, we've been best friends ever since we were kids right? And I know that we've fought a number of times; so many times that I lost count."
She interrupted me with a giggle. God, I thought I just died right there.
I had to clear my throat before I continued, "Anyway even though we argue almost every minute, I know that we do that because we care for each other. I know I do. But –"
"I care for you too, Heiji."
I grinned when I saw a blush on her small face. "Great then."
Kazuha sheepishly smiled. "Okay, go on."
"I know that you argue with me because you're worried for me. And I really appreciate that," I said, bowing my head down since it's really hard talking to her with her eyes boring into mine. "I am too, you know; worried for you that is."
Kazuha lifted up my chin with her fingers. "Look at me when you're talking, Heiji. I can barely hear you."
I gulped and cleared my throat again. "What I've been trying to say is that I really, really love you, Kazuha Toyama. I'm in love with you."
Kazuha then started crying. "Say it again. Louder this time," she said, trying in vain to brush her tears away.
"I'm in love with you, Kazuha," I said, now my turn to brush her tears. I smiled as I saw her leaning against my hand on her cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned in closer.
"I love you too, Heiji," she replied after we broke apart.
I was really happy that we finally declared our love to each other. But my smile quickly disappeared when she whacked my arm. It was really painful. I could sometimes feel how sore it was until this date.
But the rest is history. We're now happily married for a few years. We still argue sometimes though.
A few more minutes and this plane will land. I will practically run so that I can get a taxi as soon as possible. I wanna meet her so badly. Hopefully she doesn't wait for me like she usually does. And I don't want her to cry her eyes out when I get there. I really hate to see her cry and to know that I'm the cause of it. I really am an ahou, no arguments there.
Half an hour later, I find myself standing in front of our bedroom. The light is already off so she should be sleeping right now. I put my luggage, carefully not to make a sound, outside the door and get inside. I inwardly sigh as I see the view in front of me; Kazuha sleeping with my pillow in her arms, dry tears on her face. I quietly walk across the room and get into bed, just behind her. I sneak both my arms around her waist and pull her close, trying to get her scent that I love so much. I kiss her hair and whisper, "I'm sorry," knowing that she will wake up.
"Heiji?"
"I'm here, Kazuha. I'm home."
I feel her shaking, she's crying again. "Ahou."
"I'm sorry," I say again, before kissing her shoulder. "My cell has no battery so I can't call you."
"Ahou."
"I know and I'm sorry."
"Ahou."
"Go back to sleep, Kazuha. It's still too early."
Kazuha turns around and looks at me in the eye. "Promise you won't leave me?"
I kiss her lips instead, longer than the usual. I release her as the need of air increases and lean against her forehead. "I promise."
Kazuha's tears are still pouring.
"Please stop crying, Kazuha," I plead. "I really hate it when you cry."
"Then stop making me cry, you ahou."
I kiss her forehead and tuck her under my chin. "Let's go to sleep," I say, running my hand up and down her back. "We're both tired and sleepy."
"Love you," she whispers into my chest.
"Love you too."
A/N: Don't forget to review! Thank you.
