A/N: I can't believe that I actually managed to get over the laziness of not wanting to upload this story. Mina-san! I'm back from hiatus! And my plan is to complete this story by the end of July! Hopefully I can manage with this mission. It really means a lot to get ride off another uncompleted story... NAN TE NEE! Enjoy the chapter!

As always. I don't own IE or it characters. I only own my own OC's and this plot!

Chance 3: He Regretted It
~ It Can Be Done! ~

"Ryuuji-kun…"

"Wake up, Ryuuji-kun…" Midorikawa heard a faint voice speaking and squinted. What he saw, was Akai lay on top him while trying her best to wake him up.

A blood rushed to his cheeks as he stared at the love of his life. Akai seemed to be oblivious of her actions or his feelings towards her, as she only smiled widely seeing him open his eyes.

"Good that you're awake, Ryuuji-kun. Now dress up and come to eat breakfast, otherwise we will be late for school." Akai told and left the room to prepare for breakfast.

Midorikawa stared at the closing door, speechless… What in the world was going on? Never had she come on her own to wake him up, less alone called him by his first name. She had always left the house on her own and he usually found a breakfast she had prepared for him to eat.

That was her way to express kindness. They may have not spoken to each other often, but she always prepared breakfast and dinner to him.

Midorikawa finally pulled himself up from the bed and walked to the mirror. He had grown a little… And so had his hair; the boy thought as he measured the length of his hair.

So what day was it again? Midorikawa walked to the calendar which was hanging on the wall near his mirror. 16-08-12; around half a year had passed since the Kurowadais' had started to live in Midorikawa's apartment.

16th of August in 2012.

Midorikawa's expression darkened. So it was that day. It was the day when he lost someone very precious to him. No not Akai… but someone who hold as much space in his heart as she did.

"RYUU-NII!" Midorikawa heard Aoki's loud yet gentle yell. Even that boy had started to call Midorikawa by his first name, huh? He was so lucky! Back in the past he had been either 'scary-niisan' or at worst 'monster'. So that one change in the past had such major effect in the future.

"Coming!" the greenette answered and walked to the kitchen. He joined the three siblings who were waiting for him. The little 'family' started eating breakfast.

"So, today you should head straight to school. I'll take Aoki to school and Kin to kindergarten." Akai spoke to Midorikawa. The boy stared at her, not knowing what how to answer her. The reason was because he didn't know what she was talking about. He glanced at the bluette boy and redhead baby who was already reaching her second year in life.

It finally hit him. When the school's had started they decided to take tours on who took the younger ones to school and kindergarten, and who picked Kin up. This was to avoid to be seen together by their classmates or someone from the school. Being seen by someone would bring a lot of trouble to them, like it had back in the past.

The day was the very one when the whole school had found out that they were living together without a guardian. Not only he had sued Akai for it to happen, but had also lost trust on his friend Hiroto, who had spied on them. Now he had the chance to change the past.

Midorikawa closed his eyes. "Why don't we go together? Everyone will eventually find it out. It's only a matter of time. Why hiding the impossible?" the green-head suggested, stuffing the last of his breakfast into his mouth.

Akai looked surprised. After all, it had been Midorikawa's wish to keep their relationship secret in the first place. And now he was talking about the complete opposite. She didn't understand his reasoning. The girl looked away from the food and then mumbled. "Okay, if that's how you want it."

Midorikawa let out a wide smile. He had received this expression from her only after living with her for almost three years. Now only half a year had passed and he could already see her smiling in front of him. This was way beyond his imagination. The past really could be changed.

The couple packed their bags and headed towards school. They first took Aoki to his elementary school which was only two streets away from their house. Akai hugged her younger brother and wished him luck on test. She added that she would come to pick him up after school.

"Be a good boy, so that mom and dad can be proud of you." the black-haired girl told. More than anything she wished that Aoki wouldn't forget his real parents. The boy wasn't crying over them anymore and the more time passed the less he even mentioned them.

"As long as Akai-nee is proud, I don't care about anyone else…" the boy answered bluntly as kissed his sisters cheek. After that he ran to greet his friends.

Akai stood up and watched as her brother entered the school building with couple of his friends. "I'm worried." Akai blunted, making Midorikawa turn to her. "Aoki and Kin are still young. If they end up growing up without parents they will forget them. I can never become replacement of a mother," the girl looked gloomy as she walked to Midorikawa and took Kin from him.

The greenhead was amazed. So she actually thought of such deep things. Then it would be better not to tell her that in few weeks Kin would start calling her "Mama." He chuckled when remembering Akai's expression when that happened.

"What is it?" Akai asked, not getting his reason for laughing out loud.

Midorikawa shook his head. "Nothing. You're just too adorable when thinking about such complicated things." he walked to Akai and whispered. "Don't worry. No matter what's going to happen I will be here for you."

Akai was left stunned of Midoriakawa's words. She stood motionless as her face slowly started to turn crimson red. "You're blushing." Midorikawa laughed. At the moment he actually had strong urge to kiss her, but kept himself together. She would never forgive him if he did that. And Midorikawa didn't want to have any more troubles when it came to her.

"I…" the girl did her best to calm down, "Thank you." she finally mumbled, her face extending the same color as her eyes. Midorikawa couldn't hide his smile. He had promised to protect that precious smile of her. Never ever he wanted to make her cry.

When the couple arrived to the kindergarten, the head teacher greeted them at the gate. "Good morning. It's rare to see you come together. No actually, this is the first time I see you two coming together." Hitomiko greeted Akai and Midorikawa.

"Please take care of Kin for today as well." Akai avoided the statement with her greet. She then hugged Kin and the red-haired girl ran to play with other children.

"Will you two be alright?" Hitomiko asked and then turned to look at Kin. Midorikawa and Akai glanced at each other. What could she possibly be talking about?

"I know about your circumstances. It's hard to end up with two younger ones to take care of at your age." the dark green haired woman told. "If you end up needing help then come to me. I'll do whatever I can."

"Thank you." Akai told, bowing deep.

The couple then finally headed to school. When they had passed the front gate, Midorikawa heard two female voices calling for Akai. The black-haired girl answered to their call by waving her hand. She then glanced at Midorikawa. "My school ends earlier today, so I'll go and pick up Aoki and Kin. I leave the dinner to you." the girl bowed and ran to her friends.

Midorikawa stared at the girl going. He was so in his own world that he didn't see or hear the person who was approaching him. All of a sudden strong arm wrapped around his neck. "You won't get her if you only keep staring at her and do nothing."

Midorikawa panicked. He did his best to loosen the arms grip. He eyes narrowed when he saw his friends face. "Hiroto!"

"Yoh!" the redhead greeted Midorikawa. "I see that you finally gathered enough courage to come to school with your girlfriend." he laughed, teasing Midorikawa.

"We're not dating!"

Everyone stopped to look at the fuss. Midorikawa's face slowly turned deep crimson. Hiroto just laughed loudly. Some girls squealed at them and commented that they were so cute.

Midorikawa sighed. He was already senior in Jr. High and yet he was called cute. The boy glanced at the whispering girls and realized that they were wearing High School uniform. Well it was no wonder then… they were older…

Hiroto Gakuen, which was the school he attended to, had Jr. High and High School together. The founder and principal of the school was Kira Seijirou. He had named the school after his dead son. And guess what? Midorikawas' best friend just happened to be Seijirous adoptive son. And that's where the whole problem started.

Hiroto and Midorikawa made it to their classroom and chatted while waiting for the teacher to come and start the lesson.

Midorikawa spaced out the whole lesson while looking outside. He couldn't concentrate. After this lesson he and Akai would be summoned to the principals' office. They would be warned about living together without a guardian. If this news was to spread around school it would be a scandal. What he was going to do about it then?

"-kawa."

How he could prevent Hiroto for selling him out?

"Midorikawa Ryuuji!" the greenette heard the teacher calling for him. The boy stood up and took the book into his hands.

"Page 203, line 10." he heard Hiroto whispering from the seat next to him. Midorikawa smirked and started to read. He was thankful for having a friend like him. If only he could prevent from breaking off their ties. He really had missed to be with Hiroto.

After the utterly boring lesson had finally ended, Midorikawa sighed. The time had come. He sat down to wait for the announcement. It came in no time.

"Midorikawa Ryuuji from Jr. High division 3-A and Kurowadai Akai from High School division 1-C come to principals' office immediately. I repeat Midorikawa Ryuuji…"

Midorikawa sensed the glances indicated towards him. Completely ignoring them, he slowly stood and walked out of the classroom. Hiroto flashed a worried look but the boy most likely knew the issue he was called for. I was actually no wonder that people were staring at him. Never before had he been called to principals' office. And now it was together with a girl.

The boy noticed Akai already waiting before their principals' office when Midorikawa arrived there. Akai glanced at him, her expression showing confusion.

"I wonder why we've been summoned here." the girl asked, hoping that at least Midorikawa had a hutch.

And he surely had. He knew perfectly why they had been called there, but decided say otherwise. After all, Akai would surely find out the reason in no time. "I wonder too…"

They knocked the door and in no time the vice-principal came and opened the door. "Ah you're here. Come inside." the gentle looking man told while smiling.

Inside the room, the principal Kira Seijirou was already waiting for them. The man turned around in his chair to face the teens.

"Midorikawa Ryuuji from Jr. High division 3-A?" the man asked while looking Midorikawa.

"Yes!" the young boy answered with energetic voice.

"Kurowadai Akai from High School division 1-C." Kira then turned to Akai.

"Y-e-e-e-s…" Akai shuttered her whole body shaking as she stood before the principal. This was her first time in life getting summoned to the principals' office. Her mind was in the state of chaos. Why had she done for this to happen?

"You parents are currently off the country for work. I heard rumors that the two of you are living together, am I right?" the man asked, crossing his fingers as his expression got serious.

Akais' eyes glaze. Her body stopped shaking, but instead she froze. "I… what… in… no… yes…" the girl couldn't make it out. She looked at Midorikawa with begging eyes.

"Am I right?" Seijirou repeated.

Midorikawa gulped. He had to take the lead as Akai was too shocked to speak. "Technically that it wrong as we are also taking care of Kurowadai-san's younger siblings who are eight and two." the boy made sure that address Akai by her surname. It would be bad if they seemed to be too close.

Seijirou turned to Akai to confirm Midorikawas' statement. The girl nodded with shy look. Seijirou returned to Midorikawa. "You two should know that no matter what the circumstances are, it's against the school rules for two under aged to live under the same roof together; unless they're siblings of course."

Midorikawa hissed soundly. Because of this stupid rule his life had particularly turned into living hell. He lost everyone who was close to him.

Seijirou then glanced at the papers before him. "According to your parents' statement, your uncle Midorikawa Shoukichi should be living you as take care of you as your guardian. Is this happening?" the man asked.

Midorikawa gulped. This was the hardest part. What was he supposed to tell about a man who hadn't even once visited them after their parents' left to that expedition?

"Well. He is currently in America but if I remember right, he was supposed to return home today." the boy lied. He stopped Akai with a murderous look for blurting out anything unnecessary.

"That's good. I don't mind that you two live together. There just has to be a responsible adult who pays a visit every once in a while. That way any unneeded rumors will disappear."

Yeah. And his uncle surely wasn't one of those 'responsible adults' the principal was talking about. Shit, it was all because of that man that he got into this trouble in the first place.

"Do you two mind if I send someone to check that your uncle arrives?"

Midorikawa nodded. They exited the room. Akai looked worried.

"I'm scared, Midorikawa. What will happen to us…" even the girl made sure to properly address him by his surname when in school.

"I'll protect you. Everything will surely be alright." After all he had a perfect plan. He knew the enemy's attack and so he knew the best way to counterattack them.

School bell rang, informing that the last lesson had ended. Midorikawa packed his stuff into his bag. If he remembered right, the soccer club didn't have practice that day so he could head straight home. Akai's school had ended hour earlier so she picked Akai and Aoki on her way home. He was in charge of buying the ingredients for dinner.

"You're heading home?" he then heard Hiroto asking as the redhead left his seat. The two of them started to head towards shoe lockers which were in the first floor.

"No. I'm in charge of buying ingredients for food. I'll visit the grocery store first." the greenette smiled. He saw a forced smile on Hiroto's face. The boy seemed as if he wanted ask something. Maybe he should help Hiroto a little bit?

"Mind to come with me? And you can stay for dinner too. Aka- I mean Kurowadai-san's food is really delicious… Oh but wait… I'm in charge today… Sorry for the disappointment…" he laughed, and stopped to wait for Hiroto's answer. He boy looked away from him with widened eyes. After a while he answered with a small nod.

The boys went to buy the ingredients and then headed to Midorikawas' apartment. The boy was surprised to find in empty. Why? Shouldn't Akai be back with the little ones? He walked to check the calendar in the kitchen and noticed that there was a memo written on the current day.

• Visit grandparents' grave.

So that was the reason. Midorikawa let a deep sigh and returned to the living room, where Hiroto was waiting for him.

"It seems that they went to visit their grandparents' grave." the boy was sorry and then added. "I guess we need to wait for them."

Hiroto looked around the living room. It wasn't a big one. There was one long sofa just next to the entrance and two smaller footstools which were from the same set as the sofa.

There was also one ebony cabinet. On it there were photos. In one there was Midorikawa on the day he was adopted into the family. Next to it there was a portrait of the three Kurowadai siblings on the day of Kin's birth. Midorikawa has always thought that it was very beautiful. Akai was holding the newly born baby in her arms and Aoki squeezed Akais' hem while trying his best not to cry.

"This is very beautiful." the readhead laughed and walked to sofa and sat down. Hitoro then glanced at the photo and all of a sudden his expression darkened.

The redhead crossed his arms and spoke. "So it's true then. You really do live alone with Akai-chan?" he asked, calling the girl by her first name. Hiroto had never visited Midorikawa's house after Kurowadai's had moved in, so he wasn't sure.

"And your uncle… He's most likely not coming back, am I right?"

Midorikawa did his best to look surprised. It was just like last time. As the son of school principal Hiroto was the one to come to visit him and sell him off. This time Midorikawa wasn't going to let that happen. It was all for the sake of Akai and the children.

"It is true…" the greenette walked to Hiroto and then fell on his knees, "And I beg you as your best friend. Please don't tell anything to your father! You can say to him anything, but please don't tell truth! I don't want to cause any trouble to Kurowadai's – especially Akai!" Midorikawa bowed deep before Hiroto. He then explained the whole situation with his uncle.

The redheads' expression was priceless. He hadn't expected for this to happen.

Midorikawa was still bowing, his eyes closed. He wasn't going to move till Hiroto had answered to him. "I'm…" the red-head looked troubled, "I'm really sorry, but I have no rights to lie to Father." the boy apologized. Midorikawa had lost. Everything was lost! How was he now supposed to change things if Hiroto refused to work together with him?

"I see…" the greenette stood up, refusing to look at his friend. It was just like before. He couldn't trust Hiroto. Their friendship was over. Just like that time when he had yelled at the redhead. He was going to lose his best friend yet again.

"But there just something we could do…" Midorikawa heard Hiroto mumbling. He turned to the boy and saw his best friend smiling widely. "If I remember right, Father said that you can live together as long as you have a responsible adult checking you every once in a while, right?"

How did Hiroto know that? Could it be that he had listened to their conversation? "Yes. But what can we do with that information. Uncle isn't coming back anytime soon." he wasn't convinced. What exactly Hiroto had in mind?

The redhead smiled. "I'm not talking about your uncle. I'm talking about Hitomiko-neesan." There was a short pause during what Midorikawa's eyes widened. He was starting to get the picture. "She is taking care of Kudowadai's youngest one in kindergarten, so I think it won't be much of a trouble for her to stop for a quick visit. After all your house is on her way to home."

The idea was wonderful! "Hiroto you're a Genius! This was we will have no problems about us living together and the pointless rumors will stop! And our friendship is saved! This is just too great!" Hiroto was smiling widely as an answer when Midorikawa hugged him.

"What about our friendship?"

Midorikawa froze. He had said a little too much. He needed to think of something quickly or otherwise his cover will be broken. "Umm… Ah! How about we go and ask your sister right away? I'm pretty sure that she shouldn't have left yet."

Hiroto agreed in no moment and soon the boys were heading out. In the middle way down the stairs Midorikawa remembered that he forgot his phone home. "You go ahead. I'll catch up to you!" the boy yelled and ran the stairs up.

When he opened the door and entered the house, he saw an unexpected figure waiting for him. The blonde kid smiled widely while raising his head. "You did great. You still have your best friends' trust." he then turned around and the area around him started to glow.

"But wait! Everything is not settled yet! And I haven't explained anything to Akai!" Midorikawa yelled in panic, perfectly knowing what the light meant. He was going to be transported into the future once again. The little kid smiled kindly at the older boy.

"Don't worry your past self can do it just perfectly. Come on, we're in a hurry." he reached his hand towards Midorikawa. The greenette didn't really want to leave just yet, but he had no other choice. As soon as he took hold of the little kids arm, the two of them were gone.

A/N: So far so good for Ryuuji. But sadly, things are going to change as the story goes on. Will you be able to overcome them? I wonder... Hmm... what's the next trouble our greenette has to overcome?

See you next time in chapter: He hadn't wanted it to happen.