Chapter 4

"By the way, Takuto… what was that song?" Mitsuki asked, looking over at him.

Takuto smiled. "Eternal Snow. It's a song that I used to sing when I was in a band. But, like I said, I can't remember anything from then."

Mitsuki's eyes lit up. She stood abruptly. "Takuto! That's a song that my dad wrote! You mean… you were in a band with him?"

He shrugged. "I… guess. Where is your dad now?"

Mitsuki lowered her eyes. "I don't know. He disappeared when I was three. They're assuming he died."

Takuto looked deep in thought. "I'm starting to remember some stuff bout the band. What was your dad's name?

"Aoi."

Takuto's eyes widened. "I recognize that name. And… Keiichi Wakaoji."

"Eh? Wakaoji-sensei was in a band?" Mitsuki screamed.

He sprang up and covered her mouth. "Shhhh! You'll get us found."

Just then, they heard someone shout, "There they are! On that cliff!"

"Shit." Takuto mumbled. He grabbed Mitsuki's arm once more and began to run.

"Please," Mitsuki panted. "I can't take much more. My throat…" she started coughing and Takuto stopped.

"Mitsuki! Are you okay?" He asked, looking worried. "Oh no! They're gonna catch up!" He grabbed Mitsuki once she wasn't coughing and slung her onto his back.

When he started running, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hung on. "Where are we going to go?"

Takuto kept running. "I know another place. Just hang on until we get there."

Mitsuki sighed. "Maybe I should just go back." She said quietly.

Takuto stopped abruptly. "W-what?" his voice sounded sad which caught Mitsuki by surprise.

"Well, I'm the reason they found us. And if I left, it just might be easier for you to escape." Mitsuki explained.

Takuto lowered his head, and Mitsuki swore she saw a slight blush on his cheeks. "I don't… want you to leave." He whispered.

Mitsuki blushed. "But-" she started. She was cut off by someone calling. "They're right there!"

Takuto didn't wait for Mitsuki to explain. He continued running, faster than before. Mitsuki couldn't help but be worried about him. I mean, he was sick after all…

He zoomed down the hill and through thick trees until they reached a clearing. Before them was a beautiful meadow with a little creek nearby. The air was so clear and the wind felt good against her face.

"I didn't know something like this was here." Mitsuki said, twirling through the flowers. "How do you know about all these places?"

Takuto sat down in the grass. "I used to come here a lot after my accident. To clear my mind. I would always look for a place where I could be alone."

Mitsuki turned to look at him. "You liked to be alone?"

"No one seemed to get me." Takuto explained. "I still think that about people. They don't understand why I want to be a singer when I have throat cancer. But you understand, Mitsuki." He stood up and smiled at her.

Mitsuki smiled back. "I feel the same way a lot. Actually, I don't really have friends. But now I have you, Takuto."

Takuto blushed again and looked down.

Mitsuki started to sway with the wind and pretty soon she was dancing. She twirled around the flowers and grass.

Takuto smiled and watched her. He started to hum the tune of Eternal Snow. Mitsuki hummed along with him and continued to dance.

She loved how Takuto wasn't afraid to speak his mind. She loved how he always cared about her. And she loved his gentle singing voice.

He wasn't what most people would call perfect. In fact, he was totally strange.

But he was perfect to her.