A/N: Okay, I will tell you that the timeline of this fic might get more complex than I thought...It depends on how I write and arrange the other chapters...
The first chapter that each character gets is like the prologue or the first part of their story, it's the chapter where they describe the 14th of February.
Warning: This will have a LOT of flashbacks from our favorite dual-wielder Nobody! :D I hope you don't mind. This chapter is long because of it.
By the way, please do tell me if you spot any grammatical errors here. Thank you very much.
Disclaimer: Square Enix/Disney own Kingdom Hearts.
Chapter One - Resurfacing Memories
I pushed our house's doorbell, waiting for someone to open the door. I waited for a minute. Then I finally concluded that they were still sleeping. I looked at my watch.
6:41 A.M.
I was thinking about coming back later until I heard the door being opened. I turned and I was face-to-face with a droopy-eyed mirror that was leaning on the door for support.
...I meant my twin brother. In case you didn't understand.
"Un? R-Roxas?", Ventus stood upright and rubbed his eyes, "Come on in."
I nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of my head, "Haha...Good morning. Sorry for waking you up though."
Ventus shrugged it off, "It's no problem. No problem. I missed you when you were gone though."
I raised a brow. "Missed? I was just gone for one day."
"Well yeah.", he plopped on the couch, "But remember, one day is equal to twenty-four hours, and twenty-four hours is equal to-"
"Yes, yes, I know.", I interrupted him quickly before he can say something...totally weird (and brotherly, like he says).
"Hey, Ventus?" I sat on the couch with him.
"What's up? Oh, and call me Ven. I told you already."
"Sure, sure...Ven. Can ya help me prepare breakfast for Mom and Dad?"
He looked at me suspiciously. "...Since when have you taken interest in making breakfast, lil bro?"
A tiny vein popped in my head. I hate that term of 'endearment' as he calls it. Grudgingly, I said, "W-Well...It's because of making them worry last night."
Ventus stared at the floor until suddenly he stood up and grabbed my arm. "All right! Let's go prepare breakfast for our ol' folks!"
"Ventus, sshh! You'll wake them up!", I half-whispered.
He apologised, "Oh sorry...Let's go then."
Chef Ventus and Chef Roxas' first attempt at cooking!
Ven optimistically announced, "So, here we are in our kitchen! Our overly sparkly clean kitchen! Let's put our toques on! And um...Rox?"
"Yes, Ven?", I said without looking at him. I was focusing on kneading the dough.
"What...exactly are you making?", He asked in a disgusted tone.
"Pizza. Isn't it obvious?"
"Well...Us, people, don't just eat pizza for breakfast."
"So? I'm breaking the tradition, of humans not eating pizza for breakfast."
"Oookayyyy...But, th-that's not the point right now. Umm..."
"Speak up, bro."
"Erm...Honestly, I think you're...making goo instead.", he pointed at the dough.
"What...?" I looked at the dough and noticed it was more...gooey than normal. I messed up. "Oh...I see your point."
He accusingly stared at me with narrowed eyes.
Attempt one - failure...
Chef Ventus and Chef Roxas' second attempt at cooking!
"Instead of pizza, let's just make some warm cream soup.", I suggested.
Ventus pondered for a moment, "Well yeah, we could but..."
I sighed, exasperated, "Ven. You got another problem?"
He waved his hands, "No, no. I-It...Th-That's not it. Just...well, don't you think 'warm cream soup' just sounds a wee bit um...simple? Warm. Cream. Soup. Just...simple three words. That's all."
I crossed my arms together. "Hmm...You're right. What kind of soup would be nice then?"
"Well, Mom has cooking books and recipe books in the kitchen cupboard. I'll go get it." Ventus got a stool and opened the cupboard and placed two recipe books on the table.
"Whew...Let's start looking for a great, scrumptious soup. One that's sure to make them impressed!", Ven said.
First, I read a recipe book on ramen. They were all delicious-looking, but I just chose something familiar to me. After the two of us scanned the recipe books, we...had an argument afterwards.
"I say we make Shōyu ramen!", Ventus yelled.
"I say we make Tonkotsu ramen!", I yelled back.
"Shōyu ramen!"
"Tonkotsu ramen!"
"Shōyu!"
"Tonkotsu!"
"Shōyu!"
I scratched my head in frustration, "Argh! That's it! We'll never make breakfast at this rate!"
Attempt two - failure . . .
Chef Ventus and Chef Roxas' third attempt at cooking!
In the end, we just settled on simple warm cream soup, four omelets, and lemonade.
Attempt three - SUCCESS!
After cooking, we placed the food we cooked in the dining table.
"Okay, finally done!" Ventus plopped on the chair.
I took a seat as well. "Well...at least it's satisfactory..."
"Well, brother, I think it just proves we aren't fitting to be cooks in a restaurant.", Ventus said.
"Haha.", I laughed in fake cheerfulness.
Just then, we heard a door creak open. And I saw Mom and Dad awake.
Ventus shouted, "Hey, Mom! Dad! Roxas is back!"
"Roxas!", my mom called.
She immediately hugged me tight and sobbed, "I was worried about what happened to you!"
"Jeez, Mom. Don't worry too much. I said you should worry more about Ven, right? You do know he is prone to sudden-"
"Hey!", Ven shouted.
We laughed. Mom ruffled my hair and took a seat beside Ven.
Dad approached us and said, " So, Roxas...what's with this...this", he gestured at the food we made, "...all about?"
Ven answered, "Umm...We made breakfast...?"
Dad just shrugged and took a seat. "Soup. Omelets...and lemonade. Did you take culinary class...?"
Me and Ven answered with a deadpan expression, "Nope. No, we didn't."
After that tiny little reunion, we ate breakfast (which was just fine, if you were wondering). Ven just added a bit more salt than I told him to. But no one complained, I'm grateful for that at least. When we were done with our meal, Ven and my mom cleaned up and my parents told me to go sit in the living room because they had something to discuss with me. Ventus got a chair from the dining room and joined us, keeping silent.
"Roxas. About last night. What happened? Why didn't you come home? Didn't you think about your mother's frequent worrying?", my dad questioned.
I sighed. "Well, about that...Earlier that morning, I thought I saw...her."
Dad seemed to not know who I was talking about. "Who?"
Mom sighed. "Her. You know...her."
"Who, exactly is 'her'?!", Dad asked irritatingly.
Mom sighed again. She glanced at me and answered Dad calmly, "Naminé Nakahara."
"Oh..."
Mom sent me an apologetic glance. When I told her about the incident with her, she immediately made a rule for anyone to never say her name. But Dad's forgetful sometimes so...yeah.
"Roxas, are you sure it wasn't your imagination or anything at all?", Mom asked, with her usual serene tone.
I shook my head slowly. "I dunno. I can't...be sure about it. But maybe, if it was my imagination...why do I still see her? I...don't even understand why."
"Well, maybe you still love her, Roxas."
I was thinking about the possible reasons why I would hallucinate about her or anything...Then maybe what Mom said is true. Maybe I do still love her. Even after what she said to me, or what she did. My feelings still stayed the same. It's painful knowing that someone you loved will never love you the same way again. I just want the pain to disappear. I want these feelings for her to disappear.
I want her to disappear...
"Roxas, just take a break from all that thinking and just relax here at home. Or maybe you can call your friends and hang out with them?", Mom advised.
"Yeah, it would help.", agreed Dad. "Well then, I better go now. I have some work to do. Just take it easy, okay, Roxas?"
I nodded. "Sure, Dad." Dad left towards his 'business room'.
I faced Mom. "Mom, I'll just stay here for a while. I'll call a friend later."
My mom smiled.
I sighed and laid on the couch. I should keep my mind off of her, it would seriously relieve the stress I'm having right now. I decided to turn the TV on and just watch TV shows. Ven joined me later on. Being with my brother is actually very fun. We criticize TV shows ever since we were younger.
"Rox. Do you like that new actress? 'Cuz I don't. She's...exaggerating, too trying hard to be perfect for the role even though it really doesn't suit her. Why did the director choose her for the role anyway?", Ven demanded.
"Ven, I also think the same. You aren't alone. Oh, and the director's probably broke, so he didn't have enough money to hire a decent actress.", I quipped.
Yes, we criticize TV shows like that, while chowing on popcorn. This is one of the things I like about my brother. He thinks a bit like me. After our TV session though, I got up and called my pal, Hayner.
"Hey, Hayner.", I greeted.
"Oh, Roxas! Hey, how's it goin'?", Hayner cheerfully said.
"Well, I've been better.", I admitted.
"Huh? What happened to ya?"
"Just...nothing. Look, can we just meet in front of Shibuya station? Bring Olette and Pence too, if they're not busy doing something, then that would be great."
"Will do. See ya, dude."
Hayner ended the call and I looked at my watch again.
7:34 A.M.
"Perfect."
I said goodbye to Ven and my parents and I told them that I would be back in a while. I rode a train going to Shibuya. The ride only took a few minutes, when the train arrived I got out and exhaled. This was my seventh time in Shibuya. And like the first time, people kept on bumping into me.
"Pardon me. Excusez moi.", I kept on gently pushing people. Man, I almost forgot how crowded this place was. And it's early in the morning too...People and their jobs.
"'Scuse me, comin' through, folks!", a jet black-haired student yelled, looking at her watch. She dashed hurriedly towards the station.
I sighed. I need to get to a not-so-crowded area. Thankfully, there was. I waited there and eventually saw Hayner running. I waved and caught his attention.
"Yo, Roxas!", Hayner said with his usual grin.
"Hey, Hayner. Where's Pence and Olette?", I looked around. None of them were to be found nearby.
Hayner scratched the back of his head and said, "Well...Pence was helping his father fix up their computer and Olette...she...went to go find a nice skateboard and new strings for her guitar."
I was rather disappointed, but I quickly shrugged it off. "Anyway, since we're here in Shibuya, you wanna..."
Hayner immediately perked up, "...Buy stuff? Sure! I'm gonna buy stuff for Pence and Olette too, since they couldn't come here."
I nodded. We crossed the scramble crossing and went into shops. Hayner entered in a different store while I went in a store that sells shoes, but I just did some browsing, I didn't really buy stuff. So I figured to take a stroll for a while, Hayner will just call me if he's done with his shopping anyway. I decided to cross the scramble again and walk on the sidewalk glancing at some of the shops. I was taking a normal stroll until someone went out a shop and they were standing in front of me.
It was then that I realised who it was...
That blond hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.
"Naminé..."
She whispered my name just like I had whispered hers.
"Roxas..."
I was stunned in my place, I wanted to move. Here she was, right in front of me. I want to embrace her, to kiss her, to hold her in my arms. But before I could react, she ran away.
"Wait!", I ran after her on impulse. I pushed people out of my way. She can't run away! We...I...just saw her again! "Naminé, wait!"
I sped up and finally caught her wrist. She did not struggle, but I could sense that she really wanted to get out of here. Why?
"Naminé."
"Roxas. Please...let go.", she requested in a way that made my heart feel like it was poked by a thousand needles. Reluctantly, I let go of her wrist. She turned around to face me with her head lowered.
"Why did you run after me?", she asked emotionless, as if it was not obvious.
"I-I have some things to talk about with you!", I said desperately.
"What are you talking about? There is nothing to be discussed.", she merely said.
"There sure as heck is!", I clenched my hands into fists. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before I saw her blue orbs shining bright with determination.
"You don't understand! I'm with someone else now! Someone better than you! It's over for the both of us. Move on!"
"You know what, Naminé?" I clenched my hands tighter than before. I must not lose my calm here. "You are right. I don't understand! Why-Why did you call it off?"
"...I...have no need to answer your questions!" She immediately ran away again without answering my question. Darn it...
I relaxed my hands. I need to calm down. I don't want to go to anger management classes again. I had this strong urge to chase after her again, but something's telling me that she still won't talk to me. Frustratedly, I retraced my steps and Hayner was running.
"Oh, Hayner..."
"Hey, Roxas! Where were you? I was looking for ya! I called you like, five times!", he panted for breath and held his knees.
I got my phone and yeah...Five missed calls. I didn't feel my phone vibrating, I was...too preoccupied with the matter at hand.
Hayner stood straight and asked me with curiosity. "Something wrong, man?"
"...Let's just go to a café and talk there, okay?", I suggested. I needed a buddy to talk to right now.
Hayner seemed uncertain, "...Sure."
We went at a café and Hayner ordered milkshake while I settled for some cold chocolate drink. Anyway, Hayner was more than eager to listen to what my problem was, and I was grateful for that.
I cleared my throat and began, "Okay, yesterday..."
"Yeah? Go on.", Hayner urged (no, interrupted).
"...I thought I saw Naminé and-"
"Ya know, why don't we just call her 'Nakahara girl' 'cuz every time you mention her first name, your face creases up into a glare or something and-"
"Will you just SHUT UP and LISTEN?!"
People were looking at our table now, but I do not give a darn about them right now.
Hayner silenced himself and murmured a "sorry".
I sighed heavily. "Anyway, yesterday, I saw Naminé, real or created from my imagination, I do not know. All I know is that I did see her. And...today, well...I saw her again. Only this time, she was real. She didn't want to talk to me or anything. Said she had someone else and we're through... How can I just 'move on' if she didn't even clearly explain to me why she just broke up with me or anything?"
"Look, Roxas", Hayner looked at me seriously, "I know you are in desperate need of counseling and advice about this, but actually, I don't even have a single experience about romantic love and that sorts...But let me tell you, I am really honoured that you are telling me your latest problem, and I am so sorry that I can't give you any good advice but-"
"Don't worry, Hayner. It's already enough to know that you have my back.", I assured.
He grinned. "Don't forget Olette and Pence too."
"Yeah..."
At that moment, I was glad having friends that support me. But...it just wasn't enough to make the pain go away. It still lingered inside me, no one could make it go away but the girl who was once special to me.
It was yet another school day. And...I was getting late. I rushed to classroom labeled "Art Room" and tip-toed quietly so as to avoid the eyes of the Art teacher. But unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side today.
"...Aaaand what do you think you are doing, Roxas Andrew Uchiyama?", asked the now stern teacher.
I gulped and stuttered, "W-Well...I, um..." 'It wasn't my fault this guy named Hayner Sasaki looked for trouble-!'
"Anyway, regardless of the reason, you're still late, but I'll let you off the hook...for now. Just take your seat, okay?", she smiled. I immediately took my seat and sighed in relief. 'At least I still have a bit of good luck.'
Today's activity was still the same as the last time we had Art class; to continue our drawings. Ms. Flores distributed our unfinished (and some finished) works and I continued working on it.
I drew a beach with a sunset view.
I smiled. I was pretty satisfied with it.
After drawing, I passed it to Ms. Flores. And watched others work again. I also noticed that the quiet blond girl was drawing something. I just sat beside her, not saying anything. She was taking a veeerry long time to finish so I just placed my arms and head on the table and waited.
"Thanks for complimenting me the other day...", she whispered.
I was a bit surprised. "Huh?" I forgot her voice sounded like that...
Without looking away from her unfinished drawing of a mansion, she repeated, "Thanks for complimenting me that one time in Art class..."
I smiled. "Oh...That. No problem, it was impressive. As expected of an Art club member, of course."
She turned away. Was she...turning red?
Before it got really awkward, I asked her, "Hey...I thought you were drawing a castle. Why's it a mansion now?"
"I...passed my castle drawing already..."
"Eh?! In just a day?!"
Sheepishly, she nodded. "Y-Yes."
"Oh, and my name's Roxas Uchiyama, by the way.", I offered my hand.
She timidly shook it. "N-Naminé Mary Carlisle Nakahara..."
That was when we first officially met.
Some time later, me and Naminé became friends.
But I was in for a surprise when she called me after class and said...
"R-Roxas. I-I had a crush on you, I admire you truly a-a-and I would just like to say that I...I love you! P-Please read this!"
She gave me a letter which was written by her for me. On the envelope was written 'love confession'. It made me a bit flustered. Sure, before some girls would call me after class and tell their 'feelings' toward me and all but...this is the first time I ever received one from a girl who was a friend. But later on, I grew some feelings for her too.
That was the start of our relationship.
After a while, my parents constantly scolded me because of my decreasing grades. They blamed it on my relationship with Naminé. I wasn't the least bit surprised. My parents were always strict when it came to academics and school. I just had to be the 'number one' in everything, then they would be satisfied and say that it would be a 'nice, successful future' as they said. But what would be the meaning in being number one if you wouldn't have anyone to share the success with?
Though I didn't worry about that problem for too long. What I have to do is simple: Just increase my grades. That's it. I focused on studying, I aced my quizzes, my exams, my homework. Everything.
I realised that maybe being 'number one' for my parents may also be beneficial. Maybe...I could be good enough for someone like Naminé.
But then, all changed on that single day.
It was a completely normal school day. I never would've thought that something bad was going to happen. It was absolutely mundane and normal.
Too bad it was too good to be true.
After class, Naminé told me to meet up with her at the school's garden field. I went there and saw her sitting on one of the benches, obviously deep in thought.
"Hey.", I said.
"H-Huh? Oh, hey, Roxas.", she replied, quite...out of herself?
"So, what did you wanna talk about?", I asked, taking a seat beside her.
"Well...", she stood up and faced me, "I...I'm breaking up with you."
"What? That was too straightforward, Naminé. But a pretty good joke."
"I'm not joking, Roxas.", she said, emphasising the 'not'.
Of course, I was speechless. I was just stunned there, staring at her in disbelief until I finally stood up and snapped.
I held her shoulders and shook her. "Wha-What do you mean? D-Do you this is just some kind of joke?! Why, Naminé?!"
She broke free of my hold and shouted at the top of her lungs, "It's you! N-Nowadays, you're ignoring me! You're busy all the time! Do you know how I felt when you just left me alone?! You didn't even go to the date you promised!"
"You don't understand! I'm sorry, I was...I was trying to be a g-" I wanted to explain why, but she didn't give me a chance.
"It's over, Roxas! I'm breaking up with you and it's final!" She ran away with tears pouring out of her eyes.
And I was left there to wallow in pain and rejection.
When I got home that day, I went on a rampage. I vented my anger. And the result of that was my dad constricting me, my brother getting hurt, and my mom crying. I hurt everyone in my house. Because of that dishonourable act, my family decided to get me a guidance counselor whose name was Ansem Robin Holmes, "The Wise".
He was a stern-looking man. I didn't really trust him on the first day my parents introduced me to him. He seemed to be a man with lots of knowledge and secrets, someone sinister. That's my idea of him. One day, he asked me what's my problem, much more irritating than ever.
"Roxas."
I glared at him.
He nodded. "Fine then, Mr. Uchiyama. It would definitely help me if you would be willing to cooperate here and tell me what the problem is. You haven't spoken an answer, not uttered even a single sentence."
I answered, quite irritated. "My problem would be you. Just stop it with this annoying, stupid interrogation. Just tell my parents that I don't need your help."
Ansem slowly shook his head, "I'm afraid I cannot do what you just said, Mr. Uchiyama. I wish to help you in your dilemma, if you please. It would make things for you easier and hopefully, return the Roxas that was known and loved by his own family."
I kept silent. I do not want to talk about my family right now. I've caused them enough trouble as it is.
"Is this because of a certain lady, perhaps?"
My head snapped up.
His eyes seemed to reflect an all-too-knowing glint in them. "I see..."
'Darn, I forgot he's a psychologist in our school too.', I mentally slapped myself.
"If it's about Ms. Nam-"
I stood up and slammed both of my hands on his desk and yelled, "DON'T say her name!" I immediately sat down after that.
"Hm...As you wish."
Ansem stood up and went over his bookshelf, "You know, Roxas..."
"Uchiyama.", I grumpily murmured. I definitely refuse to be called by my first name by a stranger.
"Fine then. Uchiyama. Your problem's solution is quite simple. All you have to do is...", he got a single book and returned to his seat, "just accept that your relationship is no more. It will take time for you, I understand, but it will help. Realise and accept the truth. It's part of human life."
"And just how do you think I would do that?", I questioned.
"Oh, believe me, sir Uchiyama...I know more ways than one. I have helped numerous students and people like you before.", he answered.
He ended that session with that answer. He irritated me to no end. At the time, this whole 'guidance counseling' thing seemed pretty pointless to me. After that session where I really talked to him, on the next counseling session, he gave me a paper and a pencil and told me to write down the things I like and the things I don't. His way of 'guiding' people sometimes confuses me. What does a paper and a pencil have to do with guiding people? It's something only he would know. He also uses unusual methods on 'counseling' people... As the sessions continued, it seemed to work. Even though I hate to admit it. The only problem I found in his method was that he kept on asking me freaking personal questions over and over again-!
"Just remember, Roxas. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. It's all in a young naïve adolescent's fantasy. If you truly love someone, you would need to accept everything in your relationship. The happiness, the sadness, the pain, and the trials you have endured...Everything. If you truly love her, you would need to just understand and accept her decision. You may not understand and accept it now, but at least try.", Ansem calmly stated.
His knowing tone made me quickly convinced of his words. Perhaps this was why he was called "The Wise" by many.
That was my last guidance counseling session with him. I was glad it was already over. But of course, I would remember Ansem's wise words. When I went out of the doors of his office, I saw my family smiling (though my very emotional mom was crying). Without warning, I immediately jumped and hugged the three of them.
After talking with Hayner, I headed straight for home.
I knocked on the door three times.
Ventus opened it. "Hey, Roxas! Welcome back, bro!"
I did a fake-grin. "Hey, Ventus."
I went directly up my room and closed the door.
"How can I understand and accept when I don't even know the reason why. She never even gave me a chance...Hopefully, I'll get this over with someday."
I stopped thinking about it for a moment and just laid on my bed and closed my eyes. I have been having headaches recently...
The next day, I was still having that headache from the previous day. However, that didn't stop me from going out the house and going to the train station. I went to Twilight Town.
Twilight Town was one of the best towns I've ever been in my entire life. Being here again sent a wave of nostalgia through me. My family and I used to live here...I missed this place a lot. The nice sunset instantly replaced my headache with a pleasant feeling. This is where I always go when I feel disturbed. I wonder why I didn't go here sooner. After gazing out in the sunset, I thought I should get some Sea-Salt ice cream while I'm here.
Good thing my memory still isn't rusty.
I went to Market Street and saw the shop selling Sea-salt ice cream. I spoke to the shopkeeper and bought a single bar. And I went off to another one of my favourite places in Twilight Town...The Clock Tower. The clock tower hasn't changed a bit...Again with the nostalgia, haha.
When I went up the clock tower, I was surprised to see I wasn't the only one there.
There, on the tower's ledge, sat a raven-haired young girl.
Upon hearing the door close, she looked behind her. She stared at me with innocent-looking blue orbs, then smiled.
"Oh...You came here to watch the sunset too?"
