"Excuse us" Yuzu and Mei bow down before closed principal room's door.
They walked in silent behind Mei's grandfather. Step by step without dare to speak a single word. Once a while Mei try to speak but she only can opened her mouth but her voice never come out. Seeing her like that make Yuzu feels bad. After they all get in the car, they still remain silent.
After a long silence, Mei's grandfather opened the conversation "Care to explain it to me ? If my memories doesn't failed me. This is the second time, the two of you doing..." Mei grandfather looked like he doesn't want to continued his words.
"We..." before Mei can answer her grandfather question, Yuzu cut it off "It's all my fault. I'm the one who pushed her. I'm the wrong one here"
Mei's grandfather looked at her step granddaughter "I didn't ask whose fault here. I just want to know what's going on here"
"I... I'm the one who assault her. Be... because I... lov..." now Mei's turn to cut her off "She's lost herself a bit, am I right Yu ?"
"Yu ?" the old man frowned.
Mei clears her throat "I mean Yuzu"
Mei's grandfather looked at her step granddaughter again "Is that right ?"
Yuzu looked confused but she's still nodded.
"Well, why do you lost yourself and assault my granddaughter ?"
"Um... it's... because I lov.." Mei cut it off again "I provoke her. I had it enough of her daily behavior by not following the school rules and I called her parents useless"
The grey hair man closed his eyes and doesn't say any word. He just silent and looked like there's something on his mind. It makes both girls feel anxious. After a long silence, Mei's grandfather opened his eyes and sighed "I don't know what really happen but from now on just try not too close when the two of you outside the house especially at school. Did I make myself clear ?"
"Okay" answers them both.
"And Mei, They said your grade is falling a bit and your work as student council seems have so many mistakes recently. Do you alright ? Is there something bothering you ?"
"... No" Mei tried to not look at her grandfather eyes.
"It's good to hear then"
"Sorry for making you worried"
Mei's grandfather dropped them at their home. After saying goodbye and thanks, Mei grandfather left them.
"Do you think gramps believe what we said earlier ?" said the older girl as she throw herself on the couch.
"... Sorry for what I did to you earlier" said the younger one who sitting on dining table chair.
"Don't worry about it, actually I..." the black hair girl cut her "Look, I think we must distance ourselves for awhile"
The blonde frowned "What do you mean ?"
"You heard what my grandpa said about my grade and student council right ? I got distracted when I'm with you. I decide to put some distance between us. Grandpa also said we mustn't too close when we're outside and I think I'll use this chance to make it up my grade as well as my student council work"
Yuzu looked sad "... Okay..."
"And... I don't want grandpa know about our relationship so never speak anything about this. I don't want make him worry. We're just playing around anyway. Don't make it like this was real"
"It's was real... at least for me..." Yuzu whisper it for herself.
"So that's why you're here with me all day" said Harumin as she sipped her cola drink.
The blonde nodded. Her face looked doomed. She tilt her head to the glass window beside her and sulking.
"What will you do from now on ? You're not a dog waiting for it's owner to come home""
"I don't know either. Maybe I'll just stick with you"
"Everyday ? Give me a break. I need privacy for myself. Come on it's just a lover anxiety or more like a sister quarrel to me. She's thinking too much and you're helpless without her. You must show her your older sister charisma" Harumin point her best friend with a french fries.
"It's easy to said but sometimes I lost confidence. I feel like I'm so useless even though I'm the older one here" The sulking girl sighed.
"I told you before didn't I ? You're a perfect mirror for an older sisters portrait that loved her little sister and always do the best for her sake. Don't lower yourself like that. Have more confidence"
"Well even if everyone said I'm the older sister but actually we're on the same age. It's all just because my birthday is ahead a few months than she is..." Yuzu suddenly paused. She feels something off. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes. She looked thinking hard. Confused with her best friend demeanor, Harumin try to observing her for awhile as she nibble some french fries. Seven, eight, nine french fries already been eaten but why her best friend still on her thinking pose. Suddenly the blonde stand up and grabbed her best friend shoulders "I completely forgot, Mei's birthday is near""
"When ?""
"In four month""
Harumin blinked her eyes "It's long enough for you to take her to the bed"
"I'm serious" Yuzu pouted.
"Who said I'm not serious ?" Harumin looked upset "I thought it was in a day or a week so it was still four month to go. You're exaggerating thing""
"But for me, a four-month is felt so quick. I don't have any plan nor any gift prepared for her. Ah, what should I do ?" Yuzu scratched her head.
"Calm down. Relax. It's just a birthday gift. Try to think what she loved to do and what kind of thing she wanted to have recently. You can get some clue from that"
"What she like to do or something she wanted... Arghhh" Yuzu scratched her again.
"Why you're so fire up ? It's not a big deal. Do you never give your friend a birthday gift before ? Or maybe your parents ?"
"I do but this time… it's for… a special person in my life so I just don't wanna give her something ordinary..."
"Then give her something special. There's a simple thinking for what to do. Let's reverse the role, if it was your birthday then what you like to do and what do you want ?"
"If it's me then I loved to do anything with Mei and I just want her to be my side" The blonde said it with a shy expression and there's a pinkish shade on her cheeks.
A nerve pop up in Harumin head "Sorry, I got wrong person to ask" she said as she stand up and try to go away.
Yuzu immediately grabbed her best friend "Wa... wait don't go. Did I give you a wrong answer ?"
"No you're not, but just from your answer I know from the bottom of my heart, Yuzuchi you're beyond help"
"What do you mean ? Come on Harumin explain it slowly to me. I won't understand if you don't explain it properly"
"Just let me go. I don't have a business with someone who was beyond help and you're hopeless"
"Then what should I do ?"
Harumin sighed "You're really in love with her don't you ? Why don't you give her something special in her special day ? Something like… only you can give her"
"What is it ?"
"Don't you learn it in you favourite manga ?"
"What kind of manga ?"
"Of course, your favourite momoiro shimai what else ?"
The blonde blushed like crazy "HHHAAAARRRUUUMMMIIINNNN…"…"
Yuzu P.O.V
It's nearly Rie's birthday and I still don't know what kind of gift must I give to her. What kind of gift that can make her happy ? Must I ask her ? But then it's not a surprise anymore. I watched her everyday and I observe every single word she said to me but I still didn't get it what she really wants. Do a simple and standard present would satisfy her ? Would she happy with that ?
"Oh, pops we're really tied by blood" I smiled a little. I closed my father diary and start to think. I'll try to do the same thing like my late father. I try to remember all my lover words. All her moves and gesture. I'm really thinking hard and once awhile I giggled and sometimes I feel sad. Matsuri words always haunted me.
"Does your family know you're lusting after your little sister ?""
"Hah, romance between sisters ! Do you even see a future for yourselves ?"
"I really wish I can always be with her forever. I don't want to be sisters or pretending lover. I want us to be a lover, a real lover so, I can be with her for the rest of my life and make her happy. I'll do anything for her smile"
I heard creaking sound. Looks like she's done taking a bath. Not too long, Mei walked in. She wears her pajamas already. Her hair still wet and looked a little bit disheveled but she still beautiful like always. I never get bored looking at her.
"You're still watching ?" she asked.
"Yes" I simply answer her.
"Then why you're looking at me ? she frowned.
I blinked my eyes twice "Oh... Yeah, you're right" I turn my eyes to forty-two inch monitor in front of me.
"Don't sleep too late. It's bad for your health" she said as she poured some milk in her blue mug.
"I'm not sleepy yet" I smiled a little "This should be what they called happiness. A conversation between a married couple when your lovely wife cared about you"
"I'm going to sleep now"
"Okay"
"She left. Now, back to the plan, what should I give it to her ? Harumin said it must something special and I totally agree with it. But what ? That stupid friend of mine, she still won't tell me what should I give to Mei till the end. Hmm... It's really hard to tell. If it was me, I don't need anything. I just need her to be by my side. Am I too childish ? Am I too naive ? But that's actually what I want" I'm frustrated. I push next button on the remote control rapidly as it's indicated my stress level. The television program keeps changing until there's one channel that attract me and I decided to stop and watch it. It's just an ad not even a movie but I think I might got some answer for what I looking for.
Next morning, I run with all my might to the school. I change my shoes at the shoes locker then immediately rushed to the class. I'm not late but somehow I'm in good mood.
"Don't run at hallway" Himeko yelled.
"Sorry" I'm really sorry and I mean it even though I'm still running.
I opened my class door vigorously and probably almost break it. Of course my action would draw attention of all my classmates but I don't care. I rushed toward my best friend Harumin, who still dumbfounded like the other.
"Harumin, big news" I said as I grabbed her upper arms and shake her.
"You've done it with you lil sis last night ?"
"No, not that. It's... it's..." I think too much energy make my words a little bit stuttered.
"You planned to do it with her this night"
"Aww, come on... I'm... not like... that" I tried to control my breath.
"Then, what is it ? What kind of big news ?"
"I... I already know... what kind of... present... that I would give to her..."
Harumin was silent for a moment then she holds her chin with both her hand at her desk and look away "Congratulations"
"Haruminnn... why you... look like you... didn't care" I hugged my best friend.
"Your big news make me speechless"
"He... he... he..." I laughed as I let loose a bit my hug. Hey, what's wrong with me ? Why it's so hard to control my breath and I have trouble to breathing too. Maybe it's because I already this hard-boiled since this morning.
Harumin realize my condition and she put her hand on my right shoulder "Hey, what's wrong Yuzuchi ? Are you alright ? You looked pale" She asked me concern.
"I'm okay... just a little bit... run out of... breath..." I smiled to her.
Drip... drip...
Hey, something liquid-like running out from my nose. What is it ? I brush it with my index finger. It's a...
"Yuzuchi, you've got a nosebleed" Harumin screamed.
"You're right... I guess I..." Suddenly I feel dizzy and I loss my balance. Thank God Harumin catch me before I fall.
"Yuzuchi" her tone sounds panic.
"Sorry I think I'm a little bit dizzy" I closed my eyes to rest a bit.
"Let's go to the infirmary"
She helped me to go to the infirmary. When we arrived, there's no one there. Harumin helped me to the bed. She grabbed some tissues and wiped my blood away. After that she took an empty glass and poured water in it then bring it to me.
"Here, some water" she said while passing me the glass.
I drink it a little, then tried to breath normally. It's much better now.
Harumin crossed her arm and she glaring at me "Don't tell me you're thinking about her birthday gift till morning and didn't get enough sleep, then when you suddenly knew what do you want to give her, you steamed-up and running like being chased by some debt collector and forgot to eat your breakfast just to report it to me""
I gulped "Well, why don't you applied to be a fortune teller after graduation ? I think you look good with oracle robe" I smiled a little.
"Please, don't make some lame jokes at a time like this""
"I'm not joking. What do you said is actually what really happened"
Harumin sighed "Gezz.. How stupid can you be ?"
"It's rude to call you best friend stupid" I pouted.
"How do you feel ?" She asked.
"I'm good"
"You're not convincing anyone when you said it with your blood running like crazy" she wiped away my blood on my nose again. After awhile, Harumin checked my nose and it looked like my nosebleed already stopped. Her face looked relieved "Now just get some rest. I must get back to the class. First period will start soon. I'll check on you later" She said as she put the blanket on me "I'll said it again one more time, get some rest, you dummy and I need an answer for that, ye hear me ?"
"Yes, I will"
"Goodness, look what happened to you after all these commotion. You're excessive energy is troublesome"
After she left, I tried to rest but it's looked like my high spirit from this morning still not wear off. I can't sleep. I keep thinking about that present of mine. Suddenly I hear my phone ringtones. I immediately grabbed my bag and tried to find it.
"Hello"
"Yuzu-chan"
"Matsuri, what are you doing ? You're not at school ?"
"Nah, I don't feel like it today. What about you ? Are you skipping too ? Why you can answer my phone ?"
"No, I'm not. It's just... It's just because I'm in toilet now. So, what's the matter ?"
"Let's hang around after school. I'm bored"
"Okay. I want to try that new restaurant near the shopping district too"
"Do you mean that new restaurant near the intersection of shopping district ?"
"Yeah, that one"
"They opened very late. I can't hang out with you until that late today. I'll go there with you tomorrow"
"Do you already have a plan for today ?"
"No, It's just I have to work today"
"You do part time job ?"
"Yup, live expense is expensive. More over the old guy just quit and there's no replaceable person yet, so I must work two people works. It sucks and I hope they would find the new one as soon as possible"
"Ne, Matsuri your workplace... by any chance can I applied for that job ?"
"You ? Your allowance not enough ?"
"Well, it's looks like it hehehe..."
"Of course you can"
"Really, thanks. I'm glad you tell me about your job"
"He... now you're glad I'm called ?"
"Yeah, I'm glad and really happy you called me Matsuri"
"Just glad ? Don't you love me ? Come on say it. I want to hear it"
"Geezzz... this kid. Alright, I love you"
"One more time"
"One more time ? Well, okay I love you"
"Ne, Yuzu-chan if you're accepted, let's meet up everyday after school at the station then we can both going to work together"
"Good idea, let's meet up everyday after school. It will be fun if we're together"
"Okay, I'll see you later. Bye, Yuzu-chan"
"Ok, bye"
I closed my phone and put it back to my bag. I stretched my hand and I can't stop smiling. I'm so happy that I find a part-time job because I can save some money to buy Mei's birthday present. Well, I'm still not accepted yet but nothing wrong for being optimistic right ? Don't worry Mei, I'll work hard.
Mei P.O.V
I rechecked the entire document on my desk and there're so many mistakes. I can't believe it I make so many mistakes here and there. I really got distracted a lot lately... wait, wait somehow I just thinking about her again. I grabbed my pen and start to circle the entire mistake I made.
"I put it here okay ?" Himeko asked.
"Okay" I squint at stacked document Himeko just put "What is it ?"
"Our monthly report"
"Okay" I looked back to my document.
"I'm going to patrol now" Himeko walked away.
"Himeko" I called her.
"Yes ?"
"Look, I made so many mistakes here, but... why... there's no one among all of you, the student council member told me or mention it to me ?"
"What mistakes ?"
"The principal and some teacher told me a few days ago and now when I checked it again, there were so many mistakes" I show her some circled mistakes.
Himeko walked to my desk and looked at my document "Ah, we all knew about it"
"Then why don't any of you told me ?"
Himeko scratched her head and sighed "Meimei, I think... no, no I mean we think these mistakes you made was normal and maybe your many mistakes is a few mistakes for us. You and the teacher and the principal exaggerating these normal mistakes. Look, it's only had three mistakes in all this stacked document. Which one you called it so many mistakes ? It's just a few"
"But... but normally I don't make mistakes"
Himeko smiled "It's not normal Meimei. Everybody make mistakes. If it just a little, we can still make it up for you. Don't worry and please rely on us more. This student council not only consist one person but many person. Don't hear what they say. They just over expecting you. Well, you're a normal person too who can make mistakes" Himeko crossed her arms "And beside... isn't it fun to be with... her ?"
I cannot answer or more like how must I answer her questions.
"Like I said before, you're smiling more since you knew her. like the old Meimei I used to know before your parents..." She paused "Never mind that. Ah, speaking of her, I just met her when I came here" She sighed "As always, she running all over the hallway. What makes me really mad is when I yelled at her, she said she's sorry but she still running all the way. Can you believe it ? Gezzz.. is there any way to tame that wild girl ?"
I chuckled a bit.
"I bet she's fun to be with, isn't she ? Just by telling you about her, it's enough to make you smiled"
I make myself to look like I don't hear what Himeko said, but I think it was useless because Himeko's grin already told me that she knew I heard her and her word was true.
"The first period will starting soon, come on let's make sure all the student already inside the class" Himeko said as she looked at her wrist watch.
"Okay, let's go"
We walked all the hallway to make sure there're no students that still outside the class. We're done in the first floor now we're up to the second floor. Just when we stepped at the second floor, I saw Taniguchi-san still walking around.
"Hey, you. What're you doing here ?" Himeko yelled her before I can take the initiative.
Taniguchi-san turn her head to us "Oh, it was the student council"
"What do you mean by 'Oh, it was the student council' ? Do you know what time is it ?" Himeko looked pissed.
"I know. I was from the infirmary"
Himeko frowned "Do you not feeling well ?"
"It's not me..." she said as she turned herself to us and now I can see a red stain on her broken white colored vest.
"Are you hurt, Taniguchi-san ? There's a blood on your vest" I asked.
"That's why I said it's not me and this blood is not mine. It's Yuzu's"
My heart skipped a beat when I hear her name. What happened ? Why she's bleeding. I'm worried but I still can manage my composure "Is something happened to her ?" I said calmly.
"She got nosebleed and suddenly almost faint. I brought her to the infirmary. Somehow her blood was running out like crazy"
"Is it stopped ?"
"I think and hope it will not start to flowing again"
"Okay. Well then please excuse us and please be straight to the class"
I walked away with Himeko and I don't hear Taniguchi-san answer. Well, she's Yuzu's friend after all. At the intersection hallway, I paused my step "Himeko, It's looked like they're all inside now. We shall back to the class as well"
"Yeah, I think so. Let's go"
"You go first. I think I forgot to locked student council room"
"Is that so ?"
"Yes. Just go ahead. I'll be fast"
Himeko nodded. Before she walked away, she turned to me "Don't worry, just take your time" then she grinned.
I hate it when people can see me through. Maybe the other time I must find another excuse not an obvious excuse like this time. I fasten my step to the infirmary. I'm really worried. She's still fine this morning before I leave her. That blood on Taniguchi-san vest is not little, it's a lot. Is she bleeding that much ? More over Taniguchi-san said she almost faint. Really, what's wrong with her ?
I slide the infirmary door slowly. I don't want to disturb her. I walked in and as I close to closed curtain, I hear her voice. She's talking, but with who ? Teacher ?
"Yeah, I'm glad and really happy you called me Matsuri"
I paused. Matsuri ? She's happy that little devil called her ?
"Geezzz... this kid. Alright, I love you"
My chest suddenly feels tight.
"One more time ? Well, okay I love you"
I bit my lower lips.
"Good idea, let's meet up everday after school. It will be fun if we're together"
I don't why but I think I don't want to hear it anymore. I had enough. I turn myself and walk away. What is she doing ? I'm really worried but she just playing around with that little devil and didn't care about my feeling. Somehow I feel pain inside my chest.
"Congratulations for the acceptance. Starting tomorrow we will be working together" said the happy middle age man who wears a grey shirt and black pants.
"Thank you Hojo-san. I'll be in you care starting tomorrow"
"Same here. Now let me introduce you to your coworker. You already know Matsuri-chan then this guy is Asakura Ren, your senior" The middle age man pointed a young men who wearing white shirt with black vest and a bow tie.
"Nice to meet you, Aihara-san" said the young man as he offered his hand.
"Nice to meet you too" Yuzu shake his hand.
"Good. Matsuri-chan will help you with the basic"
The younger girl giggled "Don't forget to call me senpai, Yuzu-onechan"
"Okay, okay I will. But it really surprised me when you took me to the bar"
"What ? You thought I would sell you to some old men or seducing some old freak for the money ?"
"Err... something like that" Yuzu's scratched her chin.
Hojo-san laughed out loud "Well sorry for not being that kind of bar. My bar is a normal one"
"It seems Matsuri-chan certainly did not explain it to you properly" Ren-san ruffled Matsuri hair.
"I purposely didn't tell her. Her shocked face is priceless"
After the introduction over, Yuzu and Matsuri going home. They walked to station together. Matsuri still laughing about Yuzu's misunderstanding.
"Aww.. come on don't laugh anymore" Yuzu pouted.
"Well, you must look at your own face when we're in front of the bar earlier"
"Everyone would have the same thinking when being introduced to work at bar"
"Yeah, yeah okay I'm sorry but let me laugh until it stop on it's own" Matsuri take out her phone on her skirt pocket and begin to pressing the buttons.
Yuzu observe her other little sister awhile before she talks again "Of course I'm shock. Suddenly I remember you're making some masturbating movie so it just passed my mind"
Matsuri stopped her texting awhile and continued again "In short you're thinking that I'm doing some nasty job in that bar and introduced you into that job ? Or maybe introduced was not the right word but dragging you to that kind of job ?" her smile start to looked grim.
Yuzu was silent for a moment "I already told you it just passed my mind but then I still follow you went inside because I trust you. I trust you're not that kind of person"
Now Matsuri turn to be silent. She just keep texting without saying a word. In the other hand, Yuzu looked anxious. She tried to say something but then she pulled it back. Suddenly Matsuri smiled. This time it was her normal smile "Don't worry I'm just joking with you. Why you're so serious ?"
"Why you little. You got me this time" Yuzu looked relieved.
"Actually what kind of thing do you want to buy ? Clothes ? Accessories ? Bags ? Shoes ? Cosmetics ?" Matsuri asked while texting with her phone.
"... Accessories... maybe..."
"Huh ? What's with this 'maybe' things ? Why you aren't sure ? What exactly you want to buy ? You even worked for it"
"... It's a ring"
"A ring ?" The younger one frowned.
The older one nodded.
"What kind of ring that your allowance cannot afford to buy ?"
The blonde rummage her skirt pocket and bring out a piece of paper which is turn out to be a piece of ripped magazine page "This one"
Matsuri looked at the ripped page "You're surely have a good eye. This ring is pretty and a good one. Well now I know why your allowance cannot afford it, this brand is really expensive. You must at least work a year without spending any of it plus your allowance for at least half year to afford buy this ring"
"A year ?" Yuzu blinked her eyes twice.
"Yeah. It's a normal price for this brand..." Matsuri paused and looked at her onechan for awhile "Don't tell me you don't know about this brand and you don't know how much this ring cost either ?"
A dropped water pop up on the blonde. She gulped then nodded "I know it must be expensive but I don't know it would be 'that' expensive"
Matsuri sighed "And you called yourself a city girl ? You need to learn more"
Mei P.O.V
I checked all the document twice before I signed it to make sure there're no mistake anymore. After all done, I stretched my arms to let loose my stiff muscle and it's surely feels good. I'm thinking to take a warm bath after getting home. I tilted my head to look at the sunset. It's getting late and... why there's some lonely feeling within my chest.
"Yu..."
I gasped. I put my hand upon my mouth "What am I saying ? Why do I call her name ? I even didn't realized it" I closed my eyes and put my left hand above it. Himeko words suddenly popped up in my mind.
"And... isn't it fun to be with... her ?"
"I bet she's fun to be with, isn't she ? Just by telling you about her it's enough to make you smiled"
I opened my eyes and shake my head "It's bad. Just what am I thinking. I can't let this feeling bugging me. I don't want to make grandpa worried anymore. I must concentrate and focus to student council"
I gather all my belonging hurriedly and left the student council room after locked it up. I walked home using the usual road I used to but somehow I feel empty inside. This is not the first time I walk this road but do it's always this quiet ? I sighed a little. Well this is not the first time I walked this road but this is the first time I walked this road alone after several month together with her. Her again. I tried to not remember her but as I walked, I passed many places she used to took me. I paused and looked around. There it is, a bus stop. I think I'll take the bus instead. I walked to there and check for the bus schedule. It take several minute to find the right bus number that pass near my home.
"Don't worry just give me the right amount of money then I'll let you do as you please. Just prepared the money and I will prepared the room"
This voices sounds familiar. Just for the sake of curiosity, I turned around and then I regretting my own action in a few second, because now I'm seeing someone I never want to see.
"Rare to see you alone" she said casually.
"After all people of this world why must this little devil is the one who show up ? Just by looking at her intimidate stare already make me feel irritated"
"Why you're so silent ? Lost for words ?"
"There she goes again that wicked grin of hers. I don't want to start some stupid war so let's pretend I don't know her instead" I look away to the direction where my bus will come.
"Ignoring me, eh ? Look, I don't know what Yuzu-chan seeing in you but let me be straight and it's for your own goods too that Yuzu-chan is mine"
"What's with this little devil ? Is she done talking yet ?"
"Don't be so full of yourself just because she's showed some affection to you. She's mine"
"By now you just keep saying that she's yours and since when she's yours ? Do you have any authentic averment ?" I said it without looking at her.
"What do you implying here ?"
"I think I already make myself clear, your statement have no value. It's just like a bark of a dog"
"What do you say ? Mind to explain it to me properly ? I'm not bright as you miss student council"
"Yuzu not yours. Do I make myself clear ?"
"You mean she's yours ?"
Her straight question really bugged me. Do I really want her to be mine ? It's not like we're in any serious relationship then why should I care if she's not mine ? But thinking her to be with someone else make my chest feels tight.
"Why don't you answer ? Come on I'm waiting for your answer"
"I never said she's mine" I said it slowly.
"Then it's good to hear. She's never be yours anyway because she's mine and never come between us, do you hear me ?"
"You miss something here kid. I never said I'll let you to be with her"
"Are you declaring a war ?" She smirked.
"Don't you planned it right from the start ?" I said it calmly.
"I don't planned it if you kindly surrender"
"Sorry but I never planned to"
"I hate you"
"You think I don't ?"
She looked me with a wicked grin while I stare her with intimidating look. She paused and so am I. I just need to be prepared whenever she start to argue with me again. Suddenly my bus come and it make me feel relieved. I just get in to the bus without saying any goodbye to her and I don't think I should. Who would be really kind enough to say goodbye to her enemy before left the battlefield ? I really want to leave here as soon as possible before she could start another round battle. I sit in second row. I squint at her from inside and find her still looking at me with her trademark smirk "What a little devil. I never can imagine this devil is my lover's 'lil sister'. She told me that she never know what Yuzu see in me, well I want to tell her the exactly same lines, I never know what Yuzu see in her either"
"Yes, thanks to you and your sister that I got the job - What ? My first pay day ? No way - Hehehe... just kidding. Don't worry I'll treat you something good - Okay, say hi and thank you to your sister from me - Bye" Yuzu closed her phone and put it in her bag and she grabbed her notebook while at it.
She opened that book and looked at her schedule "Let see, everyday except tuesday from 6 p.m. till 11 p.m I got to work at the bar with Matsuri. My new job will be at tuesday and sunday. Tuesday from 3 p.m. till 8 p.m while on sunday I got it from 9 a.m till 5 p.m. Looks full enough but I think I still can manage it" she closed her book and start to giggled all herself.
"Is there something funny Aihara-san ?"
"A... Asakura-san ? Wha... what are you doing here ? This... this is girl's changing room" Yuzu startled. Her face was bright red.
"Well, I already knocked several time but you don't answer so I just thinking that something might be happened to you then I rushed in but..." Ren-san smiled "... You seems okay, really okay"
Yuzu scratch her hair "Sorry, I'm really sorry, I really don't hear anything"
"No problem. I just glad you're okay"
"Do you need something ?"
"Ah, that's right Aihara-san can you help me with today's report ? I need to leave now"
"Okay, let me do it"
"Thank you. You're really a live saver" the tall man hand her some report book.
"It's okay"
"Thanks. I'll leave it to you"
After Ren-san left, Yuzu looked at the report book. While she read and write the report, she suddenly remember her lover. She make some serious face and squint her side "Is that today's report ? Just put it there and I'll check it later" she giggled "I bet Mei was like that in her daily routine as student council president. Wait, wait there's more" she put serious face again "What're you looking at ? Please look at the report not my face. Ah, Yu come here sit on my lap. Yu, I love you. I love you so much" she make some kissing lips pose.
"Yuzu-chan, what is exactly are you doing ?" the younger one staring the older one with an odd looked.
"Uwaahh... Ma... Matsuri now it's your turn to show up ?" the older face turn red again.
"What's wrong with you ? Is there anyone show up before me ?"
"Yeah, Asakura-san came when I... never mind. He asked me to help him to write today's report"
"Ren-san ? How rare of him to asking help from the other"
"He just said that he must leave now"
"Well, forget about him. Let's get back after you finish the report"
Yuzu really try hard. She's really hard worker. She rushed to the bar with Matsuri after school. Sometimes she's coming home late and Mei already sleep. She smiled and looked at her little sister sleeping face then smiled like idiot. All her fatigue immediately dissappeared just by looking her lover. Sometimes she take some picture of her lover sleeping face. In the morning, she still the one who wake up first to make their breakfast.
"Yu" Mei called while pouring a milk in her mug.
"Hmm ?" Yuzu cannot answered because her mouth is full.
"Where do you go recently ? Why do you often come home late ?"
The blonde gulped. She slowly chewed her food to buy some times to think "Umm... Just hang out with friend..."
"Taniguchi-san ?"
"... Yeah"
"What do you do until that late ?"
"... Talking, gossiping, and maybe watch some movie"
"How can you're late by just doing that ?"
"Well, sometimes when you're absorbed into something, you doesn't even realize how long the time already passed"
The black hair girl observing her lover "Coming home after nine is something a student shouldn't do, that's the rule. You even didn't picked up your phone"
"Like I said before, we're too absorbed to the fun"
"But it still against the rule"
"Come on Mei, I just having fun with my friend. I need something to killing time. You got your student council duty but I don't have any duty nor belong to some club so I just hang out with my friend. Isn't it this is something you want ? Some distance between us ?"
"Why do you put it that way ?" Mei tones changed little higher "Don't using my words to cover your own mistakes"
"I don't cover anything. It's true I break the school rules but I just having fun with my friend in order to make a distance between us like what you wish for. Do you think I'm not lonely ?"
"I just said we must put the distance out there not inside our home"
"Yeah, not inside our home but what time do you think you reach home ? It's already night because of your student council duties and sometimes you locked yourself at your father's room to study or whatever you're doing inside for. What about me ? I never have a chance to talk to you. What make it's different for me to coming home late ? You didn't care about me even if I'm home with you"
"... I... just don't want to... make grandpa worried... Sorry..."
"...Nah, it's okay..."
Suddenly there's a silence in the room. None of them try to talk after that. Mei twirling her hair. Her face looked sad and upset at the same time meanwhile Yuzu tapped her index finger slowly on the table. After a long silent, Mei stand up and walk away "I'm going first" she said in a low tone before closed the door.
"Be careful out there"
After the door closed, Yuzu scratch her head and sighed "Stupid, stupid, why must I said something like that. She must be very depressed with my words. Sorry Mei I didn't mean to it's because you keep asking me and I don't know how should I lie to you..." the blonde looked sad "...But to say that I didn't mean to is something... that actually not true isn't it ? Deep in my heart I feel so lonely without you even if we're live under the same roof. We're so close to each other but somehow it feel so distant between us..." the older girl shakes her head "Come on Yuzu fight on. You want to buy her a birthday present aren't you ? Cheer up"
Yuzu P.O.V
I drag my feet to employee break room on the back of the bar. I throw myself on a first chair I found. I put my hand on the table and rest my head then I closed my eyes. I feel exhausted. It almost two days since the last time I had a good night sleep. A sudden small bump on my head make me awake.
"Here, my gratitude to you" Ren-san put a bag of chocolate on the table.
His sudden action make me dumbfounded "For me ?" I still confused.
"Yeah, thanks for covering my job to write daily report" he blinked his right eye.
"It's nothing and beside we're friends, it's natural to help each other" I said while I stretched my hands.
"I owe you many times recently and I feel bad"
"Don't worry about it. By the way why you're such in hurry to going back after work ? Is there any problem I can help you with ?"
Ren-san scratch her chin "Well, the reason make me feel more bad to you. Actually it's because of my another job" he akwardly smile.
"You got another job ? In the middle of night ?"
"Yeah, sort of. I'm typical person who work at night and sleep at the morning. That's my daily routine since I attend university. My parents ain't that rich so I must work for some money"
"I see... so what happened to your workplace ?"
"You see my workplace there is more like this bar several months ago before you worked here. Long story to short, they short of hand because the usual person on charge just quit"
"It's hard when you short of hand"
"It's really hard, trust me. You know why ? It's because six of them quit in a same time. They caught slacking off then the manager get angry to them and make us work really hard"
"Hahaha... that's feel so bad for you Asakura-san"
"Nah, come on don't be like stranger, just call me my name. We're friends like what you said earlier, right ?"
"Okay, Ren-san" I giggled at him.
"What are you two talking about ? Something feel fishy here" Matsuri come as she loosen her ribbon.
"Ren-san give me a chocolate"
"Chocolate ?" Matsuri looked at Ren-san "Do you want to make a move to my Yuzu ?"
"It's just a thank you chocolate for helping me recently" Ren-san patted Matsuri head "Well, I'll back to work. My break is over"
As Ren-san walked away, Matsuri jumped on me and hugged me tight "Aww, Yuzu-chan is so sweet. No wonder if Ren-san would like you"
"Stop joking around. He just want to say thank you. Here, you can have it some" I grabbed some of the chocolate from the bag and put it on Matsuri's hand.
Matsuri unwrapped the chocolate then give it to me "Say ahhh..."
"Just you eat it. I don't have appetite"
"How rare for you to don't have appetite" She munched the chocolate instead.
"It's good isnt't it ? I don't need to bother any diet" I smiled at her.
"You don't looked fat or chubby to me" Matsuri observed me "Hey, it's just my imagination or you looked more skinnier ?"
"It must be your imagination"
"Really ?" Matsuri still observing me. She seemed unconvinced "Oh, Hojo-san want to see you when your break is over" Looks like she suddenly remember.
I looked at my wrist watch "It's looks like my break almost over" I stand up from my seat "I'll go se..." Suddenly all the world looked spinning and in the next second everything went black.
Mei P.O.V
I rubbed my tired eyes. I studying all the day even if this is sunday. All my book piled up like a mountain on my desk. When I opened my eyes I'm seeing Antonico, which lie around near my pencil case. I stare it for awhile before holding it. I hold it near my chest and then I closed my eyes. My lover face crossed on my mind. Her smile, her laugh, her voice, her gentle voice that called my name. Suddenly, my grandfather worried face crossed my mind. I shakes my head and put back Antonico to it's original place. I opened one of my book and start studying again. Not too long, I heard a creaking sound from the living room.
"Yu ?" I looked at alarm clock on my desk "It's still early, is she not hang out with Taniguchi-san today ? But well, it's not my business anyway"
I continued my study again. I flipped the page one by one and mark the important part with blue colored marker. A loud crashing sound make me startled.
"What's that ?..." I paused "…It's too quiet out there before the loud crashing sound… Yuzu always so noisy if she's home… Could it be… a burglar ?" I slowly opened the door and walk to the dining room. The dining room door slightly open when I arrived and I can see a light was on inside. I take a peek a little. I scanned the dining room slowly and how shocked could I be when I'm found my lover near the crashed glasses. Can you imagine there're many glass shard scatter all over her. I hope she's not hurt. Without thinking any longer, I rushed out to her.
"What happened ?" I grabbed broom and dustpan from the corner of the room.
"Sorry..." Yuzu tried to catch her breath "... I was careless..."
"It's okay, you're not hurt aren't you ?" the younger one start picking up the glass shard.
"No, I'm okay"
After all the shards picked up, Mei sweep the floor then throw all the broken glass on the dust bin. She turn to her lover "Do you mind to tell me how can you break all of these ?"
"I just want to drink and suddenly my feet slipped. When I lost my balance, I stumbled the table and all the glasses fall down"
Mei sighed "Just be more careful next time, okay ?"
"M'kay" Yuzu said with a low tone.
Mei walk closer and observed her lover. She gently touch her lover cheeks "Are you alright ? You look pale"
"I'm okay" the blonde smiled.
"Really ? Are you sure ?"
The older one nodded.
"I thought something off because you're usually not coming home this early"
"Well, you're usually not coming out from your father's room to talk to me either" Yuzu smiled again.
"... It's because you're crashing so many glasses and making a very loud noises"
Yuzu laughed a little "If crashing glasses can make you come out, I would like to do it everyday"
I lost my words. She's so... so... so adorable. O my God my face is so hot. I hope she doesn't realize my redden face. I turn my face to hide "What are you talking about..." I lower my voice which almost like a whisper "... baka..." "Gezzz… what's wrong with me? What's these nice warm feeling inside of me ?"
Yuzu P.O.V
It's dark at first but it gradually started to get brighter over the time. Although my vision still not clear but I can recognize a blurry person in front of me. It's Matsuri. I can hear her voice. She called my name over and over. My head not spinning anymore but it hurts a little. I can feel Matsuri hold my hand.
"What's going on ?" I asked her.
"That's what I want to know"
I know she's upset with me. I can hear slightly angry tone in her words.
"What's wrong with me ?" I closed my eyes to take a rest.
"Like what I said earlier, that's what I want to know why do you suddenly faint ?"
"I faint ?" I come to my sense now "The last thing I remember is I stand up from my seat and suddenly the world is spinning then everything went black" I rubbed my head.
"Are you alright Yuzu-chan ?"
"I'm okay now. No worries"
"You make us worried. I scream out when you collapse then Ren-san and Hojo-san came and bring you here"
I can hear sliding door sound being opened "You're awake ? How's your feeling ?" a middle aged man and a tall guy coming in.
"I'm feeling better now thank you and sorry for making all of you worried"
"It's good to hear" Hojo-san looked relieved.
"I shocked when I heard Matsuri-chan scream but I'm glad you're okay now" Ren-san patted my head.
"Is everything alright ? Do you not feeling well?" Hojo-san looked worried.
I smiled "Don't worry I'm fine. Maybe it's bacause I lack of sleep. There're some great movie I rented recently and I watch it until morning"
"What a moron can you be Yuzu-chan ? Don't watch it for awhile just get some rest"
"I will" I smiled.
"Now get back to work kids. She can't rest if we're all here making some disturbing noise" Hojo-san clapped his hands.
"Make sure you rest well" Matsuri said as she release her hand from holding mine.
"Will do" I smiled again.
After they leave, I tried to get up from the bed. Suddenly I feel a pain in my chest and I lay down again. I have trouble to breathing. It's very difficult to fill my lungs with oxygen even if I already inhale as deep as it can takes. The sting at my chest really hurts. I want to call for help but my voice doesn't come out. I grabbed my chest and bend my body intending to ease some of the pain. Fortunately after awhile, the pain is slowly gone. I still have a trouble to breath but at least it's less difficult than earlier.
"Maybe I just tired. I really lack of sleep these days but well, it's nothing if I can see Mei's smile" I still tried to smile with a lot of panting.
Not too long the room door knocked "Yes ?" I said slowly to save my breath.
I can see Hojo-san behind the opened door. He smiled at me "I forgot to tell you, if you're not feeling well, you can leave early"
"No need, I'm okay" I said it eagerly as I get up from my bed. Suddenly the pain flashed again through my chest. I hold my chest and bent my body a little.
"He.. Hey are you okay ?" Hojo-san looked worried as he rushed to my bed.
"...Just a little... pain..." I think my words are just like a whisper.
"Are you sure ?"
I nodded. But looks like Hojo-san realized how pale my face "I'll call the taxi and I'll have Matsuri to accompany you home" he grabbed his phone and dialled some number. A moment later, Matsuri come and already on her school uniform, looked like Hojo-san already explain it to her. She helped me to get into the taxi and scold me all the way to my home. I can only smile at her and it turn out to make her more angrier. The taxi stopped in front of my home.
"It's fine now. Thank you" I smiled.
"Just keep going" she demand.
"It's already late and you're alone. I..."
Before I finished my words, she cut it "If you're aware this is already late then don't wasting my time here and hurry up" she said as she pointing the door.
I sighed. Looked like she won't budge if I don't get in. I opened the door and before I closed the door, I wave my hand to her. That little sister of mine is still angry. She didn't wave back moreover her hand still crossed tightly in front her chest. Her angry face is scary but cute in the same time. She left after she make sure I closed my home door. I really feel grateful to her and I feel relieved that I already arrived at my home. I sit and took off my shoes. When I get up, my head feel dizzy again. I lean to the wall to keep my balance. I walk slowly to dining room and looking for my glass. I pull out dining chair and sit on it. I grabbed the pitcher and poured some water in it then drink it slowly. It's not helping, my head still dizzy. Maybe some sleep will be more helpful. I get up from my seat then the dizziness suddenly get worse again. I tried to walk. My body wobbled. My feet trembled. My breath come short again. I lost my balance but before I fall, I still manage to push my body to the right and stumbled on the table instead to the left and fall to the floor. When I stumbled the table, all the glasses fall down and crashed. I tried to catch my breath. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Then, I heard a loud footsteps that rushed toward this room.
The door opened and it was Mei "What happened ?" She grabbed broom and dustpan from the corner of the room.
"Sorry..." I tried to catch my breath "... I was careless..."
"It's okay, you're not hurt aren't you ?"
"No, I'm okay"
She sweep all the shards on the floor before throw it away to the dust bin. I want to help her but it's hard to move. Although it's much better than before but my head still a little bit dizzy. I'm afraid I'll fall again.
"Do you mind to tell me how can you break all of these ?"she asked.
"I just want to drink and suddenly my feet slipped. When I lost my balance, I stumbled the table and all the glasses fall down"
She sighed "Just be more careful next time, okay ?"
"M'kay" I said with a low tone. I looked down. I mad at myself because I made her worried at me. Suddenly I can feel her hand gently touch my cheeks.
"Are you alright ? You look pale"
Her warm hand soothe my heart. This girl is really... how should I say it... this girl, I really love this girl. I really fall in love with my little sister.
"I'm okay" I tried to smile.
"Really ? Are you sure ?"
I nodded.
"I thought something off because you're usually not coming home this early"
"Well, you're usually not coming out from your father's room to talk to me either" I smiled again.
"... It's because you're crashing so many glasses and making a very loud noises"
I laughed a little. Maybe because of the dizziness or because the warm feeling in my heart, I said it without thinking "If crashing glasses can make you come out, I would like to do it everyday"
She suddenly turn away from me "What are you talking about..."
I don't really exactly sure about it but maybe it's just my imagination too that I slightly catch a glimpse of my angel redden face as she quickly turn away from me but well…
I giggled. I love you Mei, I love you from the bottom of my heart.
