Chapter 6- A Surprise Guest and a Few Confessions
Disclaimer- I don't own Hana Kimi, but I did make up Taiki's Mom's name.
"So, what do you say?"
Mizuki couldn't believe this was happening. Just yesterday Taiki was just one of the guys, a friend. Could feelings change this fast? What exactly did Mizuki feel for this aura reader? Didn't she love Sano? She was so confused. Every few seconds, Mizuki would lift her hand up, only to put it back down again. "Just pick." Mizuki would tell herself over and over again.
Finally, Mizuki made a decision. She lifted her hand for a final time and gently placed it into his. Relief passed through Taiki as he tightened the grip, never wanting to let go. Mizuki could see it in his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something when the door slammed open to reveal his mother.
Mizuki and Taiki split instantly, both losing the warmth they shared. Mrs. Kayashima saw this and smirked at their cute antics. She rushed over to Taiki's bed and pulled over another chair while Mizuki sat down in the one she pulled over previously. Mrs. Kayashima took a hold of her son's hand and asked caringly, "Taiki, how are you feeling?" She pouted a little when her son gave her a stern look. "I'm fine, but aren't you supposed to be in the Chicago, to have a meeting about the new building you want to purchase?" Mrs. Kayashima put her hands on her hips and huffed, "Oh, you're father went instead of me, since he knows English better. Do you not want me here? Or are you upset because I interrupted that cute moment between you and you're girlfriend?" Taiki blushed, as well as Mizuki, while Mrs. Kayashima smirked. "You thought I missed that? How come you didn't tell me? You know I'd find out eventually, so there's no use in hiding it." Taiki tried to get up again, this time succeeding and lost the blush. "I wasn't hiding anything, this is my friend, Ashiya Mizuki." He gestured over to where Mizuki was silently sitting, waiting for her turn to speak. When she realized that Taiki just introduced her, she got up and shook his mother's hand. "Hello Ms. Ashiya, thank you so much for taking care of my son. It always worried me that he went to school so far away from home. But, now that you're here, there's nothing to worry about!" she grinned as she let go and sat back down. "Please, call me Mizuki; I'm not one for formalities when it comes to my name. I guess it's because I grew up in the States." Liking the vibes she got from Mizuki, Mrs. Kayashima retorted, "Well, than I insist that you call me Julia. Because, I too, was born in the States, but unfortunately, I moved to Japan before I was old enough to talk. My husband always makes fun of me for it."
They continued on their conversation for about an hour. Julia then stated that she was tired, and left to find a hotel. She also told them that she would help Taiki once he gets discharged and they would all go out for dinner. Once she left, Taiki sighed and leaned back against the pillows. He saw Mizuki looking at him, and he motioned for her to come over. Mizuki complied with his request and sat on the bed next to Taiki. She, too, leaned back against the pillows as Taiki took her right hand and started massaging circles into her palm.
"Hm that tickles, Taiki." Mizuki lightly laughed until Taiki stopped the action. Mizuki didn't want him to stop, so she added, "But it feels good." Taiki resumed the massaging and Mizuki put her head on his shoulder. The calming silence lasted until Taiki spoke. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For putting up with my mom. She's a bit over dramatic sometimes, but she's a good person. Usually people don't want to meet her, because I tell them that she has the same "abilities" that I do, and they freak out. So, thank you for giving me, and her, a chance."
"I don't see why people should be afraid. I mean, it's not like you change into a vampire and suck peoples' blood or attack people as a werewolf. You're a human being, just like me, so why not give you a chance? I'm glad I did, anyways."
"And that's what I like about you. You treat me like a person, and not some freak who can talk to ghosts. That's mainly why I transferred to Osaka. Too many people knew about me. I thought I could get away, but students from my old school knew students from Osaka and told them that I was transferring there and to 'watch out for the ghost kid'. No matter how far I go, I guess that's all I'll ever be."
Mizuki looked at Taiki and saw the sincerity in his face and the sadness in his eyes. She couldn't believe that people could be so mean to those they don't know. She hated those people who prejudged others. "I feel the same way. When I was little, people used to make fun me. They'd call me slanty eyes or flat face. I mean, now it sounds silly, but when you're 5 and have no one, it hurts. I remember sitting in the park, crying, when all of a sudden this girl with big, blonde pigtails walked up to me, stuck out her hand, and asked, "Why're you cryin'?" She pulled out a lollipop, gave it to me, and introduced herself. Jules was the first friend I ever had, and she always stuck up for me. She's the one who helped me get through school and life in general. I owe her a lot."
Taiki let go of her hand and put his arm around her shoulders. He than took her hand, again, in his free one, and started massaging circles. Mizuki snuggled into his half embrace and looked up at him. He was watching her as she told him her story, and blushed when he realized that he was caught. Mizuki giggled lightly as she brought the hand that was around her shoulder to her lips and kissed it lightly. Even though Mizuki was happy and smiling, Taiki could sense the cloudiness of her thoughts. He understood that it must be hard for her to decide who she wants to be with, him or Sano.
He than said bluntly, "I understand. You don't have to decide yet, but eventually, you will. Soon, Sano and everyone will be back. That's when I need to know your final response. The sooner, the better, but I'm not going to pressure you into this important decision. Just know that whomever you choose, someone will end up hurt, so listen to your heart."
Mizuki didn't want to think about it, but since Taiki brought it up, she knew that now, it wouldn't leave her mind. "I know that I will have to choose, but for now, can we just stay like this a bit longer?"
Taiki smiled and leaned closer to kiss the top of her head. He than gently pulled her down with him, as he got ready to go to sleep. Taiki turned off the lights and pulled Mizuki closer to him. He whispered in her ear, "Sleep well." and kissed her temple. As he watched her sleep, he noticed her snuggling closer to his arms and nuzzling her face into his shoulder. "I could get used to this." He thought before he, too, fell into a deep slumber.
A/N- Ok, so not as long as I had hoped, but there is some fluff, so hopefully that makes up for it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! And don't forget to review!!!
Much luv,
XOiHeaRTMiLoOX