Seventh Life: The Cat Waits
"What are you doing, you Amazon? Try to be a bit more careful."
She nodded. Nod. "Yup. That's exactly what he'd say! Hahahahaha… HA?"
She looked down towards the voice and the source of her misery was right before her very eyes. "W-hat…"
"You Amazon! Do you even realize how worried your mother is right now? You didn't give her as much as a call. You must be out of your mind." His voice held certain intensity. And he even isn't moving from his stand. Wait… She stopped herself. "Mom! Gaaaah! I'm such an idiot!" she immediately rummaged her bag for her cell. She was about to dial her Mom's number.
"No need." Tezuka said. She whirled to her left. What? How'd he get up here so fast? A second ago, she saw him at the foot of the tree then now, he's beside her by the branch! She pointed a finger at him with all the force she had. Her brows furrowed. "Don't come near me for a sec. keep distance okay?"
He looked at her as if she's some kind of lunatic. He sighed bored. "What's this all about?"
"Just a sec okay?" she pleaded. She took continuous breaths.
"Akira?"
Her breath caught. "W-what?"
"You never asked me why…"
She tried to peer into his eyes for they were looking down, seeing something else that she could never lay eyes on. Or can she? She looked at the darkness that surrounded a lamp post but still coexisted with the light. The sight was strangely calming because the light, though flickering, still shone brightly.
"We've really grown up now haven't we?" She saw him turn his head at the corner of her eyes. "I mean, now we can understand each other's point of view no matter how strange they are…"
What is it? A pig?
How rude! It's a cat! C-a-t!
Hmmn…
What kind of reaction is that?
A 'no'.
"… we can contain ourselves properly without exploding…"
You- jerk!
And to think- that I worried- over you!
It frustrates- the hell out of me- when you don't- tell me things, damn you!
"… Now we understand that life wouldn't keep moving forward if we keep on lying to ourselves…"
That kiss didn't happen okay?
Sure.
That meant nothing, okay?
Whatever you say.
And we will forget about it, okay?
Yes, Ma'am.
"So maybe…" she looked up at the night sky. Wow. The stars are already out. "I realized that you won't be staying there, like, forever. I thought that whatever the reason was for leaving here, leaving us, it is for the best. You never act for yourself, you know. Sure you do some crazy measures every once in a while, but it always turns out for the best." She took a deep breath. "You always aim for something big and always settle for the very best- nothing more, nothing less."
She gave him her wolfish grin. "Listening to myself just makes me realize how really ambitious you are Kun-kun! Nyahahahahahahahahahahaha!"
Her laugh gradually became faint. "In the end, all that I can think of to say and what I really want you to do is…"
She looked at him properly now.
This maybe the last time he can examine his face this close for a long while. She really doesn't get why she acts like this. He was going but he won't be gone forever. He'll come back. Soon, she'll see his handsome stoic expression again, his cute blush spreading slowly across his face, the amusement dancing in his eyes, and her favorite- his smile. He'll come back. So why am I so anxious about? He can take care of himself. I know that he'll…
"… be safe."
Then everything was quiet. So was her heart.
"I'll be going." He broke the silence. "But I'm going to be back real soon."
I know. But I can't help being anxious. "Yeah, right."
"You don't believe me."
Of course I do, moron. "Not in the slightest bit."
"You wanna know the reason why I'll be coming back?"
Yes. "Not interested."
"I'll tell you anyway."
Go ahead. "Not listening."
She saw his eyes dance in silent laughter just like they always do. "'Cause I wanna hear your #1 motto in life. I only know the second- never let your guard down."
She looked at him unbelievingly. "That's it?" 'I would tell you right now provided you stay right here' was what she wanted to say. But that would be her being selfish. She heaved a sigh of hopelessness.
Tezuka sweated a bit. "What's got you so depressed suddenly?"
Who do you think? "The fact that I'm gonna tell you the first half of the motto. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." She said instead. "Okay here goes."
They started at each other intently.
"Life is short."
A cold breeze blew.
"And so is your motto." Tezuka continued, coldly.
She whacked him in the arm. "You're being rude again, Kun-kun."
She watched him scratch his head.
"Don't look so disappointed, you! I promise that the other half is better."
It was his turn to sigh, resignedly.
"The rest of the motto would be saved for later when you come back." Her tone changed into a lonely pitch. "So make sure you heal that arm and come back okay?"
She jumped down from the tree. She already knew. That's why she didn't ask. That's why, deep in her heart, she knew she wanted him to go no matter how much she denied it. She wanted to see more of his perfection and flaws. She wanted him to have the ability to do his best always because that's what she taught him. It's difficult to be beautiful.
She sure sighed a lot today. But she did feel better.
"Well then!" she stretched again and smiled. "Time to catch us some world-class supper! Let's go Kun-kun!" She went ahead of him towards the gate, because the tears she was holding back were starting to fall.
She wiped them dry by the time that his Kun-kun was beside her walking towards home.
"You'll eat at our house right?"
"Yeah."
"Wonder what's on the menu today?"
"Tempura."
"Nyaaaah! My favorite!"
The rest of the conversation faded with the beauty of the night which was the only witness to their hearts' parting conversation.
