Jikan yo Tomare

It has been a month since he transferred to the prestigious Morganroete University's High School Department as a sophomore. And since then he still has not seen that girl. Because of that he's starting to regret his decision of transferring here. After all, she was the only reason why he decided to transfer here. The scholarship this university is offering him meant nothing to him, nor the fancy presents his parents gave him after he made this outrageous decision. He even broke up with all of his girlfriends, and turned a new leaf over, just to get the prerequisites of this university. He gave up his laid back life and decided to take school seriously, just to get another chance in coming to ORB. To see that girl again…

It started 5 years ago. He was forced by his parent to attend an academic boot camp in ORB, sponsored by Morganroete. Back then he was such a messed up brat. He was one of the infamous delinquents at his school, often skipping classes and picking fights with other schools. He would be often found in arcade stores harassing some lower grade students, or gambling with people in back alleys. His parents were ready to throw him out, when one of his father's business associates volunteered to take him to an academic boot camp held annually in ORB. Actually, he didn't need to attend such boot camp since his grades were really good. He could pass an exam without studying, but he still has bad grades. He would purposely leave his exam paper blank, or doze of during the exam, or simply skip the exam itself. He simply found school too boring, way dull for his lifestyle.

But after he got back from ORB, he was a changed man. His entire life made a complete 180 turn. He started to attend his classes, his stopped hanging out with the bad crowd. He even joined some extra curricular clubs and some volunteer support groups affiliated with the local hospital. He even told his parents his plan: Be a cardiologist surgeon. Originally, he just wanted a laid back job that could earn him a ton of money. Jobs the qualify his category are a model, a male prostitute or simply an actor. When his parents heard his outrageous ambitions, his father was ready to throw him out. But after 5 years later, hi parents were seriously overjoyed that they bought him a limited class car, Justice. Then when he told his parents he wants to study in ORB, they were almost hysterical in joy, and immediately prepared everything for his transfer, including a new car and his very own apartment.

But a month after his transfer, his old delinquent side is coming back. He already skipped his first class and plans to skip the rest of his afternoon class too. He's getting bored with all the redundancy that surrounded him. At first, Morganroete was a blast. He was an instant star on his first day. Girls flocked him the moment he stepped out of his classroom during break. Guys were asking him to join their club. He was used to this kind of swarming since middle school, but somehow this was different. There was a side of him hoping that that girl might be one of the girls that are hording him, or maybe one of her acquaintance. But he was wrong. It has been a month, and still no sign of her. He asked about her before he transferred in this university, just to confirm two things: that she's still alive and that he can still see her. The secretary confirmed that she is currently enrolled in the school but didn't specify which year she is in. But since she was just couple of months younger than him, he assumed she might be in the same building with her. He was dead wrong. In the High school department, each year level has their own building and building facilities. The freshman level has two buildings, sophomore has three, junior has two and senior has four. And within his first week, he has basically explored every corner the sophomore buildings have. And still no sign of her.

This is seriously fucked up.

If he can't find her, then what's the purpose of transferring in this university? Maybe he should drop out and go back to Aprilius. That'll be fucked up. He could imagine his father's fuming mad expression.

Well then, he could at least stay here for a year; try to enjoy ORB and its beauties. Speaking of beauties, there that really sexy girl in his class. Was it Meer Campbell? Yeah, she's one fine babe. Maybe he could hang out with her to pass time, perhaps? Ah, and there's that Meyrin Hawke girl, who's always giving him homemade lunch boxes! She's cute and fine too! Maybe he should hang out with her too.

Which ever goes then?

Another week passes by, and he was able to relieve his boredom with a new fling that goes by the name Meyrin Hawke. She has a really 'Hawke-ish' sister, named Luna who has been hindering his moves on her.

So the only thing he has done with her so far was just a really boring peck on the cheek. Usually, by the end of the week, he would have the girl down in his bed clamoring for more. But like he cares. He's just using her as a past time anyways, so why should it matter?

Another week passes by and finally his dream has come true. In the most awkward of times. He had finally convinced Meyrin to make out with him behind the Sakura Gardens that linked the sophomore main building and the freshman building together. And just when he was about to land his hand on her ample breast, that girl appeared. At first he didn't recognized her, with her shoulder length amber blonde hair falling loosely, but when his eyes met hers, he immediately froze up. And suddenly time stopped. Meyrin, or the other students that were with them seem to have vanished, and in this moment there was just the two of them there.

"oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know there were students here! Ms Athha, we can't have the meeting here." Why would this annoying asshole has to report what is already obvious?

"Ah, well, then, let's just go back to the main building then." She turned her back so nonchalantly. Did she recognize him?

"But I thought you didn't like the stuffy air there? We can still try the Lavender Gardens…"

"Its fine, and besides, all of our resources are there, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Very well then, let's go."

His eyes were fixated on her back, until he couldn't see her anymore. It took him quite a while before he realized it was just the two of them again.

"Hey, Meyrin. DO you know what level that blonde girl is?" His mind began to reel with surging emotions and memories. He was overjoyed by just seeing her fine and well, and with the fact that she look simply hot, adds as a freebie.

"Ah, you mean, Ms Cagalli? Yeah. She's a freshman. She's supposed to be in the same grade as ours, but she had to repeat another level after she missed half of the freshman year. Why?"

"Nothing."

With just that, he returned back to his serious mode. He started attending his classes again, acing each and every exam being thrown at him. He even broke up with Meyrin, with the simple reason that he 'needs to concentrate with his studies more' crap. As for his mysterious girl, Cagalli, he chose not to pursue her further for a little while. He needs to make sure that his recent break up with Meyrin has nothing to do with her, and he still needs to investigate more about her. Like her hobbies, her favorites and her health. Especially her health. After all, he did made a promise with her to protect her, whether it is healthwise or whatever. That's why he wants to be a heart doctor. No. He needs to be a heart doctor.

His hard work finally paid off on the 3rd month of his transfer. By now, he almost knows everything about her, including her body measurements. He knows what time she arrives or what time she goes home. What subjects she's taking and who are her friends. He knows what subjects she's good in or what clubs she is affiliated with. With that in mind, he is ready to attack. Only if he has the courage, if not the strength to approach her.

"Hahaha. Man, you're pathetic. Zala, look. Its really simple. Just say 'Hey, remember me? I was the guy who saved you from 5 years ago.' If she remembers then fine! If not, then tough luck!" It was Dearka, his classmate and neighbor. He often runs to his side, unconsciously spilling everything that has any connections to Cagalli. Just like now. Drinking the remainder of his soda while duking out his PS3.

"You make it sounds so easy." He could only grumble his disdain. This is the first time he's having girl problems.

"Because it is that easy! Unless you're asking her out or something. That my friend is one impossible feat."

"I'm not into that. I just want her to remember me, and be her friend. My intentions are clean."

"Then it should be easy right?

"Goddamn it…"

By the 5th month, he was already at his limits. He was so miserable; he couldn't concentrate with the planning for the School festival. He excused himself from the planning department and joined the props group. He couldn't even concentrate on drawing a simple straight line. He was just so thankful he had his fan girls doing his job for him. The only thing he has to worry about now is her.

Days passed, and it was time for the festival. It was really awesome; all the clubs had their own unique presentations, ranging from cosplay cafe, maid-butler cafe, movie houses, karaoke café, horror houses and test of courage houses, confession booths and others. It would be a really nice place to take your date out to. Only he didn't have a date. Meyrin asked him if he would go with her to the seniors' fair, and he agreed. And that was it. He wanted to go home, and just doze off the rest of the day, but he can't since that stupid Dearka booked him on one of the Fan Service booths their class has. He was forced to sit down with clients, flirt with them and dress up for them with a limited variety of costumes: a neko butler suit, a pre-schooler uniform, shirtless, waiter uniform, Japanese kimono, and a neko kimono suit. If it wasn't for the high tips he was getting, he wouldn't even dare touch those disgusting costumes. But it was a good way to spare time. And before he knew it, it was already dark. And it was time for the last event for the day.

The Public Confession.

Its where people would confess to the person they like over the PA system. Every student, faculty and staff will hear the confession. Every single soul who are present in the campus. But of course there are privacy terms. The confessor can use a different name to use and or remain anonymous. It seem amusing, he thought, so he decided to watch and listen to the Public confession, whose headquarters was at the Sophomore Auditorium.

Hearing the confessions was really amusing. Some were rambling about, some were stuttering. Some girls even broke into tears after confessing and a couple of 'awws' were heard. Some had really cheesy lines, and some were straight to the point. Then he wondered, how would he be like if he was to join the Public Confession?

Would he be all mushy?

Would he break down and cry after confessing?

Will he ramble or stutter?

Would he be--

"…It has been five years since we last met. Do you still remember? Back then, I didn't have any directions in life, but after meeting you, everything changed. I found my reason in life. I want to protect you. No. I need to protect you. --" It was Dearka's voice over the PA system. And somehow, it seems like he wasn't really confessing to someone. He is confessing for someone…

"What the hell! Fuck you Dearka!"

"…Do you still remember? You never left my thoughts. You were the reason of my transfer here. You made my world move again.—"

"Fuck you Dearka! I never said anything like that!! I swear I'll slit your throat open when I get you!!" he was literally galloping his way to the Sophomore building. He needs to stop him. She doesn't need to know about him…

"…I don't expect you to remember. I just want you to know I'm here and I still haven't forgotten about you. And if possible, I want to stay by your side…"

When he saw the large crowd in front of the auditorium entrance, he stopped. Why the hell was he rushing? It wasn't him who confessed. It was Dearka. And besides, its not like she'll remember.

Right?

It's been five years. He cant possibly expect her to remember. Remember when he first saw her? She ignored him. It meant she didn't recognize him or remembered him. So why should he have to have his hopes so high?

With a heavy and crestfallen heart, he decided to leave the university and just go home. And sulk. Sulk till his eyes bleed and kidneys fail. Why the hell did he even break up with Meyrin? And why did he even choose to transfer here…

"…Uhm…I don't know how to start this, but, I still remember your promise. I was really looking forward in seeing you again. Then when I heard you transferred here, I was really happy. I thought, 'hey, he's here! He still remembers!' But when I saw you with a girl behind the tree…"

Wait… Could it be?

"...If you're still here, I hope you could hear me. I'll be waiting for you by the same beach, tomorrow. If you still remember…"

His heart burst into a million pieces out of extreme happiness. He felt an overwhelming surge of emotions flowing into his veins, as he run his way back to the Auditorium.

She remembers!

She remembers!!

When he got there, the auditorium was still packed with confessors. But he didn't care. He needs to see her. He needs to explain things. There's so many things he need to tell her…

A tap on his back brought him back to reality. It was Dearka.

"See? It's that's simple. But too bad, man, she just left."

"wa-wa-wait! Whaddya mean by ' she just left'?" He was stuttering like crazy. He was too happy.

"Can you understand English? SHE-JUST-LEFT." Dearka could see the extreme happiness from his pal. The jerk was so happy that he was literally shaking.

"She just left? She just left….she just left…she just left!"

"Man, you're so pathetic. Anyways, she did say where to meet her right? The just go meet her there."

"Aw shit, dude. Aw shit. Man, I owe you a lot."

"You bet you do. Now Let's head back. I need to finish that annoying third level boss."

The next day felt like a dream. He got to the beach pretty early, and thought she flaked out on him after waiting for 5 minutes. But when she appeared, he was in such euphoria. He was literally speechless; as he felt her arms wrapped him. It took them quite a while before they were able to settle down. The he immediately began explaining about everything. From his transfer, to the Meyrin incident, up till Dearka's confession. She sat beside him, listening, smiling. He was really happy. With each minute that passes by between them, his heart felt so light, and his mind felt so clear.

He has found his reason for living.

Time passed by and soon it was time to head back home. He told her he used the train to get here, since Dearka borrowed his car. She smiled and told him she wanted to take the bus too, along with him. But she has to wear sunglasses and a hat to cover her identity. He didn't asked why. He'll find out sooner about it later on.

For now, all that matter is she's here with him.

She's alive.

And one simple proof of that is the warm hand he is holding right now.

A/N:

Yay! I uploaded! I'm in a good mood today, because of all the nice reviews you guys gave me. This update however focuses more on the past. Sorta like a break from all those angst that's starting. Just so you guys know how it sorta started. Next update will be back on the angst rhythm. Also, I've changed the genre. Originally the plan was to schtick to the comedy mode. Then I realize, comedy isn't just my line. I'm more of the angsty person. So yeah, you can expect Airen Maid to turn for the angst version. Crimson Night has already started the angst mode. Anyways, about Cagalli's ailment, stay tune. I've already cited some clues here, and from the previous chapter. It's pretty easy to tell, if you really read the story and not just scanned through it. XDD.

Okies fine. It's heart related. Oooowww. Yeah. So you can pretty much predict how the outcome might turn out, if Athrun doesn't pick up the pace.

About the title, it's from the ED theme of Itazura no Kiss, of the same title. I wrote this story while bleeding my ears to the song.

Also some good songs to listen to while reading this story is Shadow of Love by Olivia 'Inspi Reira. You can look it up in youtube. It tells some parts of the story. Also, Gackt's song Last Song. I used it in the 2nd chapter. Really heartbreaking.

Anyways, read and review. I really really appreaciate your reviews. About the updates, I cant much do a lot, since I still have two weeks of classes. But again, it depends on your reviews. The more, the merrier!

BTW, Taion mean 'temperature' in English.

Again, thankies…