hey! howdy everyone?
can't reveal anything...may-be the name already has...
so, read on!!
"Where is Ban-san? Do you know where he is, Akabane-san?'' she asked him.
He looked at her and simply said, "He's dead, Mizuki-chan. He's dead."
Sitting at the edge of cliff, he brushed his hair out of his eyes, his ocean-blue eyes staring into the horizon. Hitching up his glasses, he couldn't help thinking of the events that had taken place in the past few days. He was sitting in the place where the GBs used to not hang out very often- the beach. He remembered the time when he and Ginji "supposedly" had to go to the beach for a mission, but ended up gaping at women clad in bikinis. He thought that their reputation had been ruined for sure, but she had, unexpectedly, carried out a mission herself, thereby saving their asses. He wondered if he had the same feelings for her back then. She always was so quiet, so unnoticed, yet she carved a place for herself in everyone's heart. Even that Zooboy and that crazy doctor thought she was sweet.
She was so mature, yet so pure. But he knew that after the incident that had taken place, he could never look into her eyes ever again. It was for her own good- that was the vague reassurance he gave himself. He knew that if they hadn't got there in time, they would be attending her funeral right now. It was all his fault. He never should have fallen in love with her. He almost felt ashamed to admit that she had him wrapped around her fingers. But the vain and haughty character he was, he would never admit how he felt. And his reason was- They were different, totally different. The lives they lead, they were two worlds apart.
As different as the sun and the rain.
The life he led was full of danger, action and uncertainty. He could never say that he would see the next sunrise. But her life was what we define as normal. Completely normal. Going to school, coming home, working in Honky Htonk and chasing cats, having a safe and secure life. She probably deserved someone who had a cool job, some CEO of some enormous firm, who would love her with all his heart and endow her with presents. The last thought left a bitter taste in his mouth as he got up, stretching his legs. Kicking a pebble aside, he decided to walk back since he didn't have his car.
………………………………………………………………………………..
"I'm home!' she shouted into an empty house. Taking her keys with her was a smart thing to do as her father had not returned yet. She smelt the homey smell that always hung around her apartment. It was a small affair, not very grand. But still, it was home. She decided to have some hot coffee as she watched TV; her favorite show was on air. It was amazing how she had recuperated so quickly and she knew it was all thanks to her friends. But she still couldn't erase his thoughts from her mind. She couldn't believe it, he was dead. The day Jackal had told her, her eyes had simply gone blank. But now as the truth sank in, she slowly sat down, crying pitifully. She knew her loss was nothing compared to Ginji-Chan's, but it was very difficult to accept the fact that the first guy who truly caught her attention was already a part of the void. She ran to her room, which was full of stuffed toys, mainly cats. Here and there, she had tacked up posters of cats in various moods and positions; they were her only source of comfort after a crappy day.
But on the bedside table, hidden away from prying eyes, was a tiny miniature cat with a bell round its neck. On pressing the bell, the toy-cat sprang open to reveal the picture of a young man she yearned to see. She remembered the laborious work that had gone in, in order to get a simple picture of Ban. He looked simply perfect in it. It was a wallet sized picture which she carried with her everyday. Cradling the cat in her arms, she fell asleep, dreaming of him.
She woke up next day to see a lovely sunrise. It was so cruelly beautiful, as though mocking her. Getting dressed, she took her bicycle keys that were hanging next to the doorway. She reached Honky Htonk in record time and Paul was surprised to find her there. "You should have taken the day off, Natsumi," he said, shaking his head. But Natsumi just forced a smile and began to wash the dishes. As she wiped a dish for the hundredth time, a voice drawled from a corner, "You missed that spot."
Natsumi froze, a most comical expression taking over her face. Ginji was acting as though nothing had happened. "Ban-san? How did you-" she began but Ban interrupted, "you don't think that ordinary fall could kill me, do ya?" "Hai, Natsumi-chan. Ban-sama is invincible!" yelled Ginji, hugging his best pal. But Ban merely shrugged, hitting Ginji on his head. Watching the two of them, she could not help smiling. She was so relieved. She reminded herself, "Next time I meet Akabane-chan, I'm going to give him a big piece of my mind."
As she turned around, placing the wine glasses carefully, Ginji looked at Ban with an annoyed expression on his face. Ban looked up with one raised eyebrow to see Ginji edge closer and say, "Hey, Ban-chan! Are you never going to tell Natsumi-chan how you feel?" 'Keep your voice low, baka! She may hear you," snarled Ban angrily. "Let her, then. It's about time you be a man," said Ginji, irritated. Just then, the door swung open and Hevn walked in. Her long blonde hair was swinging behind her as she walked to the GBs. Ginji greeted her with a smile, while Ban merely held up a hand. Hevn smiled at Natsumi who grinned back. Everything was back to normal. At least that's what Natsumi thought. But Hevn's next remark made her look up. "Weren't you glad to see Ban, Natsumi?" asked Hevn, grinning impishly.
Ban quickly glanced at Natsumi to see her cheeks turn a pale pink. She seemed very flustered and Ban couldn't help blushing himself. With an attempt to end the uncomfortable silence between them, he hurriedly switched on the radio and tuned in to his favorite radio channel. He liked listening to the lady who spoke on J-pop as she had a very melodious voice. But to his immense shock and embarrassment, 'love-hour' was on and Miyuki was excitedly saying, "can't tell him/her how you really feel? Afraid of rejection? Pick up your phone and call us right now! I, Miyuki, the perfect matchmaker, can help you with your itsy-bitsy love life! By playing cupid, I can get the two of you together, forever! Don't waste life's precious moments! Anyways, the next song is Sotsugyou requested by Taka for Ayumi! Keep listening!"
Moshimo hitotsu dake
Tatta hitotsu dake
Kanaerara nara
Nani o inoru kana
Ima doko ni iru no?
Ima dare to iru no?
Aoi sora miyage…
Sotto toikakaeru.
WITH YOU sugu soba ni
Ita koro no kimi ga inai
WITH YOU hanaretemo
Kawaranai-
And Ban switched off the radio in a hurry. He was mortally afraid of such mushy songs. They made him feel funny. Really funny. He got up and decided to go for a walk inorder to avoid the stupid agent who was narrating to Ginji the way she blushed when she saw him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could that the waitress was still watching his every move with a confused look on her face. Catching his eye, she went red yet again. And thats when it struck Ban, does she like me as well?
Walking back to Honky Htonk, he opened the door to find complete silence except the soft crooning of a girl as she sang her favorite song. Ginji and Hevn seemed to have vanished and even Paul wasn't present. He nervously stepped ahead. hey, wait a minute...why am i nervous? I am Ban mido after all...saying this to himself, he walked ahead, his head held high, to find Natsumi finishing the song with a dreamy look on her face. The setting sun had cast a golden glow on her face and her eyes were a liquid grey-black. The orange sunlight streaming in through the windows gave her an ethereal appearance. Tearing his eyes away from her, he said, "haven't you gone home yet?' "huh?" she looked up, her eys wide.
Natsumi's POV
How long has been standing there watching me? Control yourself, Natsumi, stop behaving like a desperate woman...
I think this is the right time to tell him…but no…I can't. well, may-be I can…ok…here goes….
"Ban-chan…" she began and Ban looked up, his eyes a vivid blue saying, "yeah…what?" "well I…just wanted to say…for quite sometime…" she said, going red. Ban looked at her, trying to be calm. His heart was beating like a drum against his chest. He was sure…this was it. He felt really guilty about the fact that inspite of loving her, he had to deny it.
"Ban-chan…..I really like you," she whispered. Time seemed to stand still as she looked into his ocean-blue orbs. When blue met grey, moments seemed suddenly so long. Remembering his solemn oaths, he shrugged and got up. Natsumi watched him, her eyes wearing a perplexed look. Looking straight into her eyes, he said, "I am sorry, but I don't think I feel in the same way." His eyes were so cold, so empty. He almost seemed enraged. Natsumi got up and said, "I'm sorry…I don't know what had got into me…" she took off her apron and stuffed it into her bag, her bangs covering her eyes. "Ja ne, Ban-san," she said and ran off to be enveloped by the growing darkness. Ban stood stock still. Never in his living memory had she said Ja ne (which meant good bye) but always Ja Mata ne (See you later). He didn't know why, but he felt really sad. That wasn't right, he was supposed to be overjoyed. He had done it. he had not surrendered to his emotions. But watching her fade away, he wasn't quite so sure.
The next day when Hevn came to know about the incident, she threw a fit and blamed Ban endlessly for being such a "Bakayaro" and also came close to tears. Ban just listened to her rant and got up just to say that he had had enough of the drama. Natsumi hadn't turned up for work that day and nobody wanted to know the reason why. They imagined her sitting quietly, sheddding tears over the past. But nothing that sort happened. She came a bit later than usual, thats all.
"hajimemashite, master! Gomen for being late! I just had to sort a few things out in school!" she yelled and got to her usual job of wiping the dishes. The only difference was in her attitude towards Ban. She was more polite and more stiff and formal when he was around. With Ginji and Hevn, she was the same cheerful 17-year old, smiling and laughing. But only Hevn could see through that mask, that mask that concealed her emotions so thoroughly.
So, after her duty at Honky Htonk was over, Natsumi found herself being led to an ice-cream parlour. She knew what was coming and so, she said, pulling herself away,"No, Hevn-sama. I have to get going. Otou-chan is coming home today." Hevn just glared at her and so, Natsumi followed quietly. "You have to tell me evrything that happened between the two of you. Everything," she said, emphasizing the last word. Natsumi shrugged and narrated the days events to her while Hevn listened attentively. She almost dropped her banana sundae when she heard the way Ban had reacted. "That bakayaro! I never should have given him any job!" "And you know what Hevn, the last few days have been very very troublesome for me. I never should have told Ban-san. Inspite of being a 17-year- old, I don't have the brains of a 12-year-old. Its not like I didn't expect the reply, I just got caught up in the moment. And now, I have ruined even the fragment of a relationship that existed between us," she said, quietly. Hevn looked at her, pity in her eyes. She said, "I know what it is like to experience sorrow, joy and sorrow yet again in a single day. Don't blame yourself, you did what your heart told you...may-be he doesn't like you after all..."
so, how did you like it? I really couldn't kill my beloved Ban...lolz...
I think the rejection was what we all expected, right?
either ways, all I know is that this story is gonna be a long one...
so R&R, plz!!!
a million hugs and arigatous to all these people:
eXtreme eVolution
My-Angel-Wings
crimsonmoon08
ElizabethMarieBenett
Barane
Mr. Evil Eyes
CagalliRules
K-Chan Higu
cuteneji-kun
thank you for your support! couldn't have done this without you!! (sorry if I misspelt a few)
so, until next time then!
yours truly, MSB.
