Okay, last finished Chapter for now... Once this little typhoon in my life has calmed down, I'll be back!
Chapter 10: Invitation
Teiko Gakuen Shuutoku Campus
The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom. It was the season of graduation.
It's been a month since the concert and everything seemed to be fine again in Takao's life.
Except for one thing, Sakuya's behavior towards him.
She had been less close to him when she had returned, but he thought they had grown closer again during the trainings camp.
Now she was always with some guy, she called class rep. He found out that his name was Kirisawa Satoshi.
Also she often ate lunch with the girls from her class.
It wasn't that Takao was jealous of them, it was just that he missed the day where they had been that close.
Also those two songs from her concert were constantly on his mind.
'One of Repetition' pretty much told a story of lost love, while that one line from 'Furusato' bothered him.
Takao also had checked out HEAVEN's channel. All the songs were about losing someone, unrequited love or even more tragic themes.
He wondered what had made Sakuya write such sad songs, while as an idol her songs had been that happy and cheerful.
"Now we will commence Teiko Gakuen's graduation ceremony!"
Teiko's graduation was a huge festival like event. All branches, from kindergarten till high school, were participating.
"Now this year's top graduate will hold a speech. Hanasaki Sakuya, please."
Sakuya walked to the front and onto the stage. Takao was surprised. He didn't expect Sakuya to be the top student.
"Teiko Gakuen is…"
Sakuya had started talking and everyone quieted down.
"Teiko Gakuen is a wonderful school. I, who has only been here for a few months, can happily say this. The teachers are kind and strict when needed. The different campuses help to keep everyone in a group to stay in. The many clubs offer very good free-time entertainment. And… I wanted to say, that from kindergarten till now, everyone matured, gained knowledge. For that I am thankful, that Teiko Gakuen offers such a good envirement."
Sakuya finished and went to her seat again. Everyone clapped. Now one after another were called up to the front and got their diploma.
The ceremony had ended and the graduates went towards the exit. Finally they were able to leave these grounds for good.
Takao stopped Sakuya for talk, to which she agreed. They went to an empty classroom.
"So what do you want, Takao-kun?"
"Why are you avoiding me?"
Takao had decided to be straight forward. It would lead to nowhere if he was going his usual laid-back, air-headed tour. Sakuya just sighed.
"Midorima replaced me, right? I just wanted to give the two of you time to make good high school memories… I wasn't intending on disturbing you guys' relationship. Just thought I'd see how you're doing. You're well and happy. I have nothing more to do with you."
Sakuya left the classroom. It hurt. It fucking hurt.
Why? Takao didn't know. He only knew that one sentence made him as speechless and frozen to the spot as he was now.
'Midorima replaced me, right?'
Takao never knew that it had left Sakuya with that impression. Sakuya had been his first friend and now was Midorima's first friend.
Takao knew that Sakuya could use words to kill people if she wanted.
But to experience it like this was terrifying. Takao had gained a lover and payed by losing his first friend ever. Suddenly it felt like he was aall alone on an empty planet.
Takao didn't like it. He already was missing Sakuya's presence and now he'd have to go on without for another year.
'Come one, Kazunari. You could do just fine without her before. Why not now?'
After snapping out of the trance, Takao quickly went to meet up with Midorima.
He noticed Sakuya with Kirisawa and his chest tightened at the sight of Sakuya smiling at that guy.
Midorima seemed to have noticed the pained look on his face and pulled him in a tight hug.
Takao couldn't hold his tears anymore. He didn't want Sakuya to leave.
Midorima lightly patted his head, whispering sweet words into his ear.
It was once again April, the season of the cherry blossoms. Takao and Midorima were graduating from Teiko. They would go to the same university together.
After getting their diplomas, they went to Takao's place. But a surprise was waiting there for them.
Takao's home
"Dad? You're back?"
A old man in his late fourties was sitting on the couch in the living room.
"Yes, Kazunari. I take this is the rumoured 'Shin-chan'?"
Takao beamed at his father and nodded.
"Yes, this is Midorima Shintaro! He's my boyfriend."
Takao's father stood up and asked for some privacy with his son.
They went to his office room.
"What did you want to talk about, dad?"
"I want you to break up with him."
"Ehhhheeee!?"
"You are engaged. Her father and I decided a long time ago. We decided it's time to tell you two."
"To whom?"
"Hanasaki Sakuya."
"Sakuya!? But dad-"
"No Buts, Kazunari. You have one week to break up with that boy. The wedding will be in two months."
Takao's father left the room. Takao was still shocked.
He would see Sakuya again. Finally. But through such circumstances?
He'd have to tell Midorima and find a way to get out of this engagement and eventual marriage.
After a while, Takao's dad came out of the room. Without Takao. He asked Midorima to leave as Takao had important business to do.
Midorima complied, though reluctant. He went straight home and opened the mail box as he always did. One postcard shocked him frozen.
You are hereby invited to
Takao Kazunari and Hanasaki Sakuya's wedding
on XX-XX-XXXX.
It would be a joy to have you with us.
If you are able to come please call XXX XXXXXXX.
Midorima snapped out of his frozen state and went inside his home. Wordlessly he ate dinner, did his homework and went to bed.
It was then that his held back tears began to flow in masses.
'Does Takao not love me anymore? Was he cheating on me with her? Why didn't you tell me? Say, Takao. Why did you not?'
I'm terribly sorry to leave it at this kind of cliffhanger, please don't die on me!
Shion