"Struggling With Feelings"
By: Justin T. Melanson
Author's Note: The title of this chapter says it all. However, I can assure you it won't be the end of this fanfic, no sirree, I will say this though to sum it up, hearts are broken, friendships are strained, and curses are more than uttered here.
Disclaimer: I do not own King of Fighters, or any of the characters involved in this fanfic, save for maybe Athena's mom and dad. All characters are the sole property and rights of SNK Playmore, Inc.
Chapter 11: Heartbreaker
Kensou was blissfully unaware of what was really going on with Athena when he arrived to school the day after, she seemed so happy to be with him the previous night, and he with her. However, he was smart, and didn't tell anyone what was going on. Still, he was in for a rude awakening when on his way to first period, Athena pulled him aside, and her friend Sanae was barely visible at the other end of the hallway, the crowd of students dissipated as much of them began to arrive to their first period classes.
"Kensou, we need to talk," said Athena gently.
Kensou studied Athena's gaze and look when she said those words, she looked utterly exhausted, her eyes were red and seemed to be swollen to boot, and he knew that somehow from the way Athena approached him, it was not gonna be good.
"Why? What's wrong?" asked Kensou with a worried tone in his voice.
"Kensou...I can't do this...I'm sorry..." and with that Athena took off because she didn't want him to see any tears forming in her eyes.
Kensou was stunned, quite literally at a loss for words. Athena was his, but alas, it seemed like it was to only last that one night, he couldn't even speak. Feeling lost, confused, angry and sad at the same time was something new to him. He trudged on to first period, but from the lack of words from him, it seemed everyone could tell he was not fully there. A stranger that Kensou recognized but never talked to decided to ask him about the going-ons.
"Hey, you OK?" whispered this seemingly random stranger.
Kensou studied the guy, he had dark brown, almost black hair, was wearing a leather jacket, white headband, and a white t-shirt, he seemed to recognize him instantly as Kyo Kusanagi.
"I..think so..." said Kensou, a hint of sadness in his tone.
"Hmmm...judging by the tone of your voice, I'd say otherwise," said Kyo.
"I...don't want to talk about it right now, maybe after class or something," said Kensou with a sigh.
"Alright, fair enough," said Kyo coolly.
After first period ended, the both of them looked outside, and could not believe their eyes, a fierce argument was going on, and it looked like it could've broken into a fight at any time. A small crowd was already starting to gather round the two would be fighters.
"...You stupid bitch!" shouted Sanae in a fit of insanity at the top of her lungs, "How could you do that?! You had this great guy, and you fucking ditched him! WHY?!!"
"Sanae, you don't understand!" shouted Athena back in return, "This is all new to me, I'm fucking scared out of my wits end, and I don't know how to handle this! I need some time alone!"
Kensou and Kyo realized what was going on, and decided it was time to intervene. Kyo rushed into the middle of the melee, and pushed Athena aside, Athena merely slumped over against the lockers across from where Kyo stood afterward. Kyo approached Athena.
"You OK?" asked Kyo, concern in his voice.
"Yeah...thank you..." said Athena softly.
"What's with that crazy woman, huh?" asked Kyo.
"She's not crazy, she's right..." said Athena.
"I see...I'll leave you be then." said Kyo coolly, he left the scene without saying another word.
Meanwhile Kensou in a characteristic unlike himself pushed Sanae into a locker and began shouting at her at the top of his lungs.
"You leave her alone!" he shouted as he grabbed her shirt, "That!" he pointed at Athena's slumped form, "Is your best friend! You go to her right now and apologize!"
Kensou looked at Athena for a few seconds, she returned the gaze, and could see the sadness, longing, and loneliness in his eyes.
"Kensou..." she thought to herself, "Oh God...what have I done?..."
Kensou left the scene seconds later without saying another word, and Sanae, upon regaining her sanity apologized to Athena for her actions.
"Athena, it was a moment of insanity, please forgive me," Sanae begged.
"No Sanae, you were right..." said Athena softly to her, "I hold nothing against you..."
The two embraced, and were on their way to second period class. Still, both Athena and Kensou felt miserable that day, the rest of it was a blur for the most part, neither one talked to each other after the events that happened, for the pain was far too great...and after everyone went home when the school day was done, Athena merely wanted to curl up and die, her friend was right, she could've had a great thing going, and she messed it up, not only that, she messed it up big time...but could she undo the damage? Only time would tell...