Sad to say but this is the last chapter for "The Shots to Keep may Start to Fleet" Part 1! Omg :'( We've been through a lot, haven't we? Don't worry! The sequel's coming out soon! Just a hint but that would be the arc when everyone is already considered to be adults :) Haha! I hope you enjoy!
The Last Shot: When She Left
Love has been acting strange lately. Something must have happened when I called her some nights ago. The day after that I saw her exit the infirmary so early in the morning with Tainaka-san with an ice pack held to her head. She refused to tell me how she exactly bumped her head on a hard surface the other day. For some odd reason, too, Tainaka-san has been very violent with her words whenever Daiki-san pops up in a conversation. Aside from that, Mio refuses to go home without anybody with her. She also keeps tugging at her sleeves as if something is hidden there. She was never this conscious before.
I peeked in her classroom to find her hugging her books that were on the table as she rested her head on it. She swatted away Daiki-san's had as he went to touch her shoulders. She glared at him then he smirked. He smirked as if he were the most powerful person in this campus. What is he? Some kind of beast on the loose devouring every single opportunity to do the bad stuff. I was pushed out of the way by a tall guy who said, "Hey watch it, kid. Let me pass. You may be some hotshot for dating the girl but I don't think you're watching her all too well."
I left for my own classroom as I pondered over what he said. On the way, Shiki found me as he waved his hand in the air frantically and Fushigi-san jostled him in the stomach. She glared at him then at me. Signs of irritation were plastered on her face. I needed to talk to Shiki. He does give me quite a heck of advice. I couldn't talk to Tainaka-san too. Honestly, if I were to choose someone for Shiki, it'd be Hirasawa-san or Tainaka-san.
"Hey, Shiki, I really have to talk to you."
"Eh? Splendid Megane-kun needs help? I'mma help you, Hideo, but my girl's a bit moody now," he whispered to me, "Ack!" He started looking over his foot which was freshly stepped on by Fushigi-san.
"Oi, Fushigi-san. Have some respect, please."
"Hmph! Just go away you moron! Unless... You would want to commit infidelity, I'm not talking to you."
I grunted then just headed off to my seat. I was easily irritated by that girl beast. That witch. Hope he's not gonna turn into a sand of the beach. As class went on, I had no focus nor enthusiasm to listen. Besides, they're just giving us reminders on what we have to prepare for in the next school year.
-—-—
"You're just a boy who doesn't know how to listen to those in authority. Listen, man, you're gonn' regret that choice you made."
I find myself now, called upon the rooftop by Daiki-san. Is this gonna turn into a fight on the roof? That's what typically happens in an anime, right? I balled my fists and imagined how many bruises I'd get afterwards. This guy is undoubtedly buff. How do I know that? Rumors. Rumors. Rumors. Girls in my class who aren't exactly bi or something like that swoon over a guy such as this one. Gosh, they need to get their eyes checked. His hair looks like that of an eggplant right now. That especially happens when the strands pf his hair get ahold of enough sunlight. I never exactly laughed out loud but if I get the chance to, now would be a right time.
"No. Just shut up and mind your own business, Daiki."
"No honorifics for your senpai, eh? It is my business. Has she told you how soft my lips were? Kami, hers were divine. The best-tasting strawberries and vanilla I've ever had in my entire life. That was a hot session. I'd ne'er gonn' forget that."
"Wait, wait, wait. What are you talking about?"
"I'm betting she ain't satisfied with the way you kiss her. She came running to me the other day."
"She'd never do that!"
"But she did, boy. I was so close to massaging that huge chest of hers. Her neck was a great start, though."
"O-Oi! You shouldn't do that!"
"Why not? She'll have a great time, I know for sure."
"Shut up, eggplant!"
"What did you just call my beautiful self?"
"Hn, narcicist." I muttered under my breath. I left even if he tried calling out for me. The music from the clubroom fades into the air. I checked my camera and it was busted. I couldn't afford to have it fixed up yet after this one fell after my stint at the stage. First, there were Kotobuki-san's advancements and now there's eggplant-boy's slobbery kisses. Does that mean if I kiss her, I'd kiss him? The thought disgusts me but...
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I entered the clubroom quietly and found them fixing up their stuff. It's her birthday tomorrow and I stil don't know what to do. Girls—they make the world go round.
"Hey there, Lover boy," Tainaka-san said with a small salute.
"H-Hey, R-Ritsu," Mio said as he zipped up her bass with a tint of pink on her cheeks.
"What? Lover boy prefers Megane-kun?"
"N-No!"
"See, I've made my point then." Tainaka-san jerked her head towards me then looked at my Love's wrists. Mio shook her head and furrowed her brows for a short span of time. They both sighed and looked over at me. Mio folded her arms and looked as smart as ever.
"Hey, Tainaka-san, can Mio and I go ahead?"
"You bet! You guys have important couple matters to discuss."
I grabbed her bass as she got her bag. We walked home quietly. I asked her if she wants to stop over my place for a while and she agreed. We didn't really talk as we entered my house. We just sat down on my couch after I removed my blazer.
"So, I uh, wanted to talk to you about something, Love."
"Me too, actually," she said as she leaned her head over my shoulder and stared right up at me. I leaned over for a quick kiss but she moved her head away with a frown. Was it true, then? It must be. "Hideo-kun, I..." she said as she pushed me over as I attempted to do it again and I now lie flat on my back. She was hovering over me. How long had it been since we last kissed? A month, perhaps? The self-admiring guy popped into my head. "Hideo-kun... Hideo-kun, erase him, please," she pleaded as she laid her head on my chest as tears streamed down her face. I sat up as she did too.
"What do you mean, Love?"
"Daiki-san, he.." she looked away and rolled up her sleeves a bit, revealing marks of a man's grasp, "he kissed me forcefully. I-I'm sorry for not being careful. I let another man's lips touch mine. I'm the worst. Gosh." I guess this just reveals that I could never ever trust that guy again. I never trusted him in the first place but I fell down into a whole new level of being gullible when it comes to eggplant-boy.
"But he told me that you did," I said without thinking. I just wanted to make sure.
"Does this mean you trust him more than you trust me?" she raised an eyebrow as she folded her arms in front of her.
"It's not that."
"What is it then?"
"I'm afraid of losing you again."
She gave me a reassuring kiss before smiling and carressing my cheek gently as she whispered into my ear, "You'd never lose me again. I'm already right here." She pointed at my heart which beat faster at the contact.
"Did I just kiss the eggplant-boy?"
"Don't be silly, Hideo!" she shouted angrily but we laughed it off.
"We do have a bit of erasing to do, don't we?"
The instant I asked that, she pulled me by the collar and massaged my lips with her own. I guess the most timid people are those who know how to do such things surprisingly and expertly. I sinked into the kiss as we slowly laid down the couch. Every contact was electrifying. She untucked my shirt and started roaming her hands on my bare back. Kami, please no. Her slender fingers traced the small of my back which sent a burning sensation throughout my body. I pulled her close to me as if no matter how close we get, it still wasn't enough. "Mio.." I said into her lips. She replied with a small moan as I squeezed her leg. One pair of our hands met. My gut tells me that her legs are out of bounds. She moved my hand to her cheek. My hand crept its way to the back of her head. I moved her head toward mine, deepening our heated kiss. It lingered for a moment till she pushed me slightly as we both gasped for air. "Hideo-kun, if I leave, would you still love me?" I heard her say but I pretended not to understand it. "Hm? Did you say anything, Love?" "N-Nothing, Hideo-kun."
We went back to kissing again. With meringue. Without. With meringue. Without. I started to feel a cold breeze meeting my torso's skin. "H-Hey..!" "You started sweating, Bakihiko-kun," "Oh" It felt a bit unfair so I gave her a tease by removing my shirt all the way then started rubbing my hand over her leg again which made her squirm as I kissed from her neck, to her collar bone after getting her first three buttons undone. "O-Oi.. H-Hideo-kun," I heard her say as I sank my teeth on her flesh. She grunted and shifted underneath me. Afterwards, she flipped us over but as a result, we fell down the carpet. I didn't mind the pain as I just stared straight at her, "You're beautiful, Love," I said as I sat up and caressed her face. She nuzzled her head into my hand and held it affectionately. I actually felt joy, if that is even a word that's meant to pertain to a greater kind of happy. She was about kiss me once more when someone came barging in the door.
"Hii-kun!" it wasn't my mom but a good imitation of my mom's voice. That got our attention, of course. Mio's grasp on my shirt tightened with fear. The figure—figures, revealed themselves. Shiki and Ota-kun, who would have guessed? My Love and I just stared at them blankly. We were unable to process the fact they're here. "Hubba hubba, that's hot," Shiki said and fanned himself with his hand. I followed the trail of his eyesight and it led to my Love. Oh, yeah, I undid her three buttons which practically revaled up to her chest and her three-lettered undergarment that starts with b and ends with a. I blushed furiously and Mio finally seemed to get it as she shrieked. I immediately pulled her close to me and wrapped my arms around her to cover up what was revealed. I rested her head on my shoulder and comforted her for a while as I heard her say again and again, "I'm never gonna get married." I looked over at the troublesome two who had tissues up to their bleeding noses. I thought I was about to get one too as flesh met flesh.
"Did we disturb something?" Shiki asked while Ota-kun just shrugged beside him.
"What do you think, rotten orange?"
"Well, splendid man, we thought we'd surprise you. You know, have some friends over, play video games. Have some guy fun, if ya know what I mean. It does look like you're enjoying, man. The perks of having an almost-college girl eh? Man, you're buff, Megane-kun."
"Don't check me out."
"I have no other choice. You won't let me check out senpai. But dude, I'd totally go gay for you, swear."
"Uh...sure. That's because I respect my Love so, um, if you could just.."
"Oh, yeah, got it." they both left as quickly as ever.
"We better get the door closed, Love."
"Maybe locking it is a better option, but i don't want to part too soon," she snuggled herself like a cat would do to its master. Cute. I just said 'cute', right? It feels eerie.
"Where were we?" I asked as she just sweetly kissed my lips a few times and smiled at me.
"That's enough for today, kouhai," she teased and gave my thighs a squeeze. That made me jump a bit. "Now you know why you shouldn't do that, perv. Listen, Hideo..I just want to tell you that no matter how distant we get, I'll love you."
"What's with the sudden drama?"
"Nothing, I just felt the need to say that," but underneath her gray orbs, I knew she was hiding something. Will she leave for somewhere else? I don't know. My insides tell me to focus in the present and savor the moment.
"Stay with me, Love. Stay with me," I whispered as I hugged her, "by the way, about Kotobuki-san.."
"If you're worried about her advances, don't worry, it's over. She just had to prove that she's manlier than her fiancé so she could pick her own groom soon. Her father was monitoring her the whole time."
"Ah... The rich don't get all things easy, huh? She didn't kiss you too, did she?"
"She didn't."
"Really? Because if I were her I could never resist the temptation of cradling you in my arms then kissing you endlessly."
"Is that so?"
"I'll do more if you'd like," I said but that earned me a hit across my head. I'm a pretty battered boyfriend, aren't I? "Love, sometimes I wonder if you do weights."
"I-I do not! As for me, I wonder why you keep listening to that guy."
"Never again, Love, never again."
We spent a few more minutes of chatting before we fixed ourselves up and I brought her home. She couldn't stop blushing and maybe I couldn't too. By the door, it was her dad waiting. i didn't realize it took us one...two..., maybe three hours of time together. Her dad looked at me skeptically, observing his own daughter. When we got close, we both greeted him but he didn't in return, he just looked at his daughter then at me. "Son, your buttons don't match," I looked at my buttons and it was true. I buttoned it up wrong. Man, am I up for scolding or what? "As for my little girl, it wasn't hard for me to see that your school uniform's ribbon is not tied around your neck but it is now peeking out of this young man's pocket." Trouble is on its way it seems. My Love and I looked at each other then at her dad. He sighed and we tried to explain but he uttered, "Well, I understand. No need for you to explain. Guess she told you she'll be leaving soon, yes? My princess has been chosen as one of those who would go abroad for their college studies. Great, right?"
"Wait, what? Pardon me sir but please repeat what you said."
He pulled me to the side and whispered, "She'll be leaving. Ritsu's been crying, actually but you're a strong one. Tell me what have you done to my little girl?"
I looked over to Mio but still answered Yuuki-sama, "I.. We just kissed and my top came off, as well as hers, um, almost but.."
"Skin contact?"
"Y-Yes, sir."
He sighed and released me from his grasp, "Can't help it now, can I? I guess I better go inside and just sulk." He ran towards his home and I heard him shouting for Mio's mom while sobbing. Our eyes were locked on each other.
"So, you're leaving..?"
"U-Um, yes, Hideo-kun but it's only for a few years."
"Years?!"
"Hideo-kun, please calm down and think maturely of this."
"B-But love, you hadn't...you told me you'll.. Gah, I can't think straight."
"Hideo, I just didn't want to hurt you. It's not like I'm breaking up with you."
"I know but still, you could've told me. When were you gonna tell me, Love? When you're already there?"
"I was about to tell you but I was scared."
"Psh. That's it?"
"Calm down, Hideo. Calm down, please."
"When are you leaving?"
"I'll be going this weekend but I'll come back for graduation. Nodoka's coming with me. I'll be there for a minimum of...4 years.
"You leaving this weekend just makes it worse. You should've told me sooner! Hn, a minimum of four years. The next thing I'll know is that you're already out with another guy. You'll be tired of waiting for me—tired of me, I presume?" Tears fell from her face while some formed from my eyes. I started walking to the direction of my house. I hate to hurt her but I myself was hurting and my bipolar disorder was acting up. Kami, why now? I quickened my pace as I heard footsteps from behind. She caught up and hugged me from behind, giving me a slight shock. A drizzle of rain started going down from the heavens.
"Hideo-kun, we've talked about this. I know, I left out the'leaving' part but I...I love you so much and I'll never let go. I'll be waiting for you but..will you? Hideo-kun, all my kisses and my words are not meaningless. You're the reason why I write now, you're the reason why I want to improve. Are we always going to be like this? Are we always going to fight and make up until it becomes a habit–an unpleasant one at that. Please hear me out. I love you but you're making it hard for me to go on."
She tightened her hug and that really did make me think. How foolish of me. I only think of my own and not hers. Now she's about to leave and all I'm doing is ending it wrong. The rain poured down harder. It was responding to how she was feeling, it was responding to our heavy hearts. I turned around to face her and hugged her just as tight, taking her in surprise. "Stay safe, okay? Don't bail on me because I won't too. While I'm waiting here, I want to turn into a man that deserves your love."
"Is this goodbye?"
"For now, at least."
"You change your mind so quickly, Hideo. I love you."
"I love you too even if my camera got wet right now."
"So, four years? My birthday?"
"Four years, it is, Love. Four years it is.
We sealed our deal with a kiss. This was the last time we saw each other. The last time we touched. When goodbye seemed to be a word for eternal separation despite knowing that a time would come for reunion. I know when she returns, love would be rekindled into a whole new light.
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One year. It was tough but hey, I managed to survive. Just three more years till it's over. Actually, kotobuki-san's the only one with direct contact to Mio. She sends mails through snail mails to make it heartfelt. There was never a picture attached to her mails but whenever it arrives, I take a picture of it. I started working in a company who took me in as an apprentice. I apologized to Mr. Sebastian and Kotobuki-san but it turns out that this rich girl owns this establishment as well. I startes taking pictures for small ads and it helped me a lot with my education as well as my mother's schedule and work load.
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Two years. I'm seventeen now. It makes me feel giddy thinking about how this was her age when I first met her. I was able to skype with her via her father. I got closer to her parents somehow, this year. I even celebrated the important occasions with them and my mom. Now, I am also a senior and I am deciding on what college or university I should be in. I planned on applying for abroad but my mom needs me here so I really can't go away. I miss you, Love. Two more years, right? Just two more years.
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Three years. Gosh! This is making me so excited. Just a year left and I'd see my Love again. It is my first year in college. Guess what? I got a scholarship because of my sideline in photography. I was promoted too. Recently, her mails have lessened but maybe that's just because she became more busy. It was strange, though. I felt more lonely as my connections with the other HTT members are on the verge of failing as well. They're in JWU and it is kind of hard for us boys to just casually communicate to each of them. Love, I am patiently waiting for your return but sometimes I just can't seem to wait that I was hoping that on the next airplane to land, you were there. I also await your mail regarding next year. None came anymore later this year about that so there are no change of plans, right? I'm gonna see you soon and that's all that matters.
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Four years. I stand outside the airport as I recall some people talking about her return. It was bound to be today. Still, there was no letter ever since the month of September last year. I did feel lonely but I put in a lot of extra effort today. Hey Love, I bought you flowers and even pictures of places I've been to with my work. Becoming a second year college student is quite tough but I might be able to get a great job immediately after I graduate in a few years of time. Now, I'm standing impatiently. Your parents weren't here which does seem quite weird. None of the HTT nor Sawako-sensei were here either. Speaking of them, I haven't seen them in a while. I also changed my phone which is another factor. My other one got stolen. I do hope that that person won't get to hack into my photo library there. It's filled with...pictures of you. It makes me feel less lonely somehow. I see people swarming and being united with their families but there was no sign of you still. Happy birthday, Love, wherever you are. I'm just here. Waiting...waiting... But the day ended and I tried my luck again the following days. The flowers are starting to wilt.
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I still kept waiting.
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Love?
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After a month of failed attempts, my heart shattered. I threw the flowers, the teddy bear and my heart away, it was of no use to me anymore.
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I love you but..
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Have you forgotten?
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Hey..
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I tried to wait for news again.
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Five years... And you never returned.
So that ends my first K-On story! Or at least, the first part of it :) Hope to see you guys soon on the next one (especially callofduty1944, hihi! Thanks for being one of the most loyal reviewers/readers/etc)
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SPOILER ALERT:
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She didn't die (obviously). :P Will post the sequel soon!