Hazuki

"Yes I am," I lied to Lillie, despite feeling bad for the way she was looking at me. Her face had a large frown and she appeared so heartbroken. Oh, so that's what it was. She must like Chase. She deserved to be with a nice guy like that instead of me. I wanted to cheer her up by telling her the truth, but Chase needed me to lie. It was for Melanie's own good. I felt heartless. I was stealing the guy she lied and he wasn't really my boyfriend. Sorry Lillie. . .

"Oh. I hope you two are happy," Lillie gave me a smile, but I could tell that it wasn't genuine.

"Thank you. So where is Melanie right now? She loves festivals."

"Dancing with Lutz," Lillie looked to where her sister and the young boy where dancing, "She wasn't too pleased about seeing him dance with you. I guess I'll let her know that you two are a thing."

I just felt even worse seeing the weather girl walk over to her sister to tell her the news. Melanie looked offended and let go of Lutz. The boy gave a confused gaze as she stormed out of the festival grounds. Lutz started to go after her but stopped. Lillie grabbed his shoulders and whispered something into his ear. He let out a quick nod and followed the brunette out of the square.

"What happened?"

"Oh hi, Kamil. I don't even know," I turned to the florist, "Lillie told Melanie something that she didn't like, so she ran off. Lutz and Lillie are going after her I think. I hope they can calm her down."

"It must be about Chase," he responded, "Everyone in town knows that she liked him. But I saw you guys hug. I guess you're in a relationship now. Congrats Hazuki. I hope you two are happy together."

"Thanks," I sighed, "What should I do, Kamil?"

"I'm not too sure myself. But I have a feeling everything will work out in the end."

"I hope so."

"I saw Chase go after Fritz as well. Maybe you should try talking to him. You are his best friend," Kamil advised, "I'm positive that anything you say will calm him down."

"I'll try. Thank you for the advice. I could use some right now. I'm stuck at the moment."

"Glad to help. I guess you're going to go after him now? You don't seem like you're enjoying the festival at the moment."

"Sounds about right," I walked away, "I might dance with you next year since I didn't get to today."

"I'm not sure how your boyfriend would feel about that, but the offer will still be there. If you are single next year."

I saw Chase on his way back to town. I could see that his left cheek had a red bruise on it. I ran up to him in alarm, "Oh my gosh, are you ok? What happened to you?"

"Fritz happened." He rubbed his face with angry eyes, "For someone his size, he sure can pack a punch. But I think the black eye I gave him makes up for it."

"You two fought? Geez."

"He started it."

"I don't care who did, where is he?"

"Home," Chase groaned, "I'll see you later."

I ignored the bad feeling in my gut and ran over to Fritz house. The lights were on and I could hear someone inside. And Fritz did not sound happy. I swallowed my pride and knocked on the door, "Fritz, it's me. Hazuki."

"Go away!"

"Come on, let me in."

"No! Why don't you go to that jerk instead. Since you obviously love him instead."

"That's not true," I opened his door and walked inside. Fritz held an ice pack to his right eye and glared at me.

"Oh really? And why should I believe that? Do you know how much it hurts to see you dance with him? I loved you Hazuki. I would have been better for you, but you chose him. Didn't you know how I felt?"

"Fritz, I didn't. . ."

"Didn't what? I thought I made my feelings obvious. But it doesn't matter. You clearly like him better. Just get out."

"No, we aren't done talking yet."

"Go!" Fritz snapped, making me jump back. I could see that he was close to tears. But so was I.

"Fritz, please."

"I don't want to talk to you. Just leave."

I tried to speak, but all I could feel was my throat tighten up. He turned his back to me, as if just the sight of me was enough to sicken him. I lowered my head and nodded. I couldn't get to him.

"I'll go. I'm sorry Fritz. I'm so sorry."

He didn't respond, making it hurt even more. I would rather him yell at me some more. Anything but this silent treatment. I left his house and ran down the bridge, the tears beginning.