[Rose 21: Decisions to Make]
After Sensui days pass peacefully. How could anyone see the trouble that was rising?
On a cloudy spring morning, Aki puffs her cheeks staring out a window. While pouting everyone keeps a distance with a 'DO NOT approach' aura around her.
"Why is Aki so angry?" Kaito fixes his glasses as he stands by Shuichi's desk. "And does it have anything to do with that slap?" he points to his bright red cheek.
"I had to tell her something she wasn't happy about." Shuichi sighs glancing over at her.
-Flashback:
Shuichi leans against his motorcycle in front of Hatsune Dojo. He stares at the door trying to think of what to do.
'Shuichi? What are you doing here?' Aki walks up with a small shopping bag.
'I… I need to talk with you.' Shuichi clears his throat.
'What's up?' Aki seems confused yet happy to see him. 'Did you want to talk about our trip? I got some magazines about Fun Land. Turns out this summer their also having a puzzle video game contest.' She beams while grabbing the magazines from her bag.
'About that… we… we can't… go.' Shuichi struggles to get the words out.
'What?' Aki's eyes widen with shock and disappointment.
'I'm sorry. There's… someone I have to meet and make things right with in Demon World.' Shuichi sighs rustling his hair as he stares at the ground. 'And I don't know how long. At most it will be through the summer.' He glances up at her.
'Then go.' Aki turns to the house.
'Aki I-' Shuichi reaches out for her.
Aki turns around slapping him with tears in her eyes. She rushes inside as he holds his stinging cheek.-
'Aki, please let me explain.' Shuichi stares at her with pleading eyes.
'Stupid Shuichi. I can't believe you decided this on your own.' Aki pouts staring out at the dark clouds.
Days pass with Aki avoiding Shuichi. Not without a lack of Shuichi trying to talk with her. After so long he finally corners her on the roof.
"Let me go Shuichi." Aki glares at him gripping her fists.
"Not until we walk." Shuichi wraps the door with one of his vines.
"Now you want to talk?" Aki huffs. "Where was that BEFORE you decided to leave? I get you feel like you owe this guy for… whatever happened between Yoko and him. But did you even consider asking me what I thought? Or think of asking me to go with you?" her eyes begin to mist.
"Aki…" Shuichi slowly steps over to her.
"You never think! You jerk! How can you be so smart but so stupid!? Stupid!" Aki hits his chest as she cries.
"I have to make things right with Yomi. And I won't take you somewhere where thousands of demons could try to take you for food." Shuichi hugs her close.
"Let me go! I'm not done hitting you!" Aki tries to struggle free as tears stream down her face.
"I'm really sorry Aki. Please forgive me and understand." Shuichi hugs her closer. "Please. Please forgive me." He almost whispers.
"Dummy Fox. Dummy." Aki cries clinging to his blazer.
'I swear I'll make it up to you. So please, just stay out of danger until I get back.' Shuichi's eyes shake not wanting to let her go.