Two Worlds Collide: Book 1: A New World

by Dark Waffle

AU. Book 1 of the Two Worlds Collide Trilogy! Kurata Sana, a girl with dreams to become a famous singer. Hayama Akito, a boy with a sole purpose to protect his King. Both from different worlds, but somehow, somewhere their fates were connected to each other. With two worlds colliding, both teenagers learn they need to rely on each other more than they think.

16. Book 1: Chapter 15: Aftermath

A/N: I'm such a bad person. I made you all wait so long for this chapter. Go ahead and curse me to death. I deserve it. I never imagined senior year would be so… MUCH. It's unbelievably stressful and I'm just ready to graduate already. I'm over this whole high school thing. It's such a pain. Anyway, here's the next chapter. You all deserve at least two! But unfortunately that isn't happening. So onto the chapter!

I don't own Kodocha or any of its content

'Thoughts'
"Speech"
"Flashback/Dream"

Two Worlds Collide: Book I: A New World: Chapter 15: Aftermath

-O-

"Truth only means something when it's hard to admit."
- The Last Song

-O-

Sana's mind went blank. Her head was spinning and her eyes were shot open. There was a warm, tingling feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her heart was beating so loud that she was sure all of Japan could hear it. Her lips were unable to move because they were currently locked with Hayama's.

Wait.

Hayama was kissing her.

He placed his lips on her.

And it felt… nice.

No! Hayama kissed her!

He stole her first kiss!

At that moment, he pulled away. His eyes were hidden under his mess of golden bangs. Her face was scarlet red and warm. She could feel her cheeks growing hotter by the second. Sana's mind couldn't wrap itself what just happened. Hayama didn't say a word. He stood there, eyes still hidden in the mess of his golden locks.

"Yo-you ki-kissed me?" she whispered in disbelief.

"You're not a very good kisser." Her mouth dropped and eyes widen. Did she hear him right? Was he serious?

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!" she yelled as she marched up too him, anger radiating from her body. Her eyes narrowed as she saw his smirk etching at the corners of his lips.

"You suck at kissing." She clenched her fist and grabbed a fistful of his long sleeved shirt.

"You're such a jerk! Not only do you steal my first kiss, but you also have the audacity to call me a bad kisser!"

He smirked. "Your first kiss huh?" A sense of victory swelled within him knowing he was the first one to ever touch those lips of hers.

"Yes! Now I can't be a pure girl when I meet my future husband! Now I will have to tell him how a good for nothing, rotten, pervert stole my first kiss!"

"You're only not pure if you've had sex." Her face brightened and embarrassment encased her.

"That's not the point! You're a kiss monster!" She stuck her tongue out at him and turned away from him.

"A kiss monster? What are we? In first grade?" he questioned.

"Yes! You're a kiss monster! I bet you've stolen other girl's first kiss too!" her chest heaved as she ranted on, her face still warm from the kiss.

"It doesn't count if they've asked." His smirk was still intact as he responded.

"You're so full of yourself!"

"Only because it annoys you."

"Oh! You're such a jerk! And so insufferable!" she poked his chest in rage and glared at him.

"You let yourself."

"I wasn't expecting it!"

"Be more aware."

Smoke was rising from her head as she clenched her fist. How could he be so casual about it? He FREAKIN kissed her! She couldn't believe it! Hayama was just a pervert, she thought!

"You're such a lecherous jerk! I can't believe you kissed me!"

He was starting to grow annoyed. She was overdoing it. Yeah, he kissed her. So what? It's not like kissing was illegal.

"It's just a kiss you idiot. Don't take it so seriously."

"JUST A KISS?!" her face was red with fury. Steam was blowing out of her ears and she began to tremble with anger. He took note of her shaking when her fist collided with his chest.

"THAT WAS MY FIRST KISS AND YOU STOLE IT!"

"Were you expecting prince charming to come at your feet and sweep you away?" He inquired as he took a hold of her hands.

She blushed slightly and looked away in a pout. He scoffed. "Fairy tales are not real idiot."

"I don't want a fairy tale! I just wanted my first kiss to be with a nice, caring guy with gentle eyes and a caring personality!" Her eyes glowered as she pierced him with an intense glare. He inwardly sweat dropped.

'She really thought this through.'

"Besides, who says fairy tales aren't real!? They could be real if you wanted them too!"

"You don't see fire breathing dragons roaming the streets of Tokyo do you?"

"IDIOT! I meant the magical part of them! Falling in love! Finding your prince and living happily ever after!"

Growing up with Disney and reading fairytales her whole life, she believed in a prince charming or that knight in shining armor. He wouldn't be riding on a giant elephant with plates of gold and the most extravagant gifts following behind him. He wouldn't save her from an evil step-mother and sisters and turn her into a princess. He wouldn't be a beast turning back into a human and offering her a castle with the most loyal and friendly followers. No, he wouldn't do any of these things.

But he would offer his most pure love for her and that would be out any giant elephants, step-mothers, or beasts.

After all, love was the closest thing to magic on earth.

"So you believe in happy endings." He sighed roughly and released her hands. There were no such things as happy endings. It was absurd.

"Of course." He grunted.

"Typical." He turned away from her and walked towards the window, memories racing through his mind.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she crossed her arms, staring at him with fire in her eyes.

"Figure it out." He spat at her with more force than he intended.

"Enlighten me." He looked over his shoulder, staring at her with his one cold, golden eye. Her confident smile was back. Her arms were crossed and her eyes burned with determination. He couldn't suppress the smirk on his lips.

"It's only common for naive, annoying girls like you-" her jaw dropped and her eyes narrowed at his comment, "-to believe in such cliché fairy tale endings." He casually stated as he walked up to her and flicked her on her forehead.

"Now wait a mi-"

"There are no such things as happy endings. Life is full of sorrow and pain. You may encounter some rare moments of happiness, but compared to the hardships and challenges that set you back, misery is inventible."

Sana could only listen with sadness enveloping her. Her anger relinquished, but in its place, somber incased her. She had always saw life as a gift, a blessing from God. She was always taught to love it and take advantage of every opportunity it presented to you. She knew if you worked hard and always put in the effort, the result would be satisfactory.

But he didn't see it that way. He saw life as a pensive, wistful thing. His eyes were cold and lifeless, and his voice drowned into nothing. His countenance was dreary and glum. She wondered if he ever felt any sheer of happiness, if he was ever loved the way she was loved, or if he had anything to look forward to in life.

"You're so morbid you know that?" she said with a hint of sadness.

"Better to be realistic then live in allusions."

"Why do you do this to yourself?" She pressed on.

He sighed. 'Here we go again.'

"This again." He turned away and looked out the window. "It's pointless to continue pestering me with questions."

"I want to know so I can help you!" she shouted with concern. Her eyes that once held determination were now full of distress.

"I don't need help." He shot back at her. "I'm not broken."

"Were friends aren't we Hayama?"

He stared at her with hard eyes. Her smile was gone. Instead, there was a thin line and the frustration in her grew.

"Friends trust each other. They lean on each other in their times of needs. They confide in them when things go wrong. They don't let each other fall."

A picture of his comrades at home appeared in his mind. They all smiled at him, waving for him to come over. Hiyori was shyly smiling with a blush on her face while Saaya called him over, waving her arm with her other arm wrapped around the younger girl's neck. Ashido was in the back, since he was the tallest, with a small smile gracing his lips. Yuta crossed his arms, a smile laid on his lips as he waved over at him. Finally there was Kyo, who wore a stupid grin on his face, waving his hands at him to join them.

Then a picture of Tsuyoshi and other blurred figures appeared. Tsuyoshi waved over at him, beaming at his best friend. He, along with the faceless figures, called his name, shouting for him to join them.

Are those what she called friends?

He felt small, soft hands on his rough, calloused ones as he broke out of his thoughts. He looked down into her bright, hazel eyes. He was caught off guard as she showcased her genuine, sincere smile. Her smile was so real, so loving. Her eyes were full of life and honesty. They reminded him so much of her. Her eyes were the same. Every time she looked at him, it was those eyes he was met with.

"Trust me Hayama."

His heart jumped. His stomach was tied in knots. He felt a tingling sensation reach his fingers. He didn't know what was wrong with him. His mind was blurred and his head was spinning with her sweet, vanilla scent. She was so close to him and this tension was overwhelming.

"Why is your chest so small?"

Sana's eye widened and her face dropped. Her mouth was wide open, and her body rock hard when she felt a large hand touching her chest. Her face turned red instantly and there was a boiling anger rising in the pit of her stomach.

There was a crack.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! YOU-YOU LECHEROUS PERVERTED BASTARD!" she screamed as she backed away from him instantly. Her arms were crossed around her chest and she was heaving, her face red with fury and embarrassment.

"YOU'RE SO UGH! JUST A MINUTE AGO YOU WERE DEPRESSED AND SAD AND NOW YOUR NOTHING BUT A PERVERTED CHEETAH! GAHHHHH!"

"I was just trying to break the tension. Besides, my hand slipped." He smirked at the last comment and she glared fiercely at him, not believing a damn word he said.

"YEAH RIGHT! GAHHHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!"

"For a 16 year old girl, you really haven't developed."

There was that snap again. Her eyes raged with fire and her head exploded (not literally) with fire!

"OH NOW YOU'VE DONE IT!" she pulled out her infamous toy hammer and charged at him at raging speed. In disbelief of her incredible speed, he quickly dodged her lethal attack. Luckily for him, he was quick enough to dodge because of all his years of training and combat.

"COME BACK HERE AND FACE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE A MAN!" He ran out of her room and into the darkness and warmth of her home. Sana chased after him with fire coming out of her mouth. She was gaining speed on him as he stumbled over items on the floor.

"You resemble a mad dragon right now." He commented as he gained so comfort ground on her.

"I DON'T CARE! IM GOING TO HIT YOU SO HARD YOUR NOT GOING TO REMEMBER YOUR OWN NAME!" she yelled out as she ran close behind him once more.

"That was a lame comeback." He countered.

They continued running around the house, Hayama trying to tire out Sana. He knew he had the stamina to continue running; thanks to his training. He knew he could outrun her. What he didn't expect was for her to keep the same pace with him.

'Damn, is she a track star?'

"Shit!" He cursed loudly as his toe collided with a fallen item. He lost his balance and missed the first step of the stairs. His eyes widened as he felt himself fall. He braced himself for impact and felt a hard thump as his shoulder stung with pain. He winced slightly and rolled down the stairs. When he reached the bottom, he groaned. How did he become so careless to lose his footing so easily?

"I GOT YOU KNOW!" He looked up to see Sana racing at him, then her eyes widened as she did the same exact thing he did. His eyes widened once more when he saw her coming right at him.

"Ahhhhhhh!" A loud scream ripped across the silent house as Sana fell on top of him, causing him to hiss in minor pain.

"Owwie." She commented as she rubbed her head.

"Oi, get off of me." Her eyes widened as she looked down and found herself entangled with Hayama Akito. She blushed madly, realizing she was straddling his hips and her hand was at one side of his head. She was mere inches away from his face and her eyes locked with his. She stared deep into his icy, golden orbs.

Her eyes grew to saucers as she noticed that they weren't as cold as they had been when he first arrived. She could see a hint of light in those dull, golden eyes of his. The ice in his eyes was melting away.

"What are you staring at?"

She broke out of her thoughts and her face blew up with steam. He was too close to her. Suddenly, images of him kissing her earlier rushed into her mind and she squealed, her face burning red. She jumped off of him, shielding herself, giving him a fierce glare.

He stared at her confused. Was she always this weird?

"You're strange." He commented.

She pouted and stuck her tongue out at him. "And you're not?"

"I'm normal compared to you." He commented as he heaved himself up, smoothing his wrinkled shirt.

A vein appeared on the corner of her forehead and she gritted her teeth together.

"What are you trying to say! That I'm a fire breathing dragon!" He raised a brow at her transforming into a fire breathing dragon, Kurata Sana version.

"You really are odd." He walked over to her casually and offered her a hand to help her off the floor.

She glowered at him once more and crossed her arms across her chest, turning away from him. "Yeah right! Like I'll let a pervert like you get near me!"

He shrugged his shoulders and turned away. "Whatever."

'He doesn't even deny it!'

"It's late."

"What?" She turned towards him and watched as he looked out the window again.

"It's late and it's snowing."

"Thanks for pointing that out captain obvious." She waved her hand at him as she yawned.

He narrowed his eyes at her this time. She smirked at him and stuck her tongue out once more.

"Why don't you go to bed?"

"Because you're here! And I don't want you doing anything indecent to me!" she yelled as she flapped her arms in the air and pointed at him.

"I'm leaving."

Her eyes turned to small dots. "What?"

"You really are an idiot." She growled as he released a tired sigh. "I said I'm leaving."

All her anger and rage towards the blonde haired captain vanished. "You're leaving at this time?"

A smirk appeared. "What? Are you worried about me?"

"And you call me the idiot! Are you stupid or something! It's snowing outside and its pitch black! You're going to freeze to death baka!" she ranted as she yelled in his face. Her hair was poking out in different sports, her long t-shirt was dismantled, and one legging was lower than the other. She looked like an absolute mess.

A warm feeling erupted within the pit of his stomach. This warmness was strangely familiar to him. Where had he felt this before? Had it really been that long?

"Trust me, I've dealt with worse."

"Kami! And you're supposed to be smart!" she entangled her hands in her hair and pulled her hair out.

"You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."

Sana stopped in the midst of her crazed tactics and gazed over at him. His voice was so reassuring, so confident. She had a feeling that he has said this before too many times and her gut feeling told her that it had been dangerous those times too. Sadness overwhelmed her as she watched him turn his back to her and headed towards the door.

"Wait! Hayama! You could just stay in one of the guest rooms! You don't have to go!" she pleaded slightly. She was concerned for his well-being. They were finally on good terms. They buried the hatchet and finally became friends. She cared about him. If he were to end up hurt or in trouble, she would blame herself.

"Baka." She was surprised to see him close to her once more. Not noticing it before, she realized just how tall he was. He loomed over her easily.

"I'll get home safe. Don't worry." His voice was softer. She was surprised at how low and soothing it had become. Her hazel eyes were caught with his golden ones. She was caught in his gaze and bore deep into his golden puddles. She noticed that if one casted away the dark, cold façade he casted, his eyes were actually bright, almost glowing. It was beyond mesmerizing. Breaking away from their lockdown, he ruffled her head slightly and turned away. Her heart was racing once more. A blush crept to her face.

'Hayama's voice was really… soft.'

"Hayama!"

He turned to her one last time before heading out the door.

"Merry Christmas." She said, a small smile gracing her lips. He nodded and opened the door.

She watched as he went out the door and closed it softly behind him. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest and her mind was dizzy. She had never felt this way before. It was completely new to her. What was it? She didn't understand the feelings inside her.

She trudged herself back upstairs to her room. Without the excitement and anger from earlier, she was feeling the real toll on her body. She plopped herself on her bed and felt her body shut down finally. Her body was heavy and even lifting the smallest finger was a struggle. Half her face was hidden in her pillow and her eyes were fluttered half way closed.

Though both her mind and body were exhausted, there were too many thoughts racing through her mind to get a good night's rest.

'Why did he kiss me?'

She thought to herself as she pondered on that question. To infuriate with his snide remarks, she didn't have the chance to ask him.

'He's not the least bit romantic, so him liking me is out of the question. Ugh! He's so infuriating! I don't understand him! He kisses me then insults me! Then he goes and touches me inappropriately! Like what the hell is that!' She huffed to herself as she contemplated these thoughts to herself.

She had seen a side of him today that she had never seen before, that anyone had ever seen before. He was unpredictable really. He was cold and insensitive, yet also somewhat caring. But he was extremely mysterious and confusing. When he arrived here, his aura screamed "bad boy, stay away." His eyes were vicious and cold. His stoic countenance was intimidating and his voice was sharp and hostile. But slowly, in the last three months, he was opening up. His aura still screamed "bad boy", but he was no longer hostile as he had been before. He was still intimidating and difficult to approach, but he was not as frightening as he had been when he first arrived. His eyes were no longer penetrating and scornful, though they weren't bright and glowing with life. They were dull and impassive. And tonight, she saw something in them. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was a glint of something and it gave her hope. Though he was still apathetic, he was showing more emotion. Whether it was a smirk or a frown, it was still a type of improvement.

She smiled slightly. Though they were just baby steps, she felt like she had accomplished a small portion of her goal. Hayama might be a lecherous jerk, but he was a good person. He saved her more than once now and accompanied her throughout the night, even if they were fighting.

She just couldn't figure out the kiss. It was eating her up inside and out. Why would he kiss her? Why? And he was so casual about it! She frowned slightly remembering his comment about kissing other girls. Was she just another girl to him?

Her heart was jumped slightly and her chest tightened as she remembered his kiss. She had never kissed anyone before so this strange feeling swelling inside her was indescribable. She brought up a single finger to her lips. She tasted his lips. They were rough and somewhat chapped, but they were warm. A blush crept to her cheeks thinking back to it.

Then he did something she would have never thought he would do! The pervert touched her chest! He was a pervert underneath his bad boy act. She scoffed at that. She would get back at him when she had the chance though!

She didn't know what it was, but she was strangely attracted to this boy. She knew underneath his façade he put on, there was the real Hayama. And she wanted to know that Hayama. There was so much she didn't know about him! It intrigued her greatly!

Her half lidded eyes closed as the lingering thoughts in her mind succumbed. A smile graced her pink lips as she fell into a deep slumber. Her body was completely still and her breathing was soundly.

Her mind drifted off into a dream that involved a castle and shining knights.

-O-

"Damn." The 17 year old captain muttered under his breath as he jammed his hand in the door of the apartment building. He quickly opened the door and walked inside, welcoming the warmth of the building.

He looked up to see the red haired landlord, Kenta, fast asleep, his feet on the table, snoring loudly. He ignored his presence and made his way to the elevator. The elevator arrived quickly to the fifth floor and he rapidly made his way to his apartment. Upon entering, he threw off his now soaked coat and rushed to his bedroom. He took off his equally soaked long sleeved shirt and threw it to the ground. He changed into his sweats and long sleeved cotton shirt that he brought from his home.

He wrapped the blankets around him, warming himself up after experiencing a harsh snow storm. The winters were harsh back at home in the Moon Country, but this one was just as dangerous. Though, like he told her, he returned home safely.

He couldn't sleep for his thoughts dwelled on a certain auburn haired girl.

He kissed her. He didn't know why, but he kissed her. She was so close and he couldn't resist himself. There was many times after that where he wanted to kiss her again. He didn't understand what was wrong with him. He never had experienced this type of feeling before. He never kissed a girl before; he was too focused on his own goals.

Her smile was rare. Her personality was strong and independent. She could handle herself well. She was weird but genuine. She tried and tried and tried. She never gave up and was always annoyingly persistent. She was so optimistic about life. She was easy to tease and her anger matched no other.

He was strangely drawn to her. He wasn't shamed to say that he felt a sense of pride in him knowing that he was the first one to ever kiss her lips. He felt tight knots in his chest when she worried for him. There was a small inch of anger in the pit of his stomach knowing that Kamura was trying to confess his love for her. He had saved her three times already, and he was completely fine with that.

There hasn't been someone to go so far as to say that they would give everything they had to open up someone like him. He was rude, heartless, insensitive, a pain in the ass, an arrogant jerk, (all names she came up with herself mind that), but she still tried. She wasn't giving up. And tonight, she told him she wouldn't give up on him, she would make him smile, she would get to know the real him.

"But I'm going to be the first one too figure you out Hayama."

"Many have tried."

"But I'll be the first to succeed, I promise you that!"

He couldn't hold the smirk from appearing on his face. Her confidence was interesting. Her smile was so sure, so reassuring of herself. Her eyes burned with determination and her eyes were bright with fire.

She was annoying, noisy, loud, way too cheery for his liking, caring, sensitive, idiotic, dense, naïve, and so much more that he couldn't put words into it. But she was everything other girls were not. His body acted strange around her. His chest would tighten; he would often get knots in his throat or at the pit of his stomach. His fingers often underwent a tingling sensation and his mind would travel in different places. His heart is what hit him the worst. His heart beat would rapidly increase and sometimes even skip a beat.

His eyes went wide.

Wasn't this what some people called 'liking' someone? Isn't this what Tsuyoshi had babbled to him about just a few days ago? Wasn't this the strange feeling that emerged in him whenever he was around Aya?

Wait, he couldn't, he thought, as he his eyes grew wider.

Was he falling for the auburn haired, hazel eyed girl?

-O-

Christmas had passed by very quickly, and so did the New Year. It was currently New Year's Eve and Sasaki Tsuyoshi was walking down the bustling Tokyo streets. He was on his way to meet his new girlfriend, Sugita Aya's parents. A bright smile shone on his face as he couldn't keep the excitement in him under control. This was the first time since Christmas that he will see her. Her family had gone out of town for a few days so he couldn't visit her.

His eyes wondered off in different directions, observing the giant city known as Tokyo. He had never really had a chance to really take a look at Tokyo. It was different from his home. Tokyo was a large city, filled with a mass population and you never saw the same people twice. Back at home, though the Moon Country was vast and large, Alagasean itself wasn't as populated as Tokyo was. Tsuyoshi knew everyone quite well. Being the star pupil of the best doctor in all the Moon Country, he traveled to many places and had grown quite the reputation.

Here was completely different. While doctors and such were scarce in Alagasean, here in Tokyo there were many. Also, the technology and knowledge of this world was much higher than that of Alagasean's. There was so much he didn't know in this world.

But he wanted too. He was craving for an opportunity to learn all he could about medicine and its wonders.

In his deep thoughts, he didn't realize that his stomach was growling loudly, earning him a few odd looks from random strangers. He turned red from embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head.

"HELP! HELP!"

The sharp cries broke Tsuyoshi out of his thoughts as he quickly whipped his head towards the cries of the stranger on the floor.

"SOMEONE CALL 991!" Tsuyoshi darted towards the needing voice. He ran past bodies that had circled around the fallen man. Once he made his way through, he saw a little girl of about six or seven years old with tears streaming down her face. On the ground was a pale, blue lipped older man. There was another man kneeling next to the fallen man who seemed like he was consoling the little girl.

"What happened here?" Tsuyoshi asked abruptly as he kneeled down next to the man, grabbing onto his wrist looking for a pulse.

"Idontknow!Wewerewalkingandallofasuddenmydaddyfell andand-"

"Sweet heart, I know you're scared right now and I know you want your daddy to wake up, but I need you to talk a little slower for me so I can help your daddy. Can you do that for me please?" Tsuyoshi rubbed her head as she slowly nodded.

"I-I don't know! We-we we-were wal-walking and then all o-of a sud-sudden daddy started bre-breathing re-really hard and h-he just stop-stopped walking and fell." She cried out to Tsuyoshi. He nodded and observed the man.

"Hey kid! What do you think you're doing? Get away! This is no place for you!" The man in front of him scolded. Tsuyoshi looked up and glared hard at the stranger. He was always judged because of his age and right now he didn't feel like dealing with the jerk.

"I know more than you think you know so back off!" he exploded. The man flinched.

The glass eyed boy went back to observing the man on the floor. His pulse was slow and his lips were turning blue. Tsuyoshi rolled up his sleeves and unbuttoned the man's coat. He checked for any signs of abnormality.

"Are you going to help my daddy?" Tsuyoshi looked up into the frightened eyes of the small girl kneeling next to him. Her eyes were pleating for his help. They were frightened and lost eyes he knew too well.

He gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure your dad's okay!" Tsuyoshi gained a boost of confidence. The crowd murmured in surprise of the expertise of the teenage boy. Tsuyoshi felt the older man's pulse slowing down. He gritted his teeth.

"Shit."

He checked once more in the chest area and ran his hand thoroughly. It was then he felt a slight lump through his t-shirt by his heart. Tsuyoshi's eyes widened with distress. He quickly ripped the shirt open and found the lump.

The old man was breathing short and rapidly. Tsuyoshi pushed down on the lump and the old man would stop breathing.

"Hey kid! Leave him alone! You're not doing anything to help him!" The same man from earlier commented.

"Jus-"

"Leave him alone! He promised he would help my daddy! I believe he will!" Tsuyoshi was flabbergasted by the sudden outburst of the little girl. He smiled softly and his dwindling confidence was resurged.

"Do you know what's going on with him kid?" An older gentleman asked as he kneeled down in front of Tsuyoshi and the man on the floor.

"If my assumption is correct, then this lump right here is disrupting the blood flow to his heart. And whatever this lump is, it's causing him to be short of breath and it will eventually stop him from breathing and his heart will stop."

The crowd sat in awe as Tsuyoshi announced his diagnosis, amazed that a boy at such a young age could make a prognosis.

"I need something that will penetrate through his skin!" He yelled frantically.

"Like what exactly?" The older gentleman that was sitting next to him asked.

"I don't know. Something sharp that can penetrate through his skin so I can unclog this bubble in his chest! As soon as I do that, his breathing should be calm once more and he can safely be transported to the hospital." He explained with anxiety. His nerves were racing and his mind swerving. He felt the urge to vomit. Had it really been that long since he treated someone? He was use to this anxiety.

The older gentlemen's face had turned with a hard, thoughtful look. He bit down on his bottom lip and frowned. This boy was in the process of saving this man's life and he had nothing to offer. This by was doing more than any of these bystanders. He inwardly chuckled.

'These darn kids are outdoing us day by day.'

"Does anybody have anything sharp! If I can just get my hands on a sharp tube or something of the sort, I can prolong this man's life!" Tsuyoshi was growing restless. What was he going to do? He shifted his gaze towards the younger girl who was grasping onto her father's hand, tears stricken in her eyes. He promised this girl her father's safety. How could he not keep his promise to her? If his captain was here, he would know what to do! He was always good at keeping his promises.

"Will something like this work?" Tsuyoshi broke out of his mental relapse. His eyes fixed themselves on the seven inch long, metal tube that could be used for practically anything. At the end of one side of the tube, the metal was jarred and pointed, sharp enough for him to pierce through skin. It was risky, reckless even. There could be many consequences. The man could conjure a type of infection or he would have to stab the man more than once, having him feel deep pain. So many thoughts were racing though the brown haired boy's mind. But he knew time was not his friend at this moment and he had to make a decision quickly.

"That works perfectly. Thank you!" He grabbed the tube from the gentlemen's hand and gripped it tightly. He was trembling slightly as he positioned the jarred end of the tube towards the lump on the man's chest.

He gulped as the tube suddenly felt heavy in his hand. He felt the stares of all those looking down at him, literally. He could feel the tension in the air. He could feel the sweat forming at the corners of his forehead. Why was he so anxious? He had done far more difficult procedures and examinations than this! He had performed surgeries and treatments that were more gruesome and revolting. Why was he so frightened?

"Mister?" Tsuyoshi's eyes shot up to meet with the little girl who was watching him carefully. Her eyes were pleading and a familiar sadness was sweeping within them. He had seen enough death in his short 17 years on this earth. He didn't want this child to deal with the pain of losing their parent at such an age.

He took a deep breath and held it in as he brought his hand up. He tightened his grip around the tube and held in his breath and his fist was coming down rapidly at the lump.

He could hear collected gasp as the tube pierced the skin. He used all his strength to puncture through the skin and could feel the tube ripping through the lump. He made sure that he didn't push the tube too far in to where he could puncture a vein.

He released a strained breath and looked over at the face of the man. His condition didn't seem to change. Tsuysohi's face had paled and he felt his stomach drop. What if he conditioned only worsened? Did he just kill this man?

Tsuysohi felt his chest swell tight. He began to panic. Had he really forgotten everything he was taught? It's only been three months. He shouldn't have forgotten how to save a life.

"Oh no…" he whispered. His eyes were wide as saucers and his hand trembled. Had he really just killed him? He was so sure that he had punctured thoroughly.

"Daddy? Daddy!" Tsuyoshi looked away, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He had failed.

"-sir! Mister!" Tsuyoshi sat in his own misery, ignoring the little girl calling out at him. He couldn't face her sad eyes. He promised her that her father would be okay! He failed her.

"MISTER!" The brown haired boy broke out of his own depression and shifted his gaze towards the little girl. There was a… smile on her face?

"My daddy's breathing!" Tears of joy were running down her face as she hugged Tsuyoshi. The glass eyed boy was stumped with confusion as he felt the little girl envelop him. He stared blankly at the rising chest of the ill man.

Tsuyoshi's face broke into a smile and his eyes gleamed with happiness. Why did he doubt himself? He didn't know. But he saved the man and that was all that mattered. The crowd around him broke into an uproar of cheers and clapping. Tsuyoshi rubbed the back of his head, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the amount of cheers for him. His face turned red and he chucked slightly.

"Thank you Mister! Thank you for saving my daddy!" She crushed herself against him and he smiled tenderly at her. His eyes softened at her sisterly gesture. He rubbed the back of her head lightly.

"We still need to get him to the hospital though, right?" The older gentlemen that had aided Tsuyoshi spoke up.

The brown haired genius nodded in agreement. "He is still in critical conditioned, but I stopped the bubble form blocking the blood flow to his heart." He checked for vitals and a pulse rate as he examined the man one more time for any other types of abnormalities.

"Paramedics coming through! Everyone step aside!"

The brown haired medic looked up to come to view with the paramedics that had arrived with equipment and technology far more advance than Tsuyoshi had ever encountered.

"What happened here?" One of the paramedics asked, as he looked at the tube that was penetrating the man's chest.

"This boy here saved this man's life." He looked over at the older man who was explaining what had occurred, the things Tsuyoshi had said, the procedure Tsuyoshi preformed, and the life he saved. The paramedics face went from unbelieving, to shocked, to astonished as he listened to the story of the old man. He turned and threw Tsuyoshi an incredulous stare, then resumed his work on the man on the floor with his partner.

Tsuyoshi watched as the paramedics worked on the man, stabilizing him and taking him out on the stretcher. He was in awe as they moved fast and quickly, never hesitating and always on their feet. He admired and was envious of the knowledge they had, wishing he was able to hold such knowledge. He was craving for more, he wanted to learn more.

As the paramedics put the man in the back of the ambulance, one of the paramedics walked over with the little girl in hand.

"Well kid, what you did was really reckless," Tsuyoshi bit his lip in disappointment as the paramedic scolded him, "but smart thinking. You saved his life."

"You're my guardian angel mister! Thank you for saving my daddy!" The little girl released herself of the paramedic's hand and ran towards the brown eyed boy. She once again, threw herself at him and nestled soundly into his chest.

"I think the man would like to know the name of the… boy who saved his life." The paramedic said with a small smile, assuming Tsuyoshi was a teenager based on his appearance.

"Sasaki Tsuyoshi, at your service sir." He said as he held the little girl closer to him. The paramedic nodded, the smile on his face being more natural then strained.

"Thank you Mr. Tsuyoshi sir! Thank you!" Tsuyoshi smiled, patting down on the little girl's head.

Tsuyoshi welcomed the young girl and nodded towards the paramedic as they drove off in the ambulance. Few stranglers were watching the boy while others came up and complimented his work. Tsuyoshi felt the adrenaline rushing through his body and he itched for more. But he was already running late.

"Oh my god! Aya! I totally forgot!" Tsuyoshi face palmed himself as he gathered his things quickly to still make it in time with his girlfriend.

"Excuse me, young man."

Tsuyoshi turned around to come face to face with an older man, roughly in his late 30's, maybe early 40's. He had dark, jet black hair, and piercing icy blue eyes. His countenance was evident of stress as the stress wrinkles laid heavily on his skin. His eyes were tired, but his smile was as a child who had just gotten his favorite candy.

"Umm yes?"

"That was some pretty nifty work you did there. That man might have died on the spot if it wasn't for you." He said. Tsuyoshi thanked him with a smile.

"You have some real potential there son." Tsuyoshi eyed him carefully.

"Thank you sir."

"How old are you? 17? 18?" He pressed on, a strange gleam lightening in his eyes.

"I'm 16 sir." The man's eyes lit up with excitement and a smile adorned his lips.

"My god, 16! What talent one as young as yourself has! Indeed, exceptional talent." He laughed silently to himself and padded Tsuyoshi firmly on the back. Tsuyoshi watched him with concern. What did this man want with him, he asked himself. He was skeptic and concerned.

"I'll tell you now son, kids your age do not have near the knowledge and talent you have at this age. You reacted quickly and made quick decisions based on the dire situation place in front of you. That's a sign of a great doctor in the making!"

Tsuyoshi blushed at his comment. He knew he was a good medic but he's never been praised the way that this older gentleman was praising him.

"Th-thank you sir!"

The icy blue eyed gentleman asked Tsuyoshi several questions ranging from his experience to what type of equipment he could use to what type of situations he's faced. Tsuyoshi had taken a liking to the man's sudden interest in him. The man seemed to know a lot about the medical field, something that spiked Tsuyoshi's interest greatly.

"Ah, where are my manners. I was so enthralled in our conversation that I forgot to introduce myself." He padded down his coat and stretched out a hand in front of him.

"I'm Dr. Asuhara Mizuki. I work at Tokyo University Hospital. I work primarily in the emergency room but I've also performed surgery's, worked in the OBGYN and the psychiatry department." He gave Tsuyoshi a proud smile and Tsuyoshi took his hand and shook it.

The glass eyed boy's gleamed with excitement. He met a real doctor! Like an actual doctor!

"And your name is?"

"Sasaki Tsuyoshi sir!" He blurted with excitement and confidence.

"Now Tsuyoshi, I've never done this before and some might call it crazy others might call it psychotic, but to me, it's a stroke of genius!" The brown haired boy's hands were clammy and sweaty. What did the great doctor want with him?

"I simply cannot let such talent go!" He pulled out a receipt of some sort and a pen from his coat pocket and scribbled something down on the paper.

"Tsuyoshi, you're talent and potential can lead to greatness if you take the right road. You're hands are raw and somewhat inexperience, but with my help, I can help you be the best." Tsuyoshi's smile grew and his heart was beating loudly. He could not contain his excitement for any longer.

"I want to take you under my wing and teach you everything I know. I want to make you into a brilliant doctor. I want to make you the best. Will you give me the pleasure in doing so young man?" Tsuyoshi didn't think for a second to say no. He nodded his head vigorously.

"Of course! Thank you so much sir! I've been dreaming for this moment my entire life!" He shook the doctor's hand with much force, causing the doctor to wobble slightly.

"Whoa there son! Easy now!" He laughed as Tsuyoshi retracted his hand and apologized sheepishly.

"Now, here's my number. I know your still in school and that's okay. We will schedule lessons and practice days around our schedules. I want you to know son that I don't just do this for anyone. You have to be committed. I do not train quitters! I train people to succeed!" he preached as he gazed into Tsuyoshi's eyes with an intensity that almost rivaled his captain's.

"Yes sir! Only those who succeed prevail!" Tsuyoshi could barely contain the adrenaline rush coursing through his veins. He itched to scream it to the world!

"That's what I like to hear!" The jet black haired man looked down at his wrist and jumped in astonishment. "Now if you'll excuse me son, I have work to get done."

Tsuyoshi and the doctor parted ways and Tsuyoshi rushed over to his destination, not caring if he was half an hour late. He felt as if he was on cloud nine, and didn't want to come down. He couldn't believe the opportunity that was placed in front of him. He never thought that he, Sasaki Tsuyoshi, would ever be lucky enough to obtain all he's had already. He just prayed that his luck wouldn't fall short just yet.

-O-

"Want to try that again?"

"Sure."

He flipped the switch, and pushed the volume of the soft music up. He switched the button from private hearing to studio hearing. He watched as she adjusted the headphones on her head once more. He watched her carefully and noticed that something was off about her. She seemed… distracted, very distracted.

When it hit the low note, she sang the wrong chord and the key was off. He furrowed his brows together, and leaned back against the chair, trying to figure out what exactly was bothering her that caused her to lose focus.

"Ugh, I'm sorry Rei. I just can't seem to hit the low notes today." She noted, somewhat dully. She took off the headphones and rested them on the stool next to her.

Rei pressed the speaker button. "That's alright Sana! We will try again some other day. How about that?" He offered her his fatherly smile that she had learned to love.

"Sounds great." She responded with a faint smile.

Both she and Rei made their way to the car and she sighed roughly as she plopped herself down in the passenger seat. Rei raised a brow to her sigh and was contemplating whether he should ask her if she was okay or not?

"Hey Sana," he stared as he pulled out of the studio parking and into the busy streets of Tokyo. He looked over at her quickly and noticed her staring out of the window, her countenance shed with emotion. Her bright smile was nowhere in sight today.

"Yeah?"

"Are you feeling okay? You seem a little… how do I put this? Less energized than normal?" He chuckled awkwardly after, making Sana smile slightly.

"Geeze Rei, you make me sound like the Energizer Bunny!" She joked, making her manger smile.

"Well you need some new batteries because I think the ones you have are running low." Both figures burst out into laughter over their own joke.

"That was a good one Rei!" Sana punched him lightly, causing Rei to fake wince.

"Easy now Sana, this old man will break with your punches!" The auburn haired teenager rolled her eyes at Rei's old man comment.

"Right, the old man who is constantly carrying me over his shoulders and eating foods that would kill him in an instant!" She snickered as Rei stifled a laugh. She had certainly got him there.

"Alright, alright you caught me." They continued to talk to each other, the topic of something bothering her long forgotten, something Sana was very happy about.

When they arrived at the front gate of Sana's home, Sana bid her farewells and jumped quickly out of the car to avoid any more questions.

"Sana!" But she was stopped in her tracks as Rei called out to her. She turned and gave Rei a confused stare.

"Yeah?" Rei waved her over and she hesitantly shuffled herself back towards him.

"If you ever need someone to talk too, I'm here for you okay? I know I may not be your age or have experienced some of the things you have gone through, but I'm not only your manager, I'm your friend too." He shone her smile that made Sana beam back at her manager.

"So don't be afraid to open up to me okay?" She gave him a hug through the window, which caught him off guard.

"Thank you Rei. I really do appreciate it!" She pulled away and waved goodbye to him as he drove off. Sana ran back inside, with her mind much more settled than it had been the past week. A bright smile was plastered on her thin lips and she felt grateful for having such a wonderful person like Rei in her life.

Sana walked into the house and took off her slippers, ready to make her way upstairs when a red car came to a screeching halt in front of her.

"Mama!"

"You're home daughter."

"Yupp!"

Misako eyed her daughter carefully and noted that her attitude had been uplifted. She had noticed the difference in demeanor from the past couple days to now in her daughter.

"You've seemed to snap out of your mini depression." Sana sweat dropped and rubbed the back of her head.

"Mama! I was not in a mini depression! You know me better than that!" The hazel eyed teenager retorted as she walked towards the kitchen, with Misako following tow.

"Which is why I called it a depression."

"Everything's fine mama! I promise!" Sana gave her a thumb up along with a grin, making Misako raise a brow. She knew her daughter had been great at disguising her sadness and usually covered whatever bothered her with a smile. And being a mother, she knew when to catch onto the façade.

"I don't like being lied too… just remember that."

Sana sweat dropped and gulped slightly. She scratched the back of her head and raced upstairs, bidding her mother goodnight.

She fell on her bed and sighed roughly, covering her eyes wither her forearm. So many thoughts raced through her mind. She hadn't been able to get that kiss out of her mind. It crept into her mind and distracted her greatly from the important things she needed to focus on.

Hayama was a puzzle that could not be solved. She didn't understand what intentions he had or why he did the things he did. His eyes shielded away something he didn't want people to know. His heart was walled off to the rest of the world. There was so much she didn't know and so much she yearned to learn.

But she did learn something that night.

Hayama had a heart.

And every heart had experienced pain. And she wanted to know what pain he had dealt with so she could take some of the burden off his shoulders.

She also wanted to know why he kissed her, but that was for a different time.

-O-

The night was dark and cold; snow began to fall at the late hour. People gathered around the sacred grounds at the temples, ready to hear the first chime of the New Year. Families gathered and couples stood close together to withstand the harsh winter breeze.

It was an hour before the bell chimed and the clock struck twelve. But people wanted a nice seat so they could witness the fireworks and celebrations with their own eyes.

They say the New Year brought new beginnings. It was a time to start over and leave behind the old. It was a time to set new goals and try something new that one had never done before. It was a time to leave the past behind and look towards the future. It was a time of self-discovery and self-reflection of the person one was before and who they wanted to be after. For some, it was a time to embark on a new journey in hopes of discovering the impossible.

The New Year brought in new possibilities, new fears, new hopes, new dreams, and new feelings. But it can never bury the past; past hopes, past dreams, past fears. It can only heighten the change within a person, whether they take the opportunity or let it go. The New Year offered chances of redemption, chances of chances. It rang in a new sense of clarity.

Hitorashi Ayumi stared into the cold sky, the scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. She had gone through a metamorphosis, a sudden change that caused her to reflect on the life she had been living before and after the death of her mother. She was appalled by her own behavior, the selfishness and patronizing she had induced. She had caused great pain, degraded people to feel insignificant. She had smashed on people's hopes and dreams. She wasn't surprised people detested her. They had every right too.

Kurata Sana had proven there were still genuine people in the world, though she hated to admit it. She was surrounded in such a crooked and corrupted society that being kind was wrong. She was stuck in a materialistic world where money solved everything, cheating and lying were praised, and people didn't care about others.

She laughed at her own stupidity. She was such an ignorant child. This entire time people worked hard to be like her when she was the lowest one could be. She had everything but the one thing that Kurata Sana had.

Love.

She was jealous and senile. She envied Kurata Sana, which brew into a hatred for her. She envied her because she had what Hitorashi Ayumi could never have. Love, friends, family. She was an outcast and kicked to the curb by her father. Her father was rarely home and she lived alone with several maids and butlers in a four story house. So much room for so much emptiness.

Kurata Sana was rich, yes, but she was modest. She was loved and she loved back. She had friends who cherished her, a mother who loved her unconditionally, and a life that anyone could ask for. She wanted it and hated that Kurata had it.

People loved Kurata Sana and always wanted to be her friend while they feared and hated her, Hitorashi Ayumi. Sure, she was beautiful and powerful, but she didn't have the heart and kindness that her rival did. She was cold and heartless, always hurting others to please her bandaged heart. She inflicted pain on those that she could because she never truly healed. Instead of talking it out, she held it in and caused great pain to others.

Especially those she cared about like Unemoia Nonoko, her one true friend.

She was soft spoken and not very assertive but she was humble and honest. She remained loyal and stood by her when everyone else had left. To think she would have thrown the only person who could possibly understand her was a shame.

"Alright everyone, only 20 minutes till midnight!"

The crowd roared with excitement. She smiled to herself. Alone on New Year's Eve she was and she was content with it.

"Ayumi-san…"

The blonde haired teenager turned slightly to come face to face with the midnight blue haired girl she called her best friend.

"Nonoko? What are you doing here?"

She smiled timidly. "Did you really think I would let my best friend celebrate the New Year alone?"

Ayumi's eyes watered slightly and she turned away from her friend.

"You idiot."

Nonoko smiled and stood next to her friend. She was happy, truly happy. Ayumi was the same person, but truly different.

-O-

It was the last 20 minutes of the year. The cold bit at his skin and his body felt frozen. The park was lonely and silent. He was accustomed to seeing children chasing each other and parents watching over them, but not today. Today, people were gathered and celebrating the coming of the New Year together.

He couldn't help but reminisce on his past; the past mistakes he had made and the things he had and had not accomplished. He was not perfect, though he tried to be. He tried to be the perfect role model and represent the idea of perfectionism.

But he was far from it.

He was wrapped in his own vendetta and ideas that sometimes he would forget what he represented and what he meant to others. He was looked up too; people worshipped the ground he walked on. People felt safe and secure when he was in their presence. In some ways, he understood why people relied on him. They clung to what he represented and what he stood for. But they were too engrossed and fascinated by him and his accomplishments that they were bind to his own flaws.

His decisions were not always right and they were not always smart. He had made decisions that cost him greatly. He had made calls that turned out disastrous. He had never been the one to rely on fate either. He had always been the type to have a plan of his own. He always thought of the consequences and the outcomes he would face at the end of the day.

He said once that fate controlled the future, that one's destiny was already planned and set in stone for us. It controlled the way decisions were made, it controlled the actions we took, it controlled who one fell in love with and who one hated, and it caused things to happen that were never supposed to happen.

But that was before he learned that fate was never fair and it was a giant domino effect, something that you as a person cause. He learned the hard way that fate was based on the actions you or your predecessors or ancestors had taken.

But his fate was unknown and he was not going to allow a mythical, spiritual being decide on his destiny.

He gazed at his watch. Ten minutes till midnight.

-O-

"Does this meet your accommodations?"

"Yes sir."

"Excellent. Preparations well be made for your arrival at the end of the week."

"Thank you sir."

The click of the phone signaled the end of the phone call. He stuffed the phone back inside his pocket and headed back inside the house. He and his adopted family were at a friend's house celebrating the New Year together. They did this every year since he was adopted into the Kamura family.

The Kamura family was the sweetest people he had come to know. They loved him as if he was their own son. They never once treated him different because they did not share the same blood or genes. They had taken in a small, fragile, broken, rebelled little boy and raised him as their own. They accepted him in all different faces and respected him and his past.

He vaguely remembered his past. It was all such a blur to him. He remembered the bright lights, the incredible pain coursing through his body, the bright flashing lights. He remembered the sirens, the red and blue flashes. The pain was so fierce he thought if he closed his eyes, it would go away. And it did.

He remembered waking up in a white room. He was by himself. There were tubes in his body. He was scared. He was lonely. He wanted his mom and dad. Where were his mom and dad? Why were they not there with him? Whenever he woke up, his mom's smile was the first thing he saw. But she was not here. Where was she?

He remembered the man that came into the room. There was a young, pretty lady behind him. She gave him a weird smile. Why was she smiling at him like that? He wanted his mom. The doctor checked his vitals and pulse. He rubbed the top of his head. He also gave him a weird smile. Why were people giving him that smile? He didn't understand.

The young lady came closer to the bed and the doctor was asking him questions. He did not care about the questions; he just wanted his mom and dad. The doctor then began acting weird, telling him that if he didn't understand what he was going to tell him, that it was okay. But after he got better, he was going with this lady somewhere. Why couldn't he go with his mom and dad? He didn't understand!

He remembered the words "Your mom and dad are in heaven son." He didn't really know what that meant, but he remembered that one time, his mom was crying because her dad was going to heaven. He remembered he asked why that was so bad. She said it was because she wasn't going to see him again.

Did that mean he wasn't going to see his mom and dad again? He remembered the tears streaming down his eyes and the denial he was in. He was shouting and screaming that it wasn't true. He refused to believe it. He was eventually sedated and when he woke up again, the young, pretty lady was there to take him to his new home: the orphanage.

He was there for a year. He talked to no one. He fought with other kids. He insulted people to make himself feel better. He was bitter and hated life. He hated everyone. He just wanted to die so he could be with his parents.

A lot of families tried to be kind to him, but he wouldn't allow it. He didn't want a 'new' family. He wanted his family. He wanted his mom and dad, not some imposter. He was rude and disrespectful on purpose so people would turn away from him. Time after time, they kids in the orphanage would leave. They would disappear with new families and he was stuck there, wanting to die every day.

That was until the Kamura's made an entrance. Shisou and Komoya Kamura were like any other family that walked in and tried to coax him into joining their family. Of course, he acted the same as he did with the other families. But the thing that threw him off about the Kamura's was that they didn't show any disgust or resentment in his attitude. Instead, the lady gave him a weird smile. She also had tears in her eyes and bent down to his level and gave him a hug. He remembered he was so shocked by the movement, he didn't know what to do.

He remembered the woman squeezing him hard saying "If you give us a chance, we will love you unconditionally." He remembered the tears streaming down from his eyes. Her hug was familiar to the ones his mom use to give him. They were warm and fuzzy. They made him feel safe.

For the first time in a year, he felt safe. He felt loved.

He remembered the man rubbing his head and saying "We don't want to try and replace your parents; we just want a chance to make you happy, like you're already making us."

At that moment, he found his family. And he never regretted being with them. Everything he worked for, everything he achieved, everything he accomplished, and it was for Shisou and Komoya Kamura. They gave him a home, a life, and family and he was not going to let that go to waste.

"Naozumi honey! Come on over here! The countdown to the New Year is about to begin!" Komoya Kamura said with a slight slur in her voice. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

"Coming mom!" He jogged over to her to help her before she stumbled over the couch.

"Naozumi dear, when did you get so tall?" Her cheeks were tainted with a light blush and Naozumi couldn't help but laugh out loud. Seeing his mom this tipsy only happened once a year. And he found it rather enjoyable.

"Mom, I think you had one to many drinks." He helped hold her and she pinched his cheeks.

"Nonsense! I think I deserve a few more!" She marched over to the bar and grabbed herself a few more drinks, making Naozumi burst into laughter. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and shifted his gaze to his father.

"You're mom's on a role tonight huh son?" He chucked hoarsely. Naozumi knew his father was also getting tipsy as well. He smiled at his adopted father and gave him the thumbs up. He didn't mind his parents drinking tonight. They deserved it. They deserved so much.

"You betcha dad!"

He looked down at his phone. It was a minute till midnight. He was already typing out his message to the girl he loved. Sure, she had shattered his heart a bit at the Christmas party, but it was never her intention to do so. They were both just tired and needed sleep. The next time he told her, he would make sure she understood his feelings.

He smiled as the message on his phone was complete.

The countdown had finally begun.

-O-

It was only seconds when until the past became the past and the future were amongst them.

10- Hayama and Sana had finally cleansed the air between the two and became friends.

9- Hitorashi Ayumi weighs the errors of her ways on her shoulders.

8- Tsuyoshi and Aya share their first kiss as they embark on a New Year together.

7- Kurata Sana is confident in her signing skills but is completely inexperience on the subject of Hayama Akito.

6- Hayama Akito ponders on his new revelation and the mission that is still out in front of him.

5- Kamura Naozumi watches the fireworks in the sky burst into beautiful colors like his future.

4- Sasaki Tsuyoshi smiles as the opportunity he had been blessed with is right in front of him.

3- Kurata Misako watches as her daughter smiles to the world, but knows that underneath, she is torn with different emotions.

2- Nonoko waits on the metamorphosis her best friend will encounter.

1- Oshido Ituko chuckles darkly as he cuts into another victim's throat and the stench of blood fills the air.

A/N: And I am DONE! WOW, this chapter was long. I'm sorry for such a long wait. But I hope you enjoyed it. I put a lot together in one chapter and honestly, I felt like I should have put it in two, but I left it long because you deserved it.

A lot of different things are happening here and I hope you can see the turning point of the story. Characters are changing; new and old feelings are being resurfaced, and past are being revealed. I hope you like what I did with Naozumi's past. I kind of wanted to tie in his young self from the manga and add in a bit of my own medicine and test out his character. Sorry if there was any OOCness coming from any of the characters though!

Akito's and Sana's scene to me seem the most important because it's a turning point in their relationship as you all can see but that will be another discussion for another time. Again, sorry for the lateness, the length, the time, JUST EVERYTHING. I promise I won't do it again! I fear this is how I'm losing my readers.

Anyway, despite the length and the grammar and spelling and syntactical and whatever else errors, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review and tell me what you think! And as always, the preview for the next chapter!

Till next time! (Which won't be long!)
-Dark Waffle

Preview:
Winter break is over and that means that school is back in session! Is Hitorashi Ayumi done terrorizing? Or was she ignorant to everything she had learned over the break. Also, Naozumi's life is about to turn a full 180 when he receives news that could affect his relationship with his friends, family, and his all-time crush: Kurata Sana. And there is an awkward, uncomfortable aura shrouding the mysterious blonde haired boy and everybody's favorite singer. But that's only half it right? Because high school is never easy.

Next time on Two Worlds Collide:

Book 1: A New World: Chapter 15: New Year, No Problem?