Chpter 19: Memories of Him
Hi everyone, I know it took me so long but I hope this chapter will satisfy you a little, now the thing is, in this chapter there are no Asahina Brothers involved, maybe the last but this is all about Rina's past with Ichino, you know his ex... Anyways no more talking I'll let you be. Enjoy~
Ema watched her friend as she laid down on her bed, they just got home from their vacation at Naeba Resort and since they reached the town almost afternoon Ema asked Rina to spent the night at their house and go home tomorrow, besides, she wants to spend her time with Rina and it's been a long while since they got a sleepover together. She looked at Rina again and noticed her holding a piece of paper, a letter from someone she never told yet.
"Why aren't you reading it Rin-chan?"
Ema softly asked as she approached her friend and laid also beside her. Her silence made Ema think that perhaps this person who gave her the letter was so important... That even made Rina hesitant in opening the said thing.
"You didn't see who left it right?" Rina finally asked.
Ema shook her head. "No, I just saw it on the front door when I came back first to get my phone in our room. I hesitated first to pick it up but when I saw your name written on back of the note I quickly picked it up and kept it until the Christmas Eve ended. Sorry I forgot to give it to you that night, I just only remember this when I saw it in my pocket just a while go." Rina nodded in understanding and sighed after that. "Do you know who wrote that letter?"
Both of them look at each other for a long moment before Rina said 'yes' to her and stared back at the piece of paper she was holding. "He was someone I... Would say have a part in my life that I couldn't forget."
Ema didn't say anything, that statement somehow conclude her that this guy made something either good or bad which left her friend to say such thing. "You wouldn't mind Rin-chan... Telling me about him?"
A long paused again and a contemplative look seen on her face, the light snores of Juli who is sleeping at the corner was heard in the background before Rina releases a huge out breathe.
"She's the new transferee right?"
"Yeah, she's a quiet one, even though it's been a week since she transferred here she never talks to anyone."
"Really? Maybe she's just shy."
"I don't think so, I heard from our other classmates that Menori-chan approached her and knowing Menori-chan's kind and gentle traits she wanted to make friend with the new transferee but she ignored her."
"Really? That's so cold and mean..."
"Yeah, poor Menori-chan, that's her first time being ignored by someone."
"Pch, now that I heard about it I don't want to get near to her."
"Shh, lower your voices she might hear us talking about her."
I know.
I always know that you're talking about me, I always know that nobody wants to get near to me...
But I don't care, I know it's very insensitive of me to act this way but can you blame me?
I closed my eyes trying to maintain my poker face before I sighed and rested my cheek on my hand while looking at the window. It's been a week since I transferred in Itada High and it's also been a week after the burial of my mother and younger brother...
I wanted to make friends...
I really does but...
But I can't, my mind won't let me, my heart still broken and my soul is grieving...That's why I wanted to be alone, giving myself some time...
Sigh...
I'm used to this.
Ever since I was transferred here I never met this close relative of mine who took me in. He was my uncle, rich and a businessman, I only saw his picture in magazines and posters and have to admit he was quite charming, he seemed like age of my mother. He was too busy to give me some time to meet him properly though. Mr. Mizo, his personal assistant was the person whom I will consider my guardian. He's the person who I met first because after the burial he appeared in our home's door saying I have a close relative who eventually took my custody as a guardian since I was still underage... I would say I was emotionally unstable and still mourning that time but swiftly declined his offer saying I can take care of myself. Ema and uncle Rintarou were there when he showed up though and without me knowing they talked to him privately.
I was still blankly staring at the picture frames of my mother and brother when I felt a presence beside me and the scent I've known for so long invaded my senses.
"You should come with them Rin-chan..." Her soothing tone, I remained placid as I tenderly touch the frames trying to engrave their images deep down in my soul. "He never said anything aside from that this relative of yours is...is in your father side."
Momentarily my eyes gone wide a little before I gave my friend a quick glance. "Whoever he or she is, I don't want to have any connection to my father."
I can imagined her upset expression and felt her soft touch on my hand. "C'mon Rin-chan, he's still your father... Besides, don't you want to know who he really was?"
I finally casts her a long glance and a frown showing at the same time. "Ema-chi if I will come with them I won't be able to see you, uncle Rintarou and Juli anymore! Can't you understand, I don't want to lose another family..." I tried to hold back my tears, my voice painfully tight while my hands are trembling. "I don't want to lose a family..." I choked out, tears finally falling in my eyes.
Ema didn't notice her tears also falling but she still managed to smile at me and squeezed my hand. "You won't... I promised you that, if time will come that we will get separated I'm sure fate will help us find each other again, the bond we made will be and always be here in our hearts, I want you to find out more about yourself. Please Rin-chan, give it a chance." She softly finished before giving me a gentle hug.
That's the last time we've talked and ever since then I can't contact my friend anymore, the sad part I don't have uncle Rintarou's number and that's making each of my days even more frustrating.
"The number you have dialed is unattended or out of coverage area please try again later..."
I sigh loudly and put back my phone in my pocket. It was noon and having lunch alone in the rooftop has been my past time here, well this spot was surprisingly empty, so far nobody come in here which somehow favor in my situation. I stared at the clear sky and frowned a little at how annoying its clearness as if mocking me on purpose...
"Damn, I get even upset at the lucent sky... Stupid me."
I muttered before taking out my lunch box and started eating in silence. My face saddened when I remembered my time with Ema, we used to eat lunch together at my previous school's rooftop...
"You always eat alone. Don't you have friends?"
"Ah crap, I can even hear a voice now..." I took a big bite with a gloom face and I was about to take another bite but paused from my action. Seconds, minutes it took a long moment and realized something is off with that voice it was too realistic to be just an imagination...
Wait, that's not an imagination right?
I slowly tilted my head to the side and saw a guy leaning on the railings, hands tuck in his pocket and smiling sheepishly at me. I swallowed hard but choking up instead because even though from my distance I can see clearly his deep brown eyes which are so beautiful in my opinion. Is it supposed to be like that? His eyes are like jewels shining so brightly.
Never mind that I'm fucking choking because of him! I immediately took a gulp of my juice box and relaxed when the burning feeling in my gut was slowly fading. I sighed in relief and wiped some sweat formed in my forehead. 'Damn, I almost got die...okay that's a bit exaggerating but still.'
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah... Just give me few seconds-"
My eyes literally gone wide when I saw him now in front of me. Kneeling, cheek rested on his hand and a faint smile casted his lips. I guess it's just my instinct but since he suddenly showed up I tried to punch his face.
"Woah...you don't have to punch someone who asked you nicely."
fluttered my eyes because he caught my hand, moved it away from his face and wore a genuine smile this time. "..I kinda like you now."
His words made my face flushed in embarrassment, how could he say such thing in a casual tone! Does he has no shame!
"Yah!" I took my hand back still red at his unexpected statement. "You don't say such thing to someone you just met you weirdo."
How can this guy made me loose my cool? I've been brooding for a week and he...just a simple smile...
He laughed at my reaction. "Sorry, that's not what I mean... I just found you fascinating that's why I said those words, my bad..."
"Wow... I'm deeply flattered."
The sarcasm in my tone made him chuckled again. My eye twitched, he was getting into my nerves now, the way he laugh at me sounds so insulting! As much as I want to ignore him I can't stop myself from observing his whole feature.
He has small freckles on his cheeks and emphasizing even more when you look at it closely, his hard jawline compliment his whole face, giving a masculine appeal that will surely develop in years to come, his pointed nose was nice and lips I can guess was soft. But what caught me the most is his eyes... It's common brown eyes but for some odd reason it's so beautiful, deep and bright maybe because it has a tinge of hazel around its iris...
Wait.
Why am I thinking this way? Why am I talking like he was so dreamy?!
The horror thoughts gave me a shudder and glared at the guy in front of me, since he ceased from laughing he was giving me a wondering look. "Sorry I didn't mean to laugh... I've never seen you before, for a week of observing you I guess you're a transferee right?"
A week?
I gasped in astonishment. "You... You're a stalker aren't you?!"
His eyes turned wide. "W-What? No! You always eat here but you're not even aware I was here also, geez, I don't know why but you're too engrossed at your thoughts that you can't even see me." His exasperated words stop me from scowling. "You see, this is my spot and I've got surprised when you showed up one day muttering something about phone or whatever then you started eating in silence not batting an eye in my direction. I always lie in that spot but for a week of doing the same thing you never noticed my presence." Pointing at the spot at the same time. My mouth went dry, trying to process his words.
I almost punched him on the face and then accusing him for being a stalker. Damn, am I being too bitch... I chewed my lips and shunned his beautiful eyes, I don't know how long I've been silent but in the end I decided to apologize. "..I'm sorry."
I mumbled, swiftly took my bentou and left him without looking back, his voice rang in the background as he kept calling me.
It was weird how after that occurence we always ended stumbling meeting each other but I never wanted to know his name...
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"Hi Inagami-san."
A soft feminine voice made me jumped in surprise, I was out to buy some suppplies for my project when Anakawa Menori showed up right at my back. I looked through my shoulder and her pretty auburn hair glistened in my sight even though it's almost dark her beautiful face can still amazingly noticed. She was wearing a casual clothing and bringing a bag of I think snacks.
"I just saw you passed by so I immediately wanted to say hi..."
Her sightly smile casted her lips and slowly walked towards me. Menori from my opinion was a bubbly girl whom loved by most students especially boys. She was quite popular, well who wouldn't be I mean she's definitely attractive and has a voluptuous body that any men would stare at but surprisingly she doesn't know about it. Yeah she maybe stupid and naive but she was kind and pure...
"Uhm... You're going back to the dorm?"
"...yeah."
My brief answered. Her face lit up and smiled.
"That's good! Can I walk back with you? If that's okay..."
I stared at her for a long moment and noticed her blushing cheeks. She was embarrassed and concerned that maybe I'll decline her offer. She was so far nice and as much as I'm concern I'm being mean to her so I decided to agree and nodded my head. We walked in silence but I'm fully aware that she's been sneaking some quick glances. "Do you want to say or ask anything?" I asked, still looking ahead.
"O-Oh nothing! I'm just glad you noticed me already."
She said softly, I stared at her and stopped in my track. "Look, I know I'm being mean for no reason... But all I want for a moment is a peace of mind that's why I'm ignoring all of you."
I blurted out suddenly trying to hide the true emotion behind it.
Her eyes widened for a moment before it turned soft. "You're hurting..." My hand twitched, trying to ignore what she said and started walking again. "Please Rina-san, I want to make friends with you."
Her pleading tone made me stop again. Why was she so persistent about this?
"I... I want to be your friend. So don't make a wall around you... I can feel it that you are kind and a happy person before..."
"Exactly Anakawa-san that was before." My dry answer before leaving her alone.
You're hurting...
I stopped from my track trying to calm my erratic beating of my heart, I groaned and covered my eyes with my hand because suddenly, I felt the pain again.
You're hurting...
"Of course I was still f*cking hurting!"
I snapped and crouched down, trying to control my trembling body. Get a grip Rina...this is not you... Mom, Jiro and Ema wouldn't be happy if you keep doing this... So try to calm, Menori just wanted to make friends.
I don't know how long I've been in my position, but I'm guessing more or less seven minutes. I managed to calm myself and stood up and decided to wait for Menori and apologize for my behavior. Few minutes have passed again when I noticed something was off with the situation...
My eyes literally gone wide when I noticed that Menori wasn't still coming since I've been standing in my position for almost ten minutes and this is the only route back to their dormitory she should be here right now but... I looked and ran back towards the spot where I left her and to my horror she was sorrounded by three guys! I can see clearly that she was in trouble seeing her scared look and the menacing smiles of these goons. My eyes turned sharp as I ran immediately to her side startling all of them at my sudden appearance. The stench of alcohol burned my nose and the way they're looking at us was almost making me vomit in disgust.
"Rina-san!" She cried, a hint of relief in her tone.
"Are you hurt?" She shook her head and tears brimming in her eyes. "Good, just stay at my back."
"Woa... Look what we've got here! Another cutie ne? We're getting so lucky today don't you think Iki?"
"Yeah, who would have thought Kami-sama would be so generous! You both can take the red hair this one is totally my type."
My stomach churned at his maniac face, even though I tried to act brave my hands are shaking like hell! Who wouldn't be? The security rarely passes by and this area is quite dark so this was an advantage situation for them.
"Rina-san..."
I can feel the tight grasp of Menori on my arm and even though I'm not looking at her she was already crying, realizing that no one will gonna help us. I bit my lower lip and glowered at these monsters.
"I will advise you not to touch us you disgusting leeches or you'll regret it."
I spats, the pure of hate and loathing in my tone made them smile wickedly.
"Ohh... Feisty isn't she? Don't worry girlie this will be over soon I'll give you a nice and fine timee~"
"You..." I gritted my teeth in anger and immediately grabbed the collar of the closest guy and my fist closing for a punch, but it didn't hit something instead a hand stopped me and pulled me away locking me suddenly in an arm. A cry of pain heard from me as he twisted my wrist painfully and bringing some tears in my eyes.
"Wrong move girlie." I got nauseous as the jerk holding me whispered in my ear feeling his disgusting breathe.
"Rina-san!"
Menori's alarming voice made me snapped and kicked the lower region of the guy holding me. He let me go instantly and heard his moan of pain, the two remaining studs who were holding Menori glared at me. I was about to help her when I felt an arm stopping me.
"You bitch!"
He slapped me so hard that even made my vision blurred in a minute and hit the floor hard. Menori's cry heard in the background as I felt a tug on my shirt, trying to ripped it open. I don't know how long I've been lying on the ground but I heard some grunt of pain and moan of cry like somebody is having a fight. The warmth source hovering my form was gone and everything turns quiet except for Menori's cry... Trying to call me...
Rina...
Wait. That's not Menori's voice.
"Rina-san! Rina-san! Please wake up..." I fluttered my eyes open, her crying face came into view before she smiled in relief. "Rina-san!" She cried again and hugged me. "I'm glad you're okay..."
"What happened? Where am I?"
Her face softened. "You're in the hospital Rina-san... The incident last night, when you collapsed Ichi-Kagami-san somehow passed by and... He saved us, he's also the one who brought you here."
My blank look didn't waver and still trying to process what happened... We almost got raped...
I almost got raped...
"I see..."
My croaked voice heard at last. I looked at the other way hiding my crying face, Menori didn't say anything and gently touched my hair.
Kagami? Whoever he is, I want to thank this guy.
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"I heard what happened, actually the whole school knew it already..."
"Hm."
"..your cheek, is it still sore?"
I found his concern gaze and I got tongue-tied for few seconds. It's been a week after our first encountered and let's say it was strange how we became friends without me knowing. Maybe because I noticed how he was only taking a nap during lunch and never saw him eating anything that one day I brought something for him until I got used to bring extra bentou for him.
"Bearable..."
My short answer before starting to eat in silence since it was lunchtime. It was weird how everyone became so nice to me. But even though I'm still ignoring them they didn't seem to care anymore like they are used to this kind of treatment. I almost didn't get away because most of the girls in the class wanted to have lunch with me but Menori did save me that time she seemed to know I needed space and asked them to leave me since there's some urgent I needed to do.
With all this turn of events there was still disappointing about it, after the incident Mr. Mizo told me that the three studs were already caught and the authority took care of them. He told me that my uncle unfortunately can't see me yet since he was out of country for two months instead he just brought a bouquet of white tulips, which reminds me of my mother's favorite flower.
"You know... If you keep frowning like that the food will turn dull."
I rolled my eyes but still remained quiet. I heard his gasped of astonishment.
"Did you just roll your eyes? Wow... That's amazing." I shot him a glare and was caught off guard at his genuine smile which always made my heart fluttered and it's starting to annoy me. "That's good I think, I thought you would create another wall around you after what happened."
My lips parted and grasped my chopstick harder. I'm really getting annoyed at his cool mask, his concern and expressive eyes, his calm demeanor and his extremely beatiful smile! I hated all of it!
"Why do you act like you do care? Don't you get it, I don't know your name because I chose not to know. Because once I've known it... I will start to..." I bit my tongue, stopping myself from saying the word 'care' instead, I averted my stares and kept it ahead. I decided not to finish my lunch and head back to the classroom when his unexpected query paused me.
"You always want to push people away don't you?"
I heard his light footsteps coming towards me before it stopped, I didn't dare look back and can feel his presence behind me.
"I do care. In fact, you feel the same also Rina." I faced him immediately and was about to protest for calling me familiarly when he continued talking again. "The moment you brought extra bentou for me... I was actually not expecting such kind gesture because I always skip lunch not because I can't have one but because I love napping in that time."
I want to smack his face. God... This guy is such a lazy one! How could he chose to sleep rather than eating, that's not healthy at all he was-
His gentle laugh interrupted my nagging thoughts. "..you're like an open book Rina, I can guess what's on your mind now by watching your expression. It's really fascinating... "
"Fascinates? Am I some kind of entertainment to you...?" I snapped.
"..that's not what I mean and you know it."
My only answer to him is a placid look, he didn't move or bat an eye instead he extend his hand and making me take a step back. His blank demeanor surprised me though, his hand as if wanted to touch me stop in front of my face but never touching me and spread his hand covering his facade in my view.
"This is how I described our relationship. You're really so close, almost at the tip of my finger but... The longer I extends my hand the farther you're getting away. It seems like you are doing it purposely."
He said, there was something behind his tone that made me flinch, a familiar painful sensation slowly creeping in my gut. "But, I didn't mean I would just give up that fast..." His hand disappeared in my sight and a large grin seen on his face. "...you can't get rid of me that easily Rina."
I guess that's my mistake... Because unbeknownst to me his words started to form a small crack on the wall I've made...
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"Look it's Ichino-senpai!"
Most of my classmates specifically girls went to windows when they heard one of them shouted. Since I was coincidentally near the window I got to see who are they talking about. A group of senior students where having a PE class at the field and playing soccer, as I was scanning the class I saw him... The rooftop weirdo baka.
"Eehhh he's so cool..."
"..I wish I could see that care free smile closely."
"Hm. He's so gentleman and nice..."
"..yeah, all of his classmates admire him though because he was so kind."
Something isn't right, don't tell me they are talking about him? I suddenly saw him waving his hand towards here and the girls squeal in happiness and return his wave. Pch, so he was the school knight eh.
Ichino... So that's what his name.
"What are you looking at?" Menori asked before she went to my side.
"It's Ichino-senpai, I heard you both are pretty close during your childhood years."
"O-Oh, yeah..." The flushing of her cheeks was really visible.
"Are you still close?"
The little twitched of her hand was caught in my point of view and even though she was trying to smile that little action told me the truth.
"I...well, we chat but...you know we are just kids that time so we kinda forgot about it hehe..."
The rest of the conversation faded slowly and turned my gaze outside. I remained impassive but something deep in mind bothers me, I tried to ignore it but...
Sigh.
Why am I worried anyway?
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"..hey, uhm... I want to say something."
I tried to hide my flushed cheeks, it took me one week and three days after the incident to know who was this person who saved us. And it took me by surprised that this moron in front of me was the one. I don't know why he didn't tell or mention this to me because maybe he was waiting for me to discover this on my own...
His confusing look made want to slap him but I cleared my throat and hide my face in his view. "..thank you." I didn't look at him. The long silence in the bacground unnerve me to no end. "Oi-"
"You're welcome Rin." I snapped my head towards his direction and saw how he was smiling at me with pure happiness. "Thought you'd never know. So, I want to introduce myself formally. My name's Kagami Ichino, please to meet you finally."
He extends his hand in front of me still wearing that stupid smile. It took me few minutes to comply at his action and nodded my head still avoiding his gaze. Trying to control the fast beating of my heart...
Why was he smiling so brightly...
It's too glowing...
It's too breathtaking...
It's too beautiful...
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"I can't believe someone like you good at this."
My blanked visage. His eyes twitched in annoyance and cleared his throat. "And what's that supposed to mean? Do you really think I'm not good in academics Rin?"
"Well... I thought the only thing you do is all about Judo." I shrugged off.
"That's my past time, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid. Sheesh you're so judgemental Rin." He crossed his arms and puffed his cheeks. "Seriously are you even my friend?"
I rolled my eyes. "Just teach me already lunch break is almost over."
"Hai hai... as you wish princess." The glower look I'm giving to him made him smirk and ruffled my hair. "Don't be so displeased about it."
"Damn you."
His light laughter heard after that.
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"What's your theme?"
"Ahh... None of your business."
"Oi that's cold if you won't tell me I'm gonna ask Menori."
I cocked my brow at his statement. "I didn't know you both are close at each other." My nochalant tone and gave him a side glance trying to see his reaction.
"Well, not really... Let's say she's one of my fans." He laughed faintly noticing my look saying don't-fuck-with-me-you-liar.
"Fine, she's a childhood friend..." I saw how a lost look appeared on his face and he didn't notice about it, his silence told me that something must happened between them. He cleared his throat as if he got caught at his trance before smirking at me. "Really? What's your theme this school fest?"
The long silence emitted in the background. As much as I'm concern of why he was so curious about this I sighed in defeat in the end. "...cosplay cafe."
His poker face remained for few minutes before he pouted. "Boring~!"
"Shut up!"
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Christmas Eve, tonight this is the first time I'll be celebrating the said occasion without them... It's lacking and definitely lonely.
Even though Mr. Mizo told me that they'll make something this evening I don't want to bother them anymore so I decided to go alone at the nearest shrine to pray. I can manage to celebrate alone, eat something in a simple restaurant and watch a fireworks display in the park. Yes, I can manage...
"Why are you here?"
My dull question. I glances at the man beside me. His extremely bright smile was always plastered on his face.
"Hm? Oh right, like everyone doing I'm also praying."
He said as a matter of fact and closed his hands together before closing his eyes in concentration. I looked at him for a long moment and sighed in the end and did the same thing.
Kami-sama... Please tell my mom and brother that I missed them so much...
"What are you praying?"
I snapped my eyes open and stared at Ichino. "..that's none of your business." Ignoring his presence I continue praying.
"You know, I pray that this coming year will be more fun because it's my last year in high school and... I want to know more about you."
My concentration on praying vanished immediately, I really tried to control the fast beating of my heart and hide my pink cheeks because he... He was so annoying.
"..whatever."
Was my only retort at his sudden words. That night I didn't celebrate the Christmas Eve alone, I didn't show it but I was relieved that Ichino was with me because I'm certainly sure spending the rest of the occasion crying...
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The new year came fast, Menori and her gang invited me that night. The eagerness I felt was quickly gone when Ichino was also there, since one of Menori's friend has a brother who was also a classmate and friends with Ichino. I can feel the awkward atmosphere between the two though and have to admit it's really distracting.
The thing is I can't talk to anyone freely since Ichino was in front with Menori beside him, obviously she and his friends trying to put them together. In my part I decided to stay at the back and act nochalant which didn't went in my plan because one of Ichino's friends was beside me. I got no problem with Eichi-senpai, really he was quiet and not snobbish and so far he isn't bad.
"Watch your step." His voice snapped me surprisely from my thoughts, too stun that I didn't see a tiny crater causing me to loose my balance and tripped on my foot. The faint sound I made was heard by Eichi and quickly caught my hand pulling me towards him again but this time closer. "Are you okay?"
His monotone question made the rest of the gang turned their stares at us I managed to reply before he let me go and started teasing us about getting close without them knowing. I ignored their meaningful glances but among those stares there's one who doesn't look that way.
Ichino.
He... He was totally blank so I can't figure what he was thinking. That night I felt something wasn't right with him. The night ended fast and we went back to dorm and bid our goodbyes, but Ichino never even batted a glance in my direction.
I tried to hide it but deep inside I was so diappointed... Hurt.
I didn't get a sleep that night.
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My fast beating heart was so loud, I can't hear nothing except for it. The scene folded in my eyes made me want to slap myself and snap me from looking for too long.
The air become colder since winter has come, Ichino asked me to meet him at the rooftop after the class because he wanted to say something urgent... He seemed serious about it. And now... Why was Menori kissing him? Why am I feeling hurt about it? Are they both dating each other without me knowing?
Ridiculous. Why do I even care... I'm just a friend I shouldn't get upset about it.
But...
Tears.
I felt my tears flowing in my eyes without me realizing it.
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I avoided Ichino purposely, since it's winter I started eating my lunch in my classroom with Menori, she was still the same though. Bubbly and bright, but in my observant eyes I can see there is something wrong. I didn't try to ask her about it since she was avoiding my gaze. This went on until three days when he confronted me alone. I was left in the classroom alone since it's my duty to get my classmates' notes, the door swiftly opened and revealing the guy I've been avoiding for the past days. My heart started to pound again but I tried my best to act normal and focused on my task at hand. The ambiance started to feel heavy and the quietness covering us somehow made me anxious... I heard his gentle footsteps coming towards my direction. "What do you want Ichino? I'm kind of busy right now." I found my voice finally, the apprehension and anxiety have mix in and I can't tell if he noticed this.
He stopped right in front of me. The familiar scent that I've missed hit my senses, his presence and warmth made me realized I've longed for it and completely struck at this realization. Is that why I'm crying that night? Because he was so important that I didn't know it until that day...
"You have been avoiding me these past three days... And you didn't show up that night... Why?"
How foolish.
I wanted to tell him what I saw but I bit my tongue and remained silent and continued to do my work. I saw how his fist tightened before he slammed both of his hand on my table stopping me finally, the action caught me off guard since the Ichino I've known was always calm and collective. "You're acting cold again..." the thinned line on his lips and the look he was giving me made me cringe in my position, this is really surprising... To see him so serious."I want to know Rina... Why are you avoiding me?"
"I think you misunderstood Ichino, I'm not avoiding you... I was too busy that's why-"
"Damn it! Can you just be honest for once with your feelings!"
I got startled at his outburst, my lips parting slightly but soon I glowered at him and abruptly stood. "I don't know why you're acting this way but if you are not being helpful just leave me alone!"
He gritted his teeth trying to calm himself. He closed his eyes for a long moment before he sighed and ran his finger through the mane of his beautiful chisel brown hair, frustration clearly on his face. "I wanted to tell you something very important... But you didn't show up, you ditched me."
"I didn't."
I said quickly. He snapped his eyes on me for a long moment before it widened, realization struck him immediately
"You... You saw us."
"Look, it's none of my business anymore. I'm happy because my two friends are dating and you got it all wrong I'm not avoiding you. I simply got busy these days..."
I said at once and swiftly finishing the remaining notes before bringing them. "I have to give these notes to Eri sensei please excuse me."
I didn't manage to exit the room when he grabbed my arm and cornered me on the wall, the notes have slipped on my hands at the same time. "W-What the heck!" I glared at him but startled at his serious look. I saw how he put his right hand beside my head.
"..it's not what you think." He softly started before I felt his light touch and tucking some strands of my hair. His action made me blush and saw how his eyes turned gentle. "Menori... Was not the one I really love... She confessed to me but I turned her down immediately saying I have someone already..."
My lips parted at this revelation, is that why she was spacing out whenever she's alone and the pure sadness in her eyes told me that she was hurt.
"..when you didn't show up the next morning at the rooftop I got anxious but I decided to conclude that maybe because it's too cold to eat outside you stay in your class so I went to see you but you're not in there, for some reason I can't see you anywhere at the school and this continued. Until I concluded that you're avoiding me on purpose..." My erratic heart beating was becoming so loud when he rested his head on my shoulder smelling his masculine scent that I love. "..the thing is I was about to tell you that night my true feelings..." He looked at me again with those gorgeous eyes and making my heart skip a beat at the emotions he was showing. "Without seeing you you for few days snapped me you know that..." He faintly laughed before I felt his hand at the nape of my neck. "..it's driving me crazy." Was his words before he softly place his lips on mine...
My first kiss was strange... Because it made me feel so afraid yet happy at the surge feeling coming to him.
For a long time I finally felt a pure happiness in my heart.
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It's been a month after that incident in the classroom, the level of relationship between me and Ichino have changed but the interaction between us hasn't changed at all, we still fight over small things but nothing serious... We still remained friends but it's more intimate now. For the first time since I've transfered here I am definitely happy.
"Stop staring at me you stupid."
I mumbled giving Ichino a dirty look, he didn't waver his eyes instead and saw his lips tilted upward. "It's normal for a boyfriend to stare at his girl while eating. Is that violation of law? I don't think so besides you're pretty when you eat."
My whole face heat up in embarrassment and glared at him. "You! Just start eating already or else I will eat all of these." I grumbled.
"And you're cute when you pout like that."
I shot him another glare as he chuckled after that.
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"When did you start liking me?"
Ichino asked me out of the blue as we both watch the sunset, we are riding a ferris wheel before we go home that day, doing our first date today was tiring yet enjoyable though and have to admit I like it a lot...spending time with him .
"Wha... How do I know." I said, quickly avoiding his gentle eyes. "It doesn't matter when did it start right? Because you just feel it and when you feel that you like that person you become truly happy especially if that person is beside you. Where his presence and warmth is enough to make you feel that way..."
The truth is I knew when did I start liking him...
The moment his eyes met mine for the first time...
He stared at me, eyes so soft and gentle before he stood up from his position and went to my side still locking his eyes on mine. "I guess you're right about that." He suddenly pulled me in a warm embrace. "Well me, I fell for you the moment I saw you." He tightened his hold and rested his face at the crook of my neck. He didn't let me go for few seconds before he looked at my face with so much tenderness.
"..I love you Rina."
My eyes broadened. This was the first time Ichino said those words.
"I..."
I felt his lips on mine to stop me.
"You don't have to say it now... Rin. The most important now is I have told you what I truly feel, I love you and I don't want to loose you, you are mine and everything so don't doubt it."
"Why does it sound that you will loose me? And I'm not doubting your feelings baka." I said flushing at the same time.
There was something flashed in his eyes, an emotion I couldn't recognize.
"...sorry."
"Will you stop looking at me that way?"
I grumbled. His lips tugging upward and close the gap between us, feeling his breathe on my mouth.
"I love you Inagami Rina."
"I- I heard you once! so sto-hmp"
His mouth captured mine again.
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Menori avoided me whe she discovered our relationship, she kept her distance and started not talking to me. I would be lying but I'm really affected at her sudden aloofness, I'm not used to it. She's my friend and I don't want to loose that friendship she built.
"Menori."
I called. The school was over and I planned to talk to her no matter what happened. She turned stiff for few seconds before facing me finally but not looking at me completely. "Yes, Rina-san...?"
"Can we talk, alone please?"
Her group of friends look at her before I saw how she nods her head giving me permission. Her friends told her that they'll wait outside.
"I'm sorry if I didn't tell you about us."
I said after we were left alone. She didn't answer for minutes, she was grasping her hand tightly before her body shook and started to cry, I panicked but she looked at me in the eyes finally and making me froze on my spot.
"..there's nothing to be sorry Rina-san, it's just that I can't take seeing both of you... That's why I needed some space for now." She wiped her tears before smiling at me. "I can assure you Rina-san we are still friends if that's your worry..."
My lips formed a thin line. "...still, I can't stand..."
She shook her head and smiled again at me. She gently took my hand and squeezed it and then she let go and exited the room without uttering a word. I watched her back form with a heavy feeling in my gut.
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The days went on... The talk between me and Menori still bothering my thought, but what bothered me the most is Ichino's reaction when I told him about it. He seemed sad and affected, my instinct told me something wasn't right... And if I want to find out about this since from the look on his face that he was not going to tell me everything yet. I'll wait...
Wait...
And wait...
I'm good and patient at waiting.
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Slap!
"it's not what you think Rin! I just... I wanted to tell you about us... We, we've been separated for months believe me."
"Is that why you use me because I'm friends with her! Because if she discovered we were together she'll run coming back to you!"
I shouted in anger trying to control the true emotion behind it.
"No... Yes... That's my plan... But that was before Rin. My plan backfired, I didn't know I would fall very hard to you... Please... I love you."
His begging look pained me so much but the most painful part is the revelation. How many times he would tell or explain, it always ends at the word 'use' and that hurt me so much... The pain and betrayal was more than enough to handle.
"Don't, it's useless to explain anymore."
My calm statement, my empty face look at his upset one. He tried to open his mouth but close it again as if reading my thoughts not to talk anymore... I left the rooftop not batting any look at him.
That's my last encounter with Ichino, I chose not to attend the school for a week and ended up in a decision to tranfer at this school where my mother went. Seeing her picture with my brother made me think that I needed to see and visit that town she used to live because I have missed them to the point it hurts because I needed them now... I needed their cheer up words and warmth.
"That's what happened, we didn't really ended our relationship officially but he knew our relationship was over and... " Rina stopped suddenly hearing a sob beside her. Quickly staring at Ema her eyes got big seeing her crying face. ".. Wha.. Why are you crying Ema-chi?"
"I'm sorry.." She sobbed quietly and covered her eyes with her arm. "I wasn't there. I pushed you away and convinced you to find out more of yourself but it seemed that I made your life miserable because of that decision." Rina's eyes turned gentle. "I'm so sorry not because I pity you... Because I wasn't there when you needed someone to comfort you, I'm really sorry." Her lips quirked into a soft smile and tugged Ema's form towards her, giving her friend a tender hug and soothed her back.
"... Don't worry, I'm getting better now. Besides, I made a right decision to go back here... At least I told you finally that I'm not getting good terms to my uncle." She tightened her hold to her. "I'm sorry if I hide this to you." She shook her head but never utter a word. Ema's action tickles her cheeks but smiles instead still soothing her back. "He will find me soon..." Or maybe he already have found me but he was waiting for the right time.
The two stayed in that position unbeknownst to them the door that Ema thought she closed was slightly ajar and accidentally someone overheard their conversation, he was still standing outside and leaning on the wall with his hands tuck in his pocket before he decided to leave and gave the two a private time, besides, he already heard enough. He doesn't want to intrude anymore.
Please I need your thoughts with this chap, hope you didn't get bored reading that long...long...long chapter! Hit the comment button okay? See you soon, janeh!
-Aza
Edited: 05-06-18
