Warning: Some italics are thoughts, some are past and some are talking. Sorry for confusing you guys but I think you guys will have no problem to understand it... I hope.

A big thanks to innerflame98 for the cover picture of this story.

Chapter 3:- Nostalgia

"If you don't receive love from the ones who are meant to love you, you will never stop looking for it."

"Misa-chan, where are you taking me?"

"Shut up and just walk."

"I can't. Your hand is blocking my sight."

"Then follow me."

He chucked, amused at his wife's stubbornness. He doesn't know what happened to her suddenly causing her to call at his office to tell him to come back home immediately. He had thought something might have happened to her, so he came as soon as possible only to be blindfolded by her hands, not that he hated it rather he loved it.

"Are we there?" he asked.

"Y-Yeah." She whispered shyly and slowly put aside her hands from his eyes.

Takumi slowly opened his eyes. His eyes widened as he looked at his surroundings. He looked back at his wife who was looking down. Then he again looked at their bedroom but it was not the same as before as the floor was filled with balloons. He grinned.

"What have you done to our bedroom?" He asked.

"I-I thought w-we should celebrate so…" Misaki trailed off.

Takumi turned, "What's there to celebrate?"

Misaki looked up, "Your birthday." She said while blushing.

He covered his face with his hands and said, "Geez, I told you not to give me such cute expressions. I don't know how long I can control myself."

Misaki's blush deepened as she slowly took in his words and punched his hand.

"Pervert!" She screamed, "Just sit and cut the cake!"

"Cake?" He asked astonished.

"I-I baked it." She admitted as she slowly took out the small cake. "Sorry, it got burnt a little."

Takumi looked at the cake with wide eyes. The employees of his office also forced him to cut a cake today which was far bigger than this one but the feelings, he was feeling now was nowhere near that time. He watched as she lighted a small candle and put off the lights. She had also lit up some other candles to make the room brighter. Just watching her can make him stunned.

"Come, cut it." She said when she was done. Misaki pulled the stunned Takumi by his hand and made him sit on the bed.

He looked up and smiled at her angelic face. She blushed. Only she can make him feel that way.

"Blow the candles." She said.

Takumi smiled and blew on the small candle on the cake.

"Happy Birthday ,Takumi." She said while smiling. He smiled and cut a small piece before holding it up to her. Misaki shook her head. "You first." she encouraged. Misaki smiled and took the piece from him before feeding him.

"Hmm…delicious." He said as he chewed the piece, "It's edible."

Misaki heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank God"

Takumi chuckled and took a piece and fed her but after sticking some icing on her nose.

"Hey!" She gasped and he shoved the piece in her mouth while laughing.

"Not fair." She murmured and took another piece before shoving in his cheek.

Takumi looked at her, astonished by his bold action before taking some of the icing on his hand, "The game is on."

And laughter and screams filled the room…

"Mom! Mom, are you even listening?" Ryuu demanded.

Misaki snapped out of her reverie. "H-Huh, what?"

"Mom, I was-" He noticed something and stood before approaching her, "Mom, are you crying?" he said in a small voice while his brows ceased in concern.

Misaki realized, indeed there were tears in her eyes. She tried to blink it away but it was too late because her worrywart son has already seen it. "N-No, s-something f-fell in my eyes." She denied while wiping her tears which were threatening to fall. She swallowed the lump in her throat to fix her cracking voice, "So, what were you saying?"

Ryuu, knowing his mother's stubbornness, let the matter go. "I was saying there is one new student in our school. He has something about him which I don't like."

"Hmm… that's something new. Maybe it's love at first sight." She teased.

"Mom, it's a boy."

Disappointment was evident in her face as she said, "You didn't said that."

"Yes I did. You didn't hear it." He said as he went towards their dining table to finish the breakfast he left a while ago.

"I see." Misaki said and went to take a glass for drinking water. "What's his name?"

"Usui." He said loudly so that his mom can hear from the kitchen.

Clash!

Ryuu quickly stood up hearing something to break. He ran towards their kitchen to find piece of broken glass shattered on floor. He looked up to see Misaki standing there with a shocked expression of her face.

"Mom, are you okay?" he asked as he went closer to Misaki.

"W-What did you say?" she asked.

"What?" he asked, confused.

"What's his name?"

"Usui Shinichi."

"I see." She said as she bent to collect the broken pieces. Get a grip, Misaki, two persons can have same surnames, get a grip.

Before her hands could touch one of the pieces a hand stopped her. She looked up to see Ryuu with a sad face. She knew her son wasn't stupid. He was smart and observant. He must have realized something and yes, she was right. He had realized what was bothering her.

"Mom, why are you thinking of that man?" he demanded. "He left you." He said with a small voice, "Forget about him." Ryuu hugged her and she hugged him back. He was right, he left her, she should forget about him but still, even after sixteen years, she never forgot him. But now her son was a grown up. Deciding to let the past go, she looked up at him and smiled, "I feel fine now. Go eat your breakfast, I'll clean this mess."

Ryuu shook his head, "No, I won't let you. I will clean this. You take a rest."

She was going to protest when she stopped her, "Please." He used a voice she can't resist.

She sighed and stood up. "Be careful." She said before exiting the kitchen. She went to her room and quickly locked the door before her legs gave out. She sat on the floor, her head sunk between her knees, her eyes closed. No matter, how much she tried to let the past go, it still didn't let her go. Maybe he person, for whom she was crying, has already forgotten about her, has already forgotten all those painful yet beautiful memories.

Misaki noticed tears were forming in her eyes. This wasn't time for this, if Ryuu sees her like this, he will be hurt. She knew her son, he will never show it but he will be hurting deep inside. She needed to be strong for him, after all he was her only son. But for the last time, she wanted to say this, not caring if he remembers her or not, not caring if he was already celebrating somewhere with his family and friends; she just wanted to do this.

Misaki looked and took a deep breath, her eyes still closed. She muttered,

"Happy Birthday, Takumi." a single tear fell from her eyes.

At the same time…

"Master, the head duke has thrown a party for today's celebration." Robin said.

"Cancel it." His master said, indifferently. Just like every year, the head duke has thrown a party and just like every year, his master will attain the party for two minutes maximum. But he couldn't say this surely. This year, his master looked sadder; more hurt.

"But sir-"

"I will NOT attain any stupid parties." Takumi said sternly causing Robin to shut his mouth. Robin, understanding his master's wishes nodded and went out.

Today was his birthday but he didn't feel happy at all. He wanted to be in his, their bedroom for the rest of the day, playing all those memories again and again. He remembered the taste of her hand baked cake; he remembered the shape and colour of all those balloons; he remembered every detail of her face, every sound of her laughter.

Misaki, his heart ached to scream the name but he was scared. What will happen if no one answered him? Then he will have to remember that, she was no more.

His fist clenched, her death was his fault. He knew that but he couldn't punish himself for that. Not that, the thought of committing suicide, ever crossed his head but he had a son to take care of, her son, her one and only son. Of course, he couldn't neglect him.

Takumi let out a frustrated sigh and took out a picture from the under of his pillow; a old, forgotten picture which brought so many pleasant memories.

He traced the line of her face with his thump. The thought of never be able to feel her, came rushing to him. He swallowed the lump which was forming in his throat as he looked at her last picture, the one they had taken years ago on her birthday in his apartment in Japan. Her face looked beautiful as ever. He remembered their past memories and a sad smile touched his lips,

"Won't you wish me, Misa-chan?"

Brr…Brr…

The sound of his phone's vibration caught him off guard as he was too busy remembering the past. He looked at the phone, an unknown number. He didn't want to talk with anyone but still he answered the phone,

"Yes…."

:::

The raven haired boy dialed his father number as he went in his School campus.

The call was answered after the sixth ring.

"Yes." By his voice, Shinichi could tell he was annoyed. Well, that is common. He never understood the reason of his father's sour mood on this special day. It was his birthday. He should be happy. Shouldn't he?

"Dad, it's me."

"Shinichi, I thought I told you not to call me." He said sternly.

"Dad, don't worry, I will not use this number after this call." Shinichi said, "By the way, Happy Birthday, dad, from me and also Emi."

"Thanks. I have handled the condition. They thought that you two are in love, so now they aren't searching for you guys with that enthusiasm but still they are searching. You guys be careful."

"Dad, I thought I called you to wish you."

He chuckled, "Right, to wish me..." He murmured but he was like talking to himself, "Anyways, how is France?"

This made Shinichi stop. His father doesn't know that they are in Japan not France. "Yeah…Um…It's…hmph" Shinichi was stopped as someone bumped into him. He looked up to tell that person to watch where he or she was going. And when he did so, his eyes stopped. Great, the last person he wanted to meet; their so-called president.

Shinichi wanted to yell, look where you are going, but his eyes made him stop. There was something in those eyes which made him stop, sadness maybe. On the other hand, the other boy was so lost in his thoughts about his mother that he wasn't watching where he was going. Surely, it was his fault so he quickly murmured a sorry before heading towards the student council leaving the other boy dumbfounded.

"Hey, are you still there?"

"Yes. As I was saying this place is good."

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I just bumped into someone."

"Okay, I will call you later."

"Hmm…"

And the line was cut. For a second, Shinichi wanted to go and talk with the president but as soon as that thought came to his head, he dismissed it. He ran his through his long raven locks.

"Hey, what are you thinking?"

Shinichi turned to see Emi who was looking at him with a confused face.

"Nothing." He said.

Emi came closer, "You suck at lying."

Shinichi sighed, "I know."

"So…" Emi pressed.

"You should talk with that Ren or Rin or whatever."

"Ryuu." Emi corrected.

"Yeah, him."

Emi frowned, "Why?"

"Don't you owe him?" Shinichi said. Emi has told him about how Ryuu helped him and he was grateful for that BUT he still hated him.

"Right." Emi said as she smiled. She knew her friend. She knew no matter how tough he acts, he actually can't stand watching people sad. She had also noticed Ryuu to be a little sad and he also bumped into Shinichi a while ago. "I will."

"Why are you smiling?" Shinichi frowned.

"Nothing, you don't need to be worried for him." Emi said as she walked away.

"Hey, why would I be worried? You know, I don't, let me say again, DON'T like him." He yelled after her who only chuckled.

:::

The blond haired boy was patrolling the school but no mischief was going on. Some of the students had already gone home as the school had already ended but most of the students were still in school for their club activities or for their practices.

He sighed. Even after the whole day, he still was worried, worried for his mom. He knew her, she still remembered him. But his mom was everything to him. If that person can make her cry, then Ryuu was ready to kill that person; the same person who left her with a freaking note or so he had heard. He has seen how much his mother has struggled to bring him up as she has never let him to know the absence of his father. She encouraged him, she supported him, more she protected him from everyone and that's why Ryuu had made a promise to make him mom happy in life, no matter what, he will never let anyone to make her cry again.

Suddenly, his brows ceased as his sixth sense awakened. He looked at his right. He eyed widened to see a juice can which was coming at him at a great speed. Out of reflex, and baseball practicing he caught it with only one hand pretty easily. He didn't even flinch from the sudden attack.

"Woah!"

He knew this voice and a smile touched his lips as he looked at the attacker.

"You shouldn't throw things at people like that." He said to her.

"So what, you did catch it, right? No harm done." Emi said, "By the way, keep it. It's for helping me that day." She walked away while gulping her own drink but the boy caught up with her.

"I don't recall taking rewards for helping people."

"And I don't recall owing people."

He chuckled, "You sound like my mom."

Emi frowned as she looked at him, "You talk about your mother a lot. Are you a mama's boy?"

Ryuu laughed, "Yes, totally."

Emi looked at him in amusement, "I thought, big boys don't like being called that."

"Not me."

"Why you don't like your father?"

This made Ryuu stop as his smile vanished from his lips, "I don't have a father."

Judging from his tone, Emi knew she had said something bad, so she wanted to change the topic, "So, why didn't you tell me you were a student from here?" Emi asked as she playfully crossed her arms over her chest.

Ryuu looked up with a small smile, "Because you never asked."

"Huh!" She said, "But you knew I was transferring here. You could have informed me."

"I was waiting to see your shocked reaction and it was epic."

Emi looked at him in disbelieve. "You are…unbelievable."

Ryuu looked at her in amusement, "You the first one to say that."

"Feels good to be the first." Emi laughed, he smiled too. "I know nobody's gonna blame you for patrolling while spacing out but my teacher will blame me if I miss my practice."

"practice? Which club?"

"I joined the tennis club, so bye." She resumed her walk.

"You really know how to make people feel better."

Emi stopped and turned, "You are the first person to tell me that." She repeated her words.

"Feels good to be the first." He also repeated her words.

Emi smirked and resumed her walk.

Ryuu watched her. He meant what he said earlier. She had her style, her grace; not to mention she was the first person who dared to speak with him this freely after meeting only two times for he is known for his stern personality.

"President?" A voice brought him to the real world as he looked at the boy.

"The vice president is asking for you."

"Yui? Why?"

"I think she has found some miscalculations which you dodged in the accounts book." The fellow member of the council informed him.

Ryuu ran his hand through his messy blond locks. It was maybe true. Judging from his lack of concentration all the day, it was not impossible that he has dodged some miscalculations. She must be angry at him and it wasn't a good news.

He sighed, "We shouldn't let her wait for too long. You go I am coming after you."

"Yes, Sir." The boy nodded and he followed his orders.

Ryuu opened the juice can which Emi has given earlier and gulped it down while preparing himself for an good earful.

:::

Shinichi was bored. He was bored to death. Some of the students were already home and most of the students were already in their clubs. Even Emi had also ditched him by joining the Tennis club. Now he has nothing else to do. Wikipedia (Tadao) has also already gone home. There was no one to talk to and nothing to do at home.

He wandered around the school campus for the hundredth time that day and saw Emi practicing. He stood for a moment to watch the game and Emi was beating her opponent as there was huge difference in their scores. Knowing, Emi will win surely, he resumed his aimless walking.

He again walked through the empty hallways while his hands rested in his pockets. He took a glance at the notice board. There was all unimportant notices before his fell on an interesting one.

The Music Club is recruiting members.

The official band of Seika High is in lack of a male lead singer as our ex lead singer has already graduated as everybody knows.

So, interested students, are requested to gather at the auditorium tomorrow for the audition at 2 pm sharp.

Shinichi's eyes sparked as he read the notice. At the bottom of the notice there were names of other band members. He went through them. His eyes widened at a certain name…

Female lead singer- Igarashi Yui.

A smile touched his lips as he made sure to take snatch the position of the male lead singer of the band tomorrow.

So how was it? Don't forget to leave a review.

Thanks for those reviews. I loved them.

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