Disclaimer: I don't own Karekano or any of it's characters BUT I do own this story.
Cherry Blossoms
By Maya Kitajima
Chapter 2
Where is she!
Arima had been searching for Yukino since the start of their break since he wanted them to discuss the cleanest classroom project.
I've searched for her everywhere! I guess she's at the rooftop…but why'd she go there? Oh well, there's no loss in going there.
He went up to the rooftop.
"Miyazawa-san." He called.
"Oh, Arima! I'm glad you're here. Kanata and I were talking about the new project." He turned around and saw what he's looking for…with HIM.
"Yukino, I've been looking for you everywhere. Why didn't you call me?"
"I-"
"We thought you were busy, Cousin. We didn't want to disturb you."
Busy? It's break! How the hell could I be busy?
I bet this is another one of HIS doings! I hate this guy! He better stop or I'll really show him what I got!
"I'm sorry, Arima." Yukino added. His heart softened as she said that.
"No, it's okay. I found you anyway. Well then, what were you talking about?" He settled beside Yukino and tried to forget what happened.
He TRIED to forget. Really. But he found out he couldn't.
How the hell could I forget that goddamn thing when he's obviously trying to make me remember!
Damn that Kanata!
He pounded the table because of frustration. He sighed heavily and leaned back on the chair.
"Miyazawa."
"Arima!"
"Are you ready to go?"
"Where?"
"Are you joking? Of course, home. School's ended, you know."
"Oh…um…Souichiro. I'm really very sorry. I know we always go home together but Kanata has already asked me if he could walk me home…and I agreed. If you want you could go with us. You're heading for the same house, anyway."
"No, that's okay. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Bye! And thank you for understanding. I promise I'll go home with you tomorrow."
Tomorrow, huh? She always says the same thing again and again…but when will she do it?
It's been a week since she promised that. But everyday since that day, THEY always go home together. I never
even get the chance to talk to her now. She's always with HIM.
Again, he sighed heavily. He can't take it anymore. Visions of Yukino formed in his mind.
Oh God…I miss her so much! I wish she's here with me.
But no. She's out there somewhere…with him.
"Yukino, are you going somewhere this Saturday?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I'm just thinking…maybe we could go out on a date. I can't remember the last time we went out."
"We JUST went out a week ago, remember? Besides, I already have plans with Kanata on Saturday."
"Oh…" Yukino hinted the disappointment on his voice.
"I'm sorry. I promise I'll go out with you next weekend."
Promises, promises. I wonder if she'll really go out with me next week.
Well, I'll see to it that she does.
He sighed again and glanced at his planner.
Long test on Math on Monday…
Whatever…I'll study tomorrow.
Arima made her way to the corridors of the school. The Top 20 list of the previous Math Long Test has been posted and he eagerly went to see it.
He fought the crowd of students and at last he was in front of the list. He searched for his name.
He smiled as she saw that Yukino got First this time. He expected to be the second…or the third…or the fourth…
Where is it! I ALWAYS get IN the Top 20. But now…
He remembered. He never got the chance to study that weekend. He said he'll do it the following day but…but he found out he couldn't. He's too much preoccupied by his GIRLFRIEND and his COUSIN's date that he couldn't concentrate. Also, he very much missed her…
"Souichiro. I'm surprised. Why is your name not here?"
Ugh…of all the time HE has to comment…why now?
But he decided to take him cooly.
"Hey, Kanata. I'm surprised myself too. Oh well, I guess I didn't study much."
"Too bad. But hey, aren't you glad for your cousin?"
"What?"
"Look, I got in at Top 9. Isn't that great? I really worked hard for it. But then again, I had to thank YOUR girl for this. He helped me study for it."
Arima was startled.
Yukino helped him?
Suddenly he spotted her. Her beauty mesmerized him.
Oh, I miss her so much…
He started to go towards her.
But Kanata beat her to it. He can't bear to see the sight. The two of them standing there side by side…the two of them surrounded by a large crowd, complimenting them.
I'M supposed to be the guy beside her. Not Kanata…
He felt his heartbeat go faster. It was painful.
Yukino…
He clutched his chest.
Yukino…
He felt the world turning…and turning…
And the last thing he saw was her small smiling face…