Chapter 30: Love in Spring...
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! It belongs to Watsuki-sama!
Author's notes: This is the ending everyone awaits for... Sit back and read. Get your tissues ready! ^_^
All black...
All black...
I realized that I was dreaming suddenly. I opened my eyes. I was surprised.
I couldn't see anything...
All black!
I touched my eyelids and knew that my eyes were opened.
...but I couldn't see anything...
Am I already blind...?
I shook my head and said to myself that I'm not yet blind.
Iiya! Not yet!
Suddenly, I heard footsteps.
"Who's there...?" I murmured, not knowing where the door was and where I was.
I felt the presence near me.
"Who are you?!" I exclaimed, beginning to be afraid. I knew tears were coming out of my eyes.
I suddenly felt warm arms wrapped around me and heard the breathing of the person near my right ear.
I also felt some drops of liquid...maybe water on my neck.
"Who..." I whispered once again.
"Kaoru..."
The voice was familiar. I begin to cry more.
"Kenshin...?" I called out.
"Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed and hugged me tight.
I heard him sob and cry.
"Don't...don't cry..." I murmured. "Boys don't cry."
"It's because of me, Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"This has nothing to do with you," I said slowly and groped for his face. "The past is the past. I'm already blind."
"No, it's because of me, Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"I couldn't donate anything from the eyes for you! I'm so ashamed, Kaoru... I just couldn't take it if you're blind forever." Kenshin murmured.
I tried to smile. "Can I get some more rest, Kenshin...?" I asked shyly.
Kenshin kissed my forehead and patted my head. "Of course you can... I'll see you later." Kenshin said and walked out of the unknown room.
I smiled again. I groped for the blanket and lied on the bed.
"If I couldn't see anything at all... Then why would I close my eyes to sleep?" I murmured to myself.
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Kenshin closed the door quietly and gently.
Sanosuke stood up from the chair he was sitting on. "How's Kaoru...?"
Kenshin shook his head. "She's...already blind." He whispered.
Sanosuke clenched his fist. His knuckles were going white. "I must see her."
Kenshin stopped him. "She's resting again... Let's not worry her today." Kenshin said.
Sanosuke stared at Kenshin and relaxed. "I'll see her when she's already relaxed and fully awake." He said and walked out of the hospital.
Kenshin stared at Sanosuke. "He's heart-broken..."
"Kenshin-kun!"
Kenshin turned around and bowed politely. "Hai."
"How's my daughter? Is she already blind?" Kaoru's father asked.
Kaoru's okaasan looked worriedly at Kenshin.
Kenshin nodded slowly.
Kaoru's mother gasped and fainted suddenly.
Kaoru's father caught her. "Koiishi! Koiishi!! Wake up, koiishi!" Kaoru's father exclaimed.
Kenshin looked at the ground.
"Don't you know, Kaoru...you are hurting and worrying everybody? Why did you...become blind when I started loving you more...?"
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I am awake, I know it.
This is just a dream, right?
I'm not blind! It's just a dream...
A horrible dream...
I opened my eyes slowly, hoping that I could see anything, everything.
Black.
All black.
All my hope was gone. I'm totally blind.
I sat up slowly and touched the bed. I felt something furry and soft. I picked the thing up and cuddled it. It was the lavender teddy bear that Kenshin gave me.
I stroked the body of the bear, feeling its softness and its fur.
The door opened.
"Kaoru-chan...?"
I smiled a little. "Tae-chan...?" I whispered.
Footsteps were heard.
"It is me, Kaoru-chan. I am here with Misao-chan, so don't be afraid..." Tae said clearly.
I nodded and smiled anywhere.
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Misao went inside the hospital room of Kaoru. "Konnichiwa!"
Kaoru nodded and smiled at the wall.
"You are already blind...?" Misao asked.
Kaoru nodded and looked at the window. "Don't show pity on me, please?" Kaoru whispered, raising her hand.
Misao quickly went to the other side of the bed and held Kaoru's hand. "Of course not, Kaoru-chan! We're still your friends whatever happens!" Misao said, fighting her tears.
"Have you eaten yet?" Tae asked, bringing out a small plastic box with food.
Kaoru shook her head. "I'm not hungry. Thank you."
Tae smiled. She touched Kaoru's forehead. "Misao, she's hot!"
Misao's eyes widened. "She has fever? Why...?" she said to herself and grabbed a cold towel. She put the towel on Kaoru's forehead.
"Kaoru-chan, you need plenty of sleep... Have you already slept?" Tae asked.
Kaoru nodded. "But I know it's for my health, so I'll sleep once more. I'll try." She said with her voice shaky.
Later...
Tae and Misao watched Kaoru's sleeping form.
"Tae-chan, have you already heard about Megumi?" Misao asked.
Tae nodded. "The man whom she settled with was a drunkard. That night, Megumi went to his apartment to him bring him some food."
"Wait a minute. From whom did you hear about her?" Misao asked.
"It's from Megumi herself. She was crying when she called me up. She wanted to speak with Kaoru, but she was afraid that Kaoru would reject her."
"What did Megumi's boyfriend do to her?" Misao asked.
"Well, Megumi said that her boyfriend pushed her up to the wall and began ripping off Megumi's blouse. Before that, the boyfriend loses his money because of a bet."
"Then?"
"The guy had sexual intercourse with Megumi. It was almost rape because it was so sudden. But she said she needed to lose her virginity so she couldn't think of Kenshin again. She finally gave herself away to the guy. She's already pregnant now." Tae explained.
"Sou desu ka... Many things happened this year... Is it because of...?" Misao whispered.
"It's not Kaoru's fault... But I'm worried about the four of them. You know, Kaoru, Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Megumi. But we can say that it all began because of...me." Tae said.
"Why?" Misao asked.
"I shouldn't have agreed to Kaoru's plan of being a bridge between me and Enishi. Because of her playing bridge, she was teased by Enishi's friends mainly Kenshin. That's the start of their fight and their love... But if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't know each other deeply and love each other." Tae said.
Misao nodded too. "Yes. I can feel their love for each other too..." she whispered. She held the hand of Kaoru and smiled at her.
"Tae-chan... Just look around... We're so young... We're only 15 years old but then... Why is this all happening to us...? Why did we become like this...?" Misao sobbed and cried.
Tae hugged Misao to comfort her. "I noticed it too... We're all so young..."
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Morning came.
The doctors and nurses checked up on Kaoru.
"How is she, doctor?" the mother of Kaoru asked.
"She's needs to be diagnosed once again." One doctor said and wiped the lenses of his glasses.
After the diagnosis...
"How is she now?" the father of Kaoru asked.
"She has an unknown sickness. We're not sure if she would live being a blind forever or die. Her blindness affected her brain in an unexplainable way. If the brain is affected or the water in the body transfers to the brain, she might die. There is also a possibility that she would only be blind forever." The surgeon said.
"But what about the transplant in her eyes?" Kenshin asked suddenly.
"We're not sure enough to know if she would not be blind if cornial transplant takes place. We are also studying the sickness, so we advice you to let us take the experiment." The doctor said.
"Anything! Just let Kaoru see once again!" Kaoru's mother exclaimed.
Sanosuke looked at Kaoru sleeping and being pricked by an injection. He closed his eyes. He did want to see Kaoru suffer anymore.
"Who will donate the pupil?" the doctor asked.
"I will."
Kenshin and the parents of Kaoru looked at Sanosuke.
"I will be the donor." Sanosuke said.
"Sano?! What are you saying? You wouldn't see anything after that because her pupil would be transferred to you!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"It's better than living alone without Kaoru! My parents died, and she's the only one I love most now... I want to be always with her...together with her... I want to be the donor!" Sanosuke exclaimed.
"Sanosuke-kun..." Kaoru's mother whispered. She closed her eyes and smiled with tears. "Arigatoo..."
Sanosuke nodded and walked out of the room.
Kenshin stared at Sanosuke. "Wait for me!"
Later...
"I give Kaoru to you, Kenshin." Sanosuke said without looking at Kenshin.
The two were in the waiting area seats.
Kenshin couldn't speak.
"If I push Kaoru to me, she wouldn't be happy... So much I want to make her mine, but I want her to be happy... She's happy just to be with you... If Kaoru lives and sees once again, protect her in any cost." Sanosuke said with a weary voice.
"I will." Kenshin said and gripped the can of cold coffee tightly. "Gomen for what I've done to you, Sanosuke."
"Why?" Sanosuke asked.
"During the days when we were in Hong Kong... I wanted Kaoru to be mine also. I didn't even think of what you would feel if Kaoru...is away from you." Kenshin explained.
"That's okay... At least I know that you are the one whom Kaoru really loves. I don't want her to pretend that she loves me when she only has eyes for you. I'd rather die." Sanosuke murmured.
Silence passed.
"Kaoru's like a magnet." Kenshin said.
"Eh?"
"She draws the attention of boys... I'm surprised that she didn't even dance in the declamation contest. She became blind in that very day. She worked very hard to dance beautifully." Kenshin said.
"Right." Sanosuke said.
"Anyway, I feel some kind of charisma around Kaoru... She's not very pretty... She's not also plain. She's simple and naïve. I like her fiery attitude and her kawaii face when smiling. Her face shows her attitude. Maybe she should be my role model. She's very sincere too, unlike me." Kenshin explained.
One minute of silence passed...
"As much as possible, don't tell Kaoru that I'm the donor for her." Sanosuke said.
Kenshin nodded. "I'll do my best."
Sanosuke smiled. "I guess this is the last time that I'll see you. I'm glad that you're my best friend." Sanosuke said.
Kenshin smiled too. "Same here. Nothing will change, Sano. Nothing..."
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It was night...
Sanosuke stroked the hair of Kaoru. His eyes filled with tears. He just wanted to see Kaoru for the last time.
Sanosuke was also holding the gift of Kaoru from last time. Spring...
Spring is nearing...
Kaoru slowly opened her eyes.
"Kaoru... It's me, Sanosuke." Sanosuke whispered.
"Sa-no-su-ke...? Sanosuke!" Kaoru exclaimed, her voice a little bit childish.
"Yes. Sanosuke. Don't worry. You'll see everything once again." Sanosuke said and his tears came down to his cheeks.
Kaoru sat up slowly. "Kaoru, wakaranai. What is Sanosuke saying? What do Sanosuke mean?" Kaoru whispered.
Sanosuke was surprised. Her brain was affected a little. He patted her head. "You will not be blind anymore, Kaoru. You will have you smiling face again."
"Egao? Kaoru, shiawase*?" Kaoru asked with a little excitement.
Sanosuke nodded. "Yes." He said.
"How about Sanosuke? Sanosuke shiawase too?" Kaoru asked.
Sanosuke smiled. "Yes." A tear dropped on Kaoru's face.
"Sanosuke, not happy? Why is Sanosuke crying?" Kaoru asked, trying to touch Sanosuke's face. "If Sanosuke is sad, Kaoru is sad too."
"Sanosuke's happy, Kaoru. Sanosuke's crying because of joy." Sanosuke murmured, trying hard not to sob.
Kaoru nodded. "Kaoru, shiawase!" Kaoru exclaimed and smiled.
Sanosuke laughed. "Whatever happens, Sanosuke would always be with you." Sanosuke said.
"Is Sanosuke leaving?" Kaoru asked.
"I don't know... Wakaranai..." Sanosuke whispered and dried his tears. He stood up and started to walk away.
Kaoru managed to grab Sanosuke's shirt. "Sanosuke will be with me forever?" Kaoru asked.
"Hai. Rest once again, Kaoru. Tomorrow is the most exciting day for you." Sanosuke said and kissed Kaoru's forehead. He tried to get Kaoru's hands off his shirt.
"Kaoru wouldn't let go. Sanosuke said he will be with me forever." Kaoru whispered.
Sanosuke smiled and helped Kaoru lie on the bed. "Sanosuke would always be with you." Sanosuke said and sat on the chair beside the hospital bed.
Before Kaoru closed her eyes, she managed to say to Sanosuke, "Kaoru, shiawase."
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The next day, the surgery took place.
At the waiting area, Kenshin waited patiently. "Sanosuke... Kaoru..." he whispered.
After some hours of waiting, the surgeon went out of the room.
The parents of Kaoru, Misao, Tae, and Kenshin stood up suddenly.
"Success." The surgeon said.
The mother of Kaoru almost jumped in happiness. Tears came out of her eyes.
Kenshin smiled sadly. "I wonder what will happen to Sanosuke now..."
It was already spring...
4 weeks later...
I went out of our 3rd year classroom excitedly.
"Where are you going, Kaoru-chan? We're going to ice skate!" Misao exclaimed.
"Gomen! I need to go to Kenshin's today!" I said and smiled.
"It's ok, Kaoru-chan! Bye!" Tae said and waved goodbye at me.
"Thanks! Bye too!" I exclaimed and went out of the school. I rode on the bus and waited. Suddenly, I realized that I'm not going to ride a bus just to get to Kenshin's house!
Kaoru no baka!
I went out of the bus and walked towards the school again.
It's good to be seeing colorful things once again.
I hated the black color...
I don't want to go back to that situation.
By the way, I wonder who the donor of the pupil for me was.
...and where's Sanosuke now? I haven't seen him in weeks...
It's also strange that Kenshin quickly courted me after I got out of the hospital... There's something different in Kenshin...
I'll ask him later where Sanosuke is now.
I walked and walked.
Suddenly, I saw the Sakura trees road. I looked at it. "Hmm... I haven't seen this road for weeks too. Maybe it's worth walking through it." I said to myself and walked towards the Sakura trees road.
I stepped on the Sakuras scattered on the ground. I looked around the trees. The road is really beautiful especially when it's spring.
Suddenly, I saw someone sitting on the wooden bench with a kawaii, chibi dog. I walked towards the person and smiled at the door. "You're so kawaii!" I whispered.
The dog barked and wagged its tail.
I smiled sweetly.
Suddenly, the person stood up.
I looked at the person and saw that he was holding a transparent ball with a Sakura tree inside and its petals swirling around.
I was surprised and I felt my tears stream down to my cheeks.
I stood up slowly and looked at the man.
It... It was... Sanosuke...
I opened my mouth to say something, but I just couldn't. I was so speechless.
Sanosuke was wearing sunglasses and he was the owner of the cute dog.
Sunglasses? Wait a minute... That's what most blind people wear!
Blind...?
No way...!
Sanosuke passed by me and he hit my shoulder.
"Ah!" I exclaimed.
"Oh. Gomen." Sanosuke said, looking at the tree.
I covered my mouth with my hands and more tears came down.
He...couldn't see me at all...
Sanosuke walked slowly away from me and out of the Sakura trees road.
I just stood her, crying painfully on what I just saw.
I know now...
He is the donor...
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DING-DONG!!
Kenshin opened the door. "Hai! Kaoru...?"
I hugged Kenshin tightly. "I...saw Sanosuke... Don't tell me he's blind! He's not blind, right? He's just faking it, right? Ne...?" I whispered, staring at him and my tears streaming down.
Kenshin was surprised because of the sudden attack of my words. He hugged me tightly and massaged my back. "Don't cry..."
"Why did he have to be a donor, Kenshin?! Didn't he even think about his future?! Why?!" I shouted with sobs.
It was so hard to stop crying...
I felt Kenshin hug me tighter. "It's because...he really loves you and you're the only one for him..." Kenshin whispered and kissed my forehead.
I suddenly remembered when Sanosuke talked to me.
He said that...he will always be beside me whatever happens.
I sat on the ground, crying on Kenshin's chest. "I couldn't take it... Kenshin!! Why did he have to be blind...?! I can't take it anymore... I don't want to be hurt again...!" I exclaimed.
Kenshin sat on the ground at his house and tightly hugged me, not caring if people stare at us.
Why did it have to be this way...?
In love... is sacrifice really necessary...?
Even though a part of Sanosuke is with me, it's still better if he's here with us...
Here...
Together...
Does he really love me that much...?
Why did he have to sacrifice...?
Why does first love always come to a bitter end...?
I want to know the answers of my questions...
...but how could I know all of the answers...?
Do I need to sacrifice too...?
But I'm also glad that...Kenshin is with me...
I know that it would take me weeks to take over this sadness...
But I know that it would quicken if Kenshin...is always beside me...
Just like the last words of Sanosuke...
I love you two...
I love you both...
~OWARI~
*happy
(Ending music hint: PURACHINA in CCS for the drama ending...or even the music in the ending of Seisouhen)
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Author's last notes: Have you enjoyed...reading...ahem...crying in this drama-filled long chapter? This is the last chapter, no more sequels. Read my next story that is the replacement of Onegai, Bishoujo...Ultra Love Game.
Just ask some questions if you're confused. I'll answer it in one of the chapters in ULG! Bye! ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! It belongs to Watsuki-sama!
Author's notes: This is the ending everyone awaits for... Sit back and read. Get your tissues ready! ^_^
All black...
All black...
I realized that I was dreaming suddenly. I opened my eyes. I was surprised.
I couldn't see anything...
All black!
I touched my eyelids and knew that my eyes were opened.
...but I couldn't see anything...
Am I already blind...?
I shook my head and said to myself that I'm not yet blind.
Iiya! Not yet!
Suddenly, I heard footsteps.
"Who's there...?" I murmured, not knowing where the door was and where I was.
I felt the presence near me.
"Who are you?!" I exclaimed, beginning to be afraid. I knew tears were coming out of my eyes.
I suddenly felt warm arms wrapped around me and heard the breathing of the person near my right ear.
I also felt some drops of liquid...maybe water on my neck.
"Who..." I whispered once again.
"Kaoru..."
The voice was familiar. I begin to cry more.
"Kenshin...?" I called out.
"Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed and hugged me tight.
I heard him sob and cry.
"Don't...don't cry..." I murmured. "Boys don't cry."
"It's because of me, Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"This has nothing to do with you," I said slowly and groped for his face. "The past is the past. I'm already blind."
"No, it's because of me, Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"I couldn't donate anything from the eyes for you! I'm so ashamed, Kaoru... I just couldn't take it if you're blind forever." Kenshin murmured.
I tried to smile. "Can I get some more rest, Kenshin...?" I asked shyly.
Kenshin kissed my forehead and patted my head. "Of course you can... I'll see you later." Kenshin said and walked out of the unknown room.
I smiled again. I groped for the blanket and lied on the bed.
"If I couldn't see anything at all... Then why would I close my eyes to sleep?" I murmured to myself.
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Kenshin closed the door quietly and gently.
Sanosuke stood up from the chair he was sitting on. "How's Kaoru...?"
Kenshin shook his head. "She's...already blind." He whispered.
Sanosuke clenched his fist. His knuckles were going white. "I must see her."
Kenshin stopped him. "She's resting again... Let's not worry her today." Kenshin said.
Sanosuke stared at Kenshin and relaxed. "I'll see her when she's already relaxed and fully awake." He said and walked out of the hospital.
Kenshin stared at Sanosuke. "He's heart-broken..."
"Kenshin-kun!"
Kenshin turned around and bowed politely. "Hai."
"How's my daughter? Is she already blind?" Kaoru's father asked.
Kaoru's okaasan looked worriedly at Kenshin.
Kenshin nodded slowly.
Kaoru's mother gasped and fainted suddenly.
Kaoru's father caught her. "Koiishi! Koiishi!! Wake up, koiishi!" Kaoru's father exclaimed.
Kenshin looked at the ground.
"Don't you know, Kaoru...you are hurting and worrying everybody? Why did you...become blind when I started loving you more...?"
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I am awake, I know it.
This is just a dream, right?
I'm not blind! It's just a dream...
A horrible dream...
I opened my eyes slowly, hoping that I could see anything, everything.
Black.
All black.
All my hope was gone. I'm totally blind.
I sat up slowly and touched the bed. I felt something furry and soft. I picked the thing up and cuddled it. It was the lavender teddy bear that Kenshin gave me.
I stroked the body of the bear, feeling its softness and its fur.
The door opened.
"Kaoru-chan...?"
I smiled a little. "Tae-chan...?" I whispered.
Footsteps were heard.
"It is me, Kaoru-chan. I am here with Misao-chan, so don't be afraid..." Tae said clearly.
I nodded and smiled anywhere.
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Misao went inside the hospital room of Kaoru. "Konnichiwa!"
Kaoru nodded and smiled at the wall.
"You are already blind...?" Misao asked.
Kaoru nodded and looked at the window. "Don't show pity on me, please?" Kaoru whispered, raising her hand.
Misao quickly went to the other side of the bed and held Kaoru's hand. "Of course not, Kaoru-chan! We're still your friends whatever happens!" Misao said, fighting her tears.
"Have you eaten yet?" Tae asked, bringing out a small plastic box with food.
Kaoru shook her head. "I'm not hungry. Thank you."
Tae smiled. She touched Kaoru's forehead. "Misao, she's hot!"
Misao's eyes widened. "She has fever? Why...?" she said to herself and grabbed a cold towel. She put the towel on Kaoru's forehead.
"Kaoru-chan, you need plenty of sleep... Have you already slept?" Tae asked.
Kaoru nodded. "But I know it's for my health, so I'll sleep once more. I'll try." She said with her voice shaky.
Later...
Tae and Misao watched Kaoru's sleeping form.
"Tae-chan, have you already heard about Megumi?" Misao asked.
Tae nodded. "The man whom she settled with was a drunkard. That night, Megumi went to his apartment to him bring him some food."
"Wait a minute. From whom did you hear about her?" Misao asked.
"It's from Megumi herself. She was crying when she called me up. She wanted to speak with Kaoru, but she was afraid that Kaoru would reject her."
"What did Megumi's boyfriend do to her?" Misao asked.
"Well, Megumi said that her boyfriend pushed her up to the wall and began ripping off Megumi's blouse. Before that, the boyfriend loses his money because of a bet."
"Then?"
"The guy had sexual intercourse with Megumi. It was almost rape because it was so sudden. But she said she needed to lose her virginity so she couldn't think of Kenshin again. She finally gave herself away to the guy. She's already pregnant now." Tae explained.
"Sou desu ka... Many things happened this year... Is it because of...?" Misao whispered.
"It's not Kaoru's fault... But I'm worried about the four of them. You know, Kaoru, Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Megumi. But we can say that it all began because of...me." Tae said.
"Why?" Misao asked.
"I shouldn't have agreed to Kaoru's plan of being a bridge between me and Enishi. Because of her playing bridge, she was teased by Enishi's friends mainly Kenshin. That's the start of their fight and their love... But if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't know each other deeply and love each other." Tae said.
Misao nodded too. "Yes. I can feel their love for each other too..." she whispered. She held the hand of Kaoru and smiled at her.
"Tae-chan... Just look around... We're so young... We're only 15 years old but then... Why is this all happening to us...? Why did we become like this...?" Misao sobbed and cried.
Tae hugged Misao to comfort her. "I noticed it too... We're all so young..."
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Morning came.
The doctors and nurses checked up on Kaoru.
"How is she, doctor?" the mother of Kaoru asked.
"She's needs to be diagnosed once again." One doctor said and wiped the lenses of his glasses.
After the diagnosis...
"How is she now?" the father of Kaoru asked.
"She has an unknown sickness. We're not sure if she would live being a blind forever or die. Her blindness affected her brain in an unexplainable way. If the brain is affected or the water in the body transfers to the brain, she might die. There is also a possibility that she would only be blind forever." The surgeon said.
"But what about the transplant in her eyes?" Kenshin asked suddenly.
"We're not sure enough to know if she would not be blind if cornial transplant takes place. We are also studying the sickness, so we advice you to let us take the experiment." The doctor said.
"Anything! Just let Kaoru see once again!" Kaoru's mother exclaimed.
Sanosuke looked at Kaoru sleeping and being pricked by an injection. He closed his eyes. He did want to see Kaoru suffer anymore.
"Who will donate the pupil?" the doctor asked.
"I will."
Kenshin and the parents of Kaoru looked at Sanosuke.
"I will be the donor." Sanosuke said.
"Sano?! What are you saying? You wouldn't see anything after that because her pupil would be transferred to you!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"It's better than living alone without Kaoru! My parents died, and she's the only one I love most now... I want to be always with her...together with her... I want to be the donor!" Sanosuke exclaimed.
"Sanosuke-kun..." Kaoru's mother whispered. She closed her eyes and smiled with tears. "Arigatoo..."
Sanosuke nodded and walked out of the room.
Kenshin stared at Sanosuke. "Wait for me!"
Later...
"I give Kaoru to you, Kenshin." Sanosuke said without looking at Kenshin.
The two were in the waiting area seats.
Kenshin couldn't speak.
"If I push Kaoru to me, she wouldn't be happy... So much I want to make her mine, but I want her to be happy... She's happy just to be with you... If Kaoru lives and sees once again, protect her in any cost." Sanosuke said with a weary voice.
"I will." Kenshin said and gripped the can of cold coffee tightly. "Gomen for what I've done to you, Sanosuke."
"Why?" Sanosuke asked.
"During the days when we were in Hong Kong... I wanted Kaoru to be mine also. I didn't even think of what you would feel if Kaoru...is away from you." Kenshin explained.
"That's okay... At least I know that you are the one whom Kaoru really loves. I don't want her to pretend that she loves me when she only has eyes for you. I'd rather die." Sanosuke murmured.
Silence passed.
"Kaoru's like a magnet." Kenshin said.
"Eh?"
"She draws the attention of boys... I'm surprised that she didn't even dance in the declamation contest. She became blind in that very day. She worked very hard to dance beautifully." Kenshin said.
"Right." Sanosuke said.
"Anyway, I feel some kind of charisma around Kaoru... She's not very pretty... She's not also plain. She's simple and naïve. I like her fiery attitude and her kawaii face when smiling. Her face shows her attitude. Maybe she should be my role model. She's very sincere too, unlike me." Kenshin explained.
One minute of silence passed...
"As much as possible, don't tell Kaoru that I'm the donor for her." Sanosuke said.
Kenshin nodded. "I'll do my best."
Sanosuke smiled. "I guess this is the last time that I'll see you. I'm glad that you're my best friend." Sanosuke said.
Kenshin smiled too. "Same here. Nothing will change, Sano. Nothing..."
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It was night...
Sanosuke stroked the hair of Kaoru. His eyes filled with tears. He just wanted to see Kaoru for the last time.
Sanosuke was also holding the gift of Kaoru from last time. Spring...
Spring is nearing...
Kaoru slowly opened her eyes.
"Kaoru... It's me, Sanosuke." Sanosuke whispered.
"Sa-no-su-ke...? Sanosuke!" Kaoru exclaimed, her voice a little bit childish.
"Yes. Sanosuke. Don't worry. You'll see everything once again." Sanosuke said and his tears came down to his cheeks.
Kaoru sat up slowly. "Kaoru, wakaranai. What is Sanosuke saying? What do Sanosuke mean?" Kaoru whispered.
Sanosuke was surprised. Her brain was affected a little. He patted her head. "You will not be blind anymore, Kaoru. You will have you smiling face again."
"Egao? Kaoru, shiawase*?" Kaoru asked with a little excitement.
Sanosuke nodded. "Yes." He said.
"How about Sanosuke? Sanosuke shiawase too?" Kaoru asked.
Sanosuke smiled. "Yes." A tear dropped on Kaoru's face.
"Sanosuke, not happy? Why is Sanosuke crying?" Kaoru asked, trying to touch Sanosuke's face. "If Sanosuke is sad, Kaoru is sad too."
"Sanosuke's happy, Kaoru. Sanosuke's crying because of joy." Sanosuke murmured, trying hard not to sob.
Kaoru nodded. "Kaoru, shiawase!" Kaoru exclaimed and smiled.
Sanosuke laughed. "Whatever happens, Sanosuke would always be with you." Sanosuke said.
"Is Sanosuke leaving?" Kaoru asked.
"I don't know... Wakaranai..." Sanosuke whispered and dried his tears. He stood up and started to walk away.
Kaoru managed to grab Sanosuke's shirt. "Sanosuke will be with me forever?" Kaoru asked.
"Hai. Rest once again, Kaoru. Tomorrow is the most exciting day for you." Sanosuke said and kissed Kaoru's forehead. He tried to get Kaoru's hands off his shirt.
"Kaoru wouldn't let go. Sanosuke said he will be with me forever." Kaoru whispered.
Sanosuke smiled and helped Kaoru lie on the bed. "Sanosuke would always be with you." Sanosuke said and sat on the chair beside the hospital bed.
Before Kaoru closed her eyes, she managed to say to Sanosuke, "Kaoru, shiawase."
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The next day, the surgery took place.
At the waiting area, Kenshin waited patiently. "Sanosuke... Kaoru..." he whispered.
After some hours of waiting, the surgeon went out of the room.
The parents of Kaoru, Misao, Tae, and Kenshin stood up suddenly.
"Success." The surgeon said.
The mother of Kaoru almost jumped in happiness. Tears came out of her eyes.
Kenshin smiled sadly. "I wonder what will happen to Sanosuke now..."
It was already spring...
4 weeks later...
I went out of our 3rd year classroom excitedly.
"Where are you going, Kaoru-chan? We're going to ice skate!" Misao exclaimed.
"Gomen! I need to go to Kenshin's today!" I said and smiled.
"It's ok, Kaoru-chan! Bye!" Tae said and waved goodbye at me.
"Thanks! Bye too!" I exclaimed and went out of the school. I rode on the bus and waited. Suddenly, I realized that I'm not going to ride a bus just to get to Kenshin's house!
Kaoru no baka!
I went out of the bus and walked towards the school again.
It's good to be seeing colorful things once again.
I hated the black color...
I don't want to go back to that situation.
By the way, I wonder who the donor of the pupil for me was.
...and where's Sanosuke now? I haven't seen him in weeks...
It's also strange that Kenshin quickly courted me after I got out of the hospital... There's something different in Kenshin...
I'll ask him later where Sanosuke is now.
I walked and walked.
Suddenly, I saw the Sakura trees road. I looked at it. "Hmm... I haven't seen this road for weeks too. Maybe it's worth walking through it." I said to myself and walked towards the Sakura trees road.
I stepped on the Sakuras scattered on the ground. I looked around the trees. The road is really beautiful especially when it's spring.
Suddenly, I saw someone sitting on the wooden bench with a kawaii, chibi dog. I walked towards the person and smiled at the door. "You're so kawaii!" I whispered.
The dog barked and wagged its tail.
I smiled sweetly.
Suddenly, the person stood up.
I looked at the person and saw that he was holding a transparent ball with a Sakura tree inside and its petals swirling around.
I was surprised and I felt my tears stream down to my cheeks.
I stood up slowly and looked at the man.
It... It was... Sanosuke...
I opened my mouth to say something, but I just couldn't. I was so speechless.
Sanosuke was wearing sunglasses and he was the owner of the cute dog.
Sunglasses? Wait a minute... That's what most blind people wear!
Blind...?
No way...!
Sanosuke passed by me and he hit my shoulder.
"Ah!" I exclaimed.
"Oh. Gomen." Sanosuke said, looking at the tree.
I covered my mouth with my hands and more tears came down.
He...couldn't see me at all...
Sanosuke walked slowly away from me and out of the Sakura trees road.
I just stood her, crying painfully on what I just saw.
I know now...
He is the donor...
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DING-DONG!!
Kenshin opened the door. "Hai! Kaoru...?"
I hugged Kenshin tightly. "I...saw Sanosuke... Don't tell me he's blind! He's not blind, right? He's just faking it, right? Ne...?" I whispered, staring at him and my tears streaming down.
Kenshin was surprised because of the sudden attack of my words. He hugged me tightly and massaged my back. "Don't cry..."
"Why did he have to be a donor, Kenshin?! Didn't he even think about his future?! Why?!" I shouted with sobs.
It was so hard to stop crying...
I felt Kenshin hug me tighter. "It's because...he really loves you and you're the only one for him..." Kenshin whispered and kissed my forehead.
I suddenly remembered when Sanosuke talked to me.
He said that...he will always be beside me whatever happens.
I sat on the ground, crying on Kenshin's chest. "I couldn't take it... Kenshin!! Why did he have to be blind...?! I can't take it anymore... I don't want to be hurt again...!" I exclaimed.
Kenshin sat on the ground at his house and tightly hugged me, not caring if people stare at us.
Why did it have to be this way...?
In love... is sacrifice really necessary...?
Even though a part of Sanosuke is with me, it's still better if he's here with us...
Here...
Together...
Does he really love me that much...?
Why did he have to sacrifice...?
Why does first love always come to a bitter end...?
I want to know the answers of my questions...
...but how could I know all of the answers...?
Do I need to sacrifice too...?
But I'm also glad that...Kenshin is with me...
I know that it would take me weeks to take over this sadness...
But I know that it would quicken if Kenshin...is always beside me...
Just like the last words of Sanosuke...
I love you two...
I love you both...
~OWARI~
*happy
(Ending music hint: PURACHINA in CCS for the drama ending...or even the music in the ending of Seisouhen)
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Author's last notes: Have you enjoyed...reading...ahem...crying in this drama-filled long chapter? This is the last chapter, no more sequels. Read my next story that is the replacement of Onegai, Bishoujo...Ultra Love Game.
Just ask some questions if you're confused. I'll answer it in one of the chapters in ULG! Bye! ^_^