Sorry that took so long, I became really mesmerized by my websites--two new layouts in two days… that must be a record or something. (shootingstarrs.com) if you feel like checking it out. The other layout I made is on my writing site in which I'm sure you'll find the link to. Anyway, back to the story. Sorry it took so long, here is the next chapter. It's kinda short, but better than nothing? Thanks for the replies, and thanks for reading even though I just murdered your image of Saehara Takeshi. I love him; I swear I do. J And I wouldn't make him be the rapist unless I had a reason, so if you stick around, you'll find my reason. Yes, bribery. It works.
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"What?" Daisuke blinked, not believing what she had said. Why would he do that? He wouldn't.
"I knew you wouldn't believe me," she turned to face the opposite wall, "I told you, he wasn't acting like himself." He sat still, listening to her breath escape as she gasped and released. He wanted to believe her, he really did. He just didn't know. "You don't believe me. You think I'm doing this for your attention?" Again, he stayed silent without knowing what to do. She moved in a jerking movement and reached her hands beneath her bed. Daisuke sat watching, perplexed, wondering if she was going to bring forth evidence to support her claim. He saw that his feeling was correct when her hands came out from under the bed, holding her blood-laden clothing from that night… "You think I'd make myself bleed this much for your goddamn attention?" she yelled, thrusting the clothes into his lap.
The smell of dried blood clogged his senses, but he had enough mind to answer her assertion. "I never said I didn't believe you," he exclaimed gently, removing the clothing from his lap. "I know you wouldn't do this to yourself. I believe you." He turned away. "But, there has to be some explanation for all of this." Because it was Riku-san and Takeshi, he found it difficult to decide whether or not to believe her. Not because he didn't trust Riku, but because he trusted them both.
"Do you really? Or are you just saying that?" she asked, somewhat unknowingly.
"I do, Riku-san." He replied, then suddenly remembering the situation at hand, he turned back to face her. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." His eyes showed that he didn't believe her, but she shrugged it off.
"I'm really sorry for being so inconsiderate. Just know that I'll always be there for you, no matter what happens."
"I know," her eyes seemed to get softer as she spoke, "Thanks Niwa-kun."
At that moment, he wanted to kiss her, to hug her even; anything to show that he loved her. Instead of letting his emotions get the best of him, Daisuke thought about it and decided against his former idea. He didn't know if he could touch her, he didn't know if she'd be angry or scared, or if it would bring back the memories. He just said, "Your welcome." Together, they picked up the glass from the window Daisuke had broken, with him apologizing throughout the whole ordeal. He said he would pay for it though she told him it didn't matter. Her family was wealthy; they could afford to replace a window.
After promising that he wouldn't confront Saehara, and making her promise not to hurt herself, Daisuke and Riku said goodbye. This time, she showed him out and watched from the doorway as he walked down the street, until finally, he disappeared from her sight. She soundlessly walked up the staircase to her own bedroom and picked up a book from the bookshelf. The book would be a great distraction from the pain that had never left her body since that night. Soon enough, the story stole her hopes and fears, and even her conscious, as she became mesmerized. Anything to take her mind off the nightmare she was living.
She was a victim.
She knew it; Daisuke knew it, as did someone else. Being a victim was something completely new to her. Before, she would never have thought of herself as weak. Riku was always able to stand up for herself, against any of the others in her class, even against her sister. However, things change. She no longer felt qualified to stand up for herself. A small push would knock her down. She knew this, but she didn't know what to do about it.
Little did she know; he was a victim too.
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Review please…
