Disclaimer: some characters from this story are from HNG and used without permission, while others are created by me. The plot belongs to me too

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This is my first time trying a fanfic outside romance, so hope it doesn't sounds too bad, and hopefully Akari is not too OOC. And this story is from Akari's point of view, and it's a mild one-sided love story too. So, enjoy...

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My Heart Within

I. My Life (Part 1)

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Is my life about happiness? Or is it just emptiness?

I couldn't tell a bit at all...for I'm numb from the cold deep inside......

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I got up early again. Six-thirty-eight. Perhaps too early...Guess I'll just start for school in advance and take a stroll round the park. I tidied my bed, dressed up and stayed a little longer in front of the mirror just to take a closer look at myself.

Staring at the mirror doesn't seem to help much, in fact, it kind of worsen. What I saw in the mirror is just a typical fifteen-year-old girl, currently studying in Haze Junior High. There's nothing that makes her stand out from other girls. But even so, why does this girl always feels that she have more problems than others? More troubling thoughts than others... Maybe she wondered too much—considering others' feelings too much...

I pulled away from the mirror. That's my bad habit; by just staring at my own reflection, I can dwell deep into thoughts that would never bring me anywhere.

Tying my hair, I turned back to the mirror, and tried a smile. That's my life; my goal—a bringer of smiles; happiness. I've always hope that bringing happiness to others is an important thing. Although it might seem impossible, but I think that by starting with me, I will reach my hands out to the others, then slowly, the whole world would be in happiness...There will be no conflicts. With peace around, no one will be sad anymore...not anymore......

I grabbed my bag and proceeded downstairs for breakfast.

"Morning, mum!" I poked my head into the kitchen, inhaling the fragrance in the air.

"You're early again," Mum smiled as she was talking. I like her smile, it always bring warmth that lingers in me for a long time. Maybe I'm aspired to bring happiness by her smile. She always makes me think that my life is important. Sometimes, I really think that I have goals because she guided me to them.

"I'm always early." I smiled brightly at her too. "And where's dad?"

"He's in the study, give me a hand and bring this up to him." Finishing her sentence, mum passed me a plate of tasty-looking scrambled eggs.

"Right away!"

Being early is something that makes my morning more eventful. I get to see dad before he goes out for work, and it's the only time when I get the chance to help mum. Both of them are always working till late night, and I am always the only one at home after school. Furthermore, they don't have their dinner at home, so I'm left to eat alone.

I knocked at the door before entering the study.

"Morning dad, breakfast's here," I walked across the room and placed the food on his table.

"Morning Akari. Up early again eh?" He didn't look up as he talked. Dad's always like this—very engrossed in his work.

"Yes, are you going out soon?"

He nodded, "after I finished my breakfast and completed my work. You better hurry downstairs, don't let your mum wait for ya and eat your food before it gets cold."

"Oh. You should too. Have your meal early." I smiled at him, but he wasn't looking this way...

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I'm probably too hungry; my plate was cleared in a flash.

"You're going to go out early again?" Mum asked gently.

"Huh? Er, I think so." I answered in doubt.

"Since it's so early, help me bring this to Mrs. Shindou." While passing me the package, mum added, "you can go to your park, but make it after you've done this job, okay?"

Huh? How did she know that I've been visiting the park? Did she saw me there? ...Or is it because she understand me too well?

I was startled for a second or two, but quickly regained myself. "Sure mum, so I'll get going now."

"Take care, Akari."

"Uhm, goodbye mum, take care too."

I guessed mum sure has a great understanding of me. But didn't she know my unwillingness to go near the Shindou's place... Perhaps I'm just scared, but of what? I don't know. Or is it you, Hikaru, are you someone that I do not wish to see, someone whom I wishes to escape from? But why? Was it the cause of embarrassment for missing the times we had together while we were younger? Or is it because we can no longer be like what we used to be? Or maybe because my feelings for you have changed throughout the years, but...you have only eyes for other things... All these, I've no idea what's the reason. I'm only waiting, waiting for the day to come, the day when I will know all the reasons behind...

Feeling the fresh cool air brushed against my face, I stepped out into the open......

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That's it! So please review! Please tell me whether you think I should continue or not. Hope to receive many reviews thanks. Oh yeah, I won't be updating the next chapter for as long as another month (or longer) but I will start working on it once I have the time. And if you know what's the name of Mrs Shindou, please tell me. Thanks!