Hello once again. Ha! My exams are over, oh yeah, oh yeah. Bet you I failed my maths and my Chinese. Anyway, this is the chapter. Doubt if anybody reads this story anymore. Besides, I'm in it for the pleasure and not popularity.
And I have just found out that my frigging cousin has changed my years and dates and now it's all in a mess. Give me a sec will you? I'll change it. Thank you to Rurouni Kaoru Kenshin's Love for giving me quite a fair bit of reviews and I have really no idea what you mean by 'ok' and 'Oh Kay!' Never mind anyway. This will be a super long chap compared to the others.
This chapter: Soujiro and Misao. Maybe I'll add in Tsubame and the 'unknown' guy. Other than that, nothing much. Skip this chapter if you don't like Sou/Misao Fics. And here we go . . .
It was always better to give than to receive. When you have a present, thank the person and treasure it for the rest of your life. It was always come in handy in any situation, his uncle told him. It was the way of life. Of giving and receiving. The little boy had received a really bokken for training with his uncle. Holding it under the light, he let it gleam brightly before hugging it tightly. "Thank you very much, Uncle," The little boy crawled up to his uncle's lap and whispered into his ear.
"You HAVE to change them into the common denominator and then you cross-multiply then so as to get this answer. And as to finding the unknown, you have to make sure that you round it off to three significant numbers at the least, or else the teachers WILL take marks off. Wakarimashita ne?" Soujiro explained to Misao as he pointed the pencil to the numerous numbers that filled that sheet of paper that was once blank.
Misao nodded her head vigorously and scribbled some hasty workings to get the answer. "This is the answer isn't it, Sou-kun?" She asked her best friend, uncertainly. Soujiro looked at the steps and nodded, " Finally, I was about to give up on you!" Misao laughed and sipped her hot tea.
"The exam paper is coming tomorrow at the same time as ours. You HAVE to try and get this one all right, or else you will be dead. The teacher has already said that you would go to another room along with your calculator, mathematical set and pencil box. And you are given 2 hours to do it and you know the rest of the rules. And please do not be careless, you work fast and your steps are correct, just try not to be so careless and please check your work," Soujiro informed her.
" Alright already Sou-kun! You're sounding really like Okon and Omasu now. I mean, they're already nagging me about my homework, and I don't need more from you!" Misao said, placing her cup down. Soujiro smiled and looked at his watch, " It's 9.30 already. The nurse will chase me out again if I'm not gone soon. And I just wish you the best of luck." As Soujiro turned to go, Misao held on to his hand. " You forgot the hug," Misao said softly.
Soujiro turned and bent down. Misao immediately pulled him into a bear hug. And Soujiro wrapped his arms round the tiny waist and hugged her back. " That's what's best friends are for," She said triumphantly. Once again, Soujiro patted her head and was about to leave the room when Misao blurted, " Do you believe in ki?"
Soujiro gave a small smile, "I'm not even sure what it is."
"The energy transferred from one to another. Jiya does it to me once in a while."
"And how is it performed?"
"Come here, I'll show you." Misao smoothed the blankets of her bed and motioned him to sit there.
"Now, you just have to concentrate as hard as you can and feel at peace. Then, you place you hands on the person's back and the ki will transfer some way or another. Wanna try?" Misao explained.
Soujiro nodded and breathed in deeply. He placed his hands on the lithe girl gently and applied a little pressure. The energy seemed to rush richly out from the tips of her fingers into the girl's body. As he let go, Misao turned around and he noticed that her eyes were exceptionally bright and her cheeks flushed.
"You're good . . . I've tried it on Kaoru, but it doesn't really work. And you really well, just do well at it." Misao stated matter-of-factly.
"And the last time this really happened was when my father was alive. Jiya said that he gave so much in such a short time that my nose bled and I ran a slight fever.
" And have you ever heard people saying that they get electric shocks when others touch them? Well, I thought it was static electricity from rubbing socks against the carpet kind of thing. But then, Okon had this boyfriend last time and they kept on getting them, and her eyes went bright and her cheeks flush a lot and then she says that this happens between couples and then I asked Kaoru and she said yes, it did happen between her and Kenshin before. And it was kind of cool to actually find this out and I think that these electric shocks happen when the ki is transferred unnoticed or something." Misao babbled to the smiling Soujiro.
"And therefore, the ki you have just given me will help me in my exam tomorrow, thank you Sou-Chan," Misao thanked Soujiro gratefully. Soujiro gave a polite bow and retreated out of the room.
"And I'll do well in the exam tomorrow, I'll show you that Sou . . ." She started sleepily but didn't have a chance to finish it as she snuggled into the warm bed. Soujiro smiled as he closed the door. The little lump of bed covers, was he ready?
"Kenshin! Hurry up! You have to sign up for this and your sensei said you could. And he actually said that this would toughen up 'baka-deshi'." Kaoru chided the reluctant teen.
"But, what if they hate me or something. And I learn Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, and that's a style of its own!" Kenshin complained.
"But you NEED to do some activity, you're so free! Plus it's close to after the exams and you only have 2 left to do! Now get in!" Kaoru said fiercely and dragged Kenshin into the large gym.
On one side were the gymnasts, but on the large platform were about 15 boys and a tall man. Each boy held a wooden bokken and the thin man was holding a whistle and barking orders, " Okita! Straight! Up and forward! Don't slouch! You there! Drop 15 now!"
Kenshin stood behind Kaoru as they walked in. " Did you bring your sword?" Kaoru whispered, rather taken aback by the coach. " You see- I don't even have one! I train with a sakabatou! Sensei will kill me!" Kenshin moaned and backed away from the group more. "I don't care! You're going up there and you're going now! And quit whining!" Kaoru said in a deadly voice.
As they came closer to the group, the coach walked up to them. " So, you two are trying out now?" He sneered. Kaoru stared up defiantly at the icy amber eyes. " No I'm not, but my friend here is. He's Kenshin." Kaoru said and stood aside. Kenshin wasn't behind her but staring at the coach. " Haven't I seen you before?" He asked curiously. "Now you mention it, you do," The coach stared beadily at the teenager.
A spark lit in Kenshin's mind. "You're that policeman from Okura Lane!" Kenshin said excitedly. " And you're that funny boy who doesn't know where he's going," the coach answered back. " I asked you only once! When I came to Tokyo the first time!" Kenshin retorted hotly. "I like you attitude boy. Name's Saitou, Saitou Hajime. And you are?" Saitou gave an eerie smile. "Himura Kenshin sir. I mean, Coach Hajime." Kenshin stuttered. "Take you pick," Saitou said casually and fished a cigarette out of his pocket.
" I thought you weren't allowed to smoke on campus and I have no idea what you mean." Kenshin said ruefully.
" Well, I'm special. Doesn't mean they don't allow means that I can't," Saitou snapped back and lit his cigarette, " And find a boy to duel, win him and you're in."
"No wonder the club is so small," Kenshin muttered under his breath.
" Excuse me? Or better, I'll pick him."
" Er, who's the best in this team?"
" Not here, the name's Seta Soujiro, Year one." Kenshin frowned, well, Soujiro definitely was good and he didn't show off, well he'll find them to get a chance to fight him one day.
" Next are Soushi Okita."
" Um, Sir, I don't have a sword."
" I'll get you one. Bokken or metal?"
" Excuse me?"
" Do you want a bokken or a katana or a sakabatou? You really are slow on intake."
" A sakabatou will be fine. And I think I'll fight with Soushi-san."
" Alright. Okita UP!" Saitou jerked his thumb and walked away to get a sakabatou for the new 'student'. The young teenager walked up to Kenshin and gave a small smile. His jet-black hair fell over his face and sweat trickled down his forehead. The boy held out his hand and grinned, " Well, Himura-san, I'm glad you've thought of joining the Kendo Club."
Kenshin gave a weak smile and pointed at Kaoru who was behind him. "Actually, it was her who made me come," he said rather sheepishly.
"No matter, we'll just see whether you're a worthy opponent. Have you met Soujiro before?" Okita said offhandedly. " Yes, he's in my class, why?" Kenshin frowned. " Nothing. Rather he is a very good swordsman and it is an honour to actually fight with him." By that time, Saitou was back with a sakabatou and gave it to Kenshin. " When I blow my whistle, you may start." He instructed the duo. He told the students to clear off and left a round area for the two to combat.
With a sharp blow of his whistle, the two got into their stances. Okita rushed in with a cry at his opponent. Kenshin swiftly defended and jab at Okita's flank. The two swords clashed and its sound resonated through the entire hall. The noise gone and even the gymnasts had stopped to watch. They parried and came in for a sharp attack. Okita went in for a blow towards Kenshin's right arm. Kenshin evaded the blow quickly and turned to face his opponent. Okita's face was of concentration as he tried to think of another way to get his opponent. Usually, the fights with his teammates never lasted long, they would have admitted defeated long ago. He had to admit that this boy was something different. Kenshin bent low and focused on his moving target bearing down on him. The sounds around him, the hushed whispers disappeared and then he moved to his left and . . .
"Okita's down!" Saitou roared. It all happened so quickly. The crowd cheered and clapped as Kenshin got up and pointed his sakabatou away from Okita's throat, helping to get Okita onto his feet. Okita brushed his gi and smiled widely. " You are indeed a worthy opponent." Shaking hands and bowing to each other, Kenshin sat with his new teammates as they showered him with praise and questions.
Saitou Hajime blew his last smoke into the air and dropped his cigarette onto the mat. Ordering attention, Saitou introduced Kenshin to the group and started dividing them into groups to practice sparring.
Standing on the side of the ring, the girl watching gave a genuine smile that reached her eyes. This was where baka-deshi was going to be.
Soujiro walked into the ward 28 to find an outline of a girl by the window. She was in her bed, her head bobbing up and down to the rhythm her Walkman was blaring. The girl was humming to herself and muttered incoherent words at times. Soujiro walked up to her and placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "Hi, Sou-chan. Guess what?" Misao said dreamily. "What?" he replied, smiling good-naturedly. " The doctor is letting me go home today!" She squealed. "He's coming in soon." Soujiro tilted his head and stared out of the window, letting the cool breeze blow at his face.
"You seem to have become my unofficial boyfriend," Misao giggled and carried on, "I mean, you bring flowers and fruits and presents and loads of stuff. You help me and you visit me everyday too and you talk to me. Thank you." Though I would have never guessed this would have ever happened. Misao thought sadly, quietly wishing that he really was the one. Don't lie to yourself, she told herself to try and focus. Don't lie, you're bad at it, don't lie . . .
As promised, a few minutes later, Doctor Rusui knocked on the door, interrupting the mild chatter the two were having. Half an hour later, the doctor gave her the thumbs up. " Your leg has healed wonderfully, it's a miracle that it has made such good progress in a week. Come back to the hospital for a check-up, and if it is okay, the cast can come off in a few days. Stay off the leg, use the crutches and do not carry heavy loads at all times." He said sternly and added in as an after thought, " And your boyfriend here should be able to help you. I have noticed that he has been coming in rather often." Before Misao could even protest, the Doctor had walked off leaving Soujiro staring at her.
"I can't believe he said that!" Misao said angrily, though in her, it was rather the opposite. " He can't believe you're my boyfriend! I don't have one! You're my best friend!" Soujiro gave a smile and lugged out Misao's bag of textbooks and clothes. " Are Okon and Omasu coming to get you?"
"No, they wouldn't even let me out of the ward. And no visitor wanted to lend me his or her hand phones. And now I'll have to go home by myself." She said bitterly. " Nope, I'll ask my chauffeur to drop you at your house, after all, my house isn't that far away from yours," Soujiro replied cheerfully. Misao hugged her best friend, wishing there was more to do to thank him.
"Thank you so much Soujiro-kun!" Misao yelled at the car driving away, her hand waving vigorously, her hair whipped around her messily.
Soujiro sank into the tub gratefully. The large tub could have fit at least 20 people, but nobody was around. The bathhouse was empty, too empty for a Saturday evening. It had been 3 days since Soujiro had sent Misao home and now, he felt it was an eternity. Now, Misao was coming to school, he'd be there to help her with her school bag, have lunch, have recess, have classes and then, they all went home. Misao seldom talked to Soujiro now that she had Kaoru and Tsubame by her side. He walked with Kenshin and Aoshi and they too, seemed to have forgotten about him.
The solitary figure in the crowd. Did anybody else feel the same as he did? He doubted it. Not even his uncle and aunt understood it.
But then, the warm water seemed to take his worries away, make them evaporate along with the steam. Happiness flooded through his veins like never before. He should do this more often, he thought. Sitting there and swimming a few lengths in the 1.2 meter tub was just great. Once in a while, he heard noises from the other side of the wall. Apparently, there were some girls there too. Well, at least one.
Soujiro laid his head back and scrubbed his back with the warm water before ducking his head into the water. His hand touched the bottom and then the thoughts came flooding back in.
Cold. Cruelty. Pain. Torture. Revenge.
When did he feel this? What was so cruel to him? What was torture and when was there a need for vengeance? His thoughts confused him. Maybe, alone in a very big tub by yourself, the drip dripping of the taps and the mist would not sooth his wrecked nerves. One day, he would definitely need to see the psychologist about his problems. But then, he already new the answers: Lack of emotions . . . should learn to open up a bit more . . . lack of response . . . mentally unstable . . . the list just went on and on.
The door cracked open and Soujiro jerked up, the wet towel covering his eyes fell into the water with a soft 'slosh'. The figure had a towel draped round his hip and held a plastic tub. " Hey, Soujiro, didn't know you came here." Said a good-natured voice. "Himura-san?" Soujiro said uncertainly. Out from the shadows stood a grinning Kenshin, his hair messily tied into a ponytail. " How long have you been here?" Kenshin asked as he sat on one of the many stools and started scrubbing his bear back. " About half and hour, why?" Kenshin just shook his head and replied, " Just wondering."
From the other side of the wall, Soujiro heard a small shriek followed by some laughing. " I should have known, Kaoru" Soujiro mentioned causally, recognising the voice easily. " Yeah, said she wanted to come so I just tagged along."
"You two went out on a date didn't you?"
" Yeah. Had dinner then walked them went home then came here."
" Aah. How were the exams?"
" Fine, difficult for the English, don't you think?"
" I thought it was okay."
" You're good at every subject, so it's no use asking." Kenshin laughed. Splashing of water occurred from the other side and Soujiro heard a familiar laugh. " Is Makimachi-san here?" Soujiro asked, unsure. " I think so. We saw her bag at the locker room, why?" Kenshin asked, a mischievous glint coming to his eyes. "Nothing, nothing at all," Soujiro replied airily, hoping that Kenshin could not here the thumping of his heart.
The boys stayed in the tub for another 20 minutes before Soujiro got out. "Where are you going?" Kenshin asked curiously. " Home. I'll become a pickled plum if a stay here to long in the water." Soujiro said and picking up his own plastic container, walked out of the room into the changing room.
Wearing his T-Shirt and pulling on his jeans, he saw Kenshin coming in. " And why are you out?"
" Kaoru yelled over the wall that she wanted to go out." Kenshin replied casually. Soujiro walked towards the small shop inside the building, to see Kaoru sitting on one of the chairs and another girl slumped on the table. " Hey Soujiro, Misao's here too. Where's Kenshin?" Kaoru asked Soujiro cheerfully. " He's coming out soon," Soujiro shrugged.
Once Kenshin had come out, Kaoru and Soujiro was starting to walk out when Misao grumbled, " Will you guys help me out a bit?" Soujiro saw Misao walked up towards them and a trance like state and promptly fell asleep in Soujiro's arms. "Ooh, Misao's found a new boyfriend!" Kaoru teased Soujiro and walked out of the building with Kenshin's arms around her waist. Carrying Misao in his arms, Soujiro walked out behind the couple.
"Uh, Himura-san, can I ask you something?" Soujiro asked hesitantly.
"Yeah?"
" How do you like, to a girl . . ."
" Say that you like a girl?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Tell me who!"
" Someone in our class."
"Ooh, that's cool."
"So how do you do it?"
"Talk to a mirror."
"Excuse me?"
"Use a mirror and try saying you little speech. If you can face the mirror, you should be able to face the girl."
"Thank you, Himura-san."
"You're welcome, and goodnight." Soujiro nodded his head and pressed the doorbell. Soon, Okon was at the door. " Well, Soujiro, apparently my little cousin was sleepy. Thank you." Okon said kindly and picked Misao out of his hands and closed the door. Soujiro smiled and walked home quietly in the cold night.
Misao awoke with a dog barking ringing in her ears. The next thing she new, Mire was slobbering all over her face while she laughed and cried out, trying to push him away in vain. "Ah, Misao you're up. You are going to have to say thank you to that lovely friend of yours, Soujiro. He sent you home last night you know. After that bathhouse trip, you came home in his arms, sleeping." Okon told Misao as she pulled Mire away and pushed him gently out of Misao's room.
Misao scratched her head trying to remember last night's events. All she knew was that she had gotten up from the café table and walked unevenly and then . . . fell into someone's arms. Darkness fell and she found herself in warm place. Soujiro . . . Misao scrambled to get up and ransacked her clothes closet. Pulling out a nice set of clothing, she dressed hurriedly, grabber her wallet and rushed out of the house.
Going to the florists near her house, Misao pushed to door open and was welcomed by a sweet smell of flowers in bloom and the faint tinkle of a bell somewhere in the shop. " And how may I help you, young lady?" An elderly man said from behind the counter, his eyes smiling under his spectacles. " Uh, I would like to know if you had purple tulips? Or even some blue roses? I'm buying them for a friend." Misao asked. " Well, you're in luck. We have them all, would you like me to pick some of each for you?" The shopkeeper replied. Misao nodded her head and soon, she had a bunch of neatly arranged flowers in her hand with a thank you card poking out from the stems, and Misao's signature under the gold letterings.
Soujiro lay flat on his bed, facing the ceiling. The radio played some soft music while he lay sprawled motionless. As the late afternoon breeze blew into his open window, he picked himself up and walked to his desk. His desk was neatly tidied and he found it in no time. It was time to practice. Today was horrible, yesterday was unbearable and the day before was practically a nightmare . . .
Misao walked into the school, hobbling on her crutches. The boys were out queuing in a line to just see her as she walked into her classroom. Kaoru made a beeline towards her and gave Misao a big hug. Misao just felt frail under her crushing hug. Next came Tsubame, Kenshin then Aoshi. Aoshi gave a small smile and just told her to be careful. Apparently, he had other things to ponder on. If it weren't for you fiancée and you getting engaged, I probably wouldn't have even got into this stupid accident, Misao thought bitterly, but put up a smile.
Eventually, Soujiro came. A smile lit her face for the first time today. "Hey, and how's the patient feeling?" Soujiro asked gently. Before Misao could even answer, Takeshi and Michiko pulled her away. "Takeshi gave a big smile and pulled her into a hug. Misao resisted and pushed him away. "And what are you trying to do?" Misao demanded, crossing her arms. " Can't I give my love a hug?" Takeshi replied sweetly, " I even have sweets and chocolates and flowers for you-"
"Well, I can't have them. Chocolates and sweets make me sick and I'm allergic to flowers," Misao cut him short and curt before turning to Michiko. "Can I ask a favour?" She pleaded. " Yes, what do you want?"
"You are Soujiro's good friend aren't you?"
"I'm his best I think, why?"
"Can you help me ask him something?"
"What?"
"Please, ask him whether he would like to go out with me . . ."
Misao felt as if she had gone deaf. The world came down and the sky darkened. " Te . . . tell him?" Misao stuttered. Michiko pleaded once again and gave her a sorrowful look. Finally, Misao agreed. Tsubame lost her front and grinned before she walked away. Misao knew that Michiko liked Soujiro and now had the guts to actually ask him out indirectly. If only she were that brave . . .
Soujiro watched the surprised look on her face and walked away. If she wanted Aoshi, she could have in. Takeshi? Sure. Any other boy and she would, but just not him.
Soujiro lagged behind the lunch crowd and headed towards the emptiest spot on the grounds. Luckily, the willow tree he loved was still there. Opening his brown paper bag, Soujiro pulled out his snack consisting of two sandwiches and a can of Coke. The coke can fizzed as he opened it, twisting off the ring. He settled down with his book and was just about to start and he spotted a person running or rather hobbling quickly towards him, her pigtail bobbing in the wind.
"Hey, Sou-chan. I have a favour to ask you," Misao greeted Soujiro.
"Okay . . ." Soujiro said cautiously.
"You do know Michiko Kuwabara from our class don't you?" Misao started.
"Yes . . ."
"Well, she told me to tell you that she liked you, and was hoping whether you would like to go out with her," Misao babbled. Soujiro frowned and racked his brains. " I hadn't hoped for it that way. Well, please tell her that I've turned it down. And that if she really wants to go out with me, than she's going to have to ask me herself." Soujiro said flatly.
In her heart, Misao breathed a sigh of relief. This would give her more than a chance to confess herself. Misao gave a smile and wishing Soujiro a good bye, she headed towards the school field to sit with the other girls. Soujiro had lost his will to read his favourite book.
Soujiro found himself staring back at him through the hand mirror. Soujiro noticed the bags under his eyes and forced himself to stay awake. "Alright, here goes nothing. Let's try this. Uh hi, Misao. I um, well what I'm trying to say is that I uh, like you. No, stronger than that. I love you." Soujiro said quietly before he gave up. "This is never going to work! Let's try this. Misao, I love you. Now that sounds really cheesy."
Misao bounded up the stairs and found Soujiro's door ajar. "Sou-kun! I brought something for-" Before Misao could even open the door any further, she heard some words.
"-O, I love you." These three words, who were they for? Was he speaking over the phone or something? Misao shut herself down and focused on the speech. " Uh hi. But uh, you, I love you. You? What am I saying? Why is this happening? I have no idea at all. This is bad. I thought you as a very good friend and I end up falling for you . . ." Soujiro placed the mirror down softly and cradled his head in his arms. "Now what?"
Tears blurred her vision as she flung the flowers down on the rich carpet. Whipping out the gold marker she had bought to write her 'thank you', Misao scrawled in big words 'I HATE YOU' on Soujiro's door. Trembling slightly, she rushed down the stairs and slammed the front door behind her in her anger.
Soujiro heard the squeaky sound from outside his room. Something had dropped and then somebody had stomped down the padded stairs very loudly and slammed the front door with probably their biggest might. The sound echoed through the empty hallway.
Opening the door some more, something caught Soujiro's eye. The words were etched in his mind down to the minutest detail. On the beige carpet were a bunch of neatly wrapped blue flowers of different varieties. The petals had dropped and blew out of the window in the late afternoon wind .
Taking to the steps three at a time, Soujiro ran down to find Yumi holding a brown mixture covered spatula in one hand and a mixing bowl in the other. "She rushed out. Wonder what's got her." Yumi shrugged and returned to the kitchen. Soujiro peered crestfallen out of a nearby window, hoping that he would at least catch sight of the usual long pigtail. It was to no avail.
Misao hurried out of the school as quickly as she could. Averting her gaze from everybody, she was jostled along with the rest of the crowd and eventually came to the gates. That jerk! Saying that he didn't want to go out with her and eventually comes round to talking to her over the phone! And said that he didn't like her, just wanted to be friends and ends up being smitten by her. What kind of best friend was he?
At the school gate, a familiar boy slouched against the wall, looking around for her. Brushing past him without even saying hello, Misao went on. Soujiro caught her hand as she brushed past him. "Why do you hate me? What have I done to upset you? And why have you been avoiding me?" Soujiro asked through a tight-lipped smile. His eyes shone with disappointment, confusion and anger.
" Don't pretend you don't know Seta Soujiro! I heard you over the phone with Michiko! Saying that you liked her? Don't play dumb!" Misao snapped.
" I wasn't over the phone and neither was it Michiko," Soujiro said quietly, still holding on tightly to her hand.
"Then WHO was it?" Misao replied savagely.
"I can't tell."
"And why not? Aren't I your best friend?"
"Because, this girl that I like . . ."
"Spit it out Seta-san! I don't have all day!" Misao egged him on.
" You wouldn't believe me would you? Even if I told you the truth." Soujiro whispered in a hardly audible voice. But, Misao heard it loud and clear. And then, the pieces clicked.
Tears came forward and with a look on her face, she slapped the teenager and stalked away. " I HATE YOU SETA SOUJIRO!" Misao yelled over her shoulder and she broke into a run.
Soujiro was struck dumb by her reaction. Gingerly touching the swelling cheek, he looked up at the sky and asked, why was this happening to me? Of all people, why me? A large drop that landed on his swollen cheek answered him. The rain pelted down hard from the dark grey clouds. Soujiro took the long way round to his house and opened a dark blue umbrella.
In front of him, Misao ran blindly. All she wanted to do was to get home. Not looking in front of her, she bumped into someone. Picking herself up, she was about to run when a large hand held onto her wet blouse. "Well boys, guess what we have today." The man sneered as Misao was forced into an alley. She could feel the putrid breath of cigarettes and beer as he came closer. His shirt was stained and his trousers were worn. What was more was that he had greasy skin as he picked her up easily. "Go away!" Misao cried out loud. The three men in their early twenties leered at her and tried to pull her short and wet skirt off. "We're in for a treat today," Another growled. Picking up small pieces of trash, Misao hurled it at them. The shielded themselves but kept on advancing. Without thinking, Misao resorted to her last measure and screamed.
The young men hurled themselves at her all at once. Dragging her down the rubbish filled alley until they were at a dead end. The one who had found her gave her a menacing growl as she struggled to get away.
Where was him when he was needed? Especially by her?
A piercing scream reached Soujiro's ear as he walked slowly with utmost disappointment of himself. Some where near, a girl was in danger's way. Where was she? Then the dread filled him as she recognised the high- pitched shouts and wails. It was Misao.
Misao cowered under the three men. Her skirt was ripped and her satchel was gone. Mud, grime and trash covered her face and legs while her hands held the bruises and cuts she had received. She thought that all hope was lost.
The wind howled in his ears but he kept on running on and on until he saw a dark alleyway where the sound emitted. As his trained eyes focused in the dark alley, he found the outline of three grown men and a small girl huddled in the corner. They were advancing quickly but a plan formed in his head.
Calming himself down, the teenager used his closed umbrella as a makeshift sword. It would have to do, he thought. All he wanted to do was to get those louts away from the girl. His girl.
The teenager came into attacking range and hit one of the men on the side, probably where his kidney was. The sharp jab at the correct area made him groan in pain as he rolled on the ground before he knew what had hit him. Turning sharply, the other two closed in on him, leaving the girl alone.
"Get out of this place if you know what's good for you," One said with a scoff as he picked up a shard of glass from a broken alcohol bottle. The other man had found a rusty metal pipe. " Get away from her," the teenager growled, but kept his smile on his face. " You laughing at me, boy?" the first said as he saw the smile on the boy's face. "No." came the sullen reply. " Maybe, you should be taught a lesson to keep out of other people' s affairs and learn to keep that rude mouth shut!" The second roared and tried to knock the boy down with the metal pipe.
The man lunged at him fiercely and swung the metal pipe in his hand ferociously. As he hit the boy on the arm, he gave an evil cackle that sent chills down the boy's spine. "Maybe that would teach you about picking a fight with the wrong person!"
But still, the young boy persevered, for the sake of the girl's life.
The girl at the corner cautiously got up and her leg was not strong, as she had just taken off her cast but enough to admire the boy standing up for her, watching every move with hawk-like eyes. The boy moved gracefully and carried himself well. He kept away from the weapons but still managed to get scratches and cuts as the two men flung their weapons around trying to get at the boy.
Eventually, the boy knocked out the man with the metal pipe. Knowing that he was defeated, the last one ran out of the alleyway and disappeared from sight. His comrades were defeated terribly easily and the first one who was hit near his hip found enough strength to limp out of the alley and bearing the weight of the unconscious one.
Turning round to face the young girl, he found tears in her eyes. Helping her to stand up and retrieve her satchel he asked anxiously, " Misao, are you alright?" It took her by surprise. That was the first time that he had called herby her first name. The words just rolled off his tongue before he knew what he was saying. Misao sobbed gently as she got up and picked up her satchel. "I'm fine," She tried to say as lightly as she could. The boy picked up the tremble in her voice and saw the light of fear as she tried to avert her gaze.
"No you're not. I'll accompany you home." The boy said firmly. Misao could only nod dumbly as she limped with him with his arm around her shoulders to support her. Misao breathed in his manly smell. The sweat that mixed with the rain that had dropped on his shirt. Misao was shivering, the cold swept through her like a hundred wasps stinging her repeatedly. As she shivered, the ice-cold drops dripped down her face and seeped into her clothes. What would Soujiro think of her? A weakling? But, as she shivered, she found something draped round her bare shoulders. Warmth sank in as she wrapped it tightly around her body. She soon found out what it was. Soujiro had taken off his school blazer and had draped it around her. Hoping that her legs wouldn't buckle from her lack of energy, Misao and Soujiro walked on in the rain, as the blue umbrella lay forgotten in the alleyway.
Misao pulled out some old clothes that consisted of a pair of trousers and a shirt. Getting a clean towel and some old underwear that used to belong to Jiya, she stuffed all of it into Soujiro's hands. " Here, take these and get a shower," she mumbled and walked out of the bare room. "Thanks," Soujiro called as she walked out and he went into the bathroom.
Misao closed the door quietly. Changing out of the drenched clothes and washing herself, she took out some home made medicines that Omasu had made a few days back. Preparing the medicine in a small bowl and after adding water to it, it turned into a dark, murky liquid that was often used by her after getting into a fight. The medicine would be able to get rid of the bacteria and germs, and it usually helped with the healing process.
20 minutes had passed and Soujiro wasn't out yet. Misao had been pacing up and down the empty corridor, hoping that he would come out soon. Patience was not Misao's virtue and hers at reached the point of breaking.
Gathering her courage, she stepped up determinedly to the door and knocked on it. "Soujiro, are you there? Can I come in?" Misao said in a loud voice, blood pumping into her ears. There was no action. Once again, Misao knocked. Still, there was no reply. Misao opened the thin door and almost yelled, "Sou! What are you doing?"
To her surprise, as she burst in, she found Soujiro, sitting cross legged in the old trousers, idly trying to dry his hair, and for the first time, Misao saw how fair his skin was, unblemished and supple. "Er, Soujiro? I mean, oh my god, I'm so sorry. I'll wait for you outside once you're done!" Misao stuttered as he saw him in his trousers and nothing else. The fair skin glistened with water droplets, his eyes of a lovely deep blue and his hair tousled. Knowing that Misao was there, Soujiro gave a warm smile and beckoned her to come in. " No matter. The shirt was a bit too small too." He replied.
Blushing a bright crimson, Misao sat down beside him and laid out the medicinal herbs and bowls. "Well, I see that you've taken care of yourself," Soujiro raised his eyebrows and stared at the brown paste on Misao's hands. "Yeah, it's some medicinal stuff that Omasu made. And by looking at you wounds and your back, you seem to need quite a bit," Misao said as calmly as possible. Soujiro nodded and obediently turned his back to face her as she started dabbing some of the bark brown paste on his back and bandaging them.
Soujiro looked at the pair of hands going round his body deftly as they worked in unity to get the wounds clean. "Maybe these scars would make me remember how stupid I was to let a pretty girl walk home alone in the rain without an umbrella and past some pubs on the way home," Soujiro said bitterly as Misao applied the ointment to his skin. He stared hard at his bruised hands and rubbed them sorely.
The skin felt warm under her touch and Misao yearned for more of it. Unrolling the long spools of bandages, she wrapped them around Soujiro carefully and tightly so that the bandages would neither come loose nor fray at the edges. Her hands barely reached his waist as she tried to wrap the bandages. As she struggled on, she felt a warm hand grasp the white cloth and pass it into her other hand. "Thank you," She mumbled.
The medicine had been applied, the plasters and bandages were stuck and wrapped on already but something was still missing. Misao clutched her shorts and bent her head low. "Soujiro, I have something to say," Misao eventually said. "Does it involve me and another girl?" Came the curt reply, "If it is, then I'm going home. Thank you for helping me. I'll return the clothes tomorrow," he carried on shortly. Standing up and about to leave, Misao reached out her hands and cried out, " I'm wrong alright? I'm just so worked up. I mean, Aoshi suddenly has a fiancée that he has never told us before, Michiko suddenly asks you out and I'm here, I have no idea what's going on around me. What am I supposed to do?" Tears came out all of a sudden and her vision blurred. Hadn't she promised herself that she wouldn't cry? Hadn't she promised herself that she didn't have to lie to herself anymore?
"Then what is it about?" Soujiro said shortly, still standing. Misao clutched his hand and looked up at him with her tear stained face. "Don't I have a place in your heart too?" She whispered. " You played the biggest role in my life, Makimachi. And what I did was always the same. Aoshi this and Shinomori-san that. And all you did was to say that he was doing this and that. If I'm not wrong, you missed my birthday last year just to go out to a concert that you did not enjoy at all. And why? Because he was going and he hadn't got anyone else to accompany him. You didn't get me a present. Everything you say, will be complied too, but what about my wishes?" Came the cold reply.
Misao's heart was pierced. The words hit her like a blow to the head. And for once, she felt the feelings behind the young man's mask. Anger, confusion, betrayal, distrust, and love that was lost. And she caused it all. Jealousy? Maybe so. Then again why hadn't he said anything? And then, the truth struck her: she never listened to him. Always ploughing him with questions.
"Why can't you give me another chance?" Misao wept. " Makimachi-san, you have to understand. I gave you one already and you just didn't realise it until it was too late. And have you ever seen me give anybody else a second chance? You are a common one now. That can never be changed. And wasn't everybody else the same? I mean, some people just don't get these second chances. My parents died, why couldn't God give them another chance to survive? Even if they were to be crippled?" Soujiro said as calmly as possible, but poison took the edge of it.
"Then what do you call me?" Misao said angrily through her tears, "Aren't I just as bad? Look at me! My parents died trying to save me in an aeroplane crash and then I'm landed with a rather perverted old grandfather, two cousins that have boyfriends, do the housework and try to look after the grandfather and me? And what's more, you're rich! We have to do business as a restaurant!"
Soujiro stopped in his tracks. He had never thought about that before. He faced the girl and asked coldly, " And why do you need this second chance? What is there to prove now?" Misao fought the urge to injure him. "Because there is such a thing that is called love!" She screamed. "And who is this love for?" Soujiro replied icily, " There's nothing to say that is' for Shinomori, so why come to me?" Misao sank to the floor and hit herself on the head. "Don't you understand, Seta Soujiro? I love you. Not Aoshi, not Takeshi, not anybody else, but you. I know I have been a fool before not realising this, but won't you give me a chance to let me . . . show you?"
Soujiro knelt in front of the girl and inched closer, and with all his courage, gave her a chaste peck on her cheek. Misao was struck dumb. Gingerly touching her cheek, she flung her hands around Soujiro and wept.
He cried for love, she gave it to her. The perfect gift.
It was always better to give than to receive. When you have a present, thank the person and treasure it for the rest of your life. It was always come in handy in any situation, his uncle told him. It was the way of life. Of giving and receiving. The little boy had received a really bokken for training with his uncle. Holding it under the light, he let it gleam brightly before hugging it tightly. "Thank you very much, Uncle," The little boy crawled up to his uncle's lap and whispered into his ear.
And now, he understood what it felt to be loved, and to be able to love another. It was the perfect gift.
Thank you .