Hiromi is depressed, and Kai still doesn't know why. Does Hiromi herself even know?
I've been on mad editing sprees to improve my existing stories, but I feel I really screwed up on this one... So I won't bother editing it much, nor will I continue it past chapter 4 (which is already up). But, since I don't have too many stories, I'll still keep it up for anyone to read if they want to. :)
Warnings: violence, character death, EXTREME FLUFF AND CHEESE! Scared? Then click the back button. You have been warned.
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade or its characters.
CHAPTER
TWO: DIZZY FROM REALITY
"Well, it's understandable, I guess." Kori looked thoughtful, "I mean, you did sorta show him up in front of everybody."
Since lunch, Kai hadn't spoken a word to me. He barely even gave me a nod if I asked him something. But then, he wasn't to blame, I knew that. My constant depressive moods were to blame. Or better yet, myself. If he was in a mood with me, I'd have to deal with it.
"I've gotta find some way to make it up to him." I mumbled, more to myself than the blonde sitting next to me.
Kori was the latest addition to the team. Over a bet, nonetheless. We made a deal that if she could beat Takao she could join. Of course, we didn't think she'd manage it, but she surprised us all. I was more an honorary member of the team. I didn't even blade, much like Kyouju. I was mostly there for moral support, and planning, and of course so that I could be with Kai more.
She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder."Maybe you should start by telling him how you feel. Talk to him, Hiromi." She fixed me with a stern look and I stared down at the floor.
"Later. I... I need to think." I got to my feet and pulled open the door.
In a split second, Kori too was standing, "Where are you going?" She almost yelled.
"For a walk." I replied simply, wishing for an end to the conversation. I shut the door behind myself and ran down the stairs and out of the front door before she had chance to protest.
She didn't like me going out when it was dark. I'd gone for walks in the dark all the time before she joined the team, but since then she'd been very over-protective of everybody. She meant well, but it was kind of annoying... The guys thought so too. Okay, so talking behind someone's back is bad, but we weren't, exactly... We were thinking of a way to decide who would tell her...to stop being so protective of us, and that we could take care of ourselves.
I was already away from the street our house was on; it was no longer in view. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings though, and I already knew where I was going. The same place I went every time I needed time to think, alone. I reached a clearing at the edge of the woods and I ducked down to make my way into the winding forest: a place which had recently become very familiar to me.
I ducked and dodged the branches in my way, my mind set on its destination. I reflected a little on the past six months, since the desert island 'incident', becoming lost in my thoughts as I walked further into the forest.
Kai and I had been an item ever since that time, and as of two months ago, Takao and Kori were in a loving relationship. Takao made sure the world knew of it, too. Of course, Kai was rather against public relationships, so we tend to keep our emotions to ourselves. Lately, though, Kai didn't seem to care. I knew he was only acting that way to try and make me feel better, but consequently that only made me feel worse.
I was shaken from my thoughts by voices and laughter, in the exact direction I was headed. I took a hesitant step forward, glancing through the bushes in my line of vision as best I could. Probably just a bunch of stupid schoolboys... I could scare them away with just the mention of Kai's name. My plan of action decided, I smirked, taking another step towards the sounds.
It wasn't schoolboys I saw, but a group of around ten men who all must have been at least in their early thirties. A hand clamped over my mouth, another around my waist and I felt someone's breath on the back of my neck. The stench of alcohol and cigarettes made me gag and the hand on my mouth pressed harder.
"No screamin', got it?"
Despite his vice-like grip, I managed to nod a little, murmuring a quiet 'Mm-hmm.' I didn't know what else to do, after all. To disagree with him would be risking my life. He pushed my forcefully through the bushes, using me as a shield as he ploughed on behind me, branches grazing my skin. I winced as he gave me a sharp push and I landed on the floor on my knees. They formed a circle around me, so I couldn't get away. Well, those who were sober enough to think so logically... I got to my feet, keeping my face as blank as I could force myself to, trying to act unfazed.
My legs were shaking, making it a little obvious that I was afraid. I'd be insane if I wasn't! Everyone's attention was focused on me. Normally, I loved to be the center of attention, but this was different. The looks they were giving me... It made me feel sick. I swallowed hard, stepping back when the man in front of me pulled out a blade.
He took a few menacing steps towards me, but then stopped, looking behind me confusedly. I frowned, wanting to turn around but fearing that the sight to greet me would be even worse. Aside from that, my limbs would not allow me to move. Given the chance to get away, I wasn't sure if I could.
"Keep a hold on her. Someone's over there, might be another one."
My eyes widened, Do they wait here for people? For victims? What will they do to me..? I yelped uncontrollably as someone grabbed me from behind, their hands clasped tightly around my waist. I brought up my heel to kick him in the shin, receiving only a grunt in reply. I felt a sudden sharp pain at the back of my head, and my vision faded to darkness...
Wah, cliffy! Sorry, but it had to be done. Suspense is golden. Sorry also that Kai wasn't in that chapter. I'll make up for it, I promise!
