Hello dear readers ^_^
During this time, one year back, I had posted my first fic. Presenting a new KaiHil oneshot, to mark my first year at ffn! It is based on the story of a friend of mine, who's the real-life Hilary, and the love she has for her Kai. While her story has just begun, I've tried to give it a shape and proper conclusion. Hope you all like it.
Summary: "I like generous beauty radiated by one's soul, their inner hilarity. Shallow waters have never been my interest. I love deep oceans." 'One half of your heart knows certain things are impossible. Yet, the other secretly hopes for them to happen.' 'No place for doubt, as the rhythm of our hearts align. Waited so long, and you finally gave the sign. Delighted to say, my beloved, that the teardrop on your palm….is mine!'
Pairing: KaixHilary
Genre: Friendship, Romance, teeny bit of Angst and Humor, and even more Friendship!
Rating: K+
(PS: Thanks to Nain (Red Eyes of Fate) for suggesting the walk scene ^^)
….THAT TEARDROP ON YOUR PALM….
Shades of crimson, peach and slight pink have smudged themselves on canvas of the sky. Silhouettes of birds, ready to fly along the pacific are appearing as well. Soothing yet cool air flurries around, marking the arrival of winter. I shiver once, more from her visions than the cold, standing on the hilltop, watching the evening unfold, as the sun sets behind me. Grey-white cotton fluff clouds sail in the expanse over me, as I lean against the sole support, a giant Sakura tree. Just as the clouds, my mind drifts back to her thoughts, and the words we exchanged not long before. There were times I've been oblivious; times I've spent with her; times I longed to have at the end of a tiring day; times I never said things I wanted to…..and now, it all comes unfolding, like some movie being played on the screen of my subconscious. Light decreases, as the sun sinks further down; though it is not dark yet. A star or two have appeared. With the passage of time, covers of uncertainty block my mind.
Passing clouds, skipping stars when I got you
In your arms cover scars like a tattoo
Rescue me and put back all the pieces
How did I miss the times that you came through?
When every glance was a chance I was blind to
Now I see you're everything I needed
Flashback~
"Impossible, impossible, impossible!" Arianna banged the study table, expressing her disagreement. Sitting on the bed beside, Hilary shook her head.
"One hundred percent possible Miss Hiwatari. He's somewhere out there and I will find him." The brunette affirmed.
"What you ask for is sort of a romantic novel hero Hilly. A hero who doesn't exist." Her tone softened as she said, "I….just don't want you to be hurt like before."
"Don't worry Ari, I won't be. I can feel it." Hilary replied with a smile. An excited Aria stood up, holding her by the shoulders and swirling, "Then I'm going to tease you so bad, and watch your ship sail!"
"Okay, okay, but let me meet him first." Hilary tried catching her breaths.
Aria hugged her, "Fine. But I got to go now. Ni-san's coming today. And remember we have that English project to work on. Sharp five this evening, okay?"
"Understood madam. I'll be there. Bye!" the brunette waved until her friend stepped out. As soon as she did, Hilary thumped on the bed, staring continuously at the ceiling. Ruby eyes were full of dreams, and wait for an unknown person….
Later that day, Hilary got up to visit Arianna. On her way, she came across the wooden arch-bridge, a prominent place of her town, but currently very few people could be seen. Since there was some time, she headed up. The stream was gushing beneath, the sound was pleasing, with the chirping of birds around. She couldn't stop her lips curving into a satisfied smile. Checking her purse and seeing a few coins, she took out one and threw it in the water. A splash followed, as she said out loud, "I want to meet the love of my life soon. Very soon!" Okay, that was crazy, considering she was just twenty, but Hilary being Hilary, she believed in living each moment to the fullest. Realizing the time, she hurriedly started stepping towards the edge. When out of nowhere, she bumped into someone. Her purse fell, and while she picked it up a whispered 'sorry' entered her ears. She got up to see the vanishing figure. Deep midnight blue hair, and probably some grey frontal bangs. A white scarf flowing in all its glory. "Have I met him before?" she spoke to herself, while walking in his opposite direction. Within a few minutes, she reached Aria's home.
.
.
"And, we'll assemble this collage here," Aria pointed to the pictures they'd collected and a part on the chart paper. "Then, information here…" she paused, getting no response. Hilary was zoning out….again! "Miss Hiromi Tachibana, am I audible? Earth to Romi, Earth to Romi." She said in a dramatic fashion, as if speaking on a microphone.
"I can hear you baka!" Hilary hit her with a pillow.
"Then why weren't you listening?" Aria dodged the attack, while taking hold of another pillow, and the duo started pillow fight.
"Because I…" Hilary halted midway.
"Because you?" Aria stopped as well.
"None of your business!" the brunette shouted, hitting Aria on the head.
"Ouch" the Russian rubbed her head, scowling at Hilary. "Who is he?" the scowl turned into a smile in a blink. Now, she was literally grinning.
"Umm….I don't know him, but probably have seen him somewhere."
Before Aria could reply, her mother, Misaki knocked the door. "Hilary, there was a call from your home. It's getting late so your mom has asked you to be back soon."
"Sure aunty, thanks." She checked the time, and started collecting her books. Being engrossed in their work, the girls hardly realised the time. Misaki had already left. As Hilly was hurriedly stepping out the door, she bumped into someone again.
"Excuse me?" A deep, firm masculine voice entered her ears. Moon-toned, well-built face, deep amethyst eyes holding a questioning gaze. Eyebrows were arched too, which made her shiver for once.
"Ni-san, you shouldn't trouble my friend like this." Aria interrupted before either could speak further. Hilary gave her a questioning gaze. "Nevermind. Hilary, this is my handsome big brother, Kai. And ni-san, meet my sweet best friend, Hilary!"
"Hello.", the brunette extended a hand in his direction with a gentle smile.
"Look where you're walking before bumping into the same person twice." Kai said without any expression and left.
"What an attitude!" Hilary narrowed her eyes at his retreating figure.
"Don't mind Hilly. He's like that only." Aria tried to pacify.
"It's fine. I've to leave anyway. Bye!"
"Bye. Good night."
As she walked along the road, Hilary couldn't stop thinking about Kai. It was clear till now that she'd collided with Kai both times. "Kai.." she felt the name melt on her tongue, as a smile occupied her face.
Though their first meeting wasn't that good. It was something both Kai and Hilary would remember for long.
"Last night I was thinking Aria…"
"About my bro?" the Russian completed her without even looking up. There were a few minutes for the next class to begin. The two friends were gossiping while copying notes.
"So, why didn't I meet him before?" Hilary propped against the table, closing her book. "Despite visiting your house ever since we were kids."
"Ni-san was in Russia for studies. Now that they're done, he returned to spend some quality time with us. Then he'll go back for higher studies, and manage the company later on."
"Oh-kay. I think I…"
"Like him?" Aria also stopped writing and eyed her friend teasingly.
"Don't smile like a monkey!" she hit Aria playfully. "And….how did you know?!"
"C'mon, his personality has always been like that. But he's the 'tough' guy." She finger-quoted. "You're no less either, though. It'd be cool if you and ni-san get together, married even, and…"
"Hold your horses Ari….I like him, maybe as a crush, but nothing further."
The following week went by, and it was just a month for Hilary and Aria's final exams. Currently, they were sitting in the Hiwatari's living room, discussing some history topic. "Why on earth do we have to study this?! Whatever happened, happened. Us studying it, won't change a thing!" Hilary sounded frustrated as she slammed the book.
"Calm down Hil. I know it's boring, but we have to." A helpless, and equally bored Aria consoled.
"This is pure torture to our little, cute souls…God!" the brunette melodramatically murmured.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes were watching their banters. Not too far, Kai was sitting on the dining chair, sipping coffee. He looked in their direction for a while, then turned, focusing on his coffee, and walking towards the kitchen.
"Seems we'll have to wait till tomorrow and ask our prof." Hilary disappointedly got up.
"No, wait a sec." Aria paused, eyes landing upon Kai, who was about to take the stairs. "Ni-san!" Kai shook his head, but went towards them. He couldn't deny Aria for anything, after all.
"What's the whining about Miss Sparkle?" (Kai called Aria 'sparkle' because since their childhood, she was fond of glittery things and sparkle ribbons)
"This topic is going above our heads." She pouted. "Hilary is also finding it difficult. Can you explain?" Kai read the topic for a while, then sat on the single couch-chair to explain. As he tutored, Hilary's eyes affixed themselves on his face. Innocence radiating from his face as he silently read the next part. The phoenix prince seemed to have all his attention on the concept, as his mien remained expressionless.
"To understand this, you can look up to any real-life example..." he stopped to look at Arianna once. "A coffee Aria"
The girl was already bored, what better excuse to leave then? She happily agreed. "Sure ni-san, I'll bring a refreshing one for you in a moment." she said before dashing in the direction of kitchen. Kai continued to teach Hilary. When he felt tired from sitting, he stood up and explained while walking along the carpet. Hilary would nod, or add a word in between, but most of the time she spent in admiring his eyes. The stasis of those amethyst orbs was attracting her restless ruby eyes. After an hour or so, Hilary had understood the topic well. Kai handed the book back and glanced towards the kitchen. No signs of Aria or the coffee even now. "Lazy girl." he mumbled walking towards the staircase. Just then, he was handed his coffee, by Hilary!
Apparently, Aria had reached just in time, but handed the mug to Hilly. A part of her "match-making-game". Kai didn't seem to be bothered, as he went upstairs with the drink. While the girls resumed their seat.
"You missed your brother teaching Ari. He taught really well."
"Woah miss Hiromi, someone is pretty impressed, huh?" Arianna winked, with a teasing smile. "Did your infant crush evolve or what?"
"It would have, by now. But he doesn't even notice." Hiromi's face hung for a second, before being normal once again.
"Don't worry, I've got a good idea for that!"
Arianna managed to convince Kai to tutor her and Hilary till their exams. He was reluctant at first, but when she mentioned Hilary hadn't understood some topics, he agreed. Hilary, on the other hand, wasn't much sure. Her crush was growing rapidly. Kai, on the other hand, was as oblivious as ever. Though he softened 'round her. Talking in full sentences, and smiling lightly every now and then. Hilary was content about that, as she tried to keep her infant crush under control. A genuine friendship was formed as well.
From his point of view, Kai knew Hilary as a good, kind-hearted girl. Somewhat moody and childish at times, but sweet nonetheless. Not to mention, the first girl he ever interacted with, apart from Aria. He laughed on learning of her sweet tooth and love for sweets. 'So kiddish', he had thought. And no matter how 'tough-guy' image he tried to maintain, he liked the friendship with her.
.
.
Exams came and ended, so did the time for Hilary's lessons. She had to travel out of town for some duration. Her heart ached, because it'd be the first time in all those weeks that she won't be able to see him again. With a heavy heart, she bid farewell to Aria. Kai, on the other hand couldn't ask to his sis freely, so busied himself with books and training. Still, he failed to decipher the strange feelings that he experienced. It was only after Aria had mentioned Hilly's travel that he felt relieved.
Little did they know, end of something marks the beginning of another…
There were times we would drive 'til the sun broke
Through the black of the night on a wide road
Paved in dreams, that led me back to you
Lit a spark in the dark gave me no choice
In the night, you're a light in the white noise
Suddenly, my heart said something new
"C'mon, there's still many to try from, Hiromi-chan." Aria grinned while feeding Hilary another bite from the strawberry flavoured dango. "How's this one?"
"Umm….yummy." the brunette managed to utter amidst the bites. "But I'll ask again, why are you feeding me so many sweets today?!" Hiromi had returned from her trip, and when she arrived to visit Aria, her friend had bombarded her with dangos.
"Oh, cause they're very tasty Hilly. Besides, we're celebrating your return!" the Russian continued to feed her from the chocolate one this time. "And, didn't you realize they're specially made for you?"
Hilary halted for a while. She had thought of it earlier, but shaken off. The chocolate ones were exact colour of her hair, and the berry syrup of the strawberry ones matched the exact shade of her eyes- ruby red. They were made to perfection, as if the maker poured all his heart and love into. She looked up to Misaki, who was sitting right in front. "Thank you, aunt Misaki, it was so thoughtful of you. And these are really delicious!"
To her shock though, the lady shrugged, denying any connection to make the dish. "I've not made them dear. Someone else has."
"Then who?" she mumbled softly. A light glowed over her head. "Woah Ari, I didn't know you cook so well. Getting trained by aunty, huh?" she teased, taking another bite.
Aria shook her head too. "Me neither Romi, they're made by ni-san." As soon as these words entered her ears, Hilly swallowed hard, almost choking herself, bursting in fits of cough. She sighed in relief when Misaki offered her water, and Aria patted her back. With difficulty, she regained composure. "Who made them again?"
"My ni-san, Hil!"
"Don't get it wrong Hilary dear. Kai did some cooking during the time you were on the trip. And he made them just this morning. Though we were surprised seeing him make sweets, he said it's a farewell gift for us." Misaki smiled, and leaving for the kitchen.
No. Never. That can't be really. 'He won't do something so cheesy, and lovey.' Hiromi felt overwhelmed. 'But what if he does?' She was obviously confused. Her crush had already become genuine love. Something she realized in the time they spent apart. Then again, Kai was the 'tough-guy'. She needed a hint atleast.
"I think ni-san likes you too Hil. He's never been this thoughtful for any girl before."
Ignoring Aria's happy tone, Hilary asked, "Why farewell gift?" the main words of Misaki that impacted her deeply.
"Sorry I forgot to tell, ni-san will be leaving for Russia in a week." She informed. The tinge of sadness didn't go unnoticed by Hiromi. "You should tell him 'bout your feelings Romi. Before he leaves."
The brunette knew it too. "But how can I Ari? When I don't even have a little idea of how he feels."
"Of course, he does! He teaches you for no big reason, talks with you, smiles when you're around, cares for you, makes your favourite dishes. Moreover, he misses you when you're away. I hardly saw him sad ever Hilly. His mood was indeed off when you weren't here." She paused to take a breath. "And you know what he said when I asked him if he likes you or not? He said, 'I'm not fond of external beauty, Sparkle. I like generous beauty radiated by one's soul, their inner hilarity. Shallow waters have never been my interest. I love deep oceans.'" she quoted, stopping to look her friend directly in the eyes. "I hadn't seen him being so poetic ever Hil. Neither did I realise the actual meaning until a few days back. He used the meanings of your name to convey. Like, Hiromi means generous beauty or deep ocean. Hilary, standing for Hilarity too. What else hint are we asking for, right?" she explained referring to both of Hilary's names.
Hilary was stunned after knowing all this. "If his feelings are this obvious, I should confess too, Ari. Where'll I find Kai?"
"He's in the lawn probably."
"Okay, see you in a while. Bye. And thanks!" Hilary hugged Aria tightly before dashing outside. She was always confident of herself. Completely aware that if she wanted to say something, she'd say it without any nervousness. Besides time was crucial, she had to speak before he departs.
.
.
Kai and Hilary were walking on the soft, well-manicured grass of the Hiwatari's garden. Various plants of roses, tulips, chrysanthemums were aligned properly, in symmetrical flower beds. There weren't any bumblebees, considering it was already sunset. Gentle breeze collided against their pale-white skins, causing ticklish sensations. Silence prevailed for the last ten minutes.
"I heard you're leaving for Russia in a week." Hilly broke the ice.
"Yeah. Will be learning more about company management and stuff." He said, though a pang of guilt settled deep beneath.
"I've something to tell you." She managed to speak with a deep breath.
"Sure, say it." He curtly replied.
Hilary increased her pace, walking forward, and standing straight in front of him, and gazing into his lotus-amethyst orbs. "Our first meeting, or bumpings literally," she chortled, "were mere coincidence. Then I was introduced to you as my best friend's brother. I developed a slight crush." Kai raised a brow, but let her continue, "When you offered to tutor us, I would've never thought those lessons would go on to be the times I look up to….Thank you for all those memories, I love you." She finally confessed.
There was a heavy pause, as both of them understood the gravity.
"I respect your feelings Hilary, but maybe I need some time." He stated plainly.
"Sure, I understand." She affirmed gently, before turning to leave.
The hidden look of surprise on his face shook her a bit. "Idiot. Did I just had to hurry this much? No. But still, miss Hilary Tachibana hardly thinks before acting, doesn't she?" the brunette sarcastically muttered to herself while walking along the road. She hit her head gently, ranting on again. "Now he must be thinking I attended all his classes just to gawk at him. God! Save me! I did learn, right? Am not that inconsiderate, am I? But he will get it all wrong. I'm sure. And he will take all the time possible to reply. After all girls don't usually confess first. What if he rejects like he did to all those girls before me? Damn!" She continued cursing her fate, as her mind was all jumbled. The only option now was to patiently wait when he'd talk.
.
.
Kai was sitting in his room, contemplating the incident. It was almost a week since then. Hiromi hadn't visited their house, probably wanting to give him time. Despite realizing his feelings, the phoenix prince felt restless. Time was slipping, his flight scheduled for the next day. Even if he reciprocated her confession, they'd be in a long-distance relationship. Yet, he was firm. They'd make it work, atleast a chance had to be given. In a few minutes, from Aria's help, he called her, asking to meet on the hilltop. That being a place of their usual weekend trips, he knew Hilary loved it.
He just hoped she wasn't angry for the delay, and accepted his answer.
Flash end~
A swift current of the wind brought him back to reality, as Kai stood gazing at the purple-deep blue ombre of sky. The now clearly visible stars shone like diamonds, enhancing its beauty. This is where his hopes seemed to douse. But as they say, 'One half of your heart knows certain things are impossible. Yet, the other secretly hopes for them to happen.' Disappointed, Kai was about to leave when he felt someone softly treading over the lush tuft, arriving nearer with each step.
Hilary reached the hilltop, which appeared all deserted. There wasn't any sign of Kai or anyone. She heard her heart shatter in the eerie silence of the approaching night. The once pleasing silence was haunting her, as she looked around in the dark. Yes, she was late. Never did she feel this defeated ever. A pang of guilt settled deep inside, as she tried her best not to spill any teardrops.
"Waiting for someone?" a familiar voice greeted her ears. His hot breath melting against her cold skin. She felt herself getting weak, but Hilary knew better.
"Oh no, no Romi. Kai is not here. It's just an illusion like all those times before." she took a step back on seeing his illusion. The brunette blinked her eyes, shook her head, and after making sure she was alright, looked up again. 'Damn, he's still here.' she gulped in horror as realization dawned upon her. "God, I could not be losing my sanity, please, please, please." she said out loud. She checked her forehead for any signs of illness. "Okay Hilly, calm down. Relax. You'll be fine. This is nothing..." Kai shook his head, smiling at her antics.
"I'm not unreal miss Tachibana." he offered his hand while watching her inhaling deeply, and tapping her cheeks gently.
"Look Hiwatari illusion," Kai narrowed his eyes, retreating the not-accepted hand. 'Illusion? Really now Hiromi?' he thought inwardly. "I know I'm crazily deeply in love with you. But that doesn't mean you can torture me like this." her voice was firm, yet childish. "Why don't you just vanish like all those times before?" here, Hilary was on the verge of crying. Of course, he wasn't letting that happen.
"Hiromi," he said in a soothing voice, which caught her attention. "I love you too."
The girl was stunned. It wasn't a dream anymore. He was real. The moment was. And their confessions too!
Composing herself, Hilary turned towards him. "What did you just say?" her voice barely above a whisper, but Kai heard it clearly in the dead silence.
"I said," Kai paused, respecting the gravity and letting the seconds trail, before responding in the softest tone he could muster, "I love you, Hiromi."
The way her name surfed effortlessly on his tongue, melted her heart. And maybe that's all she needed, for her eyes gave in to the teardrops. A droplet crossed the threshold of those ruby orbs, drenching her lashes, gliding on her skin, leaving her face and motioning towards the ground. Before it could go beyond, a palm caught it midway. It was Kai's. Shaking his head in denial, he wiped her tears, touching her forehead with his lips. Hilary closed her eyes at the sensation, as the duo embraced each other affectionately.
Clouds of doubt floated away with the winds of admiration, though the downpour of tears refused to cease. However, the reason was a jovial one. Her hand resting just above his heart could sense its frantic beating. Much to her surprise, hers was beating with the same speed.
'No place for doubt, as the rhythm of our hearts align. Waited so long, and you finally gave the sign. Delighted to say, my beloved, that the teardrop on your palm….is mine!'
In your eyes, I swear I feel forever
And I'm falling into the deepest part of you
In your eyes, I feel my heart surrender
As your love breaks through
I'm lost inside your deep blue
Inside your deep blue
The title basically refers to Hilary's first teardrop, which Kai caught. Marking the beginning of their story. Though the ending seems to be a cliff-hanger, it's not! I may write a sequel someday. It's been a while since I wrote anything, so the writing may not be my level-best. Arianna (my OC) is Kai's sis. Hope you know her by now.
How was it? Would love to know your thoughts!
Lyrics inserted are of the song Deep Blue by William Black.
Thank you for reading!
-Amber :)
(PS: Yes, changed my penname)