"About the prom," he mentions. His voice faints I can barely hear him speak. I am confused now.
"Huh?" I mutter.
"Will you be my date?" he almost whispered. My eyes grow bigger when I heard him say them. He is asking me to be his date?
I think I was stunned for like a few seconds not looking at him.
"Jerk, I-" I was cut off. He is already unconscious when I look at him.
"Hey, jerk?" I tap his face full of bruises. He is not moving.
"Jerk, wake up," I tell him but he doesn't open his eyes. I start to get nervous.
I am shaking his shoulder but he is not responding to it. Tears form in the corners of my eyes. I am going to burst out crying if he does not wake up.
I look around and I see the two morons trying to save their friends. I am about to stand up to ask for help outside when suddenly my vision turns black and all I know is I am falling to nowhere.
"Sarada! Thank goodness you're awake!" I hear someone speaks and then I slowly open my eyes.
"Mom?" I feeble. She grabs my hand while sobbing.
"Yes," she replies. I look around and everyone is present. Chocho, Boruto, my adviser, and the rest of the class. They all look worried.
"Where are we?" I ask trying to familiarize the place.
"We are in the clinic," she replies.
"What happened?" I ask. I hardly remember anything.
"You and Kawaki were found lying unconsciously in the old stock room earlier. The guys who have caused you trouble were in the care of the right person now. You don't have to worry anymore," Chocho explains. She is comforting me by rubbing the top of my head.
That's right. The jerk. He was in bad shape.
"Where is the jerk?" I ask and they look quite surprised.
"He was rushed to the hospital. He got injuries that cannot be handled by the school clinic and he needs further tests," Chocho's face saddens.
"No way... But was he fine?" I am worried about his condition. I think it's my responsibility for what happened to him.
"He was quite in bad shape. He got bruises and wounds all over his body," our adviser joins in this time.
I look down praying in my head that he will be fine. I look at my arms and see scratches on them.
"How about me? Did anything serious happen?" I ask. I'm worried I'll be bedridden for a week.
"Don't worry, Sarada. Your bruises and scratches were already treated. You just need to rest for a while," the attending physician tells me. I give her a nod and she leaves immediately after.
"We will be preparing the venue for the prom tomorrow," I say.
"It's okay, Sarada. I have talked to the Drama Club adviser about your situation and she agreed that you'll rest for the whole day tomorrow. But, will you be able to come to the prom?" our adviser tells me.
"I think I can manage to come and I need to," I tell her. She nods and my classmates rejoice when they confirmed my attendance at the said event.
Mom tells everyone that we need to head home soon. She's so concerned about me. After a while, we leave the clinic and Chocho accompanies us to the car.
We wave goodbye to each other before the car starts moving. I feel so tired, confused, and worried at the same time. My emotions are spilling. I don't know how to deal with them anymore. I'm worried about the jerk's condition. I feel like I am liable for what happened to him though it was unexpected.
"Honey, are you okay?" mom wakes me from overthinking.
"Yes," I say but I know she can sense it. She tries not to ask more. We're silent the whole time.
"Are you hungry? I'll get you something to eat in your room," she tells me.
"No need mom. I'm going to bed already," I shake my head. She looks sad.
"Okay, food is available in the refrigerator. If you need anything just tell me, okay?" she informs me and I nod then proceed upstairs.
I can feel my back hurt due to the chair which hit me earlier. I lie sideways so it won't sting.
The memories from earlier keep popping into my head. The jerk was being beaten up by those morons.
How is he right now?
I want to check on him at the hospital but I still don't dare to face him. If it was not for me, he would not end up there anyway.
I take a deep breath before closing my eyes.
"Will you be my date?"
What the heck was that? Was he serious about it? Will he be able to come? I wonder if my mind will let me sleep tonight. I would not calm until he gets better.
Overthinking makes me sleepy. Finally, my mind feels tired. Shortly, my eyes slowly close and eventually fall asleep.
"Good morning, Sarada," mom greets me upon getting in the kitchen.
"Good morning," I say while smiling at her.
"How are you? How was your sleep?" she asks while cooking.
"Just fine. I think I got my energy back a bit," I tell her.
"That's good. And here's a soup to completely restore your energy," she serves the hot soup in front of me. It's been a while since I got breakfast with mom.
"Eat up so you'll feel better," she tells me. I scoop from the soup and put them in my bowl. I taste it and I feel giddy. Mom cooks deliciously as always.
"Do you want to visit Kawaki at the hospital?" she asks all of a sudden. I am stunned and did not respond immediately. I feel that my chest gets heavy. I look down to dodge mom's stares.
"I don't have the heart to see him," I say. This is the first time I told mom about what I feel.
"Sarada..." she mutters.
"He might be mad at me for what happened to him," I add. She grabs my hands to comfort me.
"I know he is not. He is the kindest person I know second to dad," she states. I look at her and she's smiling.
"You think so?" I say. She nods.
"But if you're still not ready to see him then it's fine. He must still be healing his wounds by now but he's going to be all right and that's for sure," she assures me and I smile at her.
The kindest person, huh?
"Sarada, I need to go to work today. Are okay just by yourself here?" she worries.
"Yes. Don't worry about me. I only have scratches and they are fine now. You do your best at work, okay?" I smile at her and she nods. I see her off then return inside.
I intend not to open the platform. I know I am on the headline again. I try to occupy myself by watching TV shows, reading books, and doing other stuff.
But, his words keep popping from time to time. I worry too much. I could not help it. I want to talk to Chocho but I know she's at school and busy preparing for the prom tomorrow.
I move closer to the closet where my dress for the prom is kept. It's dad's gift to mom back in the day when they're still dating. She kept it and still looks new.
I open the closet and remove the dress from the wire and stare at it for a while. It's a white silk dress. It's really beautiful. I wonder if this looks good on me.
I put it on the bed and imagined myself wearing it. It feels like a fairytale but there is no way it's happening for real.
The play suddenly appears in my head. I practiced my part for a while just to prepare myself for tomorrow.
I stop and space out again.
"Will you be my date?"
Arghh! I scratch my head over and over again.
The question is, will he come to the prom?
If he will, what should I answer him?
I really don't know! This is super troublesome! I scratch my head again.
I end up lying on my bed and watching the ceiling. I take a deep breath and look at my dress. I touch it and feel dad's presence.
Dad, lead me to the right choice...
A constant bell startles me. Someone is outside. I immediately go downstairs to see who is the person. When I open the door, I see Chocho waving at me.
"Sarada!" she hugs me.
"Chocho," I say.
"I miss you," she tells. Now that sounds cringe.
"We haven't seen each other for like a day and you already miss me," I tell her.
"I'm so lonely at school, you know?" she pouts and crosses her arms.
"I'm sorry," I tell her and she drags me inside the house.
"I have very important news to tell," she starts when we settle down.
"About what?" I say cluelessly.
"About yesterday's incident," she tells.
"Huh?" I mutter.
"I can't believe Yodo's behind the incident," she tells. Behind what? The kidnapping and beating the hell out of the jerk?
"I don't get it," I say.
"According to rumors, the guys from yesterday were paid by Yodo to scare the hell out of you and Akira," she reveals and my eyes stretch from what I have heard.
"No way," I mutter.
"I think that's because of the incident that happened during her birthday party and about Kawaki as well," she adds.
"About the jerk?" my forehead wrinkles.
"Ah, you're so oblivious. She likes Kawaki, doesn't she?" she shrugs.
"Um..." I murmur.
"You two seemed to be so close with him lately and she gets envious of you," she continues.
"That's a crazy reason to do that horrible thing. The jerk was beaten up badly," I frown.
"I don't know what would have happened to you if Kawaki was not there," she says. Well, she got a point. I could have been done wrong or anything.
"So, what happened to her?" I ask and she looks at me.
"She is suspended or probably she is not going to graduate with us," she reveals.
"I feel bad for her," I feeble.
"You should feel sorry for yourself and Kawaki because of her idiocy," she pouts.
"Yes, but still..." I say.
"Cut it off. She may find a way for it," she drinks her juice.
"By the way, do you have any idea about the jerk's condition?" I ask. I was worried the whole time.
"Hm. Our adviser informed us about his condition earlier. He was discharged from the hospital and thank goodness he has no serious injuries but the doctor said that he needs to rest for three days to fully recover," she informs me.
"I see," I feel kind of relieved and sad at the same time.
"You worry too much," she mutters all of a sudden.
"Yes, he wasn't be hospitalized if it's not for me," I say.
"You should not blame yourself," she comforts me but I can't help but feel that way.
"What about the drama club. Did everything go well?" I ask her.
"Yup. They told me that you should prepare yourself for the play. And everyone is looking forward to it. Do your best, okay?" she smiles at me.
"Yeah, thank you for cheering me up, Chocho," I tell her.
"We are best friends. We need each other's shoulders in times like this," she grabs my hand and comforts me.
We talked for a bit more until she mentioned going home.
"See you at the prom," she waves and I wave back. I watch her back until it fades.
Thank goodness, he's safe...
I clench my chest in relief.
But... He might not come tomorrow...
"Will you be my date?" they just keep coming...
Junior and Senior Promenade
The designs look stunning. I just got to the venue.
"Sarada!" Chocho calls. I turn to see her. She is wearing a red sparkling dress.
"Chocho, you look great with your outfit tonight," I tell her.
"You too," she tells me.
"Sarada!" Namida and Wasabi approach us.
"You're okay now. We are glad to see you tonight," Namida says and I smile at her.
"I can't wait to see you on the stage later," Wasabi tells me.
"Yes, we are so excited about it," Namida answers her.
"Sarada, good luck with the play," Denki waves together with Iwabe and Lee.
"Thank you," I say.
"Let's get inside," Chocho invites us.
"Wow!" we utter at once.
I look around and the venue is slightly occupied with participants. I look for him hoping that he is around but he seems nowhere to be found. I suddenly feel awful.
"Sarada? Come here quick. You need to prepare for the play," the President calls out to me.
"Yes," I say and I leave them behind.
"Sarada," someone calls behind me and I can't help but turn to see him.
"Boruto, what's the matter?" I ask. He is standing in front of me wearing his smiling face.
"Can I have a minute?" he asks.
"Yeah, sure," I tell him.
"Um. It's about the..." he pauses. I wait for him to continue.
"I just want to ask..." he pauses from time to time.
"Will you be my date tonight?"
"Will you be my date?"
His face suddenly appears in my eyes. My eyes grow bigger. My heart starts to race again.
"Hey, talk to her later. We are in a rush," the President interrupts us. She pushes me backstage leaving Boruto behind.
"I'm sorry," I tell her.
"Sarada, I'll be waiting," I hear him say.
"Sure, wait for her after the play," the President is talking to him.
Some were already dressed up when I arrive. One of the members of the council handed over my costume and I accepted it with all my heart.
This is my first big role. In most of the plays in which I am the lead role, they turned into a disaster. But tonight is the night. I'm closer to my dreams.
I wish he was there watching...
"Sarada, get ready. It's your scene next," the President reminds me.
"Yes," I say with courage surging in my chest.
As the curtains lift, I slowly see the crowd in front of me. They put their hands together while smiling.
I start to move in front of them, saying my lines. They tend to be carried away by my words. Some clench their chests. Some are almost crying.
I am the lady longing for love for a long time. Then two men showed me what love truly is.
Whom should I choose someone always ready to shower his love to me or someone from afar I long to be with?
Who would it be?
They applaud after the play. We bow our heads to show gratitude to them. Then the curtains fall again. The host of the activity resumes his work.
We go backstage to change. All of them congratulated me on a job well done. I am so happy. I feel like I have accomplished a dream.
"Sarada, that was fantastic!" Chocho compliments me and I could not help but blush.
"Thank you," I tell her.
I look at the crowd and I see Boruto approaching.
No way...
But before he can even reach my point, I glance at a very familiar face. My eyes grow wider upon realizing who was it.
"Sarada..." Boruto starts when he arrives. Chocho seems clueless about what is happening.
I think my lips are zipped. He is about to speak again but I cut him off.
"Boruto, I'm sorry..."
I tell him and run off. I will run to him. I will catch him and walk beside him.
I knew it's him. I saw him earlier...
God, he came...
I search for him everywhere. I check on every classroom that I pass by. I even check on him in our classroom but he is not there. He is not around.
"Was it just my imagination?" I murmur to myself. I start to feel down.
I head to the hallway to look for him at the oval and I see a shadow from a distance. A figure of a guy's back facing me standing in the middle of the hallway.
He is not a ghost, right?
He moves his head and shoves his hands in his pockets.
That gesture... That is annoying yet the coolest gesture I have ever seen...
"Coming here means a yes, right?"
That annoying voice that hurts my ear.
He turns to face me...
That annoying grumpy face I long to see...
I think tears start to form in the corners of my eyes.
"It's definitely a yes, jerk!" I think I have said it louder than I thought.
"Ah, you're still that annoying dork I know..."
That dork huh?
I think I like it better now...
"Chocho, faster! We will be late. The ceremony is about to start," I say.
"Okay, okay, I'm trying to walk faster," she tells me. I am dragging her to the auditorium. Mom and her parents are walking behind us.
"The Graduation Ceremony will start in ten minutes," the host announces.
We settle down and my classmates soon greet us.
"Congratulations to this year's Top Student, Sarada!" my classmates cheer for me and I think my cheeks blush again.
"Thank you guys," I say still blushing.
I see Yodo wearing her graduation dress and she's talking to Tsubaki. I think she had been pardoned and will graduate with us today. I'm happy for her.
I look around to search for the jerk but...
"I can't wait to see you wear that medal, Sarada," Chocho mutters.
"Where the hell is he?" I say. Chocho looks confused.
The ceremony is about to start.
I stand up from my seat and decided to look for him around.
I still have like seven minutes before it starts.
"Where are you going, Sarada?" Chocho asks.
"I think I need to pee," I lie and she did not ask again.
I look for him in the hallway he might be there. But I was wrong. No signs of him. I think I have looked for him anywhere. I gasp since I keep running back and forth.
"What the hell jerk?" I yell. I am annoyed. I suddenly feel dizzy. I lean against the wall for a while. I need to see him.
Wait, he must be there...
I go to the Grade 10 building and proceed to the rooftop.
"And I am right. You are here," he is lying at the top of the water tank.
"Why are you here?" he asks.
"The ceremony is about to start. Get down," I tell him.
"No, it's boring. I don't want to come. You should not miss it instead," he replies.
"Don't be so stubborn and get down," I tell him.
"No," he keeps resisting. This jerk is really annoying.
"Jerk, get do-," I am cut off. Suddenly, everything goes dark and I don't know what happened next.
"Dork, wake up..." were the only words I heard...
"Sarada!"
"Mom?" I say upon realizing that mom's in front of me.
"At last, you're awake," she mutters. She looks so worried.
"What happened?" I ask.
"You collapsed at the rooftop. You got a high fever. Luckily, Kawaki was there and we rushed you here in the hospital," she tells me.
"Hey, the graduation!" I almost scream.
She looks sad. I did not make it. I start to feel down.
"I'm sorry mom. I didn't make up the stage," I say almost crying.
"What are you saying? The most important thing is your safety? You're still this year's Top Student," she smiles at me. I just give her a nod and I look down.
Suddenly, the doors open. It's the jerk.
"What's with that look?" he asks.
"Are you going to make fun of me?" I pout.
"Huh? I am here to give you something," he says.
"What's that?" I say in shock.
He moves closer to my bed and hands over the medal to me.
My eyes sparkle upon receiving the fruit of my hard work.
"You better not cry," he says while walking off.
"Are you heading out, Kawaki?" mom asks him.
"Yeah," he says not looking back.
"Thank you..." I tell him. He suddenly puts his hands into his pockets.
"Get better soon," he says and completely leaves. I think my cheeks turn red again.
"Hmmm..." mom clears her throat.
"You're blushing, honey," she teases me.
"Huh? I am not!" I stammer. She laughs at me.
"Are you two-" I cut her off.
"No, we're not!" I snap.
"I didn't say anything yet," she keeps teasing me.
"Shut up, will you?" I tell her and she burst out laughing.
"Mom, is dad coming today?"
"He promised to come. But, he must be finishing his work,"
"I want him to buy me ice cream,"
"He's coming with ice cream in his hand,"
"I can't wait..."
THE END...
The following are my OCs in this story:
1. Mr. Martin
2. Toya
3. Dae
4. Don
5. Mr. Fujiyama/Simone
6. Taki Fujiyama
7. Yukito Fujiyama
8. Emilia Fujiyama
9. Kira
10. Akira
Do you still remember them? Which character is your favorite?