"Please…I heard about Jakotsu being sick…may I please come in?" Hikaru's desperate voice drifted into the small house.

"No you may not Hikaru, I've told you. Jakotsu is very sick at the moment. He can't have visitors!" Kiko's sharp voice replied.

Jakotsu ran his fingers against the soft futon he lay on. He closed his eyes and curled into fetal position.

"I know…but I'm so worried about him…" Hikaru really did sound worried. That was nice…

"Yes…well when he is better I'll tell him you came." Kiko said. Jakotsu knew she would do no such thing.

"Well, alright. I hope he gets better soon." There was a whooshing noise, as the straw door closed. Kiko waited a few minutes before walking over to Jakotsu.

"That boy…its repulsive, how he talks like he cares so much about you…god, its as if you are lovers." Kiko's voice was full of disgust.

Jakotsu did not replied. He had not said anything to Kiko, or anyone else for that matter, in the last twelve hours. After, Jakotsu had run away from Hikaru, he had stumbled around the small village, feeling lost and disoriented. He finally returned and collapsed on the floor. Even Kiko, who normally never paid attention to Jakotsu, except when yelling at him, noticed Jakotsu's quietness.

"Sick? Well I still expect you to do the chores. You cant be that sick!" She had said. Jakotsu had barely heard her. His mind was somewhere else, in a place where he was drowning in self-pity and sorrow. Most of the times Jakotsu kept his troubles at the back of his mind, choosing not to think of them often. He had built a wall between himself and all those negative emotions he had. But now…it was like his latest bit of pain and suffering had broken the wall. Now, all the horrible emotions that Jakotsu hated feeling were overwhelming him. At the moment he was incredibly aware of all his troubles. The fact that has mother hated him. The fact that his father, whom he loved, was somewhere in the mountains in danger. That the fact he was in love with his best friend…and finally that the person he loved might be in love with another.

"Jakotsu, I'm going out! Stay here. You better not let that boy Hikaru inside, or I'll know." Jakotsu made no reply, as the straw mat door swished closed.

I wish I were somebody else. Jakotsu lay on the ground for a few minutes feeling horrible.

Suddenly there was a soft thumping on the side of the house.

"Um is anyone home?" A soft female voice called out. It was Sayo. Jakotsu felt a burst of bitterness upon hearing her voice. I'll pretend I'm asleep. I wont say anything. Jakotsu decided. He inhaled in surprise, when he heard the straw mat door open. He imagined Sayo peering inside.

"Uh…are you awake?" When Jakotsu didn't reply, Sayo spoke again. "Jakotsu?"

God, just leave me alone. Jakotsu wondered what Sayo could possible want with him.

"Kiko…she told my Mom you were sick…eh, Mother told me to leave these buns here. It's the sort of thing you're supposed to do for your fiancé."

Ooh…Jakotsu felt a flicker of interest at that. Sayo's voice had turned slightly bitter at that last sentence…it made sense that Sayo wouldn't want to marry Jakotsu if she liked Hikaru. Don't worry Sayo I don't want to marry you either.

"Are you really asleep?" Sayo asked. Her voice was quieter now, and less questioning. By this point, she didn't really think there was a chance Jakotsu was asleep, but was just checking to make sure. There was a silence for a few minutes, and Jakotsu was relieved. She had probably left…

There was a soft thump, beside Jakotsu, as someone sat on the floor beside him.

What the hell? Jakotsu wondered angrily. What was she doing?

"This is stupid talking to a sleeping person I guess…forgive me but I want to vent a little. Threes no one else who's awake who will listen to my problems…" Sayo's voice sounded soft and vulnerable. And slightly sad.

"I guess…I don't want to marry you." Jakotsu almost sat up. Why was Sayo doing this? It was so weird!

"I know…these days that's how so many people marry…its what' expected of me. I can't apologize to you when you're awake. So I want to now. I can't help it. I…I'm sorry but I love someone else."

Of course you do. I do as well. Jakotsu thought.

"You know your friend…Hikaru. He cares for you so much you know. I used to watch you two and get jealous. You guys had such a good friendship. I always wanted to have a close friend, as well. Jakotsu…you must forgive him, and keep your friendship. No matter what, he does. A friendship like yours should live on until you both die."

Jakotsu was struggling to keep his breathing even. Under his eyelids he felt hot tears gather. Damn! He didn't want to cry, especially not now.

"Um…well alright. Farewell Jakotsu…" He heard Sayo stand and listened to her walk away from the door. Finally the door swung open and then closed.

Jakotsu opened his eyes. He sat up and looked at the bag Sayo had left on the ground. It was, as she had said, a bag of buns. He picked them up. Sayo…Your wrong…our friendship is far from perfect…it's far from beautiful. It just showed how little others knew of Jakotsu. They believed his fake smiles, his cheerful attitude, without questioning the hurt in his eyes.

Although…Hikaru. Jakotsu imagined if they weren't friends. He would never get to see Hikaru's lovely face. Or his pretty brown eyes. Is it better…to be with Hikaru, and suffer, or never see Hikaru, and not suffer?

"I'll go apologize about my behavior to Hikaru, tomorrow." Jakotsu decided.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Jakotsu felt his heart flutter in his chest. He was walking to Hikaru's house, ready to apologize.

The image of Hikaru's face fluttered through Jakotsu's mind.

"Oh who am I kidding…I'm so nervous…how can I sum up the nerve to talk to him?" Jakotsu sighed. It was stupid…why was he nervous about seeing Hikaru? He saw his friend practically all the time. Why was today so different? Looking back, Jakotsu thought his feelings at that time might have been a premonition. A warning of the events that were to follow. But at that moment, had no idea of what was going to happen. He continued walking towards Hikaru's house.

I can't do it. Jakotsu thought. He dug his nails into the palm of his hand. He hated himself for being so weak.

I'll sit by the river for a bit…that will calm me down. He turned around, and began heading for the riverside. It was an abnormally nice day. The sakura trees were now in full bloom, and the temperature was perfect, with just the hint of a breeze. It was a good day to sit by the river and relax.

Jakotsu pushed away a few branches, of trees and bushes, which grew along the riverside. He stepped into the clearing beside the river.

Jakotsu smiled a little, at the site of the river, its water flowing as sakura petals blew into the water. The scene was picturesque, with flowers strewn along the ground, and petals everywhere.

Then he froze. At first his brain refused to register the site. He felt no pain at first. He was in shock.

There, standing amidst the pretty sight, was Hikaru and Sayo. Kissing. Hikaru had his arms around her. They were so into what they were doing, that they didn't notice Jakotsu's presence.

The numbness faded. The shock ended. Jakotsu felt the full fury of pain and rage, strike him. For a moment Jakotsu couldn't see. Everything was red and blurry.

"Hi…Hikaru!" The shout burst out of Jakotsu before he could stop it.

Hikaru lifted his head. His eyes widened when he saw Jakotsu.

"Jakotsu!" Hikaru released Sayo, and backed away looking horrified. He looked like what Jakotsu felt. Except Jakotsu probably felt one hundred times worse then Hikaru. The pain was ripping at his heart, and crushing it. Everything hurt so much!

"Hikaru…how could…why…?" Jakotsu couldn't speak. Even if he could, there would be no words to describe what he was feeling.

"I'm sorry Jakotsu!" Hikaru said, his voice desperate. "But…I love Sayo! And…I always thought you didn't care about her…I didn't know you would mind."

Jakotsu's heart was breaking. His dear friend…of course he didn't know the way Jakotsu felt. Jakotsu didn't care about Sayo…he cared about Hikaru. He wanted to be the one that Hikaru was holding…he wanted to be kissed.

"Jakotsu…you must forgive him, and keep your friendship. No matter what, he does. A friendship like yours should live on until you both die."

Sayo's voice echoed through Jakotsu's head. He knew at this point their friendship was in repairable…in his mind he was imagining all the times where he and Hikaru had played together, laughing and joking. He remembered the butterfly hair clip, Hikaru has given him. Now…what would happen? Would they still be able to laugh and play? Jakotsu wanted to believe that, but in his heart he knew it wasn't so.

But…Hikaru! I don't want to lose him!

Jakotsu felt a wave of desperation strike him. The words flew from his lips before he could stop them

"Hikaru…I…I love you!"

Immediately after Jakotsu said it, he felt regret. He wished he could snatch up the words again and stuff them back into his mouth. But it was too late.

Hikaru's face made him go on. It was a mix of emotions…bewilderment, sadness, and grief.

The words pored from Jakotsu's mouth. "Hikaru, I'm not upset over Sayo…you were right. I don't care much for her…its you who I'm hurting for."

Hikaru's eyes widened.

"I have never said it before, but I love you! And…and I cant imagine living without you with me." Jakotsu was crying now…he hadn't realized it earlier, but now thick tears were dripping onto his neck, and rolling down onto his clothes. They fell onto the ground below. Jakotsu willed himself to look at Hikaru.

Hikaru's face was a mask of horror and disbelief. He looked as if he had seen a ghost…like Jakotsu was a ghost…or a monster.

At that moment a part of Jakotsu snapped. He knew from one look at Hikaru's expression, that their friendship was destroyed.

Among the falling sakura petals, Jakotsu ran.

He sound of his feet pounding against the ground rang through his ears. He was sobbing now, unable to stop the heaves that wracked his body. His eyes grew too blurred to see.

Father…I need you now! In that moment of agony, Jakotsu had forgotten his father was away…he just wanted to be with his father so he could be comforted. Before he knew it, Jakotsu was bursting through the door of his home.

"Father!" Jakotsu stopped.

Kiko was standing still inside the house. In her hand she was holding apiece of paper. Her face has a far away look of disbelief, as if she were in shock. Right then, Jakotsu remembered how his father wasn't there.

No! I need you here now, father!

Kiko's far away eyes, focused on Jakotsu. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Finally she spoke. Her voice was oddly flat and emotionless. "Jakotsu…Reisuki is dead."

Jakotsu stared at Kiko. He must have heard wrong…Kiko just said…Reisuki was dead. It couldn't be!

Kiko spoke again. This time her voice trembled slightly. "The messenger from Shigakoku, just arrived a few minutes ago…Reisuki has died, while fighting a demon."

Everything blurred. Jakotsu couldn't see, couldn't think, couldn't hear. He felt like his body was crumbling to ashes, like his mind was snapping into two…for a moment he grew dizzy…then everything turned black.