Bitter.
What other way to describe his angry haze as he took another sip from his…what was it…fourth or fifth glass? It didn't matter. He was pissed. After getting kicked out of the reunion in such a humiliating fashion, his immediate instinct had been to escape to another bar, wallowing in his fury in a series of shots of liquor.
He just couldn't accept it.
There was no way he could accept it.
That he of all people was better than him.
"A-Another…" He said to the bartender.
"Sir, I think you've had enough. And we're closing soon."
"I-I'll tell you when I've had enough," he bit back, words slurred. "N-Now give me another."
"Unless you would like me to remove you physically, I'm going to have to ask you to close your tab and leave, sir."
He cursed beneath his breath, begrudgingly pulling out payment for his drinks. Afterwards, he stood from his seat, and headed for the door with a sluggish gait.
"Sir, are taking the train home? I would hope you're not planning on driving like that."
"M-Mind your own business…"
He stumbled out of the bar, walking in the direction of where he had last parked. Even through his drunken blur he was still able to recognize the familiar outline of his own car. He struggled to open it, fumbling with his keys and then the door, but eventually he sat himself in the front seat.
Admittedly, this wasn't the first time he had driven home in such a state.
He couldn't even remember if he had actually started the car or not, but before he knew it he was already on the road. In his reckless navigation, his feelings of anger and frustration continued to persist. The events of the confrontation from the reunion played back in his mind on repeat despite whatever he tried to do to drown it.
He couldn't stop seeing his face.
'I got into the J1 soccer league immediately after graduation.'
That was a lie. He hadn't gotten into the J1 soccer league after college. It was a fantasy he had created in his mind to make himself look superior in that moment. In reality, the truth was far from that.
He had failed to even get any offers to play for college after graduating high school. In fact, he hadn't graduated college yet like the rest of his peers. He had failed too many classes. His parents had stated it was because of all the time he spent at parties and mixers, but what did they expect? That was what he had done all his life. Who cares about grades and careers as long as you were popular?
And yet…when all was said and done. As more years went by…
It was him that became part of the laughing stock.
Again…his face flashed in his mind.
No it wasn't his own fault.
It couldn't be.
Because every moment before that…
He had gotten what he wanted.
Everything belonged to him.
Whatever he wanted, his parents had given to him. They were rich aftreall. He had been part of the soccer club. He had recognition from his peers. Girls were constantly swooning over him for his attention. He was one of the most popular guys in his grade.
So of course, once he heard that Fumino Furuhashi was one of the prettiest girls in their grade, he wanted her to be his. And just like anything else that he wanted, he had expected to get it. When the girl turned him down, he continued to try to corner her to agree. He had always gotten his way, and she was going to be no different.
But then…he came around.
A nobody who had the nerve to go against him. A very first for him. No one had ever mustered the guts to speak against his wishes, and yet this Nariyuki Yuiga guy had. It had shocked him, and when the boy had persisted to speak with words about…'truly loving'…and 'respecting Fumino's wishes'...he had found himself empty for a retort. He had decided to let go of his advances on the girl, deciding that she wasn't worth it if it meant having to deal with the persistence of some random nerd.
He had thought it had just been an anomaly.
A year later, he had found out the two had become a couple.
He had never felt so humiliated.
*HONK*
He swerved out of the way, narrowly avoiding a car from incoming traffic.
It wasn't fair.
He wouldn't even have to be dealing with this drunken state if it wasn't for him.
Yes…all of his problems. The point where everything in his life had started falling apart. It started from there…when he had failed to make Fumino Furuhashi his. Not getting into his school of choice. Not getting any offers for soccer in college. Not being able to pass his classes. No. It wasn't because he partied and messed around too much. It wasn't because he was ignorant…or because he was a bad person like everyone kept saying about him.
It was Nariyuki Yuiga's fault.
He took away his perfect life.
If Fumino had become his girlfriend, then everything would still be the way it was...
He would still have everything that he ever wanted.
…
His eyes froze.
As if to speak his remorse into existence, he recognizes two figures in the distance, faces unmistakeable.
It was them, and his drunken eyes focused on their intertwined hands.
The choice that followed was one that he would come to regret.
One misguided by hateful intent.
He pressed his foot onto the pedal…
His trajectory straight aimed directly towards a blue-haired figure.
In the end…
He had confirmed the very fact that he had tried to deny.
…
He really was a bad person.
'If I can't have her…'
'Then neither should he.'
"NARIYUKI!"
There was an unending ringing in Fumino's ears. It started the moment she saw his body go limp. It reverberated endlessly in her head even as she called the emergency telephone number for an ambulance, blocking out all her other senses so well that she barely noticed the hands trying to get her up off the ground.
She was drowning. Unable to break the surface.
She couldn't make out what was around her, only in front. His brown disheveled hair, and the blood that tainted it now. She could only focus on the rise and fall of his chest that seemed to slow by the second.
There were sirens. They added to the ringing. It wouldn't stop.
Arms were trying to hold her back. Trying to calm her down. But she was burning. It was so hot. With what? She didn't know. There was panic.
Its friend, Guilt, was there, too.
Who had been in the car? That didn't matter in the slightest capacity in the present moment.
She had only desperation. A thin string to hold onto as she continued to hold onto his hand. The paramedics escorted him on a stretcher to the back of the ambulance, and she refused to go anywhere else but by his side.
The ringing wouldn't stop.
With every breath and rise of his chest…every second to the hospital as the paramedics attempted to keep his pulse afloat…
The ringing remained.
It was cold.
Like a gentle rain in the spring.
No, more like the snow.
Though, his surroundings were certainly not that of snow. He was in a courtyard behind a school it seemed. A familiar one at that. His senses felt...different. Despite the vividity of the details before him, it felt as if he wasn't even present in his own body…like he was watching himself from an outside glass.
But he was there…and everything felt…
Nostalgic.
Five Years Ago
~October~
Nariyuki sat himself next to the Fumino in their special spot behind the school. Her parent teacher conference had concluded, and notingly, Fumino's father had actually attended the second time around. It was just a few days after the events of the girl's runaway from home, and the feelings that had come from the affair still resonated in Nariyuki's heart with clarity.
He had hardly done much, but he couldn't express how relieved he was by the outcome.
"I see. I'm glad to hear that he accepted everything without trouble," he said with a bright smile.
"Yeah…" Fumino looked to him gratefully. "All thanks to you."
Nariyuki chuckled, smiling shyly.
"I didn't do anything really," he insisted, expression bashful. "It was all from your own courage, Furuhashi."
The girl's smile softened at his words.
"You did plenty…more than I could ever be grateful for, Nariyuki." She said wholeheartedly.
His face warmed at the sincerity held in the girl's gaze and he was unable to stop himself from averting his own. It was strange…the anxiousness he was currently feeling, though it certainly wasn't negative. After everything that had transpired, he had expected to feel emotions of joy for Fumino, which he of course did in all of its entirety…
But that was the thing…it wasn't the only thing there.
There was something budding, persistent. How through everything that had happened for Fumino…through the imposing hurdle she had managed to overcome for her dream…
He had managed to find a hope for himself too.
"Uhm…Furuhashi…i-if it's okay with you…I have something that I wanted to tell you…" he started shyly.
Fumino blinked, gaze curious.
"What is it?" She asked.
…
He hesitated, feeling the nervousness build up inside of him. He was afraid. Very afraid. His breathing seemed to shallow as the seconds of silence went on.
But...eventually...Fumino scooted closer to him.
And his gaze met her kind and warm one...
"It's okay...you can tell me," she said softly. "I promise I'll be here to listen...no matter what it is."
…
Soothing. That's what her kindness was to him, and Nariyuki felt his apprehension lift slowly and positively.
He took a deep breath.
And let himself speak.
"I'm...thinking of turning down...the VIP nomination," he finally announced.
"..."
The girl was quiet for several seconds.
…
Until she wasn't.
"Ehh?!" Fumino exclaimed in shock.
The reaction was expected, but Nariyuki knew that if he stopped here that he would likely be unable to muster the courage again, and so he continued with a tentative voice.
"I-I've been thinking...that I want to try pursuing an education degree in college…" He explained. "A-After getting to see you confront your dream before your dad…I realized that I want to take a step forward too. I…want to be able to face you and your passion head on…and I thought...that this might be the first step in getting there. That doesn't mean I would stop tutoring you of course! I…still want to support you...no matter what. I just...wouldn't be doing it for the nomination anymore is all. Money would obviously be an issue with that…but…I would probably take some part time jobs to start saving up for tuition. I know that a teaching certificate is an alternative too…but if I do this…I want to be able to give everything I got."
He shifted uneasily at the next part, feeling the doubt seeping into him once again.
"I-I'm still not sure if it's the right choice…and…maybe I'm just silly for even thinking this…but…I just felt like...I had to tell you first...before anything…"
…
"W-what do you think?" He finished shakily.
It was forward to say, but it was true.
It was so very clear to him.
'I'm going to listen to the love in my heart, and stand up for my dream!'
...
'Thank you, Nariyuki...for being a wonderful person to me."
"I'm really happy...that I got to meet someone like you…'
It was Fumino who had inspired...and gave him the courage...to make this step forward for himself.
And right now…as he bared his heart like this for the very first time...
She was the only one in the world that mattered.
"Nariyuki…"
His throat caught, staring in unfeigned anticipation.
Fumino smiled...
Heartfelt joy brimming in her eyes.
"That's so wonderful..."
…
He could hardly believe it...the pure amount of warmth laced in her voice.
"R-Really..?" He asked dumbly.
Fumino nodded animatedly. "Of course! I mean…I'm obviously surprised that you might be turning down the nomination. It's…the whole reason why I even got to have you as my tutor in the first place. But…that doesn't make it silly at all. Not even a little. In fact...it's so obvious to me...that this is something that you really want to do..."
And then...
"Being able to take a step forward...for the feelings in your heart. How can that be described as anything else but wonderful?" She said affectionately.
...
"Furuhashi…"
He was speechless...
"I think it's so admirable that you're trying to save up for tuition now, and…I'm so grateful that you're still okay with tutoring me, Nariyuki…but…it's definitely going to be really stressful if you really do decide to take on multiple part time jobs…" Fumino added worriedly. "I know there's not much I can do to help you with your money issue, but…"
Her eyes became resolute, renewed with intent.
"I'm going to do my very best to help take off the load for you," she said confidently. "I'm going to make sure that I study harder on my own so that you don't have to give me lessons as often. That way...you'll have more time after school for your part-time jobs!" She emphasized firmly.
"..."
There was no end to it...his wholehearted and wondrous stupor.
She already assumed it... that he was decided. To say he was moved by the fact was giving far too little credit to his current state. He was relieved. So very relieved by her heartfelt affirmation. But through his gratefulness he also felt a tinge of fear from the girl's promise. Fumino wanted fewer lessons so that he could focus on his own work, but that also meant that though it was for his sake…they would be losing out on their overall time spent together.
And that was something that Nariyuki wasn't willing to give up.
"Thank you, Furuhashi…really...but…it's okay. I know you've already been working your very best every day. You're always making progress every time I see you, and…it makes me so happy to see that…but…I'd rather we keep our routine of seeing each other…" He said as his gaze became yearnful. "Afterall, I-"
'I really love…the time I get to spend with you.'
Yes. It was obvious to him...just how much he looked forward to it everyday. Whether it was tutoring her to help her get closer to her dream...or simply talking to her about the excitements of their days...every moment with Fumino felt purposeful...warm. He already knew it...but...this was the first time that he really pondered over the fact, and it was enough to cause him to blush heatedly...embarrassing enough for him to come up with a separate reason.
"I…study better when I'm with someone else…." He finished lamely.
It was far off the specificity that he truly felt.
Thankfully for him, Fumino smiled amiably at his reasoning.
"I…study better when I'm with someone else too…but…I'm still going to do everything I can to help make things easier for you," she insisted with kindness. "If not for fewer lessons…I'll make sure to do even more self-studying whenever I can, so during our lessons, you can at least spend much more time on your own studying."
"That way..."
...
"We can both do our very best...and reach our goal of acing entrance exams together!" She finished hopefully.
The overwhelming warmth stirred within him...even more so than before...if that was possible. From the softness in her eyes…from the belief in her voice. Never in his life would he have expected to be able to make a commitment for a career of interest…much less one that would make him feel this...impassioned.
'But...if...the time comes when you've found something you really want to do...big sis will be here to support you...with everything she's got!'
Yet with Fumino…even when he felt that he was treading in unknown waters…even when he felt that the passion he yearned to be a part of was so far away from his reach…
'Being able to take a step forward...for the feelings in your heart. How can that be described as anything else but wonderful?'
She was always...giving him hope.
And he was so wonderfully…wonderfully grateful.
"Thank you...Furuhashi." He whispered.
Fumino smiled tenderly in return, meeting his gaze with earnesty.
"Of course..."
She was so kind. Kinder than he could ever hope to comprehend.
And Nariyuki found himself wanting to continue to unravel the strange but warm feeling in his chest.
"Am I interrupting something?"
He nearly jumped at the familiar gruff voice.
"F-Father!" Fumino stood up from her spot next to him. "Don't you need to be at the university?"
"Yes, but I remembered that there was something I wanted to confirm," Reiji said before looking to him pointedly.
"Nariyuki Yuiga…" the man started mysteriously, and Nariyuki couldn't help but swallow thickly in reply. "Specifically, what stage of a relationship have you gotten to with my daughter?"
Nariyuki blinked in confusion. "H-Huh? W-What do you mean..?"
"Well…" Reiji looked back and forth between the two of them. "You two have been living under the same roof so…"
Comprehension dawned on him, his face turning bright red, but it was Fumino who made the first move in shoving the man away from their vicinity.
"W-WHAT ARE YOU SAYING FATHER?! IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT!"
Mizuki rushed up to the reception desk at breakneck speed.
"N-Nariyuki Yuiga?! I'm here for my brother!" She said with heavy breaths.
Despite her clearly panicked state, the receptionist remained visibly calm, offering a prompt answer to her request. "Mizuki Yuiga, correct? Your mother is already in the intensive care unit waiting. One of our nurses right here will take you there right away.
She bowed hastily, silently thanking the woman before following the nurse in question. All the while her mind was racing a mile a minute.
Car accident. Crash. Drunk driver.
She cursed herself fully. Why did it have to be on the day that she decided to stay over at her friend's place? If she had been at home then she would've known much earlier. It wasn't until after she woke up from a good night's rest that she saw the twenty missed phone calls from her mother in her inbox. Once she had called back and been informed of the jarring news, she had left her friend's house in a frenzy, not even bothering to explain the situation to her.
Why? Why was this happening? Apparently Fumino had been involved too. Was she alright?
There were too many questions that she was scared to find the answers to. A few more minutes of hurried walking, and the nurse she had been following brought her into another waiting room, smaller than the first. She immediately recognized her mother seated in one of the seats, who was in the middle of speaking to what appeared to be one of the lead doctors.
And sitting next to her mother was someone that she couldn't be more relieved to see.
"Fumino!" She cried, not wasting a second as she ran over to the girl's side and hugged her tightly.
"Mizuki…"
"I'm sorry I got here so late!" She apologized immediately, voice on the verge of tears. "I-I wasn't at home! I'm so sorry!"
She hated herself. She hated how she couldn't be here sooner. She was desperate for the girl's forgiveness.
The kindness in Fumino's eyes was the very affirmation she needed.
"It's okay," Fumino said gently, reaching out to grasp her hands comfortingly. "You're here now and that's what matters."
She choked out a sob, rushing forward to hug the older girl once more.
When they broke apart, Mizuki's eyes filled with reciprocated concern.
"A-Are you okay?" She asked.
There was a brief silence, but eventually Fumino nodded slowly.
"I'm fine."
It appeared that way. Physically, there was nothing to show that Fumino had been harmed, but there was something in the girl's voice that caused Mizuki's heart to clench.
She looked at the doctor pointedly.
"W-What happened?" She asked, expression worried.
"I was just about to tell your mother and Mrs. Furuhashi here about your brother's state," the older man explained calmly. "Fortunately, we were able to stabilize his vitals after he was brought here with Mrs. Furuhashi. Three shattered ribs, internal bleeding of his spleen that we were able to repair, a fractured pelvis, a left shoulder tear, and numerous lacerations and soft tissue injuries. For a direct pedestrian accident, it's a miracle that he was able to get away with just these physical injuries."
The man's face then fell noticeably.
And Mizuki was certain that her heart froze.
"But unfortunately, he's suffered a traumatic head injury," the doctor continued sadly. "We've attempted to stir his consciousness, but I'm afraid all of the signs are there. Depressed brain stem reflexes. Pupils not responding to light. No responses of limbs, except for reflex movements. He isn't showing any signs of waking."
Mizuki's head spun at the answer.
"W-What do you mean? H-he wont wake up? T-that doesn't make any sense!" She exclaimed, feeling her breath shallow.
The doctor's expression remained sympathetic.
"Put simply, your brother appears to be in a coma. For how long we are not sure."
…
"N-No way…" She said disbelievingly.
"I'm sorry." The man bowed solemnly before leaving the three of them alone. It only took a moment for Mizuki's vision to swim. She hadn't cried in a while, but the tears came at full force.
She felt scared, helpless. This was too sudden. What was she supposed to do? What could she do?
She was falling apart.
…
A familiar sensation of slender arms brought her out of her trepidation.
"It's okay…" Fumino whispered.
"S-Sis…" She sobbed.
The older girl ran a hand through her hair comfortingly. "Everything's going to be alright," she continued gently. "You heard the doctor right? His injuries were better than we could ever hope for. He's going to get through this."
"B-but he's-"
"He'll wake up."
The belief in Fumino's voice was forceful, firm, and Mizuki found herself staring back silently with wide eyes.
"I promise," Fumino said. "No matter what, Nariyuki will wake up and come back to you all. He's too sweet to leave you guys alone. He'll be awake before you know it." The girl wiped a lone tear away from her cheek.
"So until then…"
…
"Let's support him and be strong together, okay?" Fumino finished encouragingly.
She couldn't stop it. Her expression became tearful once more, letting loose another heave of sobs as she buried herself into Fumino's chest.
"S-Sis…"
She was comforted. Grateful. Her mother must have felt the same way because soon after the woman joined in on their hug, eyes filled with her own shed tears.
Yes, they were comforted. Because Fumino was so strong. Stronger and kinder than anyone she knew.
Yet, even in its subtleness…Mizuki felt it.
Even with her brave and comforting smile that she adorned wholeheartedly…
Mizuki could feel Fumino shaking too.
Five Years Ago
~December~
He was napping.
He could tell by the way his head was buried into the crook of his own arms as he stirred through his sleepiness. He vaguely recalled the events before he had succumbed to his exhaustion. He had been studying together with Fumino for the majority of the afternoon. Originally, they were supposed to study at his place, but after hearing Fumino scream in panic and a loud crash erupt through their phone call, he had rushed over to her house in a worry, afraid that the worst had happened.
Turned out it had simply been a very cute and energetic cat that her father had offered to look after for a family friend. He had been relieved that it hadn't been anything harmful to Fumino's well being, but it was a bit embarrassing knowing that he had been completely off the mark with his presumption.
Not that he wasn't going to come either way. His time together with the girl was something that he looked forward to happily every day, which seemed to be a major contribution to the warm feeling in his chest whenever he got to see her. Every one of their study sessions was filled with pleasantness and shared smiles of encouragement, so it was no surprise that those were the most productive times of the day for him. Ever since he had decided to commit to an education degree, his workload had increased greatly with their now shared goal of passing entrance exams. Falling prey to his drowsiness was a result to be expected.
But…he didn't remember napping being so cozy.
At the thought, he woke up fully, blinking as he took in his surroundings. He was still in Fumino's house naturally, and there was a comfortable weight that seemed to be enveloping him snugly.
It was Fumino's coat.
He blushed, realizing that the girl had probably placed the garment over him to keep him warm as he slept. His senses finally seemed to return, and it was then that he took in the sight of Fumino still sitting next to him at the kotatsu, gaze concentrated on the practice problems before her.
She hadn't noticed that he had awoken.
For a while he simply stared, silently observing. The girl's expression in the moment was something he couldn't put into words. Her face was determined, eyes completely focused on getting the problem she was currently working on correct. She was speaking to herself, doing her best to recall the necessary equations from memory, and when she finally did, she smiled excitedly at being able to figure out the solution.
She was enjoying every moment of learning.
Something about it…something about the kind and selfless gesture of giving up her coat for his sake, and the earnest expression on her face that he had come to witness time and time again during their study sessions. The combination of both had his chest fluttering, and before he knew it, he was reaching out with his hand, aiming to hold hers yearnfully.
"AHHH!" Fumino screamed at his touch.
"AH!"
God, he was an idiot. He definitely should've seen that coming.
"S-Sorry!" He apologized profusely. "I-I was just trying to get your attention!"
Terrible save.
"I-It's okay…you just startled me is all." Fumino said, voice still shaken up. "I woke you up, didn't I? I'm sorry…I must've been talking to myself again…"
"N-No!" Nariyuki immediately shook his head. "You didn't do anything wrong. If anything…I'm sorry for falling asleep on you and making you study by yourself…" He said guiltily.
Fumino's expression softened, eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
"You've been working so hard, Nariyuki…it's more than okay for you to rest," she assured him.
Nariyuki blushed at the compliment as he looked to her in question. "What about you then? You've been studying the entire night, but all I see is you working more and more diligently." He said in observation.
A pause, until a chuckle escaped Fumino's lips, her eyes crinkling in affirmation.
"I want to." She answered. "If it means helping my chances to ace my entrance exams, then I'll happily keep going."
Her gaze then set on him shyly.
"Afterall…" She continued with a sincere voice. "When I remember how kind you are to support me and my dream…when I remember how hard you're working to pursue your own hopes of education in college…"
…
"How can I not do my very best?" She finished wholeheartedly.
He stared. Silently. It seemed that was all he was able to do for the past five minutes.
Was it okay for him to feel this…happy? He was impelled. Driven by the genuine motivation in the girl's gaze…but more than anything…the inclusiveness in her words. The time was already midnight, but there wasn't a world where he was ready to go home yet.
'Being able to take a step forward...for the feelings in your heart. How can that be described as anything else but wonderful?'
He was going to keep up with Fumino no matter what.
"How about we go for another hour together?" He asked hopefully, opening up his own set of practice questions.
His request was returned with an eager smile.
"Sure!"
Uruka and Rizu arrived at the hospital together. They had both received the news at the same time and had decided to meet up to make the trip as a pair. Little did they know, Asumi and Kirisu Sensei had arrived shortly before them and were already waiting in the ICU waiting room.
It was an intimate reunion, but the occasion didn't have nearly the same happy atmosphere as it usually did.
After all…it had been one whole week since Nariyuki had been diagnosed as comatose.
"Senpai! Sensei!" Uruka called out in greeting.
Asumi turned her head towards them, smiling at their approach. "Ogata, Takemoto. Glad you guys could make it."
Uruka nodded with a smile. "I'm glad we could too. Just wish we coulda been here sooner. I was already on my flight back to Australia when I heard what had happened…" she explained with hints of guilt in her voice.
"Can't really do much there," the older girl reassured her. "Things happen. Let's just be glad we can be here for them now."
Uruka and Rizu nodded with a smile, but it was inevitably replaced with equally concerned expressions.
"H-How's Fumino?" Rizu asked.
Asumi crossed her arms. "Dunno. She's with Nariyuki now for her daily visit. For ICU patients, they usually only allow family members to visit, but they're at least mindful enough to know who Furuhashi is to him."
"Thank goodness for that," Uruka said, relieved. "She deserves to be by his side."
Rizu, Asumi, and Kirisu Sensei quickly nodded in agreement.
"The nurses have said that she's been here almost the entire time since the incident," Asumi said with concern. "Probably called off work I'm assuming. I doubt she's taken much time to take care of herself."
"They say she's barely eaten…" Kirisu added worriedly.
Uruka and Rizu's faces became crestfallen. Their hearts went out to the girl. With how hard it was already for them to take the news, it must've been infinitely worse for Fumino.
They desperately wished to see her.
*CREAK*
Their heads whipped to the door that had just opened, and it was almost fateful with how much relief filled all four of their hearts at seeing the said face before them.
"Fumino-cchi!"
"Fumino!"
Uruka and Rizu had closed the distance in an instant, practically pouncing into Fumino's arms to hug her with a tight embrace. Kirisu Sensei made her way to her side as well, both relief and worry laced into her expression, and Asumi followed shortly behind with a soft smile.
"You guys…" Fumino said, surprise clear in her voice.
"I'm so sorry about what happened…" Uruka said, her voice watery. "It was right after we were together too. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you guys."
"Me too…" Rizu added just as tearfully.
Fumino smiled softly, rubbing the top of their heads comfortingly. "There's nothing for you two to be sorry about. You guys couldn't have known."
Uruka sniffled. "I can't believe that asshole would do such a thing…" She said angrily with a rare expletive. There was no other way to describe him. Even though Yamaoka was no doubt going to receive an appropriate sentence for the crime he committed, there was nothing that could justify just how horrible he was as a person.
Fumino and Nariyuki were the last two people in the world that deserved this.
"How is he? I got the gist of what happened from the nurses, but…any updates?" Asumi asked carefully.
Fumino blinked before smiling thinly. "He's getting better. All of his physical injuries are slowly healing. The surgery for his spleen went really well, and his pelvis and rib fractures were thankfully mild enough to where it should be able to heal on its own. They say the recovery time for those shouldn't be more than another month," she finished positively.
Despite her optimism however, Fumino was unable to hide the worry in her expression for what followed.
"But…about his…"
The girl stopped, refusing to finish her sentence, and in the next moment, she forced out another thin smile.
"I-I'm sure he'll be just fine!" She said reassuringly.
The apprehension in the statement didn't slip any of them by, but all of them knew that it was best to not pry any further. It was saddening, seeing Fumino doing her very best to remain so strong, yet still experience the pain from it all.
She shouldn't have to deal with it alone.
"The nurses say you haven't been eating." Asumi commented worriedly. "You should take a step away from here and get some fresh air whenever you can.."
Fumino smiled softly at the concern. "Thank you, Senpai...but…I'm fine. I can't leave…not just yet. If I went home…I don't think I would be able to fall asleep."
She then looked to them appreciatively.
"Nariyuki would be really happy to know that you all visited," she said sweetly.
Uruka, Rizu, Asumi, and Kirisu Sensei's expression all remained saddened, and it was the former who reached out to hold Fumino's hand gently.
"Promise us that you'll at least eat," Uruka said both seriously and gently. She then looked at Rizu, who came forward with a familiar bowl in her hands.
"Would you like some Udon?" Rizu said invitingly.
For a moment, Fumino was still as could be. Silent and staring.
Her overall expression remained steadfast, but eventually, a slight tremble to her lip made itself evident. Uruka took the initiative then to close the distance and embrace the girl once more, with Rizu, Asumi, and Kirisu Sensei joining in shortly after.
"We're always here if you need us…" Uruka said softly.
Fumino smiled appreciatively, small but at the very least, genuine.
And for the rest of them…that was all they could ask for.
"Thank you…"
Four Years Ago
~January~
Nariyuki waited outside of the emergency room, pacing back and forth in front of the door. It was the only place he could be right now with his mind filled with restlessness. Fumino was currently being seen for her injury, and the wait for the diagnosis couldn't have felt longer. It was probably because he was the one responsible for her pain that the wait felt just that much more grueling.
He still remembered the moments before their exam as clear as day.
"Thank you, Nariyuki. I think I'll be fine now," Fumino said as she seated herself in her exam seat.
"A-Are you sure? D-does it hurt? I mean of course it hurts…but…are you sure…you'll be okay?" He asked worriedly.
Fumino's expression softened, and she nodded affirmatively. "I'll be fine. I"ll just treat it exactly like we've been preparing for. I'm sure I'll be able to get through it in one piece," she finished with a light giggle.
The comment did no justice in alleviating his guilt. Even if the girl really was able to get through the exam, it didn't change the fact that she would have to now experience it through the difficulty that was her pain.
It really was all his fault.
Fumino must've sensed his self-deprecation, because in the next moment, she was reaching out to touch his hand gently.
"I'm okay, Nariyuki," she said again, though this time clearly meant for his comfort. "Let's finish this exam together first, okay? Don't worry about me for now."
Her eyes crinkled with encouragement.
"Just do your best."
He didn't deserve it. The kindness given to him in this situation. Why was the girl able to be so thoughtful for him even when it was clearly his fault?
He truly didn't deserve it.
"I'll come get you to take you to the emergency room as soon as we're both done, okay?" Nariyuki promised.
Fumino nodded, smiling warmly.
"Okay."
Against his wishes, he took a step away from her seat, but not before Fumino called out to him one last time.
"Nariyuki…"
His head turned back, eyes meeting her gaze.
"Good luck." She said with a hopeful smile.
His chest hurt. He felt like he could cry. Whether it was from the joy of hearing Fumino say such words to him, or the guilt from her injury, he couldn't tell. All he knew…was that he didn't deserve it.
But he was so very blessed to have it.
"Good luck…Furuhashi."
That had been nearly three hours ago.
If he was being truthful, he had utterly failed at focusing only on himself throughout the exam. His thoughts had gone out to the girl, more than it already had regularly. He had managed to still do decent enough to where he felt that he had passed, but it seemed that was the last of his priorities at the moment. Even If the girl's injury turned out to not be not as serious as he feared, he still wouldn't be able to relax.
"Nariyuki."
He was dragged out of his thoughts as he looked up to see Fumino walking out of the exam room. Her injured leg was wrapped in a cast, and she was now using a pair of crutches to aid in her ambulation.
The sight caused his very heart to ache.
"Furuhashi…"
"Sorry that it took so long. It took them a while to put the cast on..." She said sheepishly.
He immediately shook his head, quelling the girl's concern. "Don't worry about it. They could've taken the rest of the day and I would still be here," he said firmly.
Fumino blushed at his words, but Nariyuki was much too focused on her casted up leg to have even realized the forwardness in his claim.
"H-How is it?" He asked worriedly.
Fumino blinked, but eventually she smiled reassuringly. "They said that it's just a grade two sprain. It should heal on its own in two months or so. If anything, I'm just worried about these crutches. It's my first time using them, so I think it'll take a while for me to get used to them." She said with a chuckle.
Nariyuki's face visibly fell.
Two months…that was quite some time for recovery.
"I-I see…" He said softly.
It was silent for a while between them, but a second later, he was making his way to the girl's side, interlacing his arm through her elbow.
"Eh? N-Nariyuki?" Fumino said, surprised.
"You said that you're not used to the crutches yet. It'll be easier if I help you walk like this for today," he explained soundly. "Let's head back home so you can rest."
Fumino shook her head, still blushing from their sudden close proximity. "I-It's okay." She assured him. "You don't need to do that. You've already been with me so long today…I can't ask you to do more-"
"I'm going to walk you home." He interrupted.
And then…with an almost desperate gaze.
"Please..." He whispered.
Fumino stared, eyes wide and filled with stupor.
His plea was eventually answered.
"Okay…"
And that was all he needed to hear.
It was fortunate that the hospital wasn't too far from the station. They spent the next ten minutes walking there, with him bearing half of the girl's weight and going at a steady pace. He wrapped his other arm around her waist protectively, almost sheltering her from other people as they walked. When they finally arrived at the train, he made sure that she was seated on a side where others couldn't accidentally bump into her injured leg.
Admittedly, he was more focused on this task than he had been with his center exam earlier.
And he wasn't the least bit shameful of it.
Another ten minutes of walking and they arrived at the doorstep of Fumino's home.
"Thank you, Nariyuki," Fumino said, turning to him and smiling gratefully. "For staying with me the whole time."
Nariyuki did his best to smile back gently. "Of course. I don't think I would be able to live with myself if I didn't." He said with an embarrassed chuckle.
His expression then filled with guilt.
"And…I'm sorry…about everything," He said quietly, almost to the point of a whisper. "I-If I had been more careful then none of this would have happened. You wouldn't have had to save me…and be in pain."
It was true. There was no forgiving himself. He had been a burden, and there was no changing the fact that he had put Fumino in this undesirable situation.
And yet…in his lamenting, he felt a gentle touch reach for his hand.
"It's not your fault, Nariyuki." Fumino said with a voice filled with forgiveness. "Accidents happen. I would never blame you for that. I'm just glad you weren't hurt too…"
"And I know…that if you were in my position…" She continued.
Her gaze met his, an unsaid trust displayed fully.
"You would do the same for me," she finished with a warmhearted smile.
…
He didn't know what to say. Emotions were brimming from within him and he didn't know what to make of it. Happiness? Joy? There was something that he did discern however. Something that was noticeably recurring whenever he was together with Fumino.
Unwavering gratitude.
And so even if he was brought to speechlessness…he could at least express this.
"Thank you…" He said, voice nearly cracking.
Fumino smiled.
"I'll see you soon, okay?" She said.
Nariyuki nodded slowly.
"Yeah…"
He waited for the girl to enter the door at her pace, and they waved at each other one last time. In the moments after, he didn't leave the estate. He remained standing outside, contemplating, for several minutes.
There was a desire in his mind, strong and unyielding. He wanted to do more for her. To be there for her in a way that would help her get through her injury. He realized that it was also a desire of selfishness, that it was also because…he needed it.
But if he wanted to do it…if he wanted to take care of the girl and nurse her to full health…he would need permission to do so.
And so…even if it was a reasonably lengthy commute…
He was going to make the trip to Reiji's workplace.
Afterall, his reasoning was well and clear.
He wanted to be by Fumino's side…supporting her with everything that she deserved.
"How long has she been asleep?" Reiji asked.
"Just a few minutes. She's been here for the past three days. I've told her that she should go home to rest, but she insists on staying here in the waiting room in case he wakes up. His family is here every day for their daily visit too, but even they don't stay here to sleep," the nurse said worriedly.
"If you understood who they were to each other, then you wouldn't be surprised." Reiji replied stoically.
The woman shook her head in retort. "He's been out for one and half a week, Mr. Furuhashi. It's much past the expected time for him to have woken." Her face fell sadly. "It's better for her to let it go for now, and return to her normal life for the time being," she offered.
Reiji sighed, ultimately shaking his head in the end. "I won't ask her to do that. That's not the kind of person that my daughter is," he reasoned before leaning down and hoisting Fumino into his arms without waking her.
"But…I will take her home for tonight," he said, bowing appreciatively. "Thank you for calling me."
…
"And…please call her immediately if anything happens," he added hopefully.
The nurse nodded with a smile. "Of course."
The walk and train ride back was lengthy but quiet. It was at the hour where there wasn't anyone else roaming about. It was then that Reiji realized that this was the first time that he was carrying Fumino like this in his arms since she was really young. She was light still, enough for him to hold without much issue.
She also appeared to be a very deep sleeper.
They arrived back at the mansion, and it wasn't until Reiji made his way into Fumino's room and placed her onto her bed did the girl finally stir.
"Ngh…" Fumino groaned tiredly, blinking the drowsiness out of her eyes as she woke. "F-Father?" She said as her gaze settled onto him in the dark. "W-Where? W-what-"
"I brought you back home," Reiji answered. "The nurses were worried and called me over, so I brought you back.
Fumino's expression fell, dismay quickly consuming her features. "Why..? Why'd you bring me back? I-I need to be over there…"
"You've been there for three days straight, Fumino. At least come back home to sleep," he said, chastising.
"But…I need to be there when he wakes." She replied with a whisper.
Not 'if'. When. The girl's choice of words didn't go unnoticed. Perhaps she was simply saying it to convince herself, but the fact that she had used it…seemed so lonely to him. She was fragile, desperate.
But…so very strong.
That was the difference between him and her, the girl's ability to continue to hope. Even if she was alone, even when she had lost her mother, Fumino had continued to look forward with a smile, choosing to believe in herself. Now was no different…
She was choosing to believe that Nariyuki would come back to her.
He was never a good father. He had accepted that. He had failed time and time again to be there for his daughter when she needed him most.
But right now…if he couldn't be there for Fumino in her greatest time of worry…
Then it was proof that he had never changed.
He wasn't going to make the same mistake.
*POMF*
Fumino's eyes went wide, shocked as Reiji wrapped his arms around her in an embrace.
Evidently, this was a first too.
"F-Father…"
"You will be." He assured her with a rare display of optimism. "I've told the doctors that they will call you the first second they see him awake. But for now…you need to rest."
He pulled back, and smiled calmly.
"That way when Nariyuki sees you…you won't look like a sleep deprived monster," Reiji said both kindly and teasingly.
For how rare it was for him to be demonstrating this type of care, Fumino's reaction of speechlessness was to be expected. What he didn't expect however, was the girl closing the distance between them again, hugging him tightly.
She didn't cry.
Because she was strong.
So very strong.
But he also knew that if she did…she wouldn't be able to stop.
So…at the very least…this was something…
She was accepting the comfort of others.
And as her parent…as the father that was given a second chance…
That was enough for Reiji to feel relieved.
Four Years Ago
~Late February~
"Thank you, Nariyuki," Fumino said as she walked to the door to see him off. "For coming over again."
Nariyuki shook his head, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. I told you before, didn't I? I study better when I'm over here. Even if it wasn't the day before the secondary exam, It's still normal to pick the best study environment, no?" He said sheepishly.
Fumino smiled brightly.
"We'll just have to make sure that Hazuki and Kazuki never hear about that," she said with a giggle.
"Then it's a good thing we're both great at keeping secrets, huh." He added playfully.
A beat, and the two of them laughed together, beaming at the delight in their exchange. In the past two months with him taking care of the girl, their days had been filled with pleasant moments just like these. Even before, in their time spent together, he couldn't imagine an instance where he wasn't smiling to his fullest, happy at the shared sense of productivity they were always able to achieve.
That's right. If Fumino's injury didn't exist…
He hoped…that the girl would still be okay with having him over this often.
"This is really it, huh," Fumino said suddenly, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Tomorrow's the real big day."
Nariyuki looked to her with a curious smile. "Are you nervous?"
Fumino chuckled lightly. "Quite a bit. Honestly, I would be shocked if I wasn't."
…
"But…" She continued with a reflective smile.
"I've had your support with me this whole time," she said.
Her eyes fell to his, warm and true.
"That's why I know…that I'm ready too," she said firmly.
If Fumino was able to feel his body temperature, she would know just how much his chest warmed at her words. He looked to her with a smile, one that could only be described as happy and hopeful.
"I know that we'll be at separate testing centers, but I'll come pick you up first thing tomorrow and walk you to the station, okay?" He promised.
Fumino blinked, but sure enough, she smiled softly.
"Okay."
He smiled, satisfied by the answer, and when he turned to leave towards the mansion gate, Fumino called out to him after his second step.
"Nariyuki…"
He turned.
And once again, his eyes set promisingly on the girl's kind ones.
"Let's do our very best tomorrow."
…
There was only one thought that consumed him as Nariyuki smiled back resolutely.
Yes. No matter what tomorrow showed…no matter how difficult the exam may end up being…
He had someone supporting him…the entire way through.
"Let's."
This was the special trust that they shared.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
Fumino wasn't sure why she was knocking, but maintaining the gesture seemed right to her, even if she hadn't received an answer for it in the past two weeks. She walked into the dark room, the smell of antiseptic already tabbed into familiarity. One hour for a daily visit flew by quickly in the grand scheme of things, but it felt like she had been in this exact scenario for longer than she could remember.
She dreaded it. The sound of the heart monitor. But at the same time, it was the only thing that kept her tethered. The rhythmic beeps that neither slowed or hastened. The fact that it didn't change meant that everything was stable, but…it also reminded her of exactly that…
That nothing was changing.
She sat herself in the seat next to the bed, and her eyes fell to his face. Instinctively, she moved a few strands of hair that fell over his nose. She smiled, remembering the many mornings together at their apartment when she would do the exact same thing.
Though…it was usually followed with the boy stirring, and his eyes opening.
Her heart clenched tightly at the thought.
"Hey Nariyuki…" Fumino said gently, beginning her usual conversation for the visit. "It's me again. I know I'm here everyday, but lately it feels like a whole week in between every visit," she remarked with a chuckle. "I've…been taking my vacation days from work, but I'm not sure how much longer they'll let me stay away. I hope everything is going alright over there. And don't worry! I talked to Ikeda-san about the situation and what they're going to do for your mentorship program, and they're perfectly fine with putting it on hold until you come back. They were really considerate of everything that's happened," She said with a smile.
There was no reply.
To be expected.
"Your mother and Mizuki have been here everyday too," she continued. "They'll probably be here in a little bit. Mizuki finally went back to school, so that's a good sign. Hazuki and Kazuki cry every time they're here, so we thought it was best that we only bring them here if they want to. They really are just softies," Fumino giggled lightly.
Something in her expression shifted.
"I'll…probably head back to our apartment this weekend, and make sure everything is alright," she said with a hint of hesitance. "It's probably dusty, so I'll try cleaning that up. Who knows, maybe I can talk to our landlord and ask him if we can get a discount this month since we haven't been there for most of it," she said giggling to herself. "Just kidding."
"..."
"I miss you, Nariyuki."
…
"I hope you're dreaming of something nice." She finished with a smile.
Silence. Ever persistent.
This was where she usually ended.
But she didn't leave. She remained staring at the boy. Eyes longing and yearnful.
There was something different this time. As if the veil she put around herself wasn't fully there.
Perhaps…it was because she had mentioned going to their apartment. Or the fact that Mizuki started going back to school.
It was something…something that finally caused the realization to break through her defenses.
That the possibility…was there.
"For how long…we're not sure."
That Nariyuki really wouldn't wake up.
A single tear drop fell, the very first since it had all happened.
And the desperation finally became too much to bear.
All the sorrow from within her flowed out in a torrent of tears.
"Please…" She whispered.
A sob choked through her voice.
"Please wake up, Nariyuki…" At this point she was gasping. "You promised me, didn't you? That you would always be here…"
Another sob, even more painful than the first.
"That you would always be here to support me…" Desperation seeped into her voice. "I need you…"
Her vision swam, but every detail of Nariyuki's face was clear.
"I need you here with me…" She begged.
It was then…that her hands reached out. She reached for his left hand. And his right.
And she brought them together to her chest.
It was a gesture that was so very special to them, a recurring scene for so many of their emotional exchanges.
In this moment now…she tried to speak to him.
In a way that their hearts had connected, time and time again.
She prayed.
Please…
Four Years Ago
~March~
"It's…like a dream."
Nariyuki could only stare speechlessly as Fumino continued to shed heartfelt tears before him. He still couldn't believe it. He had been well prepared to bare his heart to the girl, to confess the wonderful feelings that had been so very present with him since he had met her. He hadn't known what the result was going to be…and that had been terrifying...but he knew…that he had to do it.
He had prepared for the worst.
And yet...in all his stunned disbelief…
'You're the person I love most...in the whole world!'
Fumino had confessed first.
And more than just a confession…she had bared her feelings so truly…in a way that had caused his heart to swell with unfathomable joy.
She loved him. She loved him wholly and truly. She loved him more than anyone in the world.
...
She loved him…just the way he was.
And now…the girl was crying tears of relief when he had returned her confession. Everything about her…everything that he was lucky to witness and cherish, they were coming to fruition once more. The way she was crying…as if this moment meant everything to her…it showed him again…just how much the girl lived by her heart.
And right now…his heart was telling him…
That he had to be the one to make the final request.
"So, Furuhashi…that's why…if you want…."
…
"From now on…I want to always be there to support you!" He said with a watery voice.
The tears were flowing in the girl's eyes, but he saw the joy held there. And his eyes resonated with an equally burning hope.
The girl answered him by lunging forward into his arms…
And he embraced her with all the happiness in his heart.
"That's a promise…Sensei!" Fumino said tearfully.
He was crying now too, a visible contrast to the grateful smile that was also brimming on his face. He wrapped his arms around the girl tighter, and the girl did the same, burying herself into the crook of his neck deeply. It was both blissful and healing, her warmth against his. There was no doubt that he could stay like this forever.
"I'm sorry…" The girl said suddenly, so quiet that he barely missed it.
"There's nothing for you to apologize for, Furuhashi…" He said comfortingly.
Fumino shook her head against him. "No…I'm sorry…that it took so long for me to say it…" She elaborated, and Nariyuki felt his eyes go wide. "This whole time…I knew that I loved you. But I was just…so afraid," she whispered shamefully. "I gave myself excuses. Whenever I got to see you…and we were able to study together…that made me so happy. When you took care of me from my injury, and I got to see you everyday…that made me so happy!" She said with tears falling once more. "I wanted our time together to never end…so I lied…I lied about my injury taking longer to heal than it should have. I wanted to stay together with you even if it was just a little bit longer. I…didn't want you to leave."
"But…all I was really doing…was running away."
"I'm a coward…" she finished with a crack to her voice.
It was immediate…just how quickly he was ready to comfort her…because there was no world where he would ever describe the girl as cowardly.
But...in his instinct to affirm the girl…he also felt relief.
Relief that he hadn't been alone in his own struggle with his feelings.
Relief...that she also...wanted more than anything...to stay by his side.
"You're not a coward, Furuashi," he said gently. "If you're a coward, then I'm an even bigger one for running away the way that I did. This whole entire time…I loved you….with all my heart. Every moment I've spent together with you has made me so happy…and so hopeful. All the moments studying together with you…they're so precious to me…and everyday it feels like I have a chance to grow together with you more and more. I'm so grateful...that I could be together with you. I…thought about you so much…and yet…I couldn't even put it together and understand what those feelings were. I had to wait for you to tell me to finally put a label on it. And even after you did…I was still scared. I was terrified…that you wouldn't feel the same way. I gave myself excuses…and ran away. I ran away…because I was scared of sharing my feelings with you," he said meekly.
But then…his eyes met hers and they melted with tenderness.
"But…when I think about going our separate ways…when I think about the possibility of not being able to be by your side…and discovering my future together with you…"
He felt the tears well up in his eyes once more.
"That's more scary than I can put into words…" He said, his voice nearly breaking. "I don't ever want to be away from you, Furuhashi…so that's why…from now on, i-if it's okay with you…"
…
"Let's always stay together…" He smiled tearfully.
The words left his lips and Fumino responded immediately by burying herself into his warmth once again.
"You promise…that we'll always stay together?" She asked with a whisper.
He nodded, speaking with all the truth in his heart.
"I promise."
The girl broke away, and he gladly took in all the beautiful features blessed in her expression.
But shockingly…
He was surprised to find sadness held there.
"Then…why won't you wake up?"
…
The question was jarring, as Nariyuki found himself completely still. It had come from nowhere. Entirely out of place.
This wasn't the way it had happened.
No. This was the part where the girl had smiled and stared lovingly into his eyes. They had leaned into each other…intent on closing the gap between their lips, when abruptly, his phone had rang from a call from his mother, interrupting their attempt at a kiss.
That was how this was supposed to play out.
Wait…
How…did he even know what was going to happen in the first place?
"Please," Fumino continued.
…
"Please wake up for me, Nariyuki," she whispered heartbrokenly. "You promised me, didn't you? That you would always be here…that you would always be here to support me…"
'Here'? Where was 'here'?
The strange feeling from before returned. The feeling as if he wasn't actually in his own body.
As if he had been watching himself through a glass the whole time.
He was cold.
"I need you…I need you here with me…"
Then, Fumino reached for both of his hands, and brought them to her chest…
And in an instant…
He was warm again.
"Please…"
And he remembered everything.
He had to go back to her.
The glass broke, shattering in revelation.
The dream finally ended.
And light filtered back into his eyes.
"N-Nariyuki? Nariyuki!" Fumino felt her breath stop completely as Nariyuki's eyelids lifted slowly. He looked worse for wear, but she couldn't care less for that. She reached for the button beside his hospital bed that notified the nurses for assistance. His heart monitor was still beating, and for the first time in the past two weeks, there were hints of variation.
She leaned over his bed, close enough to where he could see her face clearly.
"Say something…" She asked tentatively, almost too afraid to accept the proof of a miracle before her.
But then Nariyuki's eyes focused on her.
And recognition brimmed within them.
"F-Furuhashi..?"
…
"A-Are you okay..?" He asked in concern.
His words were enough for her to finally lose herself.
This was it. The moment when she let the relief consume her completely. Sob after sob as she lunged forward and squeezed him with all the gratefulness in the world.
She could let herself believe it.
'From now on…I want to be always be there…to support you.'
For the first time in the past two weeks…
"You dummy…" She whispered.
All was right in the world.
A/N: Woo! Long Chapter! Thanks so much for reading. Had a ton of fun with this one.
I've had a couple of people ask me if I'll write stories about the other girls, and my answer is no. I've only been able to write this story for this long because I really enjoy writing about Fumino and Nariyuki's relationship. I can only write about couples that are actually meaningful to me, and Tsuitsui clearly set these two to be that. Almost all the chapters I come up with are just continuation of what he already laid out. It just works. I apologize, but there's no point in writing about stuff that I don't enjoy writing and isn't natural. These are the two cuties I'm sticking with til the end.
Other than that, thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter, please feel free to leave a fav, follow, or review. Thanks so much for sticking with me, and I look forward to showing you guys what's next.
Until Next Time!
