Welcome back everyone!
Thank you everyone for reading!
***********A few information about the story************
I have Oreshi and Bokushi take over Akashi's body.
Also when the words are bold it's when Oreshi is talking and when they are bold and italic, it's when Bokushi talking when they have a conversation between them.
Time for chapter number 2!
Please enjoy!
Chapter 2
The Wrong Move
/*Akashi Oreshi's POV*/
Days became weeks and weeks became months until the first day of middle school came. All this time I wouldn't speak to Amelia. She tried to approach me at the beginning but I wouldn't speak to her. She tried for the first two weeks, but then she gave up. In addition to that, I wasn't home for the majority of the time. I would go to school, then to the company with my father and then come home to study. Teiko was an Elite Middle School so their entrance exams were quite demanding. However, I stopped seeing her even when there were common times, like having breakfast. I was never home during lunch and dinner. I would rarely see her or her sister join our families' breakfast. But I wouldn't ask why she wasn't there. I started to miss her again, but I was still angry with her. On the other hand, the more I wasn't seeing her, the more I was forgetting my anger.
All that until the first day of school. At this point, I was used to not seeing her in the house that I thought that I was living alone there, so when I saw her enter the same car with me for school I got startled. I stared at her for a few seconds before I look away once again as I remembered what had happened between us and I felt enraged. She didn't speak either. She was just looking outside the window the whole time.
Being next to her and not speaking at all hurt. Yes, I was angry with her. Yes, she hurt me by lying like this and betraying me… but I missed her… A lot. My time with her may be short, but it was good and enjoyable. Also, I didn't really have any other friends at the time. But I was determined to make some new ones. This time I would do the right thing. Not the same mistakes again.
I stopped the limo a little away from school because I didn't want to show off that I was rich even if this was an elite school. I stepped out first and I left for the school entrance ignoring Amelia. To be honest, I wanted to wait for her and enter together, but this would mean that I was the one at fault and I wasn't going to step down until she apologized. But did I ever let her do that? No…
I continued walking and I noticed the sakura trees at the side of the road and how beautiful they were. It was spring already so everywhere was covered with sakura petals. It was a pink paradise all around. When I entered the school's yard I noticed lots of stands all around. Club requirement. I was asked to join lots of different clubs by upperclassmen who were desperate to find new members for their clubs so I had to decline many of them until I found the basketball club. Once I applied for it, I went to check the board to see in which class I was so I started to walk towards the school building where the board was standing. Lots of new students had enrolled this year and the crowd was huge. You couldn't basically walk, but only let the crowd guide you. At some point, I managed to escape the wave of students and sat at one of the benches at the side of the path to admire the beautiful scenery of sakura petals flowing around. Then I noticed Amelia who was also looking magnetized around her. I stopped and stared at her. Her eyes were following the flowing petals around her and she had a few of them in her hands. I guessed that her being from Europe, seeing sakura trees would be a new experience for her.
The kids started to get fewer and fewer around us. In the end, we were the only ones standing around doing nothing. I sighed and went to check which her class was, as she might didn't know how the Japanese system was working. She came from Europe after all and her Japanese was not the best. I didn't know if she got any better as I stopped teaching her since the New Year' but deeply I hoped that she managed to get a better hold of the language. Then I realized that we haven't spoken for a very long time. Not only that, but it was also like she didn't even exist in the house. I would rarely see her. I was seeing her father more than her to be honest at the company. And none of our fathers said anything about our fight either. Those months passed so quickly.
I scanned the papers on the board until I saw her name, written in English. Luckily we weren't in the same class. I don't know why but even though that was my first thought… I felt kind of disappointed. I turned to her once again. She wasn't moving. At this point, she would be late… Did she even know that she had to come here to check her class? She didn't seem to know. And I wasn't an asshole to let her embarrass herself in front of everyone on her first day at school.
"Amelia..." I called her being a few steps away from her. She turned around smiling and looked at me confused. When our eyes met I felt my heartbeat raise but I just coughed to get myself together.
"Hi!" she smiled at me like nothing was wrong making me immediately regret my decision to speak to her. I didn't want her to be that happy after what she had done.
"Your class is A-3. You should get going," I said coldly and walked away.
"Thank you!" I heard her and only shook my head.
While I was applying for the basketball club they informed me that at the end of the day they would hold a meeting at the gym in order to meet the new members. When the school ended I picked up my things and proceed slowly out of my classroom and then down the hallway which was empty. I guessed that everyone would have gone to their club of choice. I liked quite more than screams, laughs, and noises in the hallway. When I turned to go down the stairs I saw Amelia once again looking out of the window at the sakura trees. I ignored her this time and I proceed to my club at the gym.
There were lots of boys like me waiting and chatting with each other. I believe they all applied for the basketball club. After some time the seniors appeared with the coach and they informed us that there would be three Strings of players and only players from the First String would have a chance to play for the team. We also had to take some kind of tests to test our skills so they could separate us. These tests would start next week. I got so excited that I couldn't help myself from smiling. I was so energetic that I walked back home as the weather was good.
When I arrived home I ran to my room to set my schedule for school and my club activities. I couldn't wait to make new friends and play basketball. I could feel my heartbeat fast from excitement with my every thought of basketball. But someone interrupted me by entering my room in a rush.
''Seijuro! Did you come back with my daughter?'' It was Ms. Rose, Amelia's mother. She was furious and worried. She was breathing heavily and her hair was a mess.
''No… no… why?''
''She hasn't returned yet.''
''Then she must be still at her club activities,'' I assured her even though I wasn't sure myself if she joined any.
''But club activities must have been finished hours ago!'' she explained, losing her mind by the second. I looked at the clock on the wall and I saw that it was nine o'clock. Night.
''Did you call her?'' I made one more attempt before I let her freak out.
''Yes. But she has forgotten her phone here...'' She showed me Amelia's phone. She was devastated. I felt sorry for her so I smiled at her and I assured her that I would go and find Amelia. Her eyes lighten up immediately and hugged me tightly thanking me. When I managed to escape from her grip, I left the room running.
'That idiot. Where is she again?' I kept asking myself as I left the house and I ran back to school calling her name. It was all over again like back then with the snowstorm. Why do I always go after her and worry about her? I just don't get it! Especially after we have had a fight! Every time!
I arrived at the school but It was closed. I caught the iron bars of the front door of the school and I rest my body on them. ''That idiot…'' I murmured and closed my eyes disappointed. The time was passing by and it was getting darker and the wind started to catch up as well. I turned around and looked at the two possible paths she could have taken. I was trying to decide which way I should follow next when I saw lots of sakura petals dancing with the wind. They were creating something like a path and I guessed that sakura trees must have been close by.
'She was watching the sakura all day… ' I thought as I recalled the two times I met her. I went against the wind and I walked until I found a park full of sakura trees and sakura petals all over the place. I entered the park and I followed a path that was made out of sakura petals cause of the wind. I walked until I saw a fountain and Amelia laying on its edge. I felt a huge weight lift off my chest. Now I had to check if she was alive there.
I approached her slowly because I didn't want to scare her, however, I noticed that she was sleeping. Her face looked calm and she was smiling. "That idiot… sleeping like that in a place like this… her sister was right. She doesn't get what is dangerous and what is not…'' I commented as I sat next to her and I texted Irina to let her know that I found her sister and that I would bring her home soon, so they should stop worrying and not call the police.
Once the message was sent, I placed my phone next to me and I turned my gaze towards the trees. They were covering half of my vision but I could see the black starry sky between their branches. It was indeed beautiful and breathtaking. I couldn't blame Amelia for staying here and falling asleep under such a magical view. But she managed to make me worry about her again.
I turned towards her once more. She looked so peaceful and happy in her sleep. I couldn't stay angry at her anymore. How could she do that? I didn't speak to her for a very long time until now. We were in the same house for so long yet we wouldn't meet up. She never bothered me during my exams either. She did respect my space and time. Maybe I should give her a chance to explain herself after all this time… I maybe took it too far.
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard her waking up. She got up and looked around confused.
''Good morning, princess,'' I teased her making her jump as she hadn't noticed me.
''Oh… Akashi-kun…,'' she said with a yawn.
'Akashi-kun?' It felt so uncomfortable.
''Why are you here?'' she asked me looking at the trees. She didn't even give me a look. She must hate me... maybe… Who wouldn't?
''Your mother was worried sick because you weren't home on time and you didn't have your phone with you too,'' I answered calmly.
''I see… and she sent you to look for me?'' she asked and I nodded. Then she got up and bowed in front of me.
''I am terribly sorry for wasting your time like this. Next time I will make sure that I will contact my family earlier.'' I felt like a huge asshole with that apology. Also, her Japanese got better as well. I was still in shock when she got up, grabbed her bag, and turned around to leave. But I managed to react quickly as I extended my hand and stopped her from leaving my side. She turned around and looked at me in the eyes, clearly surprised by my sudden action. I realized what I had done and I let her hand slowly. I expected her to leave or start screaming at me or even slap me but she didn't react. She stayed there looking at me. Actually, she was waiting for me to tell her the reason I stopped her from leaving but I didn't have the answer. I didn't know why.
''Amelia…,'' I said slowly.
''Yes?''
''Don't call me Akashi-kun again… it feels… weird,'' I chocked out. I could feel my face burn.
''Ok,'' she said and again silence. I couldn't face her. Me, Akashi Seijuro, couldn't speak to a girl. Unbelievable…
'Want me to take over?'
'No…'
'Good luck then…'
''Amelia…,'' I said again.
''Yes?''
''Sit down.'' I managed to say and pointed at the edge of the fountain. She listened and sat down first. I sat as well, a few centimeters away from her. I was nervous. I didn't know what to do or what to say. I was so confused. Since the morning I was conflicted. I didn't know what I wanted. Should I let her talk and explain herself? Would she even do that after so much time? I took a deep breath trying to calm my heart and I turned to her.
''I missed you…,'' I said breathless.
''Eh?'' She was geniously surprised. Her mouth opened a little from her shock.
''And you worried me sick today! Don't do that again!'' I shouted at her. I was angry with her again. Why do I speak to her like that?
''I-''
''I didn't finish. From now on you will report to me what are you doing, with who and where! '' my voice became hard. She just nodded. ''Now tell me your thoughts about the wedding.'' She looked at me for a few seconds. She was trying to comprehend what I was telling her. When she finally understood, her face lighten up just like her mother's. She smiled again and sat more comfortably.
''Akashi-kun-''
''Sei'' I really liked it when she was calling me Sei for some reason. "Not Akashi-kun..."
''Oh… sorry… Sei… I knew about the wedding. I learned about it a day before we come to Japan. I never agreed to it but you know how things are. I really didn't have a choice. I lost any kind of purpose in my life. So I didn't care. I would be the good girl they wanted me to be but only that. I didn't care. Also, you are on the same age as me. That means that if we were to get married, we would have to wait until we turn 16. And until 16 there were lots of chances to stop this engagement you know! I mean like maybe our fathers stop talking, or you maybe fall in love with someone else and you know. But I thought that you knew it too. When you asked me about it that day I froze. I didn't know that you didn't know about it.''
''Then why did you ask me 'how do you know about it?' ''
''That… I thought that you also knew about the fact that I didn't want us to get married and you got mad about it… after all this wedding is for the good of the two companies. And I thought that you cared about the company and that you were willing to do whatever you could to help it grow… so I guess hearing about me not wanting the wedding made you angry because I would be an obstacle to your company's growth. But… but...I... '' her face became all red.
''But you?'' I pushed her as I wanted to hear her answer.
''I… '' she couldn't speak. She stayed with her mouth open and she was ready to cry.
''I wasn't mad because of the reasons you said,'' I said quickly to stop her from crying.
''Really?'' and it worked.
''I was mad because you knew and you didn't tell me anything. And above that, you were acting very weird and the wedding was a very good explanation for your actions.''
''My actions?''
''You were um… so good with me… and actually wanted to be friends with me… and even if I was yelling at you, you would just do whatever you wanted…'' I looked away embarrassed.
''At the beginning, I did that because I didn't want to make a bad impression. I would speak to you and ask you to join me because our families were there and my mother would push me to do so. It was, as I said, only for their eyes and for me to show how much of a good daughter I was. And I didn't care. That I why I wasn't reacting. It was like "my job" to do that. So you were right about that. But then… after that day when we built the snowman, I realized that you were a good kid after all. So I wanted to be friends with you! I had so much fun with you! And that is how I am… '' she said and smiled again.
''A happy go-around-person who knows no danger?'' I teased her.
''What do you mean? You are so mean!'' she responded.
''No… you are stupid! Who would let himself in this state?'' I asked, but I was joking.
''What state again?'' she asked confused.
''You fell asleep here! All alone! It is dangerous!'' I scolded her.
''But I am ok! Aren't I?'' she tried to save herself.
''What if I wasn't here!?'' I pointed to her where the problem was.
''I don't know…'' she pouted and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
''See? Don't do stupid things like that!'' I concluded.
''Why do you care? If I am such a burn then why are you here?''
''You and I will be getting married…" I screamed at her. "You need to be alive for that…''
'What am I saying to her… this is not the reason!'
''Oh…so… that is the reason…, '' she sounded so disappointed. I was a moron.
''And because you are my friend and I am worried about you…'' I tried to save it.
''I am your friend?'' Her face lightened up once again.
''Yes…''
''So, we are friends again?'' she asked to make sure.
"Ye-" I didn't manage to finish my answer as she jumped on me and hugged me tightly. We almost fell into the fountain. I yelled at her but she didn't give a damn about my lecturing. Like usual. But I didn't mind at all. I was just happy that we made up and I could have her again in my life.
"Your Japanese got better," I complimented her while we were walking back home.
"Thank you! But I had more fun learning from you!" she smiled. I felt my heartbeat quickly again.
The days that followed were calm, peaceful, and really fun. We would get breakfast and then get ready for school. She would always get late and I would wait for her at the base of the staircase. Then we would walk to school together and I would walk her to her classroom so she wouldn't get lost. I would tease her and she would get angry but she would smile once again. During breaks, we would walk around the school and get familiar with our surroundings and find places to eat lunch. I told her that I joined the basketball club and my hopes to find more friends. She was really supportive of my goal. That gave me hope and courage. She told me that she had joined the music club as she loved playing the piano. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to pass by her club and listen to her play as I would finish my club activities later than her. However, I would go and pick her up from her classroom to go back home once again.
We would eat dinner and start to study together. Even if she didn't look like it, she was quite smart but she wasn't good enough with Japanese so I started to teach her once again. She could speak and somehow read, but when it came to writing, she needed some more work. I have to admit that she is a good student. It is a shame that we didn't end up in the same class at the end. Well, nothing could be done. But I wished that those beautiful days would never end. I never had so much fun in my life. I wanted them to continue to exist.
Then the day I had to take the test in order to get into a string came. Amelia wished me luck as she left for her own club activities. I found my way to the gym with confidence but when I walked into it I got really nervous. I knew that I was the best and that I would make it but still, I could feel my hands shaking. I looked around and I saw the boys who would take the test. They were fewer than at the last meeting. I guess they got scared and gave up. 'Pathetic' I thought and shook my head disappointed.
''Ok everybody! Line Up! We will separate you into groups and you will play against each other. That way we will be able to check your skills.'' The guy who talked was the captain of Teiko Basketball Team, Shuzo Nijimura. He looked strong and reliable. He was a tall guy, with black hair and a bright smile. He got us in groups and we started to play. Of course, my team won every game. At the end of the games, they informed us that the results would be announced during our next practice. I looked relieved at the crowd around me and walked with the rest of the players to the back of the gym where the locker rooms were, to get a shower and get ready to leave for home. The room was noisy as always but this time I had the chance to actually talk to somebody. That was a much taller guy than me, with green hair, glasses and he was holding a staff animal. I was really wondering the reason behind that staff animal but I didn't want to insult him for his choices, so I ended up staring at him. He looked at me and approached me first.
''Is there any problem?'' he asked with a death glare.
''No… I was just looking at your item. Does it serve any kind of affection?''
''No, it's my lucky item,'' he said like it was the most natural thing in the world. I blinked as I was caught unprepared and smirked.
''My name is Akashi Seijuro. Nice to meet you.'' I offered him my hand. He shook it and introduced himself as Midorima Shintaro. ''Do you happen to have any connections with the Midorima Hospital?'' I asked him curiously. He nodded and said that the owners were his parents. Quite impressive I have to admit. Father would be pleased. I offered him a seat next to me and we started to chat until it was our turn to take a bath and leave for home.
Once I was clean and relaxed I returned back to school. I had to get Amelia and return home together. That girl could get lost again. I climbed the stairs and drove myself to her classroom. ''Amelia I am done. Let's go...'' I stopped and stood by the door. What I was seeing in front of me caught me off guard. She was standing by the open window, looking at the sakura and smiling to herself as the wind was making her hair dance in the air. She looked like a fairy or something. For a minute I thought I was in a movie until I came back to reality.
''Amelia…'' I managed to choke out. I could feel my face heat up.
''Oh! Seijuro! Look at the sakura! They are so beautiful!'' she smiled at me.
That smile. That smile that I used to hate, now I learned to love it. Every time she would smile at me I could feel happiness consume me. But he didn't like it and took over.
''We need to go. It's getting dark.'' I heard him say to her. His tone was not kind at all but she didn't flinch. She looked at me sadly.
''Your eyes... before they were both red. But now one of them is gold… are you ok?'' her voice had some sadness or more or less pity. He got really angry.
''Don't look at me with those eyes of pity! You don't know anything about me!'' He snapped at her. He was very angry. Angry with her and her happy-go-around attitude. But why? What was his problem?
''I am sorry… I just… haven't seen anything like this before…yours are the only ones who change like that... it's interesting!'' she explained keeping her calm.
''Interesting? My misery is interesting?'' He lost it. He felt offended by her words. She thought my condition was interesting. Like I was some kind of monster in a circus. I could feel him not being ok with her way of putting things. But we were raised differently. I took over immediately before he did something stupid. However, when I reopened my eyes she was gone. In her place were only the open window and the curtain playing with the wind.
'I want to kill her… so… badly…'
'Stay back…'
I stayed alone for some time and I decided to look for her. I thought that his words maybe hurt her. But the moment I set my foot out of the door she appeared in front of me.
''Juice?'' she asked cheerfully while offering me a colorful paper box.
''Wh-what?'' I tried to catch my cool.
''Juice! I just bought them," she handed me the juice.
''Th-thank you.'' I took the straw and put it in the juice box.
''No problem! You just came back from practice, right? You need energy!'' she continued cheerfully and took a sip from her juice. "So, how did it go?" she asked while resting on the wall of the hallway.
"It went well. I didn't lose any game!" I gave her a thumbs up.
"Were you nervous?" she asked next.
"A little. But I am confident!"
"I believe in you! You were practicing all day after all! Of course, you will make it!" She finished her juice and left to find a place to throw the paper box. I followed her as I finished mine as well.
"We need to go. It's getting dark." I reminded her and she left to fetch her bag. She was back soon and we started to walk down the hallway. She came closer to my and wrapped her arms around mine. It felt kind of intimate and too sudden. But again, she was too affectionate to me. She would always hug me whenever she saw me, but every time I found it slightly weird. But in the end, it was the difference in cultures. I looked down to my side and I saw her smiling at me.
''Amelia… please leave my arm alone,'' I asked her nicely with a chuckle.
''Eh? Why?'' She was really asking me that? That girl will be the death of me!
''Because I can't walk otherwise.''
''Hm…? Ok!'' she let me and started to go down the stairs hopping up and down. I followed her amused.
"Ne, Amelia?"
"Hm?"
"I made a new friend today…"
"That sounds wonderful Sei!" Her voice was kind and warm. I could feel that she was happy for me. "I bet that you will make many more! As you wish!"
The next morning Amelia was excited and was jumping up and down in the hallway of the school. Students from many different classes were staring at her worried or confused. I saw her from the stairs going towards my classroom. Of course, she didn't find me there so she came back. She spotted me and tried to jump on me but I stopped her in time.
''Sei! Sei! Congratulations!'' she screamed at me and hugged me. I didn't avoid that.
''Hm? About what?'' I asked her as I gently push her away to face her. Her hair was a mess cause of all the jumping. I tried to move them away from her face with careful moves.
''Eh? You don't know? For being accepted to the fist String!'' she grinned excited.
''How… how do you know that?'' I looked at her really confused. They were supposed to tell us about the results during practice.
''Momo told me,'' she said confidently.
''Momo?''
''Momoi Satsuki! She is in my class and she is the new manager of your club. I saw her today and I asked her about the results and she told me that you were selected!'' she gave me a peace sign.
Then I decided to tease her. ''Did she tell you about me specifically?'' I asked her to check her reaction.
''Nope. I asked her about you specifically… Why?'' She was so innocent. Damn it.
''Nothing.'' I just smirked.
''So! What are you going to do now? I heard that the teachers will have a meeting so we are free for now," she asked me as we stopped by the vending machine. She looked at it and brought her pointer to her lips. She was looking for something to drink. I rested on the machine as well and looked at her trying to pick one. She had pouted her lips and put her whole heart into it. She was so cute and funny at the same time. Adorable.
"I don't know. Wanna got to the roof?" I asked.
"Roof?" She turned to me. "You have access to the roof?"
"Yes. You can sit there as well."
"Wow!"
I got up and picked a drink for her. Then I got one for me as well. Today I decided that it would be a good day for a change. I handed her the drink, turned her around, and pushed her gently towards the stairs that would take us to the roof. We climbed quickly and she stopped in front of the door unsure of her next move. I just pushed the door open and allowed her to go first.
She nodded to me as 'thanks' and walk out of the building. "WOW!" She was really amazed. She took a few more steps and found herself in the middle of the roof. It wasn't really something extraordinary to see but it seemed like she really liked it. She continued to walk around, analyzing everything she could see. Then went towards the end of the roof to the protective walls of metal and looked down.
"It's so high!" She exclaimed. "I can see the whole yard! It's so amazing!" She continued and glued her face on the fence. I smiled and walked towards her as well. "This is so cool! We don't have roofs like that in Europe!" She continued. She looked so happy. I really liked seeing her happy like that.
'She is just an idiot… How do you like someone like her?'
'Shut up. This is not your business.'
'You are getting weak…'
"Ne! We are coming here for lunch from now and on! Unless it's cold! But we are definitely coming!"
"Whatever you want." I closed my eyes and I smiled at her.
"You have such a handsome smile…" I heard her say. It caught me off guard. "But your eyes are scary again…" she continued. He took over once again.
'What are you doing?'
He took over and I saw him walking towards Amelia quickly. He grabbed her hand and dragged her with him all the way to the small building at the top of the roof. He threw her violently on the wall and stood in front of her. He put my arms at both sides of her head, pinning her arms beneath them. She looked at me surprised with her eyes wide open.
''What is it? What are you doing? '' she asked with a surprised tone. She sounded scared.
'What are you doing? You are scaring her!'
'Shut up!'
"You are cute yourself." I heard him say. She took her eyes off me and looked away. She was really uncomfortable with the whole situation.
'Let me take over! You are scaring her!'
'That is the goal. To keep her away from you! She will be an obstacle to your success.'
'You are insane!'
"Leave me alone! You are not Seijuro! He wouldn't act like this!" She found the courage to speak back at him. He smirked and laughed. He brought my face closer to hers. She wouldn't look into my eyes. This was the worst scenario possible.
"Why are you not showing me your cute face…" He mocked her as he freed one of her arms and placed mine under her chin and slowly raised her face towards him. Her eyes were full of rage and anger. She hated him. Then I heard a loud slap. She had slapped him. Hard. He lost his concentration and I managed to take over. I felt a sudden pain on my cheek but I didn't mind. I immediately let her go and drew myself away from her to give her space and time to calm down.
"Amelia… I-"
''We may get married in the future but that doesn't give you the right to act like that. Please stay away from me. Apparently, you can't control yourself or him from doing things like that.'' Her tone was harsh and poisonous. She threw her hair back and left almost running. It was like she was trying to get away from me as soon as possible. I stayed there looking at the blank wall in front of me.
'How could you do something so shameful as this?'
'I don't care! At least now you will be able to concentrate on the things that matter. Win!'
'You are wrong! She is a friend who I have fun being with! I can also be the best at the same time!'
'She would only bring you down! You started to fall for her. These feelings are not more important than winning.'
'I am not sure if I have fallen for her or not. But this is not your business. You exist to help me get out of tough situations! You are stepping the line here! So step back!'
'You will need me…'
'For now, fuck off!'
I felt really dizzy. This intense conversation caused me a headache. I rubbed the back of my neck hard to stop the pain at the base of my head. But no luck. My cheek was also stinging me. She had a heavy hand. I left the rooftop and I climbed down the stairs slowly and painfully. I was trying to think of way to apologize to her and make her stop being afraid of me. I knew that she was hating him but now I started to think that she may even hate me as well.
I wasn't feeling very good. Everything was hurting. Why was everything so complicated with this girl? Why every time we make a new start then everything burns down. First the wedding and now this. She got really scared of me. I stopped in the middle of the stairs of the second floor. My head was killing me. I had to find a way to fix this. I didn't want to lose her. Not again. I didn't know if my other self was right about me falling for her and it really didn't matter right now. I just wanted to have a normal relationship with her. Was it so wrong?
"Ah! Watch out!" I heard an unknown voice from behind me but I didn't manage to react. The only thing I saw was a body coming towards me with speed and then more pain.
''He will be ok… he didn't hit his head hard so everything is fine.''
''I see…. Thank you.''
I could hear voices around me but I couldn't open my eyes or respond to the voices.
''You are?''
''I am Amelia… and you?''
''Midorima Shintaro. I am-''
''Sei's friend. I know."
''Oh… and your relationship with him, if I may ask?''
''I am… I am a friend…''
''I see… well it's time for practice… I should get going. Nice meeting you miss Amelia.''
''Nice to meet you too.''
The voices stopped and I still couldn't make out who was talking or what they were saying. Then I heard a familiar voice in my head.
'Whoah… you are actually alive. Nice one, romeo!'
'What do you want? What happened?'
'Some lowlife threw you down the stairs. Everyone came immediately to your rescue and brought you here.'
'Here?'
'At the hospital.'
'Oh… perfect…'
'Aha… Even your girl came to check on you. She was really worried you know.'
'Amelia? She is here?'
'Yes. She is really an idiot. Or should I say, innocent? After what I did to her, she still checked on you. I am amazed.'
'I wouldn't blame her if she didn't come. You are to blame in the end.'
'yeah yeah… now wake up!'
And with that, I opened my eyes. I looked around and I found myself wearing a hospital robe as I was laying on a hospital bed. I was indeed at the hospital. Even the room had that smell… of death…
'Unbelievable…'
The weird thing was that no one was in the room. I felt weird out. A few seconds ago I heard lots of different voices. Now, where was everybody? I liked silence and peace, but now I was getting uncomfortable. Thankfully the door opened and my family burst in. My mom was the first to enter the room. She was worried sick. Her face told me everything about her mental state. She hugged me tightly and caressed my hair. Then my father entered. I was surprised to see him to be honest. But it was a pleasing surprise. Then Amelia's family entered the room as well. But she wasn't with them. I hoped that she would appear at some point but she never arrived. Irina noticed that I was looking for Amelia so she informed me that she was here a while ago but she left for her club activities.
"I see." That was the only thing I could tell. I tried to look as emotionless as I could. I didn't want to make my mother worry more about me. She was sitting by my side the whole time and she didn't want to leave me alone. She had warped her arms around me and wouldn't let go. My father would just shake his head with a small grin on his face. Even when the time came for them to leave my mom didn't want to leave me alone. Amelia's mother would joke with my mom and tease her for not letting me go even when I am to get married. I hope that she will let me go by then. In the end, a nurse came and asked them to leave. Visit time was over. My mom was in conflict but I assured her that I would be alright but she left with a heavy heart. I hated seeing her like that. She was someone that I cherished dearly. But she had to understand that hospitals had rules. Yeah, strict ones, but I was in good hands.
Not long after their departure, the door was opened again and this time someone I didn't even expect to see appeared. Midorima Shintaro. He walked in, closing slowly the door behind him, and carefully sat at the bed next to mine. His stare was cold but I could see a hint of worry there. I found it weird yet amusing to see him.
''I see that you are still awake.'' He commented while fixing his glasses.
''Good Afternoon, Shintaro. May I ask the reason you are visiting me?" I asked politely.
"This is my family's hospital. I asked them to take care of you. I came to merely check on you….We are friends after all." The last sentence was mumbled and not very clear but I heard him. I felt… happy. Someone, a friend, came to check on me. It felt so… good.
''I see. I am happy to hear that. You have my thanks for taking care of me."
Shintaro looked away. "I am not the only one you should thank. Your friend was the one who pushed me to do it. She was really annoying!" His voice sounded annoyed. But I didn't understand to whom he was referring to.
''Friend?''
''Yes, that foreign girl that is with you all the time. Miss Amelia,'' Shintaro answered forcefully. He was really irritated. I chuckled. Amelia could be really annoying when she wanted to. I knew that first hand already.
''I see…''
''Yes. She is a very strange girl… But she is a good friend. Here.'' He jumped off the bed and extended his hand towards me. I also extended mine and he let something in my palm. It was a piece of shoji.
''What is it?'' I asked as I looked at it.
''Your lucky item. I will take my leave. And congratulations on your promotion to the First String.''
''Thank you.'' and with that Midorima exited the room and I was left alone once again.
Amelia didn't come back. But at least she showed some kind of concern. That was enough for me… Maybe I had a chance to fix things.
I had to stay in the hospital for the next day as well so the doctors could make sure that I had no serious side effects from the fall. I had hit my head hard but thankfully I didn't get any serious injury. When the weekend arrived I was allowed to return home. My mother was delighted. She came to pick me up and we together returned home. I needed to talk to someone about Amelia. I was driven myself crazy while being at the hospital. I couldn't find a way to fix things.
"Mother…" I asked her a little hesitant. "About Amelia…"
"What about Amelia?" she asked with a smile on her face.
"Um… She never came to see me… didn't she?" I asked with a heavy heart. I was so sad. And even though I knew the answer I still wanted to know. I still had hope that the answer would be different.
I felt my mother sifting her body in discomfort. "Why are you asking me this?" I looked at her and I saw her eyeing me with a serious look. It was rare seeing her so serious.
"I… I messed up mother. He… He… did something horrible to Amelia. A little before I fall." My hands were trembling from anger. How could I allow something like that to happen? Why I was so weak?
"What did he do?" My mother asked me concerned.
"He pinned her on the wall with force. I believe that he wanted to kiss her maybe. He said that she… that she would be an obstacle… So he wanted to scare her away. And he maybe achieved that… She was so scared." I felt so ashamed to admit something like that to my mother. But I could tell her everything. I knew that she would help me and guide me to the right path. She had to help me. "I didn't stop him… I couldn't… I tried but he just wouldn't budge… In the end, she slapped him and I got back control." I buried my head into my hands. How could I go back now?
"I see…" was the only thing my mother said. That wasn't so helpful mother… "Seijuro. Your other self crossed the line. Poor Amelia-chan. I don't remember raising you like that!" she scolded me like I was the bad guy there.
"Mother… What should I do?" I asked her hopelessly. I was desperate.
"How about apologizing first? Then explain to her your situation in more detail. She needs to know and understand you know."
"You are right… I will do just that…" And I will think about what I am going to say to her on my way there. The plan was perfect… not. The moment the car came to a stop I rushed out of it and ran towards the house. I ignored anyone who came to welcome me and I climbed the stairs as fast as possible. Ran down the hallway and I stopped in front of her door. I stood there for a good 5 minutes. I had to catch my breath and gather my courage. I had my hand on the door's handle but I couldn't bring myself to turn it.
Instead, I decided to knock to win some time. I knocked a few times but I had no answer. I found it weird. Then I tried to enter but it was locked. I was waiting out of a locked door the whole time. I felt like an idiot. But I deserved it. I walked back and went to the living room.
''If you are looking for your girl, she is in the garden,'' Irina told me when she saw me coming down. I nodded, completely ignoring her comment, and left for the garden. Of course, she would be in the garden in the backyard. She was bending over the pond looking at the kois. She was wearing a light brown dress which was matching her eyes under the sun. Her hair was falling gracefully on her shoulders while she was following the kois swimming around. I was magnetized by her beauty, for the second time in the raw. I came back to earth and I walked carefully towards her. I didn't want to scare her away. Once I was at a safe distance I tried to catch her attention.
''Amelia…''
She looked up and stared at me for one second. Then she turned her head away and ignored me. She didn't even want to look at me. That hurt.
''What do you need this time?'' she asked coldly.
''I want to apologize to you for my inappropriate actions last time at the roof.''
''I see.'' Silence.
''Please forgive me, Amelia. I let him take control and he crossed the line. I promise that I won't let that happen again.'' I bowed deeply.
''Don't promise things you can't do.'' She was cold. I could feel that she wasn't believing a thing I was saying.
''I…Let me at least explain my situation… '' I begged her.
"I don't really want to hear anything from you, to be honest," she sighed. She was done with the conversation. I got the hint and I decided to leave her alone for now. But I wasn't going to give up. I didn't want to lose her. I didn't want those days of joy that I had to end like that. I didn't want to lose her…
"I will come back," I warned her. I would do anything I could to make her forgive me.
"Be careful with the stairs instead. We don't want you to go flying again,'' she giggled and I smirked irritated. That was her being petty. I didn't know that she was petty.
''Yes. I will keep it in mind.'' I gave my response and left the garden.
I walked back to my room determined to make her forgive me and fix our relationship. I was excited actually. I would put everything I had to have her again by my side. She was someone that was making me happy. Someone who was believing in me. Someone who didn't make fun of my goal to make new friends but supported me instead. She was someone who was important to me.
Then I found Irina sitting on my bed the moment I entered my room and I was dragged out of my daydreaming quite brutally. "Irina-san? May I help you with something?" I asked kindly and I sat behind my desk.
"Nah. First, it's Irina and second, she may be acting like this but if you explain to her she will understand."
"She said she doesn't want to listen to me," I sighed.
"And you will give up so easily?" she mocked me with a cheeky smile.
"Of course not!"
"She just wants you to understand what you did, or more likely what your other self did was wrong. She is not a bad girl... she tries to set boundaries." She got up and went to the door. "But if you or he repeat that… you will have to deal with me. Am I clear? And I won't be as kind." Her face took a hard expression and then smiled kindly again. She was scary.
"I understand!" I nodded quickly.
"Also, she was visiting you at the hospital while you were asleep. Cute, don't you think?" she winked at me and left the room letting me all red and my heart beating fast.
Thank you everyone for reading so far! I hope you are enjoying the story so far! Please review your opinions! See ya next chapter!