A.N: YAY WE REACHED 50 REVIEWS! Finally this story has picked up its pace. I'm glad you guys are liking it so far(I wish I could thank each one of you separately but I can't since most reviews are guest reviews and the Author's Note will become long). Let's see what happens next.
"You've left me with the memory, and the aftertaste"
With a groan, Misaki woke up woozily. She deduced that it must've been somewhere around noon as the sun was too harsh even with the curtains on. The brightness of the room was too much for her to bear. Her head hurt. She covered her face with the blankets. Memories of last night came flooding back to her. It was totally crazy! Last night she might have felt really great when she was drunk but right now it was quite the opposite. Her head felt like it was going to burst into flames or something. Dejectedly, she sat up yawning. The day had to be started regardless of what transpired last night. But she froze in her spot as she remembered telling everything to Tora.
It must've been really weird for him.
But still, a sad smile came on her face, it felt good telling him. It felt good letting it out, telling someone. Anyone. She had so much bottled inside her that she often felt like she's going to explode any moment with the sheer intensity of it all. But that weight felt very less as of now. She was glad, and thankful to Tora.
But then,
"I also want you to know that I'm always here for you. Always. As a friend or more than that. Whatever you want"
She blushed as she remembered his confession. What am I going to do? Sure, he was a great guy and all, she couldn't love him! Sure she liked him, but she knew for a fact that she could never ever replace him with Tora! Everything was going down the hill. How was she going to face Tora on Monday?
Even if she tried to think that past is past, every time she would close her eyes, the only eyes she saw belonged to Takumi. The only face that came to her mind was of Takumi. The only smile, only kiss, only touch—belonged to Takumi. She mentally screamed at herself for remembering things she really shouldn't—if she really wanted to move on. She wanted to scream at herself, for holding on to something that will never be hers, again. She wanted to move on, from the pain, the longing, the loneliness. But—
"Damn it, Takumi" she said with shaking hands as she pushed her messy hair backwards. She sighed.
She didn't understand how people got over each other. Her friends would change boyfriends like clothes and she couldn't even get over her past ex. She then decided that she was going to focus on her present now. Life's too short. Mustn't Usui be doing the same? Not allowing herself another thought, she got up. She was going to stop being stupid right now.
No more tears.
She decided to get a glass of water. Hangovers sucked. She got out of her bedroom and saw that there was no pizza box and tissues that were present there last night. "Why is it so hot today?" She walked into her living room and proceeded to take off her shirt. Who is going to care if I walk around in my bra? It's my home.
Her thoughts were soon thrown out of the window as she saw Tora sipping coffee in her kitchen with a large smirk on his face. That bastard. She paled looking at his chef; who was here again along with a maid who had cleaned their mess from last night.
Misaki quickly pulled her shirt down. Her face went red. Even the maid was blushing profusely. She thanked gods that the chef didn't see her else she would have been mortified.
"Strip tease?" Tora raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't know you were here!" Misaki wailed. She even forgot about how embarrassed she felt about thinking how she would face Tora.
"Well, it was too late for me to go home. So I lounged on the couch" He gave her a toothy grin.
"You could have used the guest room, you know" she sighed looking at the couch that didn't look like it would make a comfortable bed.
"Well, I was scared that one of your Monster-pets would be there and would eat me alive. If I remember correctly, you did mention something about being the demon prez" Tora sipped his coffee.
"Ugh. I'm never getting drunk again" Misaki rubbed her head. Tora handed her a glass of water and an aspirin. She looked at him with a grateful smile "Thanks"
"Well, now that you're up and alive, I better get going" Tora announced as he picked up with mobile phone from the dining table which currently housed a very yummy looking breakfast waiting for her.
"Work?" she asked.
"Charity event" he said as he picked up an apple on his way out.
"Wow, how uncharacteristic" she said thoughtfully—Tora didn't look like a philanthropist to her. Never.
"Don't look at me like that, get some rest" he said with a small smile—actual smile. Misaki looked away, feeling blood rushing to her cheeks. He waved and she shut the door behind him.
Sometime later, the chef left too, after making her some food. She thanked the maid who cleaned her mess, but she shrugged it off as nothing and they both went their merry way. It was strange and she was surely thankful. Having a CEO as a friend always had its advantages, right?
After she was left to her own devices, Misaki took a very long bath and enjoyed the food prepared by the chef. She binge watched the TV and laid down on her couch. Her hangover was more than better now, she didn't have to throw up. And she was more than thankful for that. And hence Misaki spent majority of the day on her couch, in front of the TV. She didn't have any pending work to do so she decided to get lazy. She watched random TV shows and nodded off to sleep in the afternoon.
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Crash!
Misaki opened her eyes as soon as she felt bile race up her throat. She took off the bed covers as fast as she could and ran towards the bathroom. The vomit came sooner than expected and she was trembling as she emptied everything her stomach housed in the loo. This explains why I didn't throw up before, as expected, hangovers suck; she washed her mouth with some water as sweat trickled down her neck.
Supporting her weight against the cool tiled bathroom wall, Misaki slid down and sat—huffing. Her breaths became short and her vision began to blur. And even though she wasn't a doctor, she knew that this was totally not a good sign. Misaki pressed her palms on her forehead, as the stinging headache came back. Before she had a chance to recuperate, another feeling of acid in her throat made her stand up and run to the wash basin immediately.
Drip-Tip.
Top.
Tip.
Top.
The sound of water droplets falling down from the faucet was the only echo in the bathroom except for her own ragged breathing as she supported herself against the wall. The adrenaline washed off and she was left energy less. Misaki walked along the wall, using it as a support as she went to the bedroom to fetch her iPhone.
She sat down as she unlocked the screen of her phone. Another rush of bile and adrenaline made her go haywire. She stumbled on her way towards the bathroom and crawled to the sink. Vomit was welcomed—for the third time now. Misaki turned on the water faucet and water came out—washing over the vomit contents. Her eyes widened as soon as the contents of the vomit were replaced by blood. Her vision started getting black and tears flowed out as blood trickled down from her mouth. Somehow, she managed to pick up her phone and tap on the recently dialed number before she passed out, uttering a "T-Tora" using her broken and fading voice.
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Tora Igarashi had been peacefully sipping his juice. He was currently at a fundraiser for orphanages. If it wasn't for the good work these fundraisers did, he'd never set foot in such events. The crowd nauseated him. Regardless, he went and was enjoying the warm summer breeze with his mock tail, he didn't feel like drinking wine—courtesy of the drinking done the night prior, until his phone rang. He smiled upon seeing Misaki's name flash on the screen. He had changed her contact image to a photograph he had taken of her when she was drunk. She was too cute for words, he grinned as he picked up the call.
"Hello?" He muttered nonchalantly, inwardly smiling.
"T…T—ora" Her voice was hoarse, she couldn't speak properly. All blood rushed to his head.
"Misaki? What happened? I'm coming there right now!" He cut the call after not hearing anything.
Everyone raised an eyebrow when they saw the CEO of Igarashi Corporation go hurriedly. Paparazzi trailed behind but was effectively stopped by his bodyguards. The media never left an opportunity to get a good headline, even at the cost of people's lives. But nobody got the chance to ask the young Igarashi any questions as he reached his car in a flash, security surrounding him completely. A few reporters sighed and gave up while a few dared to trail behind his car—stalking, at its finest.
Tora drove at full speed. His brain stopped cooperating with him now, his body moved on its own accord and he drove as if it was primal instinct. He left the car unlocked as soon as he reached the parking and ran inside. She didn't sound well, at all. He restricted his brain from making different scenarios in his mind—each worse than the other. And this is how he found her unconscious—blood dripping from her face, body slumped on the cold bathroom tiles, her forehead was wet with sweat and the blood trail from her mouth descended down her neck. She was pale. Tora freaked out and searched for her doctor's number from her phone. He called an ambulance, just in case, and cradled her in his arms. When his impatience got the best of him, he took her bridal style and carried her to his car.
Misaki was put on a stretcher and was rushed into the ICU. He explained everything to Dr. Ayame who rushed to Misaki's side immediately. He was told to wait in the lobby. A nurse came by sometime later as he paced the hallways.
"You were the one who brought Miss Ayuzawa?" the lady asked, she was getting on his nerves. Of course he brought her here, who else could she see in the empty hallway?
"Yes" he said impatiently, looking at the ICU room.
"I see" she said, writing something on her chart "Your name"
"For god's sake—"he ran a hand through his hair "Tora Igarashi"
"I see" the woman's tone was pissing him off now "An ambulance was called from Miss Ayuzawa's residence, why didn't you wait?"
"Because there wasn't enough time!" He yelled, angrily. The woman kept silent as she examined him with her eyes. She nodded once and walked away "Wait until the doctor calls"
"Did you expect me to leave otherwise?!" he yelled again, but no reply came back. He sighed as he sat down on the bench dejectedly.
Tora didn't know what to think anymore. Blood in vomit? That never happened during hangovers. Then it meant something was definitely wrong with her. Misaki was in it deeper than he thought. It was like she had no will to live! She behaved fine and it never felt like she had disregards for her life; but her physical condition said otherwise. She had slimmed down. He didn't know what to do now. He could only do one thing—wait. He rested his elbows in his thighs and kept his face in his hands as he waited for the Doctor to brief him.
"Are you with Miss Ayuzawa?" A nurse came to Tora. He nodded.
"Right this way" The addressed man followed closely behind.
The doctor sat in her cabin. She was a middle aged woman, possibly the same as Tora. She wrote some medicines and injections and sent the Nurse to get them. She acknowledged his presence sometime later.
"Please have a seat. Are you Miss Ayuzawa's Boyfri—" She was effectively cut off by Tora, "Friend. Yes, I'm her friend"
"Alright, the form here says that you found her in her apartment unconscious? Mr.—"
"Igarashi Tora"
"Oh, As in, Igarashi Corporation?"
"Yes."
"All right. So there was blood"
"Blood…coming from her mouth"
Dr. Ayame nodded, "I have given her some injections that will stabilize her. Seems like I need to have a talk with Miss Ayuzawa. It would be better if I ask the personal questions to her. She lives alone, right?"
"Yes. Her family resides in Hokkaido"
"Alright. Please wait for some time. She should wake up soon"
"Thank you Doctor"
"It's all part of the job" Dr. Ayame gave him a reassuring smile and left.
Tora stared at her for a long time. He stood up dumbly and left. There was nobody in the hallway except him. Tora shook his head and mumbled, "What am I going to do with you? Stupid girl"
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When the doctor announced that it was okay to visit Misaki's room, it was already past nine. Tora stood up warily and went inside. He was greeted by a very saddening sight. Misaki lay there limply on the bed, there were IVs inserted in her veins and she looked pale as fuck. The sight made him angry, very angry.
"She'll be up soon" a nurse told him as she left. He only nodded…
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Misaki woke up sometime later. She had been hoping that she didn't land in the hospital this time, and she did. She rubbed her eyes, everything was blurry. All she could see was a tall blur and blond hair. The person was facing opposite from her, probably reading some medical posters that were fixated on the walls.
Her throat hurt, she could not speak properly. With little strength she said something incoherent, her brain did not register it and she passed out again. The drugs in her system were making her woozy.
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Tora was anxiously waiting for her to wake up. He felt like he was the reason why Misaki landed up in hospital. He couldn't bear to look at her pale form so he turned away from her and decided to read random posters that were pasted on the walls. It was better than look at her covered in IVs. He heard her say "U..sui" and he immediately turned around. She passed out again and he called the nurse immediately. That fool, she must've thought I'm Usui, Tora looked at her sleeping form as his thoughts shattered his heart.
Misaki woke up at night. She sat up using the nurse's help. She looked around to find Tora sitting impatiently and staring at her. His arms were crossed angrily and he looked tired.
"The doctor will see you soon" said the nurse.
"Morning" Tora glared at her.
"Sorry" Misaki shook her head with a low mumble.
The doctor came inside soon. "How're you feeling Misaki?" She inquired.
"F-fine" Misaki said.
"I'm going to ask you a few questions. I have your previous reports and your medical history too."
Tora started to leave but the doctor stopped him using her palm. She looked at Misaki again.
"Since Miss Ayuzawa is going to lie to me about a few things. I would like to request you to fill in "
Tora smirked, Misaki's doctor knew her so well. He nodded for the nth time today.
"So, I'm going to be blunt now. Answer truthfully"
Misaki nodded. She was as red as a cherry.
"How long have you been depressed, Misaki?"
Misaki was speechless. She wasn't depressed! Am I?
"Uh, I'm not depressed?" Misaki said, or rather asked herself.
"You are. I did some tests. I thought that your condition was the result of over-working, anxiety or stress. But the signs are clear. How long have you been depressed?"
"Six years?" Tora said.
The doctor gaped at him, she regained her composure afterwards. Misaki was in the hot seat again.
"Well, okay. I've been her doctor for three years but this is the first time I'm hearing it" Another glare was sent in Misaki's direction.
It was Misaki's turn to be astounded. What the fuck was going on? She wasn't depressed! Six years?! Is Tora MAD? Sure she felt sad and cried a little, but never once in her life did she show any moments of weakness.
She was fine!
"I am fine!" Misaki wailed.
"Yes, that's exactly why your body is starting to give up on you"
Everyone was silent for a moment.
"What do you mean Doctor?" Tora looked at Dr. Ayame, who was currently pissed.
"Stop by my office in some time. I would like to have a brief talk with you . As for you Misaki, you need rest. Lots of rest. You need to spend time away from office. I would suggest you a visit from your parents."
What was even going on? Misaki was so confused.
"Now rest", Dr. Ayame left.
Misaki looked out of the window next to her bed. She didn't know what was going on. Tora gave her a small smile and left behind the doctor.
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There was a knock on the door, Dr. Ayame spoke "Come on in"
Tora went inside, he bluntly asked her, "So, what's wrong with her?"
"I'm gonna have to ask you to sit down" Dr. Ayame said with the same bluntness. That woman could easily rival his anger any day. What's with women annoying him today? Tora sighed and sat down.
"Now, Let me begin from the start, you do understand that perfect health is a combination of physical, psychological and emotional state?"
Tora nodded and listened patiently. He calmed down soon—there was no use yelling over something that couldn't be helped. He looked at Dr. Ayame as she explained medical jargon to him in simple terms.
"Miss Ayuzawa may be in the right physical state, but her emotional and mental distress is taxing on her health. She was hospitalized under my care a few months ago. The symptoms weren't visible that time but the blood vomit has set everything straight."
"Just say it directly" his patience was wearing thin.
"As I said before, Misaki's body is giving up on her. Her body organs are failing her. It's because of the depression. She can deny it all she wants but she needs serious medical attention. She has been depressed for a long time—six years, as you said, is a long time- and her mind is in denial. If she continues to be stubborn, she may face illness."
"Illness?" Tora looked at her strangely.
"Like heart disease, Liver failure, Brain hemorrhage, or worse, Cancer. This is what the signs are telling me. She's had the problem of short breaths before, which points to heart problem. Blood in vomit is a sign of Liver failure. The possibilities are endless. She needs to be happy. If she wants to stay alive, she needs to live life."
Tora was speechless. This day was just getting better and better.
"Her heart and liver have already started to show signs of being unwell. Their condition is worsening as we speak. The worst case scenario is, she passes away due to heart failure, or liver failure, or hemorrhage. If she gets more blood vomits, she's going to be fully hospitalized. She is in a delicate condition, we play one move wrong and we lose her. She needs care. I would suggest you call her parents and tell them to visit their daughter. It would help her be happy. We could give her all medicines in the world but when we are talking about depression, the best medicine is love"
"The best medicine is…love" Tora could only repeat the words dumbly.
"Yes, The more she recovers, better her body gets. Her blood count is low as well. I've written some medicines but she needs to experience life."
Dr. Ayame continued "She will be discharged by tomorrow. Here are some papers you need to sign."
"Thanks Doc, I know just what to do" with that, Tora left her office after signing the papers.
"You've screwed up big time" Tora declared as he entered Misaki's room.
"What did she say?" Misaki asked anxiously.
"Tell you about it later. I've called your parents, they're visiting Tuesday. You get discharged tomorrow"
Misaki freaked out, she almost shouted, if only her throat permitted her, "What?! You told them!?"
"No, I'm not stupid. I only called as a friend and told your mother that her daughter misses her family. Besides, you should be the one to tell them when you feel like, and right now we don't even know what disease you have. But the cause is your denial" Tora gave her a pierced glare.
"I-I don't know what to say. I'm not denying anything, I felt just fine! Believe me, I am not depressed, Tora! I don't think about things like suicide and stuff! How can you called me depressed because of a stupid breakup six years ago? Pfft, I'm over that. I'm over him!" Misaki argued, mostly to herself in the end.
There was silence. She knew Tora felt bad about her. He cared for her deeply, she didn't like seeing him so stressed. "Tora, you should get some rest. We have office tomorrow" Misaki continued, trying to change the subject.
"No, I have office tomorrow. You're on leave for two weeks. Boss' orders" Tora smirked tiredly. He crossed his arms defiantly as if challenging her to argue back.
Misaki paled even more, she didn't know how she was supposed to spend two weeks at home. "Tora I'm going to die of boredom. What will I do at home!?"
"You enjoy your vacation kiddo. Not everyone is as lucky to get such a lenient boss. Besides, I'll be here if you need anything" he grinned, causing Misaki to form out a smile of her own.
"No! You're going home right now. Sleep or rest or something" Misaki finally noticed his condition. He was wearing a tux, his hair were messed up and his tie hung loosely. She had caused him so much problems. She briefly wondered what she would have done if he wasn't there. She would probably be lying unconscious on her floor.
"Ne, Tora-Chan" her voice was small. Grateful.
"What is it, silly?" Tora grinned.
"Sorry for being such a burden"
"Bullshit. Now rest, else I won't leave"
"Thank you" Misaki said, as she closed her eyes. And for the last time today, Tora nodded.
A.N: Wow, a lot has happened in this chapter, Misaki really is in deep shit. I wonder, what's wrong with her?
About the medical stuff written here, I know its briefly vague but the doctor still hasn't discovered what illness Misaki actually has. Some diseases don't get detected easily until they are in late stages. Depression is really a bad thing though, it can fuck up a totally normal and healthy person. Tora's kind of sweet and caring in this chapter, isn't he? How uncharacteristic of his high school self xD
Another thing:
Tell me what I should do next—
1.Update Ups and Downs (Yes, I decided to continue it) Sorry, no summary for its chapter yet, since I haven't written it.
2.Post a new story (It's a short story, like toothache) here's a summary of the first chapter:
"England Diaries" Chapter1: He ran a hand through his hair and strolled out of the car like a model. The flowers in the gardens bloomed, butterflies roamed around, the sunflowers faced him, a few women died out of awe and appreciation, and some whistled suggestively.
3.Post a new story (It will be a long story, like A Promise Of Forever and Ups and Downs) here's a summary of the first chapter:
"My Fucked Up Heart" Chapter 1: Either my ex-boyfriends were complete douches or he's a sex-god, I think dryly as I look at myself in the rearview mirror. My face is complete red—lipstick smeared. My clothes are completely out of place, my hair looks like I just got fucked. Don't even get me started on the hickey sitting proudly on my neck. My body is on fire, and I am completely smitten by Takumi Walker.
I will do any one of the three within the next 72 hours, depending upon your reviews. Also, tell me what you thought of this chapter! Sorry for the long AN. I LOVE YOU ALL.
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