The weather was rather chilly now, you stood in front of the tree at school. Where everyone had begun to write their own saying, a thought Rin came up with in class, you where told. They actually had started to write it before you came and would add more and more. A few times you had seen some students doing so, when you first arrived. It peaked your curiosity, but you chose not to ask about it. Staring didn't help either. I made a few rather uncomfortable. So when no one was around, was the time you could go and read what was put on each brick. What some wrote was interesting. Some had sayings, others just a word. Different words in different colors and hand style. It made you wonder what you should write should you get the chance, that is if those at the school would allow you. Once, actually twice you had actually been tempted to write something, only to stop when you noticed the presence of others. And quickly ran away. To hide embarrassed and frighten. Telling yourself, you wouldn't dare try that again.
That all changed of course, after you meet Makoto and the rest. It was during this exact chilly day, during recess, Makoto told you that they had a surprise for you. After school and told you to pick out your favorite color to write with. Which you did. You of course didn't ask any questions, just wondered what it could be. When school ended, the four of you gathered together. You asked about the surprise, which suddenly Rin blindfolds you. Shocking and scaring you. That you begin to panic.
"I can't see!"you shriek."Wh-What's going on!? Rin!?"
You hear him snicker, clearly enjoy this."Rin."Makoto berates him."It's okay May. It's nothing bad. I promise."he assures you. That didn't really help much.
"Can I take off the blindfold then?"you start to. Only for Rin to grab your hands stopping you.
"Nope."he tells you."You'll just have to wait. Come on."
"I don't want to go."you whine. Starting to cry."Wh-What's going on?"
Seeing you now become upset, the guys look at each other realizing this might have been too much for you. Noticing tears trickling down your cheeks. Makoto tries to calm you down. Assuring you again, it was alright. But, it was hard for you to believe them. Haru realized why. Walking over to you, he lifts up one side of your blindfold, you look at him.
"We won't trick you. Okay?"he tells you. Though his look was serious, you could see the genuine look in his eyes, it was going to be alright. Looking at Rin and Makoto, then back to Haru. Hesitant at first, but nod timidly. He covers your eye. Turning to Makoto."Okay. Let's go."
"Right."Makoto said."Flow my voice, okay? May?"
He starts to walk off, hearing feet walking away. You felt yourself alone, there was no one or anyone there. Moving away. They were leaving you, with step away, you felt the distance grow and grow. Soon you couldn't hear anything. Your hand felt nothing but emptiness. It struggles to grip onto something but just the cold air. Searching, to find nothing. Lost and blind. Complete darkness. Separation. That feeling came back, just like you had months ago, when had to leave your old friends back in America. You held their hand for so long, to hold anything anymore. Feeling like you where drowning, you get ready to scream. To be stopped, someone took hold of your hand. Holding it tight. And they pulled you along with them. At first you couldn't hear nothing but your very own footsteps. Then you picked up another's and another's.
"Come on."You hear Rin say to you. Was he the one pulling you along. Not leaving you behind. Alone.
"Almost there, May."Makoto came after him. Was it him? You weren't sure either.
Then there came silence for a minute."Relax. Go with it."Haru said.
Could it be him? You had to know, who was taking you with them. Holding your hand. Either one of them could be doing it. Wanting to know so bad, to be let out of this darkness to see. Itching to take just a peek. When stop. Next thing, your hand wasn't being held anymore. And light came in, squinting your eyes as they adjust. Blinking a few times, rubbing them as if going blind. Your vision returns. And before, rooted deeply. Surrounded by bricks written on, the school's tree. Next to it, the guys. Standing in front. Rin grinning from ear to ear. Makoto smiling, and Haru in a sense. He sighs, and they each step aside, revealing a brink, that hadn't been written on yet. This was a surprise.
Speechless, you look at them each stun."I knew'd you be surprised."Rin chuckles."Did you bring what Makoto told you?"All you could do was nod your head. Looking at the brick.
"Everyone's pretty much written on a brick."Makoto said."Except you. Of course. We saw you one day looking at it, about to write something. But, you didn't and ran off when some more kids came."He looks at the bricks."So..."
"We thought you might want to write something."Rin steps forward. Ecstatic."We made sure to pick out the perfect brick. Well, actually Haru found it. It's not close to ours, about two bricks away. Sorry, it was the closest thing we could get. It seem only right that you get to write on it. So we can all see it. What's important to you."
You point to yourself still stun."Yes. You."Haru said."Could you write something. It's getting rather chilly. Plus we have practice."
"Haru, it's okay if we're late."Makoto tells him."This is important to May. Give her some time."He turns back to you."Don't listen to him. Take the all the time you need. We don't mind waiting."
Looking at the color you chose to write with, then to the brick. Then back to your writing utensil. What would you write? You were kind of sure of what it might. Then again, looking at what others wrote, you wondered if it would be good enough. This was something personal to you. Shutting your eyes. You hear Haru groan softly, rather annoyed. Rin hushes him.
Makoto looks at you wondering why you shut your eyes. Knowing you did this action quite a lot. Though it wouldn't last this long. He started to worry. When your eyes open, resolved on what you wanted to write. Walking over to the bare brick, you being to write. The guys stood behind wondering what it was you where writing. Whatever it was, must be intense. Seeing how you looked. When you finished, you smile satisfied with what you wrote.
The boys come over to you. And read what you wrote."..."Makoto smiles to the other two, they look at him and smile.
Rin puts a hand on your shoulder, you look at him. He smiles at you."It's a promise."
Your eyes light up from what he said. You look around at the others, who nodding agreeing with Rin. You blush a bit touched. Smiling." 's a promise then."
April gently knocks on your door, announcing herself and enters. Finding you curled up on your bed, your back to her. And on the floor in the middle. The old photo album. With your camera she had bought you on it, facing down. About to say something to you, but choose against. She wasn't expecting this when you came back from Suzameka. From what what Seijuro told her, how you had been. Feeling joy again, seeing the others, taking pictures. It was so good hearing that about you. When she went to pick you up from you, expecting her sister to come with a beaming smile. To instead have a distraught look on. This was the complete opposite. When Seijuro texted her later that day, April informed him about her sister's condition. Which was a complete shock to him. He as sure, you left in higher spirits. Swearing it.
Whatever it was that had its fangs in you, really took a toll. That you became rather sick. Claiming to not be feeling well. April of course bought it and didn't press the matter. Knowing how you would react. So for the last two days, she allowed you to stay home. To rest. Coming in to check up on you and let you know she was leaving, but should you need her. To just give a ring and she would find a way to leave school. To come here. Even telling you to call Seijuro. You never responded, just sighing. Or acting as if you where sleeping.
Going on day three now, April looks at her younger sister. Who refused to say a word and remain rather somber. Opening her mouth to say something, to close it. Shutting the door. You hear it click shut. And wait till you heard the door downstairs close. When you did, you still remained looking at the wall. All you could think about was what happened between you and Rin. It was just so out of character for him. It scared you. You finally had for that moment during the swimming practice felt a sense of joy. The joy you felt years ago. Before, everything. Thinking it was to stay, it didn't last.
Rin. Rin. All you could see was him. Screaming and yelling at you. This aggressive Rin, wasn't the Rin you last knew. They were two separate people. Normally when he said something about you taking pictures of Haru, it was usually in a joking way. Not...this way. Back then you did take many pictures of Haru, you meant nothing by it. You made sure to take pictures of everyone else.
But, Rin, he didn't see that way. The way he looked at you, demanding. This anger seem to come out of nowhere. And where ever it came from, he unleashed it on you. If he hadn't snapped out of it. Then who knows what would have happened. You didn't tell Seijuro, knowing what he would do. And because Rin, he was...
What was wrong, Rin? That thought played again and again in your mind. Was this your fault, because of...
You didn't deserve that joy. At all. Even though you desired it. Who would want that anyway? Tears begin to come, thinking about Rin. Then of Makoto, Nagisa, Gou and Haru. All of them. Turning over in your bed, staring at the album on the floor. Then to your camera. You turn back over. Shunning it.
The bell rang for lunch, students took out their lunch. To either eat in class with their friends or meet up on campus to eat together. April hurries from her class, to meet up with you. Arriving she doesn't see any sign of you. Peering inside, looking around seeing no one. Solely focused on finding her sister, she didn't notice neither Makoto or Haru. But they did.
Just as she leaves, Makoto calls after her."April! W-wait!"He quickly gathers his things, and goes to her. With Haru following behind, though not as hasty as his friend.
April waited for them, getting a good at them both. They've grown, she thought. Especially Makoto. He was towering over. Yet still had the most gentle smile on."Makoto and Haruaka."Much to Haru's disdain. But he dare not say anything, in fear of what she might do. He allowed her to do so. Something she liked, because it irritated him to no end."It's good to see you both. I thought I recognized you two. Last year at the entrance ceremony. Sorry if I didn't say anything to you."
"No. It's alright."Makoto tells her."We should have come up to you too. Anyway, we saw that May is going here now. Wow. It's been sometime since we last saw her. A couple of years ago. About three and half I think."
"Yeah. Three and half. You're right."April confirms it."It is nice that she's coming here."
"Yeah."Makoto said. He looks at her then away rather nervous. Trying to formulate his words. He didn't have to, April could see it in his eyes. The worry and confusion. Questions he hoped she might be able to answer. He seem a bit tired too. Even with his smile on. The stress was starting to show.
"Makoto..."she said calmly. He looks at her. Finding her with a understanding smile. She places a hand on his wrist. Looking down her eyes change, this caught Haru's attention. Especially seeing the way April's lip quivered. Despite her smile. Feeling her grip tighten on him, Makoto understood. The troubled and lost look April had. He was about to say something but she releases him. Regain her normal composure."..."
After resting for rest for a full week, from school. You came back. Coming into class with a smile. Happy to see everyone. Ms. Miho welcomed you. You took your seat like normal, did what you needed to do like normal. All while being on autopilot. Going with the flow of the current. A facade you carried rather well, even when you woke up every morning. Happy to see your sister, coming downstairs greeting her. Hugging her. Doing a huge 360. Acting merrily. Saying it was just a little bug.
Everything was fine. So you made yourself believe and what you projected. For the last two weeks since your return back. But, if everything was fine, you would have waited for April, like always and the two of you would have eaten lunch together. Instead you asked to be excused just two minutes before the bell for lunch. Saying you needed to go to the restroom. Or whatever reasoning. Ms. Miho allowed it. To others, they thought you actually needed to go. But, to those who paid closer attention, knew it was something you planned. To avoid them. You didn't want to deal with either of them. Getting a head start, allowed you to avoid them. And hide away. Without anyone knowing. Even your sister. And hidden you did. Finding a spot. One you assumed to be hidden.
The top of the school. Here you could breathe, and be alone and away from everything. Deal with everything. Looking around you found no one. Good. Looking around you find a place a to sit and eat. Though before doing so, something caught your eye. Walking over to the side of the railing, you see the school's pool. Clear. Filled and most of all fixed. What a lovely sit. You felt yourself becoming over come with this sensation. Just looking at it, brought back memories. Good ones. Ones that caused you shed a few tears. Fixated on the pool, you hadn't noticed someone else standing there.
Rei stood there surprised and shocked to find some else on the roof top. Where he and his friends meet for lunch and to discuss about the club. Arriving a bit earlier than them, opening the door to see that girl who took the photos during the joint swimming practice. Something he would rather not remember. Seeing her though, knowing she took the pictures of his...unplanned defeat. Or flop. He scowls for a second at her, when he saw the way she looked at the pool. He noticed the tears struggling in the corner in her eyes, she herself seem conflicted and it seem in pain. Empty. There was regret and shame those beautiful golden-yellow eyes of her's. Shimmering with a deep sadness. A mystery all its own. A pool of gold, to mean nothing. That was what lingered in her eyes. He sudden felt sorry for you, even though he didn't know why. He recalled asking his teammates about her, during a practice.
Curious on who she was and how the others knew her. Ms. Miho knew her from class. Saying she's an excellent student. Telling him she is the same age as himself, Nagisa and Gou. Though skipped a grade, due to her high test scores. It shocked him, that someone like herself was that smart. Nagisa couldn't help but brag about it, praising her. Saying May, was her name. Has always been rather smart. Though many didn't know, because of how she carried herself. He went on saying, how he, Haru, Makoto, Gou and even Rin grew up together. Childhood friends.
Makoto came in saying that May moved from America to here. Years ago, with her family. Her sister and father. She was the new face in town. A quiet and shy girl. Who kept to herself. Because she was scared about being in a new place. He admitted she didn't have any friends and no one wanted to talk to her. Nor did she make the effort to. That is until one day, he, Rin and Haru decided to welcome her. And since then, their friendship grew. They had become her first friends in a new place. Makoto described her as happy and sweet girl. Who deeply loved those she cared for. Always with a smile on her face. Eager to spend time with them. In all she was a wonderful person. Who took every single moment with her friends as something precious.
Gou added some more. That May and her would go to the swimming meets. Sitting together all the time to cheer on the others. May enjoyed taking pictures. The two of them grew a friendship. And Gou begin to understand her more. They enjoyed the others company. May was rather silly, and wanted to make sure everything was alright. She called her sweet as well. Though seem at times troubled, but soon would get over it.
All of them had wonderful things to say, except for Haru. Who just left it as, she was once a friend. What he said, seem to bother the others. It seem there was something behind what he said. It was hard for Rei to even try to decipher what Haru meant.
The May, they described, didn't seem like that May. Something didn't seem right. And being the new guy, he didn't have history like the rest of them. Thinking back to how they all looked when Haru said what he said. Told him something happened, and it wasn't good. Making them look down in hurt and sorrow.
Maybe, just maybe this could be his chance to get some answers. He could fill in. Getting ready to make himself notice. He stops, when he hears her say something that put everything into light. Watching her dry her tears. So this was the reasoning. Observing her further, seeing the remnant of past memories reflect in her eyes. The grimace of it made her cringe, in anger. Not of the memories it seem, but of herself. Looking further he was sure he saw this longing and desire. The begging of forgiveness. The struggle for it. There was no doubt in his mind. It was both beautiful and sad.
Lost in his own thought, brought out by a surprised gasp. Realizing he had been noticed. He looks right at you, it was clear by the way you looked at him. That you knew who he was and clearly remembered him. Without words, he saw the millions of questions in your eyes. Coming at him like the speed of light. There was no way he could answer them. Your eyes look passed him at the only way in or out of place. Expecting yourself to be alone, to deal with this. To find out that was not the case.
Rei tries to find the words and begins to stutter."I-I...pl-please forgive me...I-I mean..."Realizing anything he said wouldn't make the situation better. What could he say? It was clear he saw and heard everything. How could get out of this. Intruding on something this personal. Had he no respect?
The second he came up here, and saw her like this. He should have been a gentleman and let her be. Give her the privacy she obviously needed and wanted. Flustering now, pushing up his glasses. Looking away with the bit of dignity he had at the moment. He quickly steps aside. Allowing you to leave adverting his eyes straight ahead.
"I deeply ap-apologiz..."he stammers."Please. You're more than welcome to go. I promise, I won't mutter a single word. Nope. Not me. Mum's the word."He gestures the zipping of his lips.
His heart was racing wildly. He wanted to this to be over, now. The pressure was too much. Just go already, was all he thought. And keeping his fingers crossed that you had already walked away. Not even bothering to look down to see. But, his curiosity got the better of him. Looking down he did and when did he nearly jumped out of his skin, finding you standing there. Looking up at him. His reaction nearly freaked you out. But you regain yourself as did he.
Straightening himself out, to look presentable. He apologizes."Forgive me."
You took no harm to it."It's alright."Looking away. In the direction of the pool."I-I know you weren't spying on me. To be honest. I wasn't expecting anyone up here. This view, it's very lovely."
Rei could see you trying to make him feel comfortable and start some sort of small talk. To show there was no hostility. Slowly he begin to relax."Yes. It is. The Cherry Blossoms will be in bloom soon. It will be quite a lovely sight."
"Yes. I've always loved when flowers bloomed."you say."It was always refreshing. Something precious. I am to assume though, you are in the Swimming Club?"
Changing the topic to him, he wasn't expecting that."Yes. I am. I just joined actually, a few weeks ago. Actually the day after the joint practice."
"I see. Weren't you though, on the track team?"you point out."I recall seeing you there at times. I took a few pictures."Hearing you say that, he tries to think of where you had been in order to take pictures but nothing came up."You seem to like swimming. That's good. It has that effect on people."You give him a half smile.
"Yes. Apparently it did."he agrees with you."Quite refreshing."You couldn't help but laugh a bit from his pun, which he realized he said and joined you for a small laugh."Oh, forgive me, I didn't introduce myself. The name is Rei Ryugazaki."
"I know who you are. Which I am sure you know who I am."you say."Still, it is proper to introduce one's self. May O'Neil. A pleasure to meet you, Rei. I'm actually glad I ran into you."He looks at you wondering why."I wanted to apologize when I took those pictures of you. Don't worry, I don't have them anymore. I hope you can forgive me for doing so. I had no idea you couldn't, well, swim."
"Oh. That's quite alright."he said not at all bothered."I must admit, I wasn't the least bit thrilled knowing someone was going to be there taking pictures. Actually, I would be nice have those pictures again. I can see how far I've progressed since then. Since I've learned how to swim. I believe it will help out a great deal. So if you might still have them, in some way. I would much appreciate if you could send those my way."He takes out a piece of paper and begins to write something down. He hands it to you, reading it, you see his email on there along with his home address."Please."
Rather shocked by this, you agree to it."Sure."
"I don't mean to straight forward either. And please let me know if I am over stepping my boundaries. But, having you taking pictures could really be very beneficial to someone like myself. If you could? Actually, my team and I our going on this training, to get ready for the upcoming Prefectural Tournament. Could you come and perhaps record my improvement?"
"...I-I umm...I don't really take pictures anymore. Well, not really."
"Oh. Well, then I-I didn't mean to.."
"No. It's alright."you tell him, looking back again towards the pool."It's just..."
"May? Are you alright?"
"Rei..."your voice became low, like a whisper. Yet sad."..."You stop and think.
"OH MY GOSH! MAY-MAY!"Nagisa shouts happily. Surprising both you and Rei, looking behind him. Seeing Nagisa there at the bottom of the stairs waving to you. Before you could blink he comes rushing up and hugs you tightly."Wow! I didn't know you where going to eat lunch up here. This is so exciting really. Wait until Mako and Haru come, and Gou. They'll be so happy to see you and have lunch. It'll be like old times. Well kind of actually, just in school. Anyway it's the same thing in away." He kept hugging for a few more seconds. Then lets you go. He notices where you stood, in a good view of the pool. Making his smile bigger."It's cool huh? Mako, Haru and myself fixed it up to start out club. It looks really nice. You know you could come by and see us. Take some of those cool pictures like you did back at the joint practice. Which now that I think about, do you still those pictures? I could tell you took some really good. Especially of Haru. Which I beat you caught the right moment. Hey do you have the pictures on you right now? I wanna see them? Can I? Hey do you have your camera? We can take some awesome pictures right now too? No! Even better, why don't you come with the club during our long training camp? You'll be able to take as many lovely pictures as you want. I know how much you really love that."He suddenly takes your hands in his."Come one? What do you say? Mako, Gou and Haru would be so happy."
You look into his eyes, that practically begging you to come and say yes. The tightness of his grip he had holding your hands. His eyes stare deeply into yours, he wanted you to come so badly. He really did. You saw the memories in his eyes, he desperately missed and how much he missed you. The bit of hurt in his eyes he was trying to hide. But most importantly hope. The feelings he projected on you came on strong. Very strong. You couldn't look away, overcome with his emotions. You started to tremble, he noticed looking down at your hands, giving you an opening. Letting his guard allowed you to slip your hands away and back to yourself.
Giving Nagisa your answer, that left him hurt and confused. Rei saw by the shocked look he had. Looking at you backing up turning your back, looking away and holding your hands close to you. Shattering Nagisa, though you didn't bother to look, but he could see with you trying your hardest to not look back. With no words, you leave them and hurry down the stairs.
Rei watches you, then turns to the distraught blonde."Nag-"He reaches out to see if he was alright. Stopping when he saw fury and frustration, mixed with angry tears in the corner of his eyes. He refuse to allow to fall. Thinking Nagisa was going to run after you in a heat of fury, instead he wipes his eyes and forces himself to smile. Even if it wasn't a real one. Looking down at his hands, confused.
"W-What's going on?"he tries to understand. Rei remained silent the questions not at all directed to him. But he felt he should answer, after his encounter with May.
That night, you couldn't sleep. Trying hard, only to be plagued with memories that seem happy, to turn into guilt. It was too much. Then how you have been acting. Twisting and turning in your bed. The way Nagisa looked. Your desire for feeling that joy once again. Seeing all of them, again, younger. Smiling at you. The memories of use to be, came to an crashing stop. Shattering.
It awoke you in the dead of night. Looking out your window at the calmness of the night. Nothing at all bothering it. This wasn't what you wanted when you came back, you didn't like feeling this way towards them. You didn't like seeing what you saw, the sudden shift in change. Since your long absence. It weighed on your mind, could this actually be your fault? Thinking about what you wrote, surely didn't go with how you where acting now. Did you even mean it, when you wrote it? Clearly Nagisa still believed it and Makoto did, even Gou. Well at least you believed they did. You didn't know. Sitting up in bed, hugging your knees to your body. Lamenting deeply. Looking to your bed, where you cellphone rested. You pick it up,turning it on and go through your messages. Stopping on Gou's. You exchanged it with her, when she came here. Reading the text she had sent you a couple of times. Moving down to the delete, pondering get rid of it or not. Turning off your phone, and slam it down. Burying your head in your knees.
Outside your door able to peak inside, April watches sadly as her sister hurt inside. A sight no sibling liked seeing. It pained her. So much, her heart begin to hurt. Clutching her hand over that area, trying to suppress the pain. Struggling with it, doing her best not to make a sound. The pain being too much she leaves. Hoping that when come morning, this would help her sister. Regain what she needed.
Morning came, and you awoke first. Making breakfast for you and April. The least you could. Putting the food on the plate, you go and place them on the table. Then go back to clean up just a bit, wiping down when you noticed something under some piles of paper. It was a pink piece of paper. Nearly folded, addressed to April. Curious you get ready to read it, when you hear the bell ring. At that same time, April comes down, asking you to go see who it was. Doing so, you go and see.
Opening the door, to be meet with Seijuro's hand upon your hand. Him laughing heartily."Morning May! Are you ready to go?"
What the heck was he talking about? Ready for what? Why the heck was he even here? Looking up at him, he smiles down at you. Seeing the lost look in your eyes. He realized you didn't know. Making that much sweeter. April comes around the corner, carrying a few bags. Yours actually. Night bags.
"Let me help you."he comes inside going over to April, and takes your bags, while kissing her. Still lost and confused on what was going. Clearly they knew something and you didn't. Seijuro takes your bags outside and shouts for someone to take them. Next thing you knew two members of his team come and get the bags ushering them away."May, you should get ready."You look at him puzzled. He places his hand back on your head, it for some reason seem heavier. Ruffling your hair."You're coming with my team to our training camp. Isn't that exciting? Even better, you've been appointed our photographer."This completely threw for a loop, before you could wrap your head around it, he hoist you over his shoulders.
"W-What the heck!? Seijuro!?"you fluster and become hysterical. You look to your sister who just simple smiles while giving you the thumbs up. Realizing this was her plan, before you could say anything really, Seijuro hollers for for some more members of team. They come and hands you off to them, when you realized suddenly you find yourself tied up. Questioning how he did this or his members. Perplexed by this."Take her away boys."
"Yes Sir."they do as he says and carry you away. You scream for them to let you go.
Seijuro stood back smiling, April comes over to him. Resting her head on him."I hope this works. Thank you."
"It will."he assures her."And your welcome."Looking to her."Get some rest, alright. Don't worry. Remember stress isn't good for you."He kisses her on her forehead."See you in few days." Winking at her, he leaves and hurries after.
April stood there hearing her sister yelling and Seijuro laughing. Taken a back by this, she just laughs. Laughing even more, when her sister yells that she is still in her pajamas.