eight: chasing after fate
Sitting across from a handsome boy in a fancy café and eating the most delicious cakes she had ever tasted should have been more than enough for Jibril Flugel to feel like she was the luckiest girl in the world.
It was a nice sunny day out and she was wearing the sexiest outfit from her wardrobe: a top that left her midriff exposed, accentuating her curves, and a skirt that trickled to her knees. She made sure her hair was nicely done as well—she had washed her hair the night before but experienced much trouble maintaining it since her hair was usually frizzy after a wash.
Yet, even when her efforts were rewarded with Teto's compliments and Teto was nothing short of an amazing and charming (soon to be) boyfriend, the faux date felt, for some inexplicable reason, incredibly underwhelming.
It's because of Sora, isn't it, the thought nagged her and she shooed it. That can't possibly be.
"…and that's what he said! Isn't that just ridiculous?" Jibril jolted, feeling a pair of eyes falling on her expectantly. Teto, in his handsome glory, stared straight in her direction.
"Uhm…yeah!" She forced a grin as she felt around for the cup of tea she had ordered. Fingering the cup around the handle, she brought the drink to her lips and internally winced when her lips touched the hot liquid. Still, anything was better than to risk looking completely inconsiderate for not listening at all.
Thankfully, if Teto had noticed she wasn't paying attention, he didn't react as such. He just flashed a grin and continued to talk again, about another school incident he had experienced. Jibril pretended to drink for a good while before her ruse would appear fake and she set the cup down.
This is boring. Even though Jibril hated to admit, despite being together with her crush under the most ideal dating setting, she was completely bored out of her wits. She had always pictured Teto as someone more playful, more humorous. Instead, what she got wasn't the clumsy person who was a perfect gentleman. What she got was a perfect gentleman who had the personality of the tea she drank: completely tasteless.
A waitress arrived then and Jibril couldn't be any more grateful of an interruption than now. "How can I take your order?"
"Yes, I—" she paused when she recognized the waitress. "Stephanie?"
Donned a brown apron around hips and equipped with a notebook and a pen to write with, Stephanie Doila mirrored Jibril's shocked expression but for a different reason other than Jibril finding out her part time.
"What are you doing here?"
Jibril snapped back and sensed the underlying irritation in those spoken words. She puzzled. Was Stephanie pissed that she found out her part time? That wasn't anything to be angry about.
Yet, even after knowing that Stephanie's irritation was unfound, Jibril felt herself heat up. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm currently with a friend, obviously."
"That's not what I'm talking about," Stephanie retorted. "I'm talking about Sora."
At the mention of the red haired boy, Jibril stiffened. "What about him?"
Stephanie frowned, muttering some comments about being an oblivious fool. Still, she shared, "He was just here with Shiro earlier. It looked like a farewell meal since, apparently, Shiro is going to study abroad today."
Jibril gasped at this. So this is why…
"Things went wrong," Stephanie continued, "because Sora didn't approve or something. He tried to convince Shiro not to leave but she said no. A fight ensued. It ended when Shiro ran away and Sora left after her."
Despite not eating much, Jibril felt her stomach churn uncomfortably. …if I had let Sora talked, would that have happened? "So, how long ago did that happen?"
"A few minutes ago." Stephanie gestured to the clock behind them and then to the café's exit. "You can still catch up to them if you want to. They're heading to Disboard Airport."
"And why," Jibril tried not to let her eyes reveal regret that had been brimming, "why do I have to chase after them when I'm with someone? You like Sora as well right?" She was returned with silence, which for some reason made Jibril anxious. Jibril lifted her head, eyes widened crazily. "I mean, I was only curious okay? That's the only reason I continued to ask!"
Bam! The notebook and pen crashed on the table in front of her, spilling some of the liquid from the cups. Jibril jumped up, startled by Stephanie's action. "Wh-what are you doing—"
"Look, darling," Stephanie snatched Jibril by the collar now, her face every bit as peeved as her tone. "Honey. I know how stubborn you and I both are but do you really have to act this way? Wake. Up. You like him. And how would I know? Because you have the look I have only…" She didn't continue, backing up as she chuckled weakly. She ran a hand through her hair. "…he'll probably reciprocate your feelings. The expressions you give to each other…they're identical."
Do I…really look like that? Jibril tried absorbing Stephanie's words, words that meant something she had always tried to suppress. Lately it had been harder to but Jibril knew that as soon as she admitted to being in love with Sora Nai, well, that was when everything was game over. She knew better than to like someone who was in an unrequited love for years on end. She should know better. Her first love was unrequited—well, requited now. Only, she no longer loved Teto.
"Why would you tell me this?" Jibril managed out, "If you like him as well?"
"Call it a favor returned," Stephanie replied, crossing her arms, "I don't want to become my grandfather, debt ridden even in his goddamn deathbed. I'll be in control of my own destiny, thank you very much. And now," she pulled Jibril up by the arm. "Be in control of yours. Do you want Sora to convince Shiro to stay and then he'll be forever oblivious to your feelings? Or will you take the lead and write the way you want your story to be?"
Jibril didn't know whether she was shocked by Stephanie's attitude or proposal. Still, the latter sounded promising. Fuck remaining silent because it would be 'game over' if she wasn't. She didn't plan on letting another love fly by her.
"That sounds something I would say."
Stephanie smirked, "I've learned that the best way to startle your rival is to best them in their own expertise but the best way to be a friend is to remind them of who they are." She patted Jibril's shoulder, a smile on her face. "Go do what you'd like."
Jibril brightened and nodded, grateful for all Stephanie had done. After all these years of not communicating and hating each other guts, they had finally sorted out their misunderstandings. And from what Jibril had found out, about Stephanie, she was a pretty bearable chick. "You know, a café maid suits you. Far better than being the slut that you are. Don't mix personal life with your professional life."
"Shut up."
They both shared a laugh and Jibril was ready to set off, until—
A cough interrupted their moment and the girls' heads turned to the person. Teto, who smiled shyly when he had captured their attention, said awkwardly, "You know, as heartwarming as this all is, I feel pretty left out."
Oh shit. We totally forgot he was still here. Jibril bit back an embarrassing blush as she approached the boy. "Teto," she said, "I used to like you. I don't know if you remember but we met when I struggled to return all my library books and you offered to help. I thought," she grinned at her memory. "I thought you would be one of those prince like, perfect boys from the books I've read and lighten my load. But instead," Jibril laughed, "you tripped and fell. You were so hilarious but I still thought you were perfect and…I fell in love. It was love at first sight." Lowering her head, she caught Teto's blank expression and smiled grimly to herself. "But…pm this date…you turned out to be different from how I remembered. You've grown to become like—"
"That's alright, Jibril," Teto interjected and Jibril's head shot up. "Huh?"
"I understand," he assured, "I get it. I'm sort of no better anyways since I approached you because of Sora." Seeing Jibril's apprehensive look, Teto shook his head. "It's true! I did! He asked me out of the blue one day to go out with you. I only accepted because Sora always talked about some pink haired girl named Jibril."
Sora…talked about me?
"It's strange," Teto continued. "For the first time, the perverted siscon is talking about a girl other than Shiro. I thought the girl must be really amazing hen. And," Teto smiled, the smile Jibril fell in love with and made her heart race even now. "She was…except she's probably more amazing in Sora's eyes than in mine."
Touched, Jibril chirped, "What did Sora say about me?"
"Oh, just that you're a loud mouth and obnoxious and completely unfeminine."
"Why am I not surprised?" Jibril muttered. "I am definitely chasing him down and ripping his soul from his stupid, smartass self. Then he'd wish he had better hold of his mouth."
"Well, when you do, tell Sora that he found someone really special."
Jibril gave him a thumbs up. "You bet I will." But then, despite all was said, Jibril had a sudden thought. "What…if he doesn't like me?"
Stephanie, who had remained silent out of respect for Jibril's confession, erupted then. "Are you still wondering about that—"
"He definitely does," Teto interjected. "He's the type who is obvious when he likes a girl. At least, he was really obvious about liking Shiro."
Ah, there he is. The Teto I was in love with. Gathering her spirits, Jibril bid Teto and Stephanie good bye and rushed out of the café. She looked out into the streets to hail a cab and when she did, she hopped right in.
"Can you go to Disboard Airport? I'm in a rush here."
—
The wretched girl had left minutes ago yet the date she left behind remained in his seat. Stephanie had to resume work so she had no time to reminisce and think out what had just happened. The boy (Teto?) did though and Stephanie wondered what exactly he was thinking, with his chirpy demeanor completely gone and a blank expression in its place.
"Are you sure you won't regret it?" Stephanie approached finally, when closing hours were nearing. Most of the customers were gone now and she finally had the opportunity to speak with the boy. "Jibril is pretty amazing, even though I would never admit it in front of her."
"Nah, I think I can live with it. I don't like sad girls." His eyes tore away from the window and slightly widened when they switched to Stephanie. "But, what about you? Are you okay with her chasing after him?"
Stunned by his question, Stephanie readied to give a similar reply. A reply that she was fine, okay, completely content with Jibril chasing after Sora. After all, she had been fine right after Jibril left and was able to perform her part time tasks normally. But then she sniffles, eyes weighed downwards with heavy, begging tears. "Yes! I am perfectly fine with letting him go! Perfectly!"
Crap, crap, crap.
No matter what she did, frustration emitted through her. She was reminded of all the hard times she went through: her grandfather's illness, the beginnings of her responsibilities, the many abusive jobs she had to deal with until now. It was many thanks to Jibril, who both ended and started many wounds. The memory of Jibril storming in the karaoke room that day elicited a small chuckle from Stephanie. She looked ridiculous, back then and even few minutes before. Jibril was ridiculous but perhaps she was as well. She just started and ended one just now—she eliminated any chances Stephanie had to be with Sora, her first high school crush.
"Sayonara," Stephanie whispered, eyes closed as she let a year drop and then another, and then another. "Sora—"
Something soft and warm brushed her cheeks then. A handkerchief.
"Tears, don't look good on you," Teto was saying, in all seriousness.
Stephanie looked at him. The line was ridiculously cheesy, and cliché. Something Jibril would most likely fangirl but she was sick of all those perfect one-liners that came from stories of characters that lived privileged lives. She had no time for any of that and she was definitely not living a privileged life.
Yet, in spite of herself, his words inspired happiness and she broke into a quiet, awkward laughter. "Thanks." She accepted the handkerchief. "Thanks. A lot."
—
Even with Sora and Shiro having an hour or two advantage (if Jibril remembered correctly, she and Teto entered the café only two hours after it opened for the day), Jibril was confident in reaching the airport before they did. As a hopeless romantic reader, Jibril went into a phase of copying the heroine's acts in books and memorizing how to get around places was one of them.
While the conventional choice in getting to the airport would be taking the highway, Jibril knew the highway was susceptible to accidents, traffic, etc. And in a city as accident prone as the one they lived in, Jibril knew Sora and Shiro were bound to chance upon something that would delay their arrival at the airport.
It was why Jibril suggested another path, a local road, for the driver to take. The cab driver was surprised by Jibril's suggestion and tried changing her mind but Jibril didn't relent.
"I hope you're not trying to rip me off," she warned and that was that.
During the ride, Jibril would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous. Even after all the support and encouragement she received from Teto and Stephanie, Jibril wasn't quite sure she could convince Sora or Sora would even listen to her. But she decided then that it was fine. Feeling anxious now but acting on her feelings, getting everything out, was a lot better than remaining silent like how she had been throughout all her life.
If I wasn't silent, I wouldn't have known the true reason for Stephanie's behavior back then. If I wasn't silent, I wouldn't have realized that despite being cool, Teto isn't that cool. But…
Jibril couldn't contain her grin. …if I wasn't silent, I would have never been able to meet you, Sora.
The cab neared the airport then and Jibril shouted for the driver to stop. She dug into her purse and gave the driver his amount, along with a few extra bills but Jibril got out before hearing the driver yell at her for this. She had more important things to take care of.
The Disboard airport was a dome shaped building located by the high way. Streaming before it, cars traveled in rapid speeds on a huge stretch of road. It was unsurprising for the Disboard airport to develop a reputation for being dangerous and life risky. Crossing this road meant risking your life. It was this reason alone that the Disboard airport had the best customer service to make up for it and why Jibril once frequented when she was in her rebellious stages.
She stood at the walkway in front of the Disboard airport then, looking around to spy for Shiro and Sora. The earliest flight wasn't taking off until an hour later so Shiro and Sora should just about arrive. But after waiting for a couple of minutes, Jibril decided that the two probably have arrived and she should search for them inside.
But as she opened the doors to enter, she could hear a cab screech in the middle of the busy road and a small figure step out. Jibril's eyes widened. Shiro.
Another cab followed suit and this time, a red haired boy emerged, rushing to Shiro's side. Sora! He was tugging at the smaller girl's arms, completely unaware of the dangers of talking in the middle of a hazardous road. Shiro was unaware as well, simply shoving her brother and starting to sprint.
But trying to walk across a road required carefulness and concentration to make sure no car was heading, let alone a busy road and a girl who was completely distracted. As expected, Shiro was walking straight into a charging car that didn't seem to slow down and Sora looked ready to act.
Yet, even with Sora ready to save Shiro, Jibril couldn't shake off the unease she got from watching this scene unfold. He's…going to do that isn't he? She started to run towards the siblings, carefully navigating herself through the traffic and forcing cars to stop for her.
As she thought, Sora pushed Shiro out of harm's way but he, himself, was now in the way of the charging car. He seemed perfectly content though, and smiled at Shiro's horrific expression. He spoke, and Jibril was close enough to hear the words he expressed to Shiro.
"I love you, Shiro. The love that makes me want to marry you."
Her heart clenched and eyes dampened but still, she crashed straight into Sora, pushing her body against his and letting their bodies tumble away from the road and slowly, onto the path. Everything around them rolled in a blurred frenzy and despite her vision still not recovering, she slumped on top of Sora, who was equally as dizzy. With her unsteady arms and shaky legs, she pinned the boy on his back against the pavement, her legs securing the side of his torso and hands balling his shoulders.
Sora finally recovered from the impact then, and his eyes widened at the sight of her. "J-jibril?! Wh-what are you doing here? What about Teto—"
"—shut up!" Jibril shrieked, startling both Sora and Shiro, who had saw what happened and was walking over to them. "Stop doing as you please! Stop assuming what makes me happy! Stop making me happy if you don't mean anything! You're really ridiculous, Sora, really. I'm so ashamed that the person I love acted like this."
"What?" Sora gasped. "What do you mean by that—"
"—and you," Jibril pointed a finger at Shiro, snarling, "are you crazy? I know you and your brother were an insane, fucked up pair of siblings but for fuck's sake. Why in fucking hell would you walk out in a busy road like that?"
"Jibril, I…"
"—do you not know how much worry you've caused people?" Jibril gasped, her grip on Sora tightening. "How worried Teto was enough to send me after you two? How worried Stephanie was enough to give up on her crush? You two are crazy, crazy. It's not all about you two! We're…I…"
She buried her face into Sora's chest, feeling hot tears sting her cheeks. She was tired, exhausted. Her skirt had been dirtied and torn in the process of saving Sora and her head was still spinning. She didn't care anymore though. She didn't. "…I like you," she managed out and she felt Sora stiffen underneath her. "I like you Sora. I like verbally sparring with you and just being in your company. You're a cocky asshole who's hopelessly in love with your sister to the point that you would kill yourself and FYI, that is just stupid. Sacrificing yourself for your loved one is never admirable—it's just plain selfish. But, even after all of this, I think I like you. A lot."
She raised her head, unsurprised to see Sora's shocked expression and his mouth ajar. She got up though, turning her face away from his. If he left his lips exposed that way, who knew what she would do.
"I…I never knew…"
"I know," Jibril cut, "I know. You only like Shiro." She mustered the best smile she could without crying but her eyes were watering. "I know. I know so," she looked around to see the girl standing far away from her and Jibril figured that Shiro probably felt guilty for risking her life and, now, being the one Sora loved. Jibril pulled Shiro by the hand and pushed her lightly towards Sora. "Solve things with her. Say everything you want to say. Don't be like how I once was, avoiding confrontation and conflict."
"Jibril…" Sora bolted upright, trying to reach over to Jibril but she backed up before he could touch her. She shook her head. "Be the cool Sora I fell in love with. Not the wuss you are right now."
He looked like he had more to say, from the way indescribable feelings clouded his eyes. But upon meeting the determination and faith she had in him in her burning eyes, Sora gave up and smiled back. They shared a knowing smile before Sora broke it away and expression hardened. He faced Shiro.
"Shi-shiro." His eyes wavered a bit upon seeing how saying her name made Shiro flinch. For a second, Jibril thought Sora would give up and she would need to do something. But then, Sora continued, "I…I've always liked you. You were…a source of comfort for me and the only one who could match my intelligence...but at the same time, I knew it. I knew you wouldn't like me the way I did. But then I became selfish, and I refused to let anyone near you…because I was scared that you would…"
And while she was listening, a huge wave of discomfort washed over her and something nagged her that she was intruding on something private, something she shouldn't be listening to. When Sora was finishing up, she tried to back up but was stopped by someone pulling at the hem of her dress. Sora.
Though he was still speaking and his gaze was directed at Shiro, Jibril noted the slight quirk at her, begging her not to go away.
Please stay, so I can finish.
Despite herself, Jibril smiled and remained in her spot, listening until the boy finished his speech.
Shiro hadn't said a word, absorbing everything Sora had said with quiet, careful consideration. Long after Sora finished, the silence remained and Jibril was afraid to break this by asking Shiro if she was okay. Sora appeared uneasy as well; if biting his fingernails wasn't already an obvious enough indication.
Luckily, the girl finally put their anxious heart at ease, standing up. "Thank you…nii-chan. Thank you…Jibril. Shiro really appreciates your feelings and Shiro…" her lips formed a small smile. "…couldn't ask for better friends than you guys. Thank…you."
With Shiro's compliment, Jibril felt her heart lightened and cheeks reddened. "Shiro…"
"And that's why, Shiro would like to speak with nii-chan alone." Shiro concluded. "If…that's alright with nii-chan and Jibril."
Sora threw Jibril a 'what to do' gaze which Jibril returned promptly with an encouraging shove. Just go for it. Life's too short for all this dilly dallying. When Sora obliged, he took Shiro by the hand and they walked towards the airport. Right before disappearing, Sora mouthed to Jibril.
"I'll be back!"
And Jibril took this as a signal to wait for him—a signal that he would return and happiness filled in her. She perched herself along the sidewalk then, watching as the place flooded with people entering to board on their flights. She wondered if she would ever be one of those people—boarding on her own destination, rather than waiting for it.
But hey, she smiled. With Sora asking her to wait, all her patience have paid off…right?
But as each flight departed and the number of people in the airport lessened, Jibril grew a bit anxious.
What if he lied? What if he changed his mind? What if Shiro decided to accept his feelings and, and…
Jibril chased these thoughts away, however. This wouldn't happen. It couldn't. Sora wasn't that kind of irresponsible person and he was probably taking his time coming back because he was trying to make the last memory he'll have with Shiro in a while last as long as possible. Yeah. That was right.
"Last flight of the day now departing."
With the intercom announcing the last flight, Jibril shivered slightly from where she sat. The autumn pink sky had now darkened into a midnight blue and she knew something had gone amiss. Still, she hoped. She hoped despite herself. And when the last plane took flight, its silver jetliner cruising through the darkness like a shooting star, Jibril made a wish.
If she had known that the last flight she saw was also the flight both Nai siblings boarded on, she would had never wished, so soon, "I hope I can finally have a happily ever after."
Word Count: 4163
A/N: Normally, when I write this much in such a short amount of time, I would wait for a few days to pass before publishing. But since this chapter is the penultimate, I decided to post this right away before my motivation wanes and it takes months for me to write the next one and this fic would then never end.
But that's right, folks. Sincerely Spurious is ending with the next chapter! Look forward to it~ (:
Hope to have your continued support! Let me know what you think in your reviews and thanks for all the favorites/follows!