Back finally!
Destiny and Fate Ch 28
Wishes of many had gone unheeded as the feathery particles of white had ceased its delicate descent. With end of the ice crystals' descent came nothing, not even the depressing tears of heaven to ornament the sky. Hollow with no motion or activity, the black sky held no difference from a cold, decaying remains that once breathed air. Not aiding at all in alleviating such disheartening atmosphere, the sharp blades of frosted wind never dulled its edge and continued to pilfer warmth from those outside. Unlike the many denizens who despised such a day, Hikari found comfort, thinking that this lifeless day of December held striking resemblance to her wilted heart. It remained in such a state as she was yet unable to atone for the hurtful statement that she unintentionally voiced to Takeru in an attempt to conceal the fact she was not able to keep her promise with him. A promise which she pledged to stop seeing Takeru as the identical gentleman who no longer breathed life. In fear of him learning of their broken promise, she could not summon easily the courage to approach him first and apologize for her heartless words. And when she barely managed to conjure a thin shard of courage, it would fade as soon as she met Takeru's oceanic eyes. For numerous passages of days, she gave multiple attempts, only to have them to be futile as the results remained the same. Caught within an abyssal spiral, Hikari spent the morning ensnared by despair's desolate embrace as she did with the gone days.
"Ha…"
A weary breath exited from her as she stared out the window. With sympathy, she stood gazing at the dreary sky, looking fatigued just like her. Barely afloat above, the clouds lacked the strength to clench the hands of each other and their cotton candy shapes dissipated. Blanketing the world was now an amalgamation of formless vapor, a thick sheet of mist. She viewed the wind shape the dark haze as it does so with sand until a mechanical chime stole her attention. From the machine which produced the ring, she poured a steaming beverage of rich, dark brown.
"Ah…"
She flinched mildly and let out a short moan when the hot beverage faintly touched her sublime lips. She would soon caress again the surface of the brown pond with her lips after exhaling a series of soft breeze to weaken the heat. She seated herself on the living room couch, glaring again out the window. The thin mist of her drink grew faint and vanished soon after along with the heat of coffee as Hikari would divert not her empathetic glare. When the liquid in the cup had matched the temperature outside, she would once again be interrupted by a ring, this time from her cell phone. On the screen was a small notification that a message has arrived. She rose from the couch after reading the content, directed herself towards the foyer, and proceeded to put on her footwear. Once her feet were sheltered by a pair of boots, she reached her hands towards the doorknob to depart from her house. She could not turn the metal handle, however, as a sudden sensation of weight on her shoulder halted her.
"..!"
She exhaled a quiet gasp before turning her face to see Takeru standing behind her.
"Don't scare me like that."
She spoke, genuinely startled by his silent approach. Takeru, however, responded not as he was captivated by Hikari's beautiful appearance. Her beige shirt was concealed under a knit scarf of light brown color while ivory pants covered her slender legs. Giving a contrast to the bright colors were a pair of boots and a wool coat of chestnut color which blended spectacularly with Hikari's silky, brunette hair. Awestruck, he stood motionlessly, endeared by her enchanting loveliness until he felt Hikari brush off his heavy hand.
"Oh, sorry."
Following his apology came an inquiry of curiosity and concern.
"Where are you going?"
"…I…"
She averted his eyes, hesitant and unsure whether she should answer truthfully his question. It would be a merciless gesture to inform him that she was on her way to have a date with Taichi when she dismissed Takeru's date offer not long ago. However, now that Takeru was in front of her, there was no longer a point in trying to conceal it. Showcased numerously in the past, he possessed a unique ability to read people's mind by utilizing his unnaturally insightful and keen mind. A talent which Hikari despised as she often felt naked when receiving his azure gaze. As expected, he soon comprehended the situation and lessened her burden of informing him.
"Don't worry. Go and have fun."
"…"
An uplifting smile came with his response which she dared not to look at. It was a mask that he put on in order to prevent from Hikari feeling guilty. He had done a marvelous job of disguising himself up to a point where it wouldn't have been wrong for Hikari to believe that he was unaffected. However, such prowess in emotional control did not serve him well this one time. Hikari knew that kindness does not serve as immunity against emotional pain. No matter how perfect he appeared to be, he was but a man, prone to pain like everybody else. Despite knowing this, she could say nothing that would comfort the generous man now walking back to his room. Though it would put his efforts in vain, she said the only thing she could.
"…I'm sorry…"
It was as a whisper in the dark, possessing little strength to reach the ears of the recipient. As occurred many times, her voice softened as courage bled out from her upon witnessing Takeru's lonesome appearance. Her words faded away before they could touch the man vanishing behind the door. Unable to repeat herself, she helplessly stared at the now shut door, detesting her weakness. Her wistful eye soon left the building and viewed instead her fiancée, waiting for her outside. A well suited chauffeur greeted her as he opened for her the door of extravagant, black limousine.
"Good afternoon, miss."
She acknowledged him and his service before entering the vehicle to grace Taichi with her presence. She was now absent from the world behind the tinted glass of a prestigious automobile. Soon, the tires began to rotate and dash across the white carpet, sending the grounded snow back into the air in a form of silver dusts. Takeru watched the limousine gradually disappear from his view with mixed sentiments lingering in his mind. It was as Hikari believed. There was nobody closer to being perfect than Takeru. However, he still could not escape the negative emotions that plague all human beings. Concerns, nervousness, and petty jealousy sprouted when thinking of Hikari together with another man. Unable to eradicate these sentiments, he chose to ignore them as such petty emotions could hinder him when the finale of December was so close now.
"Whew…"
After a quiet exhale, he parted from his window and began again his preparations for the dangerous crime syndicate. Lacking a personal computer, he accessed information via his mobile phone. With an accurate satellite view of the city he acquired by utilizing the GPS system, Takeru researched for potential shelters, strategic positions, hazardous locations, and advantageous environmental factors he could use. He gave greater attention to Hikari's home, Taichi's home, and Yagami Corporation's main building as these three buildings were the main focus of the enemy. Eventually, he became an expert around the areas surrounding the three buildings. From those three spots, he widened the area of his research and made countless tactical studies. Being a large city with numerous buildings, his arduous task continued for hundreds of minutes until he was interrupted by a sudden guest who chimed the doorbell.
"Hmm."
He headed to the foyer as he stretched his body to render the fatigue accumulated from researching for an extended period of time. He accessed the digital intercom installed near the door to check the identity of the guest. The screen showed a familiar lady who he had the pleasure of being acquainted with. When he opened the locked door, the owner of remarkably lovely hairstyle splashed him with a wave of positive energy.
"Hey, Takeru! How are you doing~?"
"I'm doing fine, thank you. What brings you here?"
"Oh, one of my job interviews got cancelled. And there was a big time gap until the next one and I happened to be nearby, so I stopped by to say hi to Hikari. And to you too now that I saw you! I also brought a cake~!"
She raised high her hands to show him a small box containing the baked good while answering him in fast speech without losing her bright tone. Her speedy speech seemed to represent her boundless liveliness and positive energy which Takeru quite admired her for. He gave a facial expression to match the cheerful lady's before informing her of Hikari's absence.
"I'm glad you stopped by, but sadly, she's out right now."
"Oh, she is? Do you know when she'll be back?"
"I don't know, but I don't think it'll be anytime soon."
"Aww. But I brought a nice cake…"
She spoke with a slight disappointment visible on her face. Takeru couldn't help but to smile at her pure innocent nature.
"Wait, how come you're not with her? Don't you drive her around?"
She inquired soon after. A topic which he wished to avoid, but he answered her with a kind voice.
"Oh, Taichi-san came and picked her up."
"So they're on a date?! That's so sweet~!"
She exclaimed with an excitement similar to that of a fan girl in her teenage years. He showed another smile at her innocent charm before speaking again.
"It sure is. By the way, would you like to come in for a bit?"
"I don't know… I feel a little bad because she is not here. And I don't think I should call her while she's on a date…"
She replied with reluctance as it was not a proper etiquette to stay at someone's home when the owner was not present. He understood her reason and acknowledged that she was correct to think in such way. However, he couldn't let her back out in the cold to wait for her next scheduled interview which could be hours later. From there on, he made use of his persuasive skills to convince Hikari's dear friend.
"What you're saying is right. But I think Hikari would've liked you to stay if she knew about your situation."
She felt an overwhelming persuasiveness in his resonant, deep voice as well as manly charms. She questioned him again though she was mostly convinced already.
"You really think so?"
"I'm willing to bet that she'll scold me if I let you leave right now."
Miyako felt reassured upon receiving Takeru's statement with balanced mixture of seriousness and humor as well as his majestic smile.
"Okay, if you say so. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome. This way, please."
He shut the door following her entrance and guided her to the spacious living room. As he walked behind her, he questioned the girl fascinated by the interior design of Hikari's grand house.
"Is this your first time visiting?"
"Yeah. This building was still being constructed when I left for New York. This is amazing."
She answered while spinning around in a circle to view the impressive surroundings. He walked past her towards the kitchen while questioning her once more.
"Would you something to drink? Maybe a coffee?"
"Sure! I'd like that!"
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Few presses of buttons brewed quickly the warm beverage Miyako asked for and Takeru returned to the living room where she seated herself after viewing enough.
"Here you go."
He laid a hot cup on the coffee table and seated himself across from her.
"Thanks~! Oh, would you like some cake?"
"Sure."
Then, Miyako started opening the small square container. A short, yellow cylinder surrounded by a chocolate outline with raspberries, blueberries, and slices of strawberries decorating the top exited the box. She, then, began slicing out a small piece with a plastic knife that came with the baked good. She moved gently the cut piece onto a paper dish and pushed it across the coffee table to Takeru. He detached a small portion with a plastic fork and tasted the cake while Miyako started cutting a slice for herself. A smooth blend of sweet vanilla and rich chocolate coated his mouth and stimulated his taste buds. It was an impressive combination of flavors which Miyako reacted to with an intense satisfaction after each bite.
"Mm~. It's so good! What do you think, Takeru?"
"I like it. It's quite good."
"Isn't it~? I'm glad you like it!"
She gave a beautiful smile before gifting her mouth another quick bite.
"So what have you been doing the whole day? Today is like a day off for you, right?"
She asked once she chewed enough to speak clearly.
"Yes, but I didn't really get a chance to do anything. It hasn't been too long since I woke up."
"You sure like to sleep a lot."
She spoke with a cute giggle which Takeru responded with a playful tone and chuckle.
"Yeah, I'm a dreamer."
She continued to show a smiling complexion. Seconds after, Takeru inquired the happy lady about her day as well.
"By the way, how did your interviews go?"
"Oh. Well, they weren't too successful so far. Because you know, it's kind of an awkward time to be applying for jobs."
"Oh, that's right."
"Yeah. But I still got a few more interviews left, so I'm not worried too much. If push comes to shove, I'll just find a small part time job."
She gave a smile, filled with hope and positivity before impaling her cake piece again with a miniature trident.
"I'm sure everything will work out."
He gave a pleasing reply upon seeing her bright, hopeful complexion.
"Thanks!"
She responded gleefully after taking a small of sip of the coffee Takeru gave her. He, then, presented her a facial expression that equaled the shine of Miyako's jubilant personality as he exhaled a short sentence.
"You're welcome."
The heartening radiance of his regal smile concluded the topic. However, no new conversation took place soon as Miyako was charmed by his gleaming complexion. The gold strands of his mane augmented his bright glow which made his sparkling lapis eyes stand out even more. Diving into his two cobalt gems, Miyako felt a warm wave embrace her heart as the splendid gleam of Takeru's eyes casted her into a pleasant trance. She remained dazed by his handsome face until Takeru gave a question regarding her prolonged glare.
"Uh, is there something on my face?"
A small flinch, then, Miyako answered.
"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."
She diverted her gaze away from him as her fair cheeks began to show red tints. She directed her hand to the hot cup in front of her and drank little the hazel beverage, trying to regain her composure.
"Oh, would you like some more?"
She inquired, sighting Takeru's empty plate while she placed the cup down on the table.
"Sure."
He lightly slid the plate across to her as Miyako began slicing another small portion. While delivering back the platter with sugary goodness, she gave another question.
"Oh, by the way, are you free any time before the 26th?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but I can try to make time. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, because I need a second opinion when I shop for Hikari's birthday present."
Her final statement surprised him as he had no knowledge of the fact that Hikari's birthday was approaching.
"Her birthday is coming up soon?"
His statement relatively surprised Miyako as well.
"Oh, you didn't know?"
"She never really spoke of it. So I didn't know."
"Oh right. I forgot that she doesn't talk about herself much unless you ask her. Anyway, her birthday is on the 26th, so it's about a week away."
Miyako gave a short pause before speaking again in a speedy, upbeat manner.
"I would ask my friends, but they don't live around here. And most that do live nearby are already out of town to visit their family. So I don't really have anyone to ask except you."
"I see. But do you really need someone to give you a second opinion?"
"Not something I'm really proud of, but I'm not really good at picking present for other people."
She made a silly smile as she revealed her minor weakness. Takeru let out a faint chuckle before spending a short moment in thought.
"Hmm~… Let me first ask Hikari about her plans when she gets back. I'll try to find a time and tell you when I do."
"Really~?! Thank you so much~!"
A fantastic smile expressing her genuine joy and sincere appreciation for his help illuminated the surrounding environment. Takeru assisted her in brightening the atmosphere and the two exchanged each other's phone numbers soon after. Putting his phone back into his pocket, Takeru gifted Miyako words of gratitude for informing him about Hikari's birthday.
"Thanks for telling me about Hikari's birthday by the way. If you haven't told me, I would've never known about it."
"You're welcome. Maybe you can pick something for her too when you're helping me."
"Good idea. I'll do that."
Another exchange of pleasant expressions took place before more idle chatter ensued. Trivial subjects such as each other's hobby, favorite food, and interesting experiences dominated the conversation. Chuckles, giggles, smiles, and laughter continuously resonated throughout the room as the two enjoyed each other's company during the cold afternoon. In their enjoyment, they grew oblivious of the passage of time, creating an illusion which made the clock needles run seemingly faster. By the time when the two playful individuals noticed the racing time, the delectable cake that Miyako brought was halved and the day grew darker as the hidden sun began to descend towards the horizon.
"Wow, it's already this late?"
Miyako exclaimed as she took a glimpse of the time displayed on the screen of her cell phone.
"I should probably start going to my interview."
She spoke again as she gathered the used utensils.
"If it's far, I can drive you there."
Takeru offered as he stood up from the couch and collected the paper plates and plastic forks.
"Oh no, it's okay. You don't have to do that. It's not that far from here, I can walk."
"Are you sure?"
He inquired as he disposed the trash.
"Yes, I'm sure. Thanks for the offer though~."
She showed a gentle smile for his kindness as she rose from the couch as well.
"Okay, if you say so."
With that, the two headed together to the foyer where Miyako started putting on her shoes. Moments later, she faced Takeru and spoke.
"Thanks for having me. I had a great time."
"Same here. And you sure you don't want me to drive you there?"
Takeru suggested once more with his kindness vibrant in his voice.
"Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."
"Okay."
"Thanks again for the offer. I really hope we can meet before the 26th."
"Oh, about that. Should I call you or just leave you a message? Because you might be in a middle of your job interview."
"Oh, just text me~. I'll answer back as soon as I can."
She answered with a lively voice.
"Sure."
"Great~! Well, have a good evening and wish me luck."
Without losing her cheerful voice, she gave him her goodbyes along with a striking smile before exiting the door.
"You too. Good luck!"
Takeru matched her merry voice and waved his hand when he saw her waving her hand amiably.
"Thank you~! Bye~~!"
She gently released the strength from her hand on the door and let it separate them. The bright aura that enveloped the building dispersed with her departure and an eerie silence that accompanied Takeru in his solitude returned to grasp him. Takeru, however, shunned its chilling hands as he seated himself back on the living room couch with his mobile phone displaying again the detailed map of the city. Understanding that he was preparing for the unknown without time as his ally, he resumed his research immediately. Having already scanned the majority of the city, he spent little moments on the satellite map and began processing countermeasures for all the possible scenarios that might occur. Wishing to leave absolutely no room for error, he even factored potential traffic patterns and weather conditions into his calculation. With the new addendums, the numerous numbers of scenarios grew nigh uncountable. However, Takeru managed to conjure accurate computations for every single one of them and stored them vividly in his head in mere seconds. Such astonishing ability was Takeru's one of many exclusive abilities, made possible solely because of his unnaturally keen mind, profound insights, and intelligence. He shut off his phone and placed it back into his pocket upon completion of his research before proceeding to make his physical preparation. With the homeowner away, he took this opportunity to train himself early in order to seize the rare luxury of long sleep.
"Ugh…."
He let out a short grunt as he stretched his body awake while descending to the secret chamber of armaments. From the heavily stocked compartment, he picked a pistol of metallic gray color, loaded the magazine, and stationed himself where the numerous practice targets were. He held firmly the firearm and raised his arm parallel to the ground. Almost instantaneously, the hollow tube which would soon expel a small piece of lead pointed exactly at the spot where his eyes landed. With the squeezing of his pale finger, a bullet exited the handgun with a deafening roar accompanying it. After the thundering shout, two blunt thuds resonated in perfect unison. Winning against the mathematical odds, two dissimilar objects synchronized miraculously and echoed a harmony when an empty bullet shell, blasted from Takeru's gun, hit the floor as Taichi's hand laid down on his dinner table a finely crafted crystal wineglass. Reminiscing their past, Taichi delivered a short statement to the ethereal lady he escorted.
"It feels like forever since we ate together, don't you think, Hikari?"
"…Yeah. It does."
She answered her fiancée sitting across from her in a delicate voice that matched the gentle nuance of the slow, ambient piano music. Taichi spoke once more when her charming voice melted within the smoky jazz.
"Soon, we'll be together all the time. Just wait a little more, okay?"
"Yeah.…"
She nodded along with her reply before reaching her hand for the glass containing a luscious red liquid. A soft aroma of fruity berries, lovely rose petals, and hint of vanilla intertwined marvelously and stimulated her senses. Soon, the garnet water was privileged the supreme honor of kissing a girl whose unmatched beauty faded even the grand gleam of her celestial ring. The splendid fusion of fragrances in the wine provided a rich zest as well as a warm, gentle finish as the wine flowed into her. Surprised by its fantastic quality, Hikari gazed at the wine with fascinated expression. Smiling at her reaction, Taichi let out a short sentence.
"It's good, right?"
"Yeah. It is."
She replied, still mesmerized by the crimson beverage.
"I'll prepare something even better at our wedding."
Hikari flinched faintly upon hearing his statement and directed her eyes to Taichi who continued speaking.
"Speaking of which, have you found a dress you like yet?"
"…Yeah. I picked one recently."
"Oh, you did? That was quick. When did you do it?"
"…Other day…when I went shopping with Miyako."
To be specific, Takeru would also need to be mentioned in her statement, but excluded such fact from Taichi.
"Oh, that's right. Miyako came back from New York."
"You didn't talk to her?"
"I couldn't because I was too busy. And even if I wasn't busy, I wouldn't have been able to talk to her because I would've tried to spend a lot more time with you instead."
Hikari's face began to redden upon hearing his statement. A tingling sensation kindled her body as the rhythm of her heartbeat fastened. She fidgeted her fingers beneath the table, helpless about how to deal with her emotion. Taichi took a sip of his wine while enjoying her adorable reaction and blushing face. Soon, an overlong silence would ensue among the two as Taichi would become mesmerized and dazed by Hikari's transcendental beauty the longer he looked at her. Embarrassed by his gaze, she directed away her eyes while brushing away her hair on her shoulder, briefly revealing her gorgeous neck. The elegant line and the smoothness of her skin infatuated the suited man of brown hair and robbed from him his ability to control his gaze. Taichi's eyes remained staring at her neck even when her hair came back down and shrouded it. He, then, beheld her hair which seemed smoother than the finest of silk before raising his eyes carefully and gazing into Hikari's marvelous eyes. Though her eyes were averted from him, Hikari sensed his prolonged glare and faced him to inquire about his reason for such a stare.
"…Why are you staring at me so much like that..?"
She spoke while feeling her cheeks thickening the red shade. With her voice, Taichi recovered himself from her ensnaring grace and laid down the wineglass he had been holding up for an extended amount of time. He gave an apology along with his reason for his lengthy stare.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It was just that… you're so pretty."
He gave a brilliant smile with his comment which hastened Hikari's heartbeat wildly. Having heard such compliments from Taichi for the first time in her life, the ruby glow on her face deepened uncontrollably. She led away her eyes from him upon noticing that her cheeks displayed again a rose color and struggled to tranquilize the rapid pulse of her heart. She sipped a little a cold water to extinguish the flaming sensation inside her. The fire within her eventually weakened though it was unclear if it was due to the cold liquid insider her or the healing done by time. Her gaze returned to the culprit who stirred her heart. Still mildly smiling, Taichi welcomed back her heavenly eyes.
"…Thanks…"
She delivered late her word of gratitude for Taichi's praise, following another sip of the splendid wine. As he had done for her, she sought to present him a smile to express her gratitude. Her alluring smile, which enthralls the hearts of the viewer and beguiles even the saintly heralds of heaven, never blessed the chestnut haired groom. Immediately upon noticing her inability, a frightening perplexity petrified the lean maiden. Her mind panicked at the thought of losing once more the bright light she believed she could finally shine again. Fighting the torrents in her mind, she dove into thought, hoping to discern what had sealed away her smile. It took not long for her to realize that it was due to the guilt that lingered within her. Hikari could not bring herself to gift Taichi her angelic expression while the man who helped her regain it was befriending loneliness.
"…"
Silence embraced her yet again as she dove further into her thoughts as the silhouette of Takeru thickened in her mind. The image of him recalled their recent interaction, reminding Hikari of her weakness that pained the generous gentleman that she left alone in her colossal house. With the remembrance of her lacking valor, she was yet again trapped within the turbulent whirlpool of abysmal anguish. As she battled the violent torrent of the thrashing vortex, despair began to color her complexion which Taichi inquired her about upon noticing a change in her.
"Are you okay, Hikari?"
"…!.."
The rapid waters receded and returned her back to the fine establishment in which she dined together with the partner of her matrimony.
"Is there something on your mind?"
He voiced again his concerned mind.
"…I…"
Her reply discontinued when she looked up and let her glistening eyes meet his hazel irises. She could not speak of what was on her mind, not wanting to stain Taichi's feeling on their auspicious outing. Wishing to dismiss topic, she claimed that what changed her complexion was trivial.
"It's nothing…I guess I'm just a bit tired."
Unfortunately, such scenario did not unfold as Taichi uttered a statement that was impossible for her to refute.
"…It's about Takeru, isn't it?"
Before admitting, Hikari submerged herself in Taichi's bronze eyes, curious as to how he managed to see through her mind. She discovered soon the factor that granted her fiancée momentarily Takeru's unique ability upon diving into his auburn orbs. The two were alike, sharing the dreadful burden of hurting the passionate heart of ones who loves them. And a portion of his mind was occupied by the guilt he feels for Sora just as Hikari was the same regarding Takeru. Possessing such similarities, he was able to discern relatively easily what troubled his wife-to-be though the specifics eluded him. To his inquiry, Hikari gave a slight nod together with an apology.
"…I'm sorry…I shouldn't be thinking of him when we…"
Taichi interrupted, assuring her that she was not at all wrong to think about her housemate.
"It's okay, Hikari. Don't worry. I understand."
"…."
Only the tender improvisation of the jazz piano permeated throughout the building while Hikari plunged into a deep thought, inviting silence to soak the atmosphere around them. She abhorred her weakness that forced her to see her deceased companion in Takeru no matter how vehemently she struggled. And she was unable to decipher as to why she could not render away the memory of her late friend and acknowledge her gold haired housemate as a different individual. Regardless of how many hours she accumulated in fierce deliberation, she could not attain liberation from her past. However, she could not let the matter persist either because should she do so, people around her would continue to be afflicted. Desperately desiring a resolution, she chose to seek an aid from the man who shared her fate though it meant delving further into the sensitive subject for both of them. She sought to learn how to gather her courage to apologize for breaking her oath rather than how to resolve her issue in which she constantly saw Takaishi in Ishida, for it was a personal problem that he could not help her overcome. Wishing not to hurt more her future husband in the process, she approached the matter carefully in a feathery voice.
"…Hey…Can I ask you something…?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"…How do you apologize to someone…?"
She sacrificed a short moment to silence before making her lovely voice audible again.
"When…that person… might not forgive you…?"
Though her voice grew frail at the thought of such situation involving Takeru, she endured on the fright and finished her sentence. Though she did not intend to, her inquiry shook immensely Taichi's heart as it was of a topic that he related himself well to. To be forever unpardoned, unforgiven, and hated despite trying to atone for one's sin was a terrifying retribution. And Taichi believed it to be a deserving punishment for him as he harshly twisted Sora's life and emotions. It did not mean, however, that he was unafraid of her eternal condemnation. He too was certainly a victim of the same terror that restrained Hikari's valor from blooming. But she was correct to pursue an advice from him as he indeed possessed the courage that helped him to triumph over his fear. He soon proceeded to share what granted him the strength to endure the unbearable fright of being denied clemency.
"I know how you feel. Sora…probably won't forgive me for what I've done to her. And I don't expect her to."
A minute pause ensued before his confident timbre painted the atmosphere with vibrant iridescences upon the resumption of his oration.
"But I'm still going to do whatever I can to make it up to her. Because what's important is not about being forgiven. It's about doing the right thing."
He paused shortly for a quiet exhalation.
"Being never forgiven is really scary. But you got to have courage to fight the fear that's stopping you from doing what's right."
The remarkable mindreading skill was no longer present with Taichi as he had failed to correctly assume the reason for Hikari's query. He had hypothesized that her words conveyed her desire to apologize to Takeru for her sudden matrimonial union. The mistake, however, was inconsequential as his words were relevant regardless. She came to understand that he too was a victim of the same terror that restrained her. The difference between the two, however, was that Taichi was able to discover the courage to endure the endless hatred upon realizing the importance of his humanity. For should he let fear swallow him and escape the atonement he was due of, he would lose everything that makes him human. Recognizing the infantile selfishness in avoiding her responsibilities due to a trifling fear of Takeru's resentment towards her shattered vow, indignity assaulted the slim girl's conscience. However, it soon served to become a fuel for the ember of her courage, kindling again her determination to inform Takeru of her failure to honor her pledge. Her newly forged fortitude, unlike the brittle ones in the past, was strengthened by the crystal pyre of courage that she obtained from Taichi which she went on to express her sincere gratitude for.
"…Yeah…You're right… Thank you, Taichi."
Though her smile was still absent, from her face emanated a divine radiance which rendered Taichi temporarily unconscious with its delight. He recovered once his eyes regained its vision after viewing her blindingly exquisite resplendence and then, presented a heartening reply.
"You're welcome."
Marking the conclusion of their conversation and dissipating the heavy atmosphere that was molded by it was an elegant chime resonating from a mild collision of two transparent chalices. Still hazily humming, the glass glided back to the owner whose graceful, white fingers were caressing its body. And then, the pool of lush elixir contained within it roused Hikari as it tranquilly streamed into her. And they dined a cuisine no less delectable than the cerise potion on their table, accompanied by a single forlorn star glistening thinly in the deepening night sky of onyx hue. Only luminance that visited Takeru, on the other hand, was miniscule explosions that propelled infinitesimal metal fragments out of a narrow cylinder. The momentary sparks of ignited gunpowder made frequent appearance as the trigger would not cease movement until the firearm had been emptied. A dull click indicating the exhaustion of bullets followed not long after. Then, Takeru lowered his arms and surveyed the final destinations of the each lethal lead piece that departed. A swift scanning of the targets had informed him no errors in his aim and he turned to reach for another stack of ammunitions. A sound of scraping metal from the ground and absurd sensation beneath his foot demanded the attention of his eyes. Though he did not directly witness the culprit of the unpleasant screech, he knew clearly what it was that he stepped on and abraded against the floor. It was not at all challenging to discover that an empty bullet shell was under his foot as the white marble floor was coated with seemingly immeasurable quantity of the copper casings. Thinking it a sufficient practice upon viewing the amounts of shells littered across the room, he returned the gun to its compartment before cleaning. It was not until the laborious work thieved from him an entire hour that he was able to ascend from the basement chamber.
"Haa…."
As soon as Takeru surfaced to the main lobby, he was daunted by the vicious winter wind seeping in from the building's entrance door. He delivered unto his hand a heated breath to thaw his already freezing hand before hasting his footsteps towards the elevator. A familiar yet empyrean voice, however, halted his motion.
"Takeru?"
Shifting his gaze to the automatic glass gate, he saw the paradisiacal homeowner who paled the light of silken diamond particles that carpeted the outside. Wasting not a second, Takeru welcomed Hikari with an expression no less magnificent than the shine of her peerless pulchritude.
"Welcome back, Hikari."
"….What are you doing out here?"
Curious as to why he was roaming outside, Hikari questioned the wandering man after acknowledging his welcome.
"Walking around a little bit because I've been just home all day."
In less than a second after, he formulated a false answer to camouflage the truth behind his outside presence and Hikari became yet again a victim of his masterful deception. Takeru spoke on after finishing his reply.
"So how was your day? Did you have fun?"
"…"
Instead of a verbal response, she gave a weak nod while directing away her eyes.
"I'm glad you did."
"…"
"Come on, let's go up. You must be tired after a long day."
After the conclusion of his suggestion which still retained his spirited manner, Takeru walked over to the elevator. However, before his fingers could reach the elevator button, Hikari intervened by reaching out her snowy hand and clenching his shirt gently. She removed slowly the strength from her hand and let it fall around her waist level when the towering man turn to face her.
"What is it?"
"…I…"
As she began her sentence, she beheld again his immaculate blue eyes which made her voice frail. Hikari lowered her gaze, sensing her strength and will waning upon being lost in his mesmeric, sapphire spheres. Though no words were exchanged between the two, muteness did not enclose them due to the artic gale riotously rampaging outside. It was after the tempestuous gusts receded that Hikari managed to lift her gaze and meet again Takeru's gemstone eyes.
"…Takeru…I'm…sorry…"
"For what?"
Her airy whisper continued after his tender words of concern.
"…For what I said…about going on a date with…you… I didn't mean it… I'm sorry."
"Oh. If it's about that, then don't worry ab…"
"I didn't mean to hurt you... But I couldn't say yes to your date offer…"
She interrupted Takeru and spoke on with a breaking voice.
"…I thought if I went on a date with you, I would see him in you again…"
"…Takaishi."
He uttered quietly the name of her late friend whose striking resemblance to himself troubled his loved one.
"…I'm sorry. I promised not to do that anymore…"
From an airy whisper, her voice became teary the further she talked of her fractured oath. She could no longer face him, fearing that tears would begin to flow if she remained her eyes where they were. She stared back down once more where her cocoa colored boots and polished lobby floor of sepia shade beneath them were visible. Hikari felt a firm weight on her left shoulder when another pair of footwear appeared in her view. Then, there echoed a profound baritone that calmed the hurried pulsations of her heart.
"Don't force yourself so much."
He went on once the initial reverberation of his voice retreated.
"He was an important person to you. It's going to take some time."
Comforted by his cordial speech, her accelerated heartbeat regained the normal rhythm. Hikari, then, gradually raised her head to see Takeru's ambrosial complexion waiting for her. The splendorous majesty of his exalted smile had conveyed to Hikari all of his thought, perception, and belief on the matter. His gleaming expression had portrayed that there was nothing she needed being forgiven for and should she absolutely yearn for one, his absolution. He also understood full well of Hikari's staggering struggle regarding her gone companion of her tangled, tragic past. And he presented in his smile also his willingness to be patient for her to become able to honor her promise no matter how many days, months, or perhaps years that she needed. Possessing intelligence and insight no less than his, Hikari comprehended his message hidden within his dialogue and took in again the sight of his altruistic character that reiterated his perfectness.
"…..Thanks…."
To her words of gratitude, Takeru presented another superb facial expression that would have conjured a cherry glow on Hikari's revered cheeks had she not fought against the germination of it.
"You're welcome."
With the conclusion of his caring statement, he lifted his large hand from her lithe shoulder and pressed the elevator button after turning to face it. As it had not been functional since Takeru utilized it to descend to ground level, the mechanical plates of metal separated to create an entrance passage for the confined yet commodious chamber of escalation. He remained his finger pressing firm on the button to hold open the door and displayed a chivalrous gesture with his free hand that proposed Hikari's entry. Takeru followed in after she acknowledged his gentlemanly conduct and stepped first into the cube train that would ascend them to her ostentatious home. Soon, the whirring of machinery and powered gears hummed in their ears while the digital figures of numerical value visible beyond the thin screen of glass received gradual augmentation. Hikari spent the short ride, contemplating deeply with her amber eyes fixed on the hind of his aurulent mane. She finally managed to release herself from the encaging guilt, built by her accidental utterance of damaging words that scourged her conscience till the recent moment no longer than a minute ago. However, she was distant from resolution as myriad concerns such as her wedding with Taichi hindered her. Among the legion of affairs, she deemed the fulfillment of her oath as the matter that required an immediate settlement. Though she was grateful for Takeru's compassionate heart and patience, she wished not to delay the satisfaction of her pact as she did not desire to risk distressing neither herself nor anyone around her again. As taught by Taichi earlier in the evening, she summoned forth her courage to do everything she could to accomplish what she discerned to be the right thing that needed done. It was by no means that she was not anxious, however. Her fright of failure still loomed despite the courage's suppression of it and caused Hikari's hand to tremble when thinking of the moment she had to carry out the necessary actions. Despite the rapid movement of her hand, she felt the tips of her fingers running cold as if her blood began to freeze with each passing seconds. She barely succeeded in consigning to oblivious the glaciation of her blood after a ring indicating their arrival was sung and the doors open to show an exit.
"…Hey…umm…"
She paused for a second, trying to reinforce her trembling voice.
"…Do you…still…."
Her voice stayed unchanged, delicate and fragile.
"Still…want to go on… on a…a…date…?"
Life was not kind to me during the year of 2014... I can't believe I couldn't write for such a long time...
I am deeply sorry for all those who enjoy reading my story and show unending support.
This chapter ended up sloppy again... I apologize. I hope I can produce better chapters to satisfy all the loving, patient readers quickly on 2015.
I can't express how thankful I am for all the readers and reviewers! Once again, I'm sorry for the extremely late upload.
Happy New Year!