As soon as Rima was sure Hitomi wasn't in view and out of sight she started running.
"Where did Nagihiko go?" She felt the wind whip at her face, and the sun blazing which made her squint her eyes.
She still felt like she was being followed, but with her turning her head back behind her a couple of times she knew she was safe.
She was lucky that the café was only a few blocks away from the apartment, by foot it would only take her about ten minutes to get there. She took many breaks, before reaching the entrance of the apartment complex.
She entered, and made a sharp left turn almost falling flat on her face. She scanned around the parking lot but didn't see their car. She silently cursed to herself and paced around on the sidewalk thinking of where he'd be. Who else has Nagihiko hung out with? She began racking her brain for an answer.
Then it hit her out of nowhere. Last night he hung out with Kukai, she was sure Nagihiko had an idea of where he lived.
Kukai could be the next person Nagihiko trusts.
She whipped out her phone and ran out the apartment complex and out onto the main road again. She dialed Kukai's number listening to it ringing.
"Pick up, pick up, pick up!" She muttered to herself. As soon as it went to voicemail she squeezed her phone and re dialed. She dodged a few people passing by.
There was static and then a low answer, "What?"
Rima rolled her eyes. "Kukai, I need a favor."
Before Kukai could give an answer Rima began explaining, "I'm guessing Nagihiko is headed your way and-"
"Lemme guess you got caught in the act?"
Rima stopped running for a second, "Huh?"
"Utau told me what happened last night."
Rima dramatically groaned, "I don't know what she told you but I need you to hear my side of the story."
Kukai responded, "If you can make your side sound more believable than hers I'll give it some thought."
Rima began thinking of ways to sum up this story. Where to start, there was just too much.
"Hitomi."
Kukai was confused, "Hitomi?"
Rima nodded looking both ways before crossing the busy street.
"She has been trying to ruin my life ever since she found out Nagihiko lost his memory. I don't know what her problem is, but she obviously hates me, and she framed me." Rima took a pause, as she concentrated on crossing an intersection. As soon as the cross walk gave the icon to go, she continued talking.
"I was a little tipsy or maybe even drunk at this party with my friend Tadase."
"Friend, huh?"
"Yes just a friend! Anyways, I might have been a little too close to him, but she must have made it look like I was two timing. I mean the pictures are believable."
"So you're saying that, she followed you the party?" From the not amused tone in Kukai's voice, he didn't seem once ounce convinced.
"Yes! She's crazy!"
Kukai sighed, "Are you sure you didn't somehow take the pictures?"
"Kukai!" Rima shouted stopping in the middle of the street. "I'm telling you the truth here! How could I take the pictures?" People around gave her looks, but she didn't care right now. The heat from the boiling sun was making her more aggravated.
Kukai was still piecing the information given together."What I don't get is you getting tipsy at the party. Why would you even be drinking knowing a close friend was with you, that you may have feelings towards...?"
"It was an accident! And I don't like him that way!" Rima defended.
Kukai stopped talking for a few moments and repented,
"I'm sorry. You're my best friend's fiancé and I should believe you but something doesn't seem right about this..."
Rima clutched her phone harder suffocating it and Kukai continued, "Are you sure you're still not drunk?"
Rima didn't understand why he was being such a jerk but it pissed her off so much. Why couldn't he believe her? Did she sound that ridiculous?
"Oh the doorbell is ringing..." Rima's eyes widened, "That's probably Nagihiko. Please don't answer it yet!"There was shuffling on the other end and beeping as Rima came to the conclusion that he hung up.
"Of course, he'd take Utau's side...He always had a thing for her but still!"
Rima stood there collecting all her thoughts. What could she do to make her sound believable? She was tired of people taking everyone's side but hers.
She sighed and was only a block away from Kukai's house. She decided on switching her pace to walking. Was it still safe to see Nagihiko when Kukai might not be leaning on her words?
Even if she were to go see Nagihiko she didn't even know what to say to him. He would probably just ignore her, but she still wanted to give it a shot. Her feet lead her to Kukai's door. Being unprepared for what was to come next, she knocked on the door loudly.
She could pick up voices growing closer on the other side of the door as it opened she saw Kukai dressed lazy as ever.
"Excuse me." Rima ducked past him and saw Nagihiko standing in the middle of entrance room, leaning against the wall.
"Rude."
Rima ignored Kukai's comment. She would have automatically said something ignorant back-especially in the mood she is already in, but didn't really care at the moment.
Nagihiko looked surprised to see her; even Rima noticed but ignored it and started talking seriously.
"Nagihiko, I know you don't want to listen to me, but at least hear what I have to say."
A loud pop was heard, and Rima turned behind her to see Kukai open a soda can.
"Drama, drama, drama." Kukai mumbled. Rima scowled at him. He held up his hands in defense and walked into another room.
She turned her attention back to Nagihiko.
"If I didn't love you, I would have left a long time ago. If I loved Tadase I would be with him right now. But I'm with you. I would never stoop so low, and try doing other stuff with other guys. But you having seen those pictures really made me look bad."
Nagihiko ran a hand through his hair sighing, pretending not to listen. But really, he was listening to every detail.
"I didn't take those pictures. Hitomi did. I know she's been a good friend to you, but have you ever thought that maybe she's competing against me? Tell me, I'm sure you've seen more flashbacks of me than her."
This was killing Rima; she wanted him to at least say something, even if it was not was she wanted to hear.
"I understand if you don't want to talk to me anymore. Or don't want anything to do with me. Either way I…" She didn't continue her thought, not wanting to cry at all. Nagihiko heard the distress forming in her voice, but honestly didn't know what to say now.
Rima ended talking by saying, "Thank you for listening to me."
She turned for the door, "I think if you say it right, words can say more than just pictures."
She was gone in a flash. Nagihiko stood there flustered. Kukai walked out of the room and took a gulp of his soda,
"I've never seen that side of Rima."
Nagihiko just took a deep breath. "You were listening?"
Kukai nodded, "She asked me to listen to her side, so I did."
Nagihiko took a seat.
Kukai continued,
"Honestly, when she was telling me about it earlier, I thought it sounded stupid and denied all she was telling me. But, now I don't think it sounds as stupid."
Kukai admitted, "I've never heard of Hitomi in my life until Rima mentioned her in a phone call before you came."
When Nagihiko didn't say anything Kukai added "Just saying." Since Kukai was doing all the talking he wanted to hear what Nagihiko was thinking, he asked, "So do you believe her?"
Since she was already in the neighborhood, Rima stopped by Amu's house. She rang the door bell a few times.
"Amu! I need a friend!" Rima shouted against the door. Rima gave in thinking she wasn't home. She could jump up through Amu's window, but the neighbors might think she's a burglar.
She tried calling Yaya, but it went straight for the voicemail. She decided to even call Utau, who told on her. All she needed was someone to talk to like usual. This was definitely becoming a daily routine. Maybe she needed to hire a therapist, or a counselor.
She didn't want to go back to the apartment and wanted to stay the night as someone else's house to give Nagihiko time. She knew how awkward it'd be if they were under the same roof, when he hasn't even forgiven her yet…maybe doesn't even trust her anymore.
Rima was disappointed no one came to her rescue. Where would she spend the night? It was weird how when everyone she turned to didn't respond, the last resort always ended up being Tadase. Maybe she should switch him to first person to turn to.
She continued walking and right on cue she saw him.
Blond hair and maroon colored eyes. Maybe this did make her sound bad especially after what she told Nagihiko. But Tadase is only a friend and nothing more. Who else can you count on when no one is answering? She went up to go talk to him.
"Tadase." She called.
He glanced around at the call of his name; he whirled around to see Rima.
The first thing that appeared on his mind when he saw her angelic face was,
"About last night, are you feeling better? Tadase asked concerned.
"Physically good. Emotionally same as it's recently been."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Can I come in?" Rima questioned when Tadase nodded she said, "Then I'll talk about it."
Tadase smiled and opened the door for her she entered seeing his nice house. Everything was exotic.
She was afraid to even step into the house, maybe she would step and break something. She slipped off her shoes. And carefully walked inside.
She noticed a glass table and set her phone on silent, carelessly placing the phone onto the table.
"Do you get annoyed of me talking about this stuff?"
"No, if this kind of thing happened to me I'd talk about it too."
Rima was busy looking around the house; Tadase confessed "I don't think Nagihiko likes me at all."
Rima turned around dazed, "Why would you say that?
Tadase laughed, "Well just the look he gave me when I dropped you off last night."Rima forgot all about how she got home last night, she couldn't picture Nagihiko giving Tadase a look.
"What did you guys talk about?"
"Nothing, just a few words." Rima nodded slowly, she mentally slapped herself wishing she witnessed this.
As soon as Tadase shut the door Rima ran into his arms and fake sobbed, "I need a hug!" Tadase wrapped his arms around her shoulder and guided her to the couch, "How about we order some pizza and then we'll talk about it."
Rima stopped her fake sobbing and smiled, "Works for me."
Tadase left the room to make a phone call. Rima rose up and walked around the house, feeling like an investigator.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Kukai's House
Nagihiko kept calling Rima, and between the rings, he told Kukai, "She's not answering."
Kukai took a bite of an apple, "Chicks always do this. They play this game, not answering their phone until they think you've worried enough."
Nagihiko looked worried though, "I feel horrible now."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Tadase's House
Rima heard Tadase's footsteps creak along the floorboards. She felt chills go up her back and had that feeling that she was being watched again. She closed the binds, and shut the curtains.
She spun around staggering a bit, with Tadase giving her a questioning look. "Hitomi could be following me!"
Tadase sat on the couch, "Please explain this." He signaled with his hand for her to sit next to him, she plopped down, and began explaining everything. About Hitomi, and what she told Nagihiko. After listening to it Tadase came up with a solution,
"Maybe we shouldn't hang out anymore." Tadase looked over at Rima's shocked expression. "What?"
Tadase scratched the back of his head, "Well if you didn't come with me last night, all this wouldn't have happened."
"But I love hanging out with you!" Rima looked down at her feet, and as she looked back up her eyes were watery and was crying fake tears, "But if you don't think we should hang out…"
Tadase panicked, "No we'll still hang out! Don't be cry!" The doorbell rang Tadase gave her a pat on her head, and got back on his feet. "That must be pizza."
Tadase greeted the delivery man at the door, grabbed the box, and handed him the cash. He closed the door, setting the box onto the glass table in front of the couch, and opened it, steam filled the air. He grabbed a piece and handed it to Rima; she wiped away her fake tears and smiled, "Finally."
Nagihiko didn't hesitate to go check on Rima back at the apartment, when he reached the door he noticed Yaya standing outside of it. She noticed someone staring at her and smiled once she realized it was Nagihiko.
"Hey there, stranger." She greeted. "Do you know if Rima is here? She called me earlier and left a message saying to call her back, but when I did there was no answer."
Nagihiko gave back a half smile, "She's not answering me either."
Yaya pouted her lips, "Did something happen?"
Nagihiko nodded, "Yeah."
Yaya frowned, and banged on the door, "Riiiiiiima!"
Nagihiko smiled, and opened the door with a key.
Yaya rushed inside as, Nagihiko flicked on the light switch.
"It's empty, not a soul in here!" Yaya sighed. "I'll call Utau or Amu to see if they're with Rima." Yaya took out her phone dialing up her other friends.
Before she heard a ring on the other line, she hung up and mumbled under her breath, "We all know where Rima would be if she had nowhere else to turn to."
"Hmm?" Nagihiko asked. Yaya fake laughed trying to cover up, "N-nothing at all!"
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Tadase's House
The day moved faster, and it was soon dark outside. The house was cool from the draft of the slightly cracked window. Crickets were chirping endlessly, but both Tadase and Rima got use to the noise, and drowned the sound out by a horror movie playing on the TV.
"I'm so full and tired." Rima lay back onto the couch. Tadase was surprised that she practically ate the whole box herself. Rima leaned her head on his shoulder, "Can I stay here for the night?"
Tadase thought about the consequences Rima would be in again if they got caught, people would take the wrong idea again.
Tadase was at a loss of words, and Rima looked up at him giving him a puppy-dog eye stare. He couldn't resist. "Alright, alright." Rima was sure a handful, but he didn't mind.
Tadase stood up, "I'll go get you a change of clothes." Rima smiled, and nodded. She didn't understand how she could talk so easily to him. Was it possible to still be friends with the opposite gender without growing feelings for each other? Rima's seen it in movies, but nowadays movies were just too fictional.
Rima stared at the scary film. She started to grow weary. She usually did before the real scary parts would happen in the movie, so then she wouldn't have to watch it.
When Tadase came back, he handed her some clothes, she accepted them and got up to go change, but stopped when she didn't know where the bathroom was.
"Last door to your right."
"Thanks." Rima quickly made it to the bathroom. As she switched on the lights, she couldn't keep her eyes open. She practically needed sunglasses to be in there, the light was too blinding. She rubbed her eyes, slowly adjusting to it and shut the door with her foot. She changed into a white shirt, that was a bit baggy, and a pair of shorts. She folded up her clothes and set them on the sink counter. Before exiting, she stuffed her nose into the shirt and inhaled, it did smell good, but nothing compared to Nagihiko's scent.
She did feel awkward wearing a different man's clothing beside Nagihiko. It just didn't feel the same. In the back of her head it felt like she was doing something wrong. She shook it off and went back out the door to meet with Tadase again.
Rima marched into the TV room and joined Tadase on the couch. She felt Tadase's eyes on her, but pretended to be focused on the movie.
"Do you want me to talk to him for you?" Tadase asked Rima seriously. She blinked a few times, and responded, "Talk to Nagihiko, about what?"
Tadase softly chuckled, "I can tell him what really went on last night. Maybe if he hears my side of the story he won't be mad at you." Rima had to admit that what he's offering is sweet, but didn't want him to go out and do that.
"No, I don't want you to get involved."
"Well I already am, aren't I?" He had a point there, Rima just decided to let it go, even Tadase had told her before that maybe all this was a challenge that she needed to surpass on her own.
"It's fine. You've already done enough for me. Thank you though." Rima felt her eyelids weighing down, and was trying to keep them up. The last thing she saw on the TV was the innocent mother and son trapped in the room and nowhere to go. The climax of the film was about to take place.
Before Tadase knew it, she leaned up against his shoulder fast asleep. He slowly adjusted himself so that his shoulder wouldn't fall asleep and get that uncomfortable feeling.
As he changed his position on the couch, he noticed a light blinking coming from Rima's phone on the glass table. He carefully shifted toward the table, being cautious not to wake Rima. As he got close enough to the phone he could read the caller, which was Nagihiko.
He was conflicting with his thoughts; would he be the bad guy if he didn't wake Rima up? Or would he be the good guy by talking to Nagihiko himself? He sighed and decided to go with being the bad guy for tonight. Besides, he knew Rima would see the missed calls in the morning and work things out then. For now he think she deserved good rest.
Tadase listened to Rima's soft breathing, and eventually drifted off to sleep.
Rima felt safe, and somehow less tense. She felt the warmth that filled her up with happiness. How she missed this feeling. She didn't want to leave, everything was perfect again.
"Nagihiko…" She snuggled closer to the warmth. "Everything is back to normal right?" She sighed, and slowly opened her eyes. Being unfamiliar with the environment, she was alert watch, not wanting to move, but soon remembered she was at Tadase's house.
"Just a dream…"
She got familiar with her surroundings and noticed she was on top of Tadase. Her heart was thumping, so loud that she felt the beats throughout her body. Thankfully he was still asleep.
She quickly got up from the couch, trying to calm herself, and backing up too far onto the table behind her making a liter of soda spill all over her. The orange soda began dripping onto the white carpet, she was overreacting running across the room for anything to use. She jumped behind the couch to the tiny kitchen and grabbed a handful of paper towels dragging the roll all the way back to the mess. She patted the rug quickly, seeing the orange being absorbed, she sighed from relief. She put a few more layers on top and applied more pressure. After, a few seconds she stopped, and groaned. She felt sticky and uncomfortable, she hated this feeling.
"I don't think he'd mind if I take a shower? It'll be quick anyway."
She picked up the paper towels, and disposed them in a garbage bin. She walked passed a few doors into the bathroom.
Rima shrugged and turned the dial to warm water. She poked her head out the door and around the corner, seeing Tadase who was still sleeping. She closed the door and slipped off his clothes. She studied the door knob and tried to figure how to lock it. She began fiddling around with it and twisted and pushed it in random directions.
She gave in, as long as she was quick. It's not like he would be a pervert and open the door for no reason. She slid open the shower door and stepped one foot inside once she felt the warm water trickle on her leg she relaxed. She hated how there was no shower curtains. She sighed and quickly rinsed off.
She stretched out her arms. Her elbow accidentally hit a few shampoo bottles which tumbled onto the floor making a louder sound than expected. She sighed and crouched down picking it up, but bumped her knee on the tip of one of the shampoo bottles, cutting it. "Ow!" She yelled.
Tadase woke up to the sound of a loud collision of noises. He woke up feeling hazy than usual. He glanced around him and heard Rima's voice yell. He quickly got up from the floor, and ran to where Rima's voice lead him to.
"Rima are you okay?" Tadase not thinking twice that he was stumbling into the bathroom entered and saw Rima in the shower. Rima stood there, both staring at each other for a few seconds until Rima's face turned red and shouted "Get Out!"
Tadase stumbled back out apologizing as he shut the door, with his cheeks slightly pink.
He was regaining his breath and cursed at himself for not knocking first.
"I-I didn't see anything!"
Rima turned off the water, regaining her heartbeat. She wrapped her arms around her body feeling exposed. She quickly opened the shower door and snatched a towel off the rack. She wrapped herself in it.
"Why does it feel like more and more I'm somehow betraying Nagihiko…"
Rima held her cheeks feeling the warmth of her cheeks radiate on the palms of her hands.
All she knew was this was awkward and that there was no way she was leaving the bathroom anytime soon.
A/N: Sorry about the lateness! Final exams were crazy, but thankfully school is out, and I'll be back to uploading every Sunday. If there's spelling mistakes or grammer issues or that sorta stuff-then my bad, I've spent all night editing this and I really am tired to read this over. xD
Thank you everyone for the reviews last chapter! I reaaaally appreaciate it! Those reviews make me so happy and make my day. (: I love you all and thanks for your support. (: I'm super sorry I'm not responding to your reviews like I usually do. I will next chapter! (: So tell me what you think of this chapter if you wish to! :D