Chapter Five:

"Or do you want me to do it for you?"

Akari knew without a doubt that the situation had become very, very awkward. Here she was in the arms of an absolute stranger, at least in Mizuki's eyes. Although Tohno was undeniably comforting, she quickly untangled herself from him, careful to keep her reddening face away from his worried eyes.

She averted her eyes to the floor as she turned to Mizuki. There was no need for Mizuki to get concerned about the tears still caught at the edges of her vision. The situation right now, was a great distraction, however. "Mizuki, meet Takaki-kun."

Mizuki was suddenly all angelic. The sudden change was... creepy, to be honest. The cautious expression was gone from Mizuki's face almost instantly and her tone brightened considerably. "Oh, this is Takaki-kun! Or should I address you differently?"

"...Tohno Takaki. Tohno is fine."

Akari could see that he was embarrassed. By the looks of it, he was probably the same as back then, as secluded and brilliant in his quiet way. Even now, his presence wasn't big, but she could see the blazing light of his personality under the surface. Was it because she became a little girl around him?

"Very sorry to break up this reunion, but Akari really needs to get going," Mizuki said. She whipped out her phone and pointed at the screen with the time written with white digital letters.

"What?" The question slipped out of her mouth.

Mizuki raised her eyebrows. Out of control, much? was the unvoiced question in that simple act. "Yes. I think we need to have a restroom stop then head on back. Right... Akari?"

That meant she looked like a mess. That thought made her flush. She was in the company of many, many strangers. This was quite the embarrassment.

"...Right." Akari turned to face Tohno, only to find his dark eyes already trained on her. And she could only hold the intensity of his gaze for a few seconds, before she felt something strange blossoming in her chest, and looking away because finally, it reminded her of how Yuuchi haven't looked at her like that for a while. "Uhm, I'll see you around, Takaki-kun.."

When she was leaving, he grabbed her wrist lightly. "Don't let this be like last time," his voice pleaded urgently. Then, he was gone, lost into the crowd. Leaving her nodding to the vacant space.

"We're stopping at your house. You're going to pack."

"Eh? Why?!"

"Read this." One hand on the steering wheel with her eyes still on the road, Mizuki dropped her phone in Akari's lap. Akari's hand curled around the screen, reading.

Dear Family and Friends,

Akari and I have decided to postpone the wedding until further notice. An offer came up for a vacation and we have decided to take the deal. We're utterly sorry for this short notice, but I do have to take Akari for trips from time to time! We sincerely apologize.

Yuuchi

Her eyes settled on his name. She turned to look at the passing people, even then, subconsciously searching for Yuuchi's figure. Willing herself to focus on the passing trees instead.

"That bastard's gonna pay."

A tear escaped, slipping down the side of her cheek.

"Akari, Akari."

It was uncontrollable. The hollow feeling, the dull world around her, the coldness seeping into her, the memories unfolding.

Her love for him was pure, but his... his was tainted. His was twisted; his hands on Hatsumi, their bodies pressed closely together, his easy smile like he already forgotten her.

His was a lie.

Just like the lies in the message he sent to everyone.

And she wondered why she never pieced it together faster. She had heard that Hatsumi had gotten a new job in the United States. Her previous job was in the same company as Yuuchi... she was his co-worker. Apparently, they had been close. They're still close. Yuuchi's sudden want to move to the United States. It all made sense.

The corners of her mouth twisted into a crooked smile. Today was the "blissful" day she was looking forwards to. How ironic it turned out to be nothing like she thought her wedding day would be. It would have been a small wedding anyway.

Her anger from yesterday seemed petty compared to now. But her anger became sadness as the realizations choked her, her throat tightening as she tried not to make any sound while the tears kept leaking...

She had trusted him.

Had...

Chapter Notes:

(1) If anyone is wondering, Hatsumi means "Beginning of Beauty."

(2)

Yes, it's obvious what Yuuchi has done to poor Akari.

Author Notes:

This chapter was incredibly short compared to the past ones. I haven't been updating in quite a long time so I just want to take this moment to really thank the people out there who are still even bothering to read this. It means a lot; truly.

The past months have been very... let's just say, melancholy for me. Depression drains the feelings out of past happiness, things don't mean the same anymore, and you struggle to feel alive. I couldn't find it in myself to continue writing until now.

So thank you.