Chapter Six: Fever and Fireworks

Takishima…Takishima...

I can't breathe properly. My body's aching. My head's throbbing so much. I could feel the sweat drip down from my body. I don't know what happened. I tried to raise myself, but I can't. It's like someone's pushing me back down. Or my body can't carry me. My limbs feel weak, I could hardly raise them. My knees quivered. The air felt so cold, yet I was hot – burning hot.

I know my face is red. My eyes were only able to open into small slits; I only saw my dark room and the lights of the hallway through the screen door. It's as if they want me to go back to sleep. Even if I do try, I can't. I toss and turn, and nothing could make me go back to sleep. Something in my head keeps nagging – a thought that's taking over my mind. I don't know what it is!

Takishima…Takishima…Takishima!

I can't get him out of my head. I don't know why! I saw a shadow walk past my screen door. It was short and plump – mother. I heard the door slide, my mother came in. I tried reaching for her but my arm wouldn't let me. It felt numb and fragile – a single touch could set it off and make it break.

My mother opened the lights. The lights were bright – too bright. I shielded myself with my hand; it felt cold. I could hardly make out the expression on my mother's face, but I could tell she was worried about me. She sat beside me and placed her hand on my forehead. It was cold like mine. I felt her shaking. Was it really that bad?

"Papa! Atsushi! Come here now!" My mother called from within the room.

I heard footsteps hurrying to my room. The door slid open again and my father stood leaning his arm on the screen door. My brother stood beside him. I still couldn't open my eyes. My throat felt dry, so I can't speak.

"Papa, look at Hikari," my mother's hand was still on my forehead, "Atsushi, go get ice-cold water and a small towel, hurry!"

My brother rushed and got the towel and the ice-cold water. He set it beside me. He was facing opposite my mother. He dipped the towel into the basin of cold water. He squeezed out the excess and placed the towel on my head. It felt cold for a while, but it warmed up due to my body.

I tried to raise myself up this time but my mother pushed me back down. "Don't try to get up," she hushed, "we'll take care of you."

I tried to sleep but each time I try, my head throbs and I can't. I feel a sharp pain at my side. I placed my hand on it. My mother noticed and she seems to know what my problem is.

"I think Hikari has appendicitis. Quick, Papa! Call for an ambulance!" My father was at it right away. "I'll pack some of your things Hikari, Atsushi, stay here."

I closed my eyes fully and now I think I can sleep.

Outside of the Operating Hall, Takishima Kei sat in one of the chairs lined against the wall for those who were waiting. He was agitated – his face buried in his hands, thoughts raced through his head. What did I do to her?

He slumped in his chair and closed his eyes. He felt someone's hand placed on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw Atsushi smiling at him, reassuringly.

"Don't worry too much Kei-kun," Atsushi said, "my sister can handle more than this. You know she's stubborn. I don't think anything like this could stop her."

Kei looked at the Operating Room door. He wondered: Why would such a thing happen to Hikari?

"You know," Atsushi started, "right now, I'm sure she's thinking of you."

Kei stared at him for a while. He blushed and smiled to himself. It lifted his spirits, even if he knew in her mind, she was still thriving to beat him right this moment.

The clock ticked loud and slow. It has been an hour, and yet, no one has come out of the Operating Hall. Kei stared at Astushi. He seemed calmed and composed: his usual self. Yet not even that façade could hide the fact that he was worried about his little sister.

The doors slammed open with a big bang. They were both wide eyed. Is there anything wrong? Their guess it was the doctor – obviously. He wore a white coat and a mask covering half his face. He wore large glasses that covered the upper half of his face.

"Mr. Kei?" he inquired.

"Yes?" Kei was wondering why he was the one the doctor asked for instead of her family.

"Has anything happened to my sister?" Atsushi said.

"No she's perfectly fine, but," the doctor grabbed Kei's shoulders. Kei looked at the doctor with a weird expression. The doctor's eyes were covered by the glare of his glasses.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" the doctor exclaimed. He let go of Kei.

Atsushi gave a relieved sigh, placing his hand on Kei's shoulder again.

"Congratulations! It's a boy!" The doctor exclaimed.

Kei was wide eyed and his left eye twitched. W-what?

"Kei," Atsushi's grip tightened on Kei's shoulder, "what exactly did you do to my sister?"

Kei looked at Atsushi. Atsushi's eyes glaring at him. His background changed: it was dark and flames burned violently behind Atsushi. As much as he'd like to stay composed about all this, the news – and Atsushi – was overwhelming.

He opened his mouth to speak, and closed it again. He could not think of anything to say. Was there anything to say at all?

"Kei," Atsushi grabbed both Kei's shoulders. Kei stared into Atsushi's burning eyes. The aura circling Atsushi was murderous; one wrong move and it's the light at the end of the tunnel.

"KEI! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIKARI?!?!"

"Hikari?" the doctor said.

"Yes, Hikari," Atsushi said turning to the doctor, "my sister! The one with the ruptured appendix?"

"No," the doctor said shaking his head, "I'm talking about Mr. Kei's wife, Kei Midori. Right, Mr. Kei?" The doctor turned to Kei.

Kei and Atsushi both looked at the doctor with blank expressions. The doctor still kept shaking his head knowingly.

"I am Takishima Kei." Kei said, "Kei is my given name, not my last name." Next time asked for the full name, idiot.

"Oh, really? Sorry then for the commotion," the doctor continued smiling and yelled to everyone in the hall, "WHO IS MR. KEI?! THE ONE MARRIED TO KEI MIDORI?"

"That's me!" a man called from Kei and Atsushi's left. He was shabby looking, and had an odd resemblance to TAKISHIMA Kei.

"Ah! There you are then!" the doctor went to him and started shaking his hands, "congratulations! Congratulations! You have a boy! Your wife is doing fine! Would you like to see her?"

"Yes please," the doctor led Mr. Kei into the Operating Hall.

Atsushi let go of Kei and he straightened himself up; Kei did as well.

"Sorry about that," he apologized.

"It's okay," Kei said shrugging it off.

Just then, another doctor came out of the Operating Hall. His mask covered half his face and his apron spotted with small amounts of blood. He approached Atsushi and Kei.

"Mr. Hanazono?" he asked Atsushi. He nodded in reply.

"Well, the appendix was successfully removed from the patient's body. The cause was over exhaustion. What did she do the previous day?"

"I don't really know," Atsushi started, "I wasn't with her the whole day yesterday. We don't go to the same school. She's classmates with Takishima Kei, this guy sitting next to me." Atsushi gestured to Kei. The doctor turned to him.

Kei knew that the doctor would ask, and the family would find out that he was the one who caused the over exhaustion. So he figured better know, than later. He opened his mouth to speak, but the doctor cut across him.

"Did she have any pains at all yesterday?"

"No, none that I recall."

"Did she act out of the ordinary? Any weird gestures, actions?"

"No."

"Well," the doctor said, turning to Atsushi. "It doesn't seem to be symptomatic. So this was just a sudden burst. No one, not even the patient's fault. But it might've been caused by a certain surprise or overwhelming news."

Kei froze. Why do all these causes point to me? He thought in his mind.

"Well, we can't really be sure, until she wakes up, which will not be until after an hour." The doctor stated.

"That soon? Don't you think she'll need more rest?" Atsushi said, worried.

"No, anymore rest could weaken her systems. She's pretty strong, you know. Very odd for a girl. It took us six injections of Anesthesia before she was knocked out. That's enough to take out two adult gorillas by the way. Her body is making a very speedy recovery. Very not human-like. Anyway, she'll be transferred to the Recovery Ward. You can visit at ten. Well then, thank you and congratulations." The doctor smiled and shook both Kei's and Atsushi's hands and left.

"That's good news to hear isn't it?" Atsushi said. "Well, you better get going before you become late for school."

"No, it's okay, we don't have anything special happening today," Kei replied.

In her room, Hikari lay in her bed with belts strapped to her to keep her from running away. A fruit tart in front of her.

Okay, so my surgery's over. I don't remember anything after getting to the hospital. But, I do remember how I felt. I was so vulnerable, weak – I was afraid, I couldn't understand what was wrong with me. The only thing I thought about was Takishima. It was weird really weird.

I wish that they'd remove these straps from me. I can't reach the fruit tart darn it. I slump back down and observe the room. It was white everywhere. I see pink, yellow and blue balloons around me. I squint and read that they come from Akira.

I feel contained and deranged. With the four white walls and the straps anybody would feel crazy.

I hear the door knob click open. Half of a person's body was revealed. I hid beneath under my sheets. My mind doesn't know who it is – but my heart seems to know.

I'm red and blushing all over again. It's him…HIM…HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED.

He was walking towards my bed. I smell the scent of flowers. He placed the flowers in an empty vase on top of my bedside table and sat on the chair next to my bed.

I turned away from him. I made it sure it looked like I was still asleep. I don't want him to know I'm awake.

Hikari's awake. Kei thought.

Anyway, I don't think he knows I'm awake. I turn to him and look through my blankets. His eyes look so worried. Now I'm worried. Why does he have to keep doing this all the time?

He reached for my sheet and pulled until only my forehead appeared. He pushed my bangs back and said,

"Hikari," he started, "I'm sorry for doing this to you. I can't believe I let something this bad happen to you. I promise: I'll protect you no matter what. No matter what happens to me, you'll be safe. You're very special to me, more than you will ever know. Hikari is really special to me."

I was breathing deep, my heart pounded in my ears. Why? I don't like it at all when this happens.

He pats my forehead. I feel calmer know. I know he felt my temperature. Thanks to him though, I'm breathing normally again. I'm not red anymore. I feel like going asleep actually. It's so calming.

His other hand rested on my bed. My hand was near it, hidden beneath the sheet. I grab his and close my eyes. I don't know why I did that, but, I guess now isn't the time to question anything.

He wasn't startled or anything. I'm glad. He just patted me and patted me. I hold on to his hand tighter. My eyes got drowsy, and I yawned.

"Takishima," I said softly. I hope he didn't hear it though, but my heart's contradicting me. I want him to hear me.

He rested his head lightly on my forehead and held my hand as tight as I did. I start to drift into sleep and I felt something.

Just before completely sleeping, he kissed my forehead. And…

*HIKARI'S DREAM*

Beneath a sunset tainted sky, a girl and a boy walked side by side down the beach, holding each other's hands. They stopped and sat on the sandy shore. They watched the sun set into the distance and watched the glowing moon take its place.

The girl rested her head on the boy's shoulder. She felt the sweet breeze, her hair flowed behind her. The boy looked at her.

Takishima? The girl thought. She smiled at him and just stayed as she did, her head resting on his shoulder.

He touched her face, she looked.

Hikari, he started. The girl knew what was about to happen. She didn't want to stop it in any way. She leaned closer and so did he. A few more inches… and…

"TADASHI!"

Tadashi? I don't remember him being in my dream. I must be awake now. I take off my sheets the straps were off me now – good. I can finally eat the tart. I get up and – where's my tart?

I see Tadashi lying on the floor, holding what used to be my tart. Akira was there holding her fist up in the air.

"I told you, those are for my Hikari, you idiot!" Akira turned to me. "Oh Hikari! So sorry, Tadashi just caused a commotion. Sorry to wake you up."

"What do you mean caused a commotion, I just took a small bite and you beat me up," Tadashi said mostly to himself.

"What?" Akira said turning to him, glaring eyes burning.

"Nothing." Tadashi said, backing away slowly.

"What kind of bite is devouring the whole cake?" Akira asked. She held out her hand to help him up. He took it and straightened himself.

"So," Tadashi said turning to me, "how are you, Hikari?"

"I'm fine, nothing I can't handle," I smiled.

They both grinned relieved.

"So are the other S.A. members coming?"

"Yeah. Ryuu, Jun and Megumi are just outside buying sweets."

"And" I started, quietly, "what about Takishima?" I blushed. Why am I thinking of him right now?

"Uhm, not sure about Kei. He said he had a couple of meetings today but he said he'll come. Why do you ask?" Tadashi said.

"No particular reason," I said turning away, red.

"Really?" Tadashi said, a raised eyebrow.

"Don't push it, Tadashi," Akira warned.

Just then the door opened and three people came in with grocery bags.

"Hikari! You're awake," Jun greeted.

"We're glad you're fine," Megumi scribbled.

"You want some chocolate? Tarts?" Ryuu asked.

"Sure, you guys have some too."

They passed around sweets. Akira was taking Tadashi's away, saying it was punishment for eating my tart. Jun and Megumi shared two bags of chocolate. Ryuu passed me a tart.

"Thanks," I said, "what happened today?"

"Nothing really," Akira said pushing Tadashi away from the sweets.

"Yeah, Kei didn't even show up," Tadashi said, stopping from getting his sweets for a second.

"Oh I see," I look down on my tart and play with it for a while. Nobody notices and they go along their usual ways.

Jun and Megumi cling to Ryuu and try to feed him animal crackers. Tadashi trying to get his sweets, Akira still pushing him away. I smile to myself.

The door opened and a nurse came in,

"I'm sorry but visiting hour will be over, and the patient will need some rest."

"Oh," Akira said. She walked to me and hugged me, "my Hikari, get well soon okay!"

Tadashi standing behind her, holding her coat, smiled at me, giving me a thumbs up. I do the same. Ryuu walks over with Jun and Megumi at both sides of him. He patted my head and said, "Get well soon." Jun and Megumi did the same. Megumi scribbled, "We'll see you soon Hikari."

They left without a sound. I slump back down on my bed. I hear a knock on the door; I figured it was the nurse.

Somebody else entered, it wasn't the nurse. It was Takishima.

He wore his business suit and looked really tired. He went over to me and hugged me. I placed my hand on his back, patting gently.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Fine," I answered. He broke away, and started pulling me.

"Go get dressed I want to take you somewhere," he said smiling.

"Okay," I said, "but, get out."

He went out the door. I got dressed and joined outside.

"Won't the nurse look for me later?" I said, as we walked down the white halls.

"No," he said confidently, "I asked permission and gave them the night off."

"Your corporation owns the hospital?" I asked.

"Yeah, bought it this morning actually," he smiled at me.

I look at him straight-faced. The power of this man seems so boundless.

We reach the front doors of the hospital to see a black limousine waiting outside. I get in first and stay on the other side. He got in and stays on the other end.

The car ride was pretty quiet. His elbow leaned on the window ledge and his hand supported his head. I sat there just looking at the passing figures of people. I see the ocean and the moon. The waves pushed and pulled themselves and the sea looked so serene.

The car stops and Takishima opens his door. I open mine. We're at the beach.

Far into the distance, I see a blanket on the shore and a basket lay in the middle of it.

"This way," Takishima said.

I followed to the spot with the blanket. He opened the basket and took out some candles; he lit them and placed them in candle holders. The glow of the candles touched his face. It made his usual cold features warm and passionate. It was comforting to see him this way.

He took out some food: tarts. I noticed that there are a lot of tarts today.

"Dig in," he said smiling. He got some tart and turned to me. "Say 'ah', Hikari."

Though usually I would decline, but this time is an exception. I said 'ah' and he placed some tart in my mouth. It was delicious the creamy strawberry tart seemed to melt in my mouth.

"You like it?" he asked.

"Yeah, did you make it?" I asked in turn.

"I had help from Akira after some convincing," he said.

I smiled and blushed at the same time. Though I may be with this guy, who is my rival, I feel something between us, I don't know what it is, but I guess I'll know someday.

Out in the distance, I hear a loud bang. I became wide-eyed and started shaking, "What was that?"

"Look," he said pointing to the sky.

I see bright colors of pink, red and green. Fireworks.

"The Takishima Group Corp Island had a fireworks display scheduled today. I wanted you to see it with me."

The fireworks kept on coming. Different colors and kinds. There were the ones that would spiral upwards and pop showering us with cherry blossom petals.

"That's a new kind, it's meant for Valentine's Day," he explained.

Another gave a loud whistling noise and exploded in the air with bright golden sparks joining the twinkling stars.

I enjoyed the fireworks. I turn to look at Takishima. He was smiling. He must be pretty happy. I sit next to him. Our arms brush against each other. My hand placed next to his.

He turned to me, "I don't ever want you to get hurt because of me, Hikari. I want you to be safe all the time. I want you to be happy and smiling."

He held my hand tight.

"I'm sorry; it's my fault that's why that happened to you. I swear: I won't let that happen to you again." He squeezed my hand.

I turn to him, "Don't worry. You can always count on me to smile at you. I'll always be happy, Takishima. You're special to me, and I don't want you to forget that. I'll do what it takes to always see your smiling face.

I see the same firecracker filled with cherry blossom petals. I lean my head on his shoulder. He looks at me, I think he's blushing.

Our hands were entwined; I don't mind it this time. I can let it pass for now.

The firecracker reached its peak and showered us with cherry blossoms. He leaned his head on mine and we both stared at the cherry blossoms raining on us: little pink petals filling the air with their fragrance.

Despite what happened earlier, I'm glad it ended this way: me and Takishima.