Paradoxical Composition

by eirish d'salmon luver

Series of one-shoots of these two different people that was brought together by a game of fate. This chapter: It was the first time he initiated their meeting. And it was also the first time he ever gave her a present. But even though she seldom could read his mind, she at least knew that there was always something behind his intention. ShunXJulie central.

4. Of Stangers and Trust

Paradoxical Composition

By: irish d' salmon luver

Author's Ramble: I got the idea of this chapter after reading "Bitter Virgin", a manga by Kusunoki Kei. It's a really sad, tragic, yet beautiful manga, and I totally recommended it, especially for teenager girls, pregnant women and parents. You can download the manga scan or read it online, I don't care, but I warn you, get some tissues ready before you read it.

Disclaimer: Read the previously disclaimer. It's still the same condition.

XXX

Chapter 04: Of Strangers and Trust

He was the watcher, a guarding figure for his friends.

He didn't speak with his words, he spoke with his eyes.

He would always try to take a good care of his friends, even if it would cost his freedom. He would even risk his own life to save his friends. He always treasured them and felt content with just being close to them and support them with his unique, quiet way. And it seemed that his friends were aware of this; they accepted his silence and respected his space. After all, a ninja always needed some time alone and some lone space to watch over.

But this unspoken rule didn't have any effect with a certain person. Or rather, a particular girl.

She was loud, she was bubbly. She always said whatever crossed inside her mind, before she could even think about it. She was loud, and annoying. She always tried to butt into other's business. She always wanted to be the star and she was also loud. She didn't even reconsider her action might put people in another problem.

And she was REALLY loud.

She was the only person he didn't want to get close. He was sick of seeing her showing off her moderate skill and acting like she was the best in the world. He was sick of seeing her squeaking and squealing over something trivial. He was sick of her over-cheerfully way to express her feelings, even when she was sad. In one big conclusion, he was sick of her.

XXX

"I live within the spotlight. I shouldn't show any weakness, in any circumstance."

"How do you manage to be able to hide your true feelings like that?"

"I don't. That's why sometimes I want to just jump off of a building and feel my mind floating away from this body of mine."

"Don't talk about suicide. Even though I'm not very fond with your existence, I can't just ignore the fact that you're still my companion. And I don't like watching my companion die."

"That's one trait I like from you, Shun: honesty. And what makes me like you more, Shun, is the fact that we aren't close."

"And why is that?"

"Because the only time I could be honest is when I'm with strangers. And for me, you're the perfect stranger I've ever met."

"…"

"You're quiet, only talk when it's necessary, and you're not a two-face. We could manage our relationship as companions, nothing more, nothing less. You hate me, but you're not leaving me behind."

"…"

"I'm surrounded by those who called themselves my 'friends', but I couldn't feel any sincerity of their acts towards me. The only true friends for me are the Brawlers, and maybe even those Bakugan Defender guys."

"…"

"But sometimes, I don't feel like I belong to their world. I still can't really open up my heart to them. I'm afraid they won't accept me for the way I am."

"They will."

"I know… But still, the feel of insecurity lingers in my mind."

XXX

The day she broke up with her boyfriend, he just watched her in silence. After all, he was just a watcher. The others were trying to comfort the broken hearted girl as they could.

"Don't cry," said Alice.

"You have to be strong," said Runo.

"After all, that boy's just a jerk!" said Dan.

"You'll surely find a better man," said Marucho.

She just replied them with a bright smile and said, "Don't worry. I won't break down."

XXX

At the end, there were only two of them. Few minutes passed without any exchange of word. But being bubbly as she was, she decided to break the silence.

"Really, I shouldn't trust someone so deeply like that. It only broke my heart when that someone betrayed my trust. I always know it; the only one you can trust is stranger."

"…"

"You won't say anything?"

"Nope."

"Even telling me not to cry?"

"Why should I say that when on the other hand you just wanted to cry?"

The spell was broken by those magic words.

At first it was just a drop, but soon it became rivulets of tears, streaming down freely from her indigo eyes. The tears she hid from her friends, just so she wouldn't shame herself in front of them. She didn't hold it any longer; she didn't have any power left to do so. And for her, it didn't matter to show her weakness in front of this solemn boy. The magician sat himself next to her, not too far, but not too close. He didn't say anything, just sat there and engulfed her cry in comfortable silence. She didn't mind it. He was just a stranger to her, after all.

You don't have to be ashamed in front of strangers.

XXX

A/R: Sorry for the long delay. I just concentrated so much with my drawings and I couldn't find a good theme. The next chapter might be longer to make, I think, for I have this mid term exams waiting, and assignments and tasks to do. I just hope there's something left in my brain after the horrid exams…