The World Only God Knows / 神のみぞ知るセカイ
By Tamiki Wakaki
I don't own TWGOK
The Memory of My First Love
A Fanfiction story by Takagi based on TWGOK
A/N: Words in bold are flashback.
Words in italic are Demeter's phrase or intonation.
I don't own TWGOK.
Day 9: "Afternoon"
It's him.
"If you wish for it... Then you can do it."
My savior...
"This is just a mere reality. It doesn't stand a chance against you!"
The one whom I always longed…
"Don't be bothered by anything else and don't compare the others with you"
"Believe in yourself that you can"
"And if you ever happened to lose this faith of yours..."
"I will come and save you."
He was that dazzling sun that engulfed the pitch-black darkness in my heart. He was the light at the end of the tunnel, which was telling me not to stop walking until I stepped out from the darkness. He was the powerful light, which guided me the way when I was lost. The one who granted me strength to fight the world, my light of hope…
Katsuragi Keima.
…
Everything is crystal clear now. [That dream] was not just my fantasy or my imagination. That was a real history in the past, sometime before summer or to be exact, it was all began before I decided to form 2-B Pencils. I didn't have any club activities at that time and all I did was reading magazine, watching TVs, chatting with Ayumi or Miyako, and uuh falling for good-looking men.
Until our 'big' banter, I never actually paid attention to him. No, I despised him. I looked down at him and I thought of him as a super disgusting man ever lived on earth that had to be avoided at all cost.
However, even after all those bad things I've done to him, he… He still helped me out with my problematic heart! And even after I forgot about his help, he's still trying to become my friend!
… I'm the worst, right?
"It's alright, Chihiro… He didn't even feel offended. I can see it in his eyes."
I can also see that… But, "Why, Demeter? Why didn't he get angry at me?"
"Because he likes you, right?"
I stared at Demeter who appeared in the bathroom's mirror in front of my face. She replied my soft, sad gaze with a teasing glance. If she isn't there, I'm probably already seeing myself blushing.
"Well, you are. Your entire face is beet red, Chihiro~"
"Y—you don't need to tell me! Geez!"
I finally began brushing my teeth to ignore the goddess. In a brief second after that, a figure suddenly walked into the bathroom.
"What's with the fuss, Chihiro? It's still 6.10 AM."
"A—Ayumi? Di—did I wake you up?"
"Well not really, a-a-aaah…" She yawned, a big one.
During this trip, the students were staying at the inn appointed by the school. It's a pretty nice inn. The facilities are quite nice; the rooms are spacy, that's why the school can arrange 4 students in one room. Each rooms have one bathroom, an air conditioner, a heater, a kotatsu [1], and the floors are soft tatami [2]. It's really relaxing to stay here. I'd love to go sleep again, but we must go to the dining room for breakfast at 8. They won't give us any food if we are late.
Ayumi had already finished brushing her teeth when she asked, "So who's going in first?"
Ah, she must be talking about the shower.
"I'll go first, if you don't mind, hehe."
"Alright~ Don't take it too long though."
"Okay, Ayumi~"
After Ayumi had left the bathroom, I began taking shower. I should do it quick if I want to have breakfast.
I was surprised when Ayumi suddenly stepped into the bathroom. First, I don't want anyone knows about Demeter yet. Second, Ayumi and I haven't talked to each other since Sunday. Yesterday after I grabbed the pinnacle of [that dream], I lost my consciousness for unknown reason. Maybe receiving all those memories kinda had given my brain a huge blowback. Last night was already too late for us student to even open our eyes properly. Since we were so sleepy, we only zombie-walked to our room, which Nikaido-sensei told us. From there onwards, we just slept and did no girl-to-girl-talks.
On another note, Ayumi also acted casual just now. I thought she would ask me about Katsuragi again, but no she didn't. Well, maybe because it is still in the morning and all. I'm grateful that she didn't ask me about him though. Now that I have the answer about my feeling towards that guy, I am not sure whether it's the right thing if I tell her or not as I there's a sign that she's pretty close with him. Maybe it's a good idea not to bring up that matter when she's around.
"Cold!" I yelled after I tested the water with my hand.
It seems it will take a moment before the water heated up. The atmosphere here is humid and freezing because we're in a valley and the sun hasn't rose yet. If I let my body being poured under this cold water, I'd be frozen to death.
Speaking about being poured under the cold water reminds me about that scene on the Akanemaru with Katsuragi. The rain was really pouring and it was freezing. If I didn't bring my favorite umbrella with me, I'd be out of cold for sure. The rain was rather surprising because in the afternoon on that day, the long-waited sun was briefly emerged behind the dark sky. Yes, it had rained for a week until that memorable day.
… The day I lost my first kiss…
"This should be enough…"
I threw my pajamas to the basket and encouraged myself to jump into the pouring water, which has already warmed. The water instantly splashed the top of my head then streaming on my neck, trickling each shape of my body and down my legs. It was then followed by the oozing fresh sensation from my skin. The hot, thin steam also slowly formed. It was thick enough to blur my vision through this opaque glass. Though this wasn't a bath, it was still relaxing to stay under the shower and letting myself covered in a warm fluid all over me constantly. The sound of each droplet of water on the floor was also calming somehow.
Ah, I better be quick. No time to enjoy myself.
…
Two hours later, I was sitting on the cushion at the dining room with the rest of the students. The room was very spacious; typical dining room for traditional inns.
On the table, already served, a bowl of steamed rice, a bowl of miso soup, and various side dishes. There are Broiled fish, rolled omelet, pickles, and dried seaweed. Pretty traditional, but does not spoil the taste. Breakfast is all about filling up our stomach anyways.
Anyways, one person of my group is still missing.
"Miyako-san is pretty late…"
"She really takes her time, huh?"
"This is bad, right? W—what should we do if Miyako-san failed to have breakfast?"
"Don't worry, Elly. She's also in the track and field club with me. Taking a shower for 15 minutes is easy for her!"
"Is that so?"
"You guys are terrible!"
Miyako suddenly appeared and walked to the empty cushion beside me.
"Chihiro, you used the shower for nearly half an hour! Ayumi too!"
"Ahahaha. Well…" I scratched the back of my head.
"Elly too! This is not your house, so you need to consider about others! 40 minutes is too long and there's only one bathroom! Tomorrow, we need to adjust this shower matter!"
"""I'm sorry, ma'am!"""
The three of us reacted at the angry Miyako. We—well! It's normal for girls to take a long shower! It's already our's, women's, reputation!
Miyako didn't look angry anymore as she calmed us down and asked us to eat the breakfast before they get cold. She's so mature, our keyboardist and our teacher!
"After breakfast, we're going to go to the botanical garden to observe valley plants, huh? I'm looking forward to it!" Said Miyako who's looking at her phone, to review the schedule, I assume.
"Botanical garden? What is that Miyako-san?"
"It's a place displaying a wide range of plants labelled with their botanical names. Apparently we here to make notes of those names."
"Plants, huh? I love plants! It's really refreshing to watch them grow. Well, there's this mandragon that is very dangerous though. It'll eat people when it has grown up!"
"Mandra— what? Is it really eat people?" asked Miyako. I, too, was wondering about the plant, which could eat people. Was it a mere joke? Elly was sounded pretty convinced though.
"Ah! N—nothing, nothing! I was joking! Ehehe~"
"I knew it. There's no way a plant 'eats', right?"
Miyako and I stared at each other before we averted our eyes to the speaker who was sitting next to Elly, Ayumi.
"Well, how should I put this…" Miyako sweatdropped before she explained, "Actually, there are species that derive some or most of their nutrient from trapping and eating small animals."
"Eh? Errr- Really?"
"Yes," I implied and patted Ayumi's shoulder to express my sympathy.
"Well, that was just a joke, you see! Of course I know that kind of plant! It's elementary!"
". . ."
"Wait, what? You guys don't believe me?"
"Err..."
I don't know what should I say to her. I don't want to hurt her feelings. I'm sure Miyako and Elly can also see from her reddened cheeks that she is embarrassed at herself. So I decided not to talk anything about it.
We just continued our breakfast in silence and awkward atmosphere. This condition remained until we walked back to our room to prepare to go to the garden.
...
After we prepared everything, such as stationary and notes, the girls and I walk down the corridor together, heading to the exit door at the first floor. Minutes after that, we take our first step outside the inn and the sunlight greeted us along with a clear, fresh atmosphere with unbelievably beautiful scenery of the village.
"Wow… Is this really Mizuki village?" I cried.
"Yes. This is Mizuki village. Well, that was the teacher told me last night," Miyako responded.
"Waaaah~ It's so beautifuuuul!" Elly yelled, fascinated by the scenery.
It was very dark when we arrived last night so I didn't notice that from our inn, we actually could see the whole village and the mountains.
We run cheerfully to the wall-pillars that are half my height on the side of the parking lot. As far as I can see, the village is not changed much, the green terrace of fields that was organized neatly under the village is still there, the mountain is colorful as expected, thanks to the red and yellow maple trees. Well, there are some of the trees that already stand without their leaves though. Unlike the mountains, the village itself was quite modernized. There was no such majestic inn the last time I came here. The streets were also not paved yet that time.
It's already crowded here. Many of the students do the same thing: taking picture. Why don't we? We're still waiting for the teacher and all.
"Let's take a picture!" I shouted.
"Ah! Good idea, Chihiro!" Ayumi agreed.
I gave Miyako my phone by instict. She looks unamused and then questioned, "What is the meaning of this, Chihiro?"
"Y-you'll be the cameraman?"
"Grr… Alright. But you'll change with me after this, okay?"
"Or maybe Nii-sama can do it in your place, Miyako-san!" she pointed to the other side of the parking lot.
"Huh? Since when-!?"
I was shocked, the same thing went for Ayumi too as I saw her dumbfounded. I didn't notice his presence when we got here at the first place! And what was he doing there all by himself without his gaming console? Was he sky-watching? Or was he spying on us?
"Nii-samaaa~ Will you help us pleaaase?"
"Wa—wait, Elly?"
Too late. He's already walking towards us. My heart is pounding like crazy for each step he takes.
"Would you take our picture with this phone, Katsuragi?" Miyako handed him my phone.
"OK."
He walked backwards slowly to find the right angle –to find the right angle I suppose- while Miyako and Elly ran at Ayumi and I cheerfully. We quickly make a pose and then give a signal to our cameraman that we are ready to be taken.
"Alright."
Before the phone make a shutter sound, a long-haired boy suddenly jumped at him.
"Keima-kuun! What are you doing here?"
"Uagh!? D—Don't touch me!"
Wait. That's not a boy. That's-
"Ah! So you guys are here too! Hee hee… Good morning!"
"Go-good morning too, Yui," Ayumi replied.
Wh—why does she clinging at him like that? D-does she not have shame? There are many people around us! Although it's like watching a same gender romance, but these students are in the same grade as us! They must be aware that Yui is a girl! Good thing they are also busy with themselves so they don't notice Yui who's already let go of him. Anyways, I never knew that those two are close! Heck, I don't even know that they know each other!
Could it be that, like Ayumi, Yui also has something for…
"What is this? You guys are taking picture, huh? May I join?"
"O—Of course! Come here, Yui! We are not leaving our drummer behind!" I clenched my fist at her.
Yui ran towards us happily then jumped to the small space between Ayumi and I.
"Alright. We're all set!" said Yui. She clung her hands on Ayumi's and my back when she told Katsuragi.
This time, Katsuragi successfully captured our picture.
"Here," He showed us the photo on the screen of my phone.
"Hmm! This is pretty nice! Never thought you're good at this, Katsuragi!" Miyako remarked.
"As expected of Nii-sama!"
Without saying anything, Katsuragi fixed the position of his glasses then turned his back on us before he walked away. Is that it? He'll just ignore me even though he has unfinished business with me?
I NEED EXPLANATION!
"Wait!"
On my voice, he stopped walking and turned at me, "What, Chihiro?"
"Just follow me!"
I rushed at him, dragging him by his hand to our class' empty bus, which was parked on the other side of the parking lot. It was happened really quickly. I'm sure that my band's members are questioning my behaviour. It doesn't matter though. I need to take action about this. He can't just leave me after all he had done!
...
A brief seconds after that, we're standing behind our class' empty bus. There's no one here except for two different gender students from 2-B class, Katsuragi Keima and me, Kosaka Chihiro.
I stared at his brown eyes. Below them, are a pair of pink blush, which makes me think that he's nervous. How unusual.
"L-Let go of my hand."
"Hm? So this is what has made you nervous? My hand?"
He already kissed me but he's fidgeting just from holding hand with me? What kind of joke is this?
"That is not important! What do you want? Dragging me all the way to an empty place."
"Hey! You are just thinking about something dirty, right? Pervert! Disgusting!"
"Not in a thousand-year! And why do you always have to badmouth me?"
"W—well…" I strengthened my grip on his hand. "Because you told me that it is my only strong point, right?"
He is no longer shaking then throws me a strong glance at me, "Wrong."
"Huh?"
"It is not your 'only' strong point. Indeed, your sharp tongue is your best asset, but you also have many other parameters to be considered."
"Parame— What are you talking about?"
I have this feeling that he has just told me something nice, but I just don't understand it.
"Don't think too hard, Chihiro. That means he likes you, that's all!"
"Uuh… I—it's somehow embarrassing to hear that, 'Mete—"
Wait. Demeter? Why is she appeared now right under Katsuragi's nose? He can't see her, but what if-
"Shut up, Demeter. You should not appear too much."
"WHAT? You can see her? Why? How? My parents can't see nor hear Demeter!"
"About that…."
"-Why did I forget about our past? Why am I getting those dreams? Could it be that this is all your doing?"
"Give me a sec! I'm about to answer you, alright!?"
"Make sure you don't lie to me."
"Tch."
However, it was Demeter who spoke first, "He can see me because he's really big in your heart, Chihiro."
I glanced at the bus where the smiling Demeter's reflection appeared, "Demeter?"
"After he solved your problem, your memories are supposed to be altered. I should be able to prevent that, but I was still weak. I can only preserve tiny part of the whole memory for you."
"So the reason I was having [that dream] is you, Demeter?"
"Yeah. As your relationship with him got closer and closer, my power was also getting stronger! That's why I can make you remember again!"
What?
"Wait, are you telling me that our date and all good things between us were just to replenish Demeter's power?"
"If I were to do that, I would just tell you everything from the get go," Katsuragi smiled.
He likes you, Chihiro. The signs are clear!
De—Demeter!
Why did she point it out so frankly like that? It's embarassing!
"I guess I understand now." I changed the direction of my eyes to Katsuragi, "Thank you, Demeter… If you are not with me, I won't be able to remember him…"
"No problem! It's my obligation to help you as best friend, Chihiro!"
*VROOM!*
The bus' engine suddenly started, which means it's finally time to go to the garden.
"Let's go, Katsuragi!"
"Ah, yes."
We jump into the Bus and sit on the very same seat as yesterday. Everything is just the same as yesterday. Ayumi sitting with Miyako and Elly while I'm with Katsuragi, Nikaido-sensei scolding and kicking those hoodlumps-wannabe, and everyone in this bus looks merry-go-round. Yep. Everything is normal!
Everything is normal except my hand, which is holding onto my first love's hand firmly.
…
...
The afternoon has settled long and heady on my shoulders. It's 7 in the evening now after we had finished our tour to the botanical garden. Although the place is beautiful with many flowers and has various kind of plants, it was tiring and the sun was stinging. Good thing we're already back to the inn. I can relax in our room, watching the village through the small wooden balcony. The rest of my group are also enjoying themselves on the tatami; Elly is watching the telly with Ayumi while Miyako on the chair in front of me, reading a book.
The keyboardist suddenly closed her book and stood.
"Where are you going, Miyako?"
"I'm going to buy a drink."
"Ah, can I go with you?" Elly asked.
"Would you get me a Pocari?" I requested.
"Alright~"
The two disappeared behind the sliding door, leaving me with Ayumi in the room.
We do not speak a word. The air around us felt heavy. So heavy that it's choking me every time I tried to start a conversation. It's not like we are in a bad term though. We talk to each other and work as a team today at the botanical garden. I guess the two of us are just too tired to chat.
"Chihiro..."
Oh, she finally spoke.
"I'm sorry. I-I can't take this anymore."
"Huh? What do you mean, Ayumi?"
"He will scold me if I'm telling you this..."
Ayumi rose from the tatami floor. Her gaze looks empty and her body is shivering while she walked slowly towards me.
"Chihiro. Actually I..."
I knew this is coming eventually...
"Katsuragi and I are..."
tbc
A/N: Please read my profile. Look at my latest captain's journal. Thank you!
Oh, thanks for reading and reviewing chapter 8! I changed the title because it looked uninteresting. This title fits the plot more, right?
Glossary:
[1] Kotatsu: A table used to warm up people's legs. (Special thanks to ZeonTwoSix for the correcting)
[2] Tatami: Japanese traditional mat.