A/N: Yay, I have updated. So much drama, angst, and hurt in just one chapter. It's a little too exaggerated, but thats how I work. I do apologize at how unrealistic it may be. Thank you to Zayren Heart, Jaidynn and hikari-hime 01 for the reviews. I am happy people are still reviewing this story,, though rare it may be. I hope my readers will continuously support me. I'm still a bit confused as to whether I should use senpai or sempai (I used both interchangeably). I guess there are two songs that can describe this chapter. One is "Thousand Years" by Christina Perri (for Ella) and the other is "Say Goodbye" (for Mori) by Skillet. Well, please enjoy and happy reading! EDIT: I am so sorry! The latest chapter was for a different story. I do apologize for putting up the wrong chapter. Thank you for my-forgotten-rose for correcting me. I had been working on this chapter since 5 a.m. and I woke up at around noon. Here is the real chapter. Please forgive my lack of attention. And no, my-forgotten-rose you aren't ADDing. .. Well, uh, I feel silly now. lol.

Chapter Five

There were tables lined up outside on Ella's backyard. It seemed there was still a need of preparations. The tables had nothing else other than cups, dishes, bowls, napkins, and silverware. Across from the table stood two figures, one being short and the other being tall.

He felt rather nervous to be standing in front of Ella. Alone. Takashi did not understand how it got to the point where he would be spending today with his childhood friend. The strange sensation of tingles and little clouds floating in his stomach. And in being nervous, there was a slight shaking of his legs. One would only be able to see it if they squint really hard. One question ran through Takashi's mind. How did it get to this?

It was just a sudden phone call on the day before the weekends started. He picked it up to hear the voice that belonged to that of Lina Hoshino, Kyoya's recently made girlfriend. Takashi still wondered how the two would get together when all they do is argue, though they seemed quite happy in doing so. Takashi shook his head away of the thoughts while being able to listen to Lina speak.

The next day they were going to do something fun, and she wanted to know if Mitsukuni and he would like to go. He told her with his usual deep voice that he would ask Mitsukuni when he came over to his house like he usually did. After they bid their goodbyes, he started stretching and sighed. He never really thought about Ella whenever he didn't see her. It's just the times when he sees Ella that he becomes mixed with emotions.

When he was just at the entrance of Mitsukuni's home, he saw his cousin and Ella happily chatting away. At first, his whole body tensed up right when he saw her, but he soon relaxed right after when his cousin and Ella were smiling. It even made him smile. He was about to walk up to them, but he saw Ella turn halfway and waved goodbye to Mitsukuni. She was about to walk away before she saw Takashi. She stopped her tracks and smiled at him. Takashi was about to get closer, but she waved her goodbye to him instead. She left right after before he had a chance to wave or say goodbye to her. His heart tugged when he was not able to hear her sweet melodious voice.

"-shi. Takashi?" Mitsukuni's voice finally caught his attention.

He was busy staring at Ella walk away with his mind reeling with memories of the three of them together that he did not see Mitsukuni make his way towards him and was now facing him. Takashi turned his head and stared down to his cousin.

"Are you feeling okay?" Mitsukuni asked.

Takashi let out a slight smile and nodded.

"I just... ever since Ella came back. I haven't been feeling like myself," Takashi answered. Mitsukuni patted his hand and immediately gave him a hug afterwards.

"Everything will work out fine. I'm sure there will be a day when you no longer be afraid of Ella," Mitsukuni said comfortingly. Takashi clenched his hand into a fist while his other hand hid half of his face.

"It was my fault. Back then," Takashi quietly uttered. Mitsukuni sighed and watched helplessly as Takashi beat himself down every time he thinks of that incident.

"Takashi..." Mitsukuni muttered. Takashi let out a sigh before his hands fall back to his sides. He looked over at Mitsukuni.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Lina is inviting us somewhere tomorrow. Do you want to go? I was thinking I would go as well if you wanted to," Takashi told him. Mitsukuni eyes widened before a big smile spreads across his face.

"Sure!" Mitsukuni said brightly. Takashi let out another smile. He always cherished his cousin's bright mood. It always made him feel better.

And now he stood rooted at the spot with only Ella in front of them. He noticed she was wearing a white sun dress with pink imprinted flowers. She also wore a straw hat on top of her head to make her particularly more cute today. He could feel the heat settling onto his face when he took a good look at her.

His stare may have lingered a bit too long when he noticed Ella was staring at him with her big doe-like eyes in concern. He mentally cursed himself for being an idiot. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable like he did before.

"Are you okay, ShiShi?" Ella asked. Her hands trying to reach towards him. He smiled and caught her hand in his. It was a gentle grasp. His hands may feel rough, but he was quite gentle with his touch.

Ella nodded at his reassurance before she looked forward and turning her head slightly to left and right. Takashi's hand was still holding onto Ella's. Both did not notice it because one was staring at the other while the other was searching around.

"I wonder why everyone is taking so long?" Ella's light voice fluidly entered Takashi's ears.

Takashi snapped himself out of his trance and noticed he was still holding Ella's hand. He blushed before he snatched his hand back to his side. Ella did not seem to notice as she was more concerned about their friends.

"Should we go find them? After all, I don't want them to worry so much about this "Welcoming" party they are giving me," Ella said with a frown.

Takashi lowered to her height while grasping her shoulders lightly. It was sudden. Something he automatically did without thinking or having control. He pulled her closer to him before his arms snaked around her waist into a hug. He was not only surprised, but he felt like a pervert for doing this. Ella was pretty surprised herself before hugging him back. She knew Takashi wanted to comfort her. He didn't need words to show how he cared.

"Thank you, ShiShi," she whispered near his ear.

Takashi blushed as he could feel her warm breath enter his ear. He could feel tingles and shivers down his spine. The clouds started erupting into butterflies. It was a foreign feeling, but he had a suspicion what it was. It was hard for him, but he can't admit this feeling wholeheartedly because of his own reasons. And of course, he felt he was not worthy of the sweet Ella.

Their hug lingered on until Takashi finally let go of her a minute later and stood up straight. His head turned away, finding it hard to look at the girl before him. Ella's eyes followed his movement. She felt her heart skip a beat, and she smiled. Her face lit up with such peaceful happiness that she seemed to be glowing with joy.

Takashi turned at that specific time to see her gazing at him. But more than that, the way she seemed to glow made her look like a real angel. Such beauty, he could not deny. She had such fair skin. Her eyes were vibrant and full of life. He wondered why nobody had courted her yet. He was sure someone like her would be surrounded by guys.

And for some reason, it angered him that nobody would go after her. She deserve to be graced upon with looks of dream in their eyes as they see her walk by. But then again, something stirred inside him at the thought of guys ogling at her. He unconsciously clenched his hand into a fist. He wasn't going to let any guy come near her until he deemed the guy worthy of being with her. As he thought this, his shoulders suddenly felt heavy and his stomach seemed to be full of rocks, pulling him down.

In just a short time span, Takashi was feeling all different kinds of emotions. Some of them were because of his youth and others because of his maturity.

The joy written on Ella's face fell as she saw him holding his breath and a tortorous look on his face. She was about to take his hand, but Takashi suddenly flinched, pulling his hand away as if she burned him. Ella's eyes widened in surprise as when he pulled his hand away, he accidentally slapped her face.

Takashi's eyes widened and his mouth open ajar slightly. He didn't mean to do that. He was just caught by surprise. Ella took a step back while she started to touch the cheek Takashi accidentally hit before letting it fall back to her side. Takashi could see the horror in her eyes. He felt the rush of guilt, pain, and fear flooding inside him in one go. He took a hesitant step forward. His hand reaching towards her but stopped as tears started to form in her eyes. His eyes started turning hazy for some reason. It even got too hazy, he could only see her outline.

"I guess it was never meant to work out," he could hear Ella say.

Takashi shook his head frantically. The way she spoke seemed like she was giving up on him. He didn't understand why, but his fear started controlling him. As he blinked, he felt something wet falling from his face. He touched it and found him suddenly crying. He looked over at Ella. He could see her clearer now, but he did not want to see her in this state. Her head was lowered, so he could no longer see her expression. He could see the drops of tears falling down on the grass below.

"Ella," he started, his lips trembling. "I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean to. It was an accident."

Takashi told her. He was about to come near her. But just as he took a step, Ella took a step back and her arm was outstretched with her palm facing up.

"Stop, ShiShi. It is enough. Don't come near," Ella demanded with her soft voice. Her right hand was under her face. He could hear her sniffle. He could feel himself trembling and his breathing became unsteady. It felt like... like he was going to lose her. Like that time.

"Please believe me. It wasn't on purpose," his voice pleading. His whole body was shaking now, even though it was only the slightest bit.

"I'm not hurt because you hit me. I know it was an accident," Ella said breathlessly as if controlling the need to break down and falling onto the grass in despair. "I could see my presence is hurting you too much. I never meant to hurt you, ShiShi. I never wanted you to feel as though I am harmful to you. I cannot let this go on any longer. I know you are kind, ShiShi. I know you are trying your best to get used to me, but I know I've caused too much unnecessary stress for you."

He didn't want this. He never said it hurt him. He was just merely confused, not understanding the different emotions swirling inside him. He wanted to tell her that, but he was frozen in place. The shock was still overwhelming at what he had done, and all the things following after it.

He could hear her sniffle again and noticed her hands were brushing her tears away in an utmost rough manner. He flinched at that, and he was worried. It was then the worry furthered itself as Ella looked up at him. It was full of despair. He caused that. He caused such a miserable emotion. Ella no longer smiled but was replaced with a grim line.

"I'm going to transfer schools," Ella said with such finality in her voice. There was an intensity in her gaze that it made Takashi shiver. That expression was too much.

The sound of bags dropping had gotten Ella's and Takashi's attention. As they turned their heads, they were faced with faces full of shock from their friends. Behind them though, he saw Kasanoda Ritsu trying to get through. Anger was evident on his face. He stomped his way towards Takashi and stood in front of Takashi. He was seething with anger.

"What the heck is wrong with you!" Kasanoda yelled, "Do something if you like her!"

Ella came up to him and stopped Kasanoda. Kasanoda turned to look at her. She held onto a smile, but Kasanoda could see she was hurt. It boiled him with anger, but Ella yanked him slightly to stop. His hand was already balled up into a fist, but he reluctantly unclenched them and turned away. He grunted in dissatisfaction.

"I'm sorry everyone, but I think it's best to cancel the party. Maybe next time," Ella announced, her voice seemingly tired and drained. She looked back at Kasanoda and took his hand and patted lightly. "Do not blame him. He did nothing wrong, Soda-chan. You cannot blame someone when they did nothing wrong."

"But..." Kasanoda started, wanting to oppose but couldn't when she cut him off.

"After I transfer, I hope we can still make contact with each other," she said softly.

Kasanoda frowned and tears seemed to start to form at the rims of his eyes. He nodded, trying to hold back his tears.

"I hope you all will too as well," she said turning to face everyone. She stopped at Takashi and gazed at him intensely once more. "This may be the last time I will ever say this to you, ShiShi, but I love you. With all of my heart. And I'm going to let you go for your sake. It's better off if we part ways for now. Until you can heal and until I can heal. Maybe when we are ready, we can finally face each other without fear or pain."

Takashi was speechless, yet he shook his head back and forth. He wanted her to not say that, but words cannot utter out his mouth. He didn't want this to happen. It happened so fast. He felt like he was in a soap opera. A drama. This felt unreal. Felt like this is some nightmare and he would wake up from it soon. Yet he knew it wasn't, and it really did happen.

"I'm sorry, everyone, but I'm a bit tired. If you would please excuse me, I will take a rest in my room. Also, don't worry about the mess. I will take care of it later," she said her voice seemed to be weaker now. This made everyone frown. She tried to smile as she spoke, "Thank you all for coming. I'm very happy you guys were being so thoughtful to plan a party form me. I just regret that it ended too soon."

She took a good look at each person, mentally taking a picture of everyone's faces so she would never forget before she walked towards her house. When Takashi saw her retreating figure, his hand shot out to reach her and he wanted to yell her to stop. No words came out though, and he did not chase after her. He watched and did nothing.

Just like last time.

He felt Kasanoda's hold on the front of his shirt. Kasanoda pulled him down to his eye level. He let out a growl with anger.

"What are you doing? Go after her!" Kasanoda yelled. By that time, Ella was too far away to hear them.

Takashi stood there with a blank stare. His mind frozen in place. All he could see was her tear-stained face. She looked so hurt. So broken. He suddenly collapsed to the ground until he was kneeling.

Kasanoda saw his anguish and let go. He shook his head and took a step back.

"When did you become such a coward, sempai?" Kasanoda asked. He sighed and turned towards where Ella left and ran after her.

Takashi heard him. He heard him so clearly, and he wondered the same. When did he get so weak? What had happened to cause this strain in their relationship?

He looked up at everyone to see them staring at him with solemn looks. They turned immediately away from his hollow and pained eyes. Mitsukuni stepped forward to him with Sakuno following behind and laid a hand on top of Takashi's head. Sakuno also laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay, Takashi?" Mitsukuni asked, his voice soft and sympathetic.

Takashi looked up at him for a moment as tears slowly slid down his face once more.

"I need to clear my head," Takashi uttered. He stood up and walk the path outside of Ella's home and into the pathway to exit the property.

Mitsukuni watched him disappear and sighed. Sakuno looked worried and looked over to her boyfriend. She laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Shouldn't you go after him?" Sakuno asked.

Mitsukuni shook his head and said, "No. Takashi must learn to walk his path and find his way. I can only guide him when he asks it."

"I guess it didn't work out after all. It has made things worser," Sakuno said.

It was then Lina came forward with Kyoya next to her.

"They had to face each other alone sooner or later. I never expected for them to both break down in such a short time when we were gone," Lina said before crossing her arms, "But then again, this may finally wake him up to see things clearly now. He has to face his feelings in order to face her without any fear."

Sakuno merely nodded. There was some truth in it, but she wondered if it was worth it. Kyoya looked over to his senior and pushed his glasses up.

"Honey-sempai, may I ask what may have happened between Mori-sempai and Ella-sempai?" Kyoya asked.

Mitsukuni looked up at him for a moment before he looked down.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk about the incident," Mitsukuni said sadly, "When we were in middle school, we were playing near the ocean..."

The story began and the host club listened to the details Mitsukuni gave. Meanwhile, Takashi was in turmoil with his own feelings, and Ella was being comforted by Kasanoda. The paths taken in the future were still foggy for the two friends. Will Takashi finally face her? Will Ella leave to a different school? Will the two become strangers from now on? It all depends on their next action. Sooner or later, things will get clearer. If not, the past will always haunt them and things will never change.