Clannad In Our Years
Chapter 4
The Fortune Between The Two
Ryou and Yukine both walked through the halls, the only halls that accessible in the school. Lucky for Yukine, the resference room was in the east wing, where the fire department manage to stop the fire from the west. Unfortunately the room was completely bare, nothing in the room other then some broken chairs, tables and a few ruined books on the floor. Yukine couldn't help but feel depressed as she step into the room, this room had so many memories for her. It was her 'theatre club'.
"Yukine-chan, I'm sorry about this room. I've only been here a few times, but I can tell you really enjoy being here," Ryou said softy as she followed her into the room.
Yukine shook her head.
"You don't have to apologize, Ryou-chan." She swift her way through the room avoid the tables and desk until she reach the window. "I wonder if it still here," she asked. She knelt down and opened the shelf cabinet that was against the window. Her eyes widen slightly as she picked up the Book of Charms, the book she help so many people with. "I can't believe its still here…" she smiled as she hugged it.
"Oh it's the Charm Book you help me with!" Ryou notice the book she's in Yukine arms. The dreamy girl paused for a moment, the tilted her head to the side.
"I help you with a charm?" she asked.
Ryou nodded.
"You remember? It during the student council erection on my last year. The year when Tomoyo-chan be the student council president?" she asked.
Yukine thought for a moment.
"Oh yes…you asked me for a charm to meet the man your going to love… " she paused then bowed. "I'm sorry my charm didn't work out,"
Ryou just smiled.
"You're wrong… I did meet a man I love, his name is Kappei Hiiragi,"
A chapter locked in Ryou and Kappei hearts opened.
The Kind Man
All it took was a simple bell for a school full of 800 students, to turn empty with only a few handful.
School was over, not for Ryou.
For the past half hour she wander the school, remembering what her sister asked her before.
"If you don't act now, this Tomoyo girl might take him away. Are you really fine with that?"
No I'm not, onee-chan is right, I need to act, I need to find Okazaki-san and tell him on how I feel.
If you ask which sister is the nicest of the two, everyone would say Ryou. However many students also think Ryou as a timid doormat. To a certain extend, she is. She wasn't stupid, she heard some of the harshest stories about her during her first year. Some even made up a story that she willing to do someone's home work so they can be her friend, others say that she is the weakest twin of the two. Kyou tried her hardest to defend her sister reputation. However, by her doing so, proves that she has to fight Ryou battles and she can never defend herself.
Strangely, it was Tomoya and Youhei, that manage to dismiss the harsh comments about her during the second year, even though they have yet to tell her how they did it. Since that day, she grown an attachment towards Tomoya, and eventually grew into something stronger. Of course something like this didn't escape her sister's attention. As that day forth, Kyou made plans of action for sister to be with Tomoya.
According to some students that stay late in school from their clubs, Tomoya was still in school.
She looked everywhere for Tomoya, the cafeteria, the library, the club-room and even the class room, all the places she could think of. After a few more places, she finally notice someone that could help her find him.
"Sunohara-san!" she called out to him. Sunohara stopped in his tracks before going into the men washroom to see Ryou running towards him in the hallway.
"Ryou-chan what is it?" He asked yawning.
"Have you seen Okazaki-san?" she asked after catching her breath.
"Okazaki? The last time I talk to him, he mention visiting the reference room," he yawned again. "I'm going to the men's washroom," he yawned again.
"Reference room?"
"East wing first floor. Just follow the smell of coffee. "
"Thank you," she became to run off.
"Wait Ryou-chan," Sunohara called out making her stop in her tracks.
She looked back.
"Good Luck," he smiled as he made his way into the men's room
***
"Hello, is there anyone there?" Ryou called as she knock on the door.
"Its open," a voice called from the room.
Ryou took a deep breath and entered, the first thing she saw was a cute girl sitting by a table reading a book.
"Excuse me. My name is Fujibayashi Ryou, I'm looking for a friend Okazaki Tomoya, I was told he is in here," she bowed.
"Hello, my name is Miyazawa Yukine, I'm afraid you just miss him," she answered.
Ryou sighed. She went through all that trouble searching for him, just to miss him.
"Would you like some coffee?" Yukine asked, noticing that she was upset.
For the moment, Ryou just looked at, then finally nodded, she needed a break.
Their was silence between the two girls, Yukine calmly started to brew the coffee, while Ryou wander through the room looking through old books.
"So your in charge with all the old books that the no one reads anymore," Ryou asked looking down the fortune telling section on the shelf. "It must be a hard responsibly," she added while she took a book off a shelf then sat at the table.
"It really isn't, a few people come by here to read some books on research papers their writing. It gets busy doing midterms," she answered pouring the coffee in a cup then serving it with a smile.
"Thank you," Ryou smiled back tasting the coffee. "Its good,"
"I'm happy to hear that. I've been reading on old coffee recipes and I wanted to test them out," she sat down in front of her. "You mention something about Okazaki-san? Were you suppose to meet here?"
"Oh no I just needed to talk to him about something, but I always seem to miss him," she answered with a sigh.
"If your interested I have a charm that will increase your chance on seeing him," Yukine offered.
"A charm?" she asked when she notice Yukine grabbing a very familiar charm book. "Oh that charm book," she gasped.
"Your familiar with this book?" she pointed at it.
Ryou nodded.
"I remember reading through it during my first year here. My first year wasn't really the greatest, so I looked through this book if their were any charms that will help me. Then I tried looking for it again for something else the year after, but couldn't find it. It must of ended up in here," she answered taking another sip of her coffee.
"Would you like to have it again?" she offered the book to her.
Ryou waved her hand and shook her head.
"No its yours now," she declined.
Yukine nodded and ran through the pages of the book until she found the perfect charm that Ryou needed.
"Would you like the try?" she asked.
After a few moments of thinking about it, she agreed.
"Let see… this charm is called 'Soul Unbind'"
"Soul Unbind?"
"Yes, this charm well allow you to come across the person that will truly needs you. That person's soul is bound to something to him that may cost him his life. However you are that person's key to free his soul," she explained.
"Sounds scary…" Ryou shivered at the thought of it. But with a charm that pin point accuracy, it couldn't happen, or be real of that matter. But after are the times she struggled to talk to Tomoya alone, it wouldn't hurt her to have a little hope. "What do I do?" she asked.
"You raise your right foot above your head standing up, then hop in a clockwise rotation once. While saying 'Strawberry-Orange-Banana' three times," she explained.
"It actually says that? I don't remember anything like that!" Ryou blushed.
She nodded.
"Okay then, I'll try my best," he did exactly what Yukine said, the result. A few knock over books shelves and files from the shelf, and a couple of chairs along the way. "I did it!" she cheered when she finally notice the mess she made. "Sorry," she blushed.
"Its alright, I was going to reorganize any way," she smiled. She then glance over her watch it was 4:00 in the afternoon. "Sorry Fujibayashi-san, but I afraid I need to close for today," she said. "I need to clean the mess up before I go." She started to gather the books from the floor.
"May I help? It was my fault I made a mess," she apologized.
Yukine simply shook her head.
"No its alright Fujibayashi-san. Your looking for Okazaki-san correct? Maybe if you wait by the school gate, you might pass by. I'm sure he still here," Yukine picturing him being stuck in the gym storage with girl in his mind brought a smile on her lips.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course,"
Ryou did just that, she waited by the gate and ask a few students that pass by if they saw him. The students said that they saw him helping Kyou with some gym equipment, and that was a few minutes ago.
Good. He must be still here.
"Excuse me," a voiced called out.
Ryou jumped.
"I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, " a light brown hair young man apologized. "I just wanted to ask for directions for the nearest hospital is," he explained.
"Hospital?" she asked.
He nodded.
"I was walking admiring the Sakura Trees, when I tripped over and hurt my hand, its only a small cut," he showed his very bloody right hand to her," he explained.
"That isn't a small cut! It gushing!" Ryou cried out.
Blood started to run down his hand and onto the clement sidewalk. The young man looked at his right hand, then at Ryou.
"Well I guess I'm in a hurry then, so can you please tell me where the hospital is?" he smiled.
Ryou shook her head at him, she couldn't believe it, how can a man be so polite when he bleeding?
"You not going to make it to the hospital in time," she grabbed his good hand. "Theirs a nurse station in my school lets go there."
"But wait, aren't you waiting for someone, I over heard you asking your school mates about a guy. I really don't want to intrude into your private life," he begged.
"Don't worry about it, your hurt," she pulled his hand to follow her.
After a few alcohol wipes, a disinfected spray and a bandage, and some tears later, his tears. Ryou manage to treat the man's hand in the matter of no time.
"Their you go, it should be all better now. It was a small cut after all, I guess I overreacted a little, sorry," Ryou bowed slightly.
He shook his head.
"No I'm sorry! Because of me, you must of miss your friend at the gate," he apologised and bowed towards her.
"It's okay… " trying to remember his name, if he ever gave it.
"Its Hiiragi Kappei,"
Before they knew what was happening, they both found themselves in a cafe a few blocks away from Ryou's school. The cafe was called Unlucky Star, it was a small cozy cafe that really had that 'home sweet home' vibe with it. Their have been rumors and stories that when a couple comes here on their first date, their destine to be with each other. Also their have been word going on that this place sells the best coffee and ice coffee in the whole city. Many students tend to come here for the coffee or on their first date, sometimes even both. Ryou didn't know why she accepted his invitation, maybe because he wanted to take her here, knowing about the rumors about the first date. She quickly dispense the idea from her mind, he didn't seem like the type of person to believe in that kind of stuff. Still that was something about him that she couldn't help but be drawn towards, it wasn't his looks, although she found him very handsome. Was it because he was very nice to her? Is it because he soft spoken that remind her of him?
Its his eyes that she drawn to...his eyes felt empty.
"Is their something on my face?" he asked grabbing a napkin wiping his face.
"Huh, oh I'm sorry I couldn't help but stare at your face! I mean your nose! I mean your eyes! I mean..." Ryou blushed.
Why am I acting this way? I only just met him, and I staring at his handsome nose....ahh now what am I thinking? she blushed even harder.
"Is their something wrong with your coffee? Is it too hot? Your face is getting redder and redder," he asked. "Would you like to try my ice coffee, it might cool you down," he offered.
She shook her head.
Why is this happening? When I read my fortune this morning, I didn't show anything about a boy coming across my life. What do I do? Maybe I should call onee-chan... no I shouldn't, she might take this wrong way and hurt Hiiragi-san. Besides, she's been trying so hard for me to be with Okazaki-kun, I can't hurt onee-chan's intentions. But this man... why does he make me feel this way?
"Did I make you uncomfortable by inviting you here? I wanted to thank you for treating my hand, this is the my first time being here myself. I afraid I don't know much about it myself," he chuckled.
Ryou didn't say a word, she still deep in thought.
"If it makes you feel better, I can just leave you be..." he offered getting up.
"No, please don't go. I'm sorry, your trying to be nice," she spoke out.
"No, I'm sorry, I should of just thank you, instead of taking you out...I mean not 'out' out, I mean..." Hiiragi sighed and sat back down. "I just wanted my thank you to be special."
"Special?"
Hiiragi nodded.
"Yes... where I'm from, their weren't any kind people. They were rude, harsh and it really made me sad, it made be believe that theirs no kind people in this world."
"I... understand how you feel. When I was growing up, I was always picked on at school, they really made some harsh stories about me. My sister tried her best to protect me, but it only made things worse for the both of us, it lasted until my start of my second year at highschool. Someone special to me, help it all go away..." Ryou explained. "So I know what you mean by thinking theirs no kind people in this world. But theirs always kind people in this world, always," she smiled.
"Yes, but you're the first person to be ever be truly kind to me. I need to some how thank you for that as well," he smiled back at her.
"You don't have to thank me every time,"
"No... I don't have to, but I want to thank you. When I do find a way to thank you, would you please accept it..." he asked.
Ryou looked at the sincerity in his eyes.
"Yes..."
How can you make such a promise like that? You hardly know him and he hardly knows you!
"That settle things, then. I'm going to stay in this town, and I won't travel out, until I find a way to thank you!" he cheered with a full grinned.
"Travel? So, your not from this town?" Ryou asked.
"No, I actually from the city up north. I just been... travelling for a while, I make some money along the way with painting,"
"Your an artist?"
Hiiragi laughed and shook his head.
"No, no I'm not really classify as and artist, but I do like painting. I even make some money off the street by during portrait during town festivals!" he grinned.
"Oh really? Your a travelling painter?"
It so romantic! she thought.
"Yes, I've been good at painting ever since. I spend my time with children in orphanage, the children really enjoy drawings and paintings, they always bring a smile to their faces. That's why I decide to become a painter, to bring smiles to children faces," he explain with a sad smile. "Yes, it brings me happiness that this hand." He lifted up his non bandage hand. "Is bless with the ability to draw and paint, it mean a lot to me, I guess you go say that my hand is my life," he explained.
"I think I understand. As for me, I want to go to nursing school, to help people, in their time of need." she replied, starting to relax.
"That is very thoughtful of you, I'm happy to of met you Fujibaysahi-san,"
"I'm happy to of met you too Hiiragi-san," she replied.
Its definitely nice to spend time with a boy that I can relax with.
The two continue to talk for hours.
They talk about various things ranging from movies, to favourite ice cream flavour... vanilla for the both of them. Just when one topic went by, a whole new one came up, a few laughs in the middle and another round of hot coffee and ice coffee. However not once, the Hiiragi talk about his past, he gave vague comments about his life, Ryou of course didn't want to push the issue, because she didn't want to be rude towards him. In fact this is the best time Ryou spend with a man she ever experience, although nervous at first, she evidently started to relax and open up. Something she had a hard time struggling to do with Okazaki. Their was something natural about it, Ryou couldn't point it out.
"Oh yes, I'm sorry that you miss your friend at the school gate," Hiiragi apologized.
"My friend?" Oh Okazaki-san she thought. "You already apologized before, you don't have to worry about it, its fine. But why did you bring it up all of the sudden?" she asked.
"Well we been having fun talking that I couldn't get the chance to bring it up," he chuckled.
"Umm excuse me, but were closing now," a middle age women announced to them.
Ryou looked at her watch. 10:00 PM.
"Oh no I was suppose to be home three hours ago!" Ryou jumped up.
"Ach, I'm sorry!" Hiiragi bowed.
"No, no its not your fault, I should of pay more attention to the time...onee-chan is must be fretting over me by now,"
"Is their something I can do? Perhaps I can explain things to your sister..."
"No! Onee-chan is overprotective of me, if she saw you with me, she would mostly likely beat you up," she interrupted him.
What do I do? What do I do? They both thought.
"WOULD YOU PLEASE LEAVE!!!" the middle age women yelled.
After being 'scooted' away by the owner, both of them ended up outside.
"I guess I should just explain to onee-chan," she said.
"Shes not going to beat me up is she?" Hiiragi asked shaken with fear.
"No, onee-chan won't. I make sure of that. I just don't have to mention your name,"
"Oh thats good then. I guess this goodbye then..." Hiiragi bowed.
"Goodbye..." she bowed as well. "Will we see each other again?"
"It's a small world. We will see each other sooner or later. I prefer sooner though..." he replied looking at his left hand. His painter hand. "Besides I made a promise, I see you later" he ran off in the other direction.
"Promise..."
Ryou made her way home, just thinking of a good story to calm her sister down, she can just picture her sister running up and down the streets in the neighbourhood searching for her. Kyou was far too protective then their actual parents, even more then their mother.
In speaking of Kyou.
"RYOU!!!!" he sister called out to her as she ran towards her.
Ryou froze, she didn't have time to think of a good story! All she can do is just stare as her sister made a cloud of dust behind her as she suddenly stop in front of her.
"Are you okay?" Kyou out a hand on her chest catching her breath.
"Oh hey you found her!"
Ryou and Kyou turned to see Sunohara running towards them.
"See Kyou, I knew she be fine..." he chuckled. "You worry to much..." he patted Kyou on the back.
She turned around forming a fist.
"You want to me give you a second black eye!?" she threatened.
"Please no, I still recovering from this from Tomoyo-chan," he pointed at his black eye. "Not to mention I think their something wrong with my spine," he added. "Besides you were the one that drag me out here to look for you sister, not that I don't mind, so a little thanks in the order," he frowned.
"Thank you? I was the one that found her!"
"I was the one who suggested she might be here! From the beginning!" he rose his voice.
Ryou stepped in between them.
"Please don't fight!" Ryou begged.
"Fine..." she scoffed at Youhei.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me... how was the time with your friend? Youhei gave a little wink.
"Ehh?" Ryou replied.
Does he know? How did he find out? she thought.
"Hey the only person allowed to know about my sister personal life is me!" Kyou pointed to her self.
Youhei shrugged his shoulders.
"Fine... I'm happy you found her Kyou, and I'm happy that I wasn't any use," he turned around and walked away.
"Whatever..." she answered back.
Thank you very much Youhei she really wanted to say.
The chapter hidden in Ryou, Kappei hearts remained opened.
However Kyou and Youhei are still locked.
(Present)
"So you met a man name Hiiragi Kappei on that same day," Yukine said after hearing her story. "I do remember Youhei mentioning someone by that name..."
"Oh that's right, Sunohara-san was with me when I meant Kappei another time," Ryou replied.
"Ryou-san... can I ask you a personal question about Kyou-chan?" Yukine asked.
"Onee-chan? What is it?"
"Is their something going on between Kyou-san and Youehei?"
"Their realationship is very complicated," she answered.
"I see, so are they seeing each other again?" Yukine asked.
"I don't honestly know Yukine-chan... onee-chan and Sunohara-san have a hard time expressing their feelings," she answered. "In fact I rather not get in between this, I have experience with it, and its not going to be pleasant... however I'm not surprise you like Sunohara-san,"
"Your not?"
Ryou shook her head.
"Sunohara-san was always been a kind warm hearted friend. But he always acts up, and pulls awful pranks, and... little strange, I seen him talking to himself quite a few times. But I think its theirs more to him, then we actually see. Something happen to him during his past that made him become the image of a delinquent. I heard of Okazaki-san that he got kicked out of the soccer team when he started a fight. But I don't think it wasn't really the result of being kicked out of the soccer club. Something much deeper then that, that made him make a shell from the image he shows, then the image that he really is," Ryou explained.
"You very observant Ryou-san."
"You learn to much by reading people when it doesn't evolve fortune telling, which reminds me. Your ways of fortune telling? What book did you learn that from?"
"I didn't learn it from a book, it just something that came natural with me. In fact almost every thing magical. I always been interested in charms, magic and fortune since I was young. I even some times dress like the "Black Mage" even if the boys say that girls can't become black mages their only white mages. I parents didn't really approve with my hobbies but onii-san always encourage me with it," she explained turning the pages of her charm book. "'Onii san told me once, if your good at something, why not put it to good use?'"
"I've been meaning to ask... when you saw Sunohara future, was the women that was with Sunohara...you?"
Yukine nodded.
"Yes, but I'm not naive enough to thing that the future is written in stone. We both know that their are many possible futures, but the thought of being with Youhei is nice..." she smiled.
"When did you start liking him?" Ryou asked.
"It was during the winter season of my second year... your third year. During the times when Nagisa-san was sick. Youhei visit me from time to time"
"As I recall... entering a damage property is illegal!"
Both the girls turned to see a smiling Tomoyo from the door way.
"Tomoyo?" both the girls said at the same time.
"Hello Yukine-san, Ryou-san. I just was on my way to the club room when I just happen to pass by here hearing you two." she entered the room.
"Its good that you were able to come here, Tomoyo," Yukine smiled.
"Thank you, were you two about to talk about Youhei?" Tomoyo crossed her arms. "So he is indeed here correct?"
The girls nodded.
"Thats a relief that he's able to come here. I was worried for a moment, because of what happen a few weeks ago..."
"What happen a few weeks ago?" Yukine asked.
Tomoyo shook her head.
"I rather not talk about it right now, not behind Youhei back at least. Any way you were about to tell a story?"
Yukine so paused a few seconds, then nodded.
"It was near the start of winter in fact, you happen to help me with it Tomoyo-san"
Tomoyo thought for a moment, then nodded.
The chapter of Yukine, Tomoyo hidden in the heart, opened.
A Warmth of Upcoming Winter
Winter...
The time where beauty can come from most coldest of places, many people enjoy this season. From having the excuse to drink hot chocolate milk, cozy down near a fire place with your lover, either male of female. Drinking Eggnog giving gifts during Christmas and best of all spending time with your friends.
However this wasn't the case for Youhei. He didn't spend time with his friends much, during the start winter season. Tomoya spends all his time with his very sick girlfriend Nagisa, he couldn't complain about, it would be selfish. He wisely took a step back from Tomoya, understand him on what hes going through. Kotomi was also not good, because she finally spending time with her guardian the very same man that she said was evil. Ryou was spending time with her secret boyfriend Kappei. Tomoyo... even if she wanted to spend time with him, in which is the most surprising... she does consider it from time to time, she far to busy running the student council. Yukine was also out of the question, her friends might take it the wrong way, and beat him for spending time with her. Then their was Kyou... a girl he always admired from a far, the one he can't forgive for hurting him. The same girl he actually met before their second year in high school. The same girl he began to love.
He doesn't want anything to do with her, ever since she broke his heart.
During the fall, they became really close to one another, however their 'growing relationship' was only because Youhei reminded her of someone else. They had a nasty fight, on their 'official date' when Kyou secret slipped out... those stories are still deep in the heart yet to be release.
Tomoyo enter the halls with other of her fellow student council members discussing arrangement of the Cultural festival coming late in November. They decide to have the Cultural Festival split up in two days Saturday and Sunday, since their were nearly 800 students, it wouldn't be enough time. The first and 2nd year students were on Saturdays while the 3rd years students had Sundays. During this time, many students have come to their asking permission and giving them scripts on their various skits expressing on what they learn during the year.
Unfortunately, most of the skits given to her were... childish. Hip-hop skit from the hip-hop club, hot dog eating contest skit, the list goes on.
"This is the Cultural Festival... couldn't they express their knowledge with an better approach? Like preventing school bullying, or what to do with sexual harassment?" she asked her fellow Student Council Members.
"Well many students rather show off their talents then teach a moral themes, I'm afraid," Suehara Yuji shrugging his shoulders.
Tomoyo stopped suddenly and turned around frowning at her Student Council Vice President that made him quiver in fear.
"This is no time for jokes. Even if they want to express their talents, they can still do it with a educational purposes," Tomoyo snapped at him.
"Okay, Okay sorry your right. It just that the students work hard all year, it would be nice for them to blow off some stream," he hide behind another student council member. "We all been working so hard, that the time we use now, is also the time were never going to get back," he added.
"What are you saying? Are you saying that this is all the waste of time?" she asked... more as a order.
"No, no. I'm saying is that, isn't their a event in your life, when you rather do something else rather what your doing now. For example I plan to finish my a tree house for my imuto, that was five months ago, and I haven't even work on it yet," he answered.
Tomoyo thought for a moment.
"Your right. Lets take a break now and discuss this after," Tomoyo walked away.
Suehara is right, I've been so focus on saving the Sakura Trees and my responsibilities as a Student Council President, that I haven't been able to spend much time with my friends... if they consider me a friend.
Tomoyo shook her head.
Of course they consider me as a friend.
Before she knew it, she found herself in the sports field, she didn't even know how she got there.
"Its near the end of the second half! Can the Blitz Jets defeat the One Armed Aurons for the title of best soccer team ever!!"
Tomoyo heard a very familiar voice.
It was Youhei, playing soccer by himself.
"Its only 5 minutes left! Can the player Sunohara 'The Punching Bag' Youhei make up from his mistakes and help the team to victory!" Youhei talk in an announcer tone of voice.
"This... is interesting," Tomoyo found a seat on a bench.
I will allow his fun for a while she thought.
"Time is running out! Youhei looks for a member of his team," Youhei announced as he glazed around, not even noticing Tomoyo sitting on the bench. "Yes he sees one! Youhei quickly passes the ball to Kazumi!" Youhei annoucned as he kicked the ball to the right side of the field then started to run pass the ball and stopped with his foot.
Kazumi? Doesn't he mean Sunohara she thought.
"Kazumi receives the pass. A shocking well pass from Youhei. He shoots..." Youhei strike the soccer ball as flew like a jet and enter the net in the center tearing the mesh off. "Kazumi did it. He WON THE GAME!" Youhei announced as he did put his hands towards his mouth and made a 'crowd cheering sound effect' with his voice. "And now a word from Youhei who made that amazing pass to Kazumi to win the game!" Youhei form a fist and talk to it like a microphone. "Heck I didn't do anything special, its my buddy Kazumi that won the game. He's star and he will always be star, as for me well I guess I can settle for being in the sidelines," Youhei said rather sadly.
Sunohara...
Tomoyo rose from her chair and started to clap her hands.
"Go Blitz Jets!" she cheered.
Youhei jumped.
"You saw!!!!??"
Tomoyo nodded.
"Why are you by yourself Sunohara?" You usually spending time with your friends," she asked walking towards him.
Youhei just shook his head and wave his hands in front of her.
"Your not going to hit me are you?" he asked preparing to run.
"Haven't plan on it, I just concerned. You're a friend of Tomoya and...." she stopped as Youhei raised his hand.
"Yes I'm a friend of Tomoya's, you're right I friend of Tomoya's..." he repeated.
"Sunohara?" she put a hand on his shoulder.
Youhei quickly knock her hand away.
"Sunohara what are you doing I'm trying to see whats wrong with you,"
"Why?"
"Why? Why not, your Tomoya's friend," she got cut off as he rose his hand again.
"That's the problem,"
"I don't understand Sunohara. Are you saying you don't like being Tomoya's friend?"
Youhei just scratch the his head rather violently.
"Do you truly don't understand?"
"I'm trying to understand," she frowned."Whats wrong with being Tomoya friend?"
"Argh, theirs nothing wrong with being Tomoya friend... I just hate being refer as Tomoya's friend,"
"What do you mean?"
"Refer to me as me! Not Tomoya's friend!" He yelled. Then took a deep breath "Wait... theirs no point of getting angry at you over it. Its only natural that you think of Tomoya first. Listen you should be more concern with Tomoya, hes the one suffering. Nagisa is sick, and she may not be able to graduate with us, my pain is nothing compare to Tomoya's," he walked away.
"Wait Sunohara..." but he did not respond.
***
Yukine sat by her self in the reference room taking sip of hot chocolate she just made a few minutes ago.
It taste good, I'm glad preparing all night for the perfect tasting hot chocolate is well worth it.
She looked at the watch on her wrist, it was 12:25 in the afternoon. It was the Saturday, so was an half day for most students. However some stay behind for club preparation of the upcoming culture festival next week. Lucky for her, her class decide to do a charm display, just her field of expertise, something she had a nack for ever since she was young. She smiled to herself with all the crazy charms she taught her ni-san when she was still in Junior High.
Still the room felt very empty, usually during lunch period even on Saturdays Tomoya and Youhei usually come in to keep her company and she help them with their problems, and on some occasions, Kyou, Ryou and Kotomi as well. And on even rare times Tomoyo. However during the Autumn season, Nagisa have began very ill, something she remember during her first year. Tomoya naturaly spend all his time he can with Nagisa. As for Youhei... he rarely comes, and when he does he never in his cherry mood he always in. In fact Yukine never seen him so sad in his life. Which is weird because the past few of weeks before that... he seem very happy, this was during the time when rumors were going on when Kyou and Youhei were dating, but broke up.
Lying to herself.
Would be a understatement of the emotion that Yukine felt when she heard the rumors of them dating. She did feel happy for Youhei of course, he hinted on having feelings for Kyou for the longest time. Youhei isn't a flawless person, in fact he is very flawed, but he isn't flawed because he is, hes flawed because he chooses to be. He never made any effort to chance his school life style until the last minute, until he started dating Kyou that is.
Joy...
Would be the very emotion that she hated herself for when she found out that Youhei broke up with Kyou, just a few days ago. It made her feel terrible, not once have she had any dark thoughts towards this matter. She still could remember the slight pain in her heart when Youhei opened door and cheered.
"Yukine-chan! Guess what? I'm finally dating Kyou! It looks like your charm I put on the picture worked, not that I believe that love should be manipulated like that. But thanks for the moral support!" he cheered as he closed the door.
Blaming Youhei for neglecting her own feelings towards him isn't Youhei fault. In fact the only person she should blame herself, she never express her true feelings towards him and she quickly push him away when he did flirt of her.
Then a knock on the door got her attention.
"Its opened... welcome Sunoha...." she stopped as she saw Tomoyo entered the room. "Sorry I thought you were Sunohara-kun," she bowed from her chair. "Is their anything I can help you with Sakagami-san?" she asked.
Tomoyo just smiled.
"Good afternoon Miyazawa-san, I was wondering if you know if their any files of previous years of the Culture Festivals?" she asked.
"Previous Culture Festivals? I might have some old files, but it maybe alittle out dated," she answered.
"That would do," she nodded. "I just need some reference to read from," she smiled.
"Let me find it for you then, please take a seat, and help yourself with some hot chocolate. You must be stressed from trying to run the festival," she offered.
"Thank you, I'm little tired," Tomoyo sat down. "I don't mean to pry... but were you expecting Sunohara?"
Yukine nodded.
"Yes, he hasn't been coming in as of late, so I hoping he would drop here," she answered running through the files in the file cabinet.
"Does he come here that often?"
"Usually with Okazaki-kun, but he tends to come here by himself for advice," she answered. "Ah found it," she grabbed the files and placed them on the table.
Tomoyo grinned.
"I must admit, that Sunohara, seems much more resourceful since summer. Even so, with his annoying antics, and his wild claims on me being a man. He actually help me a couple of times," she took a sip from her cup.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I was surprised at first, that a man like him is capable of such acts. However it was purely my fault for misjudging him, after all I know how it feels like being type cast." she answered finish her hot chocolate. "Thank you, it was wonderful,"
"I'm happy to hear that,"
"You're welcome. It's nice to relax, something about this place is peaceful, helps clear my head. It makes sense that Tomoya and Sunohara-san would come here often." she paused. "Yukine-san, may I call you Yukine-san?"
The girl nodded.
"Do you happen to like Sunohara-san?" she asked.
"That's actually weird question coming from you Tomoyo-san,"
Tomoyo blushed slightly.
"I'm trying to be more girl.. like sharing rumors..."
"I'm afriad your type casting Tomoyo-san," Yukine grinned.
"Oh sorry..."
"Its alright. However your right. I do like Sunohara-kun, its been hard to tell him,"
"Why is that?"
"Because he was dating Kyou-san,"
Tomoyo faced went into shock.
"You mean the rumors about them were true?"
"They weren't exactly rumors."
"I see." Tomoyo sighed. "I feel terrible, I thought them dating is ridiculous, I dispense it out of my mind, but they broke up a few days correct? It must explain why Sunohara-san seems depress when I saw him on the soccer field."
"You seem him?"
Tomoyo nodded.
"Yes I have," she rose from the chair, file in hand. "Listen... I not suited for this time of stuff, Sunohara proved that in the soccer field. However Yukine-san, you may be the one that heals him. He might be still around, thank you for your hospitality," she bowed and left the room.
I might be the one that can heal him.... no I am the one that can heal him.
She took a quick glance in her charm book.
Soul Unbind... this charm keeps on coming up doesn't it?
***
Great Youhei, you sounded like a child back there, your have no right to complain. Tomoya is the one that has the right to complain, his love Nagisa is sick, he still has issues with his father. And to top it all, he even thinking of repeated a year just so he can be with her. I just need to keep my act for a few months then I'm out of this town.
Youhei wander the halls deep in thought, noticing that some students already discussing on what to display in their class for the Cultural Festival. He simply shrugged it off and continue walking until he felt tap on the shoulder he turned around to see Yukine smiling at him.
"Oh hi Yukine-chan. Okazaki is not here today so..."
"I'm not here to see Okazaki-san, I'm see you Sunohara-kun. May I call you Sunohara-kun? I think its appropriate because you call me Yukine-chan it actually makes me happy." she smiled.
Youhei chucked and nodded.
"You said you wanted to see me?" he asked.
"Yes in the reference room..." she blushed.
"Just us?"
"Yes..."
"Why? Okazaki isn't here..."
"What does that matter? I want your company Sunohara-kun. I'm trying up some hot chocolate recipes, and I really want to know your opinion," she explained.
"That sounds nice," he smiled.
"Really?"
"Yeah,"
"Oh I'm so happy!"
"You know what? So am I" he replied.
***
Yukine and Youhei both sat in the reference room while the hot chocolate was brewing, it was nice. She always gave that sweet home feeling vibe, that he also enjoyed, and Youhei always gave that boyish charm that Yukine always were drawn to. They talk for a while, about the up coming Cultural Festival, turns out that she going to preform a magic show to everyone. While Youhei... had nothing plan, he didn't even bother. The hot chocolate started to boil over.
"Oh the hot chocolate is ready," she said as she started to serve Youhei.
"Thank you,"
"Your welcome,"
Youhei took a sip.
"Its very good," he smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that, I spend all night trying to make in prefect.." she yawn slightly dosing off.
"Wait... you were up all night making this hot chocolate prefect? For me?" he asked a look of concern.
Yukine nodded.
"Yes..."
"But why?"
"I notice you always been sad for a couple of weeks, I just wanted to make you happy, and she your smile again,"
"You really shouldn't of done that. I'm very grateful but, you shouldn't risk your heath for a weed like me besides Okazaki...,"
"But I wanted you," she yawned. "Excuse me.."
"Why not take a small nap some where Yukine-chan. Its Saturday so its a half day,"
"I know I just have a hard time sleeping..." she replied.
"Isn't their a charm for sleeping well?" Youhei asked as he pointed at the charm book on the table.
Yukine shook her head.
"No, theirs not a charm for sleeping, their is a charm having good dreams. However it doesn't work unless your actually sleeping..." she paused. "Their is a way that can help me sleep,"
she blushed.
"Oh really? What is it? Some sort of home remedy?" Youhei asked finishing his hot chocolate.
"I guess you can say its a home remedy... it involes your lap"
"My lap?" Youhei suddenly had a flash back of when he enter to room and found out that Yukine was sleeping on Tomoya lap. "Wait Yukine-chan, I just got out of a bad relationship and..." Youhei stopped as he glazed into her eyes.
"Please..."
Youhei gave in.
Before he knew it, Yukine rested her head on his lap and quickly drifted off into sleep.
"Sunohara-kun... Youhei," she mumbled.
Youhei just smiled.
This feels nice...just like the time with Kyou... but I'm with Yukine now.
Youhei leaned over being careful not to disturb Yukine and picked up the charm book and scan through the pages.
Ah, here it is. Good Dream Charm... lets see. Whisper in her ear and say Sweet dreams from a a sweet person.' Sweet person? I wonder if this will work.
Then he lean over and softy whispered in her ear.
"Sweet wishes from a sweet person,"
And before he knew it, he fell asleap as well.
(Yukine Dream)
"The number you picked between 1 and 100 is 9," she told a blonded head man. (1)
"Heh, wow Yuki-nee, you're getting better at this," he chucked.
"Thank you nii-san," she giggled.
Both the the Miyazawa siblings shared a laughed, they sat down in Yukine's room enjoying relaxing tea until they both heard a small rock slamming against the window of her room. Kazuto got to his feet and headed towards the window. He smiled to himself as he saw who the rock was from, he slided the window open and leaned over.
"Sudou? What are you doing throwing rocks at my imuto window?" he asked with a grin.
The larger man just chuckled.
"I was going to throw rocks at your window. But I figure you might be with Yuki-nee room," he replied with a thumbs up.
"Heh, you know me too well. So whats up anything going on in the river?" Kazuto asked with a worried expression.
Sudou shook his head.
"Nah... everything is quiet. Which worries me... I was actually wondering if you wanted to hang out in our usual spot with the others?" he asked.
Kazuto smiled to himself, then notice Yukine starting at him with a worry expression.
"Sorry I have to pass, I promise Yuki-nee that I spend time with her tonight,"
"Thats ok. Later then," Sudou waved and dashed off.
Kazuto chuckled and closed the window.
"Sorry for the interruption Yuki-nee," the other sibling apologized.
"Its alright...but," she covered her self with her arms.
"Whats wrong?" he asked kneeing down beside her.
"I don't like it when those 'guys' come to our house," she whispered.
"Yukine, their all my friends. I prefer you don't speak of them in such a way." he sighed.
"Yes... but their scary, they always get into fights, it your always involved in them," her body to started to shake.
"Hey Yukine," her brother put a hand on her shoulder. "My friends are not bad people, their just some things that can't be resolve easily. And don't worry about me..."
"I have to worry about you, your my nii-san. You always sneak out late at night, and come back cut up and bruise, I worry that some night you might not come back," she rose her voice.
Kazuto just simply shook his head.
"Yukine, I will always come back, I'm not going to leave you. Besides you should worry about next couple of months, your going to be in high school now."
"But you won't be there..."
"That's true...however why don't you make some friends in high school. They say that friends you make in high school are the friends are stuck with you in life, just don't waste your time in some room all by yourself, go to people. And you knows you might even find yourself a boy friend.." he joked.
"A boyfriend? But I don't have any experience in that!" the younger one blushed.
"Ha! Don't worry about it, of course he would need MY approval, I wouldn't want some weed being with my imuoto!"
(Youhei's dream)
The crowds were at the edge of the seats, it was a tie game and only 5 minutes left on the clock, and Kyoto team need a win. It was the quarter finals for team Kyoto, they weren't the best team in the league, in fact they were one of the worse teams in the league. The chance of them even making into the quarter finals was hard enough to believe, but that did not stop the moral grounds of two star players, Ikusuki Kazumi and Sunohara Youhei, both junior high students. They both lead the team Kyoto to victory in many match's that seem impossible to win.
The team huddle around their bench as their coach told them the usual 'We can do it' speech, as he gave a general game plan to the team. The team didn't worry much, since they knew that Kazumi and Sunohara had some else plan. Pretty soon the referlie blew his whistle ending time out.
"You ready Sunohara?" Kazumi the team captian and his best friend asked.
"Yeah just a second," Youhei nodded as he started to tie a white ribbon around his right arm.
"You still carry that thing around? You need to let some things go!" he laughed.
"Hey give me a break, it was a gift from a girl and it brings me good luck!" he yelled.
They both ran towards the center of the field.
"Yeah from a girl you just met one day during summer when you were 8!"
Youhei just shrugged his shoulders.
"Heh, yeah so?"
"Do you even remember her name at least?"
"Yeah, its Kyou. How can I forget a wonderful name like that,"
"Its a pretty common name Sunohara..."
"Shut up! I'm having a moment here. Stop ruining my moment Kazumi,"
"Ok sure, but keep your head in the game you hear." Kazumi started to breath harder.
"Hey you okay?"
"Yeah, I just starting to lose my breath more often now, it would be okay!" he smiled.
"You been like that since the new season started. You should get it check it sounds serious!"
"And what, stay at home sick and let you have the fun? Screw that," Kazumi patted Sunohara on the back as he stopped in the center.
"Whatever you say then.." Sunohara proceded to go to his postion of left field.
The only thing that Sunohara could see is a flash of white.
When she woke up, she found heself in his arms her head over on his shoulder, she can feel his warmth and his soft breathing coming from his chest. She smiled to herself, it felt good, just being there with him alone in the reference room. Her body press up againist his, the beating of his heart, his left hand her waist and the other hand oh the bare skin of her leg.
If only his hand was higher up my....
She blushed when she realized what she was wishing for, she never felt 'that type' of emotion before. It was all new to her, she didn't even know that she able to have preverted thoughts like that. In fact she never even thought of it until she meant Youhei.
Why am I having these feelings?
Yukine looked up at the Youhei's face.
Why do I enjoy the thought of Youhei touching me?
She looked at Youhei hand on her leg, feeling the warmth of his touch.
It this love?
Yukine rose her head and softy press her lips against the lips of the sleeping man, kissing him.
"Kyou..." he mumbled his sleep.
Her eyes widen and broke off the kiss.
You still love her, don't you Youhei?
Tears started to run down her cheeks, then she rested on her shoulder again.
At least I have this moment.
She fell back asleap.
***
The two slept for a few hours, as the sun started to set, and the only lighting to room was small ray of the sun beating down at them through the snow covered window, onto Youhei's eyes as it woke him up.
It must of snow this afternoon... he thought.
"Hey Yukine-chan..."
"Huh?" she yawned, she slowly open her eyes and saw Youhei looking down at her.
"You had a good sleep?" he asked.
She nodded holding him closer.
"Sunohara-kun...thank you," she smiled.
"Yeah no problem."
After a few more minutes of holding each other they decided to leave.
"I could walk you home if you like?" Youhei asked when they left the school gates.
"That would be wonderful..." she paused for a few seconds when she saw a image of Youhei and Kyou in a storage gym equipment storage popped in her head. She then put her hand on her forehead closing her eyes.
"Something wrong?"
"No... I just remember something I need to do. Would it be okay if you walk me home other then today?" she asked.
Youhei nodded.
"I don't mind. I look forward to it," he chuckled. "But are you sure?"
The girl just nodded.
"Yes, besides, some one needs you right now..." she said rather sadly as she started to cry.
"Hey... seriously, is their something wrong?"
"No..." she answered after she walked away.
Youhei just watch her walk away and sighed to himself. He was about to follow her when he notice a small tug on his pants, he looked down and saw Buton tugging his pant leg with her teeth.
"Hi Buton whats wrong?" Youhei asked.
Button just look up and ran towards the school.
"Hey wait!" he followed her.
What was that vison just now? Yukine thought on her way home.
She stopped at the corner of street infront of the street lights as it turned red.
Why would I get a vison of Youhei with Kyou-san? A glimce of the future?
Yukine sighed and zipped up her coat as it started to snow.
Did I lose my chance for happyines?
The chapters hidden in the hearts of Yukine and Tomoyo remained opened.
However Youhei and Kyou remained locked.
To be continue
Preview of the next Chapter
Kotomi smiled to her self as she place her violin in its cased and placed it on top of her desk in her room. She had a great time playing in front of everyone for the second time in front yard of her house. The very same front yard that used to be wilted waste land, turned back into a beautiful garden she remembered when she was child, the same field that Tomoya and the others helped restore.
"Kotomi-chan! Come on, we are going to miss the movie!" Tomoya called out.
The dark blue hair girl looked out her window and saw her friends waiting for her waving.
She nodded then turned away to see a a light blue haired girl closed to her age at her doorway of her room.
"Excuse me, but why are you in my house?" Kotomi asked.
"I have a message for you... my name is Okazaki Ako, I'm your daughter from the future..."
Author Notes
We did our own adapation of Kappei in our story. Our reason is because, we need Kappei to be more flexable so that Ryou would be able to opened up to and relax without the help of Tomoya.
This chapter is actually chapters 4 and 5 put together.
1) Here is abit of Trivia infomation, Number 9 is the same number of Youhei soccer jersey back, check the anime to see. Pretty sure it was in the slibings arc.