CHAPTER 3


"That guy is stalking you, Amu. That's the reason why he has been transferred here" Miki claimed.

"Oh my God desuu!" Suu added while placing both of her hands on her cheeks.

"I smell something fishy here" Ran concluded.

"Calm down guys the others may hear you" Amu scolded her charas.

"So Mister Hotori would you please take a seat beside Miss Hinamori?"

The blonde guy walked to his new seat and placed his bag inside the drawer.

Amu looked away from him and forced herself to fully concentrate on the lesson.


"Tadase, can we talk for a moment?" Amu greeted her once upon a time crush after school.

"Well, sure. Let's go to my house, it's near here and my parents will be glad to see you"

"I didn't know that your family has another house in this city"

"Well, actually we moved here because dad is transferred to the branch office"

"What?"

"We were transferred to the same school. What a coincidence!. Don't you think so?"

"Yeah, sort of…" Amu answered weakly.

She admitted that she had a crush on him when they were elementary school students but she realized that it was only a felling of admiration not love.

When they arrived at his house, his mother Mizue greeted them and led the way to the living room. Then she excused herself to prepare for tea and some snacks. It was a comfortable Japanese-style house with tatami mats and a beautiful Japanese style garden decorated with bonsai and a small pond filled with colorful carps swimming around actively.

"So, how's Ikuto niisan been doing?" he asked.

"He's doing fine in Tokyo. He teaches violin at a music school and is a member of an orchestra".

"So that unthankful brat is living a good live now" Mizue sneered while placing a plate full rice crackers and two cups of hot green tea in front of them.

"Quit it, mom. You're always insulting Ikuto niisan and his family"

"Well, I just don't like them especially that violin boy who rarely talks. You know what, Amu chan. I think you better stay away from that boy if you don't want to live a life full of bad luck"

"Mom!"

"Enjoy your time, children" she said as she left the room back to the kitchen.

"I'm sorry for what she has just said"

"Never mind about that" Amu answered quickly.

He gazed on her while drinking his green tea.

"Amu, don't you think it is fate that both of us are transferred here?"

She nearly chocked at his words.

"It's just a coincidence, Tadase"

"I believe that coincidence is a fate. Don't you think so?"

"I have no idea"

"You and Ikuto niisan got separated miles away. On the other hand, I got transferred to the same school as you"

"Tadase…I…"

"Amu, why don't we go to the same university after graduating from high school" he leaned forward and grabbed her right hand all of sudden.

"University?" She shook a little bit. She was surprised by his sudden action.

"Yes, mom said that it's nearly impossible to find a job for high school graduated people since the world is suffering from economic crisis"

"I don't know. I still haven't decided about my future yet"

"Going to a university will lead you to a bright future, Amu chan"

"Tadase, I need to go home. It's getting late" Amu ignored his talk.

He gave her a look of disappointment and released his grip on her hand.

"I'll walk you home"

"No, you don't have to. I can go home by myself"

"But…"

"I insist"

"Amu chan"

"Yes?"

"Do you hate me?"

"Of course not"

"Then why didn't you break up with Ikuto niisan and be together with me?. I promise that I would make you the happiest bride on earth"

He hugged her waist from behind. She struggled and escaped from his embrace.

"Thank you for the tea and snacks"

Amu smiled at him and gave a bow to his mother before leaving for her home.


"I'm home" she opened the entrance door and walked in.

"Welcome home, dear" her mother greeted her.

"Where is Ami?"

"She's playing at our neighbor house with her new friend"

"I see"

"So, how was the new school, dear?"

"It was nice, mom"

"Really? I'm so glad to hear that".

Amu sat on the sofa and gazed at the ceiling of the living room. She was thinking about what Tadase has just said to her when she visited his house today. He doesn't look as girly as he was during the elementary school. The golden haired boy has grown height and being a member of basketball club has caused him to have a muscular body. He has become the most wanted boyfriend nominee in their new high school. It is really not a bad idea at all to become his girl friend. However, to her surprised her heart didn't beat as fast as it used to be whenever she thought about him during the elementary school.

"I just met my high school senior at the alumni gathering today" Midori's voice brought Amu back to the reality.

"Her daughter who is a university graduated has been offered a good position as a manager in her office with high salary" Midori continued her story.

"So what?" Amu said coldly.

"You can be like her if you enter a university and graduate with good grades"

Amu grunted.

"You know what mom? I'm sick of being controlled by you!"

"Amu dear"

"I've had enough, mom! You dragged me here because you got divorce with dad and I've followed your order without giving a single complain and now you don't even allow me to decide my own future"

"I just want the best for you Amu dear. That's what all parents want for their children. I believe that a good position and high salary will lead you to a bright future"

"Oh hell yeah, mom. There are a lot of people in that good position who ended up in suicide because they cannot stand the pressure. For your information I'm not your senior's daughter. I'm your daughter though I didn't ask to be born as your child in this filthy world!"

SLAP!

Amu gasped as she felt pain strumming in her right cheek.

"Go to your room and cool down your head!" Midori commanded her.

Amu ran immediately to her room while biting her lower lip to prevent her tears from bursting out. She was biting her lips too hard that she could taste her own blood. She grabbed her saving box and counted the contents. She only has two thousand yen with her at present and it's not even enough to buy a round trip night bus ticket to Tokyo which is twelve thousand yen. She kneeled down on the floor and started to cry in frustration.

Suddenly her cell phone rang. She was surprised to read the word "Video Phone Transmitting" on the screen. She pushed the answer button and was surprised when she saw the face of the caller appearing on screen.

"Hello, sweet strawberry"

"Ikuto!" she bursted in tears.

"Wow, I didn't know that you miss me that much" he smirked.

"I…(sobs)….(sniffs)…Ikuto…(sobs)"

"Did something bad happened?"

"(sobs)….(sniffs)…maybe…yes…(another sobs)"

"Please don't cry, Amu. It breaks my heart to see you crying when I'm not there to comfort you"

"I'm sorry…(sobs)"

"Anyway, my orchestra will hold a concert in Kyoto next month so I'll be staying in Kyoto for two nights during that time"

"I want to see you now, Ikuto not next month"

"I really want to see you now, Amu. But I must attend the practice with other orchestra members because I will have to play solo violin at the concert"

"Solo violin? Oh my God!. I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks to your support, peachy peach"

"Ikuto, my name is Amu not peachy peach"

"Sorry, peachy peach"

"Ikuto…"

"Okay, Amu. I'll mail you the concert ticket tomorrow"

"Thank you, Ikuto. It's a great honor for me to attend your concert"

"I look forward to see you in your best dress. Sleeveless ride wine dress with a deep V-neck line will be the most preferable for me"

"You… pervert!"

He laughed out loud.

"Save your tears and your smile for me, Amu. I don't want you to share it with someone else especially with that blondie kiddy king"

"You already know about Tadase being transferred here"

"Nagihiko told me yesterday"

"I see"

"I gotta go to the practice"

"But I still wanna talk with you"

"I'll mail you later. I want you to be a good girl and wait until next month. You got it?"

"Yes, captain Ikuto the greatest pirate"

"I'm not a pirate"

"You look like one when you do the character transform"

"Whatever… See ya later, pink alligator"

"Ikuto!, I'm not a pink alli…"

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ikuto has ended the call even before she could say her complaint. Amu gave a big grunt and flipped her cell phone close then put it on her study desk. She opened her drawer and saw a light blue handkerchief with an initial of "Ikuto T." at the edge. It was a handkerchief she borrowed from him when she spilled her mineral water on her clothes at the sea aquarium.

She took the handkerchief with her and laid on her bed. She placed the handkerchief on her nose and breathed in it. She has had her mom to wash the handkerchief but she still could smell his perfume lingering on it. Big drops of tears fell to her cheek. She has promised him to save her tears for him but she just couldn't stand the pain of being separated miles away from him. It is ripping her heart piece by piece.

"Amu chan, don't cry desu" Suu wiped her tears with her tiny fingers.

"Amu chan, be strong" Ran patted her shoulder.

"Look, Amu. I have drawn a picture of Ikuto so you can have a good dream tonight" Miki gave her his masterpiece to cheer her up.

"Thank you all and I'm sorry that I yelled at you at the night my parents announced that they got divorced" she shed her tears away and gave all of her charas a big hug.

"Never mind about that, Amu chan. We are always here to cheer you up" Ran said with a big smile on her face.


A month has passed since Amu entered her new high school. It is now fall season and the tree leaves have changed their color to dark red, yellow and brown in variety decorating the ancient city of Japan where she resides.

"Fall is here!" Ran stomped on a bunch of yellow leaves that covered the road.

"You're such a meanie desuu!" Suu scolded Miki who has just pushed her back and caused her to fall on a bunch of dark red leaves.

"Guys, are you sure Ikuto will like me on this dress?" Amu clutched the edge of her dress. She is wearing a sleeveless red wine color long dress with a deep V-neck line and a black shawl covering her shoulder.

"You look marvelous, Amu chan!" Miki gave his compliment.

Suddenly out of nowhere an old man came closer and gazed at Amu from head to toe.

"Let's have dinner together, young lady" he pulled her elbow and began to drag her.

"No!, I have an appointment with someone" she protested.

"Forget about that someone, let's have fun together"

"I'm sure that he'll come, please let me go!"

In a speed of flash Amu saw someone grabbed the old man's arm tightly and glared at him like a wolf ready to give a final blow on its prey.

"Let go of her immediately or I'll break your arm" said the blue haired boy.

"Who the heck are you, stupid brat?" the old man sneered.

"I'm her fiancé, old rat!" Ikuto answered loudly to the old man.

Amu blushed red on Ikuto's word.

The old man grunted and finally left them.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks anyway"

"You look pretty with that dress"

"Thank you"

"So, I'll see you after the concert then"

"Wait!" she grabbed his arm.

"Yes?"

"Err... Good luck"

Ikuto smiled brightly and leaned forward to give a quick peck on her lips.

"Energy charge done!" he smirked leaving the red flushed Amu behind him.

"Ran, do you have any idea why the temperature is very hot here?" Miki asked all of sudden.

"Hmm… I guess it is because something is burning here" Ran answered.

"Amu's heart burning with the fire of love desuu" Suu added.

"You're right. Love is in the air and that is why the temperature changed!" Miki concluded.

"Let's go inside, guys" Amu dragged all her charas to the concert hall.


She sat in the first row which is just 1.5 meter away from the main stage.

"Wow!, we're super VIP!" Ran yelled happily.

"Ssshhh!, be quiet" Amu warned her.

Finally the red curtain covering the main stage is rolled up showing all the member of the orchestra and the concert begun. Amu moved her eyes desperately to search for Ikuto and she found him sitting on the right corner holding his violin. After the orchestra finished playing their first song Ikuto stood up. It was his turn to play his solo violin.

Amu glanced at Ikuto without blinking even once. Ikuto looked quite handsome with the black tuxedo and glasses on. He produced a beautiful sound from his violin that impressed most of the audience. It brought peace to the heart of the listeners. The orchestra played about 10 songs and after the last song finished all the members stood up and bowed to the audience. The hall was filled with great applause. Many of the audiences including Amu who get touched by the songs were shedding their tears. She waved her hand at Ikuto who showed replied with his brightest smile.

"I didn't know that you have a lot of fans, Ikuto" Amu panted.

She finally succeeded dragging Ikuto out of a huge group of his fan girls who were blocking the main exit door and is now standing inside the subway. They got out from the train and headed toward the station's exit passage then proceeded their way to Amu's house.

"I didn't know about those people too" he answered.

"Stop joking"

"I'm serious"

"OK then"

"Amu, you're on bare foot!. What happened to your shoes?"

"I threw it away"

"What?. Why?"

"Because I can't run with high heels shoes on me, baka Ikuto"

He grabbed her shoulder and carried her in bridal style.

"Ikuto, put me down!. The other people will see us"

"It's almost 11 pm, Amu. Everyone's sleeping tight'

Amu stopped protesting and let him carry her while she guided him the way to her home.

"Will your mom permit me to stay overnight?" asked Ikuto.

"She's out for the hot spring trip this whole week"

"So we are free, aren't we?" he cupped her face and smiled in excitement.

"Don't you dare to do such things to me!"

"What things?" he asked with an innocent face.

"Don't start it, Ikuto"

"Okay…"

"Anyway, it was a great concert. I feel honored to sit at the super V.I.P seat" Amu said after she took a bath and changed her cloth to her blue night gown.

"I'm flattered that my girlfriend is very fond of me" Ikuto circled his hand on her waist from behind.

She wrapped her hands on his.

"I missed you so badly, Ikuto. It's tearing me apart to be separated from you"

"Me too, Amu"

"I had a fight with my mom and I haven't apologize for what I've said to her"

"Bad girl. Didn't I tell you to be a good girl when I'm not around?"

"I tried to but I just couldn't stand it anymore. I don't understand what adults are thinking. I didn't even say a single complain when I was forced to be separated from you miles away because of the divorce and now my mother is forcing me to enter university and get a good position at big company with high salary. Can't you imagine that?. She's controlling my life!. I was pissed off with that and I said something horrible to her".

"What did you say to her?"

"I said… I didn't ask to be born to this filthy world as her child"

"Then when happened after that?"

"I got slapped"

"Which one?"

She pointed her right cheek.

Ikuto leaned forward and kissed her right cheek.

"That'll ease the pain" he smiled naughtily.

"Ikuto!"

He cupped his girlfriend's face with both of his hands.

"Amu, I had the same thought with you when my father left my family to go to foreign country for a tour with his orchestra but I realized that I was just wasting my time with that thought"

"What do you mean?"

"I came to a conclusion that it is ridiculous to keep cursing the fact that I am born in this filthy world because I have found a happiness that I want to keep until the day I breathe my last breath"

"Happiness?"

"It's you, Amu"

"Ikuto, stop teasing me"

"I'm speaking the truth"

Amu stared at Ikuto with glassy eyes and hugged him tightly. He hugged her in return.

"You're so warm, Amu. Well, I think it is because you are still a little girl" Ikuto said.

Silence

"Hey!, don't get mad. High blood pressure isn't good for health"

Another silence

"Amu, are you listening to me?"

Ikuto felt Amu's grip weakened. He froze in horror when he saw her falling limply with both of her eyes shut on his lap.

"Amu!, answer me!"

He shook her body but she didn't answer him. He touched her forehead with his right hand and drew it immediately because it was too hot for him to bear. He picked up his cell phone and called for an ambulance. After that he slowly placed Amu on her bed, covering her with a thick blanket and ran downstairs to get some ice cubes. He put the ice cubes inside a bucket, filled it with water and dipped a small towel in it. He placed the small towel on her forehead after squeezing it to throw away the unnecessary amount of cold water and kept gripping her hand until the ambulance came.


To Be Continued