Recap
"Bye Nagi," I said as I hugged him. He seemed a bit shocked but hugged me back. I heard a ping and there was a head set mic in my face. The control of my body was gone. I kissed Nagi's cheek. Granted, this was not the first time but Kazumi made me. The headset was now gone.
"KAZUMI!" I yelled. The charas giggled. My face was a bit warm. I looked at Nagi's looked a bit pink.
"Um...bye," I said and went inside. Even though Kazumi made me do it, I couldn't help but smile.
Chapter 21 It Gets Bad Before it Can Get Good
*Rima's POV*
I sure hope today is better than yesterday. That feeling in the pit of my stomach took a whole hour to go away after I got home. I took a warm shower thinking it would help but it didn't. I was going to ask my mom how I get rid of this feeling I have on Nagi but then she would have 'the talk' every parent hates to tell.
"Is Rima thinking about her little kiss with Nagi?" Kazumi teased. Kusukusu giggled at her sister's question. Those two would not shut up about it last night. Luckily, my mom didn't hear them or I would've died.
"Rima-chan?" I heard. I looked across the street to see that girl from dance practice. What was her name?
"It's Kurami-chan from dance class," Kusukusu said. That was her name.
"We should greet her," Kazumi said.
"Fine," I whispered. I looked both ways and crossed the street.
"Hi Kurami-chan," I said. Her black hair was shorter than the last time I saw her.
"You go a hair cut," I said.
"Yeah, it was getting annoying. I don't know how you manage your hair," she said.
"I don't," I said. She giggled as if I was joking. I wasn't kidding. I'm lucky it looks good the way it is most of the time.
"Do you want to walk to school together? I have to meet Yoshito half way if that's ok," she said.
"Sure," I said. Her and I began to walk.
"So how has practice been going with Fujisaki-kun?" she asked.
"Pretty good. We have a system but not really a dance yet," I said honestly.
"It must be awesome to hang out with him all the time. He's pretty cool," she said. I couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Nagi is the biggest nerd in the world. He's also annoying and always tries to outsmart me," I said.
"You make it sound like you two are enemies," she said.
"We started out that way," I admitted.
"Um...I was wondering..." She seemed to be a bit nervous.
"What?" I asked.
"Are you and Fujisaki-kun...together?" she asked a bit timid. My charas busted up laughing. I know my face was a bit pink because my face felt warm.
"Of course not. We're just friends and dance partners," I said. It wasn't a total lie I guess. I just don't know right now.
"Look there's Yoshito," she said then called him over. He looked our way and smiled.
"Hi Kurami-chan, Mashiro-san," he said.
"Hey, sorry about Nadeshiko kind of ruining our outing. Even though she's a dancer she can be clumsy sometimes," I said. The time at my house where Nagi and I fell off the couch laughing and nearly kissing popped into my head.
"It's alright," he said.
"I don't want to be rude but I think we should start being friends before anything else," I said.
"Alright," he said.
"Wait! Nadeshiko-chan ruined your thing? Ugh! I hate that girl. Every time she's around her brother is no where close. Now she's back and they shipped him off to Europe," Kurami said. It funny that she hates Nagi and loves him at the same time.
"She hates him and loves him at the same time like you," Kazumi said. Did she read my thoughts? The two busted up laughing. They were lucky I couldn't say anything.
"You know Nagi is in Japan this week, right?" I asked.
"He is?" she asked excited.
"Yes," I said.
"Rima!" I heard. I looked to see Nadeshiko.
"Nadeshiko," I said. Don't take this the wrong way but that feeling came back. I don't play for that team it's just that I know that she is really a he and I may happen to like that he. I haven't decided yet if that was the feeling I was getting. Kurami grabbed my wrist and started pulling me.
"Come on Rima-chan. We won't talk to her," she said.
"But Nadeshiko is my friend. If you can't accept that then I can't be yours," I said as I tried to squirm but she held me tight. I looked at Nadeshiko for help.
"Fine, see you at school Rima," she said then walked the opposite way. What the hell was that! He didn't help me. Kurami dragged me down the street and Yoshito followed. She was practically kidnapping me. My throat tightened and I couldn't speak.
*Nade/Nagi's POV*
I quickly hid and changed into my normal clothes. I started to head towards Rima and her new 'friends'. That look she gave me showed me she was worried. I ran into someone breaking me from my thoughts. It was Kirishima-kun.
"Sorry Fujisaki-kun, I was just catching up with my friends," he said not being able to look me in the eye.
"Is something wrong?" I asked. I remember he liked Rima back in sixth grade. For some reason I felt a bit jealous but this world was different. This Kirishima was different. The old one looked a bit timid but he was a good kid. This one looked scared as if he was hiding something.
"Yeah...no," he said.
"Which is it?" I asked. He looked like he was fighting himself.
"Kurami-chan and Yoshito-kun are using Mashiro-san," he said.
"What do you mean?" I asked a bit shocked.
"We saw you and your friends at the mall. You and Mashiro-san were together. Yoshito wanted Mashiro-san for her body and Kurami wanted you because she found out you were rich. She thought if she friend Mashiro-san then you would like her," he said. He explained to me their conversation.
(From Chapter 7)
*Flashback*
"Look at them. She's leaning on his shoulder."Kirishima said.
"Shut up! You don't think I can see that?" Yoshito yelled. .
"I think you should just move on. It's obvious that Nagi-sama is or will be
dating her. There's no way she would say yes to you," Kurami said.
"I will make sure. Look at her. She pretty good looking," Yoshito said.
*Flashback over*
"I never liked what they were doing but I was afraid to stop them," Kirishima admitted.
"Rima is with them right now," I said.
"Then go get her! Listen, I haven't known Mashiro-san long but I think she's a good girl," he said.
"I have to go get her," I said. I began to run off.
"Thanks for the info," I called as I ran.
"Hurry Nagi!" Rhythm said. Hold on Rima, I'm coming.
*Rima's POV*
"Rima?" I heard and once again we all looked to see Nagi. So Nadeshiko left to change into Nagi. A boy was more of a threat I guess. Also Nadeshiko is a nice girl.
"Fujisaki-kun," Kurami swooned. Nagi looked a bit pissed but was still polite.
"Hello Kurami-chan. I didn't know you and Rima were friends," he said.
"Well kind of," she said.
"Really? That's not what Nadeshiko told me," he said.
"She doesn't like me very much. She was probably lying," she said.
"Really? If you don't mind I'll take Rima now. I need to talk about our dance," Nagi said as he grabbed my other hand.
"But we're going to school. Maybe you can join us," Kurami said.
"I don't walk with girls that buddies up with my friends just to get closer to me. Also I don't hang with guys that only want one thing from girls," Nagi said pulling me out of Kurami's grasp. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close, burying my face into his chest. My hands were on his chest.
"You two should be ashamed of yourselves, using an innocent girl," Nagi said. Were they really using me? I guess that's what I get for trusting other people out of my group. I should just remain in my shell the rest of my life. I had to start over and it was easy but now it's getting more difficult as I go along.
"Look, she's hot ok," Yoshito said.
"You think I don't know that. I see her everyday. I'd have to be stupid not to notice. That doesn't mean that you use her!" Nagi nearly yelled. I could tell he was trying to keep his cool. He was defending me. I've never seen Nagi like this. Wait?! Did he admit that he thought I was hot? My face felt warm but luckily no one could see it since my face was in Nagi's shirt.
"Dude, she is nothing. I am better than her," Kurami said. My hands gripped his shirt. I guess I was upset that Nagi would be with another girl.
"Rima," Nagi said worried. I pulled away from me so he could see my face. His wiped tears off my face with his thumb. I didn't even notice I was crying. Those two hurt me for some reason. I ran off not looking back.
"Rima," I heard Nagi call me but I didn't stop running. I ran till I was at my house. Mom and dad were at work and Azumi was at school. One foot was in the door when someone grabbed my hand.
"Rima," I heard Nagi's voice say.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said. I tired to sound brave but my voice was shaky. I didn't want to turn around and show my tear-stained face. He led me into my house, closed the door, and told me to sit on the couch. I did but I still didn't look at him. Crying was so useless but I couldn't help it.
"Rima," Kusukusu said worried. I ignored her. I'm surprised Kazumi hasn't said anything. Nagi took my shoes off, gave me tissues, and turned the TV onto a comedy show.
"I'll call your mom and tell her you aren't feeling good. Then I'll tell my mom that you need someone right now," he said. For the first time today I smiled. He smiled back then called our moms. I grabbed a blanket and snuggled up on the couch. My phone then rang.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Where are you chibi? School started ten minutes ago. Also Nade isn't here. Are you and Nagi having a get together?" she asked.
"No, I don't feel good and he's taking care of me," I said.
"Alright, I'll tell everyone else," she said.
"Thanks," I said.
"With you two gone and Tadase still sick the guardians are running low," she said.
"You and Ikuto are considered guardians," I said.
"True," she said. I couldn't help but smile. I had this conversation with her in the old world right before that guardian meeting.
"Bye Utau," I said.
"Feel better. I'm having chibi withdrawals. You're the only funny one," she said. We then hung up.
"Who was that?" Nagi asked.
"Utau, wondering where we are," I explained.
"Oh, by the way I told our moms. Your mom is ok with me taking care of you and so is my mom but I know my grandmother won't be happy about it," he said.
"Go to school then. You don't want her to have something against you," I said.
"That's not important. Right now you feeling better is on my mind. Anyway, my grandmother seems to love you and you don't care about her opinion. Maybe if I start to care less then she'll stop hating me," he said.
"The one thing that will work is our awesome dance," I said. Nagi plopped onto the couch next to me. Him and I watched the show. It wasn't too funny so we weren't busting up like last time.
"Where's Kazumi?" Kusukusu asked.
"She might be in my bag," I said. Kusukusu went over to my bag.
"Nagi, how did you know about those two?" I asked.
"Surprisingly Kirishima-kun told me. He felt bad and spilled everything," he said.
"Why me?" I asked myself out loud. Nagi looked at me concerned. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.
"Don't worry about them. I'm here for you," he said. I snuggled up to him. We both watched watched the show. Nagi would rub my back or play with with my hair a bit. Him and I would giggle here and there and talk about nothing in particular. I wish we could stay like this.
"RIMA!" Kusukusu yelled.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Kazumi isn't coming out of her egg," Kusukusu sobbed.
"What?!" I just stared at her. Temari and Rhythm carried Kazumi's egg over to me. I held it in my hands. The bright, neon, pink egg. The smile on it seemed dull.
"Kazumi," I said in a shaky voice.
"Why won't she come out?" Kusukusu asked even though she knew the answer.
"I stopped believing in her. I remember I thought that I should just stay in my shell," I said. Nagi held me close and rocked back and forth.
*Nagi's POV*
I thought this world was going good for Rima. She had loving parents, a little sister, she was friends with everyone still, she had fun dancing, and she was never kidnapped in this world. It seems to be going downhill fast.
"Nagi, she fell asleep," Temari pointed out. I looked at her. She was clutching the pink egg to her chest. I held her close and rubbed her back. I can't believe Kazumi went back in her egg. I used to think Rima was so strong but when I got to know her I could see she is fragile.
"We'll go upstairs," Rhythm said. They all went upstairs to probably cheer Kusukusu up. I brushed a strand of hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. All I can do is be there for her. That is the least I can do.
"Nagi"
Who was that?'
"Nagi, it's me, Kazumi," I heard. I looked at the egg in Rima's hands. It was glowing a bit.
"Kazumi?"
"Yes, I may be in here but I can still speak a bit. I want you to help Rima open up more. I went back in my egg when she decided to keep to herself," Kazumi said.
"I'll make sure you come out again. That is a promise," I said.
"Thank you Nagi," she said then the glow vanished. Kazumi was asleep again. How do I fix this. Rima is the most stubborn girl I know. It would be so difficult to get her to open up. I guess make the best out of it is the only thing I can do. Rima began to stir. I tried my best not to move so she wouldn't wake up. Luckily, she stayed asleep.
"Nagi," Kusukusu said as the charas came downstairs.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I'm hungry. We missed breakfast this morning," Kusukusu said.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Rima and I love strawberry pancakes," Kusukusu said smiling. At least she feels better.
"Alright, but how am I getting up without waking Rima?" I asked. She was cuddled up next to me. I would usually say something and make people feel better. Rima was different. I just wanted to hold her close and make every bad thing go away.
"You have to be careful," Temari said. Gently and slowly I moved away from Rima. I didn't wake her. I went into the kitchen and began to make some food.
*Rima's POV*
"You'll see that your tragedy is a blessing in disguise." I was back in the wishing well, falling. I was alone. My hair was in my face but it didn't matter since it was dark. I was scared and no one was there.
"You'll see that your tragedy is a blessing in disguise." Who was that voice? The first time I heard it, I had no idea who it was but it's starting to become familiar.
"You'll see that your tragedy is a blessing in disguise." I tried to yell but couldn't. I wanted to scream at the voice saying that my kidnapping was not a blessing. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I need out! I need someone! I don't want to be alone!
"Rima!" A light appeared at the top of the well. I looked up in between the strands of my hair to see Nagi.
"Rima," he said again. He was reaching for me. I held my hand out to him.
"Nagi," I some how managed to say.
"Rima!" I woke up with Nagi shaking me.
"Rima, are you ok? It looked like you were having a nightmare," he said. I didn't say anything. I hugged him. Tears filled my eyes but managed to stop them from falling. He rubbed my back.
"Nagi?" I said. My voice was shaky.
"Yes Rima."
"I want to go home," I said.
"I know," he said understanding what I meant. I want to go back to the world we were in before all this crazy nonsense. We were like that for a couple minutes, sitting and holding each other.
"Rima, I made you some food," he said after the long silence.
"You did?" I asked.
"Kusukusu was hungry," he said. He picked me up bridal style into the kitchen and sat me down in a chair. Strawberry pancakes were in front of me. They look delicious.
"They're good Rima!" Kusukusu cheered. Did Kazumi like them? I looked for her but then I remembered she was back into her egg. Nagi must've noticed I was upset because he sat in the chair next to me and grabbed my hand. He rubbed his thumb across my fingers.
"We'll worry about it later," he said. I gave him a little smile and began to eat. Nagi's phone went off so he went in the other room.
"Rima, maybe dance practice will get your mind off everything," Temari said.
"Probably, but I thought of something to help with Nagi and his grandmother," I said.
"What is it?" Rhythm asked.
"Come in closer so I can whisper it," I said. They crowded around me and listened.