Chapter 7 Getting closer and falling apart

As expected her parents didn't return before a fortnight. Miyu was used to their absence but sometimes it made her think if she wasn't wanted at all.

'No that's a lie'. She told herself. 'Of course they love me but I wish they could spend some more time with me but I know that's a wishful thinking. They are astronauts working at the most elite space organisation in the world. So it's obvious they are super busy and that's no reason to be sad about. Besides I have Aya & Nanami and that's a reason enough to be happy'.

When her parents did come back they were surprised by her persistence to live in Heiomachi but eventually agreed. She was happy but they had to go back after a week so now she was all alone in that big house and this time it would be long as they were not coming back before her next session starts, her final year of high school. She had no problem living alone except for one her cooking talent was limited to brewing coffee and omelettes. She hired a maid who cooked her meals and cleaned her house sometimes thank god she was good with microwave. Everything was fine for few weeks it was like he didn't even exist but then one day "I need to tell you guys something" Aya blurted suddenly. She seemed nervous and that made them curious.

"What is it Aya?" Miyu asked.

"Are you pregnant?" asked Nanami with a straight face.

Miyu was struggling to keep herself from laughing at Nanami's face when Aya screamed "No! What made you think that? It's not like that and besides we haven't gone that far yet"

"What!" they both said together.

"What do you mean haven't gone that far? Who is he Aya? You're dating and here I thought you were my best friend" Nanami faked heartbreak with her hands on her heart as if stabbing it and faking tears with her fingers on her face.

As dramatic as ever Miyu thought but the thought of Aya dating secretly was little hurtful to be honest. 'I wonder what made her to keep it a secret'.

"Sorry I didn't tell you earlier about it. I thought you would get angry" said Aya looking at Miyu.

Confused, she asked her "What made you think I'll be angry with you dating? That's so irrelevant, really. If you're happy then I'm happy for you, there's no doubt about that" she told her.

"Who are you dating Aya? Just tell us before curiosity kills me" Nanami begged her.

"It's Santa. I'm so relieved that you're not mad Miyu. Miyu, are you okay. Umm Miyu…?"

Miyu blankly stared at her "Oh I'm so sorry I spaced out. Congratulations Aya, he's a nice guy and he really cares for you" she said a moment later trying desperately to sound normal.

"Are you really okay with it? I mean your situation with Kanata, won't that affect you. Santa is his best friend and there'll be times when we'll all be together" Aya looked genuinely concerned making Miyu feel like a crappy friend. She decided to put up with Saionji just for her friend besides they were a perfect match. "Don't worry about it, Saionji's history. Besides I'm really hurt you didn't tell us before" she said.

"I'm so glad you're not mad. I'm sorry I tried telling earlier but I just couldn't, I really don't want you anywhere near Kanata myself. I'll make sure you guys spend the least time together. I'm so happy now that I've finally told you guys" she said looking relieved.

Aya was happy, her face glowed when she told them how Santa had approached her and how they started with texting then moved on to their first date. 'I really can't ruin such a beautiful relationship merely for my selfish reasons' she thought and with that Miyu was genuinely happy for her best friend.

With both their best friends dating Miyu and Kanata were compelled to spend time together. They mostly sat together in the cafeteria during lunch break since it was the only time when Aya and Santa could spend any time together in school. Gradually their group got popular at school with eight elite students Nanami, Aya, Santa, Miyu, Kanata, Christene, Nouzumo and Mizuki. Everyone in the group was already renowned in their own fields. Miyu & Kanata were vice presidents of sports club for girls and boys apart from being school vice-presidents. Likewise Nanami & Mizuki were vice-presidents of dance club. Christene & Nouzumo were responsible for organising all extra curricular activities at school and Aya & Santa were editorial heads of school magazine.

They were the role models for their juniors since they were in their pre final year of high school. They were all like celebrities on campus, everybody liked them. Miyu always sat at the farthest corner from Kanata in order to keep maximum distance possible between them. He always sat with a book even during lunch break to avoid talking.

He sucked at being social he was even worse than Miyu. She was at least friendly & helping if you come to know her but her lack of verbose made her seem distant to most people. It was too easy for her to tune out people without intentions, sometimes even in mid of conversations. Perhaps that was the reason why she often felt lonely despite of being among people. This was again another trait common between her and Kanata. During lunch breaks the atmosphere was usually happy except for the cold vibes from two certain members. There was always a noticeable tension between them and nothing could change that.

Though with time the group was inseparable having just one obvious exception. Christene turned out to be a really kind and a very good friend.

The final exams were about a month away and everyone was busy with their last round of preparations and revisions. The air at school was clad with the nervousness of exams. Everyone wanted the exams to start early so that they would end soon too. With a lot of excitement and nervousness the exams kick started and the time flew past at a very fast pace since most of it was spent in preparing for the next exam and so before anybody realised it was the last day of their exam. At the end of that day air was normal again now that exams were over and everyone was chilled out and excited, busy with making plans for the upcoming holidays before the start of next session. Like always the whole group gathered at the cafeteria and for a change Kanata was not with a book. Everyone at the table was excited and talked at the same time making hell of noise since it was the last day of session nobody bothered to keep their voices down.

It was all chaos and Miyu felt like zoning out again when suddenly Christene piped in "How about we all go on a trip together. Let's spend some fun time together after all we are in the final year of school now".

"Awesome idea" Nanami agreed.

"I agree too, but where should we go?" asked Nouzumo.

"I guess I'll pass. I've some important work to finish" Kanata said everybody groaned well everybody except Miyu.

"Don't be a spoil sport now" Santa said. "Please join us" Christene pleaded.

He gave her a flat NO. But others were excited with the idea and got busy suggesting places.

"What about Miami?" Christene suggested sulkily, Yup she was that rich to afford a trip to Miami but she didn't sound happy that her boyfriend had decided to keep out. Miyu felt sorry for her.

"Or let's visit Mt. Fuji". "No, that will involve too much of trekking" "how about visiting an island and spending some time there" "or let's go visit famous shrines" "or let's go for parasailing, something adventurous". Everyone was excited at the idea of a group trip but they were having problem deciding where to go.

"Why don't you suggest someplace Miyu? You've been awfully quiet lately" Christene asked her. Everyone staring at her made her anxious and she noticed that even Kanata had slightly leaned forward to listen.

"I don't know, I mean any place would be fun as long as all of us can be together so how about someplace detached from the chaos of city someplace with forests nearby and if there's a beach then it will add to the fun"

"Nice idea but I don't know of any such place" Aya said.

"Me neither" Mizuki said nor did anyone else as they shook their heads.

They were all silent thinking what to do next "I own a beach house on the outskirts. It is a good place for a trip. I can get it ready if you guys are interested" Kanata offered silently. Everyone stared at him since he rarely helped anyone he was as detached as humans could be.

"In that case you'll have to join us for the trip. It's your place and no one will enjoy it if you don't come along, we'll all feel awkward using your place with you not around" Miyu said.

She didn't like the way he had flatly denied Christene's request and she wanted her to be happy she was a good friend. Also she suspected Santa might cancel his trip too and that would upset Aya. It was a perfect excuse for them to spend some alone time together without being surrounded by their friends all the time. Somehow she also wanted Kanata to enjoy too because judging by his nature he was likely to spend his time all alone without his friends and she knew too well how it felt to be alone even for those who liked being on their own, loneliness isn't healthy.

Kanata was surprised by her request after all she had been avoiding him for past few months that was fine by him and now this. She's too complicated. 'I don't get you at all Miyu'. He stared at her taking his time to reply.

Meanwhile others stared at them it was quite fascinating to watch them talk after ignoring each other's existence for months.

"Okay if that's how" you "others feel then I'll come" he said smiling.

Miyu caught her breath as he smiled at her. 'It's a first and god he really is handsome wait I'm so not going there again'.

"Wow that's great" Christene exclaimed in happiness and thanked Miyu for asking him. So it was decided that they will all go to Kanata's beach house for a week. They got busy preparing for what they'll need. Everyone was excited as plans were finalised.

Miyu was deep in thought when she heard Aya "Thank you Miyu for asking Kanata to come. Santa would've bailed us out too otherwise being best friends and all. You're such a sweetie I really love you" she beamed at her. Miyu was happy for her friend but somehow she didn't want Kanata to spend his time all alone either.

"Thanks, I thought you'll pass it again. It was quite surprising though".

"No problem, besides I know you well you would have cancelled your trip too and tortured me for the whole time. You're gonna get some real time with your girl. She is really nice, good for you".

"I know" Santa grinned at him and then joined others in the discussion. Kanata felt eyes on him and saw Miyu looking at them. Their eyes locked for a second before she drew them away.

'Santa is not the reason. I don't know why but I want to know you Miyu, knowing I shouldn't but I want to be with you'. He looked at her while she talked with her friends, smiling and making silly jokes just to make them laugh. She adored her friends treated them like family, helping them at her own expense if necessary. 'Why do you make my heart race with nothing but a smile? You make me want to revisit the past I swore I would never turn to. Why are you different from everyone else? Why are you so much like her? Why do you remind me of her?'

how was it? terrible?okay?good? let me know!

Sneek peek into next chapter

"You've been driving for so long, if you don't mind then I can help" as Kanata glared at him his aura making him look devilish "or maybe not" added Mizuki. While others shivered under his glare, Mizuki felt tad bit of nervousness. What's with this sudden animosity? Miyu thought as she looked at him.

Kanata started the engine again and for some time everyone was absolutely quiet. The silence was unbearable and Miyu couldn't take it anymore. She turned back & said "let's sing some cheerful songs. It'll help people to cool down a bit" giving her neighbour a stern look and received a sidelong glance from him with a smirk. Typical temperament she thought and faced Mizuki.