Spring Winds.

A/N: So as you can see I accidentally made Hibari hate cherry blossoms BEFORE the Kokuyo Land fight with Mukuro. I didn't have the heart to change it though so I'm sorry for the mistake LOL. Anyways hope you guys are liking where the story is headed (:

Also, in this chapter I decided to make it so that Kyoko and Haru were together when the bloody twins were after them.

CHAPTER 5

I had asked my driver to pick me up later today because the girls wanted to hang out. It was a stressful day today filled with tests and what not so we decided to take a walk in a park for a nice relaxation. I was sitting with Kyoko and Haru, talking about our day. And I wonder when it was that this normality started being so ordinary for me.

"Today's test was hard, huh?" Hana groaned. "I don't even think I studied enough."

"I think I did okay..Hopefully," Kyoko smiled.

"I'm sure you both did!" I reassured them. "I don't think I did well though. History is my worst subject-"

Then a familiar girl walked by, earphones in while focused on reading a book while walking.

"Haru-chan!" I called out.

She snapped her attention to me, smiling once she realized. She tugged out off the earphones and tucked it into the bag along with her book.

"Sakura-chan, Kyoko-chan, and-" She paused at Hana.

"I'm Kurokawa Hana, nice to meet you," Hana introduced herself.

"I'm Miura Haru, a pleasure!" Haru grinned.

"Come, sit," I patted a spot next to me as the three of us scooted over to the other side of the bench. Haru took the offer and sat down beside me. "Were you on your way home?"

"No, Haru likes to just sit and read in the park sometimes," she answered.

"That sounds nice," Kyoko chimed in.

The conversation flowed from there and-

What is that noise? There were occasionally these small, strange noises that I couldn't describe. Not to mention- I sensed a presence. No, almost a murderous intent. There was SOMEONE near us.

I scanned the surroundings. Nothing. The park was empty, there wasn't even anyone around at this time. The only things around were yellow birds and disgusting bugs. I frowned. There has to be something unless I'm going crazy. The only conclusion is that, they might be behind us. And since there were a lot of trees, the option of 'above' was also open.

Casually, I flipped open my phone to a black screen. To play it off as if I'm not really paying attention to it or not bothering to unlock it yet, I turned to the three. "Hey, any weekend plans?" I smiled.

"Haru's going to make more costumes!" She answered. I tilted the phone to an angle above the trees, none.

"Let's see..." Kyoko hummed. I moved it over my shoulder, nothing-

"A date would be nice," Hana mused. A blur? Wait-

What the hell-

My eyes widened. I almost screamed though I ended up gasping instead, startling the Haru, Hana, and Kyoko.

"Sakura-chan?" Haru looked at me with concerned eyes.

"What's wrong?" Kyoko asked.

I tilted my phone down. I can't tell them... About whatever THAT is. "Uh.. Nothing, I thought I saw a bug on me. ..But uh, I'm going to uh.. get us all icecream. I'll be right back," I smiled. And hopefully I do come back. In one piece would be nice.

"Do you want us to come with you?" Kyoko offered. NO.

"It's okay! Don't worry!" I said as I stood up, my fingers feeling for the pouch I kept strapped around my thigh under my dress.

"Okay, we'll be waiting right here," Kyoko smiled. When facing them, the things behind us disappeared. But unfortunately for them, I could see them from the very corner of my eyes, a blur of green.

Oh god. They seemed like something out of the horror movies. Though I doubt it, my bigger concern was that if they were to somehow HAPPEN to be a ghost.. my needles wouldn't hit and then that'd be a much more problematic situation. Then again, what horror movie thing wears a school uniform anyways?

Just what are they after? Me? Guess I'll find out.

I started walking towards the other side of the park. Unflipping my phone, I tilted the black screen to different angles- Gotcha! Hopping from tree to tree was the pesky, freaky looking person-thing. I narrowed my eyes. Shit-

There was two. And only ONE was following me. Which means- I bit my lip. I have to act and I have to act soon. Or those three would be in danger.

Slowly, I took out one poisoned needle with carefulness so that it goes unnoticed. I scanned my surroundings one more time.

Is it me or- I stared at one of the birds flying above me and then something glinted against the sun. What the- Is that a CAMERA?

Something is going on and I can't tell what. AND they seem to be watching me unless I'm just be overly paranoid. But better safe than sorry. So I definitely can't engage that THING in a battle with my fans, razor sharp blades. I'll really have to go with my needles. I'm just going to hoping my years of accuracy training will be good enough- though it seemed to be. Unless...

I continued angling my phone to follow it and that thing didn't seem to notice. All is well. It was behind me, in the trees, constantly hopping around a 2 o'clock angle. Hopping tree to tree every five seconds. Okay.

The bird was following me at a pretty consistent speed to my left. Those things looked dangerous. I have to deal with the camera or I won't be able to deal with it personally and who knows what it's capable of. I'm not about to take a risk and find out though.

I pulled out a regular needle, placing it between my fingers. I pretended to stretch, pulling up my left hand. And with a quick flick, I threw the needle towards the bird, aiming at the camera.

Crack. Bingo.

Now for that thing. I casually brushed through my hair with my right hand, around three needles (one poisoned, two with paralysis) in between my fingers. One. Two. Three. Four. Five-

I swiftly flicked the three over to the trees to my right. My eyes widened when I heard a strangling cacophonous noise. Disgusting.

I ran into the trees, finding a twisted looking lean..person-thing. It was super pale to almost the color of gray, not white. It had stitches and- God, what IS That?

My heart was beating uncomfortably fast. It seemed to still be moving- holy hell. Just not as great, to my advantage. It seemed that the poisoned one hit along with one of the paralysis. It was wiggling around and was starting to really irk me. I pulled out my fan 'keychains' and extended it, enlarged with a press of a button, father's creation.

"What are you after?" I asked.

No reply except disgusting noises. Worth a try.

Those sharp, long fingernails. Disgusting. The problem is that it's going to be hard dodging those while fighting close distance. It made another strangling noise, launching itself at me. Crap-

I ducked under it's wobbling arm, lunging in and slamming the closed fan into its stomach. Another noise. Arm-

The other one twisted and reached for me so I turned swiftly, opening and blocking its nails with my other fan. Barely- It was a good thing I fought with two. My eyes widened as I heard chirping. Another bird-

I ran further along the trees and I heard the thing following me. From outside the trees, I saw Haru walking alone- No. There was some chinese looking girl and some guy- THE THING- HARU!

Kicked. My eyes widened as the thing fell down. It seemed like she was in good hands, somehow.

Plus, I couldn't worry about that. The bird was trying to catch me on camera and that thing was probably trying to kill me. I bit my lip as I ran, faster. Further. I closed my fans and started to pull out my needles when-

Holy shit. I almost ran into-

Our school's nurse?!

"Uh-"

"Oh. The new student. My, aren't you as cute as ever-" He needs to move. His eyes narrowed at me for a second, in thought of something. And I sure hoped he didn't see anything.

"Doctor Shamal!" I whispered in more of a hiss. I was still sprinting, I slid to a stop. Kyoko, Hana- But instead he smirked.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of that for you. I won't let anyone harm my precious female students," he laughed.

My eye twitched but we didn't have time for that-

A strangling noise. I turned around to see the thing fall down. Chirping- the bird.

I ran up to the two girls, grabbing their arms. They jumped in shock before looking at me.

"Sakura-chan?"

"I'm here to save you three girls," Doctor Shamal boasted.

Hana clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"Doctor Shamal," Kyoko greeted.

"C'mon Kyoko, Sakura. Let's leave," Hana said as she pulled away.

I gave one last look to the doctor with a nod. He nodded back with a goofy smile before turning around. Just who is he? Will he even be okay?

Today was definitely.. a strange day. Should I tell my father? No.

I should but... If I do, surely he'd transfer me. He'd deem it unsafe and then-

Friends. 'Friends'.

I suppose I really didn't want to leave them. Didn't want to transfer, perhaps ever. But I knew. The time will come eventually.

[ Day after. ]

What- Hurt? Hospital?

"If I win the next game, you'll have to let me teach you" rang through my head during the car ride to the hospital. I noticed my hand was shaking and that I was afraid. It wasn't only Yamamoto that was hurt but Tsuna, Gokudera, and Hibari too. No. No no no no.

Those idiots! Why did they all go pick a fight?!

A droplet of water fell onto my clenched hand and I realized I was tearing up. This is what happens when you get close to people, I told myself. I ran into the hospital, a different medical place than the one I went to last time, and the first person I ran to was Yamamoto.

Please be okay, please be okay.

"Are you okay?!" I exclaimed as I busted in. I let go a breath I didn't even know I was holding when I realized he was fine and sitting on the edge of his bed. His eyes widened and he was clearly shocked. "Sorry, I didn't mean to barge in like that," I realized as I noticed a tall man in a black suit but he left after he excused himself.

"It's okay, Sakura-chan and I'm completely fine. Just a scratch," Yamamoto showed me his arm which was bandaged. Scratch, he said.

"But… But you can play?" I frowned, looking at his arm. Baseball means so much to him.

"Yep, it'll heal soon they said," he laughed. Thank god.

"Don't scare me like that," I pursed my lips and I didn't notice I was tearing up till I felt something wet rolling down my cheek. I was embarrassed and wiped it away quickly with the sleeve of my apricot knitted cardigan.

I opened my mouth to speak, "I'm-" but was shocked. I hit his chest lightly.

He pulled me into an embrace, I was aware that one hand was behind my head and the other was on my back.

"Sorry, Sakura-chan" he apologized. I was too surprised to do anything. I felt my heart beating rapidly and I could feel his doing the same. My cheeks' heat level has risen off the charts.

No one has ever really given me a good hug except for my dad. The ones that make you feel warm and safe.

He smelled like laundry detergent probably due to the hospital gown but I liked it. We stayed like that for a while until he cleared his throat and let me go. I noticed his face was a bit pink and we both looked away.

What am I doing?

He laughed awkwardly, "My bad."

I shook my head, "I'm glad you're okay" I finished what I was going to say before… that. "Really, really glad." What am I rambling on for?

He smiled but it soon faded away into a frown. "The others are in worse condition though," he admitted solemnly.

I felt my eyes widen and it took awhile until I said, "Um… I'm going to check up on them. Oh, and here. I got you this" I handed him a basket of fruits.

"Yeah, they'd like that. Oh, and thanks!" he smiled and I quickly walked to Tsuna's room.

Haru and Kyoko were already inside when I got there along with someone I assume to be his mother.

"Sakura-chan!" they called out. I nodded at his mother and turned to them.

"Haru-chan, Kyoko-chan. How is he?" I looked over to the unconscious Tsuna.

"He's fine but he hasn't woken up yet. Reborn said he's just exhausted" they replied. Reborn? I ignored that and nodded.

"That's good, I hope he heals up," I said. "I got him this," and gave them one of the baskets of fruits. I can see that there was already food and flowers on his table.

"He'd really appreciate it," his mother thanked me and I excused myself.

The next person I went to was Gokudera's room. To be honest, I hoped he was asleep but he was conscious. We never really got along.

"What do you want?" he asked rudely. Almost the same attitude as Hibari. I sighed when I thought how my next visit was going to be like.

"How are you?" I asked.

He looked away and scratched his silver haired head frustratingly, "Fine."

I nodded even though he wasn't looking at me. "I'll leave this here then," and placed the basket on the table next to him. "Do you want me to peel anything for you?" I offered.

He glanced at it shortly. "No," and mumbled a thanks. I was too surprised that he actually thanked me so I simply nodded again and said "Get well soon," before leaving.

I stopped in front of my next room, Hibari's. Earlier in the morning, since he was hurt, I sprayed myself in one of my mom's perfumes so that he wouldn't waste his energy complaining. I could be nice if I wanted to be. I stared at the door and realized I should probably enter. I took a huge breath and slid open the door.

"Don't you know how to knock," was the first complaint I received from him. He sounds tired. Tired as in he wasn't yelling at me and tackling me the moment I walked in.

"Honestly, I was hoping you'd be asleep," I retorted as I closed the door and heard someone chuckle at what I said.

Oh. When I turned around to look at him I almost took it back. Poor condition would be an understatement. He was beat up badly and wrapped in bandages from head to toe.

A kind looking man with blonde hair and tattoos in a green jacket was standing beside him. "Oh, a visitor that isn't a disciplinary committee member. Are you a close friend to Kyoya?" Kyoya? Oh right, Hibari.

"Um…" I was going to explain as nicely as I could but Hibari snorted which was just as good of an answer.

The guy simply laughed. "He's in a much worse mood after he broke several bones, he won't be able to move for awhile" he explained almost as if it was no big deal. Much worse mood? Is that possible?

I nodded slowly but I strangely felt a tug at my heart. The man excused himself and I walked closer to Hibari who was looking out the window. I may dislike Hibari but it's kind of sad to see him like this.

"Get out," he said with little conviction. It must hurt his pride for people to see him so beat up.

"Do I ever listen to anything you say?" I replied which only gained me a scoff. Rhetorical question. I never do.

He looked like he was going to say something but he just remained silent for awhile. "Do whatever you want," was his answer.

"Then I'm going to peel this apple and you're going to eat it," I said as I sat down. I would just leave it here but I don't think the disciplinary committee was going to feed him and apparently no one else visits him. Where is his family?

"I like hamburger steak," he finally said after awhile. Does it look like I have hamburger steak?! I felt annoyed already and glared at him before taking out an apple to peel.

"For once, you don't smell like those awful flowers," he stared at me, bemused.

"It's called perfume, Hibari. And you're welcome again," I didn't look at him, only sighed.

We didn't talk for some time as I figured it would be like with Hibari and I kind of liked that. I was thankful for the silence, at least it wasn't bickering.

A yawn escaped from him, "Aren't you done yet?" He is absolutely nothing like Yamamoto.

I felt instantly irritated. "Listen up, you. This is a charitable act."

"I didn't ask for it." Of course not. I finished cutting the apple and I sort of wish I was stabbing him instead but looked as if he was injured enough. I finally looked up again found him staring at me. It unnerved me so I quickly glanced away.

"You couldn't resist the challenge, huh?" he didn't understand me so I continued, "Why did you go? That was reckless" I sighed, basically talking to myself.

"I would've won like always," I thought he was done but he mumbled, "if it weren't for those damn cherry blossoms." Cherry blossoms? For once, for a second, I took him seriously but I didn't feel like questioning them any further since he seemed frustrated.

"Then," I started and he looked at me, "Well, can you eat or do you want me to feed you?" I raised an eyebrow. He took the plate from me forcefully.

"If it's poisoned, I'll-"

"Yes yes, I know," I laughed. He stared at me again and I guess I never laughed in front of him. I probably looked like an alien since that's exactly how I'd see him if it was vise versa. "Plus, you were sitting right there the whole time," I sarcastically rolled my eyes.

I watched him pick up the apples slowly and eat it. This was the first time I saw him eat. I think I like defenseless Hibari much better than the usual one.

"What are you smiling at?" he narrowed his eyes at me. Smiling? I am?

He finished the apples and yawned. "Go find one of my subordinates like Kusakabe and tell him I want a hamburger steak or Japanese food."

Kusakabe? How in the world am I supposed to tell him apart from the other lookalikes? Either way, I'm not going to do it in the first place!

I gave him an exasperated sigh for good measures. "You know, if you wanted to be friends, you can just say so," I teased. He only stared at me, probably too tired to speak. "I'll let you rest then."

I take it back, helpless Hibari was just as annoying as a healthy one.

"Finally," he said. I'm going to punch him, I'm going to do it.

When I was about to leave, one of his members came in. He looked surprised to see me. Not that I didn't already know but now I'm sure that Hibari doesn't get many visitors.

"Are you Kusakabe-san?" I asked. He nodded so I continued, "Your majesty wants a hamburger steak," he seemed even more shocked. Now I'm also guessing that Hibari doesn't talk to people often. He looked like he was going to say something but I excused myself.

It was getting late and dark. I was texting my driver and walking down the floor when I ran into Yamamoto.

"Oh, Sakura-chan!" he called out.

The thought of our embrace reappeared in my mind and I felt rather flustered. "Yamamoto-kun… Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"It isn't a big deal, I was going to visit Tsuna," he said and the thought about something, "You stayed pretty long," he wondered. I suppose I did.

"I thought I'd do something nice for Hibari," I admitted.

"Hibari-san huh…" his smile faded and he was quiet for some seconds. "That's nice of you," he concluded. I nodded hoping he didn't get the wrong idea.

"Are you two…" he cleared this throat, "close?"

How is that even possible… Oh how I wished he would just drop this conversation.

"Of course not," I sighed, "you know how we are. Always fighting," I reminded him. Really.

"Oh, right, right," Yamamoto chuckled. "You really are nice, Sakura-chan," and he put his hand on my head which I was thinking to be much bigger than mine.

"Thanks, Yamamoto-kun," I smiled.

"Yamamoto, hm?" he stared at me and I had no idea why he was saying his own last name.

"Since I call you Sakura-chan, you can call me Takeshi," he nodded, pleased with his thought. I felt myself grow a bit red. People would only call each other by first names if they were close to one another.

I stuttered when I spoke, "Alright.. T-Take…" I cleared my throat, "Takeshi-kun." His grin was wide and he ruffled my hair. "Um… I should get going," I said. He nodded and we went our separate ways.

It feels weird to be calling guys by their first name. Not that I ever planned on getting a boyfriend really but I thought that was only something for people who were at least seeing each other. I was fine with calling girls by their first name because it was easier to get along with them that way.

Ah well, it couldn't hurt.

I looked up at my ceiling, hand stretched above my head where I laid on the comfortable mattress. I turned my head to the side, eyeing the alarm clock. I spent so many hours. For someone who doesn't care about me, not like I need them to. Someone who would forget me soon. Soon.

So for what? Why?

What am I doing?