Spring Winds.
A/N: Short chapter so I'm sorry but I hope you like it anyways! Basically a continuation from 5 and a foreshadow.
CHAPTER 6
I was on my way quickly down the hallway after my stop at the kitchen, almost running into my father in the process.
"Sakura!" He was in a lab coat as always, carrying a stack of files that I nearly knocked over. Phew, thank god I didn't.
"Sorry, father!"
"You seem to be in a rush," he pushed up his glasses before looking down at the box in my hand. "Is that what you were working on yesterday evening?"
"A-Ah.. Yeah. It's curry! There's more in the kitchen if you want," I forced a smile, trying to slowly side step him to leave. "Though I don't know if it'll kill you," I laughed and he smiled.
"I'm sure it would be wonderful. I'll look forward to it," he patted my head.
"Okay! Well... I have to go now..." I took a few more steps, hoping he'd let me leave. He didn't say anything so I took it to be fine. "See you later, father!"
"Sakura-"
Eep. I turned around, watching his smiling expression that left soon after. "Yes, father?"
"Be careful."
And I don't think he was talking about any danger.
Except the danger of getting too close to people.
{ ... }
The heels of my brown oxford shoes clattered and echoed down the hospital hallway. I went to his room first so that the food wouldn't get cold. It wasn't like I was eager to see him, not really. I ignored the amount of consideration I was actually putting into this.
I knocked properly this time. And I had sprayed myself in perfume earlier in the morning.
"Who is it?" he called out grumpily. Instead of answering, I opened the door. Not like he'd let me in even if I told him my name.
"Don't you know how to answer?"
"Don't you know how to give up?"
"I don't," Well, isn't that true?
I walked over and took a seat next to his bed. He was sitting up, leaning on a pillow, against the barred bed frame. His hair was even more disheveled than usual with a few strands sticking out here and there. I fought the strange itch to reach my hand up and smooth out his hair with the brush of my finger tips.
"We aren't friends," he decided to remind me.
He is so frustrating to deal with. "You didn't have to tell me," I answered. Really, he didn't have to. "I just had some time. Take it as the goodness of my heart."
"I don't need that."
And I just ignored him. Because well...
From the corner of my eye, I noticed something... unpleasant.
"And those are?"
I pointed my hand over to the bodies in the corner. They were people, piled up, unconscious. A few months ago I probably would have found that to be entirely strange. In front of Hibari Kyoya... Well. That was normal.
He simply shrugged before a smirk appeared on his lips. "They wanted to play a game." What kind of game? Do I even want to know? ...I don't.
"Right. So," I frowned. "Can you go tell your friends to die else where?"
"Mn," he hummed. "They know that if they stay there any longer, they'll be bitten to death again."
At the sound of that, I saw a few fingers twitch. Then their eyes shot open. I'm starting to think Hibari's words have magical healing power but then again, that was incredibly ironic. "E-Excuse us!" They yelled as they crawled over each other, fighting to get up. In some kind of messy fashion, they all ended up scurrying out or quickly crawling out the door.
"Hibari, you know you'd help the track team a lot," I started as I pulled the cream knitted infinity scarf off of me. He raised an eyebrow towards me and he wasn't questioning my choice of scarf (I hope). "If you chase after them screaming stuff," I smirked. Now that was a very interesting scene to imagine.
He scoffed. "How about I start with you?"
I frowned at the thought of exercise and a madman with tonfas coming after me. "No thanks."
"If it's poisoned, I'll bite you to death~ Right?" I mocked in a little girl's voice as I took out my container just to annoy him. I supposed I succeeded.
He glared at me but I guess he chose not to argue with me today because then he asked, "and that is?"
"Japanese styled curry. You said you wanted Japanese food too, right?" I sighed and handed it to him along with a spoon. Hibari opened the container and looked it over. The air was quickly engulfed in the strong smell of curry.
He took a few bites, no sign whether or not it was good. "It isn't that bad."
"Well of course not, I practiced for awhile," I answered, thinking about all the batches that I messed up on. To be honest, it took more hours than I expected.
"Your smell," he said as he glanced at me momentarily before returning to eat.
"I used-" I started.
"It isn't that bad," he interrupted without even looking at me. I was shocked so I simply stared at him before he continued, "Maybe I'm getting used to it since you always come to annoy me," he smirked as he looked at my facial expression, satisfied. He knew I'd think he was being nice for a second.
"You-!" I sighed and realized there was no point. How many times has Hibari caused me to sigh? I'm growing older by the minute because of him.
I looked at where my basket was placed with lesser fruits now. Nothing else changed.
I felt a bit bolder since he's been talking to me more often. "Has your parents visited?"
"Don't have any," he said simply, sounding bored, as if he was only talking about the weather. It was entirely in contrast to how I felt when I heard it. He handed me the container and I didn't pry anymore than that. I was also starting to wonder why none of the girls who admire him ever visited but then again I'm pretty sure he would've scared him off.
A little yellow bird flew in from the window, singing our school song… Strange. It landed contently on Hibari's head and I had to giggle. He may actually seem cuter with that little bird on him. He stared at me as I laughed.
"Did you teach it that?" I couldn't help but smile. He just made a hn noise and I giggled some more. I'll never know why Hibari loves Namimori so much. If only he could turn that affection to someone instead, he might be a real keeper. I watched him for a moment, wondering if he would ever be interested in romance. I pushed away the thought when it was impossible for me to imagine him being kind and especially not lovey dovey. I almost shuddered.
"Well alright bird tamer Hibari," he scrunched his face at my joke, "I'll be leaving now." I got up and walked towards the door since he didn't reply.
"Only because I'm tied to this hospital bed," he said.
"What?"
"Or else I'd bite you to death," he smirked.
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips and I gave him a nonchalant "Yeah, yeah" before leaving.
I walked outside and almost knocked into two girls. Two very fidgety girls. Their eyes widened as they noticed me. "S-Sorry, Nanase-san." Nanase? Did I know them?
One of them had shoulder length black hair and dark brown eyes while the other had long, thin, layered medium brown hair and the same shade of eyes. They were both in their Namimori uniforms with a coat over.
"E-Eh... Ah. No, it's my fault. I'm sorry," I smiled. They seemed to have let out a sigh and I'm starting to wonder what the heck they thought of me as. I looked down to their hands and noticed they were holding something. I turned my head to the door. Could it be... "Are you giving that to Hibari?"
"Y-Yes," they both answered.
"Or well, we were hoping to," one laughed awkwardly. Oh these poor girls. Right when I wondered about where these admirers of his were too.
"Why don't you just enter?" I smiled. "I think he'd like the food." I hope. I hope he doesn't kill them. And then it'd be my fault. And then I'd be in the newspaper... 'New Transfer Student Kills Two Female Ones By Giving Them Misleading Advice' Oh no.
They both looked at each other and held up the boxes, bowing their head down. "P-Please give t-this to him for us!"
"Huh?" I put my hands up quickly. "I think it'll be okay if you..."
They looked up and one of them shook her head. "Another friend of ours tried yesterday and-" The sound of the door opening interrupted her quickly. The two girls' eyes widened and they grew completely still. I didn't have to guess.
"Oy. Stop chattering and crowding around MY room," he grumbled. A glare and frown on his features.
I sighed. I took the boxes from their stunned hands. "They wanted to give this to you," I turned around and held it out to him.
He looked down at it. "Don't want it."
"H-Hey!..." I whispered sharply. "They probably worked really hard on it."
Hibari seemed to put in a short thought about it because he slightly changed his answer. "I'm still full." Though he seemed TIRED to even have to say it.
I sighed again before turning back to the two. "He means that he appreciates it a lot," I answered. I feel like Hibari tensed up the bit but apparently it made the girls (a bit) more relaxed. They nodded before excusing themselves.
"Don't put words in my mouth, Nanase Sakura," he lectured threateningly after the girls turned the corner.
"You're ruining their hopes and dreams," I muttered.
"You're going to give them the wrong idea," his lips pressed into a tight line. What's wrong with that- "And the false hopes and dreams."
And with that, he closed the door on me.
I didn't think... Hibari actually gives a thought about these kinds of things.
I should probably visit Tsuna first and then check up on Gokudera after. I was checking the time on my watch when I jumped at the sound of a familiar voice, "Visiting Hibari again?" Yamamo- Takeshi walked up beside me.
"Mm..hm," I answered and he looked at me for awhile.
"Maybe I should come with you next time," he chuckled slightly. "You're amazing, Sakura-chan. I don't know how you do it, Hibari-san scares everyone."
"He doesn't say it, but he would probably like you visiting," I smiled.
"I don't know about that…" Takeshi replied. I giggled and played with my hair in between my fingers. I wasn't sure what else to do, I didn't like this topic very much. "You've been smelling differently lately," he stared at me.
"Is that so? Must be the new shampoo" I lied by instinct and let the hair fall from my fingers. "I'm going to Tsuna's room now. Are you?" I changed topic as we turned the corner.
"Ne, Sakura-chan?" Takeshi asked. I replied with a "hm?"
"Let's go somewhere fun sometime soon," he said smiling, suddenly looking up at the ceiling.
"Yeah! That seems great, maybe when everyone's out of the hospital," I clapped.
"Everyone? ...Oh, yeah! Of course," he laughed and I smiled. We started throwing out ideas on where to go until we reached Tsuna's room. Even from outside you can hear Gokudera and Ryohei yelling while a kid is crying loudly. Shouldn't they let Tsuna rest?
We were happily greeted by other people when we entered. Apparently Tsuna's mom, Kyoko, Haru, Gokudera, Ryohei, and three kids were already present. Although it was a hospital room, I tend to forget that with everyone there with their laughter filling up the whole area. Everyone was noisily chatting away even though Tsuna was still unconscious. It seemed so much more lively and I found myself thinking that if I were to ever be unfortunately admitted to the hospital, I hoped people would make it fun for me too. No. Since when did I ever need anyone?
{ ... }
Everything went back to normal when everyone was released from the hospital. It was almost like it never happened. It was around two weeks from that time and I almost started to forget it had happened.
School was the same, everyone was the same. I haven't seen Riri as often but that was fine, I didn't expect too much out of our friendship anyways. She was probably just interested in what type of person I was since I was the new transfer. Most people were like that and there were some in every school. I didn't care, it was normal to me.
"Sakura-chan," Tsuna called to me as I left school, pulling me away from my thoughts. I suddenly realized I called 'Tsuna' by his first name but everyone else does too so I supposed it never mattered to me.
"Tsuna-kun," I replied and waited for him to catch up.
"I realized I never properly said it so… Thank you for visiting me in the hospital, I'm sorry I was unconscious every time you came," he smiled shyly.
"It's completely fine," I smiled. "Since you know… you were the one that defeated the enemy of all Namimori students!" I said dramatically for effect, it sounded ridiculous even when it came out of my own mouth. Although there was something about him that seemed different. Maybe he matured a bit? Or was it just my imagination?
"Is that what everyone said?" he laughed nervously. We walked together for awhile in silence until he spoke again, "Sakura-chan…"
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry, for making you guys worried" he bowed shortly.
"It's okay, really. You should be more worried for yourself" I said before adding, "I'm glad you're all okay." He nodded and seemed lost in thought for a while.
"Sakura-chan…" he started, "I mean…It might happen again… Some time... " Why does he make it sound like it's planned or something?
"I would really hope it doesn't," I raised an eyebrow, questioningly. Wouldn't they have learned their lesson already?
"M-me too!" He walked with his eyes looking down.
"Haru-chan and Kyoko-chan would be really sad" I teased and knudged him. He jumped and turned a few shades in red. I laughed at his flustered expression as he rambled on with different topics, something about the weather conditions or how hairstyles could look like pineapples, until we parted ways.
{ ... }
"Ah, Takeshi-kun! Do you want-"
"Sorry, Sakura-chan! I have to go do something, but maybe next time," he grinned as he waved with apologetic eyes. But he left. Nonetheless.
Next time?
He didn't even know what I was going to ask. I looked down at gigantic bento the chef decided to make today. He usually made a lot if he was in a good mood. Apparently too good of a mood.
Now what am I going to do with this?
I could give it to random people but... I'm sure the girls would be all like 'Ohh no, I'm too fuuull'. I could try Riri but she was in practice right now. I don't want to give it to any guys in particular because they'd get the wrong idea. Though...
I sighed. There was ONE option. Do I dare to explore it?
I looked down at the unfinished food and sighed. I ate at least the top layer but there was three more under that.
So here I am. Again.
I took a huge breath before twisting the door knob, anticipating an oncoming headache.
The door trudged open, the wind swishing through my hair and chilling my exposed thighs, the high socks not reaching quite as high. I sighed as I took a step out into the open, already catching the sight of his figure. On the ground, resting. The sunset basking his skin in a glowing orange.
I could hear it already 'Herbivore, I will bite you to death for waking me up'.
But I steeled my will and walked forward, hovering over him slightly. Obviously, not in line of my skirt.
His sleeping, calm, peaceful expression made me pause. Even I, did not want to disturb his sleep. Though surprisingly, not because I didn't want to deal with his threats. But because he actually looked quite-
"For waking me up, I will bite you to death."
So I was off by a few lines. No matter. No matter once he opened his gray eyes, staring up at me with narrowed eyes. He sat up quickly and yawned, putting a hand by his mouth though not covering. For a moment, he looked like a child. His black hair was even more disheveled than usual.
Hibari seemed tired. So I hoped his exhaustion would leave me alone. ...But, aren't I the one bothering him? I almost started to wonder why I sort of 'sought out' for him 'unintentionally' but...
Then I noticed the small scratches on him, almost faded but not completely. It wasn't like he would tell me, so I won't ask. But-
"So what do you want, Nanase Sakura? Or are you here for discipline?" Who would even- Whatever.
I set the black bento box with white snow bunnies beside him. "Are you hungry? There's too much for me to eat. If you'd like, you can have it. Keep the box if it troubles you to return it," I offered. Though I kind of liked the box... But I rather not have to receive some sort of strange death threat that only he could come up with for a bento box.
He eyed it for a moment, not giving away a thought from his expression. "Just leave it there."
And I supposed it was a 'sure'.
I nodded and was about to turn away when he spoke again. "Make sure this isn't a daily occurrence."
And I'm not sure why that hit me quite a bit.
I pressed my lips into a line. And if I read his words correctly.. "I'm not too ecstatic about 'getting close' to people. So you don't have to worry. Today only," I reassured him.
Then I walked away. I turned back once though, just for one more. "Oh. And it's not poisoned. So you don't have to bite me to death," and I left. Perhaps leaving him a smirk, one on mine and one on his.
All orange. All sunset. All sky.
{ ... }
During the following days everyone continued to seem busy, doing their own thing and so we hardly ever hung out. The guys told us they were practicing for a sumo wrestling competition. It sounded ridiculous but I didn't want to pry into something they didn't seem to want to discuss. Either way, Kyoko and Haru believed them so I suppose I'll play along for now.
Because I'm not ignorant. But perhaps I prefer to be 'blissful' so I'll pretend while I can.
Pretend to be ignorant, pretend to be blissful. What was the difference?
I found none.
I found something else though.
The week after I realized why he mentioned what he did.
"Some time….
..It might happen…..
...Again..."