Spring Winds
A/N: So to be honest this White Day part was supposed to be inserted in chapter 6, before Tsuna catches up to her but I forgot that I already uploaded chapter 6. It might seem a bit random in the beginning of 7 so I apologize! Thanks for keeping up with this story, I don't think you'll be too disappointed in these two chapters. :)
Later when you see parenthesis and italics while Kyoko's talking, it means that Sakura was thinking at the same time. In other words, she didn't hear a thing Kyoko said!
CHAPTER 7
It was after school and everyone was chatting away, spilling out of their classrooms. I opened my locker when I found a foreign object, a red box peeking out. Did someone get the wrong locker? I pulled it out carefully. It was a box of white chocolates, truffles, six of them to be exact. Oh right. I checked my phone, March 14th. Isn't this White day?
White day was the day where males would return chocolates to the girls from Valentines. White day huh…
I turned the box around, no note. I didn't give chocolates to anyone.
Oh.. That's when I realized. I did. But this? From him? I don't think so.
I tried to imagine Hibari shuffling through the crowd, buying a box, and then going at some mysterious hour to stick it in my locker. That is a ridiculous image. Plus even if for some strange and magical reason it was Hibari, there is no way he would know where my locker is.
Someone definitely must've gotten the wrong locker. I put the box back in just in case the person realized their mistake and would like to switch it. If not by tomorrow, I'll just eat it. I like white chocolate after all.
I switched my shoes to outside ones and left the school building.
I thought that maybe I'll ask around and see if anyone saw someone putting the chocolates in my locker.
But I didn't know that I wouldn't get the chance to.
The following days everyday someone was getting hurt.
First it was Kyoko's brother, Ryouhei. I wasn't close to him I'll have to admit. Sometimes he would run in and yell random things but I never really talked to him. I paid a short visit when he was admitted into the hospital with a broken arm.
The second person to get hurt was Gokudera. I was never really close to Gokudera that much but I was concerned to see how badly injured he was. I was also becoming paranoid since this was already two in a row. What is this "sumo wrestling" that they are partaking in?
The third person to get hurt made my heart tighten. Takeshi was brought into the hospital the day after. He wasn't as damaged as Gokudera or broke something like Ryouhei but he had an injuries nonetheless.
"Why?" is what I asked after all the other typical questions.
Takeshi looked down and didn't meet my eyes. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan," he finally made eye contact with me.
"Sumo wrestling?" I said, annoyed. I realized this was the first time I was irritated at Takeshi and it wasn't really even directed towards him. "Really?"
"It's not but…" his eyes grew serious, "It's important. Trust me, please."
I sighed and smiled. How could I not trust him?
Ryouhei… Gokudera… Takeshi… Who's next?
But I knew.
However, I was surprised to see Hibari at school the next day. He seemed somewhat tired but there was no major injuries. I was trying to make eye contact with him but he only glanced at me for a second then looked away.
"What's his problem?" I sighed. Why is he avoiding me?
"Hibari-san huh… Yeah he is pretty weird lately," Kyoko admitted nicely. So if other people can see so too..
"You think so too?" Then I'm not the only one.
"Yeah the other (I) day I saw (hope) him (he's) out(going)side (to be)school (okay)."
But maybe I was going to be the fourth person to get hurt instead.
"AHHH! P-PLEASE! I DIDN'T MEAN TO. Please spare me!"
"For running in the hallways, I will bite you to death."
Is what I heard at least. Kyoko and I were on our way to the teacher's lounge to pick up the prints for her class. I looked over at her to find an unaffected expression. Perhaps like her, I was starting to get used to this.
I turned the corner when- Holy shit!
Ouch. What the hell? My hand stung from the impact. My eyes widened enormously, my heartbeat was uncomfortably fast.
A pole. Two inches away. I gripped the metal pole tighter as I narrowed my eyes, the back of my hand almost touching my forehead. That is how close it was. That was how fast I had to react.
This was the best of my reflexes and I'm glad it finally came to use. If not I would have been out cold on the floor as of this moment.
"S-Sakura-chan! Are you okay?" Kyoko asked worriedly, her eyebrows knitted.
"S-S-Sorry! I didn't mean to- I was getting chased- Oh no." Oh no is right.
And I'm not sure I want to let Hibari have this one.
But I can't have people seeing me beating up someone.
"I'm fine, but.." I looked down at the person that was now more in danger than I was. Wham! Ouch.
The guy was now on the floor, yelping, squirming in misery. I almost felt bad for him as my attention shifted over to the head of the disciplinary committee, towering over him with tonfas that were guiltily positioned up.
I was still holding onto the metal pole and sighed, extending my hand out to Hibari. "Here."
He watched me for a moment, something was definitely going through his head. And I don't think I want to know what.
"Hn," was the only noise I received before he accepted the pole, rather harshly. Nothing about him was gentle.
But whatever. He left, hauling the guy behind him by the leg. And I left to my own way.
And that is how we always crossed path.
Meaningless, short. Nothing more, nothing less.
{ ... }
"I wonder what everyone is up to…" said Kyoko. Haru, who snuck into our school in our uniform, agreed. Though I'm sure if Hibari found her, she'd be screwed. But I guess he wouldn't notice. We were on the roof. I was leaning against the railing taking in the cool breeze.
The peaceful, rather plain town. But isn't that what made it peaceful? The dull colors of either white, cream, or pastel colors. Nothing really stood out, nothing stood apart from each other. Under the light blue infinity of the sky, perhaps this was a perfect picture of serenity.
Though something was definitely stirring. It was perhaps a gut feeling but... I don't know. Feelings like these weren't usually wrong. I just hope it isn't anything too bad. Not as if it weren't already.
"Let's do our best in making these charms for everyone!" Haru exclaimed, clearly determined. I wonder how it's like to have such a positive attitude and mentality all the time.
Ignorance is bliss.
During lunch, I would help Kyoko and Haru make the safe victory charms on the roof. We made one for Tsuna, Takeshi, Gokudera, and Ryouhei. I couldn't help but notice that they didn't make one for Hibari. It was to be expected though, since they (or anyone as a matter of fact) never talked to him. I was thinking of making one for him but I figured he wouldn't want it anyways.
Though I'm starting to wonder why I was doing this.
Blindly, ignorantly. Not knowing, not daring to ask. So why?
But isn't this what friends are for?
Friends.
At the end of the day, they entrusted me to give the charm to Takeshi. I didn't want to dig deeper into the reason why they had me to do it instead of themselves.
But it's okay, I suppose I was closer to Takeshi and they were.
Whatever close was supposed to mean.
In the evening, I had my driver drop me off in front of the sushi restaurant.
Coincidentally I caught Takeshi coming outside with his baseball bat. What the- I called his name and made him jump.
"Where are you going? Aren't you injured?" I asked, frowning disapprovingly. Then I remembered something that Kyoko said earlier in the day, "Onii-san has been going out a lot at night."
"You caught me!" He laughed awkwardly and then his eyes grew determined. And what exactly did I 'catch'? Other than recklessness. "I have to watch everyone's match."
Match..? "It can't be helped," I sighed and smiled. Is what I'm supposed to say right? Despite how I felt? Despite..
I took out the charm and handed it to him, dangling it like my unspoken words. "Kyoko-chan, Haru-chan, and I made them for everyone."
Earnest feelings, inexpressive words. Gone. Blown away, like the early Spring Winds.
"Oh! Thank you, Sakura-chan!" Takeshi grinned as he took it. "We really need it. I appreciate it a lot!" He checked the time on his watch. "Oops, I have to get going! Sorry, Sakura-chan, I'll see you tomorrow!" and ran off in the direction I knew all too well. Namimori middle school.
I was staring outside my car window with my forearm on the ledge and my head resting on it. I was on my way home, halfway to be exact. I was trying to rest my mind upon the blur of the town, hoping to blur my thoughts along with it. But I couldn't get that 'match' he spoke of out of my mind. What is really going on?
I gave up after a few minutes and realized I couldn't shake it off no matter how hard I try to divert my mind. "I'm really sorry but please turn around to Namimori middle school," I requested my driver.
"Did you forget something, m'am?" he asked. I shook my head but he didn't ask any further questions. Although he was my loyal to my dad, he was also very kind to me.
I got there twenty minutes later which means it has been almost an hour since I left Takeshi. I hope they're still there when I get there.
But in a way, I hope they weren't.
I want to know,
but I didn't at the same time.
...
When I arrived, it was eerily quiet. There were strange people standing around in spaced out distances. What is up with that? They looked like normal people. But something was off. Something was different. Too stationed, too organized. It was probably meant to serve as some kind of security or meant to keep people out but it looked shady, so I felt a bit unsafe to go in.
Stay ignorant.
However, I felt determined to see the others.
I took a few steps toward the gate when I saw someone hobbling towards me. I squinted my eyes and it widened when I recognized the figure- No.
Pounding. My heart pounded as my feet pounded against the pavement towards him. Idiot, idiot, idiot.
"Hibari" I said, panting lightly when I came to a stop. He slumped onto the wall and batted away my hand when I reached for him.
He straightened up and pretended to be okay. Why? Why why why?
"Hibari" I tried again. Answer me. Look at me.
He glared at me, annoyed. "What?"
"What do you mean what?! You're injured!" I blurted out in irritation. The scrapes, the cuts. The blood. The torn clothes. What the hell?
"Let me take you to the hospital," I grabbed his arm but he tried to break free of me. I hated how weak my voice sounded, how shaky. God. Pathetic. It sounded more like a plea than anything.
"Your leg, you idiot" I sounded tired and frowned when he escaped my grasp. What are you doing? Why are you-
"Mind your own business" he tried to walk away, limping actually. Please. He stumbled and I ran to support him, one hand on his chest and one on his back. Stop pushing yourself. Stop-
"Hibari," I said for the third time, my voice losing any form of determination. Please!
"Leave me be," he mumbled. "Or I'll-" he started but then stopped when he looked up at me, his eyes widened and he closed his mouth. What?
I didn't realize I was tearing up until I noticed his strange reaction, the warm droplet rolling off my face.
"Do whatever you want," he concluded.
"Mm," was the only sound of approval I could muster as I gave him a small smile, wiping my tears with my wrist.
I brought him into the car and asked the driver to take him to the hospital they normally went to.
"No," he argued, finally speaking since he got in the car. How could he still object to going to the hospital in this state?
"But-"
"Take me home instead" he insisted.
Hibari gave my driver the short instructions. He was leaning his head onto the window, his body seemed to be slumped while one hand was over the crook of his elbow where I'm sure he was also injured. His hair almost blending in with the black leather seats. The silver moon behind him seemed to compliment his steel eyes.
Perhaps I was biting my lip. Perhaps I was restraining myself from tearing up. Perhaps I did all of that, but I couldn't look away.
I wanted to look away from him. I did. It hurt me to see him this way but.. I couldn't.
Couldn't stop the way my heart ached and twisted.
He turned around once, just to narrow his eyes in complaint that I was staring at him. But even then, I couldn't look away. So we locked our gaze in this silence during this night minus the faint roar of the engines. Enclosed with the smell of leather and of a new vehicle, the constant reminder that none of us was really comfortable.
I wonder what he saw? I wonder what I saw? This person in front of me.
And I don't know why this scene seemed so foreign, so out of tuned. I felt like maybe I was detached from this moment. As if I was only watching through someone's eyes. Because it was different. It was off.
Perhaps it shouldn't have happened all together.
But it did.
And things happen for a reason.
{ ... }
When we pulled up to his house, which looked rather traditional, he opened the door and wobbled out clumsily.
"Would you like me to help him, m'am?"
"No it's fine, thank you. He wouldn't let you anyways" I answered truthfully."You may go home without me."
"But miss…" my driver insisted, "I can't possibly just do that."
"You may tell my father. I'll be okay," I reassured him and slid out the car. I saw Hibari sway and I ran up to help him quickly. So stubborn.
"You can go home," he told me plainly but it was more like a command than an offer. And prideful. Too much.
"Not until you seem good enough condition for me to leave." I care about... you... somewhat. He was stubborn but I was just the same.
He opened the door with keys and when we entered, I noticed that everything was very Japanese and traditional. He limped over into the direction to what I assume would be a bedroom. I suppose this wouldn't be the time to remind myself that I have never entered a guy's room before. It only slightly smelled like Hibari. Maybe because he spends more time at school than he did at home.
I had him sit against the wall so I could treat his leg to the best of my ability. Then I pulled out the futon for him and laid it out so he could lie down.
"Are you happy now?" he asked impatiently. No. How could I be? If you're looking like... that.
"Well that depends. Are you hungry?" Do you want me to stay?
"No" he yawned.
"Then I'll be leaving now," I gave him a small smile. Are you sure?
No reply.
So I left.
When I exited, I found my driver still waiting outside for me.
"You didn't have to wait, but thank you," I thought about something then decided, "Can you take me to one last place?"
Because might as well.
Right?
I stepped out the car to the hospital. It seems that my intuition was correct. There were a couple of men dressed in black suits bustling around and bringing people in by stretchers. Even if I didn't hear Gokudera, I could make out my friends on them.
Ignorance is bliss.
I felt my eyes growing wet and I went back inside the car because there was nothing else I could do, especially when they didn't want me to know.
I've become such a cry baby lately...
….and it was all their fault.
I wonder if it was trust for them
or distrust in myself, my capability of being able to handle the truth
that I decided to put this away,
as if I didn't know any better.
CHAPTER 8
It has been a few days since everyone healed up. They didn't talk about it much. They continued to play it off as a sumo wrestling tournament. Haru and Kyoko believed them but I didn't. Whatever it was, apparently Tsuna won. So I left it as it is.
Everyone concerned with the group decided to host a party for Tsuna's victory at Takeshi's sushi place. It was lively and there were a few people I haven't seen before. I felt a bit uncomfortable, too many people. But that was okay. It was definitely.. interesting.
"Sakura-chan! Come here, come here," Haru gestured me over and I did just that.
I sat down beside her. "What is it?" I asked.
She leaned in suspensefully, cupping her hand near her mouth as she whispered. "Do you think.. Tsuna...likes..?"
Likes what? Likes her?
"Do you think he likes.. cows?" She asked. What.
"Cows?" I frowned.
"Shh!!" She hissed, index finger over her lips. And WHAT was so secretive about COWS?
I tried to keep myself from frowning any longer. "I don't know... Why don't you ask him?"
"Because! It's a secret!"
"Then... Do you want me to ask?"
"N-No!" And what in the world is so- Ugh.
"So, what's your secret? Do you have a present for him?"
"The secret is.. Haru likes cows!"
I'm... I'm so done. "Haru-"
"Haru wants to marry Tsuna."
"Hah?" That just.. That just came out of no where. "Well.. That's nice."
"And Haru wants cows when she marries Tsuna."
And that, just escalated quickly. "Good luck with that," I smiled as I stood up but she yanked me down, a hold on my wrist.
"Sakura-chan, you have to help Haru!"
"With what?"
"Mmm... Nevermind. Haru suppose you can't really help, huh?" OF COURSE NOT. I don't even know what you're saying! "So who does Sakura-chan want to marry?"
What- I'm imagining myself comically spitting out a drink. A shame I wasn't holding one. "Excuse me?"
"As in, does Sakura-chan have someone you like?"
"N-No?" I muttered.
Kyoko somehow popped in, "What are you guys talking about?" she giggled.
"Haru was just asking Sakura-chan who she likes."
"Ahh," Kyoko mused. "Is it Yamamoto-kun? Or, or, Hibari-san?"
What- Wait, what. "What makes you think that?" I stared, bewildered. Wait, do I even want to know?
"Mmm. I don't know. You seem to get along with those two very well!" In what way does mine and Hibari's relationship deemed as 'getting along'? Especially 'very well'?
"Haru doesn't really think Hibari-san would suit Sakura-chan very well..Haru doesn't mean that there's anything wrong...with Hibari-san. He's just... kind of scary.." Haru muttered.
"He's not that bad-"
What did I just- "I mean..." What did I mean? "I mean he doesn't scare me...so much."
Kyoko continued to stare at me with a smile as she hummed and I'm starting to wonder if there was more than her seemingly, no offense, slightly absentminded self. Or perhaps she's just overthinking. Or was she the overthinking? Or was it me?
"Sakura-chan?"
Oh god. I almost, I don't know, fell over? Well I would've, comically. But I turned around to meet dark almond colored eyes. "Takeshi-kun." I could hear Haru and Kyoko giggling behind me but I chose to ignore it.
"What are you talking about?" he smiled.
"C-Cows!" COWS? Damnit, Haru.
"Cows? Do you like cows?"
"U-Uh.. Y-Yeah.. I love cows!" I lied.
"I see."
"I-I mean there isn't anything wrong with cows. Not like there is anything right with cows. Though dairy products are- " What. Am. I. Thinking. Though the answer was, I wasn't really thinking.
"So you don't like cows?" he tilted his head.
"I do!- No. Wait- I... I don't know," I pouted and he chuckled.
"Sakura-chan, you're very amusing."
Amusing? Try 'flustered'. I wouldn't be like this if they weren't talking about ... who I like.
I don't like anyone.
I think.
But as he chuckled, ruffling the back of his black spiky hair. The way his eyes opened up to a warm brown color. The goofy, ever unchanging grin. I wondered, truly, I did.
The party ended at night and everyone left in a good mood. I was still here, the only one left actually, waiting for my ride.
"Sakura-chan, can I talk to you?" Takeshi asked sheepishly as he ruffled the back of his hair. Talk? Aren't we already talking?
"Of course," I raised an eyebrow.
"It was what I wanted to talk to you about when I said 'another time'" he started and I nodded, waiting for him to continue. When did he say that?
"You see…" his eyes grew determined as he continued speaking, "About you… I," he cleared his throat. "I think… I mean I'm pretty sure...
You're really beautiful" he said. Oh.
"T-thanks?" I laughed awkwardly and I felt my cheeks growing hotter from the unexpected compliment.
The flittering glances. The determination yet shyness in his eyes. Just what is it?
"That's not all. You're really kind," he grabbed my hand and stared into my eyes. Kind? I felt embarrassed but I couldn't break away my gaze. Where is this going?
"You're really fun to talk to. Really funny," he smiled.
I opened my mouth to thank him but he continued. "You're really special to me, Sakura-chan." Special..?
The perfectly normal day. Normal, comfortable background of a frequented sushi store. Now silent, except for two voices.
The perfectly insignificant day. Insignificant, comfortable background of a more significant sushi store. Now broken, by our words.
…"And I…
I've fallen…
I've fallen in love with you." …..
…
"Me too."
{ ... }
It was two weeks later and everything returned back to normal by this point… somewhat. More or less.
A part of me expected to be closer to Hibari but I feel like I haven't talked to him at all. He stopped glancing at me when he passed by; he stopped complaining about my scent. He was avoiding me and I had no idea why. More or less.
I also expected things to change with Takeshi but it pretty much stayed the same. More or less. I wasn't sure if I was disappointed but I guess I prefer it this way after all.
At least things DID seem normal.
Geez, I'm tired. I just wanted to go home. But noooo. There was a stinkin' student council meeting that I definitely did not sign up for. But what choice did I have now? None as I carried the folder over to the meeting room. Let's just get this over with. I turned the corner when- Holy shi-
I ducked, my legs almost caving in. My eyes widened as I nearly lost balance, the air slicing above me.
"Wao." Deadpan, mocking.
I looked up to find a VERY amused Hibari. And I, on the other hand, was NOT amused. Not in the slightest.
"WHAT do you THINK you're doing?" I raised my voice, narrowing my eyes at his arrogant smirk.
His tonfas glinted from the light through the walls, decorated with windows of a lowering sun and an orange sky that tinted all but his pitch black hair. He lowered his tonfa down to his side and shrugged as I stood back up.
"Testing your reaction speed." My REACTION speed?
I'm sure my mouth hung open for awhile. "AND why couldn't you just ASK me?" And it suddenly dawned down on me. I knew catching that pole was a bad idea. Perhaps I should have let myself get knocked out cold.
"What would be the point?" Even though I'm angry, I could understand.
I sighed exasperatedly. "And if you ACTUALLY hit me?"
"Well that wouldn't be my problem."
I narrowed my eyes. Of course it wouldn't be. "I'm assuming you also don't care if you were to have hit someone else?"
"Of course not." Of course not.
"Well are you satisfied with the results, Hibari?" I frowned. As in, please don't try anything like that again.
"Hn," was all that accompanied his smirk.
"...Then can we please just get to the student council meeting?" I grumbled, walking past him not bothering to wait for a reply. Not like he would give me one anyways-
What- I shifted my weight onto one foot, letting myself fall back, barely narrowly dodging the tonfa that would have slammed into my neck. I gasped as I caught the flicker of the other one coming up to my ribs- Too fast!
I couldn't do anything but catch the impact with my hand, the metal slamming into my palm. Fuck. That hurt. I slid back from the impact, my heart pounding uncomfortably.
My eyes shot up at him, blazing with fury. He was all smirks. Amusement glinted in his eyes. I dug my fingers into my palm, my good one. Which made me all the more angrier.
"Interesting," he mused. THIS in NO way is 'interesting'. My palm was pounding, aching, and in a way, starting to grow numb.
I've had it. He was stubborn. And STUPID. Not to mention, a battle obsessed jerk.
He put his tonfas down to his side, watching my expression. I hoped he saw the most aggravatingly angry expression he's ever seen.
"Hibari Kyoya," I muttered, hearing every trace of annoyance in my voice. I shoved the folder harshly into his chest and he raised an eyebrow, obviously not understanding. To think he really believes that he could just do whatever you want. "Don't. Hit me. With your tonfas. I'm not going to be one of your 'toys' or practice dummies you can go around whacking for amusement."
His eyes widened only for a second before narrowing. "I do whatever I want, herbivore."
I really don't think he understands. It's been awhile since he made my blood boil.
"Yeah. It doesn't mean I'll just go along with whatever you do," I gritted my teeth and took a step back. "I'm NOT like the others- You know what? There's no point. I'm leaving."
Since he didn't hold the folder, it fell down onto the ground as I took a step back. The sound echoing along the empty hallway.
Clatter.
Along with my footsteps.
Friggin' jerk.
Rude jerk.
Battle crazed, blood thirsty jerk.
Why was I so angry anyways?
But deep down, I knew.
I thought maybe he was different. I thought maybe...
But I was wrong. So it doesn't matter what I thought.
I stormed my way down the hallway, not caring how loud my stomping is.
Who does he think he is? Going around hitting everyone? And I thought I was doing pretty well, not having hit by his tonfas yet. Then he actually TRIED.
What is his problem? I harshly opened my locker, dropping my outside shoes down as I threw in my other one. I slammed it shut and stormed my way to the exit when-
A hand.
Around my wrist. I whirled around, meeting gray eyes.
"What now?" I glared. "If you're going to try and hit me again, you might as well. I'll let you have it if it'll satisfy you."
"I can hit you whether or not you let me." This guy. Though I knew he went easy on me. Though I'm not sure why he went 'anything' on me AT ALL.
"You-"
I looked down to his other arm.
The folder.
He picked it up.
Regardless of how much pride that simple action must have took, he picked it up.
Not to mention, he was here. Now.
And hauling me- "Hibari-"
"I will bite you to death if we're late for the meeting."
"Wait."
He stopped and I bumped into his back, quite the strong back too. "What?" He asked, turning his head a fraction. Regarding me with one steel eye.
I smiled which seemed to have widened his eyes just a bit. "Shoes," I pointed to my feet. Not really wanting him to threaten me later for dirtying his precious school.
He sighed. "Hurry."
And I did.
And with that, we walked together.
Kind of. I walked behind him, but...well.
That was a start.
Of what?
{ ... }
"You've been in a… different... mood lately," my dad chuckled. Different. As in actually happy?
We were actually having dinner together today. I took a bite of my food while he continued, "You seem to have made some friends?" I nodded but I was wary of his words.
"How is your research going?" I changed the direction of conversation.
He chewed before speaking, "Well, well. Everything is playing out perfectly," he smiled.
"I should really get back to it though," he said as he got up. Of course you should.
He ruffled my hair before leaving.
I finished my food and went upstairs.
I flopped onto my bed, tired.
I stared up at my ceiling until my eyes started to burn.
So I rest my forearm over my eyes and sank into the darkness it provided.
You seem to have made some friends.
More like "you need to say goodbye to those friends soon".
And I closed my eyes.
And I prayed.
And prayed.
For the next two weeks.
Yet little did I know,
I had to say goodbye to him.
A/N: So there it is, finally a confession! Please review/favorite/follow if you liked these chapters or has been like the story so far, it would mean a lot to me. :) Thank you for reading, I appreciate it!