A/N: Hello again...
Thank you to all who have read my fanfics. Thanks to all who are willing to leave comments for me to improve myself. Here is my second chapter...
My dear Princess Serenity-Chan ...thank you so much for the advice... I was rushing it when uploading that chapter...(lame excuse...sumimasen) I'll try my best to improve next time... Keep on reading Minna... Domo Arigatou.
Disclamer: I don't own Gii, Takumi or any "Takumikun Saga" characters in the story. I only own the story and the name that I invented. If there are similarities, it's only coincidence and my deepest apology in advanced.
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Chapter 2
"Baka! Baka Misu! Is this your best idea to tell Takumi the truth! Why do you have to be so cold!" Akaike could not stop himself from scolding Misu for his "BOLD" approach.
"I'm only doing him a favour. He will recover. It is better this way," Misu defended himself for his action.
"I agree. Hayama-san is much stronger than what we have seen. He will survive," Syingyoji butted in taking on Misu's side.
"Let's bring him to his room, let me help you Akaike-kun," Toshihisa volunteered.
The tension between Akaike and Misu ebbed away. Akaike's calm judgement was clouded by his sudden emotion towards Takumi right now. Silently he thanked Misu for his action earlier. If he had been hesitated, the scenario would have been worse. Definitely it would be very difficult to keep the secret from Takumi after all.
Takumi was taken to his room. All of them were still hovering on the left side of Takumi's bed. Under their vigilant eyes, Takumi's body now looked fragile and his skins were pale and lost his complexion. They shared worried glances and heavy sighs.
Out of the blue, Akaike smacked his forehead with his palm. Everybody turned towards him with inquiring eyes questioning his sudden action. He quickly headed to his room grabbed his hand phone on the bedside table in his room and dialled his mother's phone number.
Upon hearing his mother's loving voice, Akaike instantly asked his mother's favour to help his best-friend's boyfriend, "Okaasan, I need your help. Takumi, my friend had fainted."
Akaike's mother did not answer. Only her heavy sigh could be heard. "Shozou darling, I'm sorry my dear. I can't go there now. You should bring him to the hospital," she suggested the best alternative because it was impossible for her to just comply with her son immediate request.
"All right...I'll bring him over as soon as possible. I think he needed to be hospitalised because this is the second time he has fainted in six days. Our best-friend, Gii died in a plane crash near the west side of Mount Everest," Akaike further explained to his mother.
"Oh my...poor Takumi...you have to hurry. It might be a symptom of depression. I hope it is not what I am thinking right now," her voice sounded as if she was worried.
"Okaasan...what is it you are thinking about?" Akaike enquired impatiently.
"Just bring him over. Hurry!" his mother ended the conversation without waiting for him to dilly dally.
Akaike dashed to inform his friends about the issue and brought Takumi to the hospital where his mother has been working as soon as possible. Takumi was sent to one of the ward and was given proper checked-up.
It was indeed the best decision to bring Takumi to the hospital. Later that day, when Takumi woke up, his behaviour was beyond recognition. A series of unfortunate event one after another and the news of Gii's death had caused a total eclipse of Takumi's fate. His mind could not accept the bitterness of the TRUTH! Gii had DIED... and leaving him ALONE!
Almost a week gone since the news of Gii's death appeared on life broadcast. Takumi's mental and physical conditions were stagnant. Nothing had changed. In fact it was getting worst. He was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) which also known as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression or unipolar disorder.
His parents had been informed regarding the crucial matter. His study has been postponed until he recovered from his illness. A few skirmishes upon where Takumi should receive his treatment arose. After taking lots of thinking and consideration, they finally gave in after Akaike's family took full pledge to take care of their only beloved son. They had lost a precious once and they could not take another risk to lose another one.
Since Akaike's mother is one of the specialists in the medical field, they left their son in Akaike's family and friends' care. Akaike and Hayama family became very close after the incident. Medical reports were updated and were made known to Hayama family.
Everyday his close friends took turn to stop by and paid him a visit. The one who mostly frequent to be his companion was Akaike. Day by day, his heart fell deeper for Takumi. Maybe his oath to protect Takumi and the time they had spent together made his heart grow fonder.
Takumi simply lost his willingness to live. He has been experiencing multiple symptoms of depression including delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawal from social encounters, insomnia at night and hypersomnia which is oversleeping during the day. He refused to interact with anybody. Sometimes, even when he was widely awake during the day, he just lay down on his back staring blankly on the white ceiling of his ward.
His appetite was totally disrupted. His body fluid was supplied by intravenous all the time. His body weight plummet. Dark circles were visible around his eyes. His sorry state was heart wrenching to look at.
Watching by the side of the person who he has started to love was destroying his precious life and future for the one who was already dead made his heart bleed in despair and fumed with anger. Akaike tried his best to create conversation to lured Takumi from his melancholia state but futile.
The one sided effort has brought Akaike to his limit and he seldom cried when he was alone late in the middle of the night thinking about his love one. His "LOVE ONE"...He will never give up. He will find the cure. He will see Takumi's smile one day. A genuine smile for him and he will make him forget the trauma.
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One of the exclusive rooms in Saki's Mansion on the 5th Street in the heart of Manhattan was occupied with the most tension matter of life and death. A doctor and a nurse were busy monitoring all the medical equipment with the latest and the highest technology in the world. A young man was bed ridden for a week covered with networks of wires attached around his body. An intravenous was attached on his left hand and blood transfusion on the other.
His badly damaged scull with multiple fractures had cause his head lost its original shape and swelled to the size of a basketball. Lacerations and bruises were seen all over his body. His left leg was hung higher than the other owing to fracture.
Standing at the side of the spacious room observing were Mr. Saki Akihiko and Mrs. Saki Naomi. Mrs. Saki could not stop herself from crying. Her tears kept oozing ever since her son was brought into their mansion. Hiding her face in the crook of her husband neck Naomi cried her heart out. Akihiko hold his wife tighter to his body and whispered endearing words to sooth his wife wrenching heart.
Afraid his wife sobbing sound might disturb his son fragile emotion, he slowly guided his wife out of Gii's room to the library next to the previous room.
"Naomi dear...hush...hush...it's all right, I have brought the best medical team to help our son to recover," Mr. Saki Akihiko tried his best to ease his wife anguish.
"Honey... my baby has lost his conscious. His brain now is in comatose state. To make it worst, you had declared our son died in the plane crash. Are you out of your mind Saki!" her high pitch voice rang in Mr. Saki's ears.
That was her way to show her anger. Whenever she argued, she called her husband Saki instead of Akihiko. Mr. Saki knew, his wife was really angry but he did not respond to her, only kept his silence.
Mrs. Saki clenched her fist and pounded her husband's chest in anger. She could not believe her eyes and ears as she watched the traumatic incident. She knew and fully understood her husband indeed had his own way to settle everything. She did aware; her husband had set up the best rescue team searching for her son in the accident area.
She was almost died of heart attack as the news of his son death appeared. But later as the throng of medical team arrived with various medical equipments in their resident, she knew her husband had put his hand in the matter.
Mr. Saki Akihiko was still silent. But in his mind, he definitely will execute his well laid plan. Fate had leaned towards his favour. He still remembered his conversation with his son before he went to Japan. That evening in his main office, he almost severely cut his blood ties with his precious son.
He had offered his son to study here where it was close to the main office. It would be easier for him to further his study in business study and at the same time working as the apprentice under his wing in the main office. To his surprised, Gii blatantly refused his offer and was grimly astounded by the reason.
He did not want to leave his love one and his love one was a MAN! It was indeed gruesome to even thinking his only son swayed to that direction. He definitely sure will not forget the one who had made his son choose him over his family, let alone he was just a commoner...a NOBODY! He screamed silently in his heart. How could he? Takumi... a name he would like to erase from his son's heart and memory.
The unfortunate event had been a blessing given by God for he will take this opportunity to rewrite the past history and to paint a new beginning for his son future without Takumi in the picture. He was determined to materialise his vision and mission.
"Naomi dear... you shouldn't be like this. You should be strong for Gii. Come let me bring you to our bedroom. You must rest. I don't want another love one to be bed ridden," he persuaded his wife.
Mrs. Saki just nodded in agreement and followed her husband. She lied down on the bed and tried to sleep. She felt her eyes heavy and soon drift to sleep. As he watched his wife calm and peaceful in her sleep, he went to the study room adjoined next to the master bedroom.
He instantly dialled his secretary Shimaoka's phone number, "Shimaoka...we have an urgent meeting in my mansion. I'll wait for you in the library."
Almost thirteen years working for Mr. Saki made him really understand his boss need even by hearing his voice he knew exactly what to do. He did as he was asked to. He arrived as soon as possible at the library. Mr. Saki was already there waiting.
After he had greeted Mr. Saki and bowed to his boss, he sat on the nearest chair to his boss who was sitting on the chair at the head table. Soon the doctor who took care of Gii's health joined them. The intense meeting was conducted in the most secretive and serious manner. After a few hours, a final decision had been drawn and even the discussion was shocking but Shimaoka manage to conceal his feeling under his professional endeavour.
Before he went back to the office, he stopped by at Gii's room. In his heart he felt affectionate with the handsome young man. He is more like a younger brother with quite a large gap between their ages. He felt sorry for what will go on in his life onwards. He wondered what had happened to Takumi. He had met with him once during their second year holiday. He knew Takumi is his lover. A single tear was in the verge of falling down from the corner of his left eye. He blinked back the tear and deep in his heart he prayed for the best.
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Almost a month Takumi was hospitalised after Gii had passed away. He was still sleeping when Akaike walked into the ward. As usual, Akaike jovially recounted what had happened since morning and laughed away his own jokes. But still Takumi did not respond. He felt exasperated and rage boiled up in his heart.
Akaike dragged a chair and sat near the left side of the bedsit. He took Takumi's hand in his. He thought, he has to confess now, so Takumi did not feel that he was alone anymore.
Instead of using his surname as usual, he called, "Takumi...I know you can hear me...You only choose not to hear a thing." He took a deep breath and cleared his throat. He needed courage. "Please Takumi...don't do this to yourself. You are not alone. You still have your parents, my family and our friends. Gii will always be in our memory and forever resides in our heart...Takumi...Please...You are not alone...Trust me. I'll be by your side as long as I am alive. Takumi...Please...," he continued pleading.
"Takumi...don't break my heart. I love you Takumi...Please open your eyes. Take my hand and move on. Takumi...," he could not contain his anguish anymore. He broke into tears and his body shook. His tears dropped onto Takumi's hand.
Takumi heard every word Akaike had spoken. His heart was touched upon hearing his pleading and his sobbing. He knew, Akaike never ceased to visit him daily. He did not answer. But tears trickled down his left cheek from the corner of his left eyes.
Akaike did not aware how long he had been crying. When his sobs finally subsided, he suddenly was aware that he had cried in front of Takumi. When he tried to pull away his hand, Takumi's left hand gripped his hand. He was shocked and turned to face Takumi. Takumi was staring right into his eyes and Akaike realised Takumi shed his tears too.
Hope soared in Akaike's heart. These were the kind of responses that he had been waiting for so long. Fresh tears started flooding their eyes. Akaike stood up, perched on the edge of the bedsit and pulled Takumi into his arms. Both were overwhelmed by profound relieved. This was the first time Takumi had shown reaction to other people around him.
"Takumi...Takumi...Takumi...We will face the world together. Let's move on Takumi. Let's do this together...Takumi...Thank you Takumi... Thank you...," Akaike spoke in between sobs.
Takumi did not answer but only tightened his hands around Akaike's back. After a few moment when they both able to calm themselves, Akaike distanced himself a little bit from Takumi and cupped Takumi's face with both hands. Slowly he kissed Takumi's forehead while murmured thanks to God for the miracle. Takumi was stunned by Akaike's action but did not resist the affection.
Later Akaike asked whether he could tell the others about the current progress. With a weak smile, Takumi nodded in accordance. The smile was precious for it was the sun ray which started to streak upon the grey cloud hovering upon Takumi's well being.
After Akaike had made phone calls, one by one have came visiting started with close friends and a few days later followed by Takumi's family arrival. Those who came were overwhelmed by mixture of emotions; poignant but jubilant. The dark moon era has probably ended hoping with the coming of sakura blossom in April soon will bring along rays of hope to everyone especially Takumi.
Spring has flown rather fleeting away unnoticeably. With Takumi's pitiful condition still mourning for his love one, relatives and friends were also greatly affected. Somewhere on the other side of the globe, Saki's residents also experience the same amount of grief but compared to Takumi – he never knew Gii was still alive. For him, Gii was someone who was his whole world but now only lived in his memory; perhaps never forgotten.
It was early April, all the sakura tress in Tokyo were blooming in abundance showing the most spectacular hues of white to pink colours: The most popular variety of cherry blossom in Japan is the Somei Yoshino. Its flowers are nearly pure white, tinged with the palest pink, especially near the stem. They bloom and usually fall within a week, before the leaves come out. Therefore, the trees look nearly white from top to bottom. The yaezakura have large flowers, thick with rich pink petals. The shidarezakura, or weeping cherry, has branches that fall like those of a weeping willow, bearing cascades of pink flowers.
As the season of cherry blossoming in its full splendour, Takumi's recovery was tremendously escalated despite of still being hospitalised. He was seldom alone. His relatives and friends made sure that he was always accompanied; normally by Akaike and involved in various indoor activities.
One day, a special someone came in favour of a special request from a certain someone. Akaike persuaded Takumi to stroll at the garden surrounded the hospital. They ambled to a secluded white gazebo shaded by a few huge weeping sakura bloomed with pinkish petals. The weeping cherries' branches were swaying gracefully blown by the delicate spring breeze. The flowers were strewn all over the ground dotting the green lawn with pink colour.
As they approached nearer, a handsome young man with a sweet smile was waiting. Takumi was rendered speechless. Instinctively he strode to meet the one he never expected to see... "Sachi Inoue!"
Could not believe his own eyes, Takumi took Sachi Inoue's hands in his and solemnly asked, "I don't believe it! Why are you here! Shouldn't you supposedly on world tour now?"
"Well, I must see someone who is very dear to me," Sachi Inoue replied while grinning ear to ear.
"Who?" Takumi asked impatiently.
"You...of course...who else?" Sachi Inoue answered with a genuine smile and later was hugging Takumi in his bear hug.
Takumi still could not believe the reality and was dumbfounded. Sachi Inoue chuckled and casually pinching both Takumi's cheeks, "Now, do you still not believe that I am truly here?"
Slowly touching and rubbing his pinkish cheeks, Takumi nodded and smiled, "Ittai... I believe you. Why, all of sudden?"
"Come here, sit beside me. We have lots to talk about. How are you?" Sachi Inoue stared into Takumi's eyes.
Akaike just sit beside Takumi and let Sachi monopolised Takumi. A pang of jealousy crept into his heart but he silently consoled his own battered soul since this was the only time Sachi could have met Takumi. In fact, he was the one who asked him to come.
"I heard that you had never touched Stradivarius anymore after...," Sachi felt guilty but it was too late. Afraid to look at Takumi in his eyes, he stared on his fingers entwined on his lap.
As if sensing Sachi was withholding to speak any further, Takumi uttered softly, "It's okay. I'm fine now. I don't know if I'm still able to play violin or not. I don't have the heart to do so and maybe I have lost the charm."
"Ohh... come on Takumi. You are very talented. I remembered our meeting after the concert in the hall at Shidou Gakuen – I was told that you have started playing violin again," Sachi was cleverly persuading Takumi.
"I played for Gii...," Takumi whispered.
Takumi did not aware that he had broken someone's heart. Listening to his forlorn voice mentioning Gii's name, both Sachi and Akaike turned to analyse the changes on Takumi's facial expressions.
Desperate to distract Takumi from remembering Gii and to change the gloomy mood, Sachi instantly requested, "Could you play a song for me... Takumi?"
"I don't know. Right now?" Takumi seemed shocked.
"Yes...now!," Sachi urged again.
"I don't have Stradivarius with me. I left it in my room," Takumi tried to ditch the idea.
"I can remedy that," Sachi said and signalled his manager to bring his Amati to him at once.
"Here you are...my Amati...Please Takumi. I long to hear you play a song. It was long ago when we were still kids," Sachi pleaded.
Takumi was astounded. He remembered well the commotion when Sachi had asked him to hold his Amati when he wanted to go to the restroom. He was rendered speechless and looked at him wide eyed as Sachi was holding his Amati. Slowly he took Amati into his slightly trembled hands and started playing the only song he had in mind - the song that he used to play for Gii.
He was a bit nervous at the beginning but later he was deeply engrossed in the melody of the strings composed by his swift long delicate fingers. The melodious sound was captivating and enchanting swirled deep into the soul of the audiences.
Akaike's heart swelled with pride and Sachi was beaming in delight savouring the beauty of the art while closing both his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he did not surprise seeing people started flocking around the gazebo as if they were put under a spell. The small assemble has attracted more spectators to come and enjoyed the wonderful sound of music.
Once the divine and almost angelic piece of music ended, the crowd roared with a thunderous round of a big applause and carried Takumi back to reality. He was bolted from the blue seeing throng of people gathered around celebrating joyfully showering him with sincere praises.
He beamed timidly and bowed to the audiences. Shyly he handed over Amati to Sachi Inoue. The gathering soon fade away leaving them minded their own business. A single tear trickled down Takumi's right cheek. Akaike was worried. He softly touched Takumi shoulder and slowly turned him facing him.
He wiped away the tear with the back of his hand looking at Takumi's eyes in apprehension, "Are you all right Takumi?"
He did not answer but only shaking his head and smiled reassuringly dismissing the worried line on Akaike's forehead. Takumi thanked Sachi profusely for giving him the opportunity to strum his legendary Amati.
"You are indeed very talented and a rare kind of music genius Takumi. Music is your destiny. Don't stop playing Stradivarious. I myself have my eyes on it since childhood. The world is waiting for you to shine Takumi. I'll be assisting whenever I'm needed. Just let me know," he smiled while holding Takumi's hands.
Takumi blushed and his cheeks tinted with pink hue. His spirit to let bygone be bygone and to live on and turn over a new leaf soared aftermath the magical moment with Sachi. They shook hands and said goodbye for the next wondrous encounter.
Sachi and Akaike shared knowing gaze and grinned amiably. Akaike was really appreciated what Sachi had done that day and mouthed thank you inaudibly. Sachi quickened his pace and strode towards his manager and smirked triumphantly.
"Did you record all from the beginning?" Sachi impatiently enquired.
"Yes, I did," his manager snapped.
"He is such a gem. Brilliant am I right? Put him under your wing when the time comes and I'm sure you won't regret it," Sachi added on.
They both rushed to the airport to catch the delayed private jet. His destination was Paris, the city of romance.
Akaike was alone with Takumi by his side, "Takumi dear, let's head to your room. I think we should call it a day. You should resume your rest."
"Akaike-kun... thank you so much for all that you have done for me..." Takumi was earnestly expressing his gratitude to the one who started to care for him more than a mere friend. He knew Akaike harboured a special feeling toward him but he was not ready to let Gii went away. Not yet. Nobody could replace him now or he would be irreplaceable forever.
He did not want to give false hope and to shatter Gii's best friend's heart. Further burdening his soul with guilt will not help him to recover. He took a deep breath and twisted his body facing Akaike and wordlessly fixing his eyes on the other figure.
Akaike felt agitated and anxious. He could tell what Takumi would say onward. But to let the worry bottled inside Takumi's mind was not an option. He would be the one to be badly damage and his heart will be torn to pieces. He had already expected the moment would have come but never anticipated it would happen sooner.
Waiting for the razor-sharp truth piercing inside his core was agonizing. He held his breath as Takumi said, "Akaike-kun... nobody other than Gii has ever cared about me more than you. You are the only one who suffered more from what had happened. I should be glad and thankful for having someone who really cares about my well being. I'm forever in debt and will never be able to repay you ever. I still love him. You are more than a friend to me but you will never be Gii... Akaike-kun... I don't want to give you false hope. I do need you and I don't know what will happen if I lost you too..."
"Takumi...I understand. Yes...I will never be Gii. This is my way of loving you by staying by your side; by keeping you safe and sound. I'll offer my shoulder for you to cry on. Always remember you can lean on me when you feel tired and lost your way. Never ever think that you are alone. I am yours Takumi..." Akaike spoke his affection tenderly.
"I don't want to hurt you..." Takumi burst into tears.
"Shhh...shhhh...hush now... I did not ask you to forget Gii. I did not asked you to love me back...I only confessed to let you know that I'm always by your side whenever you need me...You are not alone Takumi... always remember that," Akaike further breathing his devotion into Takumi's ears while rubbing his back up and down.
Takumi body trembled owing to the sobbing and Akaike continued comforting the injured soul in his embrace. Takumi cries and sobs slashing his heart deeply. Unrequited love he had for Takumi was harsh but sacrificing for the one he love was his way of showing his devotion.
As Takumi composed his fragile heart, Akaike assisted him to his ward and stayed for awhile until Takumi fall asleep. Pecked a kiss on Takumi's forehead, Akaike leaved the ward and stroll along the pathway to the garden. He needed to cool his heart and his head.
The fallen white and pink petals were strewn all over the ground and some of the petals were flown by the wind. A few have landed on his head and shoulders. He ambled without any destination inkling in his mind. He saw a vacant wooden bench on the right side of the pathway under a blooming pink cherry tree.
He sat down and shook his head to shake away the petals which fall on his head and shoulder. Raking through his hair, he exhaled a heavy sigh. He looked like a defeated handsome knight in shining armour: forlorn and dejected. After a while his lips moved to take shape into a narrow smile. Maybe despite a bit desolate for his love being rejected, he felt relieved, his love one has rejuvenated miraculously.
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Deemed to be a match made in heaven, the love ties never meant to be broken, as the other recovering with the thought the one he loved died tragically, the other was far from awakening. His soul was still trapped in his comatose state but trying his best to find his way. The Saki family was moving heaven and earth to pull him back to his glorious life.
"In the dark, cold snowflakes descended all over his body. His whole body was numb. He could not move. The entire body paralysed. Not a single muscle twitched. Panic! Where am I? Laying out in the snow alone in the dark and helpless; listening to the wind howling eerily. He could not feel anything. He felt overwhelmed and scared at the same time. Heartbeats were thumping in his chest. His eyes... No sensation at all. Not a single tear. Oh my God. What had happened to me? Me? Who am I? The most dreaded above all... He did not know his own identity. This is alarming... Terror washed over him."
Beep...beep...beep... the ECG – the electrocardiogram was beeping alarmingly. Gii's heart beat rose uncontrollably causing ruckus among the medical expert watching over him. He did not move even a muscle but his heart beat increase. This was dangerous. A seizure sure will damage his brain and with his condition, it might be irreparable. They did all they could within their power to maintain Gii's fragile health at the moment.
His scull's fractures continued recovering and the swell had reduced. The size of his head returned to its original shape. The bruises all over his face had gone too. His fractured leg need more time to heal. Mr. Saki had given stern order never ever called his son Gii again. A new identity was created and to be prepared for Gii when he gained his conscious. Saki Giichi was dead. Saki Ryuchii is his new identity. Whenever any conversation took place only Ryuchii or Ryu could be used. Even Mrs Saki went along with her husband and was forced to change the way calling her beloved son.
How Mr Saki able to persuade his spirited wife was still a mystery. Maybe she was too afraid of losing her son made her went along with the whole plan. Maybe she might already argue but Mr Saki was known for his ruthless and brilliant strategy in business sure had his own secret to make his wife obeyed him.
Mrs Saki spent many hours speaking and whispering hope and endearment to her son's ears daily. She only left her son's bed when she was unable to hold her sadness and tears. Tried her best to be calm and strong in front of her son really took her energy and strength away. Her body weight was also plummeting. She lost her usual radiance. Mrs Saki Naomi's state was really sorry to look at.
From afar, Mr Saki was eyeing his wife wearily. His only son was bedridden and his life was hanging on a single thread and now his wife too. His hatred for Takumi mounted. He promised, he would never allow Takumi to ever cross his path with his family again. Not now. Not ever.
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How was it? What is Mr. Saki's next hidden agenda? Is Gii going to recovering soon? What about the relationship between Takumi and Akaike? If you want to know, please do drop your comment. I'll keep on writing if you are interested to read it.
To those who willing to read my story, please leave a comment that will improve myself. Thanks in advance. I'll continue to the next chapter if I get at least 4 comments.
Hontoni... Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu Minina...