CHAPTER 4: FRENZIED
Taichi never got a chance to accompany Chihaya to Shizuoka the following day. He had learnt from Arata that she spent the night at their house as it was already late for her to go back to Tokyo. He never picked up any of her calls, but from the looks of it, she was fuming mad at him for leaving her behind.
At least you'll be thinking of me for a while. He thought bitterly as he laid on his bed. It was only 7 in the morning. He wasn't able to sleep well last night too, as the thought of them being together after their confession made him want to go back to snatch her back. But if he did went back, what use would it be? He won't be able to change the fact that they've fallen in love for each other. These were the last thoughts that he had before he drifted again to sleep...
"Taichi! Otanjoubi Omedetou!" Chihaya greeted as he opened the door of his house.
"Chi-Chihaya! What are you doing here?" he asked, as he opened the door wider for his friend.
"I came to greet you, baka. You didn't go to school so I came here to give you your present!" she said, beaming at him while holding up a small package.
They were in Grade 5 then, and Chihaya, being her friend ever since they were in primary school, took up the liberty to go to his place by herself. Taichi called in sick that day due to an injury during soccer practice, so he wasn't able to celebrate it with his friends. His mom went overseas for work, and his sister was still at school, so there was no one in the house except for him.
"Ba-baka. You shouldn't just come as you please." he said half-heartedly as he closed the door. He looked at the small package in his hand and decided to open it for later.
"Woah! Sugoi-ne, Taichi! You have a new TV! Let's watch anime!" she piped, forgetting what she came her for.
"Tell me the truth, you just came here to watch TV didn't you?" he said as he sat down beside her in the couch of their living room. She laughed nervously.
"This TV is not working, I have one in my room."
"Eh?! Then let's go!" she quipped as she ran towards his room.
"Wa-Wait!" Taichi said as he half-ran, half-limped after her.
"Eeeew Taichi. Your room is so messy!" Chihaya shrieked as she entered the room. Books were strewn everywhere, as well as mangas, video games, some dirty clothes and junk food.
"Shut up! I was about to clean it before you came!" he snarled, as he proceeded to clean his room. Chihaya went to pick up some of his things when she chanced upon a Final Fantasy RPG game.
"Whoah! You even have the latest edition of this! Let's play Taichi!" she squealed in delight as she went plugged the cd to the player.
"Ha! I'm gonna beat your ass." he piped confidently. After about an hour, Chihaya dejectedly gave up.
"Auggggh. You're so good at this. Is there anything you couldn't do?" she complained. No matter what Taichi does, he always excelled.
"None. I'm the best in everything unlike you. Haha" he teased, flicking her forehead. She pouted.
"Awww! Hmph. You Airhead. Oh by the way, open your gift!" Chihaya suggested enthusiastically. He went to pick up the package that was sitting innocently in his bed, and as he stripped away its packaging, a pair soccer socks and a letter suddenly fell.
"What's this?" he asked as he opened the letter. It was a simple stationery with lots of messages of comfort from their classmates:
/Mashima, get well soon! We miss you!
Taichi-kun, Happy B-day! Hope you're here with us!
Woi, Mashima.
Don't make us worry! Get well soon!/
...and dozens of other messages. Taichi was very touched by the effort Chihaya made.
"A-Arigato Chihaya," he muttered, a blush creeping at his face.
"I'm glad you liked it." she responded as she beamed at him. It was then that he admitted how beautiful she really was. She wasn't like any of their other classmates who were so girly you can only look at them from afar. Chihaya was boyish and unpredictable, but she was very friendly too. And thoughtful...and kind...
"Chihaya," Taichi called her suddenly.
"Do you...do you...have anyone you like?" he asked, as he tried to fight off his embarrassment. He wasn't that interested, really. He just wanted to know...
"Like? What do you mean?" she asked back, dumbfounded. She likes so many things, eating chocolates, daddy bear, anime, her sister's clothes...
"As in someone you like! Someone you think about... or someone you admire..." he explained, as he fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Oh. I like you, I guess! You're good in everything! And you have a great place to watch anime!" she responded nonchalantly. He knew it.
Argh. You dense dimwit.
Taichi woke up from his dream. She was the last thing that plagues his mind before he goes to sleep, and the first thing that comes into mind upon waking up. It felt so unfair.
"Say, where's Mashima-senpai?" Sumire wondered loudly as Chihaya went to pick up another card. She was playing against Komano, while Chihaya and Nishida were playing against each other. Kanade was the one doing the reading while Tsukuba was practicing on his own.
Chihaya stiffened at the question. It's been 4 days since they went to Fukui. She was surprised and worried at the same time that Taichi left her suddenly for an emergency. He never picked up her calls. She tried calling his home but he wasn't always there. He told Nishida that he'll be studying for his exams, so he won't be practicing Karuta anytime soon, but he never said anything to her.
He's avoiding me. But why? Chihaya thought angrily. She couldn't come up with any reasons why her bestfriend would avoid her to such extent.
"Didn't he say that he'll be studying for his exams?" Chihaya said nonchalantly as she want back to her seat to arrange her formation. She was hoping that that was the only reason. But knowing him, she'll be the first one he'll talk to about it.
"Yea, but it's been 4 days since he last went here. He's brainy enough to breeze on all those tests anyway, so what's he studying for…?" Nikuman-kun supplied.
"Fu¬" Kana read-sang as Chihaya effortlessly swiped the Fu card on Nishida's lower right side.
I'll go talk to him today. Chihaya resolved.
"Mashima… He's not going to Toudai. I think." Komano quipped as he sent a card towards Sumire.
"What?!" The news broke everyone's reverie and they turned to looked at Komano who was looking intently at his cards.
"Tsukue-kun, what made you say that? I thought he was going to enrol in Toudai?!" Nishida asked, surprised.
"I thought so too, but when I asked him if he would like to go together during the exams, he said he's not going." Komano responded as he sent a long shot card to Sumire.
"Why?" Chihaya asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"He didn't say exactly, he said he was still thinking about it." he responded.
"Maybe he's going to Kendai, wasn't that his option too?" Nishida wondered aloud.
"Yeah, maybe. We could ask Kaichou once he comes back." Kana-chan said as she picked up another card.
"Ask me what?" The clubroom door opened to reveal Taichi with his school bag and some plastic bag filled with food.
"Ah, Taichi¬" Chihaya called out to him but he went in like he heard nothing. He removed his blouse to reveal a shirt underneath and sat opposite Tsukuba.
"Sorry I'm late. I'll play you Tsukuba if you want." he said curtly, as he arranged the remaining cards.
"Mashima-senpai, where are you going for college?" Tsukuba asked. All eyes were on them as they waited for his answer.
"Why do you ask?" he responded, still focused on arranging and memorizing the position of his cards.
"Aren't you going to Toudai?" Nishida piped in. It took him awhile before he answered.
"No." he responded. He wanted to postpone breaking the news to them, but it seemed like he had no other choice...
"Then, where¬?" Kana-chan asked. He sighed deeply.
"I'm…going to a university in London," he said calmly, his eyes still focused on the cards on his field. Gasps of surprise filled the room. No one spoke until Chihaya asked him,
"Are...are you serious...Taichi?" she asked disbelievingly, her focus now ruined.
"Yea. My mom was assigned there, so she wanted us to continue our studies there as well." he answered, still not looking at them.
"Can we talk about this later? I came here to practice." he requested, plastering a fake smile on his face. Kana-chan and the rest nodded reluctantly. Chihaya was the only one who didn't move.
College in London...but... She thought, confused.
"But...Karuta...you won't able to play anymore!" she cried, as the thought finally crossed her mind.
"It's...only until I finish. I guess. It's no big deal." he said nonchalantly.
"You promised to help me out in the club when we graduate!" she replied accusingly. She was standing up now.
It was obvious that she was upset, but was she upset because he won't be able to help her in the club or is it because HE was leaving?
Don't get your hopes up. He thought numbly. It was still about Karuta. Karuta and Arata.
"Look, I did no such thing. You were the only one who suggested it without asking me. So can we play now?" he retorted irritably. He didn't want to pick up a fight, but he wasn't in the mood to chat with Chihaya either.
"What's the matter with you? You left me in Fukui last Saturday, you don't pick up any of my calls and now you're suddenly telling us you're gonna be leaving for Lebanon!" she snapped angrily at him.
"It's London, Ayase" Komano interjected as everybody in the room sweatdropped at their Captain. Taichi sighed.
"Chihaya, do you still have time to worry about me when you're about to face the Queen next week? Take this seriously, will you?" he said sternly, holding his gaze steady at her. It was true, the match was only a matter of days now, and she needs all the concentration she can get for her game.
"B-but." she stuttered.
"Kana-chan, let's begin." Taichi said, ignoring Chihaya's rebuttal. Kanade reluctantly began reading, and it was only after about 45 minutes before they finally called it a day.
"Taichi, gomen ne" Chihaya muttered softly as they walked home. They were headed towards the Dojo for practice sessions with Harada-sensei, and though he was reluctant, she insisted on him coming with her.
"For what, Chihaya?" he asked.
"I don't know. But you're upset with me, right? I don't know why, but please stop avoiding me." she pleaded sadly at him. He sighed for the hundredth time that day. He couldn't stay mad for long at his friend. Not when she's like this.
"Sorry.." he simply said, easing up on her. He knew that after this she'd probably find ways to twist his heart again.
I really am a masochist. He thought bitterly.
"Are you really leaving?" she asked after a while.
"Yes." There was no point denying it.
"What about Karuta?" she demanded.
Ah, that. He thought.
"I don't know." He responded honestly. Though he heard there were Karuta societies outside of Japan, he doesn't really know if London has them. And he'd be busy with his studies and settling down.
"Can't you stay?" she asked, as she stopped walking. She couldn't see her face, as it was concealed by her long bangs. He knew she was about to cry.
You have Arata, dammit. Don't act like it's the end of the world. He wanted to say. The way she's acting right now looks as if he was breaking up with her. He understands her somewhat. He was always there ever since they were kids. They were parted in middle school, but they always see each other from time to time. He was always there. Like air. He was the air to her as the she was the sun for him. She probably doesn't realize that though.
He reached out to pinch her cheek.
"Chihaya. Do your best, okay?" he said, as he went ahead of her. He should avoid getting close to her like this from now on. Lest he wants his heart broken a thousand times over.
It was a cold morning in January, but unlike all Januarys of the past, this year's is special. Wataya Arata, Harada Hidehiro, and Ayase Chihaya, the three people close to Mashima Taichi's heart, will be competing for the highest title ever given in Competitive Karuta: The Meijin and Queen Match. Though this was not the first time Chihaya faced Shinobu in a match, it was the first time she'll be facing her as a challenger to the title. This will be the second time Arata will be in the Meijin match, and though he wanted Harada-sensei to win, the odds aren't exactly in his favor. They heard a week ago that he was admitted to the hospital due to extreme leg pains. It was only due to his insistence that he was able to appear in the match today.
True enough, a few hours that day, Harada-sensei lost his first match with Arata in the Meijin match. He was already having difficulty with his breathing that the medical team had to insist that the break be extended for him to be able to rest adequately. Chihaya, on the other hand, lost her first match with a 5-card difference. It was her best performance with Shinobu so far, because the last time they played she lost more than 20 cards. She needs to win the second match if she wants to advance in the next round. They were given a 30-minute break, and Taichi, remembering he bought chocolates for her went to her dressing room only to find her with Arata.
"Do your best, Chihaya." he heard him say.
"Uhm, You too Arata." she replied, too soft for him to hear. He was about to leave when curiosity got the best of him. He turned to look at his two friends through the small opening in the door and he wasn't prepared for what he saw. Arata had his arms around Chihaya while hers rested on his chest. And it wasn't the embrace that broke all hell's loose. It was the fact that they were kissing. The sight blurred Taichi's vision and before he knew it, he came barging into the room, his fist connecting with Arata's face.
"You bastard!" Taichi screeched. Arata was too surprised to retaliate, and Taichi was too angry to stop.
"Taichi! Stop!" Chihaya pleaded as she gripped Taichi's arm. His hand was fisted on the taller boy's hakama.
"What's the matter with you?!" Arata managed to say, with the corner of his lip bleeding due to his punch.
"You're a traitor!" he bellowed, as he tried to land another punch which Arata somehow managed to block.
"Why? Was she yours? I told you, didn't I? I said I was gonna fight for her!" Arata shouted backed heatedly. Chihaya managed to come in between them.
"Stop this, you idiots!" she screeched, worry etched into her face.
"You¬" Taichi threatened, he tried to land another punch, but with Chihaya meddling in the center it was difficult to get closer.
"You're a coward Taichi. If this is all you can resort to, at least have the decency to respect my match. Let's continue this outside after." he said coldly. He grabbed Chihaya by the arm and left a fuming Taichi behind.
When was the last time that I drank? Taichi thought as he downed his first bottle of alcohol. It wasn't the first time he'll be drinking some booze, but it was the first time he'll be boozing off because of a girl. He didn't stay for the match. He left Omi Jingu as soon as they went back. He told no one about their encounter, and he sauntered off aimlessly through town until he settled on the park near the Omi Jingu Shrine the moment he knew that the place would now have been empty.
He had enough of playing the good guy. He'd been there for her all his life and though he knew, HE KNEW, that she loved Arata because of Karuta, he did his best to advance and support her because somehow, he never gave up on her. It was all in vain, and though he knew that too, it still hurt.
His phone had been ringing the entire time, with his teammates taking turns in calling his phone. He managed to get some news about the match by reading their text messages. Arata won the second match, finally making him the Meijin. It was a surprise how he managed to stay calm after their encounter. If it weren't for the fact that he stole the woman of his dreams, he would've been happy for him.
Chihaya's match on the other hand was a tough fight. She won the second match in a luck of draw. And the Queen almost won the 3rd match if it hadn't been Chihaya's favorite card on the field. She finally got hold of her dream. She's this year's Queen.
Even with the things that happened earlier, he was still happy for her. It was part of his dream too, to see her succeed in the sport most of the world sees as irrelevant, to see the world recognizing her friend's hard work, to see her in her defining moment.
At least I'll have something to remember by when I go to London. He thought miserably, emptying his second bottle. He was downing on his 4th when he received another call. He answered it on the fourth ring.
"What?" he slurred, getting tipsier by the moment.
"Taichi! Where are you? We've been searching for you for hours!" Chihaya demanded.
"Park. Near Omi Jingu. If you'll come alone." he teased, sounding like a criminal with lewd intentions.
"Go home! It's already 1am you ass!" she scolded.
"Don't wanna" he retorted curtly.
"I'll come get you, wait for me!" she said hurriedly as the line went dead.
Chihaya arrived huffing in a hakama after 15 minutes. Taichi was expecting that she'd come with Arata but it was only her in sight.
"Taichi?" Chihaya's voice popped up as he downed his 6th bottle. The last gulp made his head spin, making it hard for him to see Chihaya's face.
"Why the hell are you drinking?! We're not supposed to drink yet!" Chihaya flustered as she took the remaining bottles out of Taichi's grasp.
"What are you doing? Give me that back!" he snapped, as he tried to get the bottle from her. He stood up, only to wobble because of the alcohol.
"No. Not until you tell me what's going on." She said dismissively as she held it out of his grasp. He sat down as his head was turning to spin badly.
"Chihaya. Was he your first kiss?" Taichi asked after his head stopped spinning, his mouth gaining momentum more than his brain.
"Why are you asking such an embarrassing question you baka!?" she retorted, looking at him as he stared at her intently.
"I'm serious. Was he?" he pestered. He already had his, but that was because his ex-girlfriend stole it from him. It was a weird feeling, but somewhere deep inside he wondered how it would feel if it was Chihaya kissing him.
"The…That's none of your business! Moron! Let's just go back!" she scolded indignantly as she pulled him up.
"I'm a better kisser you know. Bet that douche didn't give it much of a try," he smiled devilishly as he pulled her arm, causing her to fall forward to his chest.
"What are you¬" Her sentence was cut short when his warm lips assaulted hers. His hands went to both sides of her face, effectively sealing her mouth deeper in his. He tasted of alcohol and mint, and his cologne smelled like the ocean breeze. Chihaya tried to break free by pushing him but his other arm automatically wrapped around her lower back to cut their distance. Confused, Chihaya snapped her eyes shut as tears began to form in her eyes.
Why is this happening? Chihaya thought, as she succumbs to Taichi's overwhelming strength.
His tongue is wrestling with hers, and with their body enclosed in an embrace, though it felt so wrong, the intoxicating heat made her weak. She had no choice but to respond with all the strength that she has, and unknowingly, her hands stopped struggling to rest on his chest. Taichi, sensing Chihaya's loss of struggle deepened it further by wrapping both his arms around her, leaving Chihaya with no choice but to wrap her arms around his shoulders. They stayed like that for what seemed like eternity until they both had to catch their breath.
Chihaya, flushed and huffing gave Taichi a resounding slap.
"What the hell was that, Mashima?!" she demanded, pushing him. Taichi wasn't looking at Chihaya, having realized that he actually kissed Chihaya… an experience he thought he'd only have in his dreams.
"Answer me, moron!" Chihaya was crying now, and though he felt elated, he felt kind of guilty that he took it without permission from her.
"Chihaya, I…" Taichi reached out, but Chihaya slapped his hand away and took another step away from him.
"I'm sorry… I didn't know what I was thinking. I…Chihaya" He felt his eyes welling up now, why, why, why, why, did he have to make her angry now that he's about to leave her?
"I'm sorry. Please forget about this." He said, not looking at her. He took the empty bottles of beer and walked out from the park, leaving a crying and flustered Chihaya behind.
A/N: This chapter was reaaaaaaaaaally hard to write. Glad I got through it though. Aaaah! Just one more chapter before the 8-year arc! Thanks for the wonderful reviews LauraNeatO, cygopa, and eman! =) And yah, I forgot that I did a one year skip so Taichi should be 18 by now. Got confused there, thanks for the correction =) I get confused with the tenses sometimes too, I'll be careful with it next time. Please review! Thank you so much! =)