A/N: Hey, I finished within a month this time! I had originally planned on posting earlier but I had to visit my baby cousin (he's so cute!). Hehe, sorry. But I got it done! Anyways, hope you all enjoy one the last few chapters of the pre-manga arc~.
Even if I sold all of my belongings (not my body you pervert) I would not have enough money to own OHSHC.
I shuffle along, holding the charm laced on my bag with a white-knuckled grip. I rub my nose with my other hand occasionally and sniffle, the only physical giveaways besides my red and swollen eyes that I've been crying. The rest of school was quite plainly, hell. Everyone started whispering as I walked by, making me cringe in embarrassment and shame.
Do you think it has something to do with the Hitachiin Brothers?
Of course you idiot, who else would it be!
She's just desperate for attention, look what happened a couple days ago with her friend Yui.
I bet that she confessed to them and they rejected her, the desperate idiot.
She probably deserved whatever she got.
Oikanawa stands next to the limo dutifully, awaiting my arrival patiently with the unruffled look on his face that he so often holds up in public. My heart wrenches in my chest at the comforting sight and I go as quickly as I deemed unsuspicious and threw myself into the vehicle. I catch sight of my chauffeur's expression morphing into one of surprise and worry in the corner of my eye but the door shuts smoothly before I can study it. Someone cares, thank God. Someone cares. He begins to drive the limo smoothly and I merely curl into my seat, trying desperately to contain my sniffles. Oikanawa remains blissfully silent, waiting for me to broach the subject.
"I-I…. they d-don-don't want to be my fri-f-friend," I voice finally, the resulting sound raw and harsh in my own ears.
"Who might 'they' be, Akari-sama?" he questions innocently and I stare at the back of his head silently. How does he not know? Hasn't he been paying attention at all? I've only ever had real problems with Hikaru-san and Kaoru-san. I take a deep breath as soon as the line of thought is produced and crush it ruthlessly. It isn't his job to listen me wail about my middle school problems. Don't freak out, he just wants to help.
"Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin." My response was icy and immediately, Oikanawa's eyes fly to my face in the rearview mirror.
"I'm sorry, Akari-sama, I didn't mean to be so neglectful of what was upsetting you." His apology makes me feel satisfied and at the same time disgusted. Do I even deserve that apology? Most likely not, but it felt so good to have someone that is willing to hang onto your every word.
"It's….fine. I'm just up-upset." A sniffle interrupts my reply and I wipe my nose again.
"Understandably so…" The way his voice sounded made me look at the back of his head, desperately wishing to know what he really thinks.
"Can you just take me to Mother." The order was unmistakable in my voice despite it being phrased as a question and he doesn't even waste breath voicing an affirmative.
I walk through the sliding doors that lead into the hospital's reception room, not even bothering to wave to Higurashi. I start to turn down the hallway that will eventually lead to my mother but a hand on my shoulder stops me. I jump sharply and turn around, my eyes wide in surprise. I let out a breath once I realize that it's just Higurashi. "Yes?" I question somewhat unkindly, a blush sprouting upon my cheeks once I realize what I sound like. Self-important and snobby. "Sorry," I immediately apologize. "It's just been a rough day for me and I just want to visit my mother."
The kind man smiles at me empathetically. "Everyone has those kinds of days. But Akari-sama, I'm afraid that you can't visit your mother today."
My defenses come up in record time and my expression twists along with my unpleasant emotions. "Why….why not?!" I demand in disbelief. Not once, never have they restricted visitor access to me once she stabilized. Anger starts to course through me along with worry. They have no right! I just want to see my own mother!
The receptionist raises his hands defensively and responds, "The doctors said that she's starting to destabilize physically. Nothing major, she just can't keep food down for long, so they're restricting visitor access until she stabilizes again to make sure that she doesn't catch any bugs." My whole body seems to deflate and the anger leaves me, only leaving consuming worry.
"I see." The statement sounds dead even to my ears and Higurashi puts his hand on my shoulder comfortingly.
"Hey, hey, there's no need to worry yourself over it, Akari-sama. I'm sure that she's just got a touch of the flu that's going around and she'll be better by the end of next week. We just want to make sure that she stays healthy." I know that. That doesn't mean that disappointment doesn't fill me. I rub my forehead forlornly.
"Just let me know when she gets better."
"Of course Akari-sama, we always call your father whenever a change in her condition occurs."
The assurance makes me look back at the hallway. A niggling sense of doubt tugs at my mind but I smile at the receptionist anyways, though I can tell that it looks fake. "Thanks for the help," I mutter in parting, turning around smoothly and walking back out the doors.
I look up at the floor that houses my mother, longing filling me. I'll find out next week whether or not you're better. Goodbye, Mother.
For every heart that cries, there is a heart that finds true love. For every dream that is reborn, there is a dream that dies. For every day or rain, there is a day filled with sun. For every hour of joy, there is an hour of pain. For every tear to cry, there is a smile upon a face. For every fond hello to say, there is a sad goodbye.
-Anonymous
"NIECE!" my flamboyant kin cheers as soon as I walk in, wrapping me in a hug and picking me up slightly. A chuckle leaves me despite my horrendous mood and I push away from Brathair-mathar playfully.
"Let me go!" I order somewhat feebly due to my oxygen deprived state, taking a deep breath once I feel my feet make contact with the floor. My small smile slips off of my lips and I inform Brathair-mathar, somewhat proudly, "I apologized to the Hitachiin Brothers." The other emotions that come with that statement are shoved ruthlessly to the back of my head. Or, they are tried to, at least.
A wide smile spreads across my kin's face and he puts his hands on his shoulders. "Good!" he congratulates. "Good! That is very good! Are they going to be coming over again soon so that you can finish your project together? I can't wait to mess with them some more!"
My eyes avoid his cheerful visage and I mutter awkwardly, "Uh, I don't k-know… t-they uh… they kind of d-didn't accept my apolo-apology." Comprehension dawns in his blue eyes and he pulls me into a comforting hug. I return it fiercely and bury head in his shoulder. Brathair-mathar has always been there for me. Thank you, Brathair-mathar. I never really said that. Thank you, for being the family that I don't always have.
"Now, now, lass," he croons, patting me on the head. He pulls away from me and puts his hand under my chin, forcing me to look him the eyes. "I need you to understand something for me," he instructs me and I nod obediently. "Those two lads are just hurting and screaming for someone to help them, whether they know it or not. Now, whether or not that person is you is up to you but I don't want you to take whatever they said to heart. You are a brilliant young lass; don't doubt that for a second. Chin up now, I can't have that smile gone from my sight for too long."
I manage a weak grin and he returns it with a warm smile. "That's my tough lassie. I know that it hurts for them to push you away, but you can't let it affect you for too long. No one is worth so many of you tears. Now," he claps his hands together loudly and straightens up. "I believe this call for comfort food. KOTONE, WE NEED YOU TO GET US SOME ICE CREAM ON THE DOUBLE!"
The petite maid sticks her head from around the corner at the end of the hall. "What kind would you prefer, Roger-sama?" she questions meekly, smiling at Brathair-mathar's antics.
"Neapolitan! We need to have some of every basic flavor~!" Brathair-mathar cheers.
"Not allowed!" We all freeze and see my old chef, waving a spoon at us, or more specifically, Brathair-mathar. "How many times have I told you not to teach Akari-sama your bad habits?! You'll spoil her dinner with sweets!"
My uncle straightens up and puts a charming smile on his face. "Hisoka, it's so good to see you today! You're looking beautiful as ever!" he greets, grabbing her hand and bending down to kiss it.
Hisoka cracks him on the head with her spoon in response.
He yelps and retreats, putting a hand to his aching head. "So mean!" he whines.
"That charm you have works on other girls, but not me! Now, you will be waiting until dinner to get food." With that final order, the steely cook strides back to her domain.
"I've got some candy stashed under in my desk."
"Now that's my lass."
I scurry to retrieve the sweet delicacies as Brathair-mathar promises to meet me in the library. I giggle under my breath as I pull the bag quietly out from under my bed. I walk out of my room and stumble back in shock. I look up and see my brother glaring at me viciously. "Why don't you watch where you're going for once?" he snaps, his mouth curling down in that unattractive sneer.
"It isn't my fault!" I screech back defensively.
He snorts. "Just like it isn't your fault that your stupid twin friends hate you now."
"What the hell does that have to do with anything?! That isn't your business anyways!" My face turns red with anger and embarrassment.
"I do live here, idiot. It was hard not to hear your lover's dispute."
"God, that's disgusting! I'm not even friends with them!"
"Yeah, you made sure of that." I clench my jaw and look away from my smug sibling, blinking away the tears that always spring up. "Aw, you're going to cry so that Uncle Roger will come and save you?" My expression twists along with his petty words.
"What is your problem with me, Hideki?! I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Mother's sick, and guess who the last one to visit her was? You! Why is it that Mother always gets worse whenever you're around!?" My breath hitches with sobs at his accusations.
"You're blaming me for this! This isn't my fault!" My voice reaches a new octave and Brother just glowers at me, his stance tense like a dog ready to attack.
"Well, whose fault is it then, Akari?! How is it not your fault, you're the one who got Mother hurt in the first place!" It isn't mine! It isn't!
"How dare yo-."
"What is going on here?!" Father thunders, glaring at the both of us. I wipe my face with my sleeve, staring at the ground sullenly and I'm sure that Brother is doing the same. "I will not have my family acting in such a disgraceful manner! Hideki, don't yell at your sister, this is not her fault! Akari, stop crying and screaming at your brother! Both of you should be ashamed! Is this how you uphold the Oita name? By fighting like children? I'll treat you like children then, both of you are in your rooms for the night!"
I look up as Hideki steps forward, starting, "Father, we-."
"Now, Hideki, Akari!" We all stare at each other and I break it first, bolting to my room and slamming the door shut behind me before locking it. Jarring sobs rip through me and I wrap my arms around my knees.
Oh, you can't hear me cry
See my dreams all die
From where you're standing
On your own.
It's so quiet here
And I feel so cold
This house no longer
Feels like home.
~So Cold by Ben Cocks
"Aya-chan, don't you have something to say to Ri-chan?" I look away from the window I was staring out of and stared at the ridiculous sight developing in front of me. Kiyumi-chan, in all her glory, with a stern and motherly look on her face, was practically marching Aya-chan towards me. Kiyumi-chan made that sound more like an order. Aya-chan looks down at her feet but doesn't say anything.
"D-did I do someth-something el-e-else wrong?" My voice was monotone and that makes Kiyumi-chan stare at Aya-chan sternly. I wouldn't have thought that Aya-chan would feel the need to tell me anything, not after she stormed out of the bathroom. Obviously, I was right in that assumption but Kiyumi-chan seems dead set on us speaking.
"Aya Totoya, I swear if you don't apologize in the next minute, God help you, I will-."
"Okay! Okay! Fine, I'll do it." My sturdier friend throws her hands up in defeat and looks at me, taking a deep breath like I often do. "I…. I'm sorry for yelling at you, Ri-chan. I was-I am jealous and I let that get the best of me. I'm sorry." She looks to our mature friend for approval and receives a nod.
I stare at her in slight surprise, satisfaction, and…. God, is that righteousness? I weakly smile at her and nod. "I-it's no prob-problem Aya-chan. I uh…." The words 'think that you were probably right' die on my lips. "I'm ha-happy that you a-aren't mad at me anymore." Yuhara-sensei walks in and class starts abruptly, sending all of the students back to their seats. I return my stare out of the window; I just… don't feel like listening to a lecture like usual. Is it bad that I still feel that I was in the right? That I deserved that apology? That maybe I should have even denied it because I was so far in the right.
The twins may have treated me better than most girls but that doesn't mean they treated me right. Doesn't everyone deserve to be treated right, even someone like me? Don't I deserve to be acknowledged? I don't even know anymore.
"Don't forget that the history project is due in a few days." The reminder of what caused this all only pulls a deep sigh from me.
(Hikaru P.O.V.)
Kaoru presses the buttons on our console smoothly, moving through the stage easily as I watch over his shoulder. Everyone keeps their distance from us, but their whispers still reach us. If you could call it whispering.
Did you hear about the Hitachiin's latest win?
Who was it this time?
That stupid stuttering girl… uh Akari! I don't know the details but I hear that they did something that made her start crying!
What a baby.
Wasn't that the girl that refused to play the game?
Yeah, said some bullshit about them not deserving to be treated that way, now look what they did to her.
I hear that she hates them now.
I hear that she got into a big bitch fight with her friends over it.
Pathetic.
My brother falters in the game and his character is killed. My eyes slide over to him and he meets mine. He may not be as talented at video games as I am but he usually isn't this bad. Something is up, and I have the oddest intuition that it has to do with that idiot we got stuck with. Kaoru shakes his head to tell me not to worry and turns back to the game.
"Why do you care?" I don't need to elaborate to my question to my twin, I never do. That's the best part of having a twin.
He seems to struggle with himself. "S-she just… I don't know. I wouldn't say that I care a lot. I just don't think that she… that she deserves to be talked about like that." I narrow my eyes in response and ponder over the idea. Maybe, but it shouldn't really bother him that much if he doesn't care a lot. He's deluding himself.
"You care. I don't know why but you do." We both lean against the wall, looking towards the ground and our expressions neutral.
"I try not to." The statement makes me grin, a cunning grin.
"Want me to help?"
His eyes slide to mine. "What do you have in mind Hikaru?"
I take the console and start on my character, a level ahead of Kaoru's. "We just need to help." A matching grin starts to turn up my twin's lips as he sees that I'm planning something. Let the fun begin.
(Akari P.O.V.)
I walk next to Kyoya-senpai, humming a nameless tune. "Is there a particular reason why you have sought me out today, Akari-san?" my older friend ponders, looking at me shrewdly.
"I can't just want to hang out with a friend?"
"You could." His tone was doubtful to say the least.
"…Okay, I want advice!" A small smirk tilts up his lips, as if to say 'that's what I thought'. "The twins didn't a-accept my apolo-apology. I, uh, I don't know what to do for the rest of the project."
"Just finish it." His simple tone tells me that he thinks I should have thought of that a long time ago.
"But I don't want to do anything for them!" I whine. I've officially decided that I don't want to do anything that reminds me of them. It's sad that I already miss them even if we weren't really friends, more of twisted acquaintances.
"Nevertheless, Akari-san, you got yourself stuck in an agreement and you should fulfill it, your own personal desires aside." Another whine pulls from me and my shoulders slump forward. "Look at it as more of a way to get rid of the Hitachiin's sooner if that helps," he adds for my benefit. I nod in agreement, it does. At least I won't have to deal with them over the weekend and hopefully Yui-chan will be back by then. Her parents insisted that she forgo technology in their trip so communication is nonexistent.
"Okay, thanks Kyoya-senpai," I spout. "Now I just want to hang out with a friend. How have you been doing?"
"Well enough, my classmates have been demanding my attention lately so I've been busy."
"You mean annoyed," I clarify as I stare at him boldly. "I don't know why you make it sound so nice so that it doesn't seem as rude, Kyoya-sempai, you don't need to veil everything around me."
"I could say the same to you." What is he talking about? He pushes up his glasses. "You have heard the rumors circulating about you, right? I know for a fact that you aren't the type that can just brush them off and pretending that they don't exist is childish." I finger the charm on my bag slowly.
"I know that they aren't true, so that helps. It hurts that people would think that about me but my friends have been protecting me."
"After one of them yelled at you in a fit of jealously."
"It's not that big of a deal, she got over it, okay! Why you just say what you want to say instead of dancing around it, Kyoya-sempai?!" I lash out. A squeak escapes me as Kyoya-sempai glances at me, his eyes hidden under the glare on his glasses. My sudden rage flees me and I pale in despair. "I-I-I'm so sor-sorry! I-I…I just uh….I'm so-."
"Apologizing again would be redundant, Akari-san, and pointless." My gaze darts around nervously as he lets the silence stretch out awkwardly. "You should defend yourself against the rumors instead of letting yourself be walked on like a simple door mat." Is that what he wanted to say from the beginning? What can I say to that? I'll try? No, I won't. We both know that.
"Thanks for being honest," I respond quietly.
He doesn't answer, instead changing the subject abruptly, "Your Mother is doing better."
I perk up at the words. "Will I be able to visit her soon?"
"No, she still hasn't broken the fever, it's just improved. If things continue as they have been going though, you should be able to visit her in a week."
"Thank you!" I blurt. An impulse grabs me and I reach forward and hug Kyoya-sempai briefly before immediately retreating. "Thank you so much!" I grin.
A resigned sigh leaves him, as if to say 'Why me?' and he responds, "You know how I feel about you hugging me."
I bite my lip in deliberation before tossing back, "I just couldn't help it, Kyoya-sempai; you're just so huggable." The sarcasm was dripping from my voice, making my older friend glance at me in amusement and annoyance.
"I have other things to attend to, Akari-san, I'll see you another time."
"Sounds good, Kyoya-sempai, maybe we can really hang out soon."
I walk to the limo, saying goodbye to my friends and waving. My hands tighten on the straps of my bag as I see the clusters of people, some eyeing me with pity, others with disgust.
"Hey, you have anyone else you want to throw yourself at?!" Laughs bubble up at the taunt along with a few noises of disapproval, and I just tense up, keeping my same pace. I didn't throw myself at anyone. Why do they always come up with the most twisted of rumors?
You should defend yourself.
I stop, glancing back at the group of people still laughing. They stare back at me in anticipation, some of them smirking. Maybe I should. I stare at them, contemplating slowly. Fear starts to creep up slowly and I grit my teeth. No, they aren't worth it. I turn back around and continue walking to my limo. Mocking laughter follows me. Don't they have anything better to do?
A hand grabs onto my wrist firmly and a familiar voice questions, "Hey, Akari, can I talk to you?" I turn around and look at one of the Hitachiin Brothers. I think that it's Kaoru-san; his voice has always had a higher tilt to it than Hikaru-san's.
I glance away and pull my wrist from his grasp. "D-do you nee-need something f-f-from me Kaor-Kaoru-san?" I question in return. Just let me go home. Please, just let me go home.
He awkwardly runs his hand through his mushroom hair-cut but his eyes remain locked on me, contemplatively almost. "I just wanted to…. I wanted to say sorry for what Hikaru and I said yesterday." I stare at him, my expression not changing. Why did either of you say it at all then?! Why….
"Is that all?" I just ask tonelessly. A frown tilts down his lips and I automatically tense up in return. Please don't get angry. Please.
"We…. We just aren't used to people sincerely wanting to be our friend, Akari. So we freaked and… pushed you away, harshly. I'm sorry. I just want to make it up to you."
Hope lights up in me and I meet his stare straight on for the first time since he started talking to me. "What abo-about Hikaru-san?"
"Ah…. He uh, he'll come around." I snort, despite myself and start to walk away. I can't deal with this right now. Kaoru-san reaches out desperately and grabs onto my shoulder. "Please Akari; just let me make it up to you. I just want to help you with the project! I'll leave you alone after that."
"You wouldn't go against your twin, Kaoru-san; this has to be some sort of joke."
"It isn't I swear! Hikaru and I…. don't agree on everything, we are our own person, Akari."
I respond immediately. "I know that, Kaoru-san. Just… do you re-re-really mean i-i-it?"
"I do! Hikaru thinks that I'm going to the library. Give me a chance," the Hitachiin pleads, his eyes searching my face. I look away, fighting with myself. He sounds sincere. But what about his brother? Hikaru-san surely hates me. Is it worth it? I bite my lip and look back at the kinder twin, giving me a chance and asking for one.
"B-be prepared fo-for my uncl-uncle to mess with yo-you." He grins at me widely.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."