To all the readers who noticed the change of summary:
I realized that my summary didn't give much of my story away so I changed it. It's essentially the same so there shouldn't be any problem. Same sad, dramatic plot.
I'm also editing the grammar and spelling. Hopefully, I won't miss a beat. But if I do, please point it out, so I can address it.
EDITED: 4/4/2018
Summary: Love was not part of the plan. Eriol was not supposed to meet Tomoyo. Faith was cruel. Destiny was a bitch. No one can save them from a heartbreak except perhaps, each other. It would take a lifetime before Eriol is free to sweep his angel of her feet. They'll be together even if God doesn't want them to be.
Chapter 3: Alone
June 2014. Sanno Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
I'm currently sitting at the waiting room, trying not to doze off. I was waiting for my cousin, Nakuru, to finish with her treatment. This was the down side of only living with her and our cat.
Today, Nakuru decided that it was smart to climb on a tree or maybe it was my cat, Spinel. Either way, a mess has just been created and I am left to do damaged control. Spinel and Nakuru like playing. Well, I think Nakuru likes playing. Spinel just wants peace. He suddenly got this bright idea to hide in one of the trees near my room's window. Nakuru being well herself, naturally found him. She decided that it was smart to go get him. I think Spinel thought/hoped Nakuru would think otherwise since he perched himself on a very unstable branch. I guess, my cousin is a bit of an energy bomb to be dejected by such antics. The cat had more brain cells than my cousin.
I was in the music room, thankfully not playing an instrument just writing notes, when I heard her shout and a cat meowing. Of course, Spinel came out unharmed. Nakuru, well not so much. Hence, me being in the waiting room.
I'm incredibly bored. I was surprised to see a familiar head among the crowd. As if getting caught watching her was bad enough, I have to see her in the hospital. I think, I should start counting the times I've met her on less than normal circumstances.
"Hiiragizawa-san, stalking me again, I see."
She chuckled softly.
"Daidouji-san, nice to see you here."
She gave a soft laugh. She looked paler today. I didn't notice the first few times we've met but her eyes looked extremely tired. Dull and grey, the Amethyst shine to it is lost in sadness.
She moved to sit beside me. I turned to face her just as she asked, "What are you doing here?"
I smirked or maybe I grinned. I was trying hard to act cool.
"Interested? Careful now, I might just think you were the one who was stalking me. Not the other way around."
She raised an eyebrow at me, as if daring me to believe what I'm saying.
"Don't flatter yourself too much. You might just end up with a bloated head. I was merely asking a friend out of genuine curiosity."
Before I could further ask her about the friend comment, I heard my name being cried out. I knew the voice anywhere.
"Eriol-kun!"
I smiled at Tomoyo. "Here's my explanation now, Daidouji-san."
Nakuru was sitting on a wheelchair with a nurse pushing it. I noticed Tomoyo was looking at her too. I wonder what she's thinking.
"Nakuru, do you really have to shout?"
She shook her head at me. She was smiling. She seems alright to me.
"What did the doctor say?"
Before she could open her mouth, the nurse answered for her. I'm grateful she did, because the explanation would be lost in her hyperness.
"Everything is ok, Mr. Hiiragizawa. Ms. Akizuki was fortunate enough not to have hit her head or fallen too high. She has, however broken her right arm and sprained her right foot. However, she can definitely go home today."
I sighed. "You couldn't have kept her for one day?"
I wanted to laugh at what I said. I slipped. My house deserved a bit of peace. My peace is when Nakuru decides to attend to her café and that's not everyday.
Someone nudged me from thoughts. I looked over to the wheelchair imprisoned Nakuru to find it was not her. She was laughing at me, though. I looked at Tomoyo, she was grinning as well.
"I don't think that's a very nice thing to say to a lady, Hiiragizawa-san."
By then, the nurse had already excused herself. I turned to my "friend" about to open my mouth when Nakuru beat me to it.
"You're so pretty, are you Eriol-kun's girlfriend?"
She laughed at the thought, I'm guessing. Nakuru is 25 years old and still doesn't act her age. I wonder if she knows what that number meant.
"I don't think I am. You see, I'm not Eriol's type. Both face and gender. Thank you for the compliment."
I was nodding in agreement when it hit me. She just insulted my gender. Nakuru was laughing at me as well.
"Way to gang up on me. Besides, you're not my type, Daidouji-san."
She smirked. "Keep telling yourself that, Hiiragizawa, it just might come true."
By the look in her eyes, I'm guessing she's referring to our previous stalking problem.
"I like you! You make, Eriol-kun look stupid."
Nakuru was on her side, no surprise there. She opened her mouth as if to feign shock and said,
"Isn't he?"
I glared at them. I was standing right here, in front of them. The glare only lasted a few moments, because I was fighting a smile from surfacing.
"I'm still here, you know."
Tomoyo turned her pretty little head in my direction and said, "I know. Does it look like we care?" She laughed in my face and I find myself laughing along with them. I appreciated that her eyes were bouncing with happiness. She looked like some of her worry has been taken from her, I'm glad for that.
"Daidouji-san, the woman with a broken brai- I mean arm is my cousin, Nakuru Akizuki. She supposed to be my sitter but as you can see, it's clearly the other way around."
She smiled a small one. Her eyes wondered. I didn't look to follow her gaze, deeming it rude.
"Eriol-kun, I'll just go with the nurse, ok? Fix my discharge stuff. It was nice meeting you, Daidouji-san."
Nakuru was already leaving with the nurse, again. She needed to get her final prescription and refused my help. I was left with Tomoyo. I followed her gaze. I found that she was staring at room filled with bustling doctors. One of the nurses inside came running out to our direction. She stopped in front of Tomoyo.
"Daidouji-san, you are needed by the doctor. Please follow me."
The patient inside the room was being rolled out and Tomoyo was closely behind him or her. I didn't bother to ask her what's wrong or to let her know I was still standing there. I was more preoccupied by the fact that I might have found another piece to the puzzle, that is Daidouji Tomoyo.
I wanted to ask her if she was alright but I guess that wouldn't be my place. I nodded at her in farewell. She looked lost and apologetic for leaving me alone. I gave her a small encouraging smile, hoping to tell her that it was fine. I didn't need an explanation from her. She can tell me when she's ready.
June 2014, Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan. Night
The next few days passed by with me trying to overcome my writer's block. Each time I close my eyes at the melody, I see her dull eyes. I always wonder what is it about her that makes me so attached to her. Maybe she's my muse? Most artist have those.
I've seen her around, but most of our exchanges are mere hellos. She looked out of it, like a weight is on her shoulders. She looked busy now. I don't even see her hanging out with other people, always alone. I found myself itching to talk to her, each time I see her, but circumstances don't allow that.
When I'm not thinking about her, I focus on the band and school work. Our band practices takes a lot of stress out of me, but today, I felt different, tired. My writer's block was killing me. I decided to walk around, before boarding the train. I came across the same building that I first saw Tomoyo. Out of the blue, I wondered inside. I heard the same melody and the same voice. This time I knew it was hers.
I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because you know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with
I contemplated whether or not to go see her. I guess, my stupidity won because my foot came walking to the open studio. I knew she was mesmerizing as a performer but it never quite left my mind how her words seem to hold a lot of truth.
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid
Tomoyo Daidouji is one of those quiet beauties. You don't know what she has in store for you when you look at her. I found that amazing in every way. I heard the music fade away. I didn't want to be awkward again so decided to break the silence.
"Daidouji-san, is everything ok?"
I let my gaze linger on her. She was a mess. The music stopped but she was kneeling on the floor. She looked like a fallen angel again. I made my way towards her, my steps echoing in the room. Her tears were silent, but to me they were loud. She didn't need me, but I am magnetized to her.
"Hiiragizawa-san, you're making a habit of this, aren't you?"
Sometimes I wonder, why she retorts sarcastically. I guess it's her way of protecting her emotions. I handed her my handkerchief, choosing to not comment on her words. I would move to hug her, but I fear it's not in my place to do so.
"Here, take it."
She quietly took it. After wiping her face, I held out my hand to help her stand. She smiled softly.
"Thank you."
I decided to chalk it up to her moving performance but I wanted to ask her so many questions about her current predicament. I couldn't though. I chose to not say anything. Who am I to her anyway? I'm essentially a nobody, but I could change that.
She broke the silence. "Did you know that when you love someone you'll do anything and everything for the person you love?"
"Yes, I know."
I gave her a smile. I knew what love was and what it was capable of doing. I wondered why she asked though, but before I could question it, she asked me another.
"Do you think that sacrificing your happiness and your dreams for the person you love is right?"
"No, never." I responded honestly.
She looked me straight in my eyes. I never left her gaze and held it. Her eyes were daring me to answer why. I shook my head, trying to tell her that the reasons are obvious.
"When you love someone, you find your happiness with them, even if it means more pain. Love is hard work, but it is not right to sacrifice yourself at the expense of love, it has to be mutual. I don't think I can live with knowing, someone is holding back, just for me. If you can do both, why not both. If that would make you happy."
She laughed softly yet sadly. She understood me.
"That's what she said, but I wish he knew that."
I didn't bother to ask further. My face spelled confusion, enough but she didn't comment further. I decided to just drop it and focus on her.
"Thank you for answering my ridiculousness, Hiiragizawa-san."
"Do you want to get something to drink? The vending machine is stocked."
She nodded. We walked outside of the building to the vending machine on the side. We sat on one of the benches in front of the parking lot.
"Hey, did you go there to stalk me again?"
She will never forget how I spied on her. I swear.
"No, I just heard noises after band practice. It was weird shrieking sound so I thought I checked it out" I teased her.
She giggled slightly.
"I hope my singing isn't the cause of your discomfort, Mr. Big-ass Rock star."
I chuckled at the thought.
"At least, I didn't sound like a dying cat."
She playfully slapped me in the face, giving me a mock evil eye.
"I have you know that my voice is perfectly fine. I have you to prove it. Aren't you the one who keeps coming onto me?" She told me.
"Last time I checked, each one was a complete coincidence." I responded immediately.
I raised my arms to emphasize my innocence, producing a giggle from my companion.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a black car pull over in front of the building. A man with black hair was looking around frantically. I paid it no heed. It was probably some guy looking for a student or teacher who needs to get picked up.
"So how did you do with the brutal Calc test?"
I heard her ask me.
"It was ok. I was able to answer everything so I'm good."
I shrugged. I saw her eyes widen and gasped.
"Whoah, really? You're not only a Big-ass Rock star but also a Kick-ass Math Nerd?"
I raised my eyebrows at her, feigning insult.
"I don't know whether to take that as a complement or an insult, seriously."
She laughed. She looks calmer now, which is good. I hope it stays longer though.
"I had a hard time; I didn't have time to study much."
"Oh? Is that you hinting on a study date?"
She giggled innocently then she suddenly looked serious.
"Is that you insinuating that I want a date with you?"
You can never win with this one. Always a cheeky reply after another.
"I can tutor you if you want? We can meet in the cafe in front of the school tomorrow after both our classes."
She looked at me then laughed.
"Who wants a date with whom now?"
Never win. I chuckled.
Suddenly our conversation was cut short by a man's voice.
"Tomoyo, where have you been?"
I saw the man with black hair standing right in front of us. He gave me a slight scowl and gave Tomoyo a look. We immediately stood up.
"Dad, you're here. I thought you couldn't pick me up."
She said quietly. I barely heard her.
"If you had checked your phone, you would have known a long time ago that I've been looking for you. Your uncle has been wringing my neck all day."
I notice how her eyes flash at the sentence. Fear mix with sadness.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Dad"
I heard her Dad sigh.
"It's ok. It doesn't matter. Your mom wants to see you, Tomoyo, so we better hurry."
I heard her nod then she turned to me.
"Hiiragizawa-san, Thank you for accompanying me. I'll just talk to you tomorrow."
"No problem. See you."
We exchanged a curt nod. Her dad approached us slowly. I heard him whisper.
"Thank you."
They left.
I wasn't sure if the gratefulness was meant for me or Tomoyo. It was weird. I hope I could talk to her again, soon.
Her dad doesn't look mean and nasty though. They both shared a look of sorrow. From what I know, Tomoyo still has her family intact but why does it feel like she's alone.
It was wrong for a girl like her to have so much sorrow in her life. She never did anything wrong. Whatever was going on, she doesn't deserve what she's feeling. I could tell as much.
Talking to her made a melody pop in my head and words were flowing. It wasn't forced so the words and melody were catching grip. I sat a little longer on the bench, deciding to take the last train out of the campus if needed. Even if the song has taken roots on me, I didn't want the melody to disappear.
I can confirm that Tomoyo Daidouji is my muse, my fallen angel. It doesn't take a genius for me to figure out that she's slowly wrapping herself around me and I am completely drawn to her.