The words were stuck in my throat. Like I had the biggest knot known to man, and it refused to go down. Was I to trust her? Yes, I've known her for awhile, but as long as I would like to know her...No, I was running out of time...I did get to choose the exact people I wanted to know about me. Then again, I never wanted to tell anyone. However, something inside me is telling my heart to tell her. That it would be okay. Then there was the chance that she wouldn't believe me at all. A tiny bit, I wanted that to be the outcome. At least I tried to tell someone, even if they didn't believe me.
"What is it?" She asked.
The sun was suffocating. The light was harder to see than a second ago. I could no longer breathe in the fresh air as I had to make a decision. Her hand in mine was becoming uncomfortable. Oten by my side was becoming nerve wrecking. I can trust her. I need to trust her if I am to tell her my ultimate secret. I looked back out into the scenery. Desperately, wanting to feel that peace once more. Why was my throat so dry? Was I really that nervous? I glanced at her, her eyes practically gleaming back at me.
I looked away, "You know, you may not believe this but I have to tell somebody. I think I can trust you...You've shown me nothing but kindness and you are my friend." She started to look concerned. "It all started right here-" She placed a finger on my lips.
"It's okay, you don't have to tell me yet." She smiled. My body was shaking, my grip on her was breaking and you could tell I was about to fall over. She was as calm as can be, giving a smile that could save even the damned. I wanted to just fall apart and break but she wouldn't let me. Oten wasn't about to let me cry. My body wanted to collapse to my knees, but her hand held me up. Tears threaten to escape as something unnatural to me happened.
I hugged her tightly.
Her tiny frame in my arms. I wanted to squeeze the life out of her, thinking it would bring me back. It wouldn't however. No matter how much comfort she showered me with, it wouldn't change anything. No matter how many tears I shed, how many people I told or even if I was to pray to whatever being was there. I was to remain dead forever. There was nothing I could do to reverse what I've done. There was nothing she could do either. She pulled away, laughing. "You are taking my breath away, silly."
"I'm sorry!" I backed away, surprised at myself. Hugging was not in my nature but yet, it felt so...Normal? I could feel the faint feeling of her still in my arms. It was nice. "But..." My voice was so small. I'm surprised if she could hear it at all.
"Hara, I'm being serious." She had a stern face. "We might not have known each other for long but I want you to know that I consider you as a best friend. I don't have a lot...Friends that is. But, with you. I feel like I've known you for quite some time. I can tell you feel lost right now... However, I don't want you to tell me anything you might regret." It was like she could see into my mind. I was worried to tell her but yet, I felt like I needed to tell her. To have someone there who understood what I went through. Of what I had done to myself. I've never seen her face serious before. It didn't leave me nervous but relieved, it showed she cared.
I felt tears start to swell, "Thank you..." She grabbed both of my hands. "Thank you so much..." It was decided, I had to tell her. I owed it to Oten. I told myself I would believe in others and here was an opportunity. Oten was my friend. Her best friend. I never knew how happy hearing that would make me feel. I was crying from the comfort she was giving me. I loved it. Every damn tear that dropped. Who knew, that me, would be thankful for tears. The water works that always seemed to appear at the wrong time. It showed weakness. It showed I was not strong. But, right now it showed that I was thankful to have her with me.
"How about we go back to class?" She smiled, wiping my tears away. Her hand was soft.
I looked into her eyes with confidence, "Oten, I have to tell you. I know I won't regret it. You are my best friend too! I've never had one before... I wasn't the most social girl. That is something I do regret. Letting myself stay shut in. Even when others tried to get close, I wouldn't let them. If it wasn't for me-...I...Probably, wouldn't have let you get close either." She stayed silent, soaking up every word. "Oten, every moment that we have been together, I've felt nothing but happiness. I want you to know that what I am about to tell you is true. I would never lie to you. I swear by it."
"Hara..."
"Oten, Right here. This very spot on December 3rd, I killed-" The door to the roof slammed open. Senpai stood there, his breath lost.
Oten looked concerned, "Teacher?" I noticed smoke rising from the school at the other end. What happened? I didn't notice it before since I was focusing on her.
"You kids need to get out of here and into the schoolyard immediately!" He rushed to the ladder that led down from the roof, "Come on!" We rushed over, getting down quickly. Once we were in front of the school, I got a good look at the fire. The lab was high in flames. What could have done that?! The yard was filled with the students. Everyone was accounted for. Teachers did their best to calm the rumors that were already circling through out the students. Oten stayed close to my side. Firefighters were trying to put out the fire. In the crowd I searched for Tamaki, I had to know that he was alright. I noticed his blonde hair, a sigh of relief escaped me. He was alright. The rest of the Host's were around him as well. Everyone was okay.
Something struck me with fear.
What? I glanced around and staring directly at me was Luka. Her lips were curled into a devilish grin. I knew something was wrong. Not just the sudden fire but her gaze. I managed to pull myself away from her trap like eyes. Oten grabbed my arm, squeezing it. She pointed me towards the principle and he was talking to some of the fire fighters. They handed him something small and it sent rage through him. Students looked at him, whispering to one another. He instantly began looking through the crowd.
She gulped, "Hara, we need to go." What did she mean? Oten tried to make me flee the scene, but I remained in place. It didn't seem right to run away, especially during this kind of thing. What if they thought we were caught in the fire.
I should have gone with her. I should have run far away.
"Figumitsu Hara, come with me immediately!" The principle appeared like a ghost. He stood there and pissed. Everyone around us was curious. They were feeding off the negative energy coming from him. I grew even paler than before. Instantly knowing this wasn't something good. Oten began to be on her guard, ready to defend me on a moments notice. I placed a hand on her small shoulder. I would be fine. There wasn't much he could do to me. I followed him as we walked away from the crowd. Oten was forced to stay behind.
He glared down at me, grinding his teeth. "Explain this." He snapped his hand out, holding my student ID. Why did he have that? I don't remember losing it. Then again, when was the last time I needed my ID? Students only use them when we go on trips and in the cafeteria. I don't eat and I never go on trips...Oh god, how long has it been gone?! My eyes were wide open as I looked back at him.
"Sir-"
He barked, making me shrink back. "Why in the hell was this found right by the fire? Why did you cause this! You parents will hear of this and you will pay!" He put my ID in his pocket. "The good ones are always the worst." He walked away, back to the fire fighters. I remained in place, trying to put this all together. I was completely confused. How did my ID end up right by the fire? I wasn't anywhere near the lab today or anytime this week? What is going on?!
"Why did he want to talk with you?" Tomo appeared beside me. What did he want? This day was getting worse and worse.
I bit my lip, already at my wit's end. "It is none of your concern." He merely shrugged his shoulders, pushing me kind of ruff. I staggered, regaining my footing. "What was that for!" My face was scrunched up. Anger was dangerously rising inside me.
"That face doesn't suit you." He smirked but not looking at me, "Whatever it was, you didn't do it."
"Huh?"
He sighed, "Look, I'm not the most 'perfect' person here but I know trouble when I see it. Whatever he is blaming you for, you didn't do it."
"You don't know me!" I burst, "What if I did start the fire?! You wouldn't know!" I wanted to be angry. This wasn't like me but yet, I wanted to scream. I didn't care as students stared. Why must I always have to face horrible things? Even after my death, I am forced to face hell! What was to become of me now? He thinks I started the fire and even worse...Mother. I tugged at my hair, tears spilling. "Don't you even try to understand anything about me." He never could. No one could! Tamaki, the Host's even Oten! No one knows the real me! I don't even know the real me!
I felt his hand gently touch the top of my head, "I don't have to understand for me to know that you are a good person." His voice was gentle. I felt all my anger deflate. Leaving the feeling of stupidity behind. How could I act like that? What was I thinking? I glanced around, seeing almost everyone's eyes on us. I covered my face, not wanting to be seen. He removed my hands, "Stop paying attention to everyone else, the only person that should matter is yourself." I was wide eyed. Never did I think that words like this could come from his mouth. Tomo, the high school delinquent, giving me advice. The boy who I never thought who would be nice to me was standing there, trying to make me feel better.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Oten ran up, pushing him away. He didn't seem to really care. "Are you alright, Hara?" She checked me over, making sure not a single thing was out of place.
Tomo gave me once last look, "See you later." He walked away, ignoring Oten's threats.
"Come back here you punk, I'll teach you a lesson." She screeched, waving her fist around. I watched as he faded away. I didn't want to admit it but...I was thankful for what he said to me. It was scary that I was getting so upset... I smiled at Oten. I was glad she cared about me so much. She noticed my tears, gasping. "Did he hurt you! I swear I will end him."
I quickly spoke up, "He didn't hurt me!" She puffed her cheeks, not completely buying it.
"Well, okay..." She sighed. "Anyway, what did he tell you? I can tell it wasn't good. Principle or not, I will talk to him!" I laughed, my tears long gone.
She was confused since she was being serious, "Thank you Oten, I don't know what I would do without you." I finally got her to crack a smile.
"Same here, Hara." She titled her head, "But what did he say?"
"My ID..." I breathed, "Was found by the fire and he thinks... I did it." The images of Mother popped into my head, wanting me to crawl into a ball in fear. What was she going to do? She didn't take the cutting incident so well. This time it is a fire, it would completely ruin her. She was not going to want to look at me. I didn't want to go home... "I didn't do it... I swear."
"You don't have to explain anything Hara, you are innocent! You would never do such a thing." Oten yelled. I nodded, trying not to show fear on my face. Mother was taking over my mind.
The loud voice of the principal rang out, silencing everyone. "Due to the unknown cause and the danger of this fire's damage, every student is free to return home. Your parents have been notified of the incident. We will give further instructions on when it will be safe to return to school." Everybody began to spread apart, going their own way. I wished school was still going...I was terrified to go home.
"Looks like we get to go home." Oten cheered, she wasn't one for school. "Hey, do you need a ride home? I can call my Mother to send the butler to come get us." I kept forgetting Oten was from a family with money. It was a kind offer but...No Mother would be even angrier. I know she would.
I shook my head, "No thank you, I'll walk to collect my thoughts." She looked worried.
"Okay...If you say so. Don't worry though, everything will be okay! I won't let him lay a finger on you." I wasn't worried about him. If anything, I would want Oten to protect me from Mother. No one could stop her though. Not even Father... "I'll see you soon okay." I waved her goodbye, walking away. My feet felt like lead. Every step was almost impossible to take. My hands were pulling at my hair, I didn't care that people gave me looks. I felt like a dark shadow was going to strangle me. I knew once I returned home...I would probably never leave...