"There we go!" He patted me on the back, "Was that so hard?" He had no idea. For some reason, I felt relieved, yet also like a thousand ton was dropped on me. Tomo began to play with his cat, lifting its paws, waving them around. "Hear that? She gets to stay!" The cat didn't look fazed.
I butted in, "For a little bit only."
"Of course," He got up, "I meant to say that." I began to feel uncomfortable. What now? I was alone in a boy's house...Alone...Oh, God! I covered my cheeks, refusing to look at Tomo. This was a mistake! Surely, I can take it back! Tell him that I changed my mind and need to go home. There is no way I can stay in a boy's home alone. He could do something to me. He noticed my unease, raising an eyebrow. He leaned in dangerously close, "Afraid I might do something?"
I gulped. This is it. Hara, you are crazy. Why did you say yes? This is the end of your innocence. Funny, huh? Losing it in death where you didn't do anything when you were alive. I felt his breath on my face, making me cringe. I wanted to push him away, but my body refused to move. He began to laugh.
"That's no fun," He couldn't stop laughing, looking at me through joyful tears. "I won't do anything."
"Don't play with my emotions!" I puffed my cheeks.
He finally calmed down, "You were the one who thought of it." Tomo began to look around, noticing his very empty house. His cat scratched at the door, signaling to wanting out. Then he had an idea. "How about we go out?" The idea made me shake. Outside? The last thing I wanted to do was leave his house. I wanted to just stay put, hoping that time would fly by. "I mean, there isn't much to do here. I can't really afford a new TV."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's fine. I don't blame you. I needed a new one anyway. However, to make up for it. You have to go out with me." He opened the door, welcoming the sun light. I got off his couch, standing beside him, looking out. If only I could feel the warmth on my skin. You couldn't tell there was a storm last night. People were already out and about. I didn't want to join them.
I groaned, "Do I have to?"
"Come on, it will do us some good and hopefully, it'll take some things off your mind." It could help me...I wanted to forget so badly. However, Mother must know that I am missing by now. What if she finds me? I can't go outside.
I shrunk away from the door, "What if..." I didn't want to finish my sentence.
"Afraid they will find you?" He knew what I meant. I was shocked but nodded in response. He scratched his head, "That is a problem." He then rushed to his room. It took him a minute, but he returned with a black hoodie. I tilted my head in confusion. What was he going to do with that? He held it out to me.
I had no idea what he was doing. "What?" I asked.
"Put it on." He shoved it into my hands, "Wear the hood and it'll cover up your face. They won't recognize you." This was already set up to fail. Then again, what if it did work? I looked down at my messy dress. Frowning, I knew I was going to look ridiculous. I was never one for fashion, but a dirty Ouran uniform just called out 'Look at me!'. I wanted to say something, but he already read my mind. "Your dress is a mess."
"Yeah..." I spoke. He went back to his room, coming back with baggy gray sweat pants.
"Not the girlish thing, but it should help." I want thankful, not caring that they were boy clothes. I took them from him, then realized I needed a place to change. He just stood there, staring at me. I glanced away, not knowing what to say. I didn't want to be rude, but I was not about to change in front of him.
I gulped, "I need to change."
"I know."
I froze, "Can you leave...Or can I change elsewhere?"
"Nervous?" He leaned in once more, making my breath catch in my throat. I hated him being so close. I didn't know what to do. His eyes...I couldn't look away. He seemed satisfied, pulling away. "Kidding, I'll wait outside for you." He stepped out. I finally let my breath go. He really needs to stop with that... I changed, feeling better I was no longer in that grimy dress. I folded it, placing it on the floor by the wall. I'll clean it later. His clothes were very loose on me, almost falling off. I must look ridiculous. I had no other choice though. I went outside, seeing Tomo leaning against the wall, next to the door. I didn't notice before, but he changed into white sweat pants and a heavy white coat.
"Thank you." I said, "For the clothes."
He took the lead, looking over his shoulder. "It's nothing."
The streets were bustling with people, despite the winter air. I stuck close to Tomo's side, not wanting to be seen by anyone. I noticed some classmates, but they didn't even try to figure out who I was. Which was perfect. Tomo looked completely natural, his white hair shining from the bright wintertime light. Me on the other hand, I held on to my hood like if I was to let go, everyone would know it was me.
"Are you hungry?" He asked.
My answer of course, "No, I'm fine."
"You sure? You need some meat on those bones."
This made me stop in disbelief. He thought I needed to gain weight. This wasn't something that unsettled me, but the opposite. Always being told I needed to lose weight by Mother and having him tell me that I needed to gain it. It was nice. I couldn't gain any now, but it was still pleasant to hear.
"I don't really get hungry." This was the truth. It bothered me at first, but now. I'm starting to not even notice.
He rolled his eyes, "women." I could only laugh, my spirits rising. He was right, going out was fun. We passed by the park. I didn't want to look at it. Last night…It was embarrassing. How could I let myself act like that? He must think I'm crazy. I bumped into him, he was observing the playground. Why? "Hey, you feeling better?"
"Huh?" He was really good at catching me off guard.
He turned around, trying to put his thoughts into words. "Last night, you almost…Why would you? I mean, I understand." He sighed, getting frustrated at himself. "Look, I know it must be hard. Having a family that isn't the best. However, that isn't a reason to try and kill yourself."
I hid my face, with a regretful smile. He was right. I know it was a dumb reason, yet I still did it. I jumped to my end. I stopped my flow of time. Then again, here I am. For motives unknown, I am still here for a purpose. I no longer want to look at the dark side of this, I wish to see the light like I did with Oten. I no longer wanted to drown in my despair.
"You're right," I gave him a grin. "I won't do it again." He questioned me for a second before finally believing my words. We went back on our way; this time my hands were not so tight around my hood.
"You know what sounds fun?" I said.
He glanced back, "What?"
"Ice skating." Hearing it coming out of my own mouth was shocking. Me? Ice skate? The girl who never does anything, wanting to go and do something fun. I didn't care. What did I have to lose? It always looked so interesting, seeing the girls with long delicate legs, glide effortlessly on the ice.
"You know what, that does sound fun." He checked his pockets. "I have just enough to rent us some skates." I couldn't help but smile widely.
We arrived at the frozen lake, a man was on the side. Renting out skates to people who didn't have their own pair. Tomo gave him the money, handing me mine. Looking at them made me gulp. What if I was to fall? Oh, who am I kidding? I will fall. Everyone does when they first start. I can't be like those girls in a day.
"Ready?" He asked, his skates already on. I just finished tying mine, giving him a nod. I was nervous, excited and worried all at once. I loved it. Feeling so many emotions at once. Tomo was on the ice, standing up perfect. He didn't even have to try keeping his balance. I put a single foot on the ice, instantly slipping. He began to laugh, making me feel embarrassed.
"It's my first time!" I cried.
"I know, I can tell." He smirked. I tried again, this time not falling immediately. I wobbled a bit but managed to stay up. Tomo clapped his hands, congratulating me standing still. "Doing great!"
"Yes!" I said in joy. This was fun! I moved forward, falling once more. I wasn't mad. It takes time. Like how it will take time for me to fully accept what happened to me. I think I can move forward. I stood up. Pushing onward will be hard at first. Tomo placed a hand on my shoulder. With some help, I know. He pushed me, watching as I glided over the ice without fail. Everything will turn out fine.
"Go, Hara!" I heard him disappear into the mountain of voices. I was okay though. I wasn't falling. I felt alive again. I had no worries. Everything that was making me afraid was no longer in my mind. My hood slipped off, my hair flying free into the wind. I closed my eyes, loving the feeling of…Being Alive.
Then suddenly, I bumped into someone. "You okay!" I fell onto my butt. Good thing I couldn't have felt that. Looking up, I saw Tamaki offering a hand. I froze. Is he here? I took his hand, not controlling my movements. I was speechless. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm-" I finally spoke, "Fine." He was wearing purple ear muffs, making his eyes pop. A heavy blue jacket with thick pants. I was still surprised that he was here of all places. I didn't know what to say or how to react.
He smiled, "You look like you are having fun." For some reason, I felt embarrassed.
"Thank you?" I said, not knowing the right answer.
"You like skating?"
I almost slipped, he caught me by my arm. "First time." I chuckled.
"I can tell." He laughed along. "At least, you are enjoying." I was. I didn't want it to end. I haven't felt like this in a long time. It was like a dream and now that he is here…Was I living in a fantasy? My eyes widened at my thought.
I distanced myself from him, "Sorry." I'm stupid! I feel like a child!
"It's okay, it takes practice." He showed his perfect smile. Making me catch my breath. Then I noticed Kyoya in the background, watching us closely. It made me feel even more anxious.
Tomo appeared behind me, he said, "Sorry it took a minute to find you." He then saw Tamaki. His playful mood disappeared. Crossing his arms, he wore a scowl. "Hey."
"Hello," Tamaki didn't seem fazed. "Hara, is this your friend?" I questioned the word. Looking back at him, studying his defensive behavior. Was he…My friend? He was nothing but a bully to me at school, making me feel terrible. He wouldn't stop messing with my emotions, he enjoyed my struggles. However, last night, he chased after me. Stopped me from doing something stupid. Proving to him I was dead. He offered his home to me. Understood how I felt about my family when I thought no one could. He changed completely towards me.
I turn my attention to Tamaki again, "yes, he's my friend." I said proudly. Tomo couldn't help smiling.
"That's good, my name is Tamaki." He raised a hand. Tomo didn't shake it.
"Name's Tomo." He was playing cool guy again. Like when he first met me. He turned around, not looking back. "I'll be at the house when you are ready to come back." He said, skating off. I felt bad. He didn't want to stay…I guess; he didn't want to ruin his image.
Tamaki asked, "Not the most social guy is he?"
"Sometimes." Should I go back with him? He was letting me stay in his house and he didn't get to skate that long either.
I heard a voice appear behind him, "Tamaki! We lost you!" Honey came out from behind him. His hair was a mess and his big brown eyes were shining. He wore a puffy red jacket with matching gloves. He then saw me, "Hara!"
"Hello." I shyly replied.
He skated around me, "How are you?" I couldn't keep my focus on him. It was amazing how good he was at this. How long has he been doing this?
"Great." I smiled. Takashi appeared beside Tamaki, looking as casual as ever. If they were here, then where are the twins? My answer came up with them crashing into one another in the background. I laughed, making everyone look back.
Tamaki chuckled, "they're still learning."
"Are you okay?" Honey called. They raised their thumbs, signaling they were fine. Takashi appeared next to them, helping them out of the snow. Everyone was so lively, it made me want to smile wider. Honey went to them as well, leaving Tamaki and me alone. Watching his smooth purple eyes watch his friends made me blush. Why am I feeling this way? Being distracted by him made me forget there were other people around us. A young girl pumped into me, making me land right on Tamaki. We both went down onto the ice.
I gasped, "I'm sorry!" I tried to get up, but I wasn't use to the slick surface, making my attempt a sad one. He only laughed, helping me up.
"You must be more careful." He smiled. I was captivated by it, losing my words. Then suddenly, Haruhi skated towards us, he looked concerned.
He spoke, "Are you two okay?" For some reason, my chest grew heavy. The urge to return to Tomo's side become known in my mind. I'm being silly! There is nothing that should be making me feel this way. I must be tired from yesterdays events.
"We are fine, she is still learning." He said, "having fun, Hara?"
I nodded quickly, "Yes." I couldn't tell anymore. When Haruhi showed his face, I've felt...Unwanted. What was it about him that made me think this? He hasn't done anything to me, but show me kindness. I would think that I was falling ill, but with me being in this state, I knew that was impossible.
"That's good!" Haruhi smiled. I stared at him, wanting to find the answer to why I was like this. Was his skin always so smooth? White and plump. His eyelashes were long and dark, making his already large brown eyes look even bigger. His brown hair looked soft like silk. I caught myself staring for quite some time. They didn't notice however, they were in a deep conversation with one another.
"Hey Hara, would you like to spend the day with us?" Tamaki asked. Before I knew it, the whole gang was behind them.
Hikaru smirked, "it'll be fun."
"We can have some hot chocolate too," Karou said. Out of the Host's, I saw that Kyoya was not present. I didn't put much thought into it as Honey tugged on my hand.
"Please, come with us."
Everyone waited for my answer, all the eyes making me nervous. I knew I should return back to Tomo, but at the same time, I wanted to go with them. I pushed all my thoughts into the back of my head. It was about time I did something I wanted and what I wanted was to be with them.
"I would love to." A huge smile appeared.
