Chapter 12

Mion's throat went dry, for getting a call from Akio was the last person she expected, even if it was no surprise the guy just did not give up. Every time she spoke with him, he had that gentle nature that eased anyone, even Mion.

But she wasn't going to let it happen anymore. The way he acted at the dump; how violent and pushy he was. It was clear that Akio was far from perfect.

"Akio?" Mion said questionably, although she wasn't pleased to hear his voice. Not only was it awkward, but it was beginning to make Mion feel uneasy. However, the girl gave a grim face, keeping it together. "What are you calling for?"

"Mion," Akio said faintly in a way that sounded like he was about to cry, "I can't bear to go another day knowing we are no longer together."

Mion looked in different directions to make sure that nobody was around to hear the conversation, and then she placed her hand on the phone. "Akio, it's been fun, but it wasn't real. You don't really like me, I know that for a fact."

"But that's far from true." Akio paused, and when he knew that Mion wasn't going to hang up just yet, he continued. "I really do like you."

"But only because I'm the next lead of the Sonozaki family," Mion said, almost in a whisper. Akio sounded certain, but the girl was not letting it get to her. She heard everything her friends knew, and Akio was not what he claimed to be.

"Mion, that did get my attention, but after spending time together I realized how much I really do like you for you."

It was hard for Mion to hear, because it was almost certain, but deep down she knew it was all an act. It hurt to know that those fun times with Akio was all just a plan to get what he wanted, and that was a lead in the Sonozaki family.

Mion wasn't weak, and she wasn't going to let this guy get to her. She was not going to share her responsibilities with him, and she most certainly wasn't going to date him. Not ever again. "I'm sorry, Akio. But it's over. I have nothing else to say. I'll see you in school tomorrow." And with that, she hung up.

The girl didn't even stop to think how the boy would have reacted on his side of the line. She didn't stop to imagine what violent tantrums he would throw, and how he would take it out on the people around him.

Mion left the phone, and began to prepare dinner for her family. Although she lost a lot, she also felt strong and relieved. She would no longer hold Akio's hand, and because of that, she felt free from him.

And even if Akio did continue to badger the girl about dating her, or even helping her in the Sonozaki family, she would do anything to keep him from doing so. Even if she had to cut ties with him, completely.

Mion didn't fear much at all during dinner. In fact, she enjoyed herself with her family, as well as Shion, who had come over for dinner. Before dinner started, Mion remembered to tell Shion not to

mention Akio, so her family wouldn't worry.

"As long as you have it under control," Shion said.

"Oh yeah, no worries!" Moon said full of sincerity.

After dinner, Shion went home, and Mion took a bath, and got ready for bed. After she had her pajamas on and went to say good night to her grandmother, the phone rang yet again.

The girl grew cautious as she eyed the phone hesitantly. It couldn't be Akio again, could it? She thought. Mion slowly stepped up to it and reached her hand down to pick it up. Then she put it up to her ear and paused before answering. "Sonozaki residence."

"Mion, it's Keiichi."

"Kei-Chan? Hey, whats up?" It was definitely unexpected to be getting a phone call from Keiichi, especially at that time of day, but Mion couldn't help but feel happy, and relieved.

After Keiichi explained to her that Rika was still concerned about Akio, Mion said she would look into the people that were working for Akio, and concluded that she would take care of things.

Keiichi believed her, and if she wasn't afraid, neither was he. "Make sure you tell Rika-Chan that," he said.

"Don't worry," Mion said, "I know she was right about Ms. Takano, and I believe that she has every right to be worried, but I don't think Akio would attempt murder."

"Hah, yeah, it's not likely for that to happen a second time. She's just being cautious." Keiichi knew deep down that was true, even if he did have nightmares of Mion facing a bloody death.

There was a pause as Mion fidgeted in her own bed after taking the phone to her room. She felt a bit off about the silence, so she tried to think of something to say quickly. Something that had nothing to do with Akio, because she didn't want to think about that guy at that moment, or any other moment for that matter.

"Mion," Keiichi said in a mature voice, sounding like he was ready to change the subject. That got the girl puzzled, and she listened quietly. "Ms. Chie said there's a project coming up. We have to pick something in Hinamizawa and do a presentation. We pick partners."

Mion laughed. "I already knew that, Kei-chan. I'm the class leader, after all."

Keiichi laughed awkwardly. "Oh yeah, that's true. Wanna be partners?"

Mion went silent. Something about that offer made her heart race, and she couldn't help but feel positively anxious. "Yeah! You're gonna need the best in town to help you get a good grade on a topic like that."

"Hah!" Keiichi knew she was kidding around, she was right. He had only been living there for a few months, so he didn't know half as much as Mion did about the town. "Alright, so when she announces, we tell her we wanna work together."

"So, you don't want anyone else to be your partner?" Mion teased. "You sure you want it to be this old man?"

Keiichi smiled on his end. "You bet!"

"You promise?" Mion had faith in Keiichi, but being a girl, she was feeling a bit cautious. Boys changed their minds about things all the time, and Keiichi was a typical boy.

"Promise."

Keiichi had no idea how important it was to keep that promise. Before class the next morning, the boy was dragged to the side of the school building where nobody could see. His heart was pounding so he felt it was going to burst from his chest. It wasn't like he was afraid, though, but he was still apprehensive at the sight of Akio giving him a cold stare.

Keiichi eyed him suspiciously, waiting for him to talk. It felt like five minutes had passed, and Keiichi was starting to lose his patience. "What do you want?" he asked. He usually got along with everyone, but Akio was an exception.

Akio crossed his arms as a warm breeze hit his face. "It's about the project," he started, "I don't want you to partner up with Mion."

Keiichi's throat went dry and his eyes widened in shock as he dropped his school bag to the ground. He could feel this blood pumping through his veins. How did he know that? He wondered. The thought of Akio eavesdropping on their phone call last night sent him chills. "Why?" he asked slowly.

"It's just best if you don't. Or I'll mess with your friends."

Keiichi bit his lip after hearing those words. For a while, Akio had been posing as a gentle, kind boy, but now he was being up front with threats and bullying. It wasn't a good sign. "Look, I don't—"

"And don't tell the teacher. I have people who are professionals. I can do something."

Keiichi noticed now that Akio was just inches away from him with his finger at his chest. Keiichi knew that he was up to no good, but he never imagined being threatened like that. The school bell rang, and it was time for class. Akio left Keiichi to his thoughts.

Their teacher did not bring up the project until after lunch, and that made Keiichi's stomach go in knots. He remembered the conversation he had with Ms. Chie before class, asking her if he could do the project on his own. He didn't need to explain why, but that it was very important that a new local like him to get the feel of things alone. He didn't mention anything about Akio or his threat, which made the plan go in a steady motion. The plan to keep everyone safe.

"Maebara," she said, "I can't wait to see what you come up with."

Mion's heart sank, realizing what the teacher meant, and she slowly turned to the boy, who was staring down at his desk, embarrassed.

"Everyone else, get with your chosen partners.."

Mion didn't hear the rest and bit her lip, not knowing how to react. She knew now that her plan to work with Keiichi on the project was a failure. She tried to not make it obvious, especially for setting a good example as club leader for her friends, that it upset her.

Still, the girl was not going to let it go, and approached the situation when the students began to work on their projects, by confronting Keiichi. She immediately stood from her desk and stepped up to the boy. She did her best to not be aggressive about it, so she waited for him to look at her.

When he did, Keiichi could see the look of distraught in his friend's eyes. He didn't react until Mion asked him what was going on. The boy sighed before explaining the same excuse he gave their teacher. "So, I thought you could work on it with Rena. You two know this village like twins."

No, Mion thought, Rena is not my twin, Shion is. What logic is? She hid her feelings, refusing to express what was on her mind, and forced a smile. And what about the promise? You promised we would be partners! It was everything to not say out loud; not as the club leader.

Keiichi seemed obvious, which was what Mion wanted, but waited for her to reply. It was the least he could do.

"Of course," the girl said, "You go ahead and do the project on your own. And I'll pair up with..Rena." She could barely finish her sentence without hiding the shaking voice by swallowing up her tears. It wouldn't do her any good to break down and cry, at least in public.

Keiichi stared at her, now aware that she was upset. The boy, however, didn't say a word, and couldn't even if he wanted to. He watched as his friend turned to leave the classroom without a breath.

"Mii-Chan?" That came from concerned Rena, who was forced to stay in her seat by Mion, who told her that she was okay. Rena could take the hint that she wanted to be left alone.

Keiichi was staring down at his desk once again, refusing to get the disgusted looks from his peers. He knew that Rena would be the first to confront him, but after waiting not even a moment, nobody, not even Rena, said a word to him. He couldn't feel anyone staring at him, except for one person.

Akio was at the corner of Keiichi's eyes, smirking at him like he had accomplished his even scheme. Keiichi felt defeated, and even worse, guilty. He promised his friend that they would work together on this project, and he deceived her.

Keiichi could imagine Mion curled up in the corner of the restroom crying her eyes out. She would be crying over the fact that he had hurt her. Then, he thought about how strong Mion was, and how clever his friends were. It didn't matter if Akio threatened to harm any of them. Somehow they would find a way out of it.

All the fuss of feeling overpowered by that new transfer student just wasn't worth hurting anybody, especially Mion. He groaned loudly, getting his friends' attention, and instantly stood from his desk, and dashed out of the room. "Mion, wait!"

Hanyuu was the first to notice that something was definitely up, but she chose to not make it obvious. She, along with the others, watched the boy leave. Their bond is important, she thought, it's what will make things right.

Akio didn't seem pleased by Keiichi's actions, because he was sure that he had decided to betray him.

Keiichi didn't think to stop, as he continued to call for his friend, telling her to come back. It wasn't a very big building, so he was sure he would catch up with Mion soon.

The girl didn't even make it to the bathroom before she heard Keiichi calling her name. It was a surprise to her, but she felt a little relieved. She turned around, and slowly made her way back, searching for her friend.

Keiichi ran as fast as a rabbit running from danger, and made a turn to the left in the hall. There, he found Mion standing in place, waiting for him. He immediately threw his arms around her, and began to apologize over and over.

Mion felt her cheeks turning red, but she didn't make a move, and let the boy continue.

"I'm sorry, we can be partners, I was stupid! I'm sorry!"

Mion felt warm in his arms, and slowly embraced him back, as Keiichi shed a few tears in guilt. She knew that he felt bad, and she knew whatever it was he had planned, was made for a good reason. So, she forgave him.

What the girl didn't know was that Akio was hiding close by, watching the two in anger. She didn't know that it was him who made Keiichi act this way, and she didn't know that he had a lot more up his sleeve.

Only one person knew. The smallest one of the group, standing close by behind Akio, watching in despair. She could see everything that was about to unfold.