A/N: I hope you all are ready for a chapter of emotions! Enjoy!

I don't own Kodocha or any of its contents.

Chapter 11: Red

Everything felt so heavy.

There was an ache that weighed his body down, made him feel groggy and disoriented. His head was pounding like no other as he slowly pushed himself up from his bed. Still faint and light headed, he allowed himself to sink back into his bed and groan.

Wait.

His bed?

Sitting up quickly, Hayama Akito felt a wave of nausea strike him hard. But, he ignored the spinning of his head as he noticed that he was back in his room.

But the last time he was conscious, the blond had been dragged by that stupid, idiotic girl that was yapping his ear off. Now, he was laying in his bed with a new set of clothes on him. Reaching for his head, he rubbed at the corner, trying to mend his headache.

"Ugh," he groaned, walking towards the door.

Groggily, he opened the door and took a look outside in the hall. It was deadly quiet in the house as it always was. There was no sign of life as he walked down the hallway towards and down the stairs. There was a light shining through the curtains, making it known that it was daytime.

What time in the day was it?

He wasn't sure.

He wasn't even sure how long he had slept. That fever that overtook his body and the chills that covered him left him feeling pretty weak. Obviously it was weak enough that he passed out in Kurata's arms.

She was not going to let him live that down, was she?

Pinching his nose, Akito felt the annoyance rise.

Why was it that lately all his thoughts came back to that stupid girl?

She gave him nothing but grief and caused him all sorts of trouble. This girl somehow wormed her way into his life and that was really irritating to him. Even though he made it perfectly clear that she wasn't welcomed, slowly she inched her way in, even if she didn't know it.

Oh, he would make sure she wasn't aware of it.

She would have a field day if she knew.

Akito didn't think to look at his phone for any missed texts or calls. He doubted that he had any, except maybe from Tsuyoshi or that annoying Fuka. When he got back upstairs to check his phone in labored breaths, he slumped into his bed.

When did his body get so weak, so tired?

When did he allow his body to become so vulnerable that a simple run led to a fever and chills?

The date on his phone left him sighing at the time that elapsed since he passed out. Only a day at most as it was later in the afternoon. The time on his phone let him know that school had already ended and the text messages that loitered his screen left him rolling his eyes.

Buka, Buka, Tsuyoshi, Tsuyoshi, Buka, Tsuyoshi, Tsuyoshi, Unkno-

Wait.

He arched a brow and ignored the other messages that he predicted would flood his phone. Tapping on the unknown number, the message popped up and his eyes went wide.

From: 015-256-8794

Yo! Hope you don't mind that I stole your number from Tsuyoshi's phone! Knowing you, you probably will. Oh well, you'll get over it. I think? Am I rambling? I think I am. Ara, you'll get over that too.

ANYWAY, how are ya feeling? I told Tsuyoshi and Fuka that you were sick, which is probably why you have a million messages right now. Sorry, not sorry about that. I left ya with your sister after I dragged you home? By the way, you're heavy, you know that?

I hope ya feel better soon, Lone Wolf! Sheesh! This was long!

OH! This is Sana by the way, but you probably already figured that out!

After reading the message several times, Hayama sighed deeply, rolling his eyes at the length.

Lone Wolf? What the hell was that?

He would hang Tsuyoshi later for letting her take his phone and letting her steal his number. Looking over the other messages that included nothing but worry from Tsuyoshi and Buka, his thoughts wondered back to the idiot that was Kurata Sana.

His fingers were already flying across the screen of the phone, ignoring the reply to the other messages on his phone. Akito knew he should probably send a quick message, letting his friends know he was fine that way they weren't tearing his door down later.

To: Kurata

Okay, 1. Yes, I do mind you stealing my number from Tsuyoshi. Are you some sort of stalker? 2. No, I'm not over it. 3. Yes, you are. Who knew you had such a big mouth over text too. And no, I won't. 4. Thank you for letting them know I was sick. Because I wanted my phone to be flooded with annoying texts. And that was sarcasm, if that tiny brain of yours didn't catch that. 5. I'm not heavy. You're just scrawny. 6. How do you think I feel idiot? 7. Yes, this was unnecessarily long text.

After sending the message, he replied quickly to Tsuyoshi and Buka with a short message letting them know he was fine and would be back at school tomorrow. Thank God Tsuyoshi had some sense and left him alone, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Fuka on the other hand…

From Buka:

You missed some stuff in class today. I can drop off the notes and go over the things you missed, if you want. Knowing you, you'll say no. But, I insist.

To: Buka

Don't bother. I'm coming back tomorrow.

From: Buka

Why won't you just let me do this for you?

To: Buka

Because I'm not dying. I'll get the notes tomorrow.

From: Buka

Ugh, alright. See you tomorrow.

Akito didn't bother replying and scratched the back of his head. Fuka pestered him like no other. She was pushy and often stuck her nose where it didn't belong. And that temper of hers was deadly as it was annoying. She didn't leave him alone, ever. He didn't understand why she kept coming back when he treated her the way he did.

He felt his phone vibrate again.

From: Kurata

Rude. 1. I am NOT a stalker. Mind you I was being a DECENT HUMAN BEING and making sure you were okay! But, remind me to not worry again! 2. Get over it. 3. That was uncalled for. 4. I'm not sorry. They are your friends and would have been worried sick all day. Besides, there was no way I would have kept it to myself that you were sick. I would have popped in a second. 5. You are too heavy! 6. SHEESH, I was just asking! No need to bite my head off. Down boy. 7. You're sure one to talk.

Did she just tell him to sit like a dog?

Oh hell, this stupid girl.

To: Kurata

1. I never asked you to worry about me. You did that all on your own, you idiot. 2. I call it as I see it. 3. You have a big mouth. Learn to shut it once in a while. 4. I'm a boy, of course I weigh more than you. 5. Do not refer to me as a dog. I am not a dog and if you do it again, I will make your life miserable. 6. Shut up.

Inside, Akito was heaving. She wanted to go and call him a damn dog? Who the hell did she think she was anyway? He was going to wring her next time he saw her. He inwardly growled. The phone in his hand vibrated once more.

From: Kurata

1. If I left you out there, who knows what would have happened to you? I simply couldn't live with myself! (Can you hear my sarcasm ;)) 2. You are such a jerk, you know that? And yes, I am very aware but I will NOT shut it! 3. I don't care! I still had to carry you! 4. Then don't bite my head off, duh? I'm not afraid of youuuuu!

Hayama could already hear her with her stupid face expressions and her nonsense babbling. He could picture her sitting in the desk in front of her, going on about something with that stupid smile of hers. The picture was so vivid, so clear cut. It was agitating how much of her he has seen and remembered because of the time they are forced to spend together.

To Kurata:

I would have been fine.

He wasn't going to bother replying to anything else. Why was he even entertaining her at this point? He should have ended this conversation long ago like he did with Tsuyoshi and Fuka.

From Kurata:

Uh huh. Admit it Hayama, I saved your ass out there. ;D

To Kurata:

You're annoying.

From Kurata:

Tell me something I don't know!

In that instance, it took everything in him to not hurl his phone at the wall. Damn her! Why was she so aggravating?! Kurata got under his skin. Did she mean to? Who the hell knew, but she was damn good at it.

It was his fault of course for humoring her with a conversation. If he just cut the conversation and replied with one worded answer since the beginning, this wouldn't have happened.

And as he stared at the screen of his phone, he couldn't even muster up a proper reply.

Instead, he tossed his phone on the other side of the bed and sighed for what seemed like the millionth time since he had woken up from his slumber.

Stupid girl.

-O-

The whole conversation was entertaining.

One, she was actually surprised he bothered replying. Especially with a text as long as it was. Sana had decided to steal his number from Tsuyoshi just to shoot him a quick text, making sure that he was okay.

So what if he was a jerk?

Underneath that rough exterior of his, there was definitely a heart that prevented him from being overly callous and completely heartless. He may act like it, but Sana felt like he was far more in tune with his emotions than he let on.

When he replied to her texts, she was completely shocked to see the length of the message. After reading through his response, she could only laugh at his response.

It was so Hayama that it hurt.

She could picture him sitting behind her in their English class, giving her that dark and broody glare and talking in his grumpy voice. He would try to scare her off with a sharp glare and scowl at her until she was supposed to be intimidated. But, his actions never phased.

Hayama had to know that. He was too smart not to know that.

Nonetheless, it warmed her heart knowing that there was some effort he put worth into this text conversation. Even if all he had been doing was insulting her. It was already one step better than the nonexistent relationship they had started with.

So yes, Hayama was a jerk.

But, he wasn't the worst person she had ever met.

No.

That title belonged to someone else.

She wouldn't label Hayama Akito with that title.

Sure, Hayama was a callous at times. And rude and completely inconsiderate. But, he wasn't the worst person she'd knew.

There was an ache in her chest, one that she thought she mastered in hiding. But, even the thought of… that made her shrink. Sana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

She could see her five-year-old self with tear streaks down her face, her eyes red from crying too much, and her eyes broken. She could see her five-year-old self feeling disheartened with hazel eyes that were shattered.

Stop it. Stop. Sana, stop.

Tears kissed the corners of her eyes, but she shook her head, eyes screwing shut.

She refused to cry.

She would not cry.

She was stronger than this.

She would not show weakness.

Ridding herself of the memories of the past, she redirected her thoughts to the blond haired boy with mysterious golden eyes.

Hayama Akito was not the worst person she's ever met. He may act like it. Act like a completely selfish, heartless jerk who only cares about himself.

But truthfully, Sana saw glimpses of a broken boy who lost himself.

Learning about the death of his mother really shook Sana. Not knowing the details of her death and the accident left her with only assumptions, but Sana bet her life savings that whatever happened with the car accident and the death of their mother was what geared the drift between the Hayama siblings and caused Akito to be so reclusive and cold hearted.

Well, that's what she thought.

She could be completely wrong.

Sana sighed, throwing herself on her bad.

She couldn't get Ayame's tear stricken eyes out of her head. The youngest Hayama sibling just looked so… exhausted. Her eyes were filled with terror and genuine fear. She was so scared for her brother. Scared as she was about to lose someone else.

It was numbing. That experience losing someone who was once such a prominent figure in your life. She could only imagine what both Akito and Ayame had felt when they lost their mom. Did it tear them apart from the inside out? Did it leave a gaping hole in their heart that couldn't be filled? Did it leave just an emptiness that couldn't be replaced?

Their mom had passed, but that left Sana wondering where their father was. Ayame didn't mention her father at any point in the night and the brief time she spent in the Hayama household, he was nowhere to be seen. It made Sana wonder if he was even around.

"What the hell is wrong with that family?!" She sat up immediately in her bed, a scowl washed over.

"Where the hell is their dad to let something like this happen? Why would Hayama just stop talking to his sister when their mom was dead? Why doesn't Ayame just say something to Hayama? Why don't they just all talk to one another!?"

So many questions and not enough answers to the questions that had been spamming her mind since Ayame's confession. Sana told herself she wouldn't get involved; told herself she wouldn't ask too many questions, told herself she would wait for the right moment.

Oh screw waiting!

What good was she going to get from waiting around, hoping that Hayama would let her into his life and let her be his friend? NONE. Who cared if he was a hermit and wanted to live his life on a secluded island? Sana wouldn't allow for that damn Lone Wolf to sulk to himself. He had a sister to look after and a life to live. Be damned if he didn't take advantage of the life that was given to him.

She was Kurata freakin Sana! She wasn't the type to give up just because a stoic boy with hard eyes told her too. If she could break through Fuka's walls, which trust her, were put really freakin high, she could get through their residential lone wolf.

A confident smile bit at her lips and she put her hands to her lips.

She would solve the Hayama family mystery.

She would help mend the broken tie between Ayame and Akito.

And she would get Hayama Akito to see the light in the world.

That was a promise.

-O-

The board spring crunched under her feet as she hauled the weight of her body forward. Her hands sweaty, she leaped forward, arms outwards, hands open wide. Hands made contact with the hard, wooden floor as she hurled her body through the air once more.

A spin.

Two spins.

She clenched her toes as gravity brought her back to earth. Feet landed quietly on the floor as her labored breaths filled the room. Claps and murmurs filled the room. Pats on the back followed.

Matsui Fuka had just landed her hardest jump yet and she couldn't even muster a smile. Her fellow teammates were padding her back and throwing towels at her, congratulating her on the accomplishment.

It had taken her over 3 months to perfect this jump. Another month just to land it. She spent so much time practicing. It was frustrating that she was missing the land just by a step.

Her mother had chastised her for taking so long to perfect something that had only taken her 1 month to land. Always drilling technique and perfection, Fuka had no room for error. So imagine her frustration for the last couple months.

Hayama Akito already left her bothered and took away focus from her training.

But the moment Kurata Sana stepped back into their lives, her concentration almost vanished. Fuka was distracted, her mind elsewhere. At first, it was overjoying; overjoy that the one person who knew her so well was back in her life. Fuka felt comfort knowing that Sana would be around again.

Slowly, the brunette noticed the change Kurata Sana.

She was not the same girl that Fuka had met all those years ago.

The Kurata Sana she knew was an oblivious fool who wore her heart on her sleeve. She cried too much, talk too much, and stuck her nose where it didn't belong. Not caring what people thought, Sana did things her own way. She was never afraid to go against the current. Not only was she oblivious though, Sana was as dense as a rock and nonobservant to those around her.

Now?

Now, Sana had a sharp eye for detail. She knew how to read people, something she was good at before, but never a skill she utilized. She was far more observant and while she still talked your ear off, was still silent in the background.

It made her wonder just what happened to her before coming to Tokyo.

Sana always had a knack for bringing the best out of a person. And that included breaking down the walls of those around her. It worked so well with her.

And now it seemed to be working with Hayama Akito.

Clenching her fist, Fuka inwardly growled.

She didn't understand why she was so damn upset at the thought of Hayama and Sana being friends.

Was it because Fuka was his friend first? Was it because Fuka tried so hard for so long? She wished she knew because it was driving her nuts. She definitely wasn't the jealous type, but whenever Sana had outshined her, Fuka was furious.

It sounded awful, didn't it? Wanting to be better than your best friend?

Sana never made it a competition. In fact, Sana despised when she turned it into a competition between the two. She could always tell it bothered her. But, that didn't stop Fuka from doing so. Despite aiming for perfection as often as she did, Fuka was imperfect in so many ways.

"Way to go, Fuka!"

"Yeah, you are so great!"

Said girl forced a smile as she walked out of the practice room. She should have been celebrating, bragging to the entire world about her accomplishment. She should be running home right now, be anxious to tell her mother who demanded perfection.

Instead, Akito and Sana plagued her mind.

Just picturing the two together irritated her so much.

She didn't understand.

When she was dating Takaishi, she never cared that the two were together. Sure, they annoyed her when they would gang up on her and tease her endlessly. But, she never felt so… so…

Jealous.

Stopping in her step, she gasped in realization. Her eyes grew wide as she put a hand to her mouth.

For the last two years, all she's wanted to do was get to know who the real Hayama Akito was. She put it off as curiosity, wondering why the boy's eyes were so cold, why he and his sister had a non-existent relationship.

Fuka told herself that she would never let a boy into her heart the way Yuta Takaishi did. She promised herself that she wouldn't allow someone so close again, to see her so vulnerable. Yet, the moment found herself drawing to those golden eyes, all thought went out the window.

Sana had pestered her, teasing her about possibly feelings. She denied it. Of course she would deny it. Fuka just yearned to be his friend. It was nothing more than that.

But, she was wrong.

The moment Sana and Hayama started becoming better acquitted, that was the moment she realized that she was in love with Hayama Akito.

Her mouth went dry with that thought.

Denial. She kept denying it, telling herself she didn't harbor feelings for him, assuring herself that it was just out of friendship. But, in the end, it was because she was interested in him that she was so keen on getting to know him.

Gods, she was such an idiot!

Fuka put a hand to her mouth.

She was in love with Hayama Akito.

-O-

So many thoughts and there was nowhere for them to go but bounce around in her head. School had been so hard today, fear constantly plaguing her mind. It was irrational, the amount of fear she clutched too. Kyo had always told her to let go. Hiro had always encouraged to move on.

But she simply couldn't.

It was always in the back of her mind.

Seeing her brother draped on Sana's shoulder, pale and unconscious, struck a chord within in. A slumber of feelings exploded deep within her that the emotions all rushed at once. She was a mess, a train wreck. Hands were shaking so hard that Ayame couldn't do even the simplest of things.

Memories of the accident washed over her. All she could see was the white room, the smell of the aesthetic, hear the computer monitor in the back, and feel the tubes and IV's that were hanging both off her and Akito's bodies.

It was idiotic, thinking that her brother would die right then and there.

But when you're accustomed to those who are supposed to love you, leaving you, abandoning you, the rational goes right out the window.

Of course Akito was fine.

He survived a horrific car crash. A simple cold wouldn't send him to the light.

That's what Ayame kept telling herself as she helped Sana carry him to his room. That's what she kept telling herself when she changed him out of his sweaty clothes. That's what she kept telling herself when she stayed up all night with him, changing out his wet cloth and giving him the medicine he needed to reduce the fever that attacked his body.

Because even if he had abandoned her, she refused to abandon him.

Ayame sighed dejectedly when she turned the corner from her home. They had hardly spoken to each other in over two years. He hardly looked at her. And when he did, it was always with such disdain.

Why do you hate me so much? Why can't you even look at me?

They would exchange a few words, but it was always so trivial.

Did you get the mail.

Yes.

Did you get your half of the groceries.

Yes.

Put your clothes in this basket.

Right.

Don't forget to turn off the kitchen light when you leave.

Got it.

It was never anything more. There was no substance. He lacked emotion, never showed any feeling in his eyes. The wall he constructed so well was not going to move. There was no getting through to him. Not this late. She feared not ever.

The damage was done.

There was no going back now.

As she was opening the gate to her home, her eyes went wide.

Oh no.

She ran inside, not caring that the gate was left open and her school bag fell to the ground by the parked car that was not there when she left for school this morning.

-O-

Anger.

So much anger.

He had never felt so much disdain, so much hate.

Being void of emotion left a person feeling empty and hollow. It had been a long time since he had felt such emotions for someone.

But, the fists that were clenched so tight they turned white at his sides and the slight snarl at his teeth left an intense burning in his stomach. The need to just let lose the toxic vortex swirling in the pit of his abdomen was right there.

His golden eyes were ignited in a way that haven't been in over two years.

Only one person made him feel this way.

One person besides himself.

"Dad!"

Clenching his jaw tightly, he could hear his sister's voice crying out.

The man they called "father" was standing in front of him.

His appearance hadn't changed since the last time they saw him almost 6 months ago. His peppered dark haired seemed to grow and he still wore that ridiculous mustache that made him look twice his age. The bags under his eyes only seemed to grow and his dark eyes were as hollow as his.

Their "father" turned to her, a sickening smile settling over his lips.

"Ah, my daughter. Papa is happy to see you again." He stretched out his arms for an open embrace and Akito almost gagged right then and there.

Even his sister, who he hadn't talked to, seemed to hesitate in her step. Her eyes flickered to his, then back to their father's. It was almost like she was asking him for permission to hug that man.

What did she care what his thoughts were anyway?

She hated him.

Akito tore his gaze away, stepping away from the scene.

"I-I've missed you too, daddy." He could already see the embrace in his mind. But, Ayame's hesitation was still there. He could hear the quiver in her voice.

"Tch." Akito muttered, not caring if that man heard him.

The oldest of the Hayama siblings could hear his younger sister sigh as heavy footsteps grew closer.

That's right old man. I dare you too.

"What are you even doing here?"

When he turned to face his father, the man was already right on his tail. The softness that was there previously for his baby sister was long gone. In its place was a sharp glare that rivaled that of his own.

Like father like son.

"This is my house." The care and gentleness that Hayama Fuyuki had in his voice for his daughter had also disappeared. Now, his father's voice was just bitter. Bitter and angry.

"And? It's not like you're ever here to say it is." Oh right, Hayama. Open that stupid mouth of yours and provoke him.

The glare from his father narrowed. Akito could see the worry in Ayame's eyes. "I work to provide for the roof over your head, you ungrateful boy."

"You work so you don't have to be here." Despite feeling ill, the blond would not retreat from his father's form. Too long did he falter. Too long did he not say the words he should have said. Too long did he let his father walk over him.

"I work to pay the bills. And what is it exactly that you do? What money do you provide for this house? What income do you bring to help? The only responsibilities you have are your own selfish desires and cares."

Akito could feel the nails digging into the palms of his hand.

"Don't try to lecture me, boy. You have no right as you contribute nothing to this family. If anything, you are nothing but an inconvenience."

Ayame's eyes went wide as tears welled up at the corner of her eyes.

He clenched his jaw so hard that it began to hurt. Pressure built in his jaw and his anger swelled.

An inconvenience, huh?

"Fuck you." He spat, shoving past his father and sister. Akito didn't bother waiting for a reply as he slammed the door shut behind him and ran out of his house. Not caring if he had fallen ill from doing so just the other night, he ran as fast as he could.

That bastard of a father could rot in hell for all he cared.

There was so much turmoil, so much anger, so much rage.

As he ran down the sidewalk into the dark of the city, his body trembled. Trembled because of the indignation that coursed through his veins. He could hardly breathe. His chest was on fire. It was gnawing at him. All Akito could do was ignore the pain, and hope it disappeared.

Why?

Why did he have to come back now?

Why?

A/N: I honestly was shocked with how quick I got this out. Once I posted the last chapter, I opened this up and just started writing, seeing where it would take me. Most of this chapter was written in one sitting.

But any who! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! There was a lot going on. Not a lot of dialogue between characters, but a lot of inner monologue and look into the minds of some of our main characters. I almost just want to spill the beans on Hayama and Sana's past, but I can't! Slowly, but surely, it is coming. I guess it's moving along kind of the same way that the manga did. Hayama's family conflict will be dealt with first. And then Sana's, while all the other characters are in between. Even Fuka is gunna get her own mini arc. But, that doesn't mean that problems will go away once the conflicts are settled. Akito's got a long way to go before he is actually content with his life. And you'd be surprised, Sana has her own demons to face as well.

And yes, a new character was introduced! It was none other than the papa Hayama himself! I was hesitant on putting that last scene in there, but this was the only way to get the story moving. I only added a bit in there because obviously I wanted to leave you all thirsty for more.

Anyway, after a long AN, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to review and let me know what you think! As always, I will do my best to keep the updates quick!

Until next time!
-Dark Waffle