A/N: Hey all! Sorry this took a little longer than usual. There was a lot of revisions and edits. This chapter was originally supposed to go another way but I scratched it and restarted. I'm really happy I did cause this was a better result than the original idea.

Enjoy all!

Chapter 22: Acceptance

Her legs were screaming.

She couldn't remember the last time she had engaged in exercise this strenuous. Her quadricep muscles tightened in apprehension before she ran forward and did a quick routine. She felt her feet come off the floor, fly into the air.

One twirl, two twirls. Land.

Sana landed with a firm thump.

Two claps echoed throughout the gym as she looked up and found Fuka leaning on her crutches with a smile on her face and the gymnastics coach nodding in approval.

"Not perfect, but the talent is there. How long has it been since you've last done anything related to gymnastics?" The head coach asked, and Sana felt her stomach tighten into knots.

"4 years."

Has it really been 4 years already?

Fuka gave her a look of concern, and Sana immediately smiled, realizing the mistake she made.

"Wow. I would have thought 2."

Sana shifted her gaze to Fuka, who's smile fell momentarily. This was killing her, Sana could tell. The auburn-haired teen knew that Fuka wanted to be in this position more than anything. But, with her injury, it would be a few months before she could return to the mat.

Surprisingly though, Fuka was taking all this rather well.

When she was apologizing for her behavior, Sana could feel the remorse. Fuka liked to act like she could mask her emotions and pretend that she could hide what she was feeling. But, she was no Sana. Fuka's emotions were displayed like painting in a museum.

"Sana has always been a natural. She always gave me a run for my money back in middle school." She smirked, and Sana smiled.

It wasn't like Fuka was exactly lying.

"We are happy to have you on the team, Kurata-san. With Fuka being out, it's a big blow to the competition season. But, you bring hope if you can perform like that."

Both girls smiled at one another and Sana decided to push away her insecurities and show confidence. If she showed any signs of doubt or hesitancy, she would be letting the team down. And even though after school club gymnastics wasn't exactly what she pictured for her club activities, Sana was excited.

"I'm no Fuka, but I'll give it my best shot!" She flexed her bicep and placed her arm on top of her arm, similar to the Rosie "We Can Do It" poster from America.

"That's the attitude we're looking for!" The coach beamed and nodded. "Practice starts after your last class tomorrow! We will see you then!"

And the head coach walked out, leaving the two girls to themselves in the practice room.

"Good job, Sana." Fuka complimented. Sana was mildly confused, but instead of fighting it, she grinned brightly.

"Thanks! Though, I can't say my legs are very happy with me right now. They are very sore."

Her best friend chuckled, and shifted on the crutches.

"Well, what do you expect after not doing any of these maneuvers for a few years?"

"Touche." Sana grabbed her bag, swinging it over her shoulder. School was over and she decided to stay in her gym clothes. There was no point in changing when she was going home right now anyway.

"Eww, you're not going to change your clothes?"

Sana shrugged her shoulders. "Why would I? I'm going home anyway, aren't I?"

Fuka crinkled her nose as Sana held the door open for her. "You're gross."

The auburn haired teen laughed in response, lifting her shoulder and making Fuka smell her sweat and post practice smell. Fuka disgruntled in disgust as she attempted to crutch away. Though, her efforts were short lived as Sana wrapped an arm around her neck.

"Gross, Sana! You stink! Get away from me!" She attempted to push her, but Sana gave a comical, evil laugh as she took advantage of Fuka's inability to run away.

"You will suffer the wrath of my stinkiness!"

The lingering students in the hall watched as the Fuka cringed and attempted to move away from Sana only for the girl to catch her and smother her in practice sweat.

"Looks like you two are having some fun."

Sana and Fuka stopped their entanglement and the auburn haired girl looked up and smiled at the new voice joining them.

"Yo! Tsuyoshi-kun! Aya-chan!"

The couple smiled in unison while Aya released a timid giggle at the state of the two girls.

"What type of trouble are you giving Fuka-chan now, Sana-chan?"

"The smelly kind of trouble!" Taking advantage of Sana's distraction, Fuka pushed her away and fixed her ruffled uniform.

"Kill joy." Sana muttered under her breath before she returned her smile.

Sana grabbed her bag and slung it over her right shoulder.

"What are you guys doing, anyway?" Tsuyoshi asked as he eyed Sana in her gym clothes.

"Oh? You didn't hear? I'm joining the gymnastics team!"

Both Tsuyoshi's and Aya's eyes went wide as Sana announced her news. They looked to Fuka, who merely nodded in agreement.

"Wait, seriously?" The brown haired teen asked.

"I didn't even know you did gymnastics, Sana-chan." Aya replied quietly.

She nodded with a confident smile, crossing her arms out in front of her. "Well with this one out, I'm going to try and save the team from total doom."

Fuka rolled her eyes at the comment.

Both Aya and Tsuyoshi laughed at her comment.

"Fuka and I were both in the same gymnastics team back in middle school. I quit since I was so busy with other stuff. But, with Fuka's injury, I decided to dust off my shoes in the closest and give it my best shot."

"That's very kind of you, Sana-chan." Aya smiled at her, and she looked at Fuka who smiled.

"What can't you do, Sana-chan?" This time it was Tsuyoshi who spoke and she rubbed the back of her head.

She put a finger to her chin. "Math as well know."

This caused the group to chuckle and Fuka snorted. "You got that right."

"So, you're going to compete then? In competition season?" Aya asked with a gleam in her eyes. Sana nodded.

"She's going to take my place as team captain, though she does have to practice a bit before she can take the title." The injured girl smirked once more and Sana stuck her tongue out to her.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever!" She crossed her arms in front of her.

Tsuyoshi and Aya laughed at the antics of the two girls.

It was a relief, Tsuyoshi thought.

It seemed that the conversation he and Fuka had seem to have made an impact because there was definitely less hostility radiating from Fuka. The banter between the two girls seemed more fun and laxed rather than the hostile air from before.

"We will definitely have to come see then!" Aya clasped her hands together with a smile on her face.

They went to Fuka's gymnastics meets as much as they could. The first time they met Fuka, they had no idea she was so talented in the sport. The brown haired teen didn't really talk to anyone and often sat alone. Tsuyoshi reached out to her one day, inviting her to lunch despite the intimidating aura she gave off.

It was then that a group of girls from the gymnastics club came up to Fuka and were asking her questions about practice. That was when they learned Fuka was a gymnast.

And a damn good one at that.

Since then, they tried their best to support her.

"We should probably get going though before they drag us into cleaning duties." Always the voice of reason, Fuka started crutching away and Sana followed right next to her.

They were distance in front of them when Aya grabbed his hand. "That's promising, isn't it?"

He looked down at his longtime girlfriend and smiled. "Yeah, it is."

"I was worried for a bit. They were fighting with one another so much." He swallowed the frog in his throat, and squeezed her hand. "I'm just relieved that they managed to figure out their problems."

"It makes it a lot easier for all of us to be together." Aya added.

The smile on his face fell slightly as he thought about his best friend, former best friend.

Hayama Akito was still left on the outside, so adamant on pushing people away.

But Sana's resolve the other day was comforting. She was so keen on opening up the Lone Wolf. If Sana could accomplish that, Tsuyoshi could seriously kiss her (though he wouldn't obviously).

"Come on, slow pokes! You got the crippled over here walking faster than ya!" Tsuyoshi could see Fuka elbowing her with a glare. She laughed and scratched the back of her head.

"We're coming!"

-O-

She bit down on her lip as she watched him from the other side of the school yard. Fuka adjusted the crutches under her shoulders and took a deep breath.

This would be the first time they had a real conversation since her realization of her feelings. They talked briefly here and there, and she had to admit, she was avoiding him since he barged into the nurse's room after her injury.

Without crutches, Fuka would be able to get there within minutes.

Now, she had to hobble across the school yard just to say hi.

Her heart was fluttering at the thought.

She was in love with Hayama Akito.

The idea was almost unfathomable. She promised that after Takaishi, she would never allow herself to open her heart the way she did with him. She closed her eyes and bit back the frog in her throat. Thinking about Takaishi hurt.

Fuka loved him.

Sure, she was in middle school and probably had no idea what love was.

But, she was sure that she did.

Because Yuta Takaishi was that type of guy. He was charming and loving and nurturing and so much more. He made her feel special. He was the first to accept her for who she was outside of Sana. He loved her for her.

When he broke her heart, she swore off men.

Falling in love with Hayama Akito was not something she expected or necessarily wanted.

But it happened.

And she wasn't quite sure what to do about it.

She stopped crutching towards him, her mind filled with Takaishi and his boyish smile. Memories of their time together wouldn't stop flashing in her mind and Fuka glared her eyes at no one in particular.

Why was she thinking about him now?

He was in her past! She hadn't given him much thought in the last couple months, yet, here she was aching for him again.

No. Stop it. He broke your heart. He was unfaithful. FORGET HIM.

Fuka shook her head and began crutching towards Hayama again.

Hayama was the guy she loved now. Not Takaishi. She needed to forget about him. Forget about the boy who broke her heart and start focusing on the boy who has her heart now.

Hayama was listening to music, headphones on and a book in hand.

When Fuka finally made her way to him, she nudged his leg with her crutch. His eyes immediately trailed off his book and found hers.

She blushed slightly at the way he looked at her with his burning golden brown eyes.

He removed one of his headphones and waited for her to say something to him.

"Can I sit here?"

He looked at her for a second, almost as if he was contemplating whether he wanted to let her sit or not. Fuka bit down on her lip in anticipation.

Hayama moved his bag and moved himself over.

Hiding her shocked reaction, Fuka set down her crutches and sit down next to him. She breathed heavily, allowing herself a moment to catch her breath.

It was then Fuka noticed Hayama moved a ways away from her, leaving significant space between both teens. While disheartened, Fuka had to take her victories where she could.

"What are you reading?" she asked, noticing that it wasn't a book but rather a manga that Hayama was reading.

"Just a mystery manga."

"I didn't know you liked manga." He shrugged his shoulders as he put his book away in his school bag.

"But then again, there's a lot I don't know about you." She muttered under her breath, but he gave no indication that he heard her.

There was an awkward silence and Fuka felt her heart race. Looking at him, she felt her neck heat up and her mouth go dry.

"Sana is taking my spot as the gymnastics captain." She blurted out and Fuka closed her eyes. Why was it that now that she had a chance to be with him alone, she brought up her best friend?

Hayama stopped wrapping his headphones and slightly shifted his gaze towards Fuka.

"I asked her too." It must be because the only thing the two have in common besides their cold exterior is being friends with Kurata Sana.

"I didn't know she was athletically capable to be a gymnast."

Fuka snorted.

"She actually was very good back in middle school. I was jealous at how easy it would come to her." She admitted out loud. "I worked so hard just to get where I was and here Sana was making it look like it was nothing but a walk in the park."

Silence.

Fuka laughed once more, at her own envy of the auburn-haired girl.

"I guess that's unfair though to say." Hayama's eyes trailed to her, and Fuka felt the back of her neck burn. "She works harder than most."

"She's an idiot." He muttered and Fuka nodded in agreeance. That was understatement of the year. That girl had a heart of gold but it seemed impossible to get through to her sometimes.

"She is, but she also means well." Her voice trailed off, thinking of all the times Sana supported her. "She has a big heart. She cares too much about the people around her. Sana brightens up the room the moment she opens the door. She just has that personality."

"But, Sana is also very good at sticking her nose where it doesn't belong."

Hayama scoffed, loudly.

Fuka doesn't think she's ever heard Hayama make that noise before.

"I've never met anyone so intrusive." He shook his head, and gripped at the fabric of his uniform. Interestingly enough, Fuka noticed the lack of malice in his voice. Just a few short months ago, he would curse her to the end of the world.

But now?

His disposition towards her was different despite the stoic countenance on his face.

"That's Sana for you." Her voice hesitant, unsure of his reaction. "She does that because she wants to save everyone."

"She's naïve."

Again with that voice.

Fuka frowned slightly. He was different from back then. No longer was he glaring at the thought or mention of her. He wasn't spitting her name to the floor. He didn't change the conversation. There was a tight knot at the bottom of her stomach.

He opened his mouth like he was going to say something.

Hayama shut his mouth and turned away, deciding against whatever he was going to say.

"Yeah, but something is different about her." Fuka didn't know why she continued this conversation. She should have changed it. Why did they continue talking about Sana anyway? There were one million and two things that her and the blonde could be conversating about. Instead, they were talking about her.

Anger bubbled in her chest.

"Different?" Fuka sighed in frustration as he asked.

"Yeah. She's definitely become less naïve than from when we were kids. Before, she used to be as clueless as a rock. Though, she's always been annoyingly perceptive. That girl just knows when something is wrong." Hayama remained quiet.

"Explains a lot."

There was silence again and Fuka bit down on her lip.

Why couldn't she think of anything else to converse about? Fuka thought they had so much in common with how cold they could be. But, she was slowly realizing that other than their apathetic disposition at times, they weren't all that similar.

The bell went off, and Fuka sighed, feeling particularly disheartened about their conversation.

Hayama wasted no time to stand himself up. He didn't even spare a look at her. Sighing with frustration, Fuka shoved her notebook in her backpack and reached for her crutches.

It was the hand stretched out in front of her that left Fuka speechless.

Hayama extended his hand towards her, his eyes absent of any particular emotion.

She blushed immediately, thinking how out of character this simple act was. Fuka thought he would have gotten up and left her behind. But instead, he stayed behind to help her.

Fuka took his hand and he hauled her up. The blush radiated to the back of her neck as the rough callous of his hand wrapped tightly around hers. She never noticed how big his hands. The brown haired girl was almost all the way up when her foot got caught in the crutch and she fell forward. The front of her face landed in Hayama's chest.

Both teenagers stilled as Fuka's hands sprayed out on his chest, forehead snug into the front of his school jacket. Her face was overwhelmingly hot, her breathing labored as she felt the beating of his heart.

Hayama grabbed her by the arms and pushed her back, but not letting go until she was standing still. He reached down and grabbed her crutches. Fuka grabbed her crutches, muttering a quick "thank you" without even looking at him.

Fuka looked up to him with nervous eyes and gulped. His eyes hadn't changed. He wasn't looking at her and put a suitable amount of distance between them. He was swinging his backpack over his shoulder.

Her heart ached at the lack of reaction and his stoic behavior towards her. It was nothing new, considering who it was, but she yearned for more.

"Careful." He spoke very quietly. "You should get back to class."

"R-right." the words struggled to leave her mouth.

He left without another word.

Fuka remained still, allowing a moment for her heart to return to normal rhythm. She watched him disappear into the crowd. Despite having spent more time with him, she felt like he was even farther away.

She really didn't know anything about him.

-O-

She was running through the hall when she caught him. Sana was running late to gymnastics practice and almost tripped over her own feet when she saw him sweeping the floor. It must have been his turn for end of the day chores.

When Sana arrived to the gym, she was informed that practice was cancelled because of a family emergency in regards to their coach. Some of the girls stuck around and stretched, but Fuka recommended a day off since they have been practicing so much. Sana obliged, her muscles aching from overuse.

The auburn-haired girl hurriedly made her way through the hall and hoped he was still cleaning.

She was not disappointed when he was wiping down the desks in a cool, stoic manner.

"Hayama!"

Sana chuckled to herself at the slight jump and his slow moving gaze to hers. She smiled at eye contact. Hayama frowned and turned away.

"That's not a nice way to say hi to a friend, ya know?" Sana walked up to him and padded him on the back. He immediately stilled as she threw her backpack on one of his clean desks. She hoped on the desk in front of her and crossed her legs, smiling candidly at him.

"Not that it bothers you." He replied as he continued wiping the desks clean. Sana nodded, knowing that his statement was correct. Her shoulder shrug was her reply as she watched him work.

"At this point, I have become immune to your hostility."

"Yay me." He replied dryly.

They hadn't really spoken since she was last at his house. Not that it was a lack of effort on Sana's part. She has been extremely busy since she started gymnastics. The auburn-haired girl hadn't really had time to hang out with her friends, including Hayama.

"So, how ya been, Lone Wolf? Still refusing to return to karate?" She teased and he glared sharply as a reply.

Sana really needed to learn how to stop baiting the wolf. One of these days he was going to bite her hand off.

Now he was really ignoring her. She learned very quickly that karate was a huge taboo. But, that didn't stop her from pushing it. At some point her persistence was going to annoy him to the point where he would finally talk to her. At least, that's what she hoped.

"I think extracurriculars are healthy! And great for peer interaction!" She nodded in her seated spot, smiling proudly.

"I don't remember asking for your opinion."

"Let's be honest. When do I ever?" He remained silent and her comment and Sana smirked. Something about getting this boy all riled up was something she was constantly looking forward too.

"Anyway, all is well at home? You and your sister made up?"

"You really don't know how to stop intruding, do you?" Hayama stopped wiping the desk and turned back to her with a frown. Despite the glare, there wasn't any real malice in his voice. Maybe has just tired of fighting her?

Well, that's no fun.

"We're friends now, remember? It's my job to intrude." She said with a jubilant smile on her face.

He rolled his eyes in response. "Everything is fine."

He reached for the broom that was sitting next to him next.

"That's good to hear! I was thinking about asking her to go shopping with me. I'm thinking Ayame-chan needs a day out and away from your house... no offense." She added with a shrug.

Hayama stilled, gripping the broom handle tightly in his grasp. Sana could see him turn his head slightly towards her.

"That... would be good for her." Not exactly muttering, but still keeping his voice low enough where she could barely hear him.

"What other types of things does she like? She's been so down in the dumps lately. I've been thinking of different ways to cheer her up!"

Hayama looked away immediately, his jaw clenched tightly.

"I don't know."

The hazel eyed colored teen's smile fell, a doleful expression crossing her face.

His voice sounded so dejected.

It was at the moment Sana realized Hayama may finally have understood how strained his relationship with his sister was.

She smiled, deciding the situation would worsen with desolation.

"Well, nothing to pout over then. We can figure it out!"

The blonde was gripping the broom tightly, guilt continuing to climb into his throat. Since that day, Hayama was been putting a lot of thought to the non-existent relationship with his sister. They never were close and he drove himself further away when he started getting himself into trouble.

He didn't hate her.

Akito just didn't... care.

But now, after everything they had been through, he realized how idiotic he has been.

She was right.

Each other was all they had left.

With their pathetic excuse of a father gone for who knows how long, they only had one another to rely on. He always thought because she had Akimoto Hiro and Kotetsu Kyo as support, she would be fine. Though he would never admit it out loud, he was thankful for Akimoto and Kotetsu for the friendship's they formed with his sister.

She at least had someone she could confide in, someone she could talk to.

Knowing her and the blood that ran through her veins, Ayame probably never said a word about her suffering and despair.

Now, she had Kurata Sana in her corner, rooting for her, supporting her.

But it turned out, he did too.

"She likes aquariums."

She seemed surprised at this comment.

"Aquariums?"

He nodded slowly. "When we were kids, my mom always tried to maximize our learning opportunities. She never wanted us to sit at home and rot our brains with T.V. and video games as she would like to say."

Kurata chuckled in response.

His mother was a slave driver when it came to their education. When he first started getting himself into trouble, she would lecture him constantly on how his behavior reflected poorly on his intellect.

"I don't understand how you can be so smart yet so reckless, Akito." Hayama Koharu was dabbing away at the scab on his knee. "You are so bright yet attract all kinds of trouble."

"He started it." Akito mumbled, not daring to look his mother in the eye.

"Oh? And you have to finish it?" She did that thing with her voice where it would rise and there was a taunting tone followed. She shook her head.

"Then they would think I'm weak if I didn't fight back."

His mother shook her head once again.

"You really are my child, aren't you?" The woman scoffed and reached up, pinching his cheek. Akito narrowed his eyes and rubbed at the sore spot. "I know a thing or two about getting into fights, ya know."

His eyes went wide. "And one of the biggest takeaways was learning there is no weakness in walking away. They will say what they want about you, honey. But, that doesn't reflect on who you are."

Akito stayed silent, feeling remorseful for upsetting his mother.

"So, stop making me look bad, would ya!"

"Oww!" The blonde haired boy yelped as his mom karate chopped the top of his head.

Ugh, he really was an idiot back then, wasn't he?

"Well, it must have helped if you're one of the smartest in our class!"

So positive, Hayama didn't know how she kept such a smile on her face.

"We used to go to all the museums, exhibits, and other educational centers around town. The first time mom decided to take us to the aquarium, Ayame never wanted to leave." He remembered their mom having to drag her out with tears in her eyes.

"Since then, mom made it a point to go at least on her birthday every year." The air suddenly felt heavy between them. Because obviously, that wasn't a tradition they followed anymore. "Obviously, it's not something that has been done in three years."

"It sounds like a trip to the aquarium is exactly what she needs then!" An overwhelmingly bright smile was on her lips now with her eyes shining with excitement.

"Yeah, maybe."

She started muttering to herself as she pulled out her phone and began scrolling through her calendar, different times and dates leaving her mouth, rambling on like no one was even in the room.

"Wait! When is her birthday?!" Her head shot up immediately.

"May 10th."

A frown and she hmmed to herself. "Can't do it for her birthday then." Another mumble and she continued to drift through her calendar.

Hayama went back to sweeping the floor, deciding to let her finish rambling. When she was done, Kurata would interject her thoughts as she always did.

He wondered if Ayame would find joy in returning to the aquarium.

He wondered if her memories have been spoiled with the death of their mother.

"I got it!" She bumped her right fist into the palm of her left hand. A confident smile was placed on her lips. "We will surprise her!"

We?

"I thought you wanted to take her out."

"I do! I am! I'm taking her shopping with me!" She jumped off the desk and crossed her arms in front of her. "But, I've decided that the three of us should go!"

"Oh? You decided?" She nodded with a grin.

"Uh huh. I mean, let's face it. Not to be so blunt, but this relationship between you and your sister needs to be fixed. And knowing you, it would be like pulling bricks for you to make the first step!"

I'm pretty sure it's pulling teeth, baka.

Hayama narrowed his eyes at her commented but she continued her ramble. "So, I've decided to intervene and make the first step for you!"

"How gracious of you." He replied dryly, staring at her out of the corner on his eye.

She nodded with triumph.

"I know. I'm a saint." Winking, she giggled with excitement. "I'll keep you updated on a date. I want her to have the absolute best time."

Hayama didn't reply.

He wanted to reject the idea, to turn to her and her offer down; though, he feels like this isn't an offer and more of a demand. Why should he even let Kurata take control of this? Why is he allowing her to stick her nose where it doesn't belong?

Because we both know that she's right. That you wouldn't make the first move to repair the relationship with your sister because you are a coward.

His fist went white around the broom.

"By the way, I have something for you."

That took him away from his thoughts as he heard her rustle through her schoolbag. She was arms in deep, mumbling to herself again. A brow rose and could only look at her in confusion.

She got him something?

"Ah ha!" Eyes jubilant and full of enthusiasm, she pulled a box from her backpack.

He stared at her with puzzlement.

"Here you go!"

"What is this?"

"Just open it!"

He looked at her skeptically. Sana rolled her eyes.

"Stop being so suspicious about it. Just open it!"

Hayama was staring quietly at the wrapped box in his hands. She huffed in his response.

"Why must you be like this?" She shoved the box in his hand. "Just open it!"

Suspicion filled his eyes as he looked at her with skepticism. Slowly, he unwrapped the box, setting the paper on the desk.

It was a small box that fit perfectly in his hands. When he finished unwrapping the box, he remained perfectly still. He was staring hard at the box, his face apathetic and void of emotion. To Sana, it seemed like he was struggling to understand the concept of a gift.

"Happy Birthday! I know it's a few weeks late, but everyone deserves a gift on their birthday!"

Akito opened the box with hesitancy. His chest felt incredibly tight.

He couldn't remember the last time he was given a gift of any sort.

Even Tsuyoshi, who always made it a point to make him feel cared for, had given up on him in the past few years.

This girl, who had no obligations to him, had gone out of her way to buy him a birthday present knowing full well he could fully reject it.

Despite what she knew about him, she didn't... stray away.

Taking a deep breath, Akito opened the box and titled his head at the contexts inside.

It was a device, almost like a walkie talkie.

The device was light blue decorated with four yellow buttons. The speaker was located under a small white bat that looked eerily similar to a rabbit as well.

It almost looked like a toy phone without the number pad. It was plain looking despite the two contrasting colors. It was light and not very heavy.

"Well? Do you like?"

His eyes peered up at her. She was bearing a wholesome smile that extended from one side of her face to the other.

"What is it?"

She stood up on the desk with a finger pointed up in the air. "That is a great question and I'm glad that you asked!" The girl hopped down and leaned forward, her eyes piercingly brightly at him.

"It's called a Burutcha! Ever heard of one?" The confusion in his eyes and the frown in his eyebrows were a clear answer. "I want you to have this. I know we're still new at this whole friendship thing, but I was serious when I said I want to be there for you. So, whenever something bad happens to you, or even something good, I want you to let me know!"

"Just pressed this button-" Sana pressed the button and Hayama went buzzing. He slightly yelped, and eyes went wide as he muttered a subtle "what the hell!"

"Convenient isn't it? I know we all have phones, but this makes it a bit more personal." He finally regained his balance and remained silent despite the strange gift in his hands. "I have a matching one." She pulled out hers from her backpack with a bright smile.

"So, just press that button and I'll come find you, wherever you are, okay?"

Hayama clutched the device in his hands as he looked at her with unsure emotion. Her voice dipped immediately with an unusual softness he hadn't heard from her before.

"What do you think? You like?"

Despite the obnoxious and intrusive attitude, Kurata Sana really was a kind person.

"... I don't hate it." Akito muttered softly to himself.

Her smile grew and padded his shoulder in response. "Glad to hear it!"

"Alright, I'll let ya finish your cleaning duties to yourself! I think I already bothered you enough!" Akito was still staring at the device in his hands as she talked.

Kurata grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "I'll let ya know a date for the aquarium! Bye bye!"

And she was gone.

Hayama looked back down at the device in his hand.

The blonde clutched it tightly before putting it away in his backpack and returned to his cleaning duties.

-O-

She was sitting with Hiro when Sana found her.

For a few days now, Sana had been trying to talk to Ayame. She was really wanting to clear the air between them. She intruded into a moment she had no business seeing. Though, she does believe that there was some good to come from that ordeal.

When she marched up to the table, Sana could see the fear in her eyes.

"Hey Sana!" Hiro smiled that charming smile of his that wooed all the girls in the school. She swore she could hear a collective sigh around them.

"Yo! How's it going?" Ayame gave a painful smile while Hiro made room her to sit down.

"Where have you been these days? I feel like I never see you anymore." There was a turn in his voice and Sana sighed with exhaustion.

"I've actually been really busy. After Fuka broke her ankle, she asked me to join the gymnastics team as a fill in for her."

Both their eyes went wide.

"You know gymnastics, Sana-chan?" This was the first time Ayame had said anything to her above a whisper. She did look genuinely surprised so there was a chance she didn't completely hate her.

She nodded with a tired grin. "Yeah, Fuka and I used to compete together but I stopped in middle school when i got involved in other extracurriculars."

Sana wasn't going to mention their fight though. That could stay between her and Fuka.

"So, you must be pretty good if you're taking Matsui's place." It really wasn't fair how attractive Hiro was and he didn't even try. His bright green eyes were just really dazzling and the boyish charm he carried was absolutely alluring.

Sana wasn't looking for romance or a relationship.

At least, not now. She had other pressing matters to attend too.

"I'm pretty good, but I'm not Fuka good. Girl's been practicing her whole life. I just did it for fun really." Shrugging her shoulders, Sana pulled her lunch bag from her school bag and scurried for her food.

"I'll have to see for myself them." He smiled again, and there was that collective sigh from behind her.

"You know, you really gotta tell the fan girls to not sigh like that. It's kind of creepy." She bit down on her sandwich and Ayame giggled.

"I agree with Sana-chan, Hiro-kun. It's kind of frightening how in sync they are with everything you do."

Hiro chuckled confidently and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, you both are exaggerating. They mean no harm."

"That's what you think." Both Sana and Ayame said simultaneously. They looked at one another and laughed.

Sana wasn't stupid. While she was pretty popular at school, she definitely has heard a few comments here and there that would make head turns. She has felt the stares and glares from the envious girls around the school. While they never said anything to her directly, she definitely could feel their dislike towards her.

She's sure Ayame has encountered similar instances.

"I mean, when you're a cool as me though." He shrugged his shoulder with confidence and grinned.

"Ugh, that was such a corny line. I think I'm going to vomit." Sana responded and his smile dropped.

"I agree with Sana-chan, Hiro-kun. There are other things you could have said that would have sounded much better."

Pushing his brows together, he leaned back against his chair and frowned with a pout on his face.

"Well, that's not fair. 2 against 1?" He countered but had a mischievous smile on his face.

Both Sana and Ayame high fived one another, cheering in victory. Hiro shook his head and they continued to chat through lunch.

When the bell chimed, Sana offered to walk Ayame to class. There was an instant change in demeanor and she could tell the young Hayama was once again nervous.

"Let's meet up after school, yeah?" Sana asked with a grin.

Ayame stilled and clutched the straps of her book bag tightly, but smiled with hesitancy.

"Yeah, sounds good."

"Front gate?"

The younger Hayama nodded her head and they said their goodbyes until later after school.

After giving Hayama Akito his birthday gift, Sana made a bee line towards the front gate. Even though lunch felt very natural, she could tell the girl was playing face. Taking note from her older brother, Sana was impressed by Ayame's almost natural ability. But, she knew better. She knew Ayame better.

Even though they hadn't been friends for long, Sana liked to think she knew her well.

Sana found her standing nervously in front of the gate. Her eyes were trailed towards the floor and she was leaning back against the door.

"Ayame-chan!"

The blonde jumped in surprise and gave a strained smile.

"Hi, Sana-chan."

"Ready?"

The blonde nodded her head. And Sana lead the way home, talking animatedly about gymnastics and how tired she has been since starting.

"My body is sore in places I didn't even know were possible." Bending forward, she released a relieving groan at the pull of her back and shoulder muscles.

"It's a lot of hard work."

Sana nodded. "That's a fact if I ever knew one."

But Ayame did not reply and they were walking in silence. Silence made her uncomfortable. It made her think about all those moments she spent alone; when silence was her best friend.

Those were not memories she was fond of.

"I'm sorry, Sana-chan." Ayame finally spoke. "I must admit that I have been avoiding you."

Sana smiled in understanding. "I know."'

The girl released a shaky sigh and smiled sadly. It broke Sana's heart to see such a sweet girl with such despair in her eyes. It was evident the impact of her broken life had on her.

"It's nothing against you... I just feel so embarrassed that you saw what you did."

Words were shaking and she began to tremble.

"Nothing you should be embarrassed about. You shouldn't be apologizing for what you feel, Ayame-chan." Comfort. The girl needed comfort. Her family forgot what it was like to support one another in times of hardship.

"I don't want you to think I hate you." The girl whispered, clutching her straps of her book bag once again.

"I could never." Looking up at her, Ayame's eyes were filled with relief. Sana swore she could have saw tears at the ridges.

She looked away and bit down on her lip for a moment.

"I finally decided to take responsibility for myself and take action of my own. And in that, I knew I had to confront my brother. I tried to be strong, told hold everything back." She snorted, followed by a weak laugh. "But, I'm just not like him."

"Well thank goodness you're not. Because I can't imagine having two broody Hayama's around."

UGH.

Sana shivered, imagining what it would be like if both of the Hayama siblings shared the same personality.

Ayame giggled slightly.

Well, that was promising!

"Is it okay if I ask how the night ended?" She decided to take a bigger leap, see if Ayame was willing to touch a little more on what happened after she left their household.

A small smile. "He apologized."

Sana followed the smile. So, the Lone Wolf wasn't as cold as he liked to pretend he was.

"I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that from him." She started, "I know it's not perfect. And I know we still have a long way to go."

"But, at least there's hope."

Another, brighter smile graced her lips and, in that moment, Sana felt like she was staring at the real Hayama Ayame. A girl who is bright, and kind, and full of energy and excitement. Not a girl who swallows herself in despair and desolation. A girl who is so broken that she is barely hanging together with tape and glue.

Sana knew what that desperation and sorrow felt like. She never wanted anyone to feel like the weight of the world was so heavy that it would crush you.

Especially this poor girl who had so much to live for.

"You know, for as much as I feel like I know about you two, I still feel like you are complete strangers to me." Sana followed.

Ayame nodded in understanding.

"You don't have to talk to me now, but I just want you to know that your brother doesn't dictate what you're allowed to talk about and to whom. If you want to share the pain of your past with the closest people to you, you can."

Her jaw tightened.

Sana put a hand to her shoulder and clasped it tightly.

"If your brother chooses to be alone, that's his choice. He doesn't get to decide that for you."

Ayame gulped, and Sana really hoped she caught the sincerity in her voice.

"My mom... she died in a car accident."

She nodded, Sana aware of the simple details that revolved around the tragic accident of their life. But, it was still grey with the full details. She didn't know who or what caused it.

"And big brother blames himself every day because he thinks it was his fault."

Sana felt the air leave her lungs. Suddenly, she found it hard to breathe. Her throat went dry and there was a definite frog in her throat.

"You know about the strained relationship between my brother and dad right?"

She nodded, trying to save face.

"This occurred at a time where they couldn't even stand being near each other. Akito was just getting back from suspension after a fight broke out between him and a couple of kids."

Little did Ayame know, she was familiar with his rebellious background Tsuysohi had been opening up about Hayama and his past bit by bit.

"Akito was sent to juvenile detention for a couple days cause Dad was fed up with his fights."

Definitely the same incident, Sana thought to herself.

Sana couldn't stop the dryness in her throat. Her heart rate continued climbing.

Breathe, Sana. Breathe.

"My parent's got into one of the ugliest fights I had ever seen that night. My mom accused my dad of being neglectful and too hard on him. My mom slept with me that night."

"With Akito's suspension and Dad putting him in juvenile detention, there was an insufferable amount of tension at home. So, Mom let Oni-chan stay at Tsuyoshi-kun's for the evening." Ayame clutched her fists tightly. "That night, my parents got into a really, horrible fight. Mom actually accused dad of being neglectful and too hard on him. He countered that mom wasn't disciplining him enough."

Sana was listening intently to Ayame. This information was crucial to putting all the pieces together for the Hayama family. With this, Sana could help this family mend it's ways.

But, she just couldn't stop the tight grasp on her heart.

"The next day, when Akito got home, he noticed that Mom was upset. When he asked her what was wrong, of course, Mom said nothing. But, he knew better. He always knew better."

The auburn-haired teen did not reply.

"When dad got home, things were still tense between both my parents." She stopped in her step and Sana rose a brow. "But... it wasn't the tension between the two that escalated everything."

"Dad had an announcement. He told us that he was offered a permanent job in LA and was going to accept it."

Ayame did mention that their dad traveled overseas for long periods of time.

"While mom and I were definitely confused and upset with Dad's sudden decision, Oni-chan didn't really react. He didn't care if dad left. He was used to him being gone."

"Clearly this wasn't something mom and dad discussed because mom was upset with him." Another pause, and then she sighed. "It wasn't until dad announced we were all moving with him that Akito decided to interject."

"Both Akito and my dad got into an ugly shouting match that was worsening within minutes. And when mom tried to diffuse the situation, dad yelled at her." Her jaw clenched. "Akito absolutely lost it."

She clenched her hands again. Then unclenched them and stared down into them.

Sana was on her feet, apprehensive for the rest of the story she almost forgot about the tightness of her heart and constriction of her lungs.

"Anyway," She released another shaky breath, "long story short, Akito refused to leave and stormed out of the house. He was pretty much gone all day."

"Mom and dad didn't speak to one another all day. Mom tried to play it off, acting like everything was fine. She always did that. It always irritated big brother." Sana watched as she took a deep breath. "Akito was taking long to get home. So, mom decided to go out and look for him."

Sana's stomach fell.

Everything she had learned about the Hayama's, the oldest brother attitude, Ayame's apprehension, it was all becoming so much clearer with every word the girl spoke.

"And I decided to go with her."

"We found him at his usual spot, courtesy of Tsuyoshi." Sana smiled. That was the first time she really got to see Hayama for who he was. "On the way home, he and mom got into an argument and he was clearly still very frustrated with the entirety of the situation."

"We never saw the truck coming."

While the air was already cold around them, it felt like the temperature dropped significantly. Ayame stilled, and her entire body went stiff. It was hard to tell if it was from the temperature or her story telling.

Sana took advantage and closed her eyes, trying to suppress her inner anguish that refused to diminish. It kept crawling its way up her throat.

This isn't about you. This is about Ayame-chan. Stop it.

"When I woke up, I was in the hospital."

Her voice was so incredibly painful. Sana could feel her sadness resonating within her. She could feel the anguish. She could feel all of Ayame's emotions.

It was a blessing and a curse how in tune she was with her emotions.

"I don't really remember much other than pain. Extreme pain. My back was hurting so much. It was really hard to bear. And I could barely feel my legs."

Sana paled. She had heard about their sustained injuries, but she didn't know the extent. From Ayame's description, it sounded bad.

"I fell in and out of sleep often. I could barely remember my time in the hospital, even now." She mumbled. "Everything just felt so fuzzy at the time. Between my pain and distraught, I felt like I was in limbo."

Sana was keeping her emotions at bay, pushing away the string of memories that flooded her.

This was too close to home.

"I remember my dad sitting at my bedside the times I was awake." Her eyes seemed so far away, like she was staring off into nothing.

Ayame turned to her and just smiled sadly.

"When I looked at him, I just knew."

Sana tightened her jaw.

She did too.

"When he told me, I remember lying in bed. There were no tears immediately. I was shell shocked, I think. I was still trying to piece everything that happened together. My mind was so fragmented. It wasn't until my second week in the hospital that I realized what happened."

"Akito and I hardly saw one another in the hospital. Like me, he suffered pretty severe injuries too. While mine were primarily on my back, his were localized over his right shoulder and down his right side." Sana nodded in response. "They were concerned I may had suffer from paralyzation. Luckily, that wasn't the case."

"Mom's funeral was postponed while Akito and I were in the hospital. As soon as we got out, we moved forward with everything."

Sana knew loss all too well.

She didn't know how it felt losing a mother.

But she knew something pretty damn close.

"After everything settled and mom's funeral passed, it was then that I finally understood the gravity of the situation."

Silent tears streamed down Ayame's face. Her face turned towards the sky and she closed her eyes again.

"About a week after everything settled, big brother was in the kitchen and I was in the living room. Dad had gotten home from work about an hour earlier and was shut in his room. When he came down, that's when dad completely exploded on big brother."

She bit down on her lip again.

"It was awful... the things he said to him." She took another pause."Dad blamed Akito. He blamed him for everything. He blamed him for killing mom." Sana flinched, and there was an anger bubbling in her chest.

"And for the first time in my life, Akito didn't fight him back."

"I think big brother already blamed himself. And dad verbally abusing him just assured him it was his fault. Dad made him out to be a monster and I think he really believed it."

Sana understood now.

Akito's cold demeanor, his apathetic attitude, his aloof personality, his want to die, and his reason for distancing himself from everyone.

Why his eyes are so cold.

He believed he was a murderer all because his father made him believe he was.

Sana wanted to cry.

She wanted to cry for him, for his sister.

She wanted to cry for herself.

In that moment, Sana realized how similar her and Hayama Akito really were. She knew exactly the pain and the guilt he carried with him. The auburn-haired girl knew what type of loss he suffered.

She wanted to beat his father over the head with a baseball bat, as violent as that may sound. How dare he blame him for his mother's death. It wasn't his fault.

"Did you ever blame him? For the death of your mom?" Sana had a morbid curiosity but needed to know. She didn't think Ayame would be so ignorant so blindly.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't at once." Shame crossed her face. "When I was going through the denial phase, I was placing blame on my brother and was avoiding him. I wanted to hate him."

The tears were dried now, but her voice was cracking under her grief. Retelling this was opening old wounds that probably never really closed.

"In my reflection, I realized I added to his grief. I was so mad at the world, at God for taking my mother from me. And on top of that, there was no support from dad or big brother. I was so angry." She laughed and shook her head. "But, I realized that it was my fault that Akito abandoned me too. I avoided him first, and he must have known that I at some point blamed him."

"If I could take it back, I would."

Her heart hurt for the Hayama family.

Both Ayame and Hayama suffered such an incredible and tragic loss, and Akito took the burnt end of it.

"You're not to blame either, you know that right?" Sana touched her shoulder gently. "Your mom's death isn't your fault... it's not your brothers. Hell, it's not even your father's. It was a freak accident."

"No one knows why these things happen," A pause, "but they do. And it's something that we as people have to overcome to move forward together."

Ayame turned her head towards her and they shared a look of understanding. "The pain of losing your mom will never leave you. It's something that you will carry with you for the rest of your life."

"But, that doesn't mean you stop living. I know I don't know your mom and I'm really sorry I never got the chance too, but she wouldn't want you to stop living your life, Ayame-chan. I think she would be really upset if she saw the state of your family. I think that she would want you to chase your dreams and live your life to the absolute best."

"I think she would want you two to stop grieving for her, to stop blaming one another and move forward. Loss is never easy to overcome, but it does get easier. It's okay to miss her. But, I think ultimately she would want you to stop living so miserably."

And Sana knew this from experience.

Ayame reached for her hand on her shoulder and clutched to it tightly.

Fresh tears were cascading down her cheeks and her eyes were red.

Sana was nearly knocked off her feet when Ayame ran into her arms and began crying into her shirt. The hazel eyed girl wrapped her hands around the blonde and hugged her tightly. Ayame was sobbing into her school jacket, hands clenching the front of her jacket so incredibly tight.

She soothed her, giving her the comfort, the girl so desperately needed.

AN: This story really deals with a lot of grief and the process of acceptance. But, Akito's and Ayame's backstory is finally revealed (22 chapters later; this is going to be a bit of a slow burn, if ya'll didn't notice). Spoiler alert, there is going to be a lot of flashbacks coming up and used in future chapters to really bring everything together. So I hope you guys are okay with that!

The burutcha makes an appearance! I know it's kind of old school, but Kodocha is old school and it just really cements Akito and Sana's relationship. There's still so much to come, so I hope you're all ready! Thanks for sicking through! Ya'll are the best!

Reviews, comments, and criticism are always encouraged!

Until next time!

Dark Waffle