A/N: Not much to say other than enjoy the next installment :)
Chapter 44: School Festival Part 2
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Students of class 3-A were running amuck in the theatre room, people yelling and shouting across the room. There was an intense but also fun energy that surrounded all the teens. Sana could hardly contain her own enthusiasm.
Though, she supposed hers was for other reasons too.
As she was helping Sana set up some parts of the stage, she could see Akito standing over by the boys on the other end. He and the other boys were pushing some of the set production they had made across the stage.
Sana couldn't stop the happiness from exploding in her heart. The smile never left her face, even as her classmates found themselves growing more and more anxious as the play grew nearer.
The former actress really thought that today would be difficult. For as strong as she thought she was, Rei and acting always left her so powerless. Last night, she didn't think she'd be able to get up and do this.
But Hayama Akito didn't let her fall for too long.
She didn't know how he did it, but he was there again. She couldn't see him, nor his expressions, nor his body language, but she could feel what he was trying to convey, his thoughts and feelings. Sana could string his emotions through his words.
And this morning, when it was just the two of them, he put his walls down completely. And gave her a smile. It caught her completely off guard that she really didn't appreciate it until it was gone.
"Sana-chan! Let's go try on our costumes!" Aya grabbed her hands with a smile and pointed towards the changing room in the back.
Aya began to drag her, and Sana felt her grin break in two.
There was so much to be happy for!
"I bet they are so cute!" She replied, excited because Mami's aunt was a seamstress and fashion designer. All their costumes were handmade and free of charge.
"Don't take too long, though! We want to get finished up here so we can go and enjoy the rest of the festival!" Tsuyoshi called out and smiled.
"Neh, Akito-kun! We should go try on ours too!" Sana heard him say and said boy groaned.
"Maybe later."
"Come on, Classmate Hayama! Let's go! Let's go!" Yunichi attacked from behind and Akito had a look of displeasure on his face.
Sana couldn't help but giggle as the blond was overwhelmed by the boys in the class and dragged to the changing room designated for them.
"It's always so nice to see the boys getting along so well!" Aya sighed in happiness.
"I guess now that Akito isn't so much the lone wolf anymore, they have been hanging around him a lot more!" Aya smiled at her reply.
"I'm sure Tsuyoshi-kun has mentioned about Akito-kun's past and how the boys used to follow him around?"
Sana nodded with an exasperated sigh. She waved her hand. "Oh yeah! Not shocked in the least by that! Akito totally gives off boss monkey vibes!"
The sand haired colored girl giggled.
"It didn't always used to be like that, but I'm glad that things aren't like that anymore."
Sana raised a brow at that statement.
What did Aya mean by that?
"Huh? Whatcha mean, Aya-chan?" Sana tilted her head. But Aya froze, her eyes going wide. Pinching her brows together, the former actress leaned forward.
"Oh!" And then she smiled shakily, her hands up in defense. "It's nothing! Nothing! Forget I said anything!"
Her brows furrowed, eyes narrowing.
This wasn't the first time this happened. She had heard stories of Akito and the boys being little jerks. They'd be sitting in class, and the boys would start to reminisce in the past, Gomi bringing it up first. And then Hiroshi would join. Yunichi didn't know them until middle school so he couldn't reminisce with them.
They'd try to drag Akito into the conversation, and he would always wave them away.
She had heard some mutterings from Hisae and Mami about bullying their 6th grade teacher, and something about blackmail. But every time she asked about it, or pressed on it, the conversation was always changed.
It was strange, and Sana felt like she was missing out on something. Something important.
"But Sana-chan!" Aya grabbed her hands and Sana leaned back slightly. "You and Akito-kun are inseparable!"
Sana choked on her spit and nearly tripped on her feet as they arrived too the changing room. A handful of the girls were in there already, admiring their own costumes.
"I wouldn't say inseparable, Aya-chan!" A deep, red blush was stamped on her cheeks. "Besides! I'm also hanging out a bunch with Ayame-chan!"
Aya nodded her head and smiled, but the smile seemed… devious.
"You guys talkin' about Sana-chan and Hayama-kun being all buddy buddy again?" Hisae stated from over her shoulder as she grabbed onto her costume.
Sana felt the heat rise in her face.
"At this point, it's expected where one is, the other is right behind!" Mami popped out from behind the string of clothes that were settled on the portable coat rack.
"Guys! It's not like that!"
Throwing her hands up in defense, Sana felt all the heat to her head. Hot. She felt so hot. What was with their accusations anyway?! What happened to boys and girls strictly being best friends, anyway!? Look at Ayame and Hiro! They were so close, and no one even batted an eye!
"Yeah, so you say, Sana-chan." Hisae began to strip herself of her clothes as she pulled the costume off the hangar.
"Did ya forget that we were paired up! We're partners for this play! Mind you! So duh! We had to rehearse our lines and all!" She continued to defend herself. But also, why should she? It was just Akito! They all knew him!
"That's a fair point!" Mami interjected as her eyes brightened with when she found the costume with her name tagged onto it. "BUT. I feel like outside of that, you two have been close for a while already too!"
"GUYS. We've been through this already!"
Because it was embarrassing enough in the locker room a few weeks ago. But now this again?
"Oh, Sana-chan. We are just teasing." Aya patted her shoulder and Sana pouted at her. "We just enjoy poking fun because it's been so long since we've seen Akito-kun relax."
Sana crossed her hands in front of her, pink on her cheeks. "We'll can't ya tease elsewhere!"
Aya just giggled in response.
"Seriously though! Hayama-kun has always been so uptight!" Hisae commented.
"What Hisae-chan said! Always so serious! I forgot what he was like when he wasn't on his guard so much!" Mami added to the conversation.
Sana looked between the three girls and realized that they had all basically grown up with him. They all went to elementary school together, didn't they? So, they knew him for just as long as Tsuyoshi had.
"You all grew up with him, right?" Sana asked, her face finally returning to normal color.
"Uh huh." Hisae winked. "Hayama-kun has never been one for friends. His circle has always been small. Even more so with girls. That's why we tease so much. His friendships are selective."
Sana felt her cheeks pink.
"Oh yeah! He used to be so popular with the girls too, especially in elementary and first year of middle school!" Mami added before her voice got muffled by the shirt that she was pulling off.
"Ah, yes. I do remember when Akito-kun's locker would be filled with letters of confession." Aya giggled and Sana's jaw dropped.
"WHAT. No way! I don't believe it!? Hayama Akito? Getting confession letters?!" She was on her knees, perched forward.
Well, she guessed she could have believed it.
Her best friend was attractive…
Sana's face brightened with redness immediately. It was the first time she had thought of him as her best friend since she had called him that last night. The words slipped, and she realized her own mistake too late.
But Akito didn't seem to mind and just went with it. He didn't question the title, nor rub it in her face. But her feelings were true.
She was so, so thankful for him.
The former actress truly didn't know how he knew. But he did. And he was there. And gosh, she felt so bad for how tired he was this morning. When she entered the school grounds, Sana saw the group standing from a distance.
Her eyes found Akito's stature almost immediately. His posture was hunched over, shoulders sagging. And his eyes looked exhausted. Guilt filled her almost immediately.
Sana had started jogging towards them but stopped in her tracks when she saw Fuka with them. Her feet were cemented to the ground, and her legs just wouldn't move. They hadn't spoken to one another in two months. And had only been in each other's presence a couple times for a few, short moments.
It unnerved her what Fuka made her feel. There was a stirring in her chest that made it hard for her to breath. And there was a feeling in the pit of her stomach she didn't want to unlock. Because she knew what waited for her there.
But there was a burning in her chest when she saw Fuka laugh at Akito. He clearly was annoyed by somethingsince he rolled his eyes. But unlike the past, when annoyance filled his golden-brown eyes, there was something else there.
Companionship.
And it wasn't like Sana didn't know about this new nickname Fuka started calling him by. Sana had been stuffing her mouth with some food when the boys sat down, and Tsuyoshi had question him.
"Aki?"
"I don't care enough to make her stop."
It made her feel uneasy. But, since she didn't understand it, Sana pushed those feelings aside.
Besides, he had already rejected her? Didn't he? Akito had told her himself after it happened. She supposed Akito could start to like her though. That wasn't such a far-off possibility. Fuka was smart, and pretty, and fierce, and she could certainly hold her own against Akito's abrasive attitude.
Looking at it from the outside looking in, they would make a pretty great couple.
Interlacing her fingers together, Sana found herself gripping her hands tightly together.
I don't like it. This feeling in my chest. What is it?
"Oh yeah! Hayama-kun used to get them all the time!" Hisae broke her trance, bringing her back from her own thoughts. She pretended to have been focused this entire time. "Well, that was until Hitorashi-san."
Sana lifted a brow.
Hitorashi? That was a name she had never heard before?
"Ugh. Why did you have to bring her up?" Sana turned to Aya and went wide eyed at the disgust on her face. Sweet, kind, and usually so grounded Sugita Aya did not look like herself with that look of disgust on her features.
"Ah, sorry. I forgot you really don't like her." Hisae started. "But, roping back to Hayama-kun, it only makes sense we tease Sana. The only other girl he hung out with like he did Sana-chan was Hitorashi-san. And they were dating!"
Sana's eyes about popped out of her head.
"WHAT!?" Standing abruptly from her spot on the floor, the three girls looked at her in shock.
Akito dated someone?! Why didn't she know about that?!
"Oh, now you're just spreading lies, Hisae-chan! They weren't dating!" Aya denied the claim and Sana looked back and forth between her and Hisae.
"It sure looked like it! They were joint at the hip! And Hitorashi-san always had her hands around him, some way or another. Though, I guess Sana-chan and Hayama-kun aren't too touchy with each other."
"Sometimes they are!" Mami added and Sana's face fired immediately.
Touchy? Hands around him?
And her and Akito weren't touchy with each other!
… we're they?
And why were they talking about her like she wasn't standing right there!?
"Well, you guys aren't dating, are you Sana-chan? You and Hayama-kun?" Hisae asked and Aya's brows lifted
Sana felt all the heat rise to the top of her head.
"NO!" She vehemently denied, her ears ringing, steaming, mouth dry.
"Hmm, well that answers that question I guess!" Hisae went back to her conversation with the other two girls and Sana's head was swimming with information that she had never heard before.
So, Akito was close to another girl before? Someone in middle school? Elementary school? And he would let her touch him? And why had she never heard about this before?
"Please! Akito-kun would have never dated Hitorashi-san! Despite everything, he at least had standards!" Aya defended and Sana was thrown back for a moment.
Aya must have really not liked this Hitorashi girl because wow. She had never seen her friend so outspoken unless it pertained to Tsuyoshi.
"I forgot how much you didn't like her, Aya-chan." Mami added, followed with a small laugh.
"HOLD ON!" Sana stomped her foot and broke the girls out of their three-sided conversation. She was glaring at them, hands folded in front of her. "What are you three even talking about? Hitorashi? Akito in a relationship? What is this even about?!"
All three girls went quiet then looked at each other, something passing between them. Sana glared.
"Oh no. No no no! Don't do that!" Sana started, her own frustration building. "You guys can't just bring this stuff up, and not even elaborate!"
Mami pursed her lips.
"Well. Hitorashi-san was… umm… guys?" She looked to Aya and Hisae for help.
But what caught Sana off guard was the look in Aya's eyes. They were hardened, and full of anger and fury. It was an emotion the auburn-haired girl had never seen in her friend before. Sure, she had seen Aya get frustrated or irritated.
But this was the face of a girl who looked downright pissed.
"Er, she was a girl in our class that wasn't very nice?" Mami added and Sana arched a brow.
"Tch. Nice? Hitorashi-san was a downright bitch." Hisae scoffed and Sana was shocked to hear Hisae something like that.
"I could have said that. But I was trying to be polite."
The brown-haired girl rolled her eyes. "There is no polite with Hitorashi Ayumi."
Hitorashi Ayumi.
So, that was Akito's possible ex-girlfriend.
"Sana-chan."
Aya's voice was small, but forceful. It broke her away from the duo of girls and pulled her attention to the usual timid girl.
"There is absolutely nothing to know about her." Her eyes were dark and Sana almost gasped. "Just know that the relationship you have Akito-kun is nothing like that of his with Hitorashi-san. And thank God for that."
"Yeah! What Aya-chan said!" Hisae piggybacked. "We don't really talk about it. No one in the class that was there does. It's kind of the unspoken rule… But just know that we were all happy when Hayama-kun broke it off with her!"
"Oh, I seriously thought a war was going to break out when that happened." Mami shivered in her spot and Sana had so many questions.
Breaking it off? No one talking about it? A war?!
What did that even mean?!
"Point is Sana-chan." And suddenly, Aya was in front of her, eyes filled with reassurance. "You are good for Akito-kun. You bring out a side to him we haven't seen in so many years." Her frown was replaced with a smile.
Aya leaned forward, her lips close to her ear.
"And if you should want more, I'm rooting for you!"
Her friend pulled back and winked, Sana standing agape.
Sana's face started pink, then turned bright red, then to deep red, and then a blazing crimson and suddenly, she was yelling at the top of her lungs.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?"
Her ears exploded with steam and suddenly, her heart was pounding so loudly against her chest, and her stomach was doing this weird tingling thing and oh my god. WHY DID AYA JUST SAY THAT.
"Eh. What did you just say to her Aya-chan?" Mami asked and Aya just turned to them with a soft smile.
"Oh nothing."
But Sana couldn't make out the rest of the conversation because now she was in her own head. And a very specific image, one from just hours ago, entered her mind.
A tired, yet vulnerable Hayama Akito smiling at her.
Sana felt like she was going to faint.
"AYA! YOU GOT IT ALL WRONG! IT ISN'T LIKE THAT. GAHHHHHHHHH!"
The girls around her suffered as she ran rampant through the changing room. Her hands were at her face, and she was sputtering like an idiot. Clothes and make up and accessories were all over as she denied, denied, denied any of Aya's suggestions and claims.
It wasn't until Aya grabbed Sana's hand with a fierce grip and brought her back to earth.
"Me and Akito aren't like that!" She continued to say, grabbing Aya's shoulders and shaking them. The brightness on her face was stamped and the other girls groaned as Sana's torrent of emotions left them all weary.
"Okay, Sana-chan. I hear you. I hear you." Aya stifled a giggle, and the former actress took a deep breath.
"Aya-chan… you are so mean! Who knew you had such a mischievous side to you!" Sana added for good measure and Aya laughed once more.
"Can't be sweet all the time, can I, Sana-chan?"
The girl winked and Sana rolled her eyes.
"How 'bout you leave the spice with your boyfriend, huh?"
The suggestion then sent Aya aflame as the red in her face grew until she was steaming and stuck in her spot. Her eyes grew small, and she looked down, fingers pointed at one another.
"Oh? Is there something you'd like the share with the class, Aya-chan?" Sana smirked evilly, eyes wriggling at her and Aya squeaked.
"N-No! There's nothing!" She quickly spoke, her face growing redder by the second.
"Oh, cut the crap, Aya-chan! You and Tsuyoshi-kun have been dating forever! Come on! Give us the juicy details!" Hisae grabbed onto one shoulder and Mami grabbed the other.
"Yeah, Aya-chan! So quick to judge others but nothing for the rest of us? That doesn't seem fair!"
Sana threw her head back in laughter as she watched Hisae and Mami embarrass poor Aya to infinity while the girl's head about exploded. Her face was beet red and the words out of her mouth didn't even make sense at that point.
And while she watched, her mind trailed back to the single name that was slipped: Hitorashi Ayumi.
Who was she? Exactly what type of relationship did she have with Akito? And why did Aya not like her? Locking the thoughts away for now, Sana joined in on the fun of teasing, eventually grabbing her costume and trying it on.
.
Akito was scrolling through his phone absentmindedly when he heard the girl's loud voices. His eyes shifted upwards, immediately finding Kurata Sana. She was saying something to the girls, who were all laughing. Hisae said something to her, and Sana waved her off. And then dove into what looked like an intricate explanation of something.
She was so carefree today. So happy. And he had a part in that.
"They look like they're all enjoying themselves, hmm?"
His eyes left her and found Tsuyoshi beaming at him, with an all-knowing smile.
"Yeah."
"It can't be helped though! The School Festival's area always so much fun!" His best friend stated, nodding his head. "I'm glad that you're here this time, Akito-kun."
Tilting his head slightly, Akito remembered he had ditched the last two school festivals. He had wanted nothing to do with them or the people in his class. What was he doing? Oh yeah. He just read manga in his room all day.
"Well, I couldn't exactly miss it even if I wanted too."
His eyes found Kurata Sana again. She was hugging Aya now.
"Yeah, I guess when you've found your purpose, that really puts things into perspective huh?"
His eyes turned back to his longtime friend, his own face happy and enlightened. The smile was genuine and sincere, his arms folded in front of his chest. He even seemed to be blushing a slight bit.
Akito's eyes drifted back to her, and he scoffed.
"Guess so."
"Tsuyoshi-kun! Akito-kun!"
Aya was running to them, Sana still talking to Hisae and Mami. But Aya's voice seemed to have broken her out of her conversation as she looked over at the boys. They shared a stare for a moment, but her eyes went wide, and cheeks went red, and she looked away quickly.
Akito perched a brow.
Huh. What was that all about?
"You girls all done? Ready to go exploring?" Aya grabbed Tsuyoshi's hand and interlaced them together, nodding with a sweet smile.
"Yes!"
"Classmate Hayama! Classmate Hayama! Let's go to the haunted house!" Akito found himself hunching as Yunichi laid himself over his shoulders. He was nearly toppled as Yunichi let his whole weight fall on him.
"Get off, Yunichi." He tried to push but Hiroshi came up and punched him in the arm.
"Let's go, dude! Let's try out the football match! We can take 'em! Like the good ol' days!" Akito could see how fired up Hiroshi was as he gave him a pumped-up fist.
"No way! Let's go to the arcade center the seniors put together! We used to go all the time! And we'd kick major ass! Come on, Hayama!" Gomi pushed on Yunichi's head, trying to get their friend off his back.
And the boys all started arguing amongst another and Akito could only wonder, how the hell did he get here?
But it was a singular melody, a laughter that rung so clearly that it brought all the boys out of their silly antics and made them all look up.
Kurata Sana had her hands on her hips and was frowning slightly. "Honestly! You boys are nothing but dorks, huh!?" She looked down to him and shook her head with a hopeless smile intact.
"Alright! Off you all go! Let the poor guy breathe!" She grabbed Gomi by the collar and pulled him away, Hiroshi stepping aside, and Yunichi crying as he slid away.
"Besides! Akito's my partner today! And his sister entrusted him to my care! So, looks like you're all out of luck!" Akito felt his face heat at her statement.
"The hell, Kurata! If Akito wants to hang out with us, he can!" Gomi argued, but he nearly toppled over as a loud smack was heard.
"Oh geez! Cut it out, you idiot!" Hisae's own cheeks turned red. "You should at the very least want some time with me today! I am your girlfriend!"
"Aww. Well, I guess it can't be helped! Classmate Hayama! We leave you in the care of Classmate Sana!" Yunichi grinned brightly and Akito sighed.
"It's not like we can't all hang out anyway!" Hiroshi said with a grin.
"Oh, this group has become so lively lately!" Akito turned towards Aya, and Tsuyoshi smiled sweetly to her. "I want to always have happy days like this!"
And then he went back to Sana, who had her arms crossed in front of her, a grin plastered on her face.
"In your care, huh?" He smirked and her cheeks were red. "How did I get the honor or spending the whole day with you? Hmm?"
Her entire face steamed with a bright pink and next thing Akito knew, he was on the ground, his head throbbing from another hammer smack. Her eyes were wide, and she was gritting her teeth.
"YOU'RE A SCOUNDREL! FORGET I SAID ANYTHING!"
And she marched off, huffing and puffing, cheeks pouting and heavily glaring his way. Aya ran after her, calling her name before she disappeared into the growing crowd. Akito sighed roughly as he nursed his head.
"Tch. Stupid girl." The blond muttered and a hand was extending to him.
Tsuyoshi gave him a hopeless smile. "You tease her too much."
Akito grabbed his hand. "I don't think I tease her enough."
"There's better ways to tell her you like her." His voice low, Tsuyoshi tilted his head slightly and Akito rolled his eyes.
"Tch." Pulling him up, Tsuyoshi laughed.
"But heeeeeey." His best friend nudged him with his elbow, eyes wriggling and looking at him mischievously. "She wants to spend the day with you. So, you got that going for you!"
Akito felt a twitch in his forehead and suddenly, he was very annoyed.
So much so, his best friend received a firm karate chop to the top of his head.
"Ow! Akito-kun! That wasn't very nice!" The glass eyed boy cried with a pout and Akito glared at him.
"Don't get too cocky now!"
But before he and Tsuyoshi could get into another altercation, Akito felt the tug on his sleeve, and he looked down at a pair of annoyed, hazel eyes.
"Ugh! Honestly! Let's go! We don't have all day for you to just stand here and bicker with Tsuyoshi-kun!" Sana chastised him. He could see Aya shaking her head in exasperation at her boyfriend.
He scrunched his nose and ran a hand through his blond hair.
"You are such a nag."
Another swift smack of her trusty hammer, but this time to his shoulder. Akito glared and Sana matched it.
"Better that than a floosy!"
Akito's mouth hung open as she hmph'd and crossed her arms.
"Do you even know what you're saying?"
"Does it matter? Now let's go!"
.
They had agreed to meet again at 2pm since the show started at 300pm. A mass group text was sent out for anyone who may have missed the meeting this morning for a casual reminder. Until then, Sana was determined to make today so much fun!
After bickering with Akito this morning, Sana felt much more at ease. Her heart had been stirred up, and the revelation of a possible ex-girlfriend had her feelings all fuzzy. Not really sure why, she just bottled them away and hope they would just disappear. Besides! She had bigger tuna to fry anyway!
But when they returned to their regular antics, their constant quarreling, Sana felt like things had returned to normal between them. Not that they hadn't been! But she felt some normalcy when they were insulting one another.
Now, they were walking through the first year's hallway, heading towards Ayame's class mochi shop!
"Wow! It looks like the first years definitely gave it their all!" Tsuyoshi commented as he noticed the different themes and projects they took on.
"Ayame did mention in all out brawl, or something like that." Akito muttered next to her; his own eyes trained forward. She titled her head.
"Huh? Brawl? Who's even fightin'?"
He looked down at her with his strong, golden-brown eyes. She gulped.
"Not a literal brawl, you idiot." Sana narrowed her eyes. "It's a figure of speech."
An exasperated sigh and Sana felt her chest boil with anger.
Best friend or not, Hayama Akito was still definitely a jerk.
"What the hell, Kurata?" Said boy was grabbing his head for probably the millionth time today, as she gripped her toy hammer tightly in her hand.
"You! Hayama Akito! Are a certified, grade Z jerk!" And then she pouted, turning away from him.
"Oh, you two." Aya sighed with a short burst of laughter.
"Tch." He scoffed next to her, and she gave him a pointed look.
"Ayame-chan's classroom is coming up!" Tsuyoshi pointed forward and Sana grinned, forgetting about meanie Hayama next to her.
Sana did find it adorable how supportive Tsuyoshi was of Ayame. Though, it only made sense as they all grew up together. Tsuyoshi had to have to seen Ayame grow up before his very eyes. In a sense, she was his little sister too.
How sweet. Ayame was blessed by not one, nor two, but three boys who loved her very much.
But then she thought back to the conversation with the girls earlier, and this past that everyone knew about, except for her. And the feeling felt a bit lonely.
"What is it?"
Sana broke from her thoughts and looked up to Akito, who was staring at her with this quizzical look. "Huh?"
"Your face." He pointed and she titled her head slightly, confusion written all over it. "You got a weird look now."
Eyes wide, Sana looked away, biting on her lip.
"Oh. I dunno." She clasped her hands behind her back, not really knowing how to bring this up. How do you ask someone about their ex-girlfriend that you didn't know anything about up until today? About a past that was entirely hidden from her.
And then she smiled at him with confusion. "I guess I was just thinking about how there's still so much I don't know about you, and Ayame-chan, even Tsuyoshi-kun and Aya-chan!"
His eyes widened slightly.
"I hear the stories, obviously. In class, when we hang out, at lunch. But it just reminds me that there is still so much I just don't know."
He mused on that for a moment, before looking down at her.
"What do you want to know?"
That… was not the response she expected. In her mind, she figured the conversation would start, and he would roll his eyes, tell her it's none of her business and then stalk off. And she would chase him and bother him until he told her. Or until he got so mad that he stormed off.
Instead, he opened the floor to her.
"What do I wanna know?" She pointed to herself.
He nodded in response.
"Oh! Wow! I didn't actually think you would ask me that!" She laughed and he arched a brow.
"You know. You don't exactly hand out the facts of your life so easily, mister! I have to pull the weeds just to get to know your favorite color, or do you not remember our English project from last term, hmm?"
Akito went wide eyed at this and then pursed his lips. He looked away, and Sana couldn't help the giggle that left her mouth. He scratched the top of his head and huffed. Speaking of projects… Sana had some other things she needed to add to hers.
"Your window is ticking, Kurata."
"Window! I didn't know I had a window! I have so many questions!" Sana put a finger to her chin and figured, well why not start at the top?
"So back then, is it true you had a – "
"Sana-chan! Ni-chan!"
At the sound of their names, both her and Akito turned to find Ayame running at them with a cheerful smile. Sana couldn't help but return the gesture. Ayame's smile was so infectious these days! And her personality had so much so brightened. Ever since her and Akito's reconciliation, Sana felt like she was meeting a new Hayama Ayame.
They hadn't seen each other nearly as much these days because Ayame was busy with softball and Sana with the play, but she sure enjoyed the girl very much.
Well, their conversation could be saved for later she supposed.
"Ayame-chan!" The girls hugged, Ayame pulling back first.
"What do you guys think of my outfit!?" The youngest Hayama asked, twirling in place.
She was wearing a pink button-down shirt with a black skirt. There was a white apron tied around her front and a black bow tie at the collar of her shirt. Her hair was tied up in a cute bun, and a small touch of make up around her eyes.
"IT'S SO CUTE!" Sana grabbed her hands and shook them up and down, her grin never leaving her face.
"I love the costumes, Ayame-chan!" Aya added, grabbing her shoulder.
"Very cute!" Tsuyoshi nodded his head.
"What do you think, Nii-chan!?" Sana looked over at the oldest Hayama and he looked away.
"Yeah. Looks great." He so stoically commented, and Sana couldn't help but laugh. Ayame's cheeks puffed and then she shrugged her shoulders with a look of resignation on her face.
"Meh. Good enough!" Grabbing her by the hands again, Sana felt herself be carried forward. "Come on in guys! I'm so glad you all could make it!"
The group of 3rd years filed in, Sana at the helm with Ayame dragging them all in. The classroom was filled with noise and excitement as they entered. Her classmates were running around, calling out orders as one part of the class was set up as the mochi making center and the other was the distributer.
"Hey guys! Long time no see!"
Sana grinned as Kotetsu Kyo walked up to them, his outfit like Ayame's, just replacing the skirt for dress pants.
"Kyo-kun and I are part of the welcoming committee!" Ayame linked her arm with his and he smiled brightly.
When his eyes landed on Akito, they narrowed slightly but then gave a slight nod. From the corner of her eye, Sana could see the nod from the older blond.
"So! Who wants some mochi!?" The gray-haired boy asked, hands at his hips.
"You better give me the best made, Kyo-kun!" She said, folding her arms. "I expect nothing but the best, ya hear!"
Throwing his head back in laughter, his grin grew even wider. "I gotchu, Kurata-san!"
"Oh! Oh! Don't forget about me, Kyo-kun!" Tsuyoshi joined in and Aya nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh!" Sana's eyes went wide, looking back at the silent boy standing behind them. "That's right! You don't like mochi!"
With a look of disgust on his face, he shook his head.
"It's a texture thing, right?" She laughed, nudging him with her elbow and he pursed his lips.
"Buzz off, Kurata."
"Akito-kun has always hated mochi. I'm shocked he even tagged along!" Akito glared at Tsuyoshi and Sana rolled her eyes.
"Spare him the dagger eyes, Haya-jerk." Sana pinched his arm and the older Hayama looked at her with narrowed eyes. "And spare me the look too, while you're at it!"
He scoffed and folded his arms. Sana sighed, smiling at the aloofness of her best friend.
"Doesn't matter to me! That means more mochi for me!" Sana's eyes grew with excitement as she skipped to the table with assorted mochi, and her mouth watered at the flavors set out.
"Pick your heart's desire, Sana-chan!" She heard Ayame say.
"You don't gotta tell me twice! YOSH!"
When the mochi picking was done, her, Tsuyoshi and Aya were sitting at a makeshift table while Akito was sitting on top of a small bookshelf, scrolling through his phone. Sana, Tsuyoshi and Aya were talking about some of the other booths they wanted to visit.
Her eyes drifted to him a few times, noticing his phone was put away and he was staring out of the window now.
"Ugh, this is so embarrassing!"
The group of friends all looked up to see a red-faced Hayama Ayame walking to them, arms folded.
"What is it, Ayame-chan?" Tsuyoshi asked.
"Sorry nii-chan. But you gotta go!" The youngest Hayama pointed an accusing finger at her older brother and Sana, Tsuyoshi and Aya went wide eyed.
Akito raised a brow. "What?"
"You're causing a distraction in my class! So, you gotta scoot on outta here!" Sana's jaw dropped and then she heard the giggling. Turning her head towards the culprits, the former actress saw a group of girls, red-faced and snickering in the corner.
Oh.
Sana began to laugh.
"All my classmates are distracted by you because they think you're cute!" Ayame's face grew redder and now Sana couldn't stop laughing. Akito's normally calm and collective countenance turned into one of surprise and Sana couldn't help but laugh.
She had seen so many different faces of his just today and she was loving every second of it. Sana could see the redness growing on his face and the way his eyes narrowed and the frown lines appearing.
"Oh Akito-kun? You have some admirers?" Tsuyoshi teased, poking his knee.
"Ever so popular with the girls, Akito-kun!" Aya added fuel to the fire.
"I heard you were quite a ladies' man back in the day, Akito. Kind of funny to see it first-hand!" Sana added herself, walking up to him and nudging him in the elbow. His face was a fiery red at this point and he looked like he was going to murder them.
"The hell!? Fuck off!" He shouted, jumping off the bookshelf and heading towards the exit.
"Watch your language, nii-chan! There are kids here!" Ayame scolded and he proceeded to flip them all off.
"So cool!"
"Oh, he's like an edgy bad boy!"
"We do love mysterious, tall, dark and handsome!"
Sana couldn't help herself as she continued to laugh, pointing towards the door the blond just disappeared through. "We should follow!" Aya and Tsuyoshi stood from their seats and called out to the blond.
"Gah! Good riddance, all of ya!" Ayame waved with a smile on her face and before Sana left, turned to the group of girls. She winked at them. They all gaped at her.
"Thanks for having us, Ayame-chan! See you later, right?!" Ayame put her hand to her forehead and shook her head. But then smiled sheepishly.
"You bet, Sana-chan! I can't wait!"
And with that, Sana sped off to catch up to her friends.
.
Sana couldn't remember the last time she had this much fun! They were walking around the school, stopping at different booths, eating different snacks, and talking to all sorts of different people from their school they hadn't really interacted with much before.
Akito had chosen to ignore them for a total of maybe 10 minutes before Sana pestered him enough to shout at her about how 'annoying' she was. But all she did in retaliation was laugh. Tsuyoshi and Aya joined in the fun and Akito mumbled something about how 3-1 was unfair.
They had just finished the haunted house that the boys had wanted to go through with Akito. Sana of course wasn't entirely scared as she could handle a little measly haunted house. But poor Aya…
"Aya-chan! I'm so sorry! We'll never do something like that again! Promise!" Tsuyoshi was trying to console a pale and nausea Aya as she fanned herself over the table.
"Man! That was so fun! It wasn't even that scary!" Gomi had his hands on his hips as he grinned proudly.
"Really? Is that why you put your head into my shoulder when the zombie lady popped up!?" Hisae smirked as she jabbed a finger into his chest.
Gomi grew red very quickly.
"What?! I have no idea what you're talking about!"
The boys burst into fits of laughter.
"Classmate Gomi was scared! Classmate Gomi was scared!" Yunichi chanted over and over, and Hiroshi grabbed his friend around the neck and ruffled a fist to the top of his head.
"Come on, man! Just admit it! You were scared!"
"I wasn't scared! I was wiping my nose on Hisae's shirt!" Gomi defended and the group all laughed as Gomi continued to spill out excuses that no one believed for a minute.
"Tell 'em, Akito! Tell 'em, I wasn't scared!"
Akito was taking a drink from his water bottle when Gomi started to plead with him. The stoic boy showed little emotion when they walked through the haunted house. Sana was by his side and even with her jump scares, his face remained mostly neutral. There was only once when Sana saw him sweat and that was at the clowns.
"You were mumbling like a baby into Hisae's shoulder. You were totally scared."
And that was the final straw before the boys all jumped him, teasing him relentlessly. Akito just smirked and took another drink of his water.
"You are so mean!" She said as she shook her head at the scene of Gomi and the boys.
The blond shrugged his shoulders.
"So, what's next!?" Sana laced her fingers behind her back and looked up at her partner.
She could see the wheels turning in his eyes, and then a grumble of his stomach and Sana raised a brow.
"Food."
Looking at the watch on her wrist, it was around 11. The play started at 300pm. So, food was definitely needed before their big debut.
"Whatcha want? I saw a katsudon booth! Oh! I also saw some ramen! Or soba? Ah! The second years had fried chicken! Or or – "
"Sushi."
Sana blanked for a moment.
"Huh?"
Akito looked down at her, his eyes bearing down at her and his face twisted into something she couldn't describe. Sana blinked a few more times as she processed the word her best friend just said.
"Sushi." He said again and Sana's heart began to race. "I want sushi."
Her hands began to feel clammy, and the thoughts of facing Fuka started to feel very overwhelming.
"Sushi? Don't you eat that like every other night? Come on now, Akito. Let's go get something else! Let's go get the katsudon!" She grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and started pulling him towards the first-year hall, but he didn't budge.
"You have to stop running away from this. From her." His voice was curt, and short. Sana's eyes went wide as she thought about confronting Fuka.
It's not like they haven't seen each other. Sana had seen her when they were entering or leaving school. Sometimes at P.E., she would see her with the gym team, and they'd start practicing. Other times, they would run into one another in the cafeteria. Albeit they would lock eyes with one another for a short moment before turning the other way and pretending each other didn't exist.
"Does it seriously have to be today?" Sana said defensively, folding her arms in front of her. "And also, it's not like I'm the only one to blame for what happened! She's just as guilty as me!"
Why was Akito forcing this on her all of a sudden? She could feel that same anger from that day two months ago. Fuka's accusing tone and furious eyes were embedded in her mind.
But Akito stepped in front of her, shielding her from their friends, who were lost in their own world. Just like always, he looked down at her with those hypnotizing golden-brown eyes of his. The blond frowned slightly; his lips pursed.
"It doesn't have to be today." He leaned forward slightly, and Sana stepped back. "But if you're not wanting to run away anymore, starting with Fuka would be a good start."
She bit her lip as she frowned at him. Sana despised when Akito was right. For a guy who really didn't seem interested in the people around him, nor care for the drama that unfolded, he had a way of getting himself involved.
She huffed angrily and turned away.
Seriously though? Why did he have to pick today of all days? Couldn't this have waited till after this whole play stuff was done?
Sana was ready for the play. She had already told Akito that she felt like she could do anything. And it was true. With all his support recently, especially last night, the auburn-haired teen felt like she could get through this no problem.
But that didn't stop the nerves. It had been four years since she last stepped on a stage. The closer it got to 300pm; the more questions raced through her mind. Could she do this? Of course, she could. How would it go? It would go great definitely. Would she break down? No, no she wouldn't.
Seeing Fuka on top of that? Well, it wasn't in her plans today. But she could have guessed it was bound to happen. With Fuka's uncle donating his time for a sushi shop, and his friendship with her ex-best friend, Sana knew it was a confrontation she was bound to face.
Sighing, Sana suddenly found today very exhausting.
And that's when she felt a flicker of pain on her forehead, followed by a sting and her arms went immediately to her forehead.
"Ow!" Rubbing her forehead, she looked up to see Akito's hand pulling away from her.
"Stop thinking so much." He spoke. Sana went wide eyed. "It's no use getting worked up. Whatever happens, happens, got it?"
She wanted to be upset, but Sana couldn't help but sigh with a soft smile. After all, this was his way of cheering her up.
"Such sound advice, Hayama. Appreciate it." Rolling his eyes, he flicked her forehead again and Sana glared this time.
"Rude! Will ya stop flicking me!" And she really tried to fight him, but he grabbed her by the back of her shirt easily and pulled her alongside him. Sana fought hard to keep the blush at bay.
"Let's go. We're getting sushi." He called out to the rest of the group.
Tsuyoshi and Aya looked up from the table and looked at her with a perched brow. Sana raised her arms, her feet dragging under her. They then looked at one another, their worry obvious.
"Are we going to Matsui's?! Hell yeah! Let's go!" Gomi cheered. The other boys grinned as they grabbed their bags of goodies.
"Oh, I do love me some sushi!" Hisae followed through and Mami nodded next to her.
"Akito, put me down!" Sana fought in his grip and waved her hands in the air like a child. Akito stopped walking and dropped her.
With no sudden warning, she fell on her butt.
"Akito!"
The bastard smirked and Sana had half a mind to beat him over the head with her hammer. She sneered at him, and he challenged her with a wider smirk.
"Ah, let me help you, Sana-chan." Tsuyoshi walked next to her and offered a hand.
"You're so nice, Tsuyoshi-kun! Unlike that jerk over there!" The brown-haired boy helped her up and Sana wiped off any dirt from her bottom. She glared at the back of his head.
"Hurry up. We don't have all day." Akito called out and Sana's urge to smack him over the head with her hammer came crawling back.
"Is it going to be okay, Sana-chan?" Aya's voice melted away her anger as she looked over at the sand-haired girl.
With a raised brow, Sana went "Hmm?"
"I mean, going to Fuka-chan's and all?"
Sana put together a bright smile, not wanting to worry her friends. "Of course, it is!"
That seemed to relieve her because now Aya had a small smile of her own.
"We're just going to get some food, that's all!" She continued to reassure and now Aya's smile reached her eyes.
"That makes me happy, Sana-chan."
Sana's grin grew bigger. Aya was such a sweet soul. Most of the girls she had met had been nice. They were easy to talk too, but her relationships with them had been mostly superficial.
But since Sana had moved here, and she had grown closer to Aya, Sana found such comfort with her. She was kind, and honest, and very grounding. But don't let her sweet demeanor fool you. Aya had a bite to her. She was very protective of her boyfriend and her friends. And she wasn't the pushover people thought her to be.
Sana was happy to be able to call the girl her friend.
The girls continued to talk as the boys walked in front of her. Tsuyoshi seemed to be very animate with whatever conversation he was having while Akito just nodded his head along. The trio of boys including Gomi, Hiroshi, and Yunichi were loud and rambunctious behind her, Hisae and Mami tagging along.
Sana prayed that things could stay like this for just a little while longer.
When they arrived to Fuka's classroom, Sana felt the nerves in her chest. There was a line out the door and the group of third years found their spot. It didn't look like it would take too long as the line was moving quickly.
It's not like they were confronting each other, right? All Sana had to do was put on a brave face and smile and act like nothing was wrong. Easy enough, right?
"Wow! They put together a menu with specials on it! Fuka-chan really thought everything through, didn't she?" Sana overheard Tsuyoshi say as he showcased towards the laminated menu to Akito.
He took the laminated menu from his hands and looked it over. "Sounds just like Buka. Always trying to one up everything." He rolled his eyes.
Sana felt her heart constrict and she frowned.
That's right. They had nicknames for one another, didn't they? Sana shook away that feeling in her chest. It was just their friendship. Sana should be happy that Fuka had Akito to confide in and that Akito was going out of his way to make friends.
Yup. Totally happy.
As they grew closer to the front, that's when Sana heard Fuka's voice calling out. And Sana picked up conversation with Aya to drown it out.
"Next! Oh! Hey, Aki! I was wondering when you were goin' to show're up!" Sana heard Fuka ask.
"Hn." He replied and Fuka laughed.
"Did'ya look at the menu?! We move fast here, so ya better have!"
Sana didn't hear his response nor see what happened because next thing she knew, she felt herself being tugged forward.
"We're all getting food."
Sana blinked as she was brought face to face with Fuka, who in turn, also blinked.
Fuka's hair was up in a ponytail, and she was wearing a button up white t-shirt with a black skirt. Her leggings were also black, and she had a black apron tied around her body. Her face scrunched in confusion and Sana imagined hers was of the same.
Both girls realized they were in each other's face and turned away from one another.
"Akito! Put me down!" Sana hissed at him, tired of being handled like a rag doll.
"Hey Fuka-chan!" Aya greeted, her presence breaking the awkward tension.
Fuka turned to their friend and smiled brightly at her. Sana frowned slightly.
Okay, that kind of stung.
"Wassup, Matsui!"
"Hey Classmate Matsui! Great place here!"
"Fuka-chan! Hey! This looks awesome!"
The rest of their friends gathered round the gymnast and Sana was fortunate from the break. She sighed and then turned her back towards Akito, who finally released his hold on her.
"What the hell, Akito!?" She turned, asking in a harsh whisper.
He shrugged his shoulders, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Sana glared at him.
"What's your deal, huh?"
"I'm just getting food." He pointed over at the assortment of sushi on the tables that were set up in the room. Sana's eyes went wide, forgetting about her annoyance with the blond for a moment just to appreciate the set up.
Fuka's uncle was in the corner, his portable sushi cart set up, with some of his chefs at his hand, making sushi at lightning speed. Sana recognized some of Fuka's classmates as they tried to keep up with the professionals.
More of her ex-best friend's classmates were lined up behind the tables, helping the guest with their sushi pickings. Some were manning the refreshment table and others were walking around picking up trash and such around the classroom.
This had Fuka written all over it.
"Fuka-chan! Keep the line movi- Oh! Hey! Kurata-san! Long time no see, kiddo!" Fuka's uncle smiled and waved his hand. Sana gave her own smile in reciprocation and waved.
"Hey Sato-san! How are ya?!" Fuka's uncle put down his knife, wiped his hands clean with a rag and came around the corner. He pulled her into a big hug, and then padded her on the shoulder.
"Where ya been, kiddo?! Been wonderin' why ya haven't stopped by recently?!" Sana chuckled nervously.
"Oh! Sorry, Sato-san! I've just been really busy these days! It's been hard to do anything outside of school for a while!" Which wasn't entirely a lie. Her entire time had been taken up by practicing for this play for the last few months.
"Oh yeah! Your play is today, right? I'm going to have to come watch! Been a while since I seen ya do anythin' of the sorts!"
Sana was taken aback by his knowledge of the play. How did he know? Did Fuka tell him? That was shocking to her.
"Oi! You! Kid!" Fuka's uncle pointed to Akito, who was picking out a large quantity of sushi, his plate on the brink of tipping over.
"The hell with you too, huh? You haven't been by my sushi shop in a while! Thought you and my niece we're going strong, huh?!"
Sana's eyes went wide, her jaw on the floor as Fuka's uncle made the comment that made the room stop.
"Uncle Diachi!" Fuka screamed at the top of her lungs. Sana couldn't help but turn back towards the brunette, who's entire face was red.
"Wait! Akito!? You datin' Matsui!?" Gomi came behind the blond, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. The plate of sushi in his hands almost spilt. Akito turned quickly and glared at him.
"Classmate Hayama! Classmate Hayama! Why didn't you tell us!?"
"We're not dating!" He defended.
"I already told you, Uncle Diachi! We're not dating! How many more times I gotta say it, huh!?" She stomped to him, hands at her hips.
Sana's heart quickened, those thoughts earlier of Akito and Fuka as a couple invading her mind. So, definitely possible. And believable. Because obviously her uncle and now others were murmuring about how it was a possibility.
Akito and Fuka would go get sushi together? Is that what he would do on the days he said he was busy? Or on the weekend days when they would text each other and he said he was out?
The former actress had to swallow this weird feeling in her chest that tried to bubble.
He uncle barked in laughter and ruffled the top of Fuka's head. "I know! I kid! I kid! But seriously, where ya been? And that sister of yours too? You guys find someone else to go too, or what?!"
Akito rolled his eyes. "I've been busy."
"Okay Uncle Diachi!" Fuka attempted to push her uncle back behind the sushi cart and he put his hands up in defense. "That's enough! You're embarrassin' me!"
"That's my job, kiddo!"
Sana couldn't help but laugh as Fuka was groaning out loud, her hand to her forehead, shaking her head. Her uncle was such a jokester and Sana couldn't believe that Fuka's mother and this man were related. Where her mother was such a dictator and tyrant, her bother was a goofy guy who never took anything too serious.
She always enjoyed being around him mostly because they used to gang up on Fuka and tease her endlessly.
But Sana's laughter brought attention to Fuka, who looked at her.
Both girls looked at each other for moment before Sana decided to share a small smile. Fuka's eyes went wide, almost like she couldn't believe she was smiling at her. But, then Fuka offered her a sheepish smile and it felt like all the tension in the room was gone.
It was the most the girls had communicated in two months, and even if it was small, Sana felt embers of hope spark in her chest.
But the gravity swooped under her as she felt herself rise again.
Her eyes went wide, and she felt her collar tug again. She looked behind her and saw Akito, with a piece of sushi in his mouth, staring at her with annoyance.
"Akito!"
"Aki!"
At the sound of Fuka's voice so close, Sana turned to her left and there she was, also hanging by Akito's hand. What the hell was he thinking?!
"You two are so annoying." He muttered, then swallowed the piece of sushi hanging from his mouth. The students parted for him as he dragged both girls out. Both Sana and Fuka were shouting at him, arms flailing in his grip.
"This fighting between you two, it's got to stop. I'm tired of all the awkwardness." He continued as he pulled them out of the classroom, the silence of the room making Sana want to be swallowed whole.
"You don't get to decide that Aki!" Fuka said as she struggled against him.
"You said it didn't have to be today, liar!" Sana added. She pretended not to feel Fuka's eyes on her.
"I've changed my mind." He so coolly stated. "This shit between you guys has gone on too long." And finally, he pulled them forward and dropped them in an empty classroom.
Sana was red-faced, glaring at the blond in front of her.
"And now just for me. But for everyone else too. They just won't say it cause they're nice. I'm not." Akito blocked the door of the classroom, his arms folded in front of him.
Sana and Fuka just stood there awkwardly, both their mouths hanging wide open.
"Aki. This shit ain't funny! I gotta get back there!" Fuka started first.
"And we have to get back to the theatre soon to start prepping or did you forget that?!" Sana added, her hands fist in front of her.
He shook his head.
"You." He pointed at Fuka, and she raised her brows. "You're always asking how the damn play is going, always hinting towards Sana. And don't think it's not obvious the concern whenever we're by each other. Even when you're being stubborn, you're worried about her. Don't think I can't pick up on it when you ask stupid questions."
The brunette's mouth clamped, and Sana's eyes went wide.
Fuka… was worried about her?
"And you." He then gestured towards her, and Sana furrowed her brows at the accusatory tone. "Don't think I don't see the look in your eyes whenever one of us is talking to Buka over here. Or think I don't pay attention when you ask about the gym meets. Your questions are just as obvious and stupid."
Sana felt her cheeks burn.
"Clearly you both still want to be friends. You're just so damn stubborn. Fix your shit and then you can leave."
Both girls stood in shock as he gave them both pointed looks and then stepped out of the classroom, door shut behind him, leaving both Sana and Fuka lone.
Alone for the first time since their huge fight two months ago.
The air was suddenly awkward and tense.
"Tch! That stupid Aki! Who does he even think he is?!" Fuka scoffed as she walked over to the door and attempted to open it.
Only to find it locked.
"What the hell!? Seriously?! Hayama Akito! Open the damn door!" Fuka shouted and Sana sighed.
"He really isn't going to make this easy for us, is he?" She muttered to herself and felt a vein at the corner of her forehead.
She could feel the twitch and her anger came to life. Who did Hayama Akito think he was anyway?! Today?! Of all days? Why was he doing this today?! Couldn't it have waited til after the play!?
But still… Sana felt a warmth in her heart knowing that Fuka still cared.
A huff and the former actress looked up, seeing her maybe still friend stomp away from the door. Her arms were crossed, and she was looking out the window. Sana bit her lip, scratching the top of her head. Fuka sighed roughly, and Sana followed with her own exasperated sigh.
"Who does that guy go off telling us what we need to do, anyway?" Fuka said, and Sana couldn't help but laugh.
"A guy that apparently we've given too much leeway too." She replied and the air felt just a less bit tense.
Fuka shook her head and Sana could see her shoulders relax, even just a smidge.
"He needs to come down his pedestal, thinking he can order me – us around like that." The brunette continued, with her back still to her. Sana looked up at the ceiling, leaning back on the desk.
This was the most conversation her and Fuka had shared in two months. And Sana hated how easy it was to just back into the groove of things with her. Despite all the conflict between them, all the words said, they found conversation like nothing ever happened.
"Definitely way too confident, that guy! Nothing a smack of my trusty hammer can't fix though!" Sana contributed with a joking tone, and she snickered.
But Sana's ears picked up on the low chuckle from Fuka and turned towards her.
"Go figure that guy that caused our friendship to fall apart is the same guy to try to put it back together." Fuka scoffed and turned towards her, her eyes betraying the cool front she was putting up.
Remorse. Guilt. Regret.
Sana smiled sadly at her maybe friend. "That's the thing. It wasn't just Akito. There were a lot of other things too."
Fuka's eyes shined with a gloss and Sana felt her smile falter slightly.
The brunette swallowed and turned away, clearly not wanting her to see the raw emotion in her face.
"It's so like us to just pick up our friendship like nothing had changed." Her voice was slightly strained. "We acted like we were still the same kids from middle school. And didn't even bother to get to know the new us."
Sana couldn't help but laugh. "It's always easier to do that than accept change though, right?"
Fuka snorted.
"We were always so different even if we were the same in a lot of ways." Her maybe friend said, and then turned back towards Sana. In her eyes were a softness that the former actress hadn't seen in a longtime.
Sana swallowed the ball in her throat.
Was it supposed to be this hard? Making up with a friend?
"Fuka – I…" Sana felt the words die at her lips. How could she begin to apologize for her mistakes? In her hopes of bringing Akito and Fuka together, she betrayed the trust of a person she not only considered her closest friend, but her family.
Sana was rarely ever lost for words. She had no issues with saying what she felt, or what was on her mind. It was usually her non-filter that got her in trouble. Rei and her mama were always picking up after her messes because of it.
So, why was this apology evading her so?
Looking at the ground, Sana took a deep breath and summoned all the courage in the world.
"I'm sorry!"
"I'm sorry!"
Eyes shooting up, Sana and Fuka looked at one another. Their eyes were wide, and mouth agape. Fuka was sporting a red blush over the bridge of her nose, hands fisted at her sides. Her eyes were filled with remorse as that gloss shined prominently.
Sana felt the tension break and she couldn't help but release a stifling laugh.
Fuka followed with her own awkward laugh.
"This is so awkward. Why are we so awkward?!" Sana asked, her small bursts of laughter turning into a full belly laugh.
Fuka sighed, a hand to her forehead. "Because it's you and I, that's why."
The former actress snorted. "Have we always been this weird?"
Fuka smiled. "Sana… whenever you're involved in anything, it's always weird."
Sana's grin was effortless as she felt her chest burst with joy. While her and Fuka had their differences, they always pushed each other, even if not always in the best way. At the end of the day, Sana always had Fuka and vice versa. Even when they were separated and Fuka was hundreds of miles away, she knew with a phone call, her longtime friend would be at the end of the line.
Tears pricked at her eyes, her own shock when she felt the wetness at the brim.
Fuka had them too.
"I'm sorry, Fuka." She said again. "I'm so sorry. I never meant – No. I never wanted this to happen." There were so many things Sana wanted to say. Like how she just wanted her two friends to get along, how she never meant to interfere in their friendship, how she was tired of them always trying to one up one another.
But that word vomit seemed useless when it came to Fuka. Because no matter the distance, no matter how much time had passed, Fuka knew who she was. And knew Sana's heart, her intentions.
"Me too." There was a tremble in Fuka's voice, her lip quivering. "For all the hurtful things I said. For – just for everything."
The two girls stared at one another with teary eyes before they shared a wobblily smile. And Sana wasn't really sure who took the first step, but now the girls were embraced in a tight hug, tears down their cheeks.
Relief.
Complete and utter relief Sana felt as the girls cried into each other's shoulders.
Mama was right. Our story wasn't over.
"Ugh look at us! We're just a mess!" Fuka laughed as she wiped away tears and Sana followed.
"But at least we look good looking like it!" The former actress pumped her fist in the air. Fuka grinned.
"You got that right!" The girls shared another smile and then a collective sigh.
"We should get going though. I hafta get back to the classroom and you have a play to get ready for!" Fuka pointed at her and Sana's grin grew.
"You coming to watch?"
The brunette nodded. "Of course! I was already plannin' on it! Besides, how can I miss the chance to miss Aki actin', huh?"
Both girls snickered, Sana's giggles growing knowing what the costume looked like and picturing the lone wolf in it.
"I think that's half the reason people are coming!"
"Well yeah. But who would also want to miss you acting too, hmm? It's you, Kurata Sana." Fuka encouraged and Sana's smile fell slightly.
"I'm not what I used to be ya know?" Putting her hands behind her head, Sana stretched, mind trailing back to Rei. "I'm afraid that people will be disappointed when they see that."
Fuka shook her head.
"Sana, it's you." Her friend grinned fiercely at her, her eyes shining. "You always give your best regardless the situation."
"And I know if Sagami-san was here, he would be so proud of you."
More tears built at her eyes, and she swallowed the thick ball in her throat. She needed to keep these emotions at bay. She didn't want to cry anymore. Not when so many people were encouraging her to do her best.
From her mother's Just do your best, as you always have.
To Shimura's I believe in you, Sana-chan!
To Ayame's I know you're going to be great!
And finally, Akito's You're stronger than you think.
Sana had all the encouragement, all the strength she needed to make today successful.
"Thanks, Fuka."
The brunette nodded, hands at her hips and the smile never leaving her face.
"Okay! Enough of this mushiness! It doesn't suit you or me!" Fuka waved her hands in the air and began to walk towards the door.
"Ugh, I know! I think my teeth might rot off!" Her best friend rolled her eyes as she reached for the door.
"All I know is that this door better open! That damn, Aki!" When Fuka reached for the door, it slid right open.
"That bastard musta opened it while we were talking!" Fuka was glaring at the door and Sana rolled her eyes.
"Leave it to Akito to be a jerk, honestly." Sana shrugged her shoulders and both girls walked out of the classroom, the air a little lighter than before.
"Oh yeah. Speaking of Aki, when did you guys start calling each other by your first names?" Fuka raised a brow, leaning forward and looking at her unexpectedly. Sana felt her cheeks grow red.
"What? No. No. The real question is this weird nickname thing you two got going on! When did that happen?" She really tried to deflect, but Fuka was having none of it. Sana really didn't want to deal with anymore today. There had been enough teasing in the changing room this morning. The gymnast shook her head and stepped in front of her.
"That is irrelevant. Don't turn this on me! I noticed Aki calling you Sana a few weeks ago. When did you guys make the jump, hmm?" A mischievous grin and Sana felt her face grow hot.
"I dunno! It just sort of happened? I guess! We're friends! Is that so hard to believe, anyway!?" Shoving past her, Sana tried to contain the rapid beating of her heart.
"Not with you, it doesn't!" Fuka jumped next to her, singing in her ear. "Besides, he's all soft around you now. Gotta mean something!"
Sana stopped dead in her tracks.
Soft?
"Soft? What about Hayama Akito is soft?!" Sana asked Fuka, but mostly herself.
But as the question left her lips, she thought about his smile from this morning. And the softness in his voice last night, and the many times before that when she was breaking down. She thought about the way he relaxed around their friends, or when his sister was speaking passionately about something she enjoyed.
"Oh. I see." Fuka stopped, her face completely void of emotion.
Sana knew her face was red. She could feel the heat from her cheeks, nose, and neck. And thinking about Akito's smile certainly did not help.
"You really are an idiot sometimes, aren't you, Kurata Sana?"
And that was all Fuka said before turning straight on her heel and walking ahead of her.
What? What just happened?!
"Wait! Fuka! What do you mean!?" Sana chased after her, grabbing onto her shoulder and shaking her. "You can't just say something like that and then just walk off!"
"Sure I can!" She replied, and then looked back at her. "When you figure it out, let me know, okay?" Fuka stuck her tongue out at her and Sana was left standing agape.
As Fuka walked away, Sana felt the confusion swirl in her. What was she talking about? Figure what out? She didn't understand!
Scratching at her head, Sana groaned loudly. "FUKA! I DON'T UNDERSTAND!"
But the girl was already gone, disappeared into her classroom. Their classmates and visitors had been staring at her, but Sana ignored them as she burst into the busy sushi shop. When she entered, she saw Fuka walking over to their friends, all stuffing themselves with sushi.
She ran after her.
"Fuka!"
Her loud voice caught the attention of their friends because now all three were staring at them. Involuntarily, her eyes trailed to Akito, who was staring at the two girls distinctively. While she was embarrassed, she realized she was also very annoyed, and small bits grateful to him.
But she would deal with him after.
"You can't just say something like that and walk away!" She whispered harshly into her friend's ear as she clung to her shoulder. Fuka shrugged her off.
"We'll talk about it later, okay?" She winked and Sana sighed, released her shoulder.
"You two… are talking?" Tsuyoshi asked, dumbfounded.
Both girls looked at one another and then back at the group. "Yes!" They collectively said.
"So, friends again?" Aya asked, hopeful with a gleam of relief.
Sana linked their arms together. "What's a spat between buddies?! Even the best of friend's fight!"
"About damn time." His low voice muttered as Akito shoved a piece of sushi in his mouth. Sana pointed a glare at him.
"This is wonderful!"
Sana felt herself almost fall as she was tackled into a hug from the sand brown haired girl. Looking over at Fuka, Aya embraced them both.
"I'm so relieved!"
"Sorry to worry ya." Fuka said, patting her shoulder.
"Next time you both decide you want to put your friendship on pause, let us know what we can do to help, okay? We don't like being caught in the middle!" Aya stomped her foot, staring at both girls with a soft glare.
It wasn't anything like Hayama Akito's glares but seeing something like that on Aya's face was enough for Sana to take her statement as a threat. Looking over at Tsuyoshi, he shrugged his shoulders. She sweat dropped and chuckled awkwardly.
"You got it!" Sana replied with a thumb's up.
That was all Aya needed as she returned to her sweet smile and sat back down.
Note to self. Don't ever piss off Aya.
"What the hell, Fuka!?" Akito's slightly increased tone brought her out of her thoughts as he was holding onto his head, scowling at the brunette. Fuka's fan was out, her own scowl matching his.
"Don't what the hell, me! You know exactly what you did!" Her friend then turned to her, and Sana went rigid. "Tell him, Sana! He knows what he did!"
He looked to her and she felt all her emotions at once. It didn't have to be today. And even though the end result was positive, it could have been very negative.
"She's right, Akito! You didn't have to drag us, you know! Or shove us into a classroom and lock the door!"
"That was the only way you two idiots would have made up. By forcing you to talk to each other." He replied, his eyes not wavering from hers. Sana's glare deepened.
"It could of waited! Till after the play!" Sana retorted but he shook his head.
"It worked though, didn't it?" His eyes darted back and forth between her and Fuka. The brunette scowled.
"Well yeah! But that didn't give ya the right!" Fuka bit back and he sighed.
"Geez. You'd think you'd be grateful." He muttered and Sana scoffed.
She was. She was grateful for the push. Because he was right. If he didn't force them into apologizing, would they have reconciled? But also, she was very much so annoyed with him for forcing the issue. On a day like today.
"There's just no winning with either of you." He scoffed and Sana rolled her eyes.
"I think the intentions were good! Despite his actions! And we should be happy that at the end of it all, you two are speaking to each other!" Tsuyoshi interjected before Fuka could say her piece. "Today's a happy day! So, we should keep it a happy day!"
Sana's frustration deflated as she saw the big smile on Tsuyoshi's face. How could she stay mad when he made a valid point?
She sighed. And then laughed, which caught the attention of the group of friends.
"Uh, Sana?" She could hear Fuka ask, and Sana put her hands on her hips.
Giving both Fuka and Akito a hopeless smile, she grinned.
"Tsuyoshi's right! Today's too good of a day to be upset about anything else! Besides, we have bigger birds to fry than be mad at Akito for forcing us to work out our issues." She shrugged and Fuka rolled her eyes, sighing in defeat too.
When she looked at him, he also rolled his eyes and huffed. But she smiled at him anyway, and he leaned his cheek against the palm of his hand.
"Now you got the right idea, Sana-chan!" Tsuyoshi cheered on, looking to Akito and grabbing his shoulder. He was looking away from the group, eyes bored. But Sana could have sworn she saw a tiny hint of a smirk.
Things weren't perfect. And she knew they never would be. But as they teased one another and the group of friends laughed, Sana found true joy. As she laughed along with her friends, she grabbed onto that single feeling and locked it away in her heart. So, that she could always remember this moment and what it made her feel.
A/N: After like a lifetime of Sana and Fuka fighting, they are finally friends again! Honestly, I didn't mean to make them fight for so long. Time just sort of got away from me when I was writing and then I was like, wait... how long have these two not been friends again? So, here we are. We learn more about Akito and gangs past! And Sana's heart is kind of all over the place! I hope yall enjoyed this chapter! The next is going to be even better! :)
As always! Till next time!
- Dark Waffle