Chapter 1: Cruel Summer
"So cut the headlights, summer's a knife
I'm always waiting for you just to cut to the bone
Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes
And if I bleed, you'll be the last to know"
"Oh Miura, who is this beautiful child?"
Yukimura Miura stared at the young scared-cat Sakuno with stern eyes before letting out a sorrowful and tired sighed. Looking at her brown eyes for a brief moment, warningly; her mother's brown irises resemble hers; automatically becomes friendlier as she darted her gazed towards her friends. She smiled. "Oh. This is Yukimura Sakuno, our adoptive daughter"
'Adoptive daughter'
Sakuno flinched not just for the word her mother said, but on how she squeezes her both shoulder, giving her a warning signal to not messed anything at all. Of course, she had got to use of this. For her, she was just an outsider invaded her perfect life. She was just an orphan she adopted due to her well-kind heart. An orphan whom lucky enough to received such great love for her.
"Oh! So, the rumor that you adopt a child is true" a smile escape from her mother's friend lips.
However, her smile hid a hundred of malicious intent. Sakuno looks down automatically not wanting to meet their judgmental eyes.
"Really? I thought you and Hiru will try another alternative to have a child"
"Haaa! I don't know what's gotten to Hiru and adopt this child!" She quickly glared at Sakuno for seconds before resuming "if only I will ask, I will never be asked for another child. Seiichi is more than enough for me. He is a perfect child" her mother hissed disappointedly.
Sakuno clenched the hem of her skirt. A pain stabbed her heart from her mother's words.
It is not new to her, at her young age, ever since she stepped her feet in the house of her 'new family' a year ago, she encountered that kind of gazed from different people. Left and right critics she received from various people most especially inside the household of the Yukimura's. In the household where the mistress hated the new tenant of the house receive an immeasurable hatred too.
"But Miura... Looking at her closely, she really looks like you right?"
Sakuno felt a slightly pressure on how her mother squeeze her shoulder, for sure it will leave a mark later. She looks up, and her cold, unsatisfied reaction welcomes her.
"Haaa! Hahahahaha! Don't you think your joke is quite funny?" Miura laughed. "I feel so offended that you find my beauty as plain and simple as this child. Of course, you don't, right?" She refuted back.
And this kind of treatment towards her mother is not new either.
"She is pretty Miura. Hi dear. I am your aunt Akiyo"
Sakuno looks up meeting her friendly gazed. She smiled towards her with warm and friendly gazed. Akiyo held her small hands and touched it. A sudden warm engulfed her inside. For the first time after a year of being in the foreign place, Sakuno felt a warm presence in her simple touch.
"I have a son same as your age, I hope one day you will meet my Akaya. For sure, you and him will be a great friend." She smiled
Sakuno was astonished, she stared at her face for quite some before giving her genuine smile in return.
"Uhm!" She nodded. A smile crept on young Sakuno's face. 'Akaya' she mumbled slowly. 'I hope we will be a good friend'
"How many times do I have to told you that I don't like seeing you paint?!" Enrage with her hatred, Miura raised her one hand in the air, ready to launched a slap on Sakuno's face. However, before she could ever do, as if something force stops her for doing so, she stood firmly on her feet.
Sakuno can feel the fiery glare her mother giving her, her beautiful brown eyes were menacing. She stared at her for a long time before throwing all the paintings she did during free time.
"Mommy please!" Sakuno sobbed, kneeling on the cold floor, she pleaded on her mother to have some mercy on her. "It's a gift of my brother to me" she added. Sakuno hopes that her mother will consider it so, since it was given by her brother, her beloved son. That no matter how much her mother hated her existence, she would give it a consideration because it was her son they were talking about.
However, Miura didn't see any sign of stopping. She got a cutter on her drawer as she started ruining all her work, one by one.
Painting is her only source of comfort in this unwelcome place. But, no matter how she kneeled and pleaded to her mom, Miura seems heartless - no she was really heartless and cold towards her.
With tears streaming down on her face, Sakuno watch her mother shredding all her hard work. She watches as each of them being tore apart like her own heart.
Why her mother hated her so much is something she couldn't understand. If she hated her so much, why need to adopt her?
Sakuno sob, tears keep streaming down her angelic face.
"I told you before, live according to my will Sakuno" her chilly voice was enough to send shivers down in the spine. "That's your only reason for your existence." She added before marching away.
Hands shaking, Sakuno slowly picked the ruin work she had. She sobs hard knowing how it easily for her mother to broke her heart. What she has done wrong?
"It's pretty"
Sakuno looks up, with her blurry vision, she didn't realize that a young guy was standing in front of her. Contrary on his mean eyes, he was looking at her with an expression she was unknown of.
"Can I have this?" The young boy asks, he kneeled on the floor, picking the painting that surprisingly didn't ruin by her mother.
"It's ruin" she answered with trembling voice.
"But it's still pretty" he said smiling. His smile is like a morning bliss. Sakuno can't help but admire the guy in her front. "My name is Akaya." He said extending his hand. "Let's be friends!"
'A dream'
Sakuno opens her eyes and found herself seating in the same coffeeshop. She automatically looks outside and saw how dark it was. A sighed escape on her lips as she saw the time in her wristwatch.
'He will never come'
A bitter smile crept on her face. 'Just like the last time'.
It was never new anyway, Sakuno was used to this now. For years of being in one sided love with him, Sakuno embraces all the disappointments he always given to her. The once broken promise became twice, thrice until it can no longer count on how many it was. But no matter how 'hurt' and 'disappointed' she was, she never resented the guy for breaking and breaking her heart. It's not his fault if she fell in love to him. He was never be the one to blame for the feelings she has to him.
"Excuse me, please give me my bill" she said with a smile.
A pitiful stare was given by her by the owner of the coffeeshop, of course, for years being a regular costumer in this shop, it was never been a secret whom she was waiting for. Sakuno smiled at her reassuringly.
"It seems that Kirihara-san forgot this day again" concerned lace on her voice. She smiled genuinely to Sakuno.
"I guess so. I'll be going Sasaki-san. Thank you for the hard work" Sakuno bowed her head before finally walking outside of the said shop.
Sakuno looks up on the sky and found millions of shining stars in the sky. She smiled. She felt okay just looking how shiny the stars are.
'I wish I could be one of you' Sakuno mumbled slowly. In this life, where no one wanted her existence, how she wished she was just part of constellations. So that she will find her purpose to live. So that, someone will definitely like her existence just how she adored and loved the stars. Another bitter smile crept on her lips.
"Hey! Sakuno!"
A loud, cheering voice pulled out in her reverie. Sakuno found her best friend worry gazed. Fresh from her night drive, Osakada Tomoka went out on her Audi, she stood in front of her best friend with worrisome expression she knew well.
"Just as I thought! Damn it!" Tomoka hissed, on how she dress—mid length party strap dress, killer boots and messy bun, she looks like she came here in a hurry from her night time. Osakada Tomoya is well-known as a social butterfly. Well-known from her blunt personality and fashion sense, she was known not only in their school but also in whole district of Tokyo "Fuck Kirihara!" She cursed, her blunt personality and foul way of speaking flourished over the time. But no matter how she behaves Sakuno loves her dearly. Despite of their differences they surprisingly become close. "I saw her in the district club! The whole Rikkai dai is there! And your brother was looking for you!" She lamented. "Did he ghost you again? That fucker!"
"It's okay." Sakuno smiled. "Maybe he just forgot our promised. No big deal" she smiled once again. "It's not like he did this for the first time." She added, she clenched her hand on the portrait she wanted to give to him.
Tomoka looks at her worried. "Gosh! But anyways, I cover you up in your brother Seiichi, I said that I am going to meet you up, he seems sense that Kirihara ghosted you again! Damn. Screw him! I wished Seiichi- niichan give him a hard time during practice!" She added.
"Mou! Tomo-chan!"
"What?! He deserves it! He became an ass big time! I get it, you don't want him become subject of Seiichi-niichan's grudge of being an ass on you but... Sakuno, he really, really deserves it!" Tomoka lamented continuously. "That's why I told you many times, you should enroll in different school! Now that we are already graduated in High School, how about going in Seigaku University with me?!" She said while pulling her inside of her car. "You see... You need a new environment! For years, you only stuck with him that's why your world revolves to him! It's time for you to have your own world! Broaden your horizon! There are many fish in the sea dear! And you deserve a breather Sakuno!"
"Mom will never agree" Sakuno answered flatly.
"Haaa... Your evil witch mother will never do anything if you ask help from your father right? At least your daddy is way...way different than your witch mother" Tomoka answered.
"You know I can't do that. I don't want to asks favors from our father" Sakuno whispered. She looks outside the window. "I can't just favor for him. You know exactly why I don't bother him"
Tomoka looks at her pitiful. For years, Sakuno always feels this sense of guilt towards her father. She felt guilty for something she didn't done wrong. The only and sole reason why even and no matter how the old Yukimura head tries to reach out on her, their hearts never meet in one place. "Sakuno, your father seems genuinely cared for you. And a little help will not hurt right? And besides your brother will help you too." She encourages. "Besides, I heard that Fine Arts in Seigaku University is really awesome. Just give it a try. Your life, your rules Sakuno. Live for your life Sakuno"
'Live for my life' It was so easy to say than do. Sakuno sighed deeply as she stared on the city lights outside the car. For the moment she steps her feet as the 'adoptive daughter' of her mother, Sakuno known that her own life was not for her own anymore. Living an extravagant life that everyone admire of, is far-fetched from the reality she has. A doll living with the shell surrounded by jewels yet controlled by her mother. Sakuno's life is nothing but a big fat lie. She has to accept the cruel reality in exchange of her being born, she needed to pay the price. It is the only way to lessen the guilt she has inside her.
"So, better think carefully, okay? We are now in college! We're 18 and for fucking sake try to meet people. Don't worry once you made up your mind, I going to introduced you to my other friends. And besides Seigaku University has a lot of hot guys! "She sounds so excited. "Not to mention my super-duper crush from ages already came back from States! And you know what?! According to my sources, he will enroll at Seigaku University! So lucky! That's why I really decided to enroll there too. Just a glimpse of my Ryoma-sama is enough for me!" Tomoka continuously speaks. She briefly looks at her. "Hey! Are you listening Sakuno?!"
Sakuno nodded her head, however, she wasn't paying attention at all.
"Hmp! I told you my crush will come back! You obviously not listening to me"
"I heard it Tomo-chan, your crush will come back right" she answered, without looking at her.
"Jeez. Whatever. But anyways, he looks so hot! He is a literally and damn hell drop dead gorgeous. Literally your panty will fall from your waist just the sight of him!" Tomoka muttered, her eyes twinkles as she looks drooling while speaking. "That's kind of man you supposed to fall in love with"
And blah... blah... blah... Sakuno let her chatterbox best friend talks about him. She just simply listens to her friend unending stories about that guy.
"I am just letting you with this vacation just because of your brother. So be a good girl" Miura warns coldly to her.
It was another vacation for this year. Every year during the school year end, Sakuno's brother, Seiichi together with his friends will held their yearly vacation. This time is not an exemption. It became their yearly habit to unwind for heavy load of school works.
"Take care and act as what you supposed to be" she added coldly.
If anyone could hear her mother's words, it seems like her mother showered her with so much love and care on her own daughter. However, in between of her words it contains the true meaning behind of each word. 'dont do anything that may harm my son'
Sakuno sighed. Of course, there is no way her mother will be concern on her welfare. She was only here because her brother asks to their mother. And because Miura loves dearly her older brother, she can't refuse so. Even she wanted to cascade her for putting her in situation like this.
Sakuno bowed her head politely. "Of course, mommy." She answered. Her brown eyes found their father's warm gazed. He smiled genuinely to her. Sakuno blinks, she automatically looks away not wanting any eye contact to her father.
"Uhm. I'll be going d-dad" she stammered. For years of staying here, she couldn't bring herself to look straight on her father's eyes without feeling this kind of guilt inside her. She felt not worthy of his affection, love and care at all. She set a line between them. A boundary that Sakuno was too afraid to crossed no matter how warm and affectionate their father was to her.
"Seiichi, take good care of your sister, okay?" Their father uttered. He gently taps them on their shoulder as he finally bid goodbye to them.
"Seiichi, my son. Take good care of yourself huh, this mother will definitely miss you"
Sakuno looks away. This is not new anyway, however, it still stings deep down her heart. The affection she always longed for her mother, the love she always wished to have, the simple warm and kind gesture she wanted to have and those sweet words she wished to heard, no matter how hard she tries or no matter how she will do, there is no way he can get it. She tightly holds her shoulder. How she wished just only once. Just once. Yet, it will be the death of her mother when it happens.
Funny on how she continuously hoping for something that will never happen. Funny on how she still hoping for impossible and funny on how she keeps holding for things that makes her feel so unwanted.
"Sa-chan! Let's go!" Seiichi smiled. "I'm sorry for our mother's behavior Sa-chan." He said putting both of his hands on her shoulder. They were currently waiting for Yanagi senpai's family van to pick them up.
"Does anything in your college enrolment goes well?" Seiichi asks. "I heard mom already enrolled you in Rikkai, Business Administration that's it?"
"It's already been plan oniichan. I just followed mom's wishes"
"Mom's wish, not yours Sakuno" Seiichi look at younger sister with conviction. "Dad strongly refuses it. He told mom to back off and let you decide for your career choice. Daddy wants you to study Fine Arts. That's what you really wanted right?"
'What I wanted?' Does she have a luxury for that? Growing up, their mom always points out and clear things out on her that she has no right to demand. That her life was not hers to begin with. That's why since then, she decided to give up from that thinking. What she wanted will never happened. That's why she let her mother to decide to everything for her, from what supposed to wear, food intakes, courses she needed to study, and what hobbies she supposed to do. She was like a puppet on her mother's vices. For Sakuno, own freewill is a luxury that she couldn't have unless she escapes from her mother's claws. But how? All her life she was locked for this undying desire for her mother's love. She was dying for her mother to see her as her daughter. Could you blame her? Since childhood, Sakuno dream was to see her mother, to have someone called mom. And if being like a marionette will makes her mother notice a give her even just a tiny portion of love, she could offer to her she will gladly agreed. She just wanted to be love. She just wanted a place where she could see as her and not somebody else. Is it wrong?
The first time she saw her mother years ago, knocked on the wooden door that day, the first time her eyes landed on the chocolate eyes of hers mirrored the irises she has, she loved the woman so dearly. Sakuno blinded love her.
"Sakuno is Sakuno." Seiichi spoke. He stared at his little sister-tired eyes. For years, ever since she came in their mansion wearing the brand name of 'adoptive daughter' he never saw her happy. Though she smiled, her eyes were dull and no life. He was not blind; he knew better than anyone what life she had with them. How their own mother despises her. "Sakuno put this in mind. You are you. You are not a trail of someone else's mistake." He spoke. "So, think carefully. Daddy is willing to pull some strings for you to entered Seigaku University. Everything is settled. Just one word from you. Sakuno. Dad and I love you."
Sakuno sobs. 'not a trail of someone else's mistake' how can he say that if I am the living proof of it? Do I deserve this kind of love? Sakuno couldn't feel anything but guiltier on that part.
"Now. Don't cry. I don't want to be scolded by Osakada-chan, they are here now" Seiichi gently taps her shoulder. "My future artist imoto, I am so excited to see your works hanging on my room and office room" he winks.
The van stops just in right time when Sakuno stops from crying. Upon opening of the door, the sight of Suzuki Honoka hugging Kirihara Akaya was the first thing Sakuno saw. She held her breathe for a moment, her heart clenched however just how she always done, she skillfully smiled at them.
"Good morning Sakuno-chan!" Her soft cheerful voice echoed the whole van.
Sakuno swallowed a dry saliva trying to calm her aching heart. It's not the first time, right? She supposed to get used to this but why is still hurting?
"Good morning Honoka-chan" she greeted politely before finally went to the other door. She seated right next to Tomoka who was glaring at the front and Tachibana Reiko, her older brother's fiancée.
"You look dashing as always Sa-chan!" Reiko greeted her with smile.
"Uhm. You too neechan" she said shyly.
.
.
.
"I'm sorry." Reiko said the moment they all step out of the van for they early brunch before travelling once again. "Akaya stubbornly bring his girlfriend with us even though we all strongly refuses." She added.
"And that really a jerk moves right? Neechan!" Tomoka huffed giving the young couple her deathliest glare. "It supposed to be only friends get together! And his girlfriend doesn't include"
"It's okay. Akaya-kun means no harm anyway. He can bring anyone he wishes too" Sakuno answered, they all seated on the vacant table while the rest ordered and did, they own routine.
"Haaa! That's it! This is the main reason why I convince Sakuno to go with me in Seigaku University! She badly needed a fresh air to breathe to forget that douche! Please neechan! Help me convince her!" Tomoka pleadingly look at Reiko.
Tachibana Reiko, Seiichi's fiancée, is a very considerate and kind lady. Her brother loves her dearly despite being arrange in marriage during childhood.
"Sakuno, I agree with Tomoka this time, you know, you need a breather. Seiichi and I discuss this already and I think your brother is right." She smiled consoling. "You see, I have a female cousin who is the same age as you both. I heard she decided to study at Seigaku University too. I can introduce you both to her, since she already made friends from her boyfriend whom studying there too. I am positive that the three of you will be great friends"
"See? See? It's not only me who thinks that this is for the best for you." Tomoka added.
"You know exactly I can't do that"
"Sakuno-"
"Lucky! Can we sit here?!" Honoka's voice interrupt their conversation. She seated right in front of them smiling sheepishly. Her innocent round eyes flutters as she spoke. "Akaya, honey... Let's sit here! Gosh! It's so suck to be the only girl in this group. I wished I can be close to you too." She looks so innocently to the three young ladies and broadly smiled. "I hope it's, okay?!" She asks.
"Reiko-neechan is a nice person, of course it's okay" Akaya said upon kissing the top of her head. "Of course, Osakada and Sakuno too" he added.
Sakuno clenched the hem of her dress. She looks in her shoes not wanting to meet his gazed.
"Wow that's great! I'm so excited to be friends with you all" she beams.
"Oh yeah?" Tomoka said sarcastically, she was no plans to hide her annoyance towards the girl. Sakuno who sense the mood of her best friend quickly kick her under the table. Tomoka huffed. She thanks all heavens that the food serves immediately. She directly her annoyance in the plate of nachos in their front. Munching nonstop as if not giving any space of conversation towards the intruder named Honoka.
"You still awake?"
Sakuno flinched upon hearing his voice, she turns around and saw Akaya standing not far from where she is.
"I am just admiring the view" she answered hugging herself with the shawl on her shoulder.
It was past midnight; however, she couldn't find herself to sleep. Though she was tired from their travel it wasn't enough to knocked her off.
"I receive the painting you did. It is beautiful. Thank you" he mumbled.
Sakuno smiled, she looks away hiding her blushing face. For years, Akaya was her solid ground inspiration to paint. Her ideas and subjects all lies to him alone. She was so happy knowing that all her hardwork paid off whenever he says simple praises on her artwork. She felt so refresh and determine to do a better work next time.
"But please don't do it next time" Akaya voice boom in her sense of hearing.
Slowly, something inside her started a cracking sound.
"I appreciate your effort however; I don't want you making such any lengths from now on"
The cracking sound started to get bigger and bigger. Sakuno couldn't believe her own ears. She looks at Akaya confusingly.
"I hope you understand. Honoka was not pleased to see you still give me every piece of your artwork. I don't want to break her heart"
And in one final blow, her heart shattered completely.
"I love her Sakuno. Let's draw a line between us from now on" his voice is full of finality
Sakuno blinks. She blinks continuously as if it is the only way to prevent her tears from falling.
For years, they were each other's best of friends. They shared so many secrets together. They experienced so many things together. Sakuno and Akaya grew together. Their bond is more solid than anyone else. They were inseparable individuals who knew nothing but to be together. Their connection not laced on childhood memories they had but more than that. And that's friendship, right?
Yes, she loves him. Sakuno loves Akaya so much and even there is a marriage talks between their families that slowly drifted them apart, she still respected Akaya's choice. That no matter how their mothers keep encouraging them, that no matter how her own mother bugging her to make her own move she didn't done anything aside from loving her and supporting him from his relationship. She even lied every time and cover them up whenever they secretly meet just for the sake of his smile. However, apart from that, they were friends. They were too close to each other. How come it was so easy to him to break her heart like this? Was their friendship was meant nothing to him?
"You know, that I can't offer anything from you aside friendship Sakuno. And honestly Honoka was not comfortable of you giving gifts to me like this even under the guise of friendship, so I hope you understand." He added. "And please... Do something about your mother. I will convince my mom to stop talking about our marriage. Sakuno I plan to marry Honoka once I graduate"
As if his words weren't enough to cut her on half. He violently uttered those words without mercy. Sakuno bit her trembling lips. Tears welled in her eyes but she doesn't plan to satisfy him by seeing her cry.
"Of course, Akaya-kun. I understand. If you excuse me, I want to go" she dashes out. Running. Without looking at him.
Sakuno begged for her tears not to fall but it seems not listening to her all. Her tears keep pouring down. In blurry vision she dashes on the dark empty hallway. Sakuno dives on her own bed crying.
"Thank you so much for attending on my birthday today" Akiyo, Akaya's mother smiled so genuinely to everyone. Wearing her favorite pink dress, she looks stunning at her age. She raised her champagned glass in the air for a toast.
It's been a week since that night. Right after that night, Sakuno has no heart to go outside her own room. She stays indoor under the guise of 'not feeling well' until they all went home.
However, it seems that fate has its own cruelty on her, days ago, their family whom close tight friends with the Kirihara's received an invitation. Of course, whether Sakuno don't want to participate she really had no choice but to do so. And to make matters much worst, Akaya asks for a favor she couldn't say no. Akaya beg her to bring his own girlfriend Honoka with her. He plans to finally introduce her to his family despite the strong oppression of his family towards Honoka.
And she agreed. Stupid, isn't it? But can you blame her? Sakuno only wanted little recognition from him. His smiles and simple thanks were enough for her.
And now, seating in the huge rectangular table, wearing a peach gown choose by her mother's stylist. Looking at the familiar faces she knew. Most of the visitors were all close friends by their family and business associates. Akaya's mom was a simple woman with prestige. She doesn't like grand party unlike her mother. Sakuno was itching to go home now and the only reason stoppoing her was her aunt Akiyo. Aunt Akiyo was so good to her. She treated her very well.
"I hope you like the food, Sakuno" Akiyo smiled genuinely towards her.
Sakuno blinks, she looks at her plate that still untouched. A blushed rushed on her face as she started slicing the meat using her utensils.
"And who's this girl with you Sakuno?" Akiro, Akaya's father asks.
"She is-"
"Daddy, my girlfriend Honoka" Akaya intervened. He stared at his father with eyes full of determination.
'girlfriend' it was a single word but enough to make the whole crowd in the table silent for a while
"Ah! Girlfriend" Miura laughed. She sipped on her wine glass elegantly. "Is this true Sakuno" there is a hint of disgust in her voice. Her chilly voice was enough to Sakuno to flinched.
Sakuno paused for a while before looking at them expectantly.
"Aunt Miura, Mom... Dad... This is my girlfriend Honoka." Akaya repeated.
Sakuno clenched her hands on her peach-colored dress aiming for support.
"Honoka was it? Are you aware that there is a marriage talks between my son and Sakuno?" Akiro asks.
"Dad!"
Honoka looks down.
"Right. This is not the right time to talk about this" Akiro surrendered.
"I won't marry Sakuno dad." Akaya speak with conviction. He stared each one of them in the table. "And she knows about this too" he added. "I won't marry without love mom, dad. I don't love Sakuno as my lifetime partner. She is just like a sister to me."
"Haaaa!" Miura huffed. "And do you think you have a say on that young man? This marriage talks were been discussing over years now. And do you think just a mere affection will ruin the plan?"
"For generation to generations our family didn't lies on fixed agreement that you comply aunt Miura. We marry with intention of affection and love not just a sole reason of business. And I do believe that my parents will agree to this." Akaya looks at his parents with pleading eyes.
"Haaaa! Akaya, can we talk to you privately son? I hope you don't mind it all. Please excuse us" Akiyo excuse themselves out. Akaya followed his parents.
From the moment that the Kirihara family went out, the once quiet table become an uproar. Miura seems upset and enrage, her raging eyes directly found Sakuno who keep her mouth shut. One by one, the other guest in their table stood up sensing the threatening aura of Miura.
"I think it's better if we go home now" Hiro, the Yukimura's head smiled. "Sakuno seems tired"
"Right dad. I will just greet the Tachibana's with Sakuno on me. Please guide mom outside" Seiichi suggested.
"Haaaaa! Are you happy now?" Miura glared as she asks directly towards her daughter. "You really have a knack to ruin everything... You worthless child" she hissed angrily
"Miura! Enough! Don't make a scene here and disgrace my daughter in front of everyone" there is a harsh tone on his gentle voice.
"Haaaa!" Miura shake her head. She stood up gracefully leaving them alone. "I will be waiting in the car."
"Come on Sakuno say hello and goodbye with Tachibana's" Seiichi smiles and gently pulled his sister away on the crowd.
.
.
.
"And why it's my fault mom?"
From outside of the door, Sakuno could clearly heard the commotion happening inside of the drawing room. The door that forgot to close was hang open slightly. Sakuno who begs her older brother to see Aunt Akiyo and greeted her a happy birthday came here. Sakuno paused, she stood still behind the door waiting for them to finished.
"Mom! I am your son! Your real child, why I need to sacrificed my happiness just to save Sakuno's? Did my happiness didn't matter?" Akaya's voice lace with so much emotion she can't point out.
"I am willing to help. But not like this! Not in the expense of me marrying her! I don't love her! I will never be! So, stops pushing us together!"
"Akaya..."
"I know how much you care for Sakuno but for what you were doing you are sacrificing your own son. Me! Please mom."
Sakuno who was silently listening to them bowed, tears welled on her eyes once again. She looks on her own shoes clenching her fist so tight.
Does her own existence bring nothing but pain to everyone?
Did she make it hard to Akaya?
She just loved him. Yes, she partly hopes for them together. No, she was so positive that they will end up together no matter what. however, hearing that he was having a hard time because of her hurts her so much.
'They say I was the one for you'
'They say we will eventually be together'
'But how come you were not the one for me?!"
At that faithful day, Sakuno finally made a resolve for herself. 'it's time to end her cruel summer days'
-end of chapter 1-
And that's its chapter 1.