A/N: I am still alive! I've been working on this chapter for months. I had a hard time figuring out how I wanted to end it, and if I wanted to split it up. But I just decided to throw it all in one big chapter! So please enjoy 23 pages of the newest chapter :)
Chapter 49: When it's Time to Move On
.
Things were sort of a blur after Sana fainted.
While Akito was picking her up, he shouted at Tsuyoshi to grab her mom from the audience. Their classmates surrounded them, all shouting and obviously worried about her. It wasn't very long until their homeroom teacher came by and directed the crowed around them both.
Her mother and house maid showed up quickly and Kurata Misako had instructed for their house maid to bring the car around. Ambulance services were offered but Sana's mom didn't think it was an emergency. She knew it was related to pure exhaustion and the rush of her adrenaline finally fizzling away.
Akito was dragged along with the Kurata family as they made their way to the hospital. During the entirety of the car ride, Sana was passed out on his shoulder. She barely opened her eyes when they did arrive. They pulled her into a room quickly while he waited outside.
They ended up moving Sana in a room across the way from him, and he could barely see her and her family from behind the curtain. The only thing visible was her shoes, and her mom's back.
The x-ray technician came by and did a portable x-ray of his arm after they discovered that he was also struck. He tried to deny treatment, but after everyone saw the ugly bruise on his left arm, his choice was ripped away from him.
So now, he was sitting while waiting for a doctor to come by.
Feeling jittery, the blond was tapping his foot against the gurney and watched closely at the room across the hall.
But he knew his anxiety wasn't just from his arm or Sana.
He hated hospitals.
"Hayama-san?"
A man, with dark hair and too many frown lines, walked in with a small smile. He was wearing green scrubs and grabbed the stool from under the computer.
"I'm Dr. Tadashi. It's nice to meet you."
Akito grunted in response.
"So, you were struck by a tree branch, is that correct?"
"Yeah."
"May I?" The doctor gestured towards Akito's arm, and he sighed with resignation. He stuck of his arm and the older man examined it. When he pressed down around the bruise, the blond grimaced slightly.
"Ah, yes. I would imagine that hurt. Your x-ray showed us a pretty decent greenstick fracture on the ulnar bone in your arm."
Akito felt a tick in his forehead and immediate annoyance filled him.
"She broke my arm?" He glared.
He should have hit her when he had the chance.
"You don't need a cast. But you will need to be in a wrist brace for 4-6 weeks. We will provide the brace for you. I'm also going to prescribe you some pain medicine in case the pain is too much."
The doctor explained and Akito felt the rage in his chest.
He desperately wanted to kick something.
Preferably Chisaki Ryu.
"My nurse is going to get you all checked out and ready to go. Is there anything else you need?"
Yeah, to kick someone's ass.
"No." He muttered, and the doctor nodded.
He stepped out of the room and a few moments later, the nurse returned to the room.
"Hayama-kun, right?"
Akito barely acknowledged as he stared over at Sana's room. He perked as the curtain was pulled aside for the doctor. But then he stood in front of her and the blond sighed.
"So! Looks like we are going to get you fitted for a brace. Can I see your arm please?"
The oldest Hayama looked over briefly and gave her his left arm.
He grimaced as she twisted and turned it, setting it in different braces.
"Your pretty worried about her, aren't you? Your eyes haven't left her since we moved her to that room."
Akito turned quickly back to the nurse and went wide eyed at the giddy smile on her face. He felt the back of his neck burn.
"Your girlfriend is lucky to have such a concern boyfriend! But don't worry! Dr. Tadashi is a wonderful doctor, and he will take good care of her."
His face went extremely warm as she giggled, and Akito felt his throat dry.
"She's not my girlfriend!"
The nurse stopped laughing and cocked her head to the side. "Oh? Sister maybe?"
"She – She isn't my sister either, dammit! We're just friends!"
Akito watched as the nurse looked at him with a neutral look, then confusion, and then a dawn of realization as she nodded her head. She had this knowing smile that he really didn't like, and all of a sudden, he felt like he was found out.
"I see. Well, your friend is certainly lucky to have someone like you looking out for her."
The overly sweet way she said that made him want to vomit.
"Anyway! For accessibility, we are going to go with this Velcro brace. I don't think you'll mind the black. Take it off to shower, but that's it. Keep it on for 4 weeks and return for a follow up. We will do a repeat x-ray and see if we need to stay longer. Got it?"
"4 weeks with brace. Only remove for shower. Come back for recheck. Got it."
The nurse gave him another smile. "You catch on quick. I'm going to grab your discharge paperwork. Are either of your parents here to sign you out?"
Eyes wide, Akito was caught off guard by the question.
"I - "
"I am his guardian."
Kurata Misako walked into the room with a small, but poised smile on her face. The nurse looked at her in confusion.
"The boy's father is on a business trip, and I have temporary guardianship of him. I will sign whatever papers for his release."
The nurse looked back at him, and Akito grazed his eyes to Sana's mom for a moment. And then back to his nurse.
"Yeah. Dad's out of the country."
The nurse smiled and nodded. She stated she would be back soon and left the two alone.
Uncomfortably shifting on the gurney, Akito bit the inside of his cheek.
"You didn't have to do that."
He could hear a chuckle from Sana's mom.
"I know. But consider it a small token of my gratitude."
"For what?"
The eldest Kurata shook her head and walked to the side of his bed.
"Sana is stubborn." Akito scoffed at that and rolled his eyes. "But as stubborn as she is, she is not too keen on asking for help."
"You have provided her with a safe space to do so. So for that, I am grateful for you, Hayama-kun."
Glaring towards no one in particular, Akito closed his eyes and sighed tiredly. Perhaps the excitement of the day was also finally getting to him.
"You told me once that Sana played the part well… this is what you meant, wasn't it?" The blond looked towards her mother and the smile fell from her face. She closed her eyes, and it was all the confirmation he needed.
"I will admit. I never thought my daughter would be able to stand on a stage again. I believed in her of course when she told me about the play. But I would be lying to you, and myself, if I wasn't worried about what would occur."
Akito looked to her with a frown.
Misako scoffed as she smiled ruefully. Her eyes found his braced arm.
"And then, as she always has, exceeded all my expectations."
"She's stronger than I've ever given her credit for." He muttered and her mother laughed.
"That child has lived a life that would have brought most to their knees. And yet, she still continues to preserve. How was I so lucky to be blessed with that type of child? I will never know."
"Is she going to be okay?" Akito asked, eyes drifting to her from across the room.
"The worst is her leg. She has a few bruises, but she will be okay."
Akito sighed in relief.
"She really loved him, didn't she?"
The blond could hardly believe the question left his lips, and he thought Misako thought the same as her brows lifted high in shock. But then this melancholic gloss filled her eyes and a soft, yet sad smile graced her lips. She looked over to her daughter and Akito held his breath in anticipation.
"We all loved Sagami-san. But the bond between he and Sana was unbreakable."
She released a shaky breath.
"I don't think I had ever feared more for Sana then when he passed."
There it was again. It was twice now that her mom mentioned this 'fear.' What did that mean? What was she going on about? But before Akito could ask, the nurse walked back in.
"Okay! Here we go! All discharge paperwork and instructions in this packet. If anything changes, Hayama-kun, just come on back in! We will see you in about a month."
Akito nodded and Kurata Misako signed at his discharge paperwork. The nurse ushered him out of the room, and he was left standing awkwardly while Misako began making her way back towards Sana's room.
"Nothing will ever replace the hole Sagami-san's death left in her heart." Her mom said, stopping in her tracks. She then looked back to him with a sincere smile. "But perhaps, something else could fill in what's left."
Eyes wide, Akito was taken aback by the words she spoke. But then the sly smile on her face made his face warm.
"Not you too." He groaned and ran his good hand down his face.
All he heard was Misako's ridiculous laugh as she walked back to Sana's room, and he was left standing like an idiot.
"Now, now Hayama-kun. I am merely teasing. Don't be so uptight!"
Like mother, like daughter.
"Now, come. My daughter has been asking for you."
.
"Stop staring at it."
Sana pouted as she glared at Hayama Akito. Biting her lip, she sighed in frustration.
"I can't help it, you know! It's partially my fault you're in that thing anyway!"
He looked at her in annoyance, tapping his finger against his forearm. "I already told you. None of this is your fault. So, stop blaming yourself."
The young actress, in fact, did very much blame herself. When Akito walked in with the wrist brace on, she immediately had to know what happened to him. Her mother explained he suffered a fracture, and he told her he needed to be in the brace for at least a month.
Sana wasn't thrilled to hear that he got hurt because of her, but he didn't seem to hold it against her.
"Okay, kiddo!" Dr. Tadashi walked back in and grinned at Akito. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "What color do you want your cast?"
Sana put a finger to her chin. She liked all the colors, so it was definitely hard to choose one. But she grinned at the doctor and said "Green!"
So, Dr. Tadashi went to work, and the cast was dyed in green. They chatted about school, on the occasion asking Akito questions too. She did most of the talking, of course, but before she knew it, the doctor was done.
And now Sana had an extra weight on her foot.
"Okay! So, the nurse is going to go over all the instructions, and you will follow up with your primary in 6 weeks to see how it's healing, okay?"
The auburn-haired teen smiled, and he returned the gesture. He nodded goodbye to her mother and Aktio and walked out. No sooner, did the nurse follow behind him.
She went over all the important instructions including how important it was to use the crutches and do no weight-bearing. And when showering, to make sure to wear a bag over her cast and not get it went. And to not stick anything down the cast, no matter how itchy it was.
Akito snorted at that, and Sana shot him a glare.
"So, I'll just need both signatures here and we can get a wheelchair to roll you out, Miss Kurata."
Sana shook her head and leaned towards the end of the exam table. She gestured to her crutches and Akito grabbed them.
"No thanks! Gotta get used to these guys for 6-8 weeks. Might as well start now!"
"Well, suit yourself!" The nurse shrugged her shoulders, and her mom signed the paperwork.
"I will go get the car. You two meet me out front."
Collecting all their stuff, the pair of teens walked slowly out of the E.R.
"This is going to suck, isn't it?" She complained as she hobbled, and Akito flung her belongings over his shoulder with his good hand.
"I'm not even going to say anything, cause you're just going to hit me."
Sana glared at him. "You were going to say something rude, huh?"
He snorted. "I'll just keep my comments to myself."
"You're lucky my hands are occupied. Or else I would still hit you with my hammer."
He smirked and Sana glared. "I don't like this."
"No one told you to be a hero."
Sana may not be able to use her trusty hammer, but she realized a crutch was just as effective. So, when Akito yelped after she gave him a good swipe to the leg, she was feeling extremely smug when he glared at her.
"Keep talking, Hayama."
"Fucking hell." He muttered and Sana shot him another glare.
They continued bickering until they got to the entrance of the E.R., her mom parked out front. Normally, Shimura drove for them. But Misako insisted this time.
The car ride went as well as it could, and they ended up dropping Akito off at his house. His sister met them out front, Kyo accompanying her.
"Are you going to be okay, Sana-chan?" Ayame asked.
She gave her the biggest grin and a thumbs up. "Of course!"
Akito rolled his eyes and Ayame looked to him and frowned. "Don't think you've gotten yourself out of this one! You perpetuated this too, you know?!"
And this set the Hayama siblings into an argument, and Kyo stood awkwardly, trying to hold back Ayame from hurting her already injured older brother. At this sight, Sana couldn't help but laugh.
Her laughter brought the attention of everyone around them, and slowly, they all joined. Well, except Akito.
"I don't see what's so funny?" The lone wolf asked, and Sana padded his shoulder.
"Just funny how things end up working out."
It didn't seem like he really understood, but Sana was okay with that. He didn't need too. It was getting late though, and Sana knew they all had to get back home soon. Offering rides to Kyo, he refused as he didn't live too far. Sana said bye to the Hayama siblings, hobbling to the car after.
But she looked back at the blond, who was staring intently at her.
Her eyes moved to the obvious brace on his left arm, and then back to him.
Sana found it fascinating how much of a rollercoaster the day was. Between their chat this morning, Akito smiling at her, reconciling with Fuka, getting beat up, still managing to make it through the play, and then going to the hospital, it all ended with Hayama Akito right in the center of it all next to her.
She wondered, was this their new normal?
The former actress smiled once more at him. And it must have caught him off guard, cause now he was looking away, hiding his mouth from her. Sana didn't understand it, her mother was chuckling behind her, and then Ayame started snickering, and now she was confused.
"What?"
"Oh nothing, my dear. Just get in the car. We do have to get home."
Too tired to think hard on it, she shrugged her shoulders and said one last loud goodbye to her favorite siblings before turning in for the night.
When she got home, Sana prepared herself for bed. Connecting her phone to the charger after it was dead all day, she was shocked by the amount of text messages that filtered in. All her friends from her class were checking in. Fuka had sent her a string of messages. Tsuyoshi, Aya, Hisae, Mami, even the boys sent her get well messages. Some of the gymnastics' girls sent her well wishes as well.
In that moment, Sana truly felt blessed.
Tears kissed her eyes as she sniffled to herself. Adjusting her feet under her, she wore a smile, so grateful for the people in her life.
After Rei died, Sana convinced herself she would never find a support system like him again. And while not necessarily on par, her friends had done a wonderful job in stepping in his place.
She was especially appreciative of Hayama Akito.
Never in a million years did she think he would grow so important to her.
Sana realized, in the last few months, she kept looking for him. His support was so important to her, and his friendship even more so. So many little changes in their relationship, but it made her giggle when she thought about it.
Since he was already on her mind, she went ahead and shot him a quick text.
To: Akito
I'm home! :D
From: Akito
That was fast.
To: Akito
Mama can drive fast when she needs to!
From: Akito
You feeling okay…?
Sana couldn't help the smile on that grew soft on her face.
To: Akito
Hehe, such a worry wart! Yeah :D I'm great!
From: Akito
Never mind. Forget I asked.
Blowing a raspberry, she laughed out loud.
To: Akito
Oh, don't be such a drama queen! But I am feeling okay all things considered I guess...
Thanks again for your help and all that… sorry about your arm :(
From: Akito
Quit that. It's fine.
Was it, really? He didn't seem overly annoyed at her. She could tell he was definitely frustrated, but more so at Chisaki Ryu versus herself.
To: Akito
Well, okay!
I'm tired though. See you at school?
Good night! :D
From: Akito
Yeah.
Good night.
Putting her phone down, she rested back against her bed and sighed. She had a big decision to make tomorrow. And Sana truly didn't know what she wanted to do. Did she want to ruin Chisaki's life? Or take it easy?
Pursing her lips, she took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling of her room. Then down to the cast on her leg. Annoyance filled her, but then she remembered those eyes that Chisaki looked at her with.
Desperate. Hopeless. Despairing.
They were emotions Sana had felt in the past before too.
Turning off the light in her room, she set her alarm and closed her eyes, knowing she had a large decision ahead of her.
.
When she arrived too school the following Monday morning, it was as she expected it to go. Sana was no stranger to stares and whispers. She grew up being looked at, talked, and gossiped about, stalked, and always having a camera in her face. Her frustration grew as the stares didn't stop. From the moment she walked through the gates with her crutches, the whispers started.
"Just ignore them."
Akito grabbed her school bag from her shoulder and threw it over his when they met outside the gates.
"That's so easy for you to say!" The former actress hissed back to the eldest Hayama sibling. Akito slowed his step to match hers.
He shrugged his shoulders. "They're looking at me too." Lifting his arm that was now donned with a brace, she made a disgruntled face. "They just need something to talk about."
Biting her lip, Sana glared at the floor.
"Well, I would rather it not be me, or you. Or this whole stupid situation."
"You can't help that, Sana-chan."
Sana turned to the call of her name and Tsuyoshi and Aya were walking up to them with tight smiles. Sana's frown deepened at Akito's best friend's statement.
"How is your leg doing, Sana-chan?" Aya asked as she looked down at it in worry.
The auburn-haired teen shrugged her shoulders before pursing her lips.
"Annoying. And this cast is soooooo ugly! And itchyyyyy. But ugh, whatever. At least the pain is mostly gone now!"
Aya smiled in relief.
"Do you need any help with your school bag?"
Sana grinned at this question and threw a thumb back to the blond next to her.
"Nah. Got my pack mule doing all my work for me!"
At that statement, Akito scoffed. "I'll leave you to carry your own shit around."
Turning to him with a shit-eating grin this time, Sana leaned in towards him and gave him this playful look.
"Besides, you're the one who grabbed my school bag to begin with."
At this, she saw the way Akito's golden-brown eyes grew and the pink that scattered across his nose.
"Because I knew you would only complain about it all day!"
Waving her hand at him, giggling behind her other, she nudged him with her elbow. "Sure, sure, Akito. Admit it, you were just worried about me!"
"Take your own damn bag."
Sana nearly fell as he shoved the school bag back at her and stormed off like a child, and her mouth was on the ground. "Wait, what!? Oh, come on! Don't be a big baby!"
"You really pushed him this time, Sana-chan." Tsuyoshi chuckled awkwardly and Aya giggled.
Turning back towards them, she pouted. "Just when I think he can be so nice, he's gotta show the fangs again! Ugh, that Lone Wolf!"
"Here, I'll grab your bag for you, Sana-chan."
"Aya-chan! My savior!" Sana attempted to hug the sand-brown haired girl, but the crutches were doing her no favors. In fact, the crutch toppled under her, and Sana felt herself slipping and gravity pulling her to the ground very quickly.
Sana closed her eyes and braced for impact, knowing she was probably going to earn herself another trip to the nurse's office.
But impact never hit as she felt someone grab a fistful of her uniform from the back and keep her pulled up as her body landed against theirs.
Turning her head back, she was met with a broad chest covered in a boy's school uniform.
"I can't even leave you for a freaking second before your clumsy self falls."
Her eyes traveled up, and Akito was staring down at her with a frustrated frown. The entirety of Sana's face felt hot as red traveled along her cheeks, across her nose, and the back of her neck.
"Sana-chan! Are you okay!?" Aya asked as she reached for her and helped steady her crutches.
Said girl swallowed thickly and she pulled away from his gaze, biting her lip and pulling herself away from him. Akito's hand was no longer fisted at her shirt, but she could feel the heat of his hand laying on her back.
It sent a sensation through her that she didn't know how to describe.
"I'm fine…" she smiled tightly at Aya, then looked back to the blond. He sighed deeply and reached for the floor to grab her school bag.
"You need to be much more careful, Sana-chan! You're going to make that break worse! You're lucky Fuka-chan isn't here to lecture you too."
Forgetting about Akito for a moment, she made a face at the mention of her best friend's name. Fuka would be giving her an absolute earful right now.
"Let's not tell her, okay? Okay!"
When she turned back to gesture to Akito, Sana saw him glaring at all the people who wouldn't stop staring. Having been on the receiving end of them, she knew how intimidating they could be. It worked though because the other students started looking away.
"Come on." She said in a lower voice, and he turned his gaze to her for a moment. Eyes softened and Sana was pretty impressed with how he was able to change the expression so quickly. He didn't reply and walked next to her, eyes back to being trained around them.
When they arrived back to their classroom, Sana was immediately bombarded with the concerned stares of her classmates.
"Sana-chan! Are you okay?" Mami grabbed her hands, eyes filled with concern.
"I can't believe that girl beat you up! Like seriously!? What a bitch!" Hisae walked up next to her, glaring at no one in particular.
"You want us to beat her up for you, Kurata!?" Gomi and Hiroshi stood up, offering their services.
"Well, I won't beat anyone up, but I can offer my services in grabbing things for you Classmate Sana!" Yunichi offered.
The entire class began to mumble, offering holding her book bag to grabbing her lunch to opening doors for her. It was so kind, it was overwhelming.
Before she even got a word in, she was pulled back and there were two bodies in front of her.
Hayama Akito and.. Fuka!?
"Don't ya guys see you're overwhelmin' her! Back off, will ya? The gesture is appreciated, but she's kind of got a lot to deal with!"
"Sit. Down." Akito's voice commanded to the entire room and the shut everyone up. Hisae and Mami looked at her with concern but then grumbled on their way back to their seats.
"You're not even in our class, Matsui! What the heck!?" Gomi called out and Fuka sent him a glare.
"Doesn't mean I can't check in with this idiot here! But you guys gotta let her breathe!" Folding her arms, she glared.
Sana looked at her two best friends and felt the tears at the rims of her eyes. Shaking her head, she refused to cry. She's done enough of that these past few days.
"You come with me for just a minute!" Fuka turned around and grabbed her by the wrist. Sana yelped slightly at the unexpected turn. Akito sneered as he held onto her shoulder.
"Be careful, Buka!"
Fuka rolled her eyes. "My bad."
Sana felt like a child caught in the crosshairs between Fuka and Akito. They frowned at one another but soon he sighed and just walked back to his seat. Tsuyoshi and Aya gave them a quick glance and Sana reassured she was fine.
"I didn't think I would see you this morning! Thanks for the save… by the way!" She laughed to herself and Fuka knocked her on the head slightly.
"I'm not heartless. Sana… are you okay?"
The former actress grinned. Having Fuka back in her life made her so happy. It felt like a part of her was missing when they stopped being friends.
"Of course! You really think I'd let Chisaki keep me down? That girl has nothing on me!"
Fuka stared at her for a moment with stern eyes. Then laughed slightly incredulously.
"You're always fine."
"I promise I am! These crutches are a pain, but everything will be fine! My leg will heal super-fast!"
Fuka may not believe her, but Sana meant it. She intended to heal fast.
The brunette sighed and smiled. "First it was me in crutches, now you? Geeze. We gotta stop doing that, huh?"
"But hey – now you got Aki to do everything for you!" Fuka gave her a teasing smile and elbow nudged her.
At this, Sana felt her entire face turn red and she immediately shook her head. "What?! What are you talking about!?"
Fuka tilted her head slightly, and then rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Sana. You are as dense as ever."
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"I'm annoyed. I don't feel like having this conversation anymore. Goodbye." Fuka knocked her on the head once more and then turned and trotted off. Sana felt her entire face hot and called after her friend. But she went ignored.
What was with people teasing her about Akito these days? They were friends! So what about that?! Feeling the heat on her face and back of her neck, Sana shook her head, hoping that embarrassment washed away.
She was barely holding her life together as it was.
Sana really wished people would just keep their opinions to themselves right now.
"Miss Kurata. Is there a reason you are not seated in class?"
Her teacher was staring at her, hands on her hips and she quickly apologized with an awkward smile. "Sorry, Sensei! I'll uh – just get going in right now!"
They walked in together, and her classmates were all running back to their seats as the school bell chimed. Finding her spot in front of Akito, she plopped down already tired.
The first class of the day hadn't even started, and she was already exhausted. How was she going to get through the day?
.
The day, in fact, did not get better.
In fact, it was awful.
While the stares and whispers continued, she found the most frustrating part was using these stupid crutches. She didn't know how Fuka did it for a month. Sana was ready to chuck these out the window!
The worst part of today though, was the decision she was left with that could ruin Chiskai Ryu's life.
"Press charges, you idiot! Sana! She tried to seriously hurt you! Don't let her not face those consequences!" Fuka pressed on at lunch.
"I have to agree with Fuka-chan. Chisaki has been a terror for too long! She went crazy and for what reason? Because Hiro-kun didn't love her? Tch, make her pay."
Ayame stuffed the rice in her mouth, her usual cheery demeanor replaced with a scary version of herself. One that intimidated her older brother too much.
"Don't let them off easy, Kurata!" Fuka pointed a fork at her and then went to stab the meat on her plate.
"It's not like I'm forgiving her what she did! I still get so mad thinking about it!" Sana fumed, remembering how terrified but also pissed off she was.
"But what?" Akito spoke the words for her, and she stared intently at him.
"I – I don't know.."
"You're too freakin nice, Kurata! Always giving people second chances!" Fuka angrily said, and Ayame nodded vigorously in agreement.
"But my second chances gave me my friendship with you, and Akito."
"So, you're saying you want to be friends with her?" Aya asked innocently, and Sana sighed roughly.
"No! I don't ever want to be friends with her! Heck no!" Sana put her hands up in an X, but then bit her lip. "I'm just saying, what if she needs a second chance to just get herself figured out?"
The table went quiet for a moment, and Tsuyoshi looked at her with a smile. "That's honorable, Sana-chan."
"Tch! You're still too forgiving in my opinion!"
"I don't have anything nice to say, so I'm just going to keep my mouth shut." Ayame added and Fuka snickered at that.
Sana looked to Akito across the table, and he was staring intently at her. She already knew what he was going to say. Something along the lines as Fuka and Ayame. After all, Chisaki hurt him too.
"What are you going to do, Akito-kun?" Tsuyoshi asked and all eyes went to him.
"Well, I want to kick her." He said so nonchalantly that Sana almost toppled over.
"You can't do that, Akito-kun! You'll be suspended for sure!" Aya said in a panic, but the blond leaned back and crossed his arms.
"I'm not going too, obviously." He rolled his eyes, "but we'll see what I decide."
And that's where they were now.
They were standing outside Principal Nara Nara's office as Chisaki, and her parents were meeting with them and the police. Sana thought it was a bit over the top. But she guessed it made sense.
"I'm surprised Mama isn't here yet." She mumbled, and Akito shrugged his shoulders. "They didn't want your dad here?"
Akito laid his head back against the chair. "Even if they did, it wouldn't have happened. He's out of the country."
"I guess that's fair…" But now that Sana thought about it… it had been a long time since he left, hadn't it? She turned to Akito, and he must have felt her gaze on him because he raised a brow.
"What?"
"Do – Do you have any idea when your dad is supposed to come back from his work trip?"
Sana knew his and his dad's relationship was… bad. But Akito did mention before his dad left that his dad seemed remorseful, even if just a bit. An idea started cooking in her head, but she shelved it for later.
Staring out in the space in front of them, Akito shoved his good hand in his pocket.
"No idea."
"Do you miss him?"
The question came out before she could really think about it. Sana wanted to slap herself over the head, wincing as the words left her mouth. The Hayama's relationship with their remaining parent was rocky at best, even for Ayame. Akito and his father weren't on great terms, and it was pretty inconsiderate for her to bring it up now.
"… I don't know how to answer that question."
The blond admitted and Sana opened her eyes slowly to that statement. Akito was staring hard at the floor, his eyes focused. The former actress felt a sadness wash over her. She wondered if Akito ever wanted to mend that bridge?
"Did you tell him you were hurt?"
At this, the eldest Hayama did snort.
Sana frowned slightly. "Akito… you should have at least told him."
"I'm sure Ayame will mention it in her weekly phone call."
"He calls?" That was surprising. It was the first she had heard of that.
He shrugged his shoulders again. "Just to make sure everything is okay. Ayame is the one who takes his calls. She fills me in with anything important."
Biting her lip, she slumped against the chair. It made her sad how distant his voice was in all this. Akito probably thought his dad didn't care about him. Up until recently, Sana realized, he probably didn't think anyone cared about him.
That bothered her.
A knock on her head and she turned to her right. Akito withdrew his hand and shook his head.
"Stop worrying about me. I'm fine."
"I don't feel like enough people worry about you." Sana replied, biting down on her lip.
He stared at her for a moment before his eyes turned to the brace on his wrist. Akito took a deep breath and then looked back to her.
"I have enough." And then he smirked, and Sana felt a heat on her cheeks, and over the bridge of her nose. Her throat was dry, and she looked down bashfully down at her lap. That was until she punched him in the shoulder, and he yelped out loud.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"For saying dumb things!"
"What?! How does that make any sense!?"
With their bickering, Sana didn't notice the arrival of her mother nor the door that opened to Principal Naru Naru's office. It wasn't until her mother cleared her throat that the two teens stopped their quarreling.
Sana was completely red in the face.
"Principal Naru Naru will see you now, Kurata-san."
Biting on her lip, she looked to Akito and his eyes remained still. Looking down at her foot, an annoyance crossed her face and the anger she felt fueled her. None of them would be in this position right now if Chisaki Ryu reacted to rejection like a sane person would.
"Just do whatever feels right to you." Akito said in a low voice, and she sighed. But then she smiled and muttered a quick thank you.
"Daughter."
At her mother's call, Sana stood up, grabbing her crutches from beside her. Trying to balance herself, Akito also lifted himself and steadied her shoulder. She glanced at him quickly and smiled as a quick thank you.
Her mom nodded towards Akito and then with her footing set, they followed Principal Naru Naru's assistance into the office.
"Sorry you have to come down here, Mama." Her mother's eyes flickered towards her.
"Nonsense, Sana. This is a matter that must be discussed."
They stopped just short of the door to the principal's office.
"Principal Naru Naru is finishing up. Just wait here and he'll be with you shortly."
And it sure did feel like forever before he walked out of his office, but when he did, he was followed by Chisaki Ryu and what she assumed were her parents.
Chisaki Ryu looked absolutely miserable. Her face was pale white and there were dark circles under her eyes. It looked like she hadn't slept in weeks. Her parents looked pissed. But before anything was said, they bowed. It caught Sana off guard, and Ryu too because she looked at her parents in shock.
But then her father muttered something under his breath and grabbed Ryu by the shoulders, pulling her down with them.
"Kurata-san. We are so very sorry for the actions of our daughter. We raised her better than this. For her to take such action against you… it is not only disappointing, but dishonorable." Her father spoke and Sana was taken aback.
She looked to her mother, who was staring intently at the fourth year.
Chisaki's father muttered something else under his breath, but this time nudged Ryu.
"I'm – I'm sorry for my actions."
Her voice sounded dead. And Sana could tell there was no real meaning behind her apology. She frowned slightly at her poor attempt to soothe things over.
"Your daughter almost killed mine." Sana could hear the slight undertone of fury in her mother's voice. "And that's all she has to say?"
Kurata Misako was not a woman to be trifled with. Sana knew that. She had seen the way her mother tackled the media and paparazzi for years. Between her popularity as a book writer and Sana's as a child star, her mom had to learn how to navigate that relationship with the media.
Her mother did not allow for slander or mischaracterization of either herself, Sana, or Rei when he was still alive.
"Ryu! What do you have to say for yourself?!" Chisaki's mother hissed, and the fourth year took a deep, slow, agonizing breath before she looked to Sana. The former actress looked at her in apprehension. Her eyes were so unsteady.
"I'm sorry. For what I did."
Her voice was entirely cold, and Sana scoffed. Some apology, she thought to herself.
But what did she expect from someone like that?
"Ryu."
"It's okay, Chisaki-san." Sana spoke, tired of seeing her poor parents plead for her cooperation. "If she doesn't feel sorry for what she did, that's her own feelings. You can't control that. I don't hold her actions against you guys."
Ryu's brow twitched and Sana glared.
"You're just lucky I held Akito back. He's pretty pissed, you know? About breaking his arm."
At that comment, her face turned even whiter, and she gulped when looking to the ground. Her parents seemed uncomfortable, and Sana could hear her mom groan behind her.
"Anyway, even if you don't feel sorry, Chisaki-san. I do feel sorry for you." Her statement caused all eyes in the room to look to her. "You let your obsession with Hiro-kun treat the people around you like crap. And then when you thought you lost him, you lost yourself completely."
"What do you even know about loving someone, huh?!" Ryu bit back to her, glaring intensely, mouth formed in a snarl. "The only 'love' you know is from a grown man! Which is disgusting by the way! And that's not even real!"
Sana felt something snap in her.
The world moved slowly around her and all the voices around her drowned out as she focused in on Chisaki Ryu. Sana marched up to her, anger coursing through her veins. Grabbing a fistful of the older student's uniform, Sana pulled her down to meet her gaze.
"Shut. Up." She said slowly as the irises in Ryu's eyes grew. "If I ever hear you say anything about Rei-kun again…"
Sana gulped, her voice shaking.
"You will never know what it was like to be loved by someone like that. And for that, I feel sorry for you."
There was a hand on her shoulder that pulled her back slightly.
"Daughter."
Her mother's voice broke through whatever trance she was in. Sana's zero focus dissipated, and the world got loud again. Chisaki Ryu was staring at her with wide, shocked eyes. Her parents looked horrified. And Principal Naru Naru, who hadn't said anything yet stepped in between them and gave her a soft smile.
"Why don't you come into my office, Kurata-chan?"
Biting her lip, the former actress released her grip on the girl's shirt and stepped away.
Sana didn't pay attention to anything behind her as she slowly walked into the principal's office, only hearing some muttering from her mother. And maybe Chisaki's parents. The teen found her seat and settled down, setting her crutches aside.
"Sorry, Principal Naru. For causing ya extra trouble." She mumbled and the bald man, with one little hair right in the middle of his head, smiled at her.
"Now, now, Kurata-chan. All is well. I would be concerned if you hadn't reacted so! After all, Chisaki-chan did in fact hurt you, physically."
Sana didn't have a lot of run in's with their principal as she was never in trouble. But she had heard from both students and teachers how laid back he was. When they first met it was when she transferred to Jinbou High School. He gave her a tour and Sana was amazed by his jolly demeanor.
Since then, she had heard about how he rarely punished students and was always giving second chances. Tsuyoshi had even shared a story about how his younger, twin brother, who also was a principal, was the reason Akito was still in school. He gave the blond a second chance despite all the trouble he got himself into as a kid.
He wasn't a fan favorite with some of the teaching staff, but Sana figured it was okay. As long as he had the students behind him, he would be okay.
"Still. I do apologize from my daughter's hastiness." Her mom said, and he smiled sweetly at her.
"I won't keep you two long! After all, we already know the nature of this conversation." The smile dropped from the principal's face, and Sana bit her lip.
"I don't pretend to know what position you are in, Kurata-chan. As you already know, I don't punish my students lightly. And I would rather resolve things in a peaceful manner. But also, what Chisaki Ryu did to you is simply unacceptable. As long as I am the principal of this high school, I will not tolerate any type of harm to my students."
"As you know, Chisaki Ryu is to be expelled from school. That decision has been made. But now there comes the legal issue of whether or not you would like to press charges against her."
Sana clenched her fabric of her skirt tightly as both Principal Naru Naru and her mother's eyes were on her.
"There is no pressure here, Sana."
She snorted at that.
No pressure? That's all she felt! She could very well ruin Chisaki Ryu's life. And the worst part? Sana wanted to do it. Especially with the horrible things she had to say about Rei. She wanted that girl to be miserable. For not only what she put her through but everything she put Ayame, Hiro, and every other girl through.
An eye for an eye, right?
Biting down on her lip, she looked up to the principal and took a deep breath.
"I've been thinking about what I want to do. And honestly? I'm really pissed off. This whole situation got out of hand really fast! And part of it is my fault. If I had told someone, maybe this wouldn't have happened."
Sana thought about Akito's questioning looks when she threw the letter back in her locker.
"But it did happen! And there's nothing that can take it back."
Principal Naru Naru nodded his head.
"I think it would only be fair if I pressed charges, right? If I ruined her life for trying to kill me!"
Sana released a long, deep sigh.
"But I'm not going to do that."
"Hmm?" Principal Naru Naru tilted his head slightly, a quizzical gaze on his face.
"Don't get me wrong! I don't like her! And I think she deserves the worst!" Sana stuck her tongue out, "But, I am not going to be responsible for destroying her life."
I've already done that.
"So! I'm not going to press charges! And while we're on it… don't expel her either!"
Now this caused both adults to look at her with wide eyes.
"Sana?" Her mother questioned next to her, and Sana turned to her.
"I know what you're thinking. But why not?" She then shifted her gaze to their principal. "How could you ask that, Sana?"
"You can suspend her, sure. Or put her on probation. Whatever! I don't care. But I won't press charges. And that's my decision!"
The room was silent for a moment before Principal Naru Naru began to laugh. Confused by the principal's reaction, Sana looked to her mother. Her mom shrugged her shoulders then proceeded to give her a small smile.
"I know an adult or two that could learn much from your example, Kurata-chan. Fine! Chisaki-chan will not be expelled, per Kurata-chan!"
Sana didn't know if that was the right decision or not. But when she walked out of the principal's office, she felt lighter than when she went in. And as they were being escorted out, Chisaki and her family were still in chairs. The girl still looked sick, and Sana stopped in her tracks.
"Hold on, Mama." She said and then started crutching to the girl and her family. When Chisaki realized she was coming over to them, her face turned green.
Sana glared at her. "I just want you to know that I choose not to press charges."
Shock crossed the entire family's face.
"And for them to not expel you!"
If Chisaki's eyes could expand off her face, they probably would have. And her jaw definitely fell to the floor, if possible.
"Bu – but why?"
Why indeed?
"When you're walking across your stage on graduation day instead of some knock off school, I just want you to know it's because of me. That because of me, you'll be able to leave Jinbou High School in the spring and continue your life. That nothing you've done here will follow you because I choose for it not too."
There was a range of emotions that flashed through Chisaki Ryu's eyes. And Sana could make out the worst of them easily. But there were also some subtle ones, ones that would never be spoken. And she was okay with that.
"So you better be grateful, Chisaki Ryu!" Sana pointed, and then huffed. She grabbed her crutches and turned, forcefully making her way out.
"Do you feel better?" Her mother asked with a humorous tint in her voice.
Sana looked to her with a small smirk. "Would I be a bad person if I said yes?"
"I would say it's justified."
Knowing she had her mother's approval, Sana grinned. After her mother left, promising to see her after school, Sana sighed. A weight felt like it was lifted off her shoulders as she stood waiting for Akito.
She knew her friends, aka Fuka and even maybe Ayame, would be disgruntled by her decision. But the decision she made was something she stood firmly with. And besides, there was no take backs now.
When the door to the principal's office opened, Akito walked out, with the principal behind him.
"It was good to see you, Hayama-kun! My brother sends his regards! And says he hopes to see you return to the dojo soon!"
"Sure." He replied, waving back to him. The door closed behind him, and the blond turned to her.
Cocking her head, Sana wondered what that was all about.
"The dojo?"
Akito shrugged his shoulders. "Principal Naru Naru's brother is the reason I went into karate in the first place."
A small 'o' formed at her lips, and she smiled. "That's cool!"
"It's whatever…"
"Soooooo, what did you decide?"
Sana may have been a bit of a softie, but she didn't think Akito would be as kind. Actually, she expected the blond to press charges.
He looked at her with a slight narrow of his golden-brown eyes. "You didn't press charges, and you told the principal to take back the expulsion."
Rubbing the back of her head, she laughed awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. I guess so!"
He scoffed and shook his head. "You're seriously something else, Kurata."
"Yeah, yeah! What else is new!? So, what did you decide?"
Akito smirked at her and that caught her off guard just a bit. "I guess I took a page out of your book."
He turned around and began to walk away and Sana's jaw fell to the floor. But as she put herself back together, she scrambled for her crutches and yelled Akito's name down the hall.
"HEY! Get back here! HAYAMA!"
A day that started with so much apprehension ended with laughter as she nearly slipped and fell, but Akito, like clockwork, was there to catch her. He grumbled and went on to nag her, but Sana couldn't help but just laugh.
Rei was gone. She knew that.
But happiness in her heart never felt fuller.
A/N: And THAT is a wrap on the School Festival arc! Never thought I would get this far with this story but here we are! I hope you guys enjoyed that rollercoaster that was Sana's backstory (kind of). There is a lot more to come and I'm really excited for the next leg of the story! We are shifting a little and moving to some side characters, but with Sana and Akito still at the very focus!
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
As always! Comments, reviews, criticism, etc. are always welcomed! Till next time!
- Dark Waffle