Author's Note: Been busy nowadays and I couldn't write as much as I wanted to. Real life already ensues, but I guarantee everyone that I'll keep writing. I do hope you'd all keep reading and supporting, and be patient with this amateur writer. I hate adult life.. donchu? (internal struggles of a millenial)
To sarange, I'm deeply touched by your review! Your tiny description about this story really helped me on setting my foot back on this story's theme. Thank you very much, and I hope you enjoy this! Valechan92, I'm sorry I just replied to your review m'dear! I'm glad you're loving the Takari parts :3 - there are barely some comments on the Takari! it sort of worries me sometimes if readers still see their story relevant (lol). soojinah, thank you! And yes, that little Jyoura is no coincidence (evil smize). As for Yama's button, I hope Mimi gets it (tee hee hee). Scripturiens, don't know if this one can be considered a filler, but I think I've been writing the recent chapter lighter because of all the dramabombz earlier in this story D: but! Maybe this chapter could reveal more about everyone, post-drama era. I hope it does anyway (hehe). Thanks for always checking up on this story! (heart heart)
Also have to warn everyone that this chapter barely contains any line breaks. My apology in case it becomes difficult to read on. It was sort of fun writing a continuously flowing scene, but hard. Hehe. Also, another apology if this comes off too poorly-written. I didn't have time to proofread. Cheers!
Salad Days
Chapter Seventeen
Free Spirits
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It rained all day in one of the last days of spring, yet the skies remained light blue despite the downpour. Night was a bit colder than the usual spring days, but Yamato had always liked the smell of it as he walked past several neon-lit shops and stores. It was that time of the season again, when they'd camouflage into adults, and Taichi will use his fake ID to get liquor from the karaoke bar.
"I'm glad you're joining us today, Sora-chan," said Koushiro as he walked beside the redhead. She sheepishly turned away as the thought of letting Yamato know she will be drinking still affects her so.
"This is probably your only third time joining us though," called out Taichi from the front.
The female ginger sought for a good retort, but only managed an explanation for this unique occasion.
"Well, it's good to put a little recklessness once in a while,"
The brunette next to Sora started to remember her nights spent out in the Big Apple; Mimi had to admit to herself that she had her share of fooling around. She wondered if it was the pink hair that gave her the audacity to be reckless.
"It's easier to get drinks in America, even if you're underage," chirped in Mimi. Yamato raised his brows after hearing her statement, taking this little detail as one of Mimi's New York exploits. He had almost forgotten that she knew the, er, know-hows.
"'I'd like to see that wild child in you, Mimi." He teased. He was on front of them as well, just strolling beside Taichi. The presence of Sora in the group made him slightly edgy, but tried his best to remain cool.
"Hehe, Mimi-chan always tells me stories about her weird experiences," said Takeru, approaching Mimi and distancing from Hikari.
"Oi Ishida, don't even start," the brunette warned. She noticed that Yamato was very fond of playing with her weakness – which was her very horrid past that she kept burying; though futile since he just kept resurrecting it.
Yamato only continued to tease as they were nearing the district. "Feeling guilty now, eh Tachikawa?"
The familiarity between Yamato and Mimi was still quite novel among everyone, to be honest. How the most non-interactive pair managed to become very close friends in the span of four months was a new record for the crest bearer of Friendship. It was strange to see them so close now.
"Why are you doing this to me now, Yamato-kun," Mimi then came from behind to get close to Yamato, hissing about how he should never mention such thing that would remind everyone that she was a bad girl. Such label on Mimi was funny, unbelievable, frightening but true.
Very strange, indeed. Hikari approached Takeru as his right side was already void of any presence. "Eh, your brother and Mimi-chan are awfully close now,"
The younger blond jilted at the sudden proximity between them, but tried his best not to scare Hikari away. For Takeru, things have never been the same between them since he found out. Of course, he has yet to inform her of this stolen knowledge.
"Well, yeah.. if you look at it, really, their personalities aren't that different for them not to be friends," though he wouldn't say he wasn't surprised, it was definitely not something strange.
The conversation went on between Hikari and Takeru, thoughtlessly gossiping – while the subjects of the chat were in a friendly banter.
"They're really close now, aren't they?" whispered Koushiro to the other ginger next to him. Taken aback, Sora turned away from the sight, now realizing a new envy.
She looked back at them, and from a distance it seemed as if they were flirting with each other. Taichi seemed very oblivious to this, though. She feigned a grin to Koushiro as the rest had already entered the karaoke bar.
"Yeah, they are." Once Sora realized that her thoughts were getting darker, she scolded herself for her judgmental attitude. She knew Mimi would never do betray her – but what probably irritated her was the very thought that Yamato now has another girl who knows him better than she did; while Mimi is unlikely to be his new lover, she was definitely becoming a best friend to him – but why Mimi, of all people? Now, Sora was starting to hate herself for even thinking such things.
They sat according to comfort; Sora sat between Koushiro and Mimi, Takeru beside his older brother – Yamato next to Taichi, and Taichi next to Hikari.
Taichi had already given out their orders of snacks and booze. They have gotten away from underage supervision as usual, as the girls wore a bit of make-up and the boys.. well. Apart from Koushiro and Takeru, they managed to get away effortlessly. Takeru had already been flipping through the songs list, beside him was Mimi peeping over his shoulder. The night had passed by smoothly as drink after drink was consumed; Taichi had been louder; Koushiro more extroverted; Sora gaining a sense of humor; Hikari was asleep; Takeru was not so, as he was loudly arguing with Mimi. Yamato, however, was still sober. Though, he was sure finishing up his drink would be the last of him.
Like normal drunken group of friends, they took the chance to let the alcohol do their talking – there came in words that would never escape their mouths if not for the liquor. Takeru was the very first.
"So, Sora-chan, you see, I like this certain girl," he said in a very drunk manner as he pointed at Hikari's flushed sleeping face. "She says she likes me too but I don't think she understands why I'm not making moves on her, you know?"
"That's stupid, even I won't believe you if I was in her place,"
Takeru was silenced, sobered a bit. If he was to be with Hikari now, him, at fourteen – the chance of being 'together forever' was very miniscule. He remembered his divorced parents – both haunting figures of a young, premature love that had triumphed and lost for the same reasons. If being in a relationship also came with the risk of losing Hikari; if it will come from his recklessness, ignorance or immaturity, then count me out.
But explaining that to Sora in a very detailed fashion would not make sense, especially when he's not even feeling like himself at all tonight. "I'm scared."
She immediately empathized with her ex's brother, as if all love experiences were coming out like a big flashback. "Sounds like someone I really know," she said, shooting a nonchalant yet unamused look to Taichi.
"Why are you looking at me? I'm not your ex," he shot, as he looked grimly at a very clear-headed Yamato.
"I can't believe I liked you," she snapped with a finger pointed at Taichi. Her finger then turned to Yamato, who sat alone on the couch across them. "And more so that I even went out with you,"
"Shut up Sora, you're the unbelievable one here," hiccuped Taichi as he shoved her by the shoulder. Stupid Sora, she was the one who broke his heart. "Good thing Mimi-chan's here to save me,"
"Oi Tai-kun – sniff – we're not even close to that," shrilled Mimi as she struggled to rest her head on her weakened palm. "Though I think you're really hot, first of all, you're not my type. I go for band dudes – sniff – like Yamato-kun,"
The blond was rather flattered at the careless admission – but dismissed it right away as he remembered that Mimi's ex was also a band dude. He had not come face to face with – oh, what's his name again? – but he couldn't help but compare himself. Judging from a photo she showed him, her ex seemed cooler, edgier, and probably broke several guitars than he did.
A very emotional Sora came to the conversation, "How can you find Taichi hot, Mimi-chan! And why are you telling me that my ex is your type!" Just as he thought, Sora wasn't completely over him, just as he is for her. Though he had already moved on from the idea of getting back together with her, his last wish was for them to be at least friends again. He frowned, realizing it seemed unlikely for that to be soon.
"Mimi-chan, what about me? Why not me?" cried Koushiro, as he collected himself by turning into a ball of feelings. But Mimi had ignored him, and so did everyone but Sora.
"Sora-chan, don't leave me," pleaded Mimi as she clung on to the redhead's arm. Though personally she enjoyed Taichi's company, this whole ordeal with him had been more problematic; putting her in the awkward spotlight with Sora too many times. She couldn't imagine if her friendship with the both of them was to falter. "I don't know who'll do my braids if you leave!"
None of his friends' (and ex's) behavior seemed to have shaken Yamato, however. He was rather amused of the very brutal honesty that came out from the table. But maybe this was what they all just needed, to let all the dirt out before they part ways. That is.. if they'll still remember all of this by tomorrow morning.
The group continued on with their conversation as it eventually molded into a game of ridiculous and random dares –the first dare was for Takeru to pull out a strand of Hikari's hair without waking her up. He successfully managed to pluck a strand by his fourth attempt. In turn, Takeru dared Mimi to reapply her make-up without a mirror. Much to Takeru's dismay, she was very good at it. As for everyone else's dares, Sora's was the most extreme. She had to wash her hair with scotch, but only managed to dip some of her short locks. This dare came from none other than Taichi.
It was already ten in the evening when they all decided to go home. Recovering from the drunken state was Takeru and Koushiro, who were going to help Yamato out in bringing the rest to their houses.
"We won't be able to fit in the cab," said Yamato as he placed Taichi on the bench. He crossed his arms, looked at Hikari, Sora – where's Mimi? Already panicking, he looked around, and found relief when he saw her crouching down to a plant, calling it 'Palmon'. Yamato snickered. It would have been a good video for blackmail. His watch was interrupted by Koushiro.
"How do we split?"
Right, thought Yamato. He was yet to figure that out yet. Apparently, he, Mimi, and Koushiro go home to the same direction while Takeru, Sora, Taichi, and Hikari on the other side – he's sure Takeru won't be able to take care the three, though. He does not want to put Koushiro in an awkward situation with Mimi either.
Takeru stepped in, anticipating his brother's answer at his own suggestion. "I think Koushiro-kun can take Mimi-chan home, aniki,"
"Hmm." He looked over at Koushiro, searching for an assurance that he'd be okay.
"I can take Mimi-chan home, Yamato-kun." He guaranteed, forcing a smile. But Yamato knew better.
"Okay," said Yamato. He looked at Mimi again, who had already dozed off on the grass.
"Ahh.. try to sober her up first. Mr. Tachikawa might turn into the Hulk if he finds her like.." he paused, noticing the drunken brunette talking in her 'sleep'. "..this."
"I'm sure Koushiro-kun can handle it," assured Takeru as he started to hail for an empty taxi cab. It didn't take him that long to get one, and had eventually parted ways from Mimi and Koushiro.
"Ariake Park, please." The driver turned on his meter and silently drove through lively night as Yamato enjoyed the view from the window.
"Mhhmm.. Koushiro, you idiot.." muttered Taichi in his sleep. "Mimi doesn't like either of us.."
How true, chuckled Yamato to himself.
"Aniki,"
"What is it, Takeru?"
"You and Mimi-cha—"
"Takeru, not this again, you know that – "
"It's not just me who thinks it's strange."
Yamato clenched his jaw, trying not to sound angry or loud. "What's so strange about it, Takeru? Mimi's friends with everyone. What's so bad about us being friends?"
Takeru would have already bought it, if only his brother wasn't so defensive. It had been so long since he and his brother talked about something like this, which was very unusual for them. The younger blond sighed as he looked away from his brother then to Hikari, who had passed out since her first shot of margarita. But it had already been hours – and Hikari's face looked too stiff to be fast asleep. He could also say the same to Sora's. As for Taichi, he was very much drunk. "Then at least tell me how, aniki."
"Why does it even matter?"
"It doesn't matter," he snapped, eyeing the fidgety Sora. "I just want to know."
"Don't worry. She's asleep." assured Takeru.
Yamato ran a hand through his hair, feeling embarrassed that he had to say it, especially when the driver could hear. "Mimi was the only person I got to talk to when things were difficult with Taichi.. and when Sora and I were.. falling apart,"
"I couldn't really talk about it to anyone else since no one understood.. well. You know what I mean," he articulated with a hint of frustration as he rambled his way through.
"Sorry for not fitting in your qualifications," taunted Takeru for his own lack 'relationship experience'. He looked through the window, noticing the colorful lights of Rainbow Bridge from afar. His eyes then turned to Sora's stiffened face. He smiled, unsure why, but maybe because Sora looked more at ease. "but I'm glad you and Mimi-chan became friends."
"I think everyone can agree that Mimi changed a lot," he admitted. "I like her better right now."
"Mimi-chan was always likeable. You were just an extremely hard-assed, disagreeable boy then," laughed Takeru.
"Of course I was," agreed Yamato with sarcasm. He looked at Takeru at the back through the side mirror, who was staring off not at the window, but somewhere else. "What about you?"
"What about me?"
"You were rather unusually awkward,"
Heh. "So you've noticed."
"You sure move slow,"
"I've been told by many."
Yamato paused, looking at the side mirror. "She likes you."
"I know." He croaked, now staring at the 'sleeping' brunette's face turn pink.
"You like her too." She was smiling faintly, so faint only Takeru could tell the difference.
"I do." And this was what entirely Yamato had been trying to understand. Usually, most people at Takeru's age would explore their capabilities of being reckless. But Takeru just did not belong to 'most people', and had been thinking two steps ahead of everyone.
At times Yamato thought he had figured Takeru out, but then, he just needed to make sure. "So what's holding you back, apart from your excuse of being a teenager?"
It didn't take Takeru that long to answer. He knew very well in mind why. He looked through the window nonchalantly. They were nearing their destination. "I'd lose her along the way,"
Yamato thought it was too early of a very immature assumption. "You don't know that, Takeru."
"Lose, like mom and dad lost each other." added the younger.. His admission to his brother was not something he feared for Hikari to find out. She had every right to know.
And of course, it had stricken Yamato in more ways than one, confirming his long-held thoughts and psychoanalysis of his younger brother. He knew Takeru wasn't one to brood, but surely – whatever happened in the past greatly affected them so – especially for one who had witnessed the failure of love between their parents and the triumph of death among their Digimon friends. All of that grandeur, when Takeru was barely eight years old.
He felt rather useless, unable to say anything of support – because he understood him very well.
"Shame," broke in Yamato. "I can't make fun of you on that."
Takeru gave a chuckle, still staring at the girl beside him. His honesty was what Hikari needed. She had every right to know. "It's not a big deal."
For a while, it frightened Yamato that Takeru couldn't notice that this was very much of a big deal.
For most of the time, Koushiro remained mute as he led Mimi to a convenient store near their neighbourhood. He purchased some bottled water, an energy drink, and a bar of chocolate. None for him, just for the girl he was with.
Koushiro felt a bit disoriented, upon seeing his unusually shabby reflection from the glass. He sat beside his drunken friend, who was playing a matching game on her phone. He reckoned she was slightly sober by now.
"Izumi Kou-kun," Yep. She was still drunk, especially with that goofy grin on her face.
"Mimi-chan, you should eat this," He placed a chocolate bar on front of her. "Also, drink this," he then placed a can of energy drink beside the chocolate.
Mimi eyed on the items, her goofy grin turning into a sympathetic smile. She had regained full consciousness, thanks to a good game of virtual Hanafuda and this creeping feeling of sympathy. And the sight of the items reminded her that dear Kou-kun cared for her deeply, despite the rut their friendship is in. It had been a while since they got alone together.
"Thank you," she ripped up the wrapper, took a huge bite from the chocolate. "I don't need the energy drink, Kou-kun. I'm okay now."
And it broke her heart when Koushiro blushed, bowed, and even apologized for bothering her.
"Ahh. You, Taichi-kun, Sora-chan, and Hikari-chan were all too drunk earlier," he said, grabbing the energy drink for himself. "Yamato-kun and Takeru-kun brought them home."
"That's good to hear."
Another silence came into the air. It lasted until Mimi finished the sweet. Nothing much came into conversation, just an update on the others, recalling what happened earlier; and after Koushiro drank all of the drink, they walked in silence until the reach her doorstep.
"Thank you, Kou-kun," thanked Mimi as enthusiastically as she could, hoping she'd see the same emotion in Koushiro. "Good night!"
But he only nodded, and said, "You're welcome. Good night, Mimi-chan." And he turned his heels away.
Mimi sighed, fell on her buttocks on their doormat. Her thoughts came in jumbled, but to her they made sense. She couldn't help but wonder if she and Koushiro would still share the same lunch table next school year.