@Ruka Kikuchi: I'm sure they will, senpai~
@key17: Here's your WMatsui~~
And others, too
@chocolatepandastarlight: Thank you!
@buciq: Yes, Yuihan is in charge
I hope too that it wouldn't take me ages to write updates. Just too busy with school
Well~
Here's an update~ At last!!
Sorry for the long wait
Chapter 15: Labyrinth
(Sayanee's POV)I want to! I want to tell her about this silly feeling inside me chest! Convincing myself isn't too easy. I might sound crazy but yeah even I can't understand this weird feeling. All I know is that I need to see Miyuki. I need to talk to her..
I stood up proudly, lifting my chin up and walking confidently until I stop in front of her room. The warm confidence was blown out immediately, making my hands cold and shaky.
I knocked at the door twice.. and she immediately answered, "Yes, who's there?"
"Mi--Miyuki..." I managed to say.
"Yes? Sayaka." Said Miyuki sternly. I gulped and gathered all my courage.
"Can we talk?"
"We're already talking. Tell me what you've got to say now." She said behind the closed door.
I leaned my forehead on her door and spoke, "I'm sorry..."
"What for?"
"The kiss. I didn't mean to--"
"Ah, you didn't mean it?"
"No, it's not like that."
"Then what?!"
"It's just that..." I paused and took a deep breath. "I--I like you, Miyuki!"
She didn't answer. Her silence is enough for me to know that she was displeased.
"I said it, at last.. That's all, Miyuki. Bye.." I said before starting to walk away. My chest felt too stucked up with pain. I bit my lip to prevent my tears from flowing.
I even imagined I heard her door creak open. I didn't bother to look back. I don't want to get hurt by my silly imaginations.
It was halfway through the path to my room when I heard her call my name.
"Sayaka!"
My tears started pouring. I can't look at her.
"Is it... true?" Asked Miyuki, almost a whisper but I can clearly hear it.
I nodded as an answer because I know that my voice would be shaky.
Then, I heard her running footsteps and suddenly a pair of warm arms came embracing me from behind.
"Miyuki..."
"It is true." She said, her face buried on my back. I started to feel the back of my shirt getting drenched. "Your heartbeat says it."
She embraced me tighter. I don't know how am I supposed to act or respond. It was just that I'm too overwhelmed. I turned around and held her shoulders lightly, making our eyes meet each other's gazes. She smiled at me through her crying face. Miyuki was so beautiful. Her eyes are shining like a clear spring and her tears are a shining stream.
"Sayaka... I like you, too!" She said in a whisper. It sounded too melodic that my heart pounded with a new beat.
(Third Person's POV)Meanwhile, Yuki went over to Mayu's room. The latter was fiddling on a box below her bed and Yuki was just watching her. There were photos of Mayu and some anime characters.
"Do you watch anime, too, Yuki-chan?" Asked Mayu.
Yuki lightly shook her head. "I think I'm more into TV dramas and reality shows, Mayu-chan."
"Ahh~" Said Mayu before piling back the contents inside the box.
"What's your favorite anime?" Asked Yuki.
"Uhm, that's tough... I don't know, really. But I really enjoy watching anime and listening to anisongs." Replied Mayu. She sat beside Yuki at the edge of her bed. "But there's this one anime which I last watched..."
"Hm?" Yuki was listening carefully to Mayu, pursuing her to continue the tale.
"In a world named Daikuuriku, people are born as females. After they turn seventeen, they go to the spring so that they can already choose their gender. If they are undecided, the guardian of the Spring will choose for them... It made me think... What if I was born in that place? What would I choose?"
"And you'll choose what?"
"I don't know yet..." Said Mayu. "How about you? What would you choose, Yuki?"
"Hm, let's see..." She paused for a bit and thought silently of an answer. Mayu looked, no, stared at Yuki, making sure no detail of her well-sculpted face was unscrutinized. Mayu sighed happily, being given the time to stare at her like this.
"I guess I'll choose to remain a female." Answered Yuki with a smile.
"Why?" Followed up by Mayu.
"Hm... Maybe because I love being a female? Or maybe cause I'm used to being one? Haha. I like the female charm too much. Females are strong yet still exuding that finesse aura and elegance." Answered Yuki with bright eyes. Mayu intently watch those brown irises as it sparkle with the silent admiration Yuki had for the female race.
Mayu smiled and asked again. "On the contrary, don't you think it is nice to be a male?"
"Perhaps it is... Would you like to become one?" It was Yuki's turn to ask.
"If there would be a girl for me like you, Yuki-chan." Mayu said in a mere whisper, not audible for Yuki to hear.
"What?" Asked the confused Yuki.
"Ah, I mean, I think it would be nice too. Or maybe staying in the middle would be fine." Added Mayu.
"Anyways, we've been talking about bunch of things... Yet I haven't asked why you are here at the Rosehouse." Yuki brought up that topic.
"Ah yes, I guess so... Well, it's quite simple. My circumstances, I mean. Well, I'm just someone who's adding up to the incurable disease of the society. One who got consumed by the system, I guess." Mayu paused for a bit to take a sigh. "My parents just wanted to get me out of the house. You know, anti-social behavior is the problem, I guess. Well, it isn't too much of a big deal to do the things you enjoy, right?"
"You mean...?"
"I enjoy playing computer games, that's what I can sum up the problem. Whenever I play, I got to get too much hooked in it that I play all day, yes, without even going to school. It was like I was living inside a new different world where I can always be who I wanted me to be."
"I kinda feel the same. It's tiring to act like the girl everyone expects you to be." Added Yuki.
"I agree, being a daughter of people with good standing always gives you lot of attention you didn't wish for, attention you didn't needed."
"Do you like here? I mean staying here?" Asked Yuki again.
"Well, since I stayed here I got to chance to live freely, of course, except my mild addiction to RPGs. I met girls of my age with different stories. I mean, it felt like somehow we're trying to build a bond... Like a family, you know." Answered Mayu again. "How about you, Yuki? What are your thoughts?"
"I didn't dislike here. I made friends somehow." Yuki's answer was brief. "Yet still I really miss my mother."
Mayu looked at Yuki after hearing her words. She felt her heart beat so fast, like it was thumping the march of guilt inside her.
"But I can't bring her back. No matter what my struggle is. I can't." She soon become teary-eyed.
"Yuki, I've got something to tell you." Said Mayu. She knew it was a desperate move and she was risking the chance of their friendship. But Yuki needed the answer... That Mayu was the reason why Yuki's mother was dead.
(Yui's POV)I ended the phone call and sat back on my chair. It was very exhausting. I wonder where did those two girls go? I massaged my temples as I closed my eyes.
It's hard to be the headmaster. If only TakaMina didn't quit the job...
I know I was only good in supporting and not in leading itself. Even since before when I was still part of a gang.
FLASHBACKTwo years ago... I stood behind our leader as we got caught in a circle of enemies. I can still remember the smirks on their faces as they walked around us, all ready to charge an attack on us.
Three, two... One. After counting three seconds, I saw them charge at us. There's no choice but to fight.
I dodged an incoming punch straight to my face before kicking him on his stomach. The man groaned in pain as he fell to the ground. Another one grabbed my hand and was trying to wrestle me. I turned around, slightly twisting his arm before pushing him down. Someone then grabbed my clothes and punched me in the face. I fell to the ground, feeling the numbness of my face.
I soon felt the pain but when I saw my comrade being assaulted by three more men, I did my best to get up and help him.
I jumped to one of the men, shocking them as I fought him with my bleeding face. I can see my comrade coughing with blood but still managed to get another man down. And now we're done to just one.
I saw her smile at me. I know what she's thinking. I fought the man with bare hand combat until I got hold of his hands and restrained him. My friend cracked her knuckles before giving the guy a punch on his face. I held the enemy tightly for another punch. I can see how it caused a slight wound on his cheek.
"That's enough." I looked at the enemy and examined the slight stream of blood on his face...
My friend then coughed again and she covered her mouth with her hands.
"Are you okay, Sashihara?" I asked her but she just smiled at me showing her bloodstained lips and even the small pond of blood in the palm of her hands.
"I'm fine! Let's go home..." She said while smiling but after turning around, she felt to her knees, coughing more severe than a while ago. I heard someone chuckling softly. It was our enemy leader for today. I punched him in the face and ran towards my friend, assisting her to walk.
"I'll be fine, Yuihan... I'm just tired."
"No, you need to see a doctor. I'll go and tell KitaRie to go with you... I'll look over our recruits."
"Fine... But I wouldn't disappear for too long." She said with a chuckle as we continued walking...
END OF FLASHBACK
I missed them. My old family... Sasshi, KitaRie, and the others.
What could've happened to them?I stopped my reminiscence when someone knocked on my door. "Come in..."
A familiar set of footsteps were heard, Paru's.
"Yokoyama-sama, someone wishes to see you..." She said with the same monotonous voice which sounded good in my ears. "Would I send them here?"
"No need. I'll meet them on the garden." I stood up and straightened my clothes. "Will you walk with me?"
Haruka nodded with a smile. I walked towards her and walked side-by-side with her. She walks softly, not even making any disturbing sounds. Even the sound of her footsteps relax me. Just feeling her presence is enough to get all my stress away.
"Paru, thank you..." I said in a pale whisper which made her look at me quizzically.
"Why, Yui-sama?" She asked. "I haven't done anything yet."
"No, you've done lots of things, thank you."
"I can't understand..."
I just smiled at her and continued walking with her beside me until we reach the garden where two people were waiting...
(Rena's POV)Meanwhile...
At the summerhouse...I was walking by the shore alone because Jurina had taken a nap at her room. The younger girl felt so exhausted after eloping from the Rosehouse. I felt tired too but the scenery by the shore was so beautiful...
My bare feet slowly dug into the soft sand as small waves of water splash on my feet. It felt cold but the afternoon sun felt warm on my skin that's why it felt good...
Whenever I see the orange-coloured sky, it made me remember the vivid memories of my past. When I reminisce today about the happy days with my family, it only makes me feel sad and empty. I didn't have anyone left... Not anyone except for Jurina.
Jurina was the only one who tried to ease my pain away.
Jurina was the only one who will give me a warm smile and a sincere gaze.I never thought I would be this close to her. You know, at first, I was attracted to someone else... But Jurina is someone who will make you look at her and once your eyes were set on her, it will be a hard task to take it off of her.
I stopped walking and looked back. I saw the set of footsteps I left on the sand. They're small, indeed, but enough to leave a mark. But soon, large waves will come to erase these marks... Even smaller waves can erase it. I smiled bitterly to myself. I've got this feeling wherein I want to erase my past... But in doing so, it might erase who I am now. It might erase the sole purpose on why I am living...
I walked away from the water and sat on the dry sand. The sun's about to set...
I watched intently the slow waning of the sun as it disappears from the horizon. The sea reflected the redish orange color while the splashing of water served as the music for my afternoon. I wrote her and my name on the sand as I smiled...
Jurina..."Rena-chaaaaan!" It was her voice. I stood up and ran towards the house.
"Hey..." I said, greeting her with a small smile.
"Did I sleep too long?" Asked the young girl as she scratched her head. I shook my head.
"Probably about an hour only. By the way, what do you want for dinner? I'll cook." I suggested.
"We still have extra viand and rice, left-overs from our lunch." Explained Jurina.
"I should re-heat it then." I suggested but her face looked worried. "Don't worry about me."
I said to relieve her. She smiled. "Fine... I'll go upstairs and clean the room. Would it be fine if we share the same bed? I don't have the keys for the other rooms."
"It's fine for me. You?"
"Of course, it is!" She agreed cheerfully and walked upstairs, leaving me by the kitchen.
(Jurina's POV)I walked upstairs to clean our room. The door softly creaked as I open it. Upon entering, I saw the familiar set-up of my room. The orientation of the bed, the closet, and even the table was still the same. It suddenly felt nostalgic...
I walked over the table and found out a large layer of dust on the surface. There were unpiled books by the side and a picture frame of my father and I. I turned it down before placing it inside an old box under my bed.
I piled the books on the mini bookshelf by the wall and tidied up the table, brushing up the thick layer of dust. Then, I changed the bed sheet, too. After that, I did sweep the floor and changed the curtains and other clean-ups.
I looked at my wristwatch after. Just thirty-six minutes passed...
I decided to go and check out Rena in the kitchen. When I went there, I saw her busy with preparing the tea. She looks fine... I shouldn't worry too much, I guess. I roamed my eyes and noticed that the knives weren't placed on the knife rack.
"Rena-chan... Where are the--"
"I placed it inside the cabinet so that it wouldn't tempt me so much." I smiled at her statement and sat by the chair, still watching her move in the kitchen.
"You're hungry already?"
"Quite, but my tummy can wait."
"This will be done soon."
(Third Person's POV)In another place...The smoke-filled place was quiet tonight. A lady in black leather jacket sat by a stool over the counter. She lightly tapped her fingers on the table as she watched the dew streaming on the cold glass. Her phone rang again.
"At last..."
She answered the phone call, still maintaining the grim look on her face. The conversation didn't last a minute. After putting the phone back on the table, she grabbed the glass and drank the contents. The taste of brandy was too familiar to her and it made her smile.
As soon as she emptied the drink, another lady entered the bar. Her long, black hair is shining even through the dimmed lights. She smiled at the lady sitting at the counter.
"ShinoMari."
"Minegishi, what took you so long?" Asked the girl in leather jacket.
"Got a call from Yuihan. We're needed. I'll tell you the details later." The newly-arrived girl leaned closer to her as she smirked, smelling the alcohol on the other's breathe. "Drunk again? Guess I'll have another rough time tonight."
Shinoda Mariko smiled before leaning in for a kiss. Minegishi Minami kissed back but the other pulled away soon. "I know you are more than prepared, Miichan."
"Well, you know me too well, Marichan."
Back to where the two Matsui's are.After the dinner, both of them got their bags to the room and took a shower one after another. Rena sat by the edge of the bed as she waited for the younger girl to finish putting on her pajamas.
"Oh, why are you still up, Rena-chan?"
"I waited for you." Rena said shyly then she moved to the left side of the bed. Jurina jumped beside her and hugged a pillow.
"I don't feel sleepy yet!" Protested Jurina.
"Why don't you go and read a book?" Asked Rena before putting the blanket above her.
"It's boring... How about if we..."
"Ah~"
Jurina didn't finish her statement as she hit Rena with a pillow.
"What was that for?!" Said Rena.
"Pillow...fight?" Asked Jurina before throwing another pillow at Rena's face.
"Ittai! Get ready!" Rena did the same but didn't hit Jurina at all.
"What's that?! HAHAHAHAHA." Teased the young Matsui. Then the two continued throwing pillows at each other and laughing heartily as they played like kids.
Rena threw her final pillow without any more power. She lied over the bed and felt the smooth mattress. "I'm tired!"
Jurina lied beside her as she panted from chuckling. "That was fun!"
"Yeah, it was!" Rena turned to look at Jurina only to find her looking at her.
"You know, that's the first time I actually seen you laugh like that, Rena."The girl blushed and looked away. "It's been quite so long since I last had so much fun..." She buried her face under a pillow and spoke with a muffled voice. "Thank you!"
It made Jurina smile to herself. "I'm glad I did make you smile." She removed the pillow covering Rena's face and it made their eyes meet, making both their hearts race.
"Let's... Go to sleep?" Suggested Rena to shrug the feeling off.
Jurina nodded but Rena didn't expect when Jurina leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I'm happy that you are with me..."
The statement made Rena's heart skip a beat. She smiled at Jurina. "Well, I wouldn't be anywhere but your side when you wake up tomorrow."
"Sweet dreams, Rena."
"Sleep tight, Jurina."
TBC...
Thanks for reading~
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