ROOMMATES
PART 1
If I’d thinking back of our time, to actually find our starting line.. Maybe, it all started when we become roommates. Two people with different personalities, meet in one room where it becomes our starting line.
What do you can expect when a person like south meet someone like north? You can't expect something harmony like egg in hot rice with some soy sauce in it. But, this is how they started. Undefined terms of R.O.O.M.M.A.T.E.S
*****
It is the second time Sakurai Reika makes an application to change room in her college. The first time is when she first enters the college one year ago after two months be a residents of her former room, then she has a problem which she didn't have any choice but to transfer to other room.
Unfortunately, her new roommate is a tomboy or in other simple word is lesbian. Reika named her that because of her appearance and more obvious is, her roommates always bring her girlfriends home. So she decide for the last time, that she gonna used the last chance to change room again. That’s defined how she hates someone who acts so hard to be someone else, not even accepting their nature as a girl or boy.
So here she is, in her new room waiting for her new roommates. The rooms are not really big but not really small. Enough space for two people. They have their own single bed, both at the sides of sliding door at the balcony. There is also a small tv facing her bed and big bathroom near the entrance. She loves the interior as it facing the lake in the college and have small balcony. Her new room also on the third floor which not too high to climb the stairs when the lift is unavailable.
Reika waits for her new roommate while repacking all her belongings to their place. But, a person like her who is very ponkotsu and love to sleep not really care about the arrangements of her things. So when she felt tired, she simply let them lying on the floor and went to sleep. Planning to have short nap to recover her energy, she can continue her works later.
Worry that her roommates would come anytime; she wrote a simple and short message on the mirror using her lipstick before she takes a short nap.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Reika." The message contains all her happy feelings to accept new comer. She actually can't wait to meet her normal roommates - her longtime dream since she enter this college. But you know, world nowadays not that stable, and she hates that kind of unnecessary changings where male become females and otherwise.
10 minutes after Reika falls into her deep sleeps, someone came in with bag pack on her back and a luggage in her hand. But when she saw a person is sleeping on the bed, she tiptoeing into the room. But that is not the only reason she tiptoeing, the room is too messy anyway for her to even find space that enough for her feet to walk normally. She shakes her head to all the messiness on the floor. And the sleeping owner too.
Unlike Reika, this new person is really meticulous. Not that meticulous, but she can't see and live with all those lying things on the floor. So, she rolled up her sleeves and start tidying all the things that not even belong to her. Her face however doesn’t even showing any slightly annoyance, a sincere smile was placed there instead. She is someone who loves cleanliness and tidiness.
The moment she starts cleaning the room is the time she saw the message on the mirror. She cannot help but smiling widely. So her roommate’s name is Reika, she remarks that in her head. She took the lipstick on the table, probably belong to Reika; her new roommates. She replied to the message with grins on her face.
"Nice to meet you too. Wakatsuki. :)" The message ended with a smiley, really showing off her real feelings right now that she doesn’t expect this kind of warm welcome with messy room but cute and funny message. She smiles to herself.
And of course, for a person like her, she didn't need to take hours of cleaning and packing all the things include her belongings. 50 minutes later, she finished everything, Reika’s belonging was arranged neatly in her cupboard and on the table, she makes sure that there are no single dust on the table; so same also with her things. She smiles brightly while dusting off her hand, satisfy with her job today even she feels little tired. She glances to the person who is still sleeping like a log, not even moving or showing any signs of waking up. She sighs wearily while looking to the clock, it reaching 7 pm.
Wakatsuki moves closer to the other sides of bed to look at her new roommate's face. She supports her chin using her hand on the sides of the bed slowly, very cautious not to wake up Reika from her sleeps. She knew that, a person’s mood could be disaster when wake up from sleep, anyone would be monster if their sleeps was distracted.
She leans forward in order to look clearly to Reika’s face. Moreover the room a little bit dimmed since it almost night on the outside. Wakatsuki plays with Reika’s hair that falls on her faces, she smiles deviously when Reika squirming from her action.
"Mou.. don't kiss me." Not only feels ticklish, Reika even talking in her sleeps too. What is she dreaming about only her know that. But that talk make Wakatsuki cannot hold her laugh anymore, she close her mouth using her hand, but still the chuckles can be heard.
Feels distracted with the mysterious laugh, Reika open her eyes a bit. To her shock that when she open her eyes, Wakatsuki's face is so close to hers’ that their nose brushing with each other. The small touch makes her jumping from the bed.
Wakatsuki also get shocked from Reika’s high notch screams and she falls to the floor bumping her head to the walls. "Ahh ittai yoo."
Reika's eyes went wide when she saw the person who is now on the floor, rubbing her head. "Who are you? Are you tomboy?!" She cannot contain her curiosity and go bluntly asking such private question.
"Ehh..?"
But the other person is too confused to even digest the root of the question. Reika's eyes scan all over Wakatsuki's body. From head to toe, she observed with her squinting eyes. Feeling insecure, Wakatsuki stands up and back off two steps.
"Ahhh I see, you're tomboy." Reika give her final judgement based on her observation. Short hair with boy haircut styles, old jeans with some holes on the knee, some chained on her jeans, she had enough of evaluation from her looks.
"Chotto matte.." Wakatsuki was clearly taken aback by the term given to her. Her face shows some dissatisfaction. This is the first time people dared to label her something. Not just that, this is their first meeting and this is all happening. It is not like she cannot accept that but the other girl is too rude. To judge her from her outer appearance, give her some unacceptable title then walk off when she is still talking. Even there is little bit glad in her hearts that this girl being honest with her feeling, too honest to be truth. But well, yeah… she feels hurt.
"Jaa. Let me being honest. I don't like people like you." Reika shows some annoyance on her face. She reached for red tape from her desk then goes to the end of the room. She taped them on the floor, right in the middle of sliding door as a start and she pulled them right over the main door, just giving a little opening for her new roommate to enter the bathroom. She is now setting up a clear boundary between them. While the other girl just watching all of Reika’s action with unbelievable eyes.
"Since I came here first. This is my area and that is yours." Reika pointed to the other side of the boundary which clearly smaller than hers. Wakatsuki stand stills with wide eyes but when Reika give her look ‘you're on my area’ that remind of Wakatsuki that she in wrong side; she is then quickly jumps over from Reika's area into her area.
"Now.. Don’t come in here unless it was needed." Reika concluded all her action with her cold words while turning her back to Wakatsuki.
"Hurmm I'm new here. So what is the regulation here?" Wakatsuki asked cautiously. Careful not to make the other girl become crazy.
"You can do what you want, just don't get caught." Reika answer sluggishly as she continue to lie on her bed, trying to sleep again.
"Can I cook using rice cooker?"
"Urm basically you can’t. But if you don't get caught then it's okay." Reika mumbles in between her words. Have no intention to answer the other girl question properly. She has enough; she can’t think anymore that she actually run from a tomboy just to meet a tomboy. Once again! Now how should she explain to her mom? That her new roommate once again a tomboy, not to mention she is quite handsome, but yeah that doesn’t change the facts. And, her mom is the biggest protester of this gender blend people. She hates that the most. Always saying to her that don’t involve with that kind of people.
"Can I listen to music? Can I sing?”
Reika is trying to sleep again when she heard numerous unimportant questions from her new roommate. She sighs harshly then turns to the other girl once again. Her eye is in fire. Wakatsuki withdraw a step, feeling fear with Reika's eyes.
"I can't tolerate with noise. So please keep the voice and volume low. And please, be quiet." Reika jerks to the other girl and Wakatsuki once again taken aback, bury all her intention to be close with Reika. She nod furiously then keep silent while sitting on her bed and starts humming songs.
Reika rolled her eyes, obviously feeling annoyed with the sounds. It is in low volume but she still can listen to it and cannot accept it either. It disturbing her, not only that… she hates everything about her. But what can she do? She used all the chance to change room, just to meet another weird people. Why her life always miserable? Now, she only needs to lie to her mom that her daughter met a good roomy, a normal and beautiful one. Not the weird, tomboy and handsome girl. She will be killed and will be dragged to home if she said that to her mom. Though she feels sorry, but of course she doesn’t want to waste her another one last year here just to argue with her mom.
Just hold on for one more year. Reika reassure herself.
And that is how they start. With a clear boundary, Reika never gives Wakatsuki any chances to get close to her. Never fails to find mistakes in Wakatsuki, even when she makes a slight noise, Reika will get angry, not to mention that she even limits the girl movements in the room. Just imagine that when Wakatsuki wants to play games on the tv that in Reika's area and Wakatsuki need to sit right beside the line, careful not to step in the other area, she play with headphone her on, being cautious not to make the other girl mad again but Reika still mad because her movements when playing game is distracting her even if Wakatsuki on her back but it is like she has an eye behind her head; watching all the movements of the girl.
However, Wakatsuki never once complained about her fussy roommate. She keep continue her days interestingly. Well, she finds the other girl quite interesting. Reika loves fish, but she loves plants. They’re quite opposite, but she knew deep inside Reika, she is kind person. Like when she is talking to her fish about how hungry she is that night. Well the facts that she loves fish and all kinds of animal that live is amazing enough to tell that Reika is nice girl, moreover she major in fishes courses where she pursue what she loves passionately. To make more clear difference between them, Wakatsuki loves every kind of plants that is why she choosed to study in plant courses.
Cut all the crap, she still has lists of Reika kindness, emm not really kindness but the small things she like about Reika. Like when Reika hold her stomach not to growl badly when she cooks and smells spread all over the space in their room. But of course, Wakatsuki is not a mean person; she shared everything she has with Reika hoping that the girl would leave a little space for her to befriend.
Even they always bickering with each other, err scratch that – even Reika always gone mad to Wakatsuki for no reason, she always cooks for two portions, to Reika and herself. She would always wake up and tidying Reika’s bed if the girl already missing to her class – she only can step into Reika territory only when she is not there and Wakatsuki absolutely can’t stand messiness. Doing that kind of job, Wakatsuki never ever dislike it, yet she loves it. But still, miraculously, Wakatsuki never step into the boundary well at least not when Reika is there, she keeps herself from invade into Reika’s area even she had to tiptoeing to go outside the balcony and bathroom. She didn’t mind it.
Not to forget about how she treat her other two friends, they are the only two Wakatsuki often see together with Reika. Sometimes, she has this strange feeling that doubted why Reika didn’t like her but she still can be friend with Iko-chan; boy who act girlish and enjoy stalking people more than paparazzi but Reika never treat her more than her enemy. Reika hates her too much that she didn’t even let her other two friends enter the room when she is there.
“Nee Reika..” Wakatsuki calls when they incidentally meet in the college. They’re going to opposite way and Reika; as usual act like they don’t know each other.
Reika however, this time cannot hold her policy to not response any attempts Wakatsuki’s made. Well, maybe because this the first time Wakatsuki dared to approach her at the outside. But yeah, response to this doesn’t mean she drop their line.
“Can you show me Fukagawa’s Café?” Wakatsuki timidly asked Reika. She didn’t even expect her to turn back when she calls earlier. “I need to send this plant to her.” She shows the box contained seedlings from her father’s farm back in their hometown.
Reika went silent while scanning the other girl. She has this evil smiles on her lips before she decide to speak. “I can’t I have class.” She answers coldly. Wakatsuki looked down, obviously feels disappointed from the rejection. Reika hide her cunning smiles behind all her cold tone.
“But sure, I could give you direction to the café. It is just at the back of Environmental Faculty.” She creates a bright smile on her lips once she saw the other girl turn brighter upon her words. “You just need to walk straight about 50 meters, and then turn left when you found a small tree at your right. Walk down the garden about 20 meters before you find a street light, then once again, make a left turn. You will find the café once you see a small pond.” Reika gives the direction like she has memorized them in her head. She is still smiling when Wakatsuki makes a faces of trying hard to remember the confusing instruction.
“Walk straight, turn left at the small tree, walk the garden and turn left at the street light. The café are in front the fond.” Wakatsuki repeat the words by herself, not to notice that Reika are trying hard to hold her laugh. “Ahh thank you, Reika. I will inform you once I found them.” Wakatsuki bow as sign of gratitude. She smile widely, still doesn’t believe that Reika willingly help her, not to tell that this is the first time the other girl treat her nicely after one month they become roommates.
They both exchange bow of respect before parting as their path are completely opposite. Once Wakatsuki turn her back, Reika close her mouth tightly, try hard not to be heard laughing by Wakatsuki. While Wakatsuki is try hard to remember the path in her head. She even walks with head look up the blue skies and not to notice Reika’s naughty looks to her.
And of course, Wakatsuki won’t find her way to the café that just at the back of Environmental Faculty since all the direction given by Reika are completely just to fool her. Yet, Wakatsuki still mutters the direction in one breath. “Turn right, and then walk on the bridge when you found a pond with clear water.” But of course, after three hours of wandering all the college, the directions turn into something more indescribable. She confusing herself when she start believing in Reika’s words that not even once are right, she didn’t meet a small tree but she still take a left turn even there are just bushes. She is like walking around the bushes.
Wakatsuki sigh wearily. Feeling tired after walking three hours nonstop just to find café that supposed to be near with big box in her hand. She is now sitting by the lake with little water fountain in the middle since it is the only place that have light even it is quite dim. It already night, almost reaching 8, and Wakatsuki totally lost about her whereabouts. She wants to go back, but she can’t find her way to the hostel, her phone also died an hour before. So she just sits on the box while staring at the dimmed sad half-moon. The moon looks so sad with small reflection of light by the sun. Like her right now.. She sighs for nth times. The most unbelievable thinks occur to her is, how can she believes Reika just like that after one month being roommates and she all received are cold treatment from girl called Sakurai Reika? Now she can accept her old friend’s word that Wakatsuki is just being nice dense girl.
“Cannot find your way to the café?” Reika knows the answer but still asking the obvious question. She appeared from Wakatsuki’s back just to laugh hard at Wakatsuki’s stupidity to believe her words.
Wakatsuki just keep silent. Sulking with all the stupid jokes Reika made. She is not in the mood to be kind. She looks away when Reika jump into her sight, not to give the other girl chance looking at her horrible face. She is tired and hungry.
“Hahaa, are you sulking right now?” Reika still with her dry laughs, celebrating her success in trolling with Wakatsuki. “Jaa.. now, how about I treat you a cake?” She squats in front of Wakatsuki with both hand supported her chin. She fished Wakatsuki with her bright blinking eyes and crystal white teeth. No one ever fail to not fall with her flirting face like right now.
Wakatsuki once taken aback by the offer but she is being careful not to fall into same trap again. She gazed into Reika’s face at the corner of her eyes but all she could see is a beautiful since smile which she never saw before.
“But you must lead me to the café first.” She tries to negotiate, still wanted to go to Fukagawa’s café. She can see Reika is nodding few times before she stands up and get ready to walk - but of course, Wakatsuki still cannot gather all her courage to follow the other girl, they might be ended up somewhere else and Reika would laugh at her once again.
“Oh come one.. believe me this time..” Reika is back after she realized that she walk alone and pulled Wakatsuki’s hand, forcing the other girl to stand and follow her.
Wakatsuki, on the other hand are clearly flustered by the touch on her hand. Reika she knew before are too absurd by her own thinking that people like her (who looks tomboyish) are some kind of disgusting and she won’t or ever touch her. But tonight, not mention that she apologize first; well not as direct I’m sorry but by offering her cake, Wakatsuki knew that the usual cold and tsundere Reika is actually apologize, and she also the first to make moves to her. Is she just dreaming?
They arrived at the café two minutes later, proving Wakatsuki’s thought that she is being trolled by Reika this evening, but she gladly forgets all of that once they step into the café full of cakes. Reika just proving herself that is the kind person by fulfilling her promise to lead their way to the cafe. Wakatsuki now have a clear mindset about how Reika really is, she is trust-able person.
“Gonbawa aunty..” Wakatsuki bow as a respect once her eyes meet with her beautiful tall aunt. Fukagawa Mai is her aunty but she is not as old as an aunty should be. She is still in her twenties, waiting to enter her thirty, but for sure she looks young like a teenager.
“Ahh Waka.. You finally gonna meet me after one month being here?” Mai welcomed Wakatsuki with her warm hug and rubs on her back. Wakatsuki cannot help but to grin as much as she could. “And who is this beautiful girl?” Mai smiles to Reika, notice that her niece come with some beautiful girl. “Is she your girlfriend?” She whispers into Wakatsuki ear but it still can be heard by Reika who is then just clearing her throat with small cough.
“Chigauyoo.. she is just a roommates.” And the claimed was denied by the fact. They’re just roomies. Reika nod with agreement.
They’re roommates.
“Alright, have your seats, today is my treat. You can have your favorite cakes as much as you want Waka.” Without looking at her niece, Mai screams on her way into the kitchen.
Listens to the offer, Wakatsuki lifted her left eyebrows with proud smile pestering on her lips. She didn’t need Reika to treat her but she could use her treats earlier as a chance to get to her one day. Irritated by Wakatsuki's act, Reika jeered at her and Wakatsuki will just laugh.
They were served with cappuccino and slices of cakes three minutes later. As they sit on the balcony, they can see the entire bright star on their head and hearing the sound of water flow into the lake clearly. It is such harmony environment when nobody take charge to talk to each other, they just enjoying their little time together before they was disrupted by Mai’s present.
“Waka, wanna sing together? I have new songs.” Without waiting any answer, Mai gladly gives the medium size of old guitar to her niece. Wakatsuki grinning widely, don’t even reject the offer, she gladly accept the guitar and walk into the stage that was prepared with two stools for them. She starts tuning the guitar before adjusting the microphone to right position.
Reika sat on her place while waiting patiently for Wakatsuki to sing. She always heard Wakatsuki humming a song, it is nice, she can’t deny that but she always react negatively and coldly towards it just because she can’t accept that she was wrong about her roommate.
Did you ever know? That someone
Has been looking at only you everywhere?
Keeping you as a strength for her heart every day
Doing so for so long
If I could be near you
I’d tell you and let you know
Making eye contact with me, deep down inside
You’d understand the meaning
Do you see the reflection in my eyes? Do you see yourself in there?
Do you understand what I’m feeling?
I’ve been looking at you for so long, do you know?
I’ve never looked at anyone else anywhere else
I only want you to turn and look at me,
Making eye contact just one time is enough
Just tell me with your eyes
Whatever you’re thinking let me know
I don’t wish for us to walk the same path,
Just for you to understand
I want you to know and understand
I want you to remain the strength of my heart
To keep the many good feeling
To keep you alone forever
With Mai as her side guitarist, Wakatsuki sings with all her heart, however never fails to make eye contact with Reika. Her gaze never breaks for even one second, like she sing the song just to her not to other person. She smiles sweetly to Reika and can see that she blushing slightly. How can Reika hide that shy side of her all this time? Maybe they never has proper eyes contact to even realizes that Reika actually a girl with girlish attitude? Wakatsuki at least can say that because each time she tries to talk to her using her eyes, Reika avoid it shyly. Would she ever understand this heart? Feels tired of all the treatments, all she want is to be friend. Since the beginning she feels betrayed by the judgement Reika gave to her, and she work hard to deny all of that. She return all the cold treatment into warms one. She takes everything that Reika’s give to her as her strength. Just like the song she sang just now. But, would it reach Reika?
Reika can feel strong pangs on her heart. She feels ashamed of herself every time Wakatsuki make eye contact with her. And not to mention that; the song explained everything and she starts questioned her own self. Why she treat Wakatsuki differently from her male friend that loves to be a girl? How their case is so different? Or maybe she just avoid from fall too deep into Wakatsuki warm character despite all her cold acts? Wakatsuki never complained, is what she still remember until now. Wakatsuki would always return her mad screams with a smile and warm soup. In the morning, even she didn’t told that she really hungry, Wakatsuki gladly left a big portion of chicken porridge to her. And she can't deny the help Wakatsuki always give to her each morning, she knew that the other girl always tidying her bed but she kept it silent, not even wanted to thank or apologize, because to her Wakatsuki is at fault that she even dared to step into her area when she isn’t there. Is it amazing how a person could do that, even she was treated way to different? Now she knows that.. She cannot judge a person from their cover and her mom opinions about ‘bad people’ are totally wrong. For the first time ever, she return Wakatsuki’s warm smile with sincere apologize gazes. She accepts her lost in proving she is right and Wakatsuki is wrong.
(A/N: Hey guyss! i'm back with new story, I attempt to make one shot but it was dragged longer.. maybe two shots? we'll see..
and if you ever wonder or feel this story sound familiar, I'm adapted this from a Thailand movies entitled Yes or No. it is good story, I recommend that for all of you..
to all thai readers (if i ever have ones) i'm sorry if this is kind of disappointing.. thank you.
MUKUCHI NA LION
PART 2
Wakatsuki Ryuu
He has everything what everyone being dreamed of, a perfect family with a loving mother, Wakatsuki Mirei who is a famous designer, a father, Wakatsuki Hideki who own a hospital, a step brother who also a famous cancer specialist and a step sister who likes an old woman. His family is perfect, being honored by everyone who might know them. So since he was born, he was thought to prioritize his study and become the number one student in school. His father wants him to be the heir of their hospital, because he is the one who carry the true blood of Wakatsuki’s family, unlike his brother and sister. So, he obeyed him, be the number one student in school, having few friends or none at all.
His life was merely at school in the day, in their own library at night and went to sleep at 11 pm, woke up at 6 just to continue another boring day in school. The goal of his life was already was set since he was born, be a doctor and make proud of his family. That is what he always tried to do in his everyday life. Although he doing it half-heartedly. Unlike his father who dedicating his whole life for his dreamy hospital, he was not into it at all. What he truly loves are art, drawing and design. But, except he is doing it furtively so his father won’t mad at him or if not, he can’t at all.
Back in his hometown, he loves living there just for one reason and only one. For the first time, he has friend even it supposed to be just a family gathering between his father and his best friend but he happy anyway. Because that is the first time he learnt the meaning of friendship and happiness. Sakurai Reika, his very best friend. Reika knew him the best, what he actually loves to do, so she frequently asked him to her house to spend more time in doing what he loves. There was a time when they messed up the water color as paint and painted in on the walls. They ended up being scolded by Reika’s mom, but they laugh afterwards. The drawings of their hands were then being the witness of their own little promise. ‘Let’s be together forever.’ He still remembered that small innocent promise.
“How come you can be happy when you’re not doing what you love?” Reika, once told him when they were just 9. At that time, he still can’t process the sentence, even he is a genius, but things unrelated to study are completely a hindrance for him. So he ignored her advice when he asked for her how to be happy. Reika, at that time, know him too well. How he always pushing himself to do what his family wants, specifically what his father asked him for. Because, he thought that.. If his father is happy, so do him.
Even after they moved out from their hometown because his father finally got the chance to stabilize the hospital, he suffered more than he think he would be. If before he could do this, he could push himself to be patient; he could force himself to further study in medical. But it is not, he was wrong because the only support he has back there was now long gone. Reika was not here by his side to support him, to company him doing some crazy games where he could laugh all he want until his stomach hurts, he no longer know how to ease his stress at all without her. At that time, during his very first year in medical course, he finally understood what she actually meant. ‘To be happy, do what you love.’ He couldn’t be this miserable; he skipped his class, drunken tones of alcohol and sleep like a log in his own apartment. The best part of it, he was alone and nobody will disturb him anymore.
That is what he doing before he finally come to decision to stop studying medical and pursue his own interest in design. It took his father a month of to allow him to change college. He surely mad, but his mother make a good effort in persuade her stubborn husband. It is time for Wakatsuki Hideki to finally entrust the hospital to his step-son Hashimoto Naoki. It is time for him to finally acknowledge that the young man actually a very good doctor and capable leader. And to Wakatsuki Ryuu, he couldn’t be this happy for himself and his step-brother.
But the worst part of his decision to study design is, his family no longer supports his daily life expenses, so he needs to work hard to live his dream. Good enough his father didn’t took the apartment he gave him when he was first accepted into the most prestigious medical college in Japan. Though at first he faced a very hard time to find part time job, but he got it with a little help from his friend, Shiraishi Jun and the pay was enough for him alone. That is not the only hardship he had to go through, balancing his study with his first part time job since it was really tiring and he hardly could pay attention in class. Surely, he didn’t want to waste the chance to fail but he was once the genius so he got to do it every time without sacrificed other thing.
But still, he has something he always wants. He wanted to meet her again one day, Reika. His childhood friend whom also his first love, but she never knew it because the time he want to confess during their last meeting, she didn’t come. He was disappointed, but he never stopped praying to meet her again, how he wished that Reika will never forget their small promise to learn in same university. She apparently, didn’t forget that, even she was late few years and has to retake the entrance exam, she did it anyway. He found his eternal happiness once again when his father asked his permission to let Reika live with him. Well both of their families are really close, so his father might found it is hard to turn down Reika’s parents’ request. And he said yes without any seconds. He would love that. Why won’t him?
Before he had to separate from Reika, he never realized that she is the biggest turning point in his life. She teaches him a lot of things he wouldn’t get from class lesson. Reika is his real happiness. And last two days, he found his happiness again. His believes was paid, at least that is what he thinks as he always believed that they will meet again one day. He believes in fate and that worth it.
And now, here they are laughing all their might in amusement park. The sight of her laughing before his eyes felt like dream but it is too real to be dream. And he wanted to enjoy all this precious moment with her.
He smiles as his eyes catches the view of his best friend, Sakurai Reika jumped happily when she received huge teddy bear from him. Well, that is the present he got after he succeed in shot down all pins. Today, like they have promised, they spent time together at amusement park, and Reika never failed to amaze him. He could never stop laughing from her reaction. She is genuinely cute with her two big eyes that show big interest in everything she saw, that is what he always thought.
They spent three hours at amusement park, play everything they could, laugh out loud as much as their tummy could hold. Both of them was like two small kid who never go to amusement park, probably that is what people would think about them when they just jumping all around enjoying every game they played, even if they lost in the game.
Though three hours was insufficient for them, but they have to move since he has another plan for that day. He wants to introduce Reika to all his friends in college. Because the fact that he finally met her again after five years he was totally happy with it until the thought are occupying his entire mind right now. So he wanted all of his friends knew her, the one he always talked about. They met at one café near the college.
Everyone already arrived when he came, he was welcomed by loud of commotions from his friends. Well, all men are like that, he didn’t mind the reaction anyway, he used to it already but Reika seemed timid about that. Well, since she is the only girl in the group and meeting new people is not her specialty anyway.
“I’m Shiraishi Jun, I’m in the Baseball team with Waka.” One man named himself as Shiraishi Jun stood up and shook Reika hand. He has a very pale skin which likeable among girls with almost red color hair. He smiles, revealed his white teeth.
Reika could only nod two times, digesting the name. So, he plays baseball too now, she save the information in her head tightly.
“Takayama Kazuo. I’m in the same class with him. Yoroshiku nee~” Takayama Kazuo also stand up; give a little salute to Reika and smiles cheekily. Though his appearance seems handsomely messy, he has the warm smiles that would melt any girls’ heart.
Again, Reika stores the information in her head though she thinks the entire information aside the name was not really important to her. And even he has a warm smile, she couldn’t help herself but to think Kazuo is a type of boy who loves to play with girls’ heart. So she back off a little bit, alert with the flirty gaze she received from him.
“Misao des, Eto Misao.” Another man stand up, shook Reika hand and winks to her. He laugh sneakily as Reika’s reaction of being scared amused him so much. Why would scare of him when he just wink? He pretended to hurt by her reaction but then he laughed again saying he just joking with her.
“Hai hai, that’s enough.” Ryuu interrupted, stopping his friends from teasing Reika. “This is my childhood friend, Sakurai Reika, from now on she will be in study at the same place with us so please take care of her.” Ryu said on behalf of Reika, while she just smiles and nod half-heartedly. Everyone slowly stop laughing after that and then they noticed another person still immersed in food, not even shows interest of what happening around him. All eyes on one man in black sweater, munching food like he never ate before.
“Oii Ikuo! Stop eating!” Everyone spokes at the same time, makes Reika’s eyes landed on him right away, she never realized he was there. So she has a little interest in him. His blank clumsy face is catching her interest if she needs to be honest about him. So she smiles back at him when he finally speaks.
“Oh, yoroshiku. Ikuo Eri des.” He said without lifted his head from his food, not really pay attention to what happening around him. Even so, everyone just laughs at his usual behavior, he always lost in his own world of food.
After that, they are just eating while chatting about various topics. But most of them were focused on Ryuu’s past and present. The boys would talk how really serious in his life. Their frequencies are really far from him, because everyone loves to joke around but Ryu sometimes can’t take the jokes or not even understood it. And because of his serious personality, they hard to believe it when Ryuu said he used to have a friend back in his hometown since he is the one who not really socialize with people or more specifically girl, but now they had to believe him since the proof just before their eyes. Ryuu could only pouting from the attacks but inside, he not really cares about it anyway.
Reika, was just listening to the boys chatting, rarely interrupting them but when she was asked some questions, she will answer it honestly even there is time when she stumbled upon her words because of nervousness, well not really. That is because her popcorn characters anyway, her nervousness just adding the end value of it.
It was 6 in the evening when Ryuu finally excused himself and Reika to go home first. Reika thought it was a sudden request because she never knew he had another appointment Sbut she just follow him, he is her tour guided for today too. She doesn’t want to go home yet not because she really enjoying the time they had together but if they went home this early, they will be alone, and it spelled as awkward to her. No matter how they enjoy activities for today, she was like that because they are in public. She is comfortable with him that way, otherwise when they are alone in private space; she couldn’t act like herself anymore.
“Oh, are you going to hospital after this?” Like he already memorized Ryuu’s schedule, Jun asked. His question was replied with a little nod, affirmed his question.
“I should be there by 4 actually but I delayed it.” He said while hurriedly wear his coat, like he is in really hurry. He looks at Reika, making sure the girl are ready to go, they exchange small nod in between as answer. They then bid goodbyes before parting.
Like she predicted, the air was tense in the car as she can only stay silence with nothing to talk too and Ryuu too engrossed in his driving. She sometimes would furtively glance to her side just to find her heart once again beating crazily with his cool side when driving. In splits of seconds, she turns to the road again, not realize that Ryuu also looking at her secretly after that with a satisfy smile tucked on his lips.
He never feels this happy and satisfied like today before.
“I’m sorry I can’t bring you with me to the hospital.” He reasoning his doing why he is not bringing her with him after this scared that she was hurt by his act.
Reika shakes two three times, try to deny his thought but noticing that Ryuu wouldn’t see it she answer it softly. “It’s okay. I know you’re busy, since uncle need you too in the hospital right.” That is what she actually thinking. And that is what exactly her mom had told her, ‘Ryuu was busy managing his life in university and his family’s hospital so please don’t disturb him’. Even so, why would she disturb his life anyway? She is merely nothing to him. She inwardly sighed at her own thought.
After that, the air was just filled with some silence and sound of working air conditioner. They not talking anymore with Ryuu to focus on his driving even the journey from where they were to his apartment are not too far which giving them little time to have a long talk because the time he wanted to open his mouth again, they already reach at his apartment.
Ryuu quickly stepped out from his car and run to open the door for Reika even before the girl could do so. He just giggled when she clumsily try to accept his small gratitude. “Thanks for spending time with me today.” He abruptly said. Making the girl shakes her head, denying.
“It’s me who need to thank you, I enjoy today outing.” She looks down, somehow feeling shy to admit that she actually feels happy to be with him again. Its feel like dream come true, and even just for a short period, she wanted to enjoy contently.
“Let’s go out again sometime if so.” Looking at her shy respond, he cannot help but to chuckle. “That’s it. I will go after watching you in.” He pushed Reika softly, forcing her to enter the building into his apartment. And the girl has no choice but to walk in reluctantly. He waved happily when he catches the scene of Reika looking at him behind her shoulder. How happy his actually is already presented on his face with his genuine smiles.
After making sure Reika safely inside the building, he then entered his car once again, moving to his next destination with smiles never leaving his face.
All the way to the hospital, he hummed happily while tapping on the car steering. Until he arrived at his father hospital, he greets the usual guard stand on the gate and after that missing at underground parking. He leisurely walk along the hallway, he sometimes flashed his bright smiles to all the nurses he passed by and as they already familiar with his antics casually smiles and wave back at him. Growing up in as the director son, everyone knew and familiar with him, he is the one they used to have high expectation to be their next director. Though after he decided would stop study in medical, he still come here occasionally and now has become one of his usual routine for some specific reason.
Passing the register counter to the elevator, without thinking twice, he pushed the button to the tenth floor when he entered elevator. He whistled incoherently just to fill the empty air in the box. He walked out as soon as the elevator opened and right away take a sharp turn to the left. Again, as he familiar with the space, he cautiously slide open the door to a room.
Catch a calm figure with long dark brown hair sit while sketching something on her drawing pad, a serene smile plastered on his lips. This is what has become his solid reason of visiting hospital every evening and today’s delay was something he felt guilty. He silently closed the door; plan to surprise the girl with his sudden visit. He tiptoed to the bed, avoiding her line of view.
“Hi Naachan.”
“Ahh Ryuu!”
Even before he could surprise his girlfriend, Nishino Nanase or he used to call her Naachan, the girl suddenly look at his direction, like she already sensed his naughty plan. He pouted as response and makes the girl giggle happily with his failed jokes and cute expression.
Ryuu grinned widely at Naachan who just calmly leaning to her bed after closing her drawing pad and set it aside. She has usual white gown on her body with tubes on her hand, some wires attached at her body to some machines showing regular wave of her heart. Though she looks paler than normal person, she still smiles brightly.
“You are in good mood today. Is something happen?” Naachan commented right after Ryu entered her room. It never missed from her eyes, not whenever she has her round spectacles on her nose which now laying on top of the drawing pad.
“Oh, you can say so.” Ryuu quickly admitted and takes his usual seat, not on the seat prepared for visitors but on her bed together with her. As he plays with the tubes on attached to her hand, and Naachan just observed his usual behavior, silenced fall between them. But it is not silence that distancing them, it is a comfortable silence. Where he would intently plays with the tubes attached on her hand which have become his routine nowadays and Naachan would only giggles at his attitude. That is when, silence sounds so beautiful between two peoples with sometimes was accompanied by the beeping sound from the machine besides the bed. He eyed on the half empty plate on the desk not too far from her bed. She must be just finished dinner while waiting for him to arrive, and like always she only eats in small amount.
“You have eaten your dinner already?” He casually asked. Naachan nodded and smiling widely, showing her two big front teeth. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t accompany you this evening.” He lowered his head in guilty. Well, usually he would arrived by four in the evening, which give him more time to spend with her, to have dinner together, but since he has something to do earlier he just couldn’t do it today. Making Naachan to eat alone make him felt guilty.
“It’s okay, MaiMai was here before. She just left and after that you came.” She smiled reassuringly. Know what actually play on Ryuu’s head.
Knowing Naachan, he knew the girl would never angry at him as she herself would say that he should take a day leave from visiting her, but he just can’t doing so when his girlfriend was here, fighting the pain on her own. The thinking that he couldn’t even share the pain is enough to make him feel guilt more than ever. He swiftly slides his hand to her waist, closing the distance between them and cautiously entangled their hand in process, afraid to hurt her if the tubes move from his action.
And to Naachan, nothing more she want than his warm touch on her skin which making her calm, she tighten their grips, squeeze his hand like she used to do. She knew it, that Ryuu has become too careful with her whenever she was admitted to the hospital for her regular checkup. Have family as doctors make the man more than understanding how it actually feel to be in the hospital though it was different than to be patient like her. So, by doing this she hopes it is enough to assure him that she was okay.
“You know, I have good news for you.” Ryuu finally spokes and looked into her eyes. The distance between them was like five centimeter only. Naachan nods, giving a cue to continue. “I know you would love this.” He said, running around the bushes and she nod again.
“I’m doing this because I think of you.” He said with soft voice as low as the beeping sign of the machine.
And she still replied his talk with a small nod and wide smile, silently anticipated what he was going to say, because whatever it is, it must be something big to make him this playful; even he usually this playful.
“So, I hope you don’t misunderstand this with something else.” Again he looked down and play with the tubes before her hand stalling him from doing that anymore, she means that – stops run around the bushes actually.
“And what is that?” She finally asked cannot contain her anxiety anymore. “Is that become the reason why you are this happy today?” Her question brings his face facing her once again; shock by the fact that she could read that through his reaction. He laughed awkwardly; try to hide his own funny feeling after being busted by her thorough observation. As expected, he can hide nothing from her. Their eyes meet in the processes of exchanging unreadable feelings.
For couple of seconds, they silently stay with Ryuu’s eyes trailed around her face and stopped on her pale dry captivating lips. But it was then, before he wetted it with some soft kiss on it. He smiles in amusement as she was obviously stunned by abrupt kiss from him. Naachan, even she has gotten used to it, still blushing by every simple act of her boyfriend. He laughed while pinching on her red cheeks.
“I decided to take Reika into our apartment.” He exclaimed with a low voice after some silence, but Naachan noticed a slight hesitation in his voice. He looks down to their entangled hand. “My father, ask me to take her in. It is not like I’m not willing but because she is our best friend too.” He paused, thinking the right sentence to convince her. “And I would like you to have friend at home too when I was out to work.. And I don’t want you to feel..”
“Ryuu.” Naachan intervened even before he could finish his explanation. He looks up and met with her warm gaze. “I know your intention. So don’t worry, I’m not mad.” She smiles, reassuring Ryuu with her big smile and clear eyes. “I’m happy too, she is our best friend so why not? It is better this way. To be together again, that is what you always wanted right?” Her voice softens and he just simply nods. “And I would not feel lonely when you’re working right?” She added, knowing what exactly he was thinking, everything will be about her.
“Will you tell Reika to wait for me? I can’t wait to meet her.” She tightened their grips and move closer to him before landed her head on his wide shoulder. She could hear his heart calmly beating inside and feel a slight nod from him as answer and once again deep silence fell between them.
Silence is PURE. It draws people closer together. Because those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. They speak in silent language through heart frequencies.
It is always like this between them. Ryu will come to visit her every day, though he insist to take care for her day and night when she was schedule for her usual treatment, but Naachan will always rejected the offers with excuse he will be tired for his class and his part time job too. Aside from she already used to it, she didn’t need him to care for her every time she was admitted. He already has done more than enough. So when he came to meet her in the evening after class, they would talk about small things either it is his or her worries or random joke that makes her laugh all her heart out while leaning to his tough body.
To Nishino Nanase, she always loves his warmth, it soothing her as much as warm milk will make her. Because to Naachan, his presence alone is enough to make her feels that nothing will go wrong; like she has nothing to be worried about. Is this what people called love? She didn’t know about it since she never experience things like that, but she was sure that she would do anything to be in this situation every day. Well, her every day not that long anyway so she would appreciate this little comfort from him. What are more relaxing than to talk with someone you love, alone in their private space? And Wakatsuki Ryuu is that someone to her, someone she always look upon to, since she was introduced to him by Reika, she knew it already it is him.
While for Ryuu, ever since he met Naachan again approximately one year ago through his best friend, Jun. Jun, at first he was overjoyed to introduce his first love to him and it turn out that his first love is Naachan. During that time, he thought that miracle has fall onto him because he could finally meet one of his high school friend. He was totally happy until he learnt that she actually sick. The fact that she has nobody, he chooses to take her into his apartment and the girl miraculously becomes his first girlfriend. Ever since he decided to take care of her, he has found another thing to be fulfilled in his life. He wanted to be someone who can change her life, but to admit it, Naachan who actually change his life so much.
She makes him realized that how precious this life is, that he learnt how to appreciate everything he has including her. Then, he knew how scared it if he someday had to let go of her. Even she is severely sick, she never stop fighting, not for herself but for everyone she love, ‘I want to see everyone that I love happy’ she once exclaimed that when he asked her why she is being too positive with her life. By time, Naachan teach him that everything is not about himself but people around him. And if one reason is more than enough to be happy so why have to care about lots of reason not to be happy even if it means that the entire world goes against her. She at least, wants to be happy, more or less. And that has become his solely mission; to make her happy and he wants her to keep living her life to the fullest.
So he promised to take care of her, to be with her when she is in pain, to be her only medicine she need. Because to him, Naachan is like carrying a torch for him, enlighten his everyday life, giving him more reason to live his life; in some ways, Naachan has become important in his life, the solid reason why he would fight anything for her. He wanted her to be happy with him, although it is not for long. To make her happy, he would always appear in bright smiles though deep there, he felt painful for her, looking at her desperately try to live her life positively. But still, it is the best way now.
Naachan, is a lovable person who really love to laugh even her laugh is sound like a baby laugh. But that is what makes him love her more than what he supposed to because no matter how many he repeated the same lame jokes, she will always give a good response to it. Either it about Jun who used to crush on her but then was rejected or about Miona whom she self-declared Naachan’s junior.
Jun used to crush or probably still likes Naachan and he always making fun of him in front of Naachan, telling her how many times per day Jun warned him if he hurt her or makes her cry, Jun will kill him. He knew it is Naachan who makes Jun cried when she reject him. So, Ryuu will always makes a joke about that, until now, if he teased Jun this, Jun will pout cutely at him like a girl asking for lollipop. Then Naachan would laugh until tears come out from her eyes. And when Jun came to visit her in hospital, she too will make fun of Jun, said he is like a girl who loves to cook. The fault of perfect Shiraishi Jun is he has the feminine side which loves to cook, but who calls it minus point except them who loves to tease him. But still, he will bring her lovely obento each time he came to visit, once or twice a time. To Ryuu, Jun is the gentlemen himself because despite he was rejected by Naachan and she becomes his best friend’s girlfriend, he still regularly visits her. That is the additional point for already perfect Shiraishi Jun.
While for Miona who lived next door, he don’t know what is wrong with that absent-minded girl. She is too persistent when it comes to Naachan, always force him to bring Naachan’s favorite flower, dandelion. No matter how much he resisted saying that dandelion makes no sense as it will be bald once he reached hospital. Yet, Miona succeed in forcing him bring them to her although it already bald when he gave her that and she would laugh until she felt pain in her stomach. They both love dandelion so much until Miona claimed herself as Naachan’s junior of Dandelion fan club, does it makes sense? But, even for the same story of Miona begging him to bring dandelion, it never failed to make her laugh joyously, till to the points she will tear up from it, every time.
“I talked to MaiMai earlier.” Naachan said after momentarily silent fall between them with only their fingers intertwined within each other.
“Unn?.” He gives a simple reply, giving her more time to talk about Maimai, whom also second doctor in charge of her, aside from his own brother. If it about Maimai, he knew it only meant two things; about her health or his brother Hashimoto Naoki but the second case has become too frequent nowadays. To his surprise, MaiMai actually often shares her complaint about his brother to her. How Naoki too cold with her even they have dating more than two years now and he can’t complain a thing about it since Noaki is naturally likes that.
“She said I could go home tomorrow.” She lifted her gaze to him, her eyes shines brightly as she delivered the news, he also doing the same thing make their lips coincidentally meet in between. They laugh after sharing another gentle kiss.
“Honto?” He cannot contain his happiness anymore upon the sudden news. Supposed to be, it usually takes her more than one week to be discharged. If it true, then it must be good, her health must be improved.
She nodded, assuring her boyfriend one more time. “I can’t wait to meet Reika.” She landed her head on Ryuu’s shoulder again and continues to play with her big hand and listen to rhythm of his calm heart beating.
He too, replied with a nod, agreeing. Reika too, must be happy when they finally could meet because according to Naachan, she too moved away a year after he moved. Then, it must be really hard time for Reika after that; he always thinks that which also his true intention accepting her into his apartment two days ago.
So, like that Ryuu will stay with her for several hours, lay beside her, sing her some lullaby until she fell asleep just then he will leave. But his heart was still reluctant as it already so he will wait few more minutes just to confirm Naachan already in state of deep sleep before left. Then, after brushing her soft black hair and landed some kisses on her forehead, he left the room. Promise to come again the next day. By then, it’s already 11 pm.
Outside the room, he finally slides down the walls and fall to his feet. His expression show some despair and pain. In front of Naachan, he always putting a stoic face outside, masked every inner feeling and inner conflict of his. It might be lies if he said he is okay, he never not, though Naachan is the one who sick, but she is much stronger than him. He felt like, he is the one who borrowing her inner strength, because he never saw her cry. Not even once. Yet, he can’t bear all the feeling inside. He felt despair, sadness and lost whenever he looks at her smiles and hear her laugh. Why god so cruel?
(A/N: I know, I know... I was too cruel to make Naachan this pitiful and my heart also crying deep inside here. And as WakaRei shipper, I feel it hard to write WakaNana scenes. But as I said before, this is my friend story, I help her to write it so the story is up to her, I promised her not to change it. Anyway, feel free to drop comments as it will make my day and keep my spirit to update! Jaa ne.)
replies
ミサキ: Thanks for always reading and supports me.
i don't know someone would waiting for WakaNanaRei.. but i think i should thank my friends for giving me her idea. this purely hers. i'm just helping her to write it.. so credit to her :yossi:
and here you are, the next chapter. sorry if it too long and below your expectations. :ptam-shy:
wakasama__: hahah nope nope, this is just 50% my work but the idea originally by my friends. hope you like it.
and thanks for always supporting me :shy2:
C: LOLss.. I'm sorry, because some scene was taken from THAT mv (you know what i'm talking about right) :wahaha:
I must admit genben hasn't been that appealing for me when it comes to N46, but after last Nogbingo!7 with Wakatsuki-kun and Kazuya.... :imdead:
Anyway Reika’s parents, how can you leave your daughter with a guy? Even if he’s a childhood friend, they’re WakaRei, you know? It could get dangerous XD
i know, me too... and i was glad i make this genben before that episode and now i'm dying for Wakatsuki-kun! i love him :luvluv1: :imdead:
:on asmo: i know right.. it can be dangerous.. but NaachaN SHOULD be back soon (i hope) so no worry :mon psst:
I’m torn between wanting WakaNana to truly be in a relationship or not. Although why does it feel like it was just in Reika’s head that they’re together? WakaNanaRei always complicated :fainted:
yeahhh me tooo. it's hard for me too... so i'm sorry if this breaking your heart..
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT ALL THIS TIME, KEEP SUPPORTING ME!
(A/N: Prepare yourself for the long swing reading. this is the longest btw. anyway, enjoy)
MUKUCHI NA LION
PART 6 (STARLESS NIGHT)
In a room that full with equipment and machines that showing that Nanase’s heart is still beating, everyone surround the girl that finally opened her eyes after 3 days.
Dr. Naoki flashed the light into his patient’s eyes, checking her condition before finally beamed a smile towards everyone that waiting all this while, especially his brother Ryuu.
“Her condition has getting better.” He concluded after reading the chart given by his assistant. “And I think, it is time to transfer her to the normal ward.” He glanced towards his patient like everyone did.
Despite she just woke up from deep long sleep, Naachan smiled weakly as she meeting in the eyes with all her friends. She saw Ryuu, Reika and Jun. As much as they are happy, she is happy too, but it was then before the remaining anesthesia dragged her into another dreamland. Yet, she still has the weak but beautiful smile hang on her lips.
After Nanase was transferred into the normal ward and everyone including Dr. Fukagawa Mai entered the room, leaving only Dr. Hashimoto Naoki with Ryuu outside the room, each forehead puckered in thought.
“You know.” Naoki started, hands massaging his own brows, contemplating on how to convey what is in his head. As Ryuu leant to the wall, he also does the same thing.
“What?” His brows knitted together in a scowl. He didn’t like how Naoki acting right now because it can mean bad thing and he didn’t want that when he can feel relieved after Naachan finally woke up today.
“You see, Nishino-san fainted three days ago because of..” He looked into his brother’s eyes before continue again “The tumor has spread to her brain.” He can see Ryuu is breaking down inside when his eyes don’t even blink.
“What?” He stuttered.
“From the test and how wide it has go, I assumed that she knew this all along but she keep it for herself.”
Ryuu’s legs gave up and he fall with back to the wall, obviously shocked with the news. He can’t even utter a word, he felt numb. He looked into Naoki’s eyes, begging and Naoki knew what he meant.
“I’m sorry that we can’t do anything to save her, any further work will cost her life.”
And that’s all it takes for Ryuu to smash his hand and head to the wall, mad at himself for no reason. Questioning that why this happen, why it has to be her and how god so unfair to her. After all he never gave up, he always try, always praying the best for her but still nothing could save her, not anymore cause he knew how fatal the tumor is once it reaching to the brain.
Naoki stands there, watching his little brother in rampage, unable to hold his sadness anymore. As much as it is painful for Ryuu, it is hurt to him too seeing him like that yet he can’t do anything to stop or at least healing the pain inside. Unconsciously, he reached out for Ryuu and pulled the latter into a hug, patting his back, calming him down until he is quiet on his shoulder.
They stand there in that position, ignoring the people passes by giving weird look or sometimes sympathized with them. Don’t even realized Maimai who coming out from the room and witnesses the whole thing, she sometimes wiped tears at the corner of her eyes with her finger. Somehow touched by the bond the two shared despite not sharing the same blood and sympathy to the guy who can’t accept the reality. She too felt the same thing, because Nanase to her is more than a patient. She didn’t want to disturb the brothers but she had to tap on Naoki’s shoulder remind him of his next appointment.
IT IS ALREADY NIGHT and only Ryuu was left in the room accompany Naachan, hands intertwined within her finger, head arm pillowed and eyes hollowed into distance.
“Ryuu.”
Feeling a slight movement and his name being called, Ryuu sprung right away. He took some moment to adjust to the darkness which has shocked him for how long he stay here doing nothing.
“Ryuu.”
The called surprised him again, he switched on the table light and getting a clear view of the pale girl on the bed, smiling at him. He smiled back. “How do you feel?” He asked, lightly rubbing her cheek with his thumb. The girl nod weakly.
“Good.” Ryuu sat at the corner of the bed and wrapped her waist, chin on her shoulder. “Don’t surprise me like that again Naachan.” He tightened the hug, smelling her scent though all he can smell is medicine. When he heard her chuckled, he opened his eyes and face her. “I’m serious Nanase.”
“Have you talked to Hashimoto sensei?” She search for his orbs but he quickly shifted away before lock their gaze together after a while.
“I did.” His lips lift upward, creating unconvincing smile.
“What did he say?” Naachan held his jaw, hating it when he continuously avoiding her.
Ryuu froze on his spot, have no other choice but to dive into her light brown eyes. “He said..” Eyes trailed down to her shoulder as he felt a weight inside that sunk his soul into deepest trench. “That’s you gonna be okay.” He lied, but Nanase are more than aware of that lie. “Definitely.” He smiled while hands caught hers and brought them to his heart.
“Don’t worry too much.” He kissed her forehead before he felt Naachan backing away, in doubt. “Nanase?” He shocked.
“I’m sorry for worrying you like that.” She tried to get down from the bed, wanted to go somewhere but her legs lost the strength and almost kissing the floor if Ryuu wasn’t quick enough to run around the bed and catch her. She was taken aback at her own imbalance, but when she glanced to Ryuu, asking why he just smiled. It confirmed her guess.
“I want to see the sky.” She told him while finger pointing to the clear windows she always sat, looking to the outside world and stars.
Ryuu nodded in acknowledgement before carry her in bridal style and put her on the wheelchair at the side of the bed, prepared just for her. When they already at the window, he stand beside her, enjoying the starless night. “It has been raining this few days..” He told her, reasoning for the hollow night view she haven’t seen for few days.
“It is still beautiful.” Her throat felt hoarse till the voice almost fall into a silent whisper. Though she is staring into the night but her mind not in the same wavelength, soon her eyes got blurry with her own tears.
The tears quietly fall to her cheeks, didn’t want him to worry for her one more time. She looked down, hiding the tears but once she found her useless leg, tears streamed down even more. Though Ryuu said she was okay, but she was more aware of her own condition. Her bodies don’t listen to her anymore, she can’t move them with her own energy anymore, and she was literally useless when she had to use this wheelchair.
She bit down her lips, suppressed the tears from blurted out with the most painful way as she now can feel blood at the corner of the lips. She had no time, no matter how painful it is, she knew it, understand how this supposed to happen long time ago. And it is now the time for her.
Ryuu, indeed didn’t realized Nanase condition as he now too deep in his mindless thinking. Agreed with Naachan’s words earlier, the sky still beautiful despite it was alone without any stars and moon.
“I want to see the sea.” Naachan blurted.
He looked down to her, would like to confirm if he heard them right.
“I haven’t been to the beach for some time now. I miss the sand, the breeze, the waves sound and the sunburn.” She laughed at her own remarks, there are some stains of tears on her face but it appeared invisible in the night. She turned to her side and found Ryuu watching her, unblinking, there is a hint of concern in his eyes which she dusted it off with her own laugh.
“I just want to see the sea.” Ryuu’s face still didn’t change and she hated that expression so she kissed him lightly on the cheek. Shocked by the sudden kiss, Ryuu looked at her owlishly but she just giggles before he joined her too.
THE SUN is making its way up from the horizon when Ryuu carefully carry the fully wrapped with blanket Naachan to the beach and cautiously put her on the beach. It might be faster with wheelchair but on the sandy ground, it might be troublesome to push Naachan’s weight till the beach. Though the girl refused to walk by herself but after five small steps, her energy already depleted so Ryuu simply carried her.
Watching the sun barely shining the new day, a smile crept up from Naachan’s lip. Just like what she imagined. And since it’s still early in the morning, there no people at the beach that could disturb their moment because being alone in this beautiful scene are the real happiness to her.
“It is beautiful.” Ryuu prompt, taking a sit beside her and let her leant onto his side. He looked to her, searching for answer he needed from her and the view of his girlfriend enjoying the scenery was more than enough. He too joined her in mesmerizing the nature.
Actually he is reluctant to bring her outside from the hospital, afraid it could harm her already worst condition but after counsel it with his brother and Maimai, it is indeed the best decision for Naachan since no medication or machine could help her at this state anymore. So, in the early of the morning, they already out of the building and what he can see is the real smile on her face.
“Actually, I have two requests in my mind lately.” Naachan speaks up after minutes of silent. Ryuu looked down into her eyes with curiosity, but she doesn’t even ditch her vision from the sea.
“What?” He curled his arm around her body and bring her closer, afraid she still feel cold even with the thick blanket which she returned the gesture by hugging him from the side, feeling the comfortable warmth with a smile dangled on her lips.
“This is my first request.” She looked up, conveying the gratitude through the eyes before he planted a kiss on her forehead. She chuckles with eyes closed, didn’t expect that from him. “Thank you Ryuu.” The moment their eyes meet again, she can see the glittering from his eyes like it was saying it is nothing much.
“And the second is?” With eyes still locked with each other, Ryuu asked, feeling the anxiety burning in his heart. He afraid that when she started saying things like this, because it is rare for healthy people to have weird request and Naachan is not in that category. He forced a smile anyway.
“It is about you.”
The unexpected words have Ryuu blurted couple of small laugh, he thought she was just joking but when she’s pouting, he just stopped. “I’m sorry, didn’t mean that.”
Naachan just shakes her head, telling him, she too didn’t mind that too but for what she said, it is not a joke as she continued. “I’m thankful to you for always be at my side when life caught me in the middle.” In the blanket, she finds his finger and braided them with her own. Head cocked to side, onto his shoulder while the man just stay silent, letting the girl speak her heart out.
Naachan closed her eyes, desperate for some serenity for what she is about to do. “Let’s break up Ryuu.” She bit her lower lips, hated for what she just said, and she knew Ryuu can’t comply with her too when he let out a short yelp in surprised.
“What are you talking about Nanase?”
“Please listen to me first.” Naachan push herself onto her own weight and face the man properly. He is what she expected with brows twitched together forming a frown of bewilderment. She cupped his face like she feared he would go too far from her reach even though she is the one who throw him away.
“You are a good man Ryuu, always by my side whenever I need you, do what a man supposed to do to his sick girlfriend. You gave me everything I need, life, love, friendship. Even in your life, I am the first.” She smiled as she reminded of their friends, Jun, Ikuo, Misao, Kazuo and even her two best doctors, everyone are her best friend, always make her laugh at the best.
“But that’s it..”
“No, no.. This isn’t right.” He caught her hand, grasp it tightly with eyes interlock into her, lips trembled. “Don’t say it like you doesn’t need me anymore.” One hand cupped her cheek and caressed it.
“I do need you Ryuu, I will always do. But I don’t want to be selfish anymore. I don’t want to die that way.” Tears begin to form at the edge of her eyes which Ryuu quickly wipe it away with his thumb.
“But why?” He doesn’t know why, but he scared so much, scared of losing his girlfriend.
“All this years, it is just me being selfish. When I first confessed to you, I know you supposed to meet Reika there, you wanted to confess to her. But I am too selfish.. And when I kissed you, I wanted her to see that.” With her end sentence, Ryuu was clearly taken aback with a gasp and eyes widen. “I’m sorry..”
When Ryuu was too shock to even speak Naachan gasp a long breath before continue, “When I found that I’m sick, I just want you for myself, make you to love me back. But after Reika came, I knew I’m wrong, your kindness is just because you’re pity with me..” Eyes closed as she admitting her biggest mistake.
As Naachan finished her sentence, Ryuu wanted to say something but she quickly sealed his lips with her fingers, heads shaking few times. Indeed, Ryuu is a kind man, she knew it all from his act, he never wanted her to see it as sympathy.
There are only the sound of waves and breeze when the two of them froze eyes in the eyes that lock into each other. Nothing could interpret what was in Ryuu’s mind as he only looking into hers searching for truth. And Naachan, despite she just poured out all of what could be called as her crime, she is smiling.
They still in deep silent as Naachan leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He didn’t reciprocate, and she hid a bitter smile as she pulled back, knew the meaning behind that.
“But that is it Ryuu, let’s end this relationship. Live your life, confessed your love. I’m sure Reika still loves you.”
Ryuu look into Naachan eyes, processing all the info he just heard, sea of confusion are so clear in his eyes, and so the amazement as he never thought she could notice all that but just keep it coll. “I didn’t meant that.” He looked down, ashamed of himself.
“No, thank you. Because that is what keeps me alive.” They shared same smile of acknowledgment.
“But for sure, I will stay by your side.”
She nodded, he laughed and keep on staring to the sea which if Ryuu keep gazed at her, he would notice the tears couldn’t stop flowing from her eyes, wetting her very pale skin.
WHEN THE TWO OF THEM strolled back at hospital hallway, both are giggles at some jokes, Reika and Jun already waiting outside her room, they came together right after the class as the two of them are classmate.
Seeing Reika, Ryuu looked flustered and nervous a bit but he quickly hid it by passing by Reika without meeting eyes and greet Jun, again he missed how absent minded she is right now.
Four of them went right into the room, spending the same routine of joking while eating, playing games, story telling how school goes while Naachan and Ryuu was absent, joking on how Kazuo want to be doctor someday and saves Naachan, until the told girl was tired and need to rest. By then, the day already presenting the starless night.
“Jun.” Ryuu called, stopping his best friend from leaving. He gestured him to talk outside which they did after telling Reika to wait inside. “Can you look after her tonight?” Ryuu fidgeting in front the entrance.
“Of course.” Jun can’t believe it but he gladly received the offer.
“I’M SORRY FOR THAT NIGHT.” Ryuu turned around, facing Reika who slightly behind him.
To enjoy the night walk, they just walk to his apartment, which Reika quickly agreed as it will be less awkward than being alone in a car since they never talked properly after that night.
“Well, you probably right.” There is a hint of disappointment in her voice as she looked down. She flashed a smile when lifted her gaze meeting him, erasing all the doubt he had at the first glance. With three long steps, she already left him behind, giving him no space to start conversation.
She is saying nothing, and so is he. One would say they’re quarrelling but none would see the nervousness he hid through trembled hand and Reika too would never saw that when she in front of him. And that is how the walk goes by, starless silent night. But it is before Reika abruptly halted her steps and Ryuu barely stops right behind her back. He looked around, realized that they already near his apartment, but something else caught his attention and it surely grab hers too, because when cautiously checking her condition, her view already attached at the same thing.
There, not too far from the main entrance, stand two persons, so close to each other giving people the ideas of they are kissing, or probably did.
“Can we do this?”
Nakamoto Himeka, the girl with twin tail asked, fidgeting under his control. Of course they could hear her voice with that distance, and Ryuu had no problem recognized the girl he introduced to Ikuo last year for tutor. Yes, the male is no other but Ikuo, the jerk.
“Of course we can.” Ikuo answered confidently.
“But Reika-san..” Himeka couldn’t finish her sentenced as Ikuo again, sealed their lips for a deep and long French kiss.
“Don’t mind her, she is my number one, but you are my Hime.”
Like the sky could read Reika’s heart, drops of rains fall down upon them. Ikuo quickly grabbed Himeka’s hand and ran under nearby shading where they had to pass Ryuu and Reika. But before Ikuo saw them, Ryuu already pulled Reika into his embrace, her face on his wide chest and he looked away. Whatever in Reika’s mind, he knew a girl would never want any man saw her broken heart. So, he didn’t watch. They stay in that position until Reika calmed down and dragged him up, hand by hand. He stay mute.
“I saw them few times before.” Reika said while removing her boots and throw it to the corner. “Don’t laugh at me because I knew, I look stupid. Serves me right!” She threw her already drenched coat on the other side and walk in like a drunk woman who lost in her love bet. Indeed, she did. Ryuu just stares at her unblinkingly.
He followed her track, worried if she could trip anywhere like she always did, but she just blabbering again and again until he think nonsense all that. So he grabbed her on the wrist and pinned her to the wall.
“Stop it Reika or else I’ll kiss you.” The close proximity of their lips silenced her at once. His eyes trailed down from her orbs to her nose bridge and down to her sexy lips. Rain droplet on her face make her looks so alluring that he kissed her roughly on her lip.
The kiss is too powerful until she felt powerless against that and let him dominating her by returning the kiss. God, why is it feel too good? Why it is feel like he is all hers this is clearly a crime.
“I love you Reika, I always love you.” He muffled within the heated kissed, not allowing any chance to break the kiss. He moved to her ear, unable to hold his lust and bit her. But it is the pain that awake Reika from the satisfaction.
“Wait.” She caught his hand on her back, eyes desperate for same thinking. They shouldn’t do this. They shouldn’t betray their best friend. Yet, the only think she say is his smile, it is probably the calmest smile she ever seen.
“It is over between me and Nanase.” He is still smiling, like he really relieved to say that. “I love you Reika, I love you, and seriously I could die waiting for this moment.” His eyes glittered with love. He never felt this happy before.
“But still, we shouldn’t do this..”
“Nope.” He keep her silent with a light kiss. “We should do this earlier.” And he continued what he left behind, kiss her here and there as the girl no longer reluctant to it and just let her body and feelings to follow the flow. It feels so real to resist, everything is so irresistible till the point their lips never detached from each other and by pulling her onto his weight, and Ryuu easily carried Reika into his room, where they unbelievably proceed to the next part.
(A/N: Yeah I know lots of drama in this chapter. But this is how I imagined it to be, never knew it will be dragged too long. Well , anyway drop your opinion guys, it will encourage me a lot. Till we meet again.)
@Tupi:
Yes! It's TOO SHORT!!!! I want mooooore :depressed:
Naachan?! What happened?! I want Reika to be happy but I don't want Naachan to die!!! :pleeease:
But, it's up to you author-san, I'll wait :twothumbs:
BTW, thanks for the update :farofflook:
Hey, I'm sorry for torturing you with short scene of IkuRei, but i hope IkuHime can make it up for you? :nervous :nervous
Well, it is complicated with Naachan's health, because in kizuitara, she supposed to die? haha JK.
Again, thanks a lot for your support, i appreciate it :wub: :wub: :wub: