FINAL ~My Former Lovers and Her Daughter~
“Chihara-chan!” Ha-chan cheerfully called as she came in.
“Ha-chan!” Chihara happily welcomed her best friend.
Ha-chan turned to Hikaru who was packing. “Konnichiwa… Hikaru oba-chan.”
“Konnichiwa, Ha-chan.” Hikaru replied. “Are you alone?” She asked.
Ha-chan shook her head. “With oba-chan. She comes to deliver oji-chan’s lunch. So… I come along with oba-chan.” She explained.
Hikaru simply smiled then continue packaging.
“Ah… Dai-chan couldn’t come because he has club activity today.” Ha-chan informed.
Chihara could only sigh since Daiki did not come.
“But he said he’ll visit you tomorrow.” Ha-chan continued and managed to make Chihara smiled.
“You finally can go home, nee. I’m so happy.” Ha-chan sat down on Chihara’s bed.
“Yeah… me too!”
“You know… it’s so lonely without you around.” Ha-chan pouted and folded her arms on her chest. “Besides, Naka-sen already passed away and Yabu-sensei also quitted. It really makes me bored.”
Chihara smiled yet there was sadness on her smile. “Naka-sen has really gone forever, nee?”
“Uhn... it’s so fast da yo.’’ Ha-chan sadly mumbled. “But I believe Naka-sen is alright there. He’s a kind person.” She added with a more cheerful tone.
“You’re right. God must be kind to him as well. ”Chihara right away showed her agreement. “Otou-san said we’ll come to his grave before going home.” She added since she did not come to the funeral.
“Ah… Chihara-chan has a otou-san now. He hasn’t passed away. And what makes it wonderful is… he’s your beloved Yabu-sensei.” Ha-chan teased. “Congratz to you.”
“Arigatou… Ha-chan.” Chihara smiled. She was really happy when Hikaru told her about the truth.
Hikaru simply smiled hearing those little kids. She knew she and Kouta had a bit lied to Chihara about them. But they did it simply because Chihara was too young to understand the whole thing. They decided that it would only be their secret for the time being. The most important was now the three of them had united and they were happy. It was more than enough after what happened.
Hikaru officially married with him two days ago but they did not hold any party yet. They only registered their marriage and Chihara’s birth certificate firstly. The party could be hold anytime after Chihara fully recovered. The wedding ceremony was also held in a simple way at the hospital. Only family and close friends attended the wedding. But those did not lessen the sacral of their marriage. She even cried after they spoke their vows, so did the women who were there including her mother and amazingly his father. Speaking of her parents, they already went back yesterday, knowing Chihara was alright and the fact that Hikaru had already married. She was really grateful that her father finally could let her get married with Kouta, the man she loved the most.
“Ready to go?” Kouta asked at the door.
“Hai… otou-san.” Chihara cheerfully said and got up.
“Ah… Chihara-chan you must be happy to go home.” Ha-chan’s aunt, Tachikawa-san, said.
“Yes…”
“Ha-chan, let’s go home too.”
“Hai… oba-chan.” Ha-chan said and walked towards her aunt.
****
Kouta, Hikaru and Chihara were standing in front of Nakajima Yuuto’s tomb.
“So… it’s Naka-sen’s grave?” Chihara asked although she could clearly recognize the name on the tomb.
“Yes.” Hikaru replied softly.
“And… whose grave is next to him?” Chihara asked as she looked Hikaru also placed Higanshibana in front of it. “Yamada Suzu?” She tried to read the kanji on the tomb.
Kouta slightly chuckled. “It’s not ‘Suzu’, it’s ‘Ryou’.” He corrected. “It’s the grave of the woman Naka-sen loves so dearly.” He added.
Chihara nodded. “She’s died too?”
Kouta’s eyes softened and took a deep breath. “Yeah… she’s.”
Chihara squatted in front of the grave. “Naka-sen… it’s Chihara… you still remember me? I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your funeral… and just come today. I just was allowed to go home today. You know… I’ve been on hospital for a couple of weeks… I really am sorry… Naka-sen. And I’ll miss you… Naka-sen…You’re my number one teacher… forever…” Chihara gulped, recalling Nakajima’s smiles.
“I also meet my father… Naka-sen… He’s not passed away… And he’s your best friend…” She wanted to say it in happy tone… but since she could only see a stone before her, not her kind teacher, her voice became more cracking. “He’s Yabu-sensei… Naka-sen… I’m really happy… But… I’ll be happier if you’re here… with us…” She paused as she fought her tears. “And I promise… I’ll always be a good girl like you always hope… And I…I…I…” She could not continue anymore as her tears could not be held back.
Kouta held his daughter and softly stroked her back, calming her down. It showed him how much his daughter loved his best friend. Nakajima had already there for his place.
After some minutes, Kouta and Hikaru also squatted in front of the grave.
Hikaru slowly closed her eyes, recalling her times with Nakajima. Many things he had done for her since the day she came to this town, running away from the people she loved.
“Nakajima sensei… arigatou gozaimasu for letting me to live on for Hara-chan’s sake. You’re really a great guy I ever met. You’re so cheerful and kind… even to a stranger. I still remember the first time we met. You let me lived in your house until I found a place to live alone. You and your parents also helped me during my pregnancy without bothering to ask who the father is. I couldn’t tell you since I figured out you’re Kouta’s best friend. I’m afraid you’ll try to find a way to make me meet him. I didn’t have any strength to face the worst. Do you remember when doctor asked me to have full bed rest? I didn’t want to put my baby on danger by meeting him. I hope you understand.
You also introduced me to Arioka’s and Ha-chan’s families whom really give me great help when I left your house and started to live alone. They even taught me about baby’s stuffs, even didn’t mind to baby-sit Hara-chan while I was working. And then you also protected Hara-chan at school and promised to help her to get her education like any other kids. I owe you many things… Nakajima-sensei… and I don’t know how I can return your favour. What I can do right now is only to take a good care for Hara-chan and your best friend, Kouta. I hope you don’t mind it for the time being. I pray for your peace there. And also… I’ll never forget you.”
For Hikaru, Nakajima would always remain in her memories. There was no way for her to forget about his kindness throughout six years they had spent together. She ended her little talk and prayer by giving a smile to the grave then moved to the grave next to Nakajima’s, to Yamada’s grave. The grave of someone she ever hated for taking Kouta from him and also the fact she had hurt Chihara.
“Yamada-san… we indeed never meet face to face, nee? But… somewhat I can understand your feelings towards Kouta… he really can make us out of our minds, right? But… my love for him is not able to overcome my rational mind until I had to hurt others only because of him. I think you’re just being so lonely until you find Kouta and feel so comfort beside him. And then you became so scared if someone took him away from you, didn’t you? You simply wanted to protect your happiness and the one you love… It’s just… perhaps… you did it wrong… have you ever thought protect, sometimes, is letting go…? Well… it’s just my personal thought… you can agree and you can’t… It’s up to you… despite the fact you had hurt me and my daughter… I think you actually a kind person… because a kind person like Nakajima-sensei loves you… If you still had times… I believed you can love him as well… Yamada-san… May you find your peace along with Nakajima-sensei there.”
Hikaru could not bring herself to keep having grudge to her anymore. She had passed away, leaving the world where the human continued living. There was no way for Yamada to hurt her daughter anymore, so it was the best to forgive her. She hoped it could help her to find the peace there.
Not really different from Hikaru, Kouta also prayed for his best friend who already left him forever. There was a clear deep regret when he was praying in front of Nakajima’s tomb. He could not free himself yet from the guilt of his death. Nakajima saved his life by sacrificing his own. He should treasure the life he had now.
“Yuuto… you really mean to me! You left me in so sudden and in a way that I never ever thought and imagined! You know something… It could be much better if we just told the truth since we met, darou? But… well… we can’t do anything right now. You’ve gone forever… leaving me here… I don’t know if I can forgive myself for what had been happened… but… I promise I’ll make my two angels here happy… just like you want…
I still remember our talk back then… Your joke is right after all… Yuuto… Hara-chan is really my daughter… And you know… I’ve married Hikaru… the woman I truly love… Thank you so much for letting her alive… Yuuto… It means everything for me… even though… it’ll be more perfect if you’re still here. I’ll miss you… Yuuto… we’ve been together since we’re children… and you’ve done many things to me… sankyuu… you’re more than a best friend… Yuuto… you’re my brother… and will always be…
If we had more time, I really wanted to see you with Yama-chan… Yuuto…”
After saying that, Kouta brought himself to the grave of his former lover, the one he thought could help him to forget about his love for Hikaru back then. He really never imagined that Yamada could do things until that far. He knew she was able to hurt someone but never thought about killing.
“Yama-chan… you… I really don’t know what to say… I admit I ever loved you and was happy for some times with you… But… to be honest… I can’t love you like the way I love Hikaru. And perhaps… if there’s no misunderstanding between us… both of us weren’t being lovers.
I know I sounded so mean… but come to think of it… if we’re never be lovers you could have happily returned Yuuto’s love… He’s great guy… Yama-chan… I’m sure… if both of you had more time… you’d be good couple… you’d be much happier with him than me…
And I’m sorry for always running away from you… I knew I should have to be firm at you… so that you’d not end up like this… I’m really sorry, Yama-chan… I hope you can forgive me and find your peace with Yuuto. I believe he’ll always protect you.
I’ll tell you something… Yuuto never fell in love before…. You’re his first love, Yama-chan… Believe me…
and last… Bye bye… Yama-chan.”
After finishing prayed, Kouta helped Hikaru to stand on her feet. Hikaru then held Chihara’s hand and walked first, giving Kouta some more times to look at Nakajima. As he turned around he heard someone familiar voice.
“Be happy, Kou!”
It was Nakajima’s voice. Kouta quickly turned his back to the tombs. He looked two figures walked further, backing him. One was a man and the other was a woman. He saw the man wrapped his arm on the woman’s shoulder. They looked so perfect together. And then the man raised his free hand and waved at him as if wanting to say ‘good bye’. Kouta slowly smiled. He knew those figures. They were Nakajima and Yamada. “So… finally you two get together…” After saying that, Kouta saw the two of them turned around to face him and nodded their heads, smiling.
“Otou-san!”
Chihara’s voice snapped Kouta. He turned to his daughter awhile then darted his eyes back to Nakajima and Yamada’s direction. But they were not there anymore.
“Otou-san… let’s go home!” Chihara invited.
Hikaru stretched out her hand to Kouta and he reached it. The three of them then left the grave.
“I do… Yuuto… for your sake too.” Kouta inwardly promised.
On the way, they met Keito who also wanted to see Nakajima. They had a small talk before going to each other way.
“Take a good care of them, sensei!” Keito softly whispered into Kouta’s ears as they passed each other.
Kouta simply smiled and nodded.
“Be happy… Hikaru-chan… and you too, my little princess…” Keito said in his heart as he made his way to Nakajima’s grave.
******
“Otou-san… can you sing a song for me before I go to sleep?” Chihara begged as she lied down on her bed.
Kouta smiled. “Okay. I’ll take my guitar first.”
“Arigatou, otou-san.” Chihara chirped.
A moment later Kouta came back with his guitar. He sat on the bed and picked the string.
It’s a long long journey
‘Till I know where I’m supposed to be
It’s a long long journey
And I don’t know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I’m lost and know that I must hide
It’s a long long journey
‘Till I found my way home to you
Many days I’ve spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter I know I will cry
I know you’ll be standing by my side
It’s a long long journey
And I need to be close to you
Sometimes it feels no one understands
I don’t even know why I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can’t see my soul
Will you break down these walls and pull me through
Cause it’s a long long journey
‘Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on the Calvary
Beneath the stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lost control
Cause it’s a long long journey
‘Till I find my way home to you
Oh… to you
“Otou-san kakkoi!” Chihara said while clapping her hands, clearly surprised.
Kouta and Hikaru simply smiled. For Hikaru it was not something surprising, she used to hear Kouta’s angelic voice back then. He still had that talent.
“Sankyuu…” Kouta said and ruffled Chihara’s hair.
“Sa… now let’s sleep.” Hikaru said and stroked Chihara’s bangs.
Chihara nodded. “Oyasumi nasai, okaa-san… otou-san…” She said before drifting off.
“Oyasumi nasai.” Kouta and Hikaru replied in unison.
“She must be tired today. She also hardly cried at Nakajima-sensei’s grave. She’s really a cry baby like her otou-san.” Hikaru playfully commented as she stopped caressing Chihara’s hair.
Kouta bent down, giving his daughter a good night kiss on her forehead. “Yeah… it’s because she’s a caring person like her okaa-san.” He looked at her wife, caressing her cheek.
“Kou…” Hikaru shyly blushed by Kouta’s caress.
“You have really forgiven them?” Kouta asked because they also brought flowers and prayed at Yamada’s grave.
“What’s the point if I still resent at them, mainly at Nakajima-sensei. He did not do anything. For Yamada-san… well… It is true there’re times when I was mad and hate her because she took you from me. And the fact she has hurt Hara-chan but she’s already passed away. She can’t do anything harm now. Ja… I think it’ll be wise if I forgive her.” Hikaru told what feeling on her heart now.
“Aww… my kind wife…” Kouta complimented and wrapped his arms around Hikaru’s waist, planting light and chaste kiss on her neck.
“Kou…” Hikaru giggled, feeling tingled by the kiss.
Yabu stopped his kiss. “Ah… how about we give Hara-chan a present?” He whispered with his sexy voice.
“For?” Hikaru lightly asked, looking up.
“She had a hard time and I want her to be happy again.” Kouta replied.
“Sounds good.” Hikaru agreed. “What should we give?”
Kouta then whispered something in Hikaru’s ear, making her flushed.
“How?” He asked and without waiting any reply Kouta in a second crashed their lips together.
Like some times in the past, Hikaru did not surprise with Yabu’s swift kiss. She simply playfully returned the kiss.
“Ch-chotto… Kouta…” Hikaru protested as Kouta’s lips moved down to her neck unlike the way before. She felt Yabu was more passionate and demanding. His hand also groped behind her pajama, making her skin been exposed. They were still on Chihara’s room. She was afraid Chihara would wake up since she could not keep her moans low and saw what they were doing.
“Why?” Kouta mumbled between kisses and Hikaru’s moans but did not stop.
“We-we’re still…” Hikaru stuttered to answer due the pleasure she was receiving as her husband touched every sensitive parts of her. “…on Hara-c-” Kouta’s lips stopped her attempt to speak as he directed them back to Hikaru’s lips.
He then carried Hikaru bridal style out of their daughter’s room without breaking the kiss. After they entered their own room, Kouta gently put Hikaru down to the bed and broke the kiss. He walked towards the door, closed and locked it. When Kouta turned back, he saw his wife sat upright, smiling. He quickly approached her and sat next to her. Kouta stared amazingly at Hikaru and caressed her cheek gently. “You look so beautiful… Hachibee…” He mumbled as he crunched their nose.
“Really? I’m just usual…”
“That’s what you think.” Kouta replied. “But for me… you’re really beautiful until I can’t hold myself.”
“To?”
Kouta pulled away, making a fair gap between their face and smirked. “To this…” He said then hungrily kissed his beautiful wife as he placed his hands on her cheeks to keep her steady.
Hikaru happily gave back all the kisses without lessening the heat. She felt Kouta’s grip moved down to her neck gently and landed on her shoulders. Not long after, her pajamas was taken from her and was thrown then landed somewhere on the floor.
****
Few months later…
“Kouta…” Hikaru softly whispered, stroking his hair gently.
“Hmm…” Kouta mumbled. He was still half-asleep.
“Wake up.” Hikaru instructed.
“I’m still sleepy…”
“Kouta… please…” Hikaru softly pleaded.
Kouta slowly flickered open his eyes, hearing Hikaru really begged him to wake up. “Doushite?”
Hikaru smiled seeing her husband opened his eyes. “Take a look this.” She said as she gave him a tester.
Kouta took it and examined it and then he opened his eyes widely. “Hika…” He spoke up, looking at his wife.
Hikaru nodded. “I just checked it.”
Kouta quickly sat up, locking Hikaru on his arms. “Hikaru… you… you’re pregnant?” He asked in stutter.
“Well… that’s what the test said. I don’t know for sure.” Hikaru playfully retorted. “Why don’t you examine me, sensei?” She teased.
Kouta right away got up and took his bag. He tried to calm himself down so he could properly check his wife.
“So?” Hikaru asked after Kouta finished.
Kouta smiled. “We’ll be parents soon.” He took his wife on his arms again.
“Kou… we’re already parents.” She reminded that they already had a daughter now.
“Hai… hai…” Kouta replied. He did not forget that he was already a father. “It’s just I want to say it for once.” He defended. “It’s my first time experience this thing.”
Hikaru wrapped her arms around her husband. It was right after all. It was his first time to hear that he would be a father. Her husband never knew about his first child until few months ago.
“I’m so happy… Hikaru.” Kouta said again. “I’ll tell Hara-chan.” He excitedly got up and walked to the door. Hikaru could only shake her head.
Not long after, Hikaru could hear Chihara’s voice calling her.
“Okaaa-san!”
When the door opened, she looked Chihara approached her in rush, getting on the bed. “Okaa-san… otou-san said I’d be a onee-chan. Is that true?”
Hikaru hugged her daughter. “Yes… dear…”
“I’m so happy… okaa-san.” Chihara happily returned the hug. “When will I see the baby?”
Kouta chuckled. “It’s still months ahead, dear.”
“EH???? Not tomorrow????” Chihara innocently asked in disappointment.
Kouta and Hikaru laughed.
“You should be patient… dear.” Hikaru muttered as stroking Chihara’s hair.
“The baby is still on your mother’s belly. It takes time until your little brother/sister can see this world.” Kouta explained.
“Sou… ka?”
“Yes.” Kouta affirmed. “Let’s accompany okaa-san to see a doctor after school.” He suggested.
“Eh? Why don’t you do that otou-san?”
“I can’t dear… coz I’m not a specialist on that field.” Kouta told his daughter.
“Oh… Okay… then.” Chihara nodded in understanding.
“Sa… you should take your bath now.” Hikaru ordered. “You have to go to school.”
“Hai… okaa-san.”
And after Chihara closed the door…
“Hikaru…” Kouta called.
“Hmm?”
“I promise I’ll take care of you and this.” Kouta directed his hand, gently stroking Hikaru’s stomach.
Hikaru could not stop the tears. She really got touched by her husband’s act.
Kouta wiped the tears away as he heard Hikaru’s sobbing. “Why are you crying?”
Hikaru shook her head. “Nandemonai…”
Kouta held Hikaru at arms’ length. “Hikaru…” Kouta softly called, staring right into her eyes. “Just tell me.”
“I-I’m just touched when you caressed my stomach.” She replied.
Kouta lifted his hand and lovingly stroked her hair. He knew what Hikaru actually intended to say. She was so happy to have him by her side now… when she was pregnant. Not like when she had her first pregnancy, he was not there. He even oblivious with the fact, making her went through all the hard times alone.
“I feel the love already… Kou.” Hikaru continued. “Your love for our next child.”
Kouta simply smiled. It was so obvious if he loved the baby already although s/he was not born yet. The baby was his child after all. His child with the woman he loved. “Of course… Hikaru. I’m his father.”
“How do you know if the baby is a boy?”
“Instinct.” Kouta randomly answered.
Hikaru chuckled hearing a non-scientific answer. “How if your instinct wrong?”
“It doesn’t matter whether we’ll have a son or daughter. The most important thing is you and our baby is alright.” Kouta replied.
“You won’t disappoint if we have another daughter instead?”
Kouta smiled. “I won’t.”
Hikaru then snuggled closer to her husband. “Kou…”
“Hmm?”
“I may become sooo spoiled during this, you won’t mind?”
Kouta could not hold his laughter. “Of course not, Hikaru! For God’s sake!” He answered firmly. “I won’t mind it all.”
“I’ll remember that.” Hikaru playfully responded.
“Let’s take a good care of him.” Kouta said as he caressed Hikaru’s stomach once again and Hikaru simply nodded.
Months later, there was something new on Yabu’s residence’s gate. On the board, there used to be three names written on it, Yabu Kouta, Yabu Hikaru and Yabu Chihara. However, from now there were new names written after Chihara. They were Yabu Yuuta and Yabu Ryuuta.
The history behind Chihara’s brothers’ names would be revealed in another story.
~OWARI~
Behind the Story:
Finally… the story has reached its ending….
Thank you so much for all the readers and the comments you all have left. All of them are my energy to keep going on.
The song Yabu sang is taken from ‘At the Dolphin Bay’ OST entitled ‘Journey’. The song has two versions which are sung by two different singers. And it’s originally written in English already, so I don’t have to translate it. I choose the song since I find it can describe Yabu’s feelings very well after he ‘find his way home to Hikaru and Chihara after his long journey.’ XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Special thanks to: (seems like I release something….XDDDD)
God…for blessing me with some craziness LOL
Stevenica… she is the one who requested and gave the idea along with all her comments
Hara-chan… permission for using her name and all her comments as well
And also to:
All the readers who read and leave comment the story from chapter 1 to chapter 10…
kawaiimaix3 , lynn_369 , juice_box97 ,tawnii_arioka , keisuke_chan182 , peyancarla , shiyu_hanaoka , icarus_fly ,
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments…
Hope all of you content with the whole story.
Sincerely,
Ha-chan
Indonesia, 2010 August 05