[Fanfic] Wait For Me [Chapter 9]
Title: Wait For Me [Chapter 9]
Rating: T
Disclaimers: I do not own any of the characters used here. They belong to their respective owners, namely the creators of Eyeshield 21.
Summary: A sequel to my earlier fic, Gravity. Time is moving faster than before, and one question will be on the mind's of both Hiruma and Mamori. How long is too long?
Notes: This took a lot longer again, but I promise things will get interesting now and I'm eager to get the next three chapters done. That's right, there's only three chapters left for this fic! Well, if everything turns out well. XD But I'm pretty confident it's only three chapters left.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Thank you for the continuous support until now! I've had a couple of comments pointing out that I have the talent to be an author. Thank you so much! To be honest, I still feel like I have a long way to go. But I cannot deny that I have a passion for writing, and I can only hope that someday I finally learn enough to write a great story. But for now, I love writing for HiruMamo and for this small fandom. Thank you for enjoying my meager writing. <3
~*~
It was when the Saikyoudai Wizards were training that Mamori found out about a letter Hiruma had received. She found it underneath a bunch of scribbled formations while doing a quick clean up. Soon, Hiruma came barging in, AK-47 resting on his shoulders and he glared at the letter in her hand.
"You really are a nosey one, Fucking Manager."
Mamori began to put the letter away, looking rather guilty. "I'm sorry, I was cleaning the desk and..."
"Just keep it to yourself," Hiruma cut in as he came forward and took the letter. He stared at it for a moment and then stuffed it in his pocket.
He was about to leave the clubhouse again, when he heard her say, "You should call him."
He didn't bother to reply.
~*~
What was he expecting, really?
While many thoughts coursed through Hiruma's mind, this question bothered him the most. He hadn't moved an inch since Anezaki left the clubhouse. His fingers still rested on his keyboard, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the screen. How long had he been like this? It felt like just a second ago that Anezaki was right before him... how long ago did she leave?
He took a shaky breath, willing himself to finish the email he had been writing, or at least close his laptop and get up, but struggled to even do so. What was wrong? He had known this outcome was possible, he knew that he deserved such a treatment from Anezaki. Heck, it had turned out a lot better than he’d expected.
So what else was he expecting?
No, he was thinking about this the wrong way. He was pretty sure he’d anticipated all of Anezaki's reactions. Her hurt, her inability to speak up, her leaving things be. He had expected all that as the best outcome. What he didn't expect was this sudden feeling of loss. He became aware of the widened gap that took years for her to overcome, rebuilt the wall that she had long brought down through time...
And he knew she would never do it again.
"There you are."
Hiruma looked up to find Musashi by the doorway, a folder in his left hand. "You look like shit," said Hiruma, fingers finally moving across the keyboard again, tapping away.
"I should say the same to you," Musashi replied, raising his eyebrow. "Looks like you didn't get any sleep. And you injured yourself again?"
Hiruma narrowed his eyes, to ignore all of Musashi's comments. He stopped typing and reached out his left hand to grab the folder. "Just give me the fucking documents and I'll be on my way."
"Not so fast," Musashi moved the documents away, taking a seat across the table at a safe distance from him. "I saw Anezaki on the way here. I called out to her, but she didn't even hear me. Since she came from this direction, I knew you must have done something to her."
"Great deduction skills, Fucking Sherlock," Hiruma casually replied. "But what happened to her is none of your fucking concern. So just give me those damn documents and-"
"I drove across a prefecture to see your father to get these from him," said Musashi, his steady eyes glaring straight at Hiruma. "Seeing as you refused to even face him, you owe me this much, Hiruma. I demand to know what you are doing to the people around you."
Hiruma held back a frustrated sigh, his eyes glancing away from the screen. Musashi's demand annoyed him because Hiruma was certain he wouldn't understand a fucking thing. Besides, Hiruma had made up his mind. But then he realised that Musashi had a point... what was he doing to those around him? Especially those who cared about him in some way?
Was the outcome worth it?
"Keh, I could pull out my black book and force you to give me those documents."
"I'll burn these documents, so you'll have to get them again from your father... face to face."
Hiruma couldn't help but crack a grin. Despite having played as teammates and then rivals during their college years, it was good to see Musashi still knew him well. "I don't see how my problems are worth your fucking time."
"I hold no grudges over my team's loss in your hands last year. And no matter how things may have changed, you were one of the few people in this world who believed in me, even when I had given up on myself."
"Fucking sentimental, aren't we?"
"No, I'm trying to save a friend before he ruins his life further."
Hiruma cackled, and met Musashi's intense gaze. "What makes you think I need saving? I'm about to leave for America, Fucking Old Man. I'm taking a chance to get into the NFL on my own fucking terms. I'm going to fight my way into an actual NFL team, the way I always do and it's brought me this far. In what way am I ruining my life?"
"Aren't you going to ask me how your father is, Hiruma?" Musashi stared back, dismissing Hiruma's question.
Hiruma frowned in reply, studying Musashi's expression, aware that his old friend’s years in hard labor and football had not reduced his cunning. "I keep him on tab, so I know he's fine. He got into a minor accident and broke his leg, but he's recovering well."
"And yet you never took the time to go and visit him?"
"Why should I? He can survive on his own. He doesn't need me."
"There. Right there," Musashi pointed the rolled up file at Hiruma accusingly. "This is how you're ruining your life."
"Explain."
Musashi stared back at him for a moment. Then he replied, "By forgetting what is important to you."
"Speak up, Fucking Old Man. Because I'm pretty aware of what's important to me right now."
"Winning? Being in the NFL?" Musashi leaned forward. "Sure, those have always been the goals you’ve worked towards. But you seem to have forgotten something even more important. Something that actually means a lot to you, just as much as winning. Has being a part of the Saikyoudai Wizards made you forget that? Did the thousands of members make you blind? Have the dreams of being a part of America made you this stupid?"
"Oh, you think I'm stupid now?" Hiruma drawled, a tinge of anger reverberated in his voice. "Instead of beating around the bush and throwing all these insults at me, why don't you say it straight to my face?"
"You want the truth? Then hear this. You've always been a person who keeps the people who are useful close to you. But they're not just useful, they mean something to you. Even though we were rivals, at least we were still friends, comrades, fighting for what we believe in. But lately, it's beginning to look like you're throwing away the important things in your life that have brought you this far because they cannot support you any longer. You're throwing away your family, your teammates, and your friends, all for the sake of this dream! You want to know what I think? I think you’re a coward!"
Hiruma put his laptop away and stood up, rage boiling within him. A rage he was trying to control, though he was exhausted and had a hard time doing so. He was tired. Tired of facing something he knew the answer to. Tired of being doubted. "Sure, think that fucking way," he said, voice calm though his tone said otherwise. "Cause that's how it's going to fucking look like, right? Here I am, taking only myself to America to try and get into the NFL. Leaving everything behind for the sake of my own happiness. Is that what you think of me now? Good. Let everyone think that way. Then maybe if they're fucking angry enough, they can come after me when I'm there and see if their asses can get into the NFL too."
There was a short silence as Musashi allowed his words to sink in for a moment, before his eyes widened with shock. "That's your plan?"
"What?"
"You're going to America the hard way... so that others can do the same?"
"Don't know what the fuck you just said."
"Hiruma, you stupid bastard!" Musashi also stood up, looking about ready to beat him up. "Why can't you be more honest with yourself? Did you have to make this the reason to push Anezaki away?"
"Why the fuck are you getting her involved?"
"Because that's what you did to your father, didn't you?" Musashi's voice softened from the anger he once had as Hiruma's expression changed. "The moment you knew he couldn't support you, that he was in the way and couldn't be there for you for your dreams, you just left him. And now you're doing the same to Anezaki. My question is, is it really for her good? Or is it yours?"
Hiruma glared at Musashi for a moment, finding this accusation almost ridiculous. "You're comparing my father to Anezaki Mamori, Fucking Old Man. That was the biggest mistake to make if you're trying to make me see things differently. Because while my father was a coward who didn't even have the balls to achieve what he could have had, Anezaki Mamori would never back down. She's always been a fighter, and she would never..."
She would never do it again.
The image of Anezaki smiling despite her tears and then leaving the clubhouse flashed through his mind. And then the image of his father, smiling as well when he announced that he was going to live on his own during middle school surfaced. That was when it hit him, the real depth of his loss. And that he had approached this whole thing wrongly.
Damn it, why must handling emotions be so fucking complicated?
Still, he cackled despite his situation. Musashi wondered if something had snapped within the demon, but Hiruma grinned at him. "Fucking Old Man, remind me to never let you see my father again."
Hiruma began to walk towards the door. "Where are you going?" Musashi called after him. "What about the documents?"
Hiruma waved his left hand nonchalantly. "I can handle that later. I have a fucking party to attend."
"Here."
Sniffling a little bit, Mamori smiled as she accepted the hot can of coffee Karin had passed to her. Karin proceeded to sit next to her on the park bench, a canned drink in hand too. They sat in silence for a minute, sipping on their drinks as people walked past, rushing towards their own destination.
"I'm sorry about just now," Mamori meekly spoke up, looking at Karin. "I don't know what came over me."
"Oh, don't worry about it at all!" Karin waved her hands assuringly. "There was no way I could leave you behind in that state. I was pretty worried that you could even hurt yourself."
"I'm fine now, so it's all right..." Mamori couldn't help but smile apologetically, before continuing to sip on her coffee.
Karin was quiet for a moment, contemplating over what to do before she finally said, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Mamori glanced at Karin and saw the earnest look in her eyes. Sighing softly, Mamori cupped her can of coffee with her hands and let them rested them on her lap. "Hey, Koizumi-san..."
"Just Karin is fine," smiled Karin.
"Karin..." Mamori smiled in return. "... You gave up on Football, right? W-well, giving up might be a rough word but... You knew it wasn't for you and you decided to move on and do what you really love, which was art."
Karin shrugged a little. "I suppose you could say that."
"How did you know you had to give it up?"
Karin was looking at Mamori curiously now. "Anezaki-san?"
Mamori looked away nervously, her thumb rubbing the lip of her can. "I've been told to give up on something... it's something that I knew I should have given up a long time ago, but I didn't, because I was hopeful that everything will be okay. The thing is... I want to accept that this is how it should be. I want to give up and move on... but I'm not sure how."
Smiling understandingly, Karin leaned back on the bench, thinking for a moment. "Anezaki-san..."
"Ah, Mamori is fine!"
Karin giggled. "Mamori... it's true that I gave up on playing Football. While I had the talent for it, I knew it wasn't for me. I had a much bigger love, one that wouldn't go away even though I found so much excitement and joy on the Football field, and that was the love of creating art. Many people, especially my teammates from Teikoku, didn't like the idea of me leaving Football. I told them I still love Football, but I just couldn't tear myself away from something I really enjoy doing. There was so much expectation from me being one of the few female players in Japan, but I just couldn't meet them... because I knew where my heart really belonged. So tell me, Mamori..."
Karin smiled widely as she asked, "Where does your heart belong?"
Mamori blinked, surprised by the question. "My... heart?" she repeated hesitantly.
"That's right. The thing is... it's easy to think I gave up on American Football, because many people knew me as the female Quarterback of Teikoku Alexanders. But before that, I was into art and I gave up on that because of what the team expected from me. But in all honesty, I couldn't give it up at all... my heart was still so much into it. No matter how many times people told me not to pursue it, I found myself wanting to do it even more…"
Mamori nodded in understanding. "It must have been tough…"
"It was… but when your heart insists on something, it’s really hard to tell yourself to give up. You could try to distract it for a while, you could spend years trying to run away from what you truly want. But your heart will probably stay in that one spot, waiting until you’re finally where you belong."
She recalled Unsui saying something similar along those lines. My heart will be right here, waiting patiently…
Ah, that makes sense now. Why she couldn’t think, why she felt so lost, why she couldn’t say the words she really wanted to say. I’m such an idiot…
"It can get pretty tough, as people may still give you trouble over your decision," Karin continued. "But maybe you can find something to create some form of equal ground? Like for me, seeing as I love both art and football, I’ve actually started working on a manga about American Football."
"Oh!" Mamori gasped. "That sounds exciting!"
"It is! And I've never been happier!" Karin gushed. "I'm currently working under another manga artist, he's teaching me everything I need to know about drawing a manga, especially one that is pretty action based like American Football. Unsui has seen some of my drafts and he really loves it! He's been helping me on a lot of the Football aspects, and he lets me come for the Enma Fires training so I can study the formations and especially Kobayakawa Sena, his story is so fascinating and-"
Karin gasped, covering her mouth with her palm. She quickly got off the bench and bowed profusely to Mamori. "I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I rambled off when I was supposed to be helping you!"
Mamori set her coffee aside and got up to hold Karin's arms to stop her from bowing. "No, it's all right! Don't apologize, it's fine!" she laughed, feeling her heart getting lighter in the process. This was it, the answer she was looking for. There were still so many uncertainties, and things may not turn out as planned. But... "Seeing you that happy is relieving, because it shows you definitely made the right choice."
"Eheheh..." Karin laughed nervously, but took this chance to give Mamori a quick hug. She pulled away and said, "I don't know what it is you're going through, Mamori, but from what I hear about you from Kobayakawa-san, I know you're a strong and smart woman. You'll be fine, I know you'll make the right decision."
Mamori shrugged, still smiling. "If that's the case, then I need your help. I have to attend a party tonight, but I need to stop by one place before I go there."
"Oh, sure! Where's that?"
"A Cyber Cafe. I need your help to use the computer."
Chapter 8 | Chapter 10
Rating: T
Disclaimers: I do not own any of the characters used here. They belong to their respective owners, namely the creators of Eyeshield 21.
Summary: A sequel to my earlier fic, Gravity. Time is moving faster than before, and one question will be on the mind's of both Hiruma and Mamori. How long is too long?
Notes: This took a lot longer again, but I promise things will get interesting now and I'm eager to get the next three chapters done. That's right, there's only three chapters left for this fic! Well, if everything turns out well. XD But I'm pretty confident it's only three chapters left.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Thank you for the continuous support until now! I've had a couple of comments pointing out that I have the talent to be an author. Thank you so much! To be honest, I still feel like I have a long way to go. But I cannot deny that I have a passion for writing, and I can only hope that someday I finally learn enough to write a great story. But for now, I love writing for HiruMamo and for this small fandom. Thank you for enjoying my meager writing. <3
~*~
It was when the Saikyoudai Wizards were training that Mamori found out about a letter Hiruma had received. She found it underneath a bunch of scribbled formations while doing a quick clean up. Soon, Hiruma came barging in, AK-47 resting on his shoulders and he glared at the letter in her hand.
"You really are a nosey one, Fucking Manager."
Mamori began to put the letter away, looking rather guilty. "I'm sorry, I was cleaning the desk and..."
"Just keep it to yourself," Hiruma cut in as he came forward and took the letter. He stared at it for a moment and then stuffed it in his pocket.
He was about to leave the clubhouse again, when he heard her say, "You should call him."
He didn't bother to reply.
~*~
What was he expecting, really?
While many thoughts coursed through Hiruma's mind, this question bothered him the most. He hadn't moved an inch since Anezaki left the clubhouse. His fingers still rested on his keyboard, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the screen. How long had he been like this? It felt like just a second ago that Anezaki was right before him... how long ago did she leave?
He took a shaky breath, willing himself to finish the email he had been writing, or at least close his laptop and get up, but struggled to even do so. What was wrong? He had known this outcome was possible, he knew that he deserved such a treatment from Anezaki. Heck, it had turned out a lot better than he’d expected.
So what else was he expecting?
No, he was thinking about this the wrong way. He was pretty sure he’d anticipated all of Anezaki's reactions. Her hurt, her inability to speak up, her leaving things be. He had expected all that as the best outcome. What he didn't expect was this sudden feeling of loss. He became aware of the widened gap that took years for her to overcome, rebuilt the wall that she had long brought down through time...
And he knew she would never do it again.
"There you are."
Hiruma looked up to find Musashi by the doorway, a folder in his left hand. "You look like shit," said Hiruma, fingers finally moving across the keyboard again, tapping away.
"I should say the same to you," Musashi replied, raising his eyebrow. "Looks like you didn't get any sleep. And you injured yourself again?"
Hiruma narrowed his eyes, to ignore all of Musashi's comments. He stopped typing and reached out his left hand to grab the folder. "Just give me the fucking documents and I'll be on my way."
"Not so fast," Musashi moved the documents away, taking a seat across the table at a safe distance from him. "I saw Anezaki on the way here. I called out to her, but she didn't even hear me. Since she came from this direction, I knew you must have done something to her."
"Great deduction skills, Fucking Sherlock," Hiruma casually replied. "But what happened to her is none of your fucking concern. So just give me those damn documents and-"
"I drove across a prefecture to see your father to get these from him," said Musashi, his steady eyes glaring straight at Hiruma. "Seeing as you refused to even face him, you owe me this much, Hiruma. I demand to know what you are doing to the people around you."
Hiruma held back a frustrated sigh, his eyes glancing away from the screen. Musashi's demand annoyed him because Hiruma was certain he wouldn't understand a fucking thing. Besides, Hiruma had made up his mind. But then he realised that Musashi had a point... what was he doing to those around him? Especially those who cared about him in some way?
Was the outcome worth it?
"Keh, I could pull out my black book and force you to give me those documents."
"I'll burn these documents, so you'll have to get them again from your father... face to face."
Hiruma couldn't help but crack a grin. Despite having played as teammates and then rivals during their college years, it was good to see Musashi still knew him well. "I don't see how my problems are worth your fucking time."
"I hold no grudges over my team's loss in your hands last year. And no matter how things may have changed, you were one of the few people in this world who believed in me, even when I had given up on myself."
"Fucking sentimental, aren't we?"
"No, I'm trying to save a friend before he ruins his life further."
Hiruma cackled, and met Musashi's intense gaze. "What makes you think I need saving? I'm about to leave for America, Fucking Old Man. I'm taking a chance to get into the NFL on my own fucking terms. I'm going to fight my way into an actual NFL team, the way I always do and it's brought me this far. In what way am I ruining my life?"
"Aren't you going to ask me how your father is, Hiruma?" Musashi stared back, dismissing Hiruma's question.
Hiruma frowned in reply, studying Musashi's expression, aware that his old friend’s years in hard labor and football had not reduced his cunning. "I keep him on tab, so I know he's fine. He got into a minor accident and broke his leg, but he's recovering well."
"And yet you never took the time to go and visit him?"
"Why should I? He can survive on his own. He doesn't need me."
"There. Right there," Musashi pointed the rolled up file at Hiruma accusingly. "This is how you're ruining your life."
"Explain."
Musashi stared back at him for a moment. Then he replied, "By forgetting what is important to you."
"Speak up, Fucking Old Man. Because I'm pretty aware of what's important to me right now."
"Winning? Being in the NFL?" Musashi leaned forward. "Sure, those have always been the goals you’ve worked towards. But you seem to have forgotten something even more important. Something that actually means a lot to you, just as much as winning. Has being a part of the Saikyoudai Wizards made you forget that? Did the thousands of members make you blind? Have the dreams of being a part of America made you this stupid?"
"Oh, you think I'm stupid now?" Hiruma drawled, a tinge of anger reverberated in his voice. "Instead of beating around the bush and throwing all these insults at me, why don't you say it straight to my face?"
"You want the truth? Then hear this. You've always been a person who keeps the people who are useful close to you. But they're not just useful, they mean something to you. Even though we were rivals, at least we were still friends, comrades, fighting for what we believe in. But lately, it's beginning to look like you're throwing away the important things in your life that have brought you this far because they cannot support you any longer. You're throwing away your family, your teammates, and your friends, all for the sake of this dream! You want to know what I think? I think you’re a coward!"
Hiruma put his laptop away and stood up, rage boiling within him. A rage he was trying to control, though he was exhausted and had a hard time doing so. He was tired. Tired of facing something he knew the answer to. Tired of being doubted. "Sure, think that fucking way," he said, voice calm though his tone said otherwise. "Cause that's how it's going to fucking look like, right? Here I am, taking only myself to America to try and get into the NFL. Leaving everything behind for the sake of my own happiness. Is that what you think of me now? Good. Let everyone think that way. Then maybe if they're fucking angry enough, they can come after me when I'm there and see if their asses can get into the NFL too."
There was a short silence as Musashi allowed his words to sink in for a moment, before his eyes widened with shock. "That's your plan?"
"What?"
"You're going to America the hard way... so that others can do the same?"
"Don't know what the fuck you just said."
"Hiruma, you stupid bastard!" Musashi also stood up, looking about ready to beat him up. "Why can't you be more honest with yourself? Did you have to make this the reason to push Anezaki away?"
"Why the fuck are you getting her involved?"
"Because that's what you did to your father, didn't you?" Musashi's voice softened from the anger he once had as Hiruma's expression changed. "The moment you knew he couldn't support you, that he was in the way and couldn't be there for you for your dreams, you just left him. And now you're doing the same to Anezaki. My question is, is it really for her good? Or is it yours?"
Hiruma glared at Musashi for a moment, finding this accusation almost ridiculous. "You're comparing my father to Anezaki Mamori, Fucking Old Man. That was the biggest mistake to make if you're trying to make me see things differently. Because while my father was a coward who didn't even have the balls to achieve what he could have had, Anezaki Mamori would never back down. She's always been a fighter, and she would never..."
She would never do it again.
The image of Anezaki smiling despite her tears and then leaving the clubhouse flashed through his mind. And then the image of his father, smiling as well when he announced that he was going to live on his own during middle school surfaced. That was when it hit him, the real depth of his loss. And that he had approached this whole thing wrongly.
Damn it, why must handling emotions be so fucking complicated?
Still, he cackled despite his situation. Musashi wondered if something had snapped within the demon, but Hiruma grinned at him. "Fucking Old Man, remind me to never let you see my father again."
Hiruma began to walk towards the door. "Where are you going?" Musashi called after him. "What about the documents?"
Hiruma waved his left hand nonchalantly. "I can handle that later. I have a fucking party to attend."
"Here."
Sniffling a little bit, Mamori smiled as she accepted the hot can of coffee Karin had passed to her. Karin proceeded to sit next to her on the park bench, a canned drink in hand too. They sat in silence for a minute, sipping on their drinks as people walked past, rushing towards their own destination.
"I'm sorry about just now," Mamori meekly spoke up, looking at Karin. "I don't know what came over me."
"Oh, don't worry about it at all!" Karin waved her hands assuringly. "There was no way I could leave you behind in that state. I was pretty worried that you could even hurt yourself."
"I'm fine now, so it's all right..." Mamori couldn't help but smile apologetically, before continuing to sip on her coffee.
Karin was quiet for a moment, contemplating over what to do before she finally said, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Mamori glanced at Karin and saw the earnest look in her eyes. Sighing softly, Mamori cupped her can of coffee with her hands and let them rested them on her lap. "Hey, Koizumi-san..."
"Just Karin is fine," smiled Karin.
"Karin..." Mamori smiled in return. "... You gave up on Football, right? W-well, giving up might be a rough word but... You knew it wasn't for you and you decided to move on and do what you really love, which was art."
Karin shrugged a little. "I suppose you could say that."
"How did you know you had to give it up?"
Karin was looking at Mamori curiously now. "Anezaki-san?"
Mamori looked away nervously, her thumb rubbing the lip of her can. "I've been told to give up on something... it's something that I knew I should have given up a long time ago, but I didn't, because I was hopeful that everything will be okay. The thing is... I want to accept that this is how it should be. I want to give up and move on... but I'm not sure how."
Smiling understandingly, Karin leaned back on the bench, thinking for a moment. "Anezaki-san..."
"Ah, Mamori is fine!"
Karin giggled. "Mamori... it's true that I gave up on playing Football. While I had the talent for it, I knew it wasn't for me. I had a much bigger love, one that wouldn't go away even though I found so much excitement and joy on the Football field, and that was the love of creating art. Many people, especially my teammates from Teikoku, didn't like the idea of me leaving Football. I told them I still love Football, but I just couldn't tear myself away from something I really enjoy doing. There was so much expectation from me being one of the few female players in Japan, but I just couldn't meet them... because I knew where my heart really belonged. So tell me, Mamori..."
Karin smiled widely as she asked, "Where does your heart belong?"
Mamori blinked, surprised by the question. "My... heart?" she repeated hesitantly.
"That's right. The thing is... it's easy to think I gave up on American Football, because many people knew me as the female Quarterback of Teikoku Alexanders. But before that, I was into art and I gave up on that because of what the team expected from me. But in all honesty, I couldn't give it up at all... my heart was still so much into it. No matter how many times people told me not to pursue it, I found myself wanting to do it even more…"
Mamori nodded in understanding. "It must have been tough…"
"It was… but when your heart insists on something, it’s really hard to tell yourself to give up. You could try to distract it for a while, you could spend years trying to run away from what you truly want. But your heart will probably stay in that one spot, waiting until you’re finally where you belong."
She recalled Unsui saying something similar along those lines. My heart will be right here, waiting patiently…
Ah, that makes sense now. Why she couldn’t think, why she felt so lost, why she couldn’t say the words she really wanted to say. I’m such an idiot…
"It can get pretty tough, as people may still give you trouble over your decision," Karin continued. "But maybe you can find something to create some form of equal ground? Like for me, seeing as I love both art and football, I’ve actually started working on a manga about American Football."
"Oh!" Mamori gasped. "That sounds exciting!"
"It is! And I've never been happier!" Karin gushed. "I'm currently working under another manga artist, he's teaching me everything I need to know about drawing a manga, especially one that is pretty action based like American Football. Unsui has seen some of my drafts and he really loves it! He's been helping me on a lot of the Football aspects, and he lets me come for the Enma Fires training so I can study the formations and especially Kobayakawa Sena, his story is so fascinating and-"
Karin gasped, covering her mouth with her palm. She quickly got off the bench and bowed profusely to Mamori. "I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I rambled off when I was supposed to be helping you!"
Mamori set her coffee aside and got up to hold Karin's arms to stop her from bowing. "No, it's all right! Don't apologize, it's fine!" she laughed, feeling her heart getting lighter in the process. This was it, the answer she was looking for. There were still so many uncertainties, and things may not turn out as planned. But... "Seeing you that happy is relieving, because it shows you definitely made the right choice."
"Eheheh..." Karin laughed nervously, but took this chance to give Mamori a quick hug. She pulled away and said, "I don't know what it is you're going through, Mamori, but from what I hear about you from Kobayakawa-san, I know you're a strong and smart woman. You'll be fine, I know you'll make the right decision."
Mamori shrugged, still smiling. "If that's the case, then I need your help. I have to attend a party tonight, but I need to stop by one place before I go there."
"Oh, sure! Where's that?"
"A Cyber Cafe. I need your help to use the computer."
Chapter 8 | Chapter 10