Unheard Calls: Chapter 02 - A Sister's Dilemma
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Chapter 2
(A Sister's Dilemma)
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Starring out of the window, looking at the starry night Yui sighed for it’s near midnight and yet her cousin is still not home. She’s been waiting for almost four hours now. She looked at the table and all the food she prepared were now getting cold. She let go of a heavy sigh again and decided to keep all of it in the fridge and might as well they eat it in the morning.
[..:Yui’s POV]
I really can’t help but to worry, he’s late though I am used of his work but it rarely happen these past few days that he will be this late. I sighed yet again and can’t help my feet from taking me outside. Sounds of sirens were heard and sight of rushing cars drifting to the other street was seen, maybe 2 or 3 blocks away from us? I went nearer the sidewalk to get a better look, it seems that there’s a fire just near our place. I can see people around the neighborhood being alarmed by what’s happening.
From the corner of my eye I can see a mother and child holding each other with worried face. I can’t help but to feel the envy. I held the antique oval shaped locket that my mom left me, holding it reminds me of what she said.
“Everything happens for a reason…” Her same tone and voice rang in my head again. I remembered after that dream, every night before I sleep I kept on wishing that I will dream of it again even if terror is also in sight. But then, nothing happened I never dreamt about her again, thus it still remained in my mind as clear as it is. And I hope that she is right.
I looked around yet again and saw something or someone that really caught my attention. A beautiful girl, who is maybe just the same age as I am running down the street, she has long silky black hair that’s moving gorgeously along with her every step even though it’s quite messed up. She also has a smooth looking fair skin that is glowing under the ashes that’s covering her body. But what caught my attention is not just how she looks but also the despair and fear in her eyes and of course her loud high pitch voice alarming both of my ears.
“Help! Please help me!! My brother is still inside our house!!” She shouted endlessly, but still no one listened to her, she looked around and she felt disgust from all the cold-hearted people around her. But I get them… I know what’s happening. She saw me staring at her, tears continuously flowing down her cheeks, as soon as she realized that I can actually see and give her some attention she ran to my direction. I quickly tried to walk away. I don’t want to get involve in this but before I could even reach the door she blocked me, I can see her pleading eyes, making me want to help her but still I’m scared of being rejected by other people again. I just hate the feeling of being hated or doubted by others when in fact I tell them the truth.
“Please help me!! I know you can see me!! And you actually care!” She exclaimed as she tried to make me look at her.
“Unlike these people!” She added under her breath glaring at the people from the other side of the street. This only means that she doesn’t know.
It took me few more seconds before making up my mind, so then I decided I need to help her. “Alright…” I whispered making sure no one will see me.
“Thank you!! Ahmm… Please follow me!” She exclaimed leading the way. On our way she kept on saying that the people out there don’t believe on what she’s saying nor not bothering to listen at all. Well, I don’t blame them.
“There! He’s on the second floor, at the end of the corridor. The last time I saw him he’s behind the closet, trying to shield me from the falling woods.“ She then again exclaimed, while pointing at the window in the east. The house is sure beautiful but now it came to waste. It’s an elegant modern house, not super huge but it’s quite spacious and I know it cost a lot of money. It’s really a waste that it turned out something like this.
[house: http://www.housedesigntrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Architecture-Modern-Japanese-House-of-T-Residence.jpg]
I can see the firemen and paramedics all over the place, I know if I tell them they won’t believe me so I decided to go on my own. I tried to sneak in, avoiding anyone around to see me. But when I’m about to reach the back door someone held my wrist and prevent me from going any further.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” A very familiar voice was heard. I immediately looked at him and felt relief that it was actually my cousin, for I know I will get into more trouble if it’s not him.
“I’m trying to get someone out of the house!!” I looked at him, trying to convince him that I actually tell the truth.
“Look, stop this Yui! It’s dangerous there! I know it’s your birthday! I’m sorry if I didn’t able to go home at the right time but you don’t need to do this just to convince me to go home!” Takaki exclaimed, pulling me away. I felt my knees getting weaker I can’t believe that he doesn’t believe me. Then I realized I started to sob.
[End of Yui’s POV]
“But someone is still inside!!!” Yui screamed trying to pull away from Takaki’s grip. Her tears flowed down her already red cheeks. Takaki then looked at her. She stared at him pleading him to believe her.
“Look! We searched the place already! And no other than a girl and some of the servants were seen!!” Takaki argued, pulling her harder, making her wince in pain.
“I’m sorry…” Takaki saw Yui whispered to her left, indicating that those words were not for him.
“You saw someone?” Yui stared at him, and nodded. “I’m not stupid Yuya-nii! And I can understand your work! So I can’t believe that you actually didn’t believe me! Come on! I never lied to you!! Believe me! Someone is still inside!! He’s in the last room of the corridor. He’s near a closet there.”
Takaki looked at her with his eyes saying all the apologies and right away he ran to the other firemen. After a few minutes Takaki and the rest came out with a guy laying on the stretcher. Yui approached them and Takaki smiled at her. Yui can see a very good looking guy, in a deep slumber, he’s like an angel peacefully taking a rest.
“Kei-nii!!! Is he still alive?!” Yui was distracted and looked at the girl beside her. Yui simply nodded and smiled at her. She gladly smiled back but then she was shocked when the stretcher carrying her brother passed right through her. Her eyes widened looking at Yui with questions and shocked, along with terror. She was unable to speak or move. Yui looked at her, sympathizing her situation.
“That’s why they can’t see me nor hear me earlier...” She exclaimed as soon as she found her voice. She can’t help but sob continuously.
“Hai...” Yui replied, thinking a way how to comfort the girl...
“But how can you see me?!” The girl asked. Yui lowered her head, and answered “I can see, what others can’t, can hear, can feel. I can communicate with the dead. I know I’m weird...” Yui let go of a big sigh.
“But you saved him…” Yui was just about to smile but then they were distracted when the guy in the stretcher moved and started to shout in his sleep.
“Oi!! Where’s my sister!!” He shouted, but still has his eyes closed. The girl’s eyes were back on being sad and looked at Yui with then again a pleading look. Yui just can’t help to ignore it.
“Please look after him for a while. Please don’t let him be alone. Nii-chan needs someone...” Yui really wanted to refuse but before she can even speak the girl was gone...
“I didn’t even get her name...” Yui mumbled, after a big sigh. Takaki then hug Yui from behind and hid his face in her shoulder.
“Sorry… I know you feel bad because I doubted you. I hate myself for doing such.” Takaki whispered, trying his best to make her forgive him.
“You still owe me for what you did, but for now, let me join you, I want to see that guy…” Yui exclaimed dragging her cousin with her. Takaki was surprised by her sudden interest but then again he did something that hurt her so he didn’t argue further.
…
[Yui’s POV]
As soon as we arrived the hospital, Takaki ran some errands and left me clueless of what I’m doing. I tried to ask the information corner but then a lot of people were asking about the fire.
“Mou, why did I even agree? Now where is that guy?” I mumbled under my breath as I walked down the hallway, still clueless…
“He’s in room 057. It’s in the 4th floor…” A soft voice answered me. I immediately looked at the direction of the voice and saw her standing beside me.
“Eh? You’re here!” I exclaimed, gaining some attention from the passers by who looked at me rather weirdly. I really need to get use of this. I tilted my head and rubbed my neck hiding the sudden embarrassment I felt. Few of those that I gained attention from are two young people who I think in the same age as I am. They went near me with a soft smile.
“Are you lost?” The girl asked, while the guy just stared at me. I nodded in response. “What room are you looking for?” The guy exclaimed, I said what the ghost told me and the two lead me the way.
The girl has a long black hair reaching her lower back. Her eyes were quite big but narrow at the end. Her lips were thin and pale. I know for a fact that the two of them are patient in the hospital for they wear what patients’ are supposed to wear. She checked on me if I’m still following and when she realized that I still am, she gave me a soft smile. On the other hand the guy has the same feature as her but more on the masculine side. He’s few inches taller than her and of course has shorter hair.
“Here it is, he stays next to our room.” The guy exclaimed as he pointed out their room next to where we are standing ‘Room 056’. I read the name cited on the door and read ‘Aizawa Hyorika and Aizawa Heito’.
“Thank you for your help.” I bowed my head in gratitude. “No problem.” They exclaimed in sync and went to their room.
As soon as the two left I entered room 057. He was there lying on his bed and still has a peaceful expression, if only he knew what happened to his sister.
I took the seat next to the bed, and stared at his gorgeous face, this rarely happens to me. I never admired someone’s physical features before. He has smooth looking skin like his sister, pretty lashes and eyelid, I wonder what kind of eyes he possessed, is it as expressive as his sister’s? He has high cheekbones and quite a wide forehead but was covered by his bangs, and those lips I can’t believe a guy can even have those pouty pair of lips.
“He’s really good looking isn’t he?” I unconsciously stated out, making his sister laugh. I can’t believe of my carelessness.
“Yeah, I remember before, whenever I got praise with my looks, he will reason out that it is because I got it from him.” She chuckled, as she stared at his brother with unconscious tears falling. I don’t know the feeling of losing someone important to me, so I don’t really exactly know how she felt, for I really don’t have anything to lose from the beginning. But I think I know how it hurts and what’s the feeling of loneliness.
“Ahmm… What’s your name?” I stupidly asked out of no where, but then again it reminds me that I need to know it. She looked at me and smiled.
“Inoo Aki desu…” She answered and I nodded. I know why she’s still here. She has an unfinished business that’s the only reason behind it. Gladly just last week I found a diary in our attic and I think it belongs to my mom. I read how she dealt with the wandering souls and actually helped them. So from there I learned new things about this “talent” she called.
“So do you know why you’re still here?” I asked her, but she looked clueless, “Ahmm… Do you think you didn’t tell him something he needs to know? Do you even know how you died? Coz you really need to crossover.” I added, so she will be able to understand. But still she looked like confused.
“I don’t know… I can’t remember anything.” Aki then stared at the ground with her eyebrows crossed together. She really is trying her best to remember but then she can’t force it to come.
“It’s alright, no need to force yourself. It will eventually come.” I exclaimed and painted her a smile, just then her brother started to move around his bed, feeling uneasy and very uncomfortable. His peaceful face a while ago was changed by a worrying look and fear.
“Aki?! Dokou?!” His hoarse voice was heard, filling up the quiet room. I panicked and looked at Aki for some help. But she too was unsure of what to do.
“Ah, anoo… Try to hold his hand it might calm him down. He will think it’s me.” Aki exclaimed, first I hesitated but as soon as his voice grew louder I held it and intertwined my hands with his. He gave it a strong squeeze before relaxing it. I can feel chills running down my spine as well as heat flowing up to my cheeks. But gladly he stopped and went back with his peaceful slumber. I then turned to look and was about to give Aki a smile but she was gone.
“Why do ghost tend to vanish?” I pouted and checked my watch. It’s already near 3 am. First I thought I still am not that sleepy but as time went by I can feel my head becoming heavy and then, everything was black…
[end of Yui’s POV]
…
Opening his eyes, he was surprise for a while with the sudden brightness. He felt cold but felt something warm holding his hand. He looked at the warm hand holding his and saw a girl taking a nap with some of her hair covering her face. Feeling interested with the unknown girl, he removed some of her hair from her face and was able to saw it clearly by the second he did such. He can see her peaceful face, breathing sweetly in her sleep. He then was about to lift himself up, but when he tried the sudden movement of his hand made the girl wake up.
Panic was on her face as she saw the guy being awake. He smiled while Yui just looked at their hands and removed hers from his. The guy looked at her questioningly as for as far both of them know they never met before.
“Anoo… You were sleep talking last night and your sister told me to hold your hand for it may calm you down and it did, but then I felt asleep and…” Yui exclaimed in one go but she was hushed by his finger touching her lips indicating that he got it. The guy chuckled and smiled at her while Yui turned deep red.
“I suck at this!” Yui screamed in her mind, and realized that she mentioned his sister, that was a stupid thing to do for this reckless action of hers will caused him to hope for his sister. Yui bit her bottom lip as she realized such, while the guy looked at her in admiration.
“Why do I feel like I know her?” He thought staring at her cute expression. He then lifted her chin to make her look up to him. His action only caused Yui to turn redder, and raised her heartbeat.
“Ahmm… So where’s my sister? I supposed you’re a friend of hers?” He asked, with a gorgeous smile, surely such smile will make any girls’ heart melt. Yui was surprised by his question that she tried to search for the proper way to answer it especially after she realized her fault. She was about to open her mouth when Takaki came by the door. Yui looked at him while Takaki looked at her curiously.
“Sheesh! Yui I’ve been looking for you!” Takaki exclaimed and approached his cousin.
“Ah! Gomen nii-chan! Anoo… This is Inoo Kei…” Yui answered trying to explain things out to Takaki before he thinks of something that was not supposed to be think of. “Right?” She asked, for sure she was not sure…
“Ah, hai… Inoo Kei desu.” He then again answered with the same smile he painted just a while ago…
“Souka, I need you to come with me, if you’re Inoo...” Takaki exclaimed, pulling a wheel chair from the side of the room. He then guided Kei and was about to leave the room.
“Nii-chan, he’s not ready for this...” Yui whispered, as she held Takaki’s wrist tightly.
“He needs to know it sooner or later...” Takaki answered, and strolled away. Yui was speechless but decided to follow even if she knew something bad might happen.
……
The three of them arrived at the designated room for the dead...
“This can’t be, how can I survive? She’s been the one I’ve protecting during the fire!” Kei shouted while continuous tears started to fall.
“You! You told me she told you to hold my hand last night?!” He exclaimed, as he gave Yui a sharp look.
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yui exclaimed, trembling at the same time, seeing the guy to react like that in front of her breaks her heart...
“Liar! You just made my hopes up!” He shouted, as he rolled his wheel chair near his sister’s dead body.
“That’s why I don’t want this curse!” Yui sobs, as Takaki hugged her tightly.
“You don’t need to force yourself to make him believe you.” Takaki whispered, caressing his cousin’s head.
“I’m just trying to help… I don’t want to get involve in the first place but his sister is… “ Yui still continued to sob, Takaki then hugged her tighter to hush her down.
“Let’s go home, I know you’re tired.” said Takaki and guided his cousin out of the hospital. The whole ride home she just cried, he wanted to stop her but he doesn’t clearly know how she felt so he thought he doesn’t have any right to…
….
[Kei’s POV]
I stared blankly at the chair the girl, Yui sat on earlier. While I was mourning over my sister a while ago I saw her crying out of the glass window. From there I felt guilt rushing through me, how can I shout at her? But she really did made my hopes up. It hurts when what I expected to happen is just now impossible to happen. It will never happen…
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yet again her trembling voice ran through my head. Arrg! I can’t stop feeling the guilt, is she really telling the truth? But such thing is impossible my sister is dead. But still her face, her voice, her expressive eyes and her warm touches kept on bothering me. I can’t even understand why I feel such thing towards an unknown girl. I wanted to believe her for what she said but then again it’s just impossible and irrational to do, for now I know after that incident I will never see her again.
I curled up into a ball, trying to stop the guilt and pain, then again I felt someone’s presence and it’s a familiar one. I looked at the door and analyzed the room if anyone entered, but I found no one. I seated up and hugged my knees together. I just can’t understand why I survived while my sister died. It’s her I kept on protecting during the night of that fire.
[End of Kei’s POV]
Sadness sure was in his eyes and Aki can see though it. It pained her seeing her brother acting such and witnessing his sadness because of her. Looking at him continuously feeling the same thing since last night Aki decided…
“I need to tell him, all the things I wasn’t able to tell him...” She exclaimed after letting go of a big sigh then she was gone.
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Next
Chapter 2
(A Sister's Dilemma)
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Starring out of the window, looking at the starry night Yui sighed for it’s near midnight and yet her cousin is still not home. She’s been waiting for almost four hours now. She looked at the table and all the food she prepared were now getting cold. She let go of a heavy sigh again and decided to keep all of it in the fridge and might as well they eat it in the morning.
[..:Yui’s POV]
I really can’t help but to worry, he’s late though I am used of his work but it rarely happen these past few days that he will be this late. I sighed yet again and can’t help my feet from taking me outside. Sounds of sirens were heard and sight of rushing cars drifting to the other street was seen, maybe 2 or 3 blocks away from us? I went nearer the sidewalk to get a better look, it seems that there’s a fire just near our place. I can see people around the neighborhood being alarmed by what’s happening.
From the corner of my eye I can see a mother and child holding each other with worried face. I can’t help but to feel the envy. I held the antique oval shaped locket that my mom left me, holding it reminds me of what she said.
“Everything happens for a reason…” Her same tone and voice rang in my head again. I remembered after that dream, every night before I sleep I kept on wishing that I will dream of it again even if terror is also in sight. But then, nothing happened I never dreamt about her again, thus it still remained in my mind as clear as it is. And I hope that she is right.
I looked around yet again and saw something or someone that really caught my attention. A beautiful girl, who is maybe just the same age as I am running down the street, she has long silky black hair that’s moving gorgeously along with her every step even though it’s quite messed up. She also has a smooth looking fair skin that is glowing under the ashes that’s covering her body. But what caught my attention is not just how she looks but also the despair and fear in her eyes and of course her loud high pitch voice alarming both of my ears.
“Help! Please help me!! My brother is still inside our house!!” She shouted endlessly, but still no one listened to her, she looked around and she felt disgust from all the cold-hearted people around her. But I get them… I know what’s happening. She saw me staring at her, tears continuously flowing down her cheeks, as soon as she realized that I can actually see and give her some attention she ran to my direction. I quickly tried to walk away. I don’t want to get involve in this but before I could even reach the door she blocked me, I can see her pleading eyes, making me want to help her but still I’m scared of being rejected by other people again. I just hate the feeling of being hated or doubted by others when in fact I tell them the truth.
“Please help me!! I know you can see me!! And you actually care!” She exclaimed as she tried to make me look at her.
“Unlike these people!” She added under her breath glaring at the people from the other side of the street. This only means that she doesn’t know.
It took me few more seconds before making up my mind, so then I decided I need to help her. “Alright…” I whispered making sure no one will see me.
“Thank you!! Ahmm… Please follow me!” She exclaimed leading the way. On our way she kept on saying that the people out there don’t believe on what she’s saying nor not bothering to listen at all. Well, I don’t blame them.
“There! He’s on the second floor, at the end of the corridor. The last time I saw him he’s behind the closet, trying to shield me from the falling woods.“ She then again exclaimed, while pointing at the window in the east. The house is sure beautiful but now it came to waste. It’s an elegant modern house, not super huge but it’s quite spacious and I know it cost a lot of money. It’s really a waste that it turned out something like this.
[house: http://www.housedesigntrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Architecture-Modern-Japanese-House-of-T-Residence.jpg]
![http://www.housedesigntrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Architecture-Modern-Japanese-House-of-T-Residence.jpg]](http://www.housedesigntrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Architecture-Modern-Japanese-House-of-T-Residence.jpg]){kind=link}
I can see the firemen and paramedics all over the place, I know if I tell them they won’t believe me so I decided to go on my own. I tried to sneak in, avoiding anyone around to see me. But when I’m about to reach the back door someone held my wrist and prevent me from going any further.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” A very familiar voice was heard. I immediately looked at him and felt relief that it was actually my cousin, for I know I will get into more trouble if it’s not him.
“I’m trying to get someone out of the house!!” I looked at him, trying to convince him that I actually tell the truth.
“Look, stop this Yui! It’s dangerous there! I know it’s your birthday! I’m sorry if I didn’t able to go home at the right time but you don’t need to do this just to convince me to go home!” Takaki exclaimed, pulling me away. I felt my knees getting weaker I can’t believe that he doesn’t believe me. Then I realized I started to sob.
[End of Yui’s POV]
“But someone is still inside!!!” Yui screamed trying to pull away from Takaki’s grip. Her tears flowed down her already red cheeks. Takaki then looked at her. She stared at him pleading him to believe her.
“Look! We searched the place already! And no other than a girl and some of the servants were seen!!” Takaki argued, pulling her harder, making her wince in pain.
“I’m sorry…” Takaki saw Yui whispered to her left, indicating that those words were not for him.
“You saw someone?” Yui stared at him, and nodded. “I’m not stupid Yuya-nii! And I can understand your work! So I can’t believe that you actually didn’t believe me! Come on! I never lied to you!! Believe me! Someone is still inside!! He’s in the last room of the corridor. He’s near a closet there.”
Takaki looked at her with his eyes saying all the apologies and right away he ran to the other firemen. After a few minutes Takaki and the rest came out with a guy laying on the stretcher. Yui approached them and Takaki smiled at her. Yui can see a very good looking guy, in a deep slumber, he’s like an angel peacefully taking a rest.
“Kei-nii!!! Is he still alive?!” Yui was distracted and looked at the girl beside her. Yui simply nodded and smiled at her. She gladly smiled back but then she was shocked when the stretcher carrying her brother passed right through her. Her eyes widened looking at Yui with questions and shocked, along with terror. She was unable to speak or move. Yui looked at her, sympathizing her situation.
“That’s why they can’t see me nor hear me earlier...” She exclaimed as soon as she found her voice. She can’t help but sob continuously.
“Hai...” Yui replied, thinking a way how to comfort the girl...
“But how can you see me?!” The girl asked. Yui lowered her head, and answered “I can see, what others can’t, can hear, can feel. I can communicate with the dead. I know I’m weird...” Yui let go of a big sigh.
“But you saved him…” Yui was just about to smile but then they were distracted when the guy in the stretcher moved and started to shout in his sleep.
“Oi!! Where’s my sister!!” He shouted, but still has his eyes closed. The girl’s eyes were back on being sad and looked at Yui with then again a pleading look. Yui just can’t help to ignore it.
“Please look after him for a while. Please don’t let him be alone. Nii-chan needs someone...” Yui really wanted to refuse but before she can even speak the girl was gone...
“I didn’t even get her name...” Yui mumbled, after a big sigh. Takaki then hug Yui from behind and hid his face in her shoulder.
“Sorry… I know you feel bad because I doubted you. I hate myself for doing such.” Takaki whispered, trying his best to make her forgive him.
“You still owe me for what you did, but for now, let me join you, I want to see that guy…” Yui exclaimed dragging her cousin with her. Takaki was surprised by her sudden interest but then again he did something that hurt her so he didn’t argue further.
…
[Yui’s POV]
As soon as we arrived the hospital, Takaki ran some errands and left me clueless of what I’m doing. I tried to ask the information corner but then a lot of people were asking about the fire.
“Mou, why did I even agree? Now where is that guy?” I mumbled under my breath as I walked down the hallway, still clueless…
“He’s in room 057. It’s in the 4th floor…” A soft voice answered me. I immediately looked at the direction of the voice and saw her standing beside me.
“Eh? You’re here!” I exclaimed, gaining some attention from the passers by who looked at me rather weirdly. I really need to get use of this. I tilted my head and rubbed my neck hiding the sudden embarrassment I felt. Few of those that I gained attention from are two young people who I think in the same age as I am. They went near me with a soft smile.
“Are you lost?” The girl asked, while the guy just stared at me. I nodded in response. “What room are you looking for?” The guy exclaimed, I said what the ghost told me and the two lead me the way.
The girl has a long black hair reaching her lower back. Her eyes were quite big but narrow at the end. Her lips were thin and pale. I know for a fact that the two of them are patient in the hospital for they wear what patients’ are supposed to wear. She checked on me if I’m still following and when she realized that I still am, she gave me a soft smile. On the other hand the guy has the same feature as her but more on the masculine side. He’s few inches taller than her and of course has shorter hair.
“Here it is, he stays next to our room.” The guy exclaimed as he pointed out their room next to where we are standing ‘Room 056’. I read the name cited on the door and read ‘Aizawa Hyorika and Aizawa Heito’.
“Thank you for your help.” I bowed my head in gratitude. “No problem.” They exclaimed in sync and went to their room.
As soon as the two left I entered room 057. He was there lying on his bed and still has a peaceful expression, if only he knew what happened to his sister.
I took the seat next to the bed, and stared at his gorgeous face, this rarely happens to me. I never admired someone’s physical features before. He has smooth looking skin like his sister, pretty lashes and eyelid, I wonder what kind of eyes he possessed, is it as expressive as his sister’s? He has high cheekbones and quite a wide forehead but was covered by his bangs, and those lips I can’t believe a guy can even have those pouty pair of lips.
“He’s really good looking isn’t he?” I unconsciously stated out, making his sister laugh. I can’t believe of my carelessness.
“Yeah, I remember before, whenever I got praise with my looks, he will reason out that it is because I got it from him.” She chuckled, as she stared at his brother with unconscious tears falling. I don’t know the feeling of losing someone important to me, so I don’t really exactly know how she felt, for I really don’t have anything to lose from the beginning. But I think I know how it hurts and what’s the feeling of loneliness.
“Ahmm… What’s your name?” I stupidly asked out of no where, but then again it reminds me that I need to know it. She looked at me and smiled.
“Inoo Aki desu…” She answered and I nodded. I know why she’s still here. She has an unfinished business that’s the only reason behind it. Gladly just last week I found a diary in our attic and I think it belongs to my mom. I read how she dealt with the wandering souls and actually helped them. So from there I learned new things about this “talent” she called.
“So do you know why you’re still here?” I asked her, but she looked clueless, “Ahmm… Do you think you didn’t tell him something he needs to know? Do you even know how you died? Coz you really need to crossover.” I added, so she will be able to understand. But still she looked like confused.
“I don’t know… I can’t remember anything.” Aki then stared at the ground with her eyebrows crossed together. She really is trying her best to remember but then she can’t force it to come.
“It’s alright, no need to force yourself. It will eventually come.” I exclaimed and painted her a smile, just then her brother started to move around his bed, feeling uneasy and very uncomfortable. His peaceful face a while ago was changed by a worrying look and fear.
“Aki?! Dokou?!” His hoarse voice was heard, filling up the quiet room. I panicked and looked at Aki for some help. But she too was unsure of what to do.
“Ah, anoo… Try to hold his hand it might calm him down. He will think it’s me.” Aki exclaimed, first I hesitated but as soon as his voice grew louder I held it and intertwined my hands with his. He gave it a strong squeeze before relaxing it. I can feel chills running down my spine as well as heat flowing up to my cheeks. But gladly he stopped and went back with his peaceful slumber. I then turned to look and was about to give Aki a smile but she was gone.
“Why do ghost tend to vanish?” I pouted and checked my watch. It’s already near 3 am. First I thought I still am not that sleepy but as time went by I can feel my head becoming heavy and then, everything was black…
[end of Yui’s POV]
…
Opening his eyes, he was surprise for a while with the sudden brightness. He felt cold but felt something warm holding his hand. He looked at the warm hand holding his and saw a girl taking a nap with some of her hair covering her face. Feeling interested with the unknown girl, he removed some of her hair from her face and was able to saw it clearly by the second he did such. He can see her peaceful face, breathing sweetly in her sleep. He then was about to lift himself up, but when he tried the sudden movement of his hand made the girl wake up.
Panic was on her face as she saw the guy being awake. He smiled while Yui just looked at their hands and removed hers from his. The guy looked at her questioningly as for as far both of them know they never met before.
“Anoo… You were sleep talking last night and your sister told me to hold your hand for it may calm you down and it did, but then I felt asleep and…” Yui exclaimed in one go but she was hushed by his finger touching her lips indicating that he got it. The guy chuckled and smiled at her while Yui turned deep red.
“I suck at this!” Yui screamed in her mind, and realized that she mentioned his sister, that was a stupid thing to do for this reckless action of hers will caused him to hope for his sister. Yui bit her bottom lip as she realized such, while the guy looked at her in admiration.
“Why do I feel like I know her?” He thought staring at her cute expression. He then lifted her chin to make her look up to him. His action only caused Yui to turn redder, and raised her heartbeat.
“Ahmm… So where’s my sister? I supposed you’re a friend of hers?” He asked, with a gorgeous smile, surely such smile will make any girls’ heart melt. Yui was surprised by his question that she tried to search for the proper way to answer it especially after she realized her fault. She was about to open her mouth when Takaki came by the door. Yui looked at him while Takaki looked at her curiously.
“Sheesh! Yui I’ve been looking for you!” Takaki exclaimed and approached his cousin.
“Ah! Gomen nii-chan! Anoo… This is Inoo Kei…” Yui answered trying to explain things out to Takaki before he thinks of something that was not supposed to be think of. “Right?” She asked, for sure she was not sure…
“Ah, hai… Inoo Kei desu.” He then again answered with the same smile he painted just a while ago…
“Souka, I need you to come with me, if you’re Inoo...” Takaki exclaimed, pulling a wheel chair from the side of the room. He then guided Kei and was about to leave the room.
“Nii-chan, he’s not ready for this...” Yui whispered, as she held Takaki’s wrist tightly.
“He needs to know it sooner or later...” Takaki answered, and strolled away. Yui was speechless but decided to follow even if she knew something bad might happen.
……
The three of them arrived at the designated room for the dead...
“This can’t be, how can I survive? She’s been the one I’ve protecting during the fire!” Kei shouted while continuous tears started to fall.
“You! You told me she told you to hold my hand last night?!” He exclaimed, as he gave Yui a sharp look.
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yui exclaimed, trembling at the same time, seeing the guy to react like that in front of her breaks her heart...
“Liar! You just made my hopes up!” He shouted, as he rolled his wheel chair near his sister’s dead body.
“That’s why I don’t want this curse!” Yui sobs, as Takaki hugged her tightly.
“You don’t need to force yourself to make him believe you.” Takaki whispered, caressing his cousin’s head.
“I’m just trying to help… I don’t want to get involve in the first place but his sister is… “ Yui still continued to sob, Takaki then hugged her tighter to hush her down.
“Let’s go home, I know you’re tired.” said Takaki and guided his cousin out of the hospital. The whole ride home she just cried, he wanted to stop her but he doesn’t clearly know how she felt so he thought he doesn’t have any right to…
….
[Kei’s POV]
I stared blankly at the chair the girl, Yui sat on earlier. While I was mourning over my sister a while ago I saw her crying out of the glass window. From there I felt guilt rushing through me, how can I shout at her? But she really did made my hopes up. It hurts when what I expected to happen is just now impossible to happen. It will never happen…
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yet again her trembling voice ran through my head. Arrg! I can’t stop feeling the guilt, is she really telling the truth? But such thing is impossible my sister is dead. But still her face, her voice, her expressive eyes and her warm touches kept on bothering me. I can’t even understand why I feel such thing towards an unknown girl. I wanted to believe her for what she said but then again it’s just impossible and irrational to do, for now I know after that incident I will never see her again.
I curled up into a ball, trying to stop the guilt and pain, then again I felt someone’s presence and it’s a familiar one. I looked at the door and analyzed the room if anyone entered, but I found no one. I seated up and hugged my knees together. I just can’t understand why I survived while my sister died. It’s her I kept on protecting during the night of that fire.
[End of Kei’s POV]
Sadness sure was in his eyes and Aki can see though it. It pained her seeing her brother acting such and witnessing his sadness because of her. Looking at him continuously feeling the same thing since last night Aki decided…
“I need to tell him, all the things I wasn’t able to tell him...” She exclaimed after letting go of a big sigh then she was gone.
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