...Can we still be friends?
Summary: this is simple story about school life. Bunch of friends have to face up love, misunderstandings, jealousy and a lot of daily life’s problems. Can they be fine?
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Everything ends.
-I won’t go! - Daiki yelled.
-Of course you will - his father yelled back - it’s already decided.
-are you crazy?! I have school, friends…!
Hearing this quarrel Saya less or more happy had to wake up from her Tama-about dreams and check what is it all about. Entering the kitchen she jawned at first then gave him a questioning look, reading that atmosphere is really unpleasant. Daiki and father were looking straight into their eyes with serius faces.
-umm… excuse me, but… what’s going on here?
-ask your father - Daiki said then went from the kitchen leaving those two all alone. Saya and Daiki still not in speaking therms but if he finally noticed her in this few weeks of ignorance it means that something serious is coming. Hearing him shutting the door loudly, it only makes her sure.
-Dad?
-I arranged for him a place in prestigious football team.
-that’s great! - Saya clapped her hands.
-I think so too.
-sooo? What’s wrong with this idiot, again?
-he can improve there and come back someday.
-come back? - Saya raised her eyebrow - dad? Answer me.
-he’s leaving.
-to?
-to America.
At that cup with milk she was keeping in her hands fell down on the floor.
-you can’t do this to him dad… - she whispered, looking at her father like she saw a ghost.
-of course I can. And as I said, it’s decided. It’s about his career which is important. I don’t ask him to…
-of course not asking, you are ordering him - Saya cut him.
-I don’t ask him to move out to another planet! - out of his nerve older man yelled at her - he can come back to Japan someday. This is about his dreams!
-this is about YOUR dreams dad!!!
-enough Saya - she heard Daiki behind her back - he’s right, it was my dream.
-Dai-chan… - Saya whispered, suddenly tears came to her eyes.
-I just thought that we can be together and together make dreams come true but if coach wants me to go to USA I will.
-when are you leaving?
-After tomorrow - Daiki smiled at her but she knew it perfectly that he forced himself to do it.
-you can’t..! you can’t do this to me! To us! To Airi-chan!
-us? - he gave his sister a look - just look at me. I am a master of failing. I failed as a brother, you didn’t talk to me since weeks, I failed as a friend not believing in Mayuko, cannot help Hikaru or Chinen, I failed as a guy not confessing to a girl I like. I am nothing just a soccer player. The only one thing I’m good at is kicking a ball.
-don’t say that, please…
-I’ll be off first - he smiled at her ruffling her hair - see you at school.
-Dai-chan wait!
But he didn’t wait. Saya clench her fists and gave her father a cold look.
-and you, failed as a father - then went too.
…
-Atsuko-chan! - Yabu patted her arm, smiling warmly.
-ah! Shocked me! - she almost jumped to her feet from a bench she was sitting on.
-do you have any lessons now? - he asked.
-no - she shook her head - I have an hour of free time I guess since out math teacher is absent today.
-that’s good. We can spend some time together. This past few days you seemed to be too busy to be around me.
-eh? - Atsuko tilted her head and looked at him.
-you were always around, boys called you my shadow - he chuckled - but since some time you seem to avoiding me.
-not true.
-are you sure?
-of course. Atsuko loves Yabu-kun so how she could do someth…
-great! - he cut her talk - I want you to listen with me something.
After that he put one earphone in her ear and second one in his. Few seconds later take earphones off and asked: “do you like this song?”.
Narrowing her eyes then looking at him she nodded.
-it’s nice - she said. Her eyes never let go of his.
Yabu sighed. It’s when she realized what is going to happen next.
-so it was true…
-huh? - she made a noice.
-I didn’t play any song when I gave you that earphone.
Atsuko bit her lower lip, obviously speechless.
-why didn’t you tell me?
-tell you what?
-that… - he sighed then stood up.
-don’t turn your back at me, because I don’t know what are you talking about to me - she said. This time her voice was unexpectedly serious. He was shocked. Probably the same like Yamada was when she finally showed him her true self not that cute and silly little Atsuko-chan. Looking at her was Yabu. No word could go from his mouth.
-Yamada told you?
-no - he shook his head - he just gave me a clue… so why didn’t you tell me…
-tell you? - she pouted - what it changes? If I told you would you date me? Did I ever had any chances to win your heart over Ai-chan? Of course not, so please don’t try to be mad or disappointed now. It’s pissing.
-Atsuko!
-what?! Am I wrong? Who could love a deaf stupid cute Atsuko? Could you?
Yabu stayed in silence.
-Could you?! - she repeated strongly.
-Yes! No! I don’t know! Why are you asking me so hard questions?!
-huh! - she pouted once again and was about to leave but he caught her by her wrist and pulled close to him. Face to face, nose to nose they were looking straight into their eyes.
-and so what, Yabu-kun? - she whispered smiling mockingly - what do you want from me? An apology? A hug?
-kiss me.
Blinking twice was Atsuko: excuse me, what?
-kiss me - Yabu whispered then pressed his lips against hers.
With her eyes opened wide she stood like that for a moment then slightly pushed him away.
-don’t dare to do it! Never again! I don’t need your pity! - she said through her teeth then left place as first. The same time, Yabu, shocked, dumbfounded and lost in his feelings was watching her thinking hardly about what he did and why…
…
Sitting on a bed in her hospital’s room is Asuka. Doctor told her that tomorrow she can go back home. Really relieved about that she was scared to come to school again. Her heart was scared. After what Hikaru told her she was thinking hard how to explain everything to Inoo and then Risa entered the room.
-Rina-chan!
-don’t call me that - she scolded Asuka, but then smiled at her - how are you?
-doing fine, I guess. And you?
-doing bad, I guess - Rina said playing with her cellphone.
-eh? - Asuka tilted her head.
-ah! It’s stupid! - she said hitting her cell with a finger.
Asuka was able to notice that thing what Rina is torturing with her finger acting like she’s beating someone was Yuto’s face on a wallpaper.
-what is stupid about Yuto?
-Nakajima! This… this idiot! Called me few days ago, but because of weak battery my cellphone turned off while conversaion and he never called me again. Probably he thinks I don’t want to talk with him.
-and you want?
-I don’t know, ok?! I’m mad at him still!
-ok, ok you don’t have to yell at me… - Asuka smiled warmly.
-and you?
-me what?
Rina rolled her eyes in disbelief.
-you and Inoo-kun of course!
…
Hearing his cellphone is ringing Inoo turned his head from Hikaru to it. It says Rina.
-why don’t you answer the call? - Hikaru suggested raising his eyebrow.
-ah, yeah… right…
Unsurely Inoo pushed the green button but at the same time he realized that Suzuki Rina is not calling him. Well not in a straight way. Only thing he knew it was Asuka’s voice he was able to hear.
„Inoo? This idiot? - he was able to hear - I can’t like him. It’s because the only one feeling i have towards him is … - at that Ino tried to end the call but Hikaru stopped him with a small, mischievous smile painted on his face. Inoo took a look at his phone and once again put it close to his ear just to listen “towards him is … pure love.”
Seeing expression on Inoo’s face Hikaru knew that it was it. Immediately he took a cell from his hand and yelled to it: “thanks Rina!” and he heard from the second side “You are welcome, Yaotome-senpai”. Blinking twice was obviously Inoo and Asuka, even if they couldn’t see each other. Hikaru once again put a cellphone to Inoo’s ear and hit back of his head.
-say something smart ass - he mouthed.
-A-Asuka…
...
When Hikaru came back home Riko was still in work. He took a small piece of paper rom his pocket and read it. It says how to make latte macchiato and it was from the other day when he asked mother of his friend to teach him how to make it. Searching for an ingredients for latte his eyes stopped on a small box hided behind glass in the highest cupboard. It says: antydepresant. When Hikaru opened it, it was almost empty. It wasn’t hard to realize where the rest of pills was. Somehow, really angry Hikaru put it to it’s place again and close a cupboard, focusing on searching for the rest of ingredients. Riko back home really late and she was really shocked he’s waiting for her on a coach.
-don’t sleep yet? - she asked with a warm smile.
-I can’t. somehow.
-should I make some tea for you?
-nope, this time I have something for you.
-ehh? - she tilted her head - for me?
-yes - Hika nodded - just take off your coat and shoes at first and come sit next to me.
Ordering her like this, she found it funny so she did as she was asked to do and sat next to him. When she did it its when she realized that table is full of cups with macchiato. She recognized it by its smell. Hikaru was observing her all the time with unknown for her expression.
-what’s this? - she asked.
-latte - was his simple answer but she found it cold the way he says it.
-and?
-drink it. I want you to smile, so drink it.
Watching him unsurely is her. Hikaru is giving her first cup.
-drink it.
She did as she was told but then he gave her another one and another one and…
-I can’t drink it anymore Yaotome-kun. It’s too much…
-I don’t care. Drink it!
When she didn’t do it, he caught her hands his one hand and holding a cup in his free hand he forced her to drink still. When she wasn’t able to drink latte was pouring on her chin to her clothes.
-please stop it - she said finally through tears.
-drink it!
It was like this as long as she didn’t drink all latte he made for her. Dirty on her t-shirt and wet on all her face, not only from latte but from tears and blurred make up as well was Riko.
-and now cry. Cry and yell as much as you want to do it.
-I don’t want to …
-don’t lie to me! - he said putting a hand under her chin - I hurt you and you want to cry. I hate your always smiling face! I hate you hiding your true self! It’s not bad to be weak sometimes! Cry!
-no! - she yelled finally.
Shaking her arms for a while Hikaru finally let go of her for a second just to put hand into his pocket and show her small pill.
-you want it better then crying right?!
-how’d you…!!! I told you not to come to my room!
-it wasn’t in your room! You left it in the kitchen!
-give me that! - Riko gave him a cold look.
-you want it this much? It’s better to eat stupid pills then tell “Hikaru I need a hug”?!
-and you think you are better?! Always acting like a proud and strong idiot?! You have no rights to yelling at me! give me that! - she yelled out of her mind.
-so catch it! - Hika really pissed of, threw it at her face and was about to stand up from a couch when felt both her hands pulling him by a wrist.
-don’t go away, yet - she whispered then started to yell her pain out. Squezzing his wrist even harder and hitting her chest with second hand, she was yelling louder and louder. Hikaru’s hand never let go of hers. He was watching her screaming, teary face, waiting till she was able to stop.
-enough? - he asked.
Riko just nodded.
-good. Your pill is somewhere near to that corner - he pointed with his finger at a corner of couch and finally let go of her hands. Actually he was about to leave, one hand on a door-knob when heard her whispering his name. He turned back to a place when voice should come from but when he did it she was next to him.
-H-hikaru… -she muttered - I need a hug.
Seeing tears falling down on her cheeks he couldn’t stop himself from hugging her tightly. She was so small and weak in his arms, he suddenly felt like he wants to take care of her forever. But indeed because of crying she was too weak that she wasn’t able to stand on her feet. Holding her still with his back on a door he laid down on a floor.
-should I carry you to your room? - he whispered.
Riko with her eyes still closed shook her head: “no, I want to sleep here. With you.” She whispered, then put her head on his chest. Hikaru took off his blouse and put it on her back. When she was hugging him he didn’t know what to do with his own hands.
-it’s ok to stroke my hair if you want - she whispered like she was able to read his mind.
-sleep - he ordered her putting his hands on a floor, but when he was sure that she fall asleep that’s when he wrapped then around her arms, and didn’t realize when he fall asleep too.
...
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Everything ends.
-I won’t go! - Daiki yelled.
-Of course you will - his father yelled back - it’s already decided.
-are you crazy?! I have school, friends…!
Hearing this quarrel Saya less or more happy had to wake up from her Tama-about dreams and check what is it all about. Entering the kitchen she jawned at first then gave him a questioning look, reading that atmosphere is really unpleasant. Daiki and father were looking straight into their eyes with serius faces.
-umm… excuse me, but… what’s going on here?
-ask your father - Daiki said then went from the kitchen leaving those two all alone. Saya and Daiki still not in speaking therms but if he finally noticed her in this few weeks of ignorance it means that something serious is coming. Hearing him shutting the door loudly, it only makes her sure.
-Dad?
-I arranged for him a place in prestigious football team.
-that’s great! - Saya clapped her hands.
-I think so too.
-sooo? What’s wrong with this idiot, again?
-he can improve there and come back someday.
-come back? - Saya raised her eyebrow - dad? Answer me.
-he’s leaving.
-to?
-to America.
At that cup with milk she was keeping in her hands fell down on the floor.
-you can’t do this to him dad… - she whispered, looking at her father like she saw a ghost.
-of course I can. And as I said, it’s decided. It’s about his career which is important. I don’t ask him to…
-of course not asking, you are ordering him - Saya cut him.
-I don’t ask him to move out to another planet! - out of his nerve older man yelled at her - he can come back to Japan someday. This is about his dreams!
-this is about YOUR dreams dad!!!
-enough Saya - she heard Daiki behind her back - he’s right, it was my dream.
-Dai-chan… - Saya whispered, suddenly tears came to her eyes.
-I just thought that we can be together and together make dreams come true but if coach wants me to go to USA I will.
-when are you leaving?
-After tomorrow - Daiki smiled at her but she knew it perfectly that he forced himself to do it.
-you can’t..! you can’t do this to me! To us! To Airi-chan!
-us? - he gave his sister a look - just look at me. I am a master of failing. I failed as a brother, you didn’t talk to me since weeks, I failed as a friend not believing in Mayuko, cannot help Hikaru or Chinen, I failed as a guy not confessing to a girl I like. I am nothing just a soccer player. The only one thing I’m good at is kicking a ball.
-don’t say that, please…
-I’ll be off first - he smiled at her ruffling her hair - see you at school.
-Dai-chan wait!
But he didn’t wait. Saya clench her fists and gave her father a cold look.
-and you, failed as a father - then went too.
…
-Atsuko-chan! - Yabu patted her arm, smiling warmly.
-ah! Shocked me! - she almost jumped to her feet from a bench she was sitting on.
-do you have any lessons now? - he asked.
-no - she shook her head - I have an hour of free time I guess since out math teacher is absent today.
-that’s good. We can spend some time together. This past few days you seemed to be too busy to be around me.
-eh? - Atsuko tilted her head and looked at him.
-you were always around, boys called you my shadow - he chuckled - but since some time you seem to avoiding me.
-not true.
-are you sure?
-of course. Atsuko loves Yabu-kun so how she could do someth…
-great! - he cut her talk - I want you to listen with me something.
After that he put one earphone in her ear and second one in his. Few seconds later take earphones off and asked: “do you like this song?”.
Narrowing her eyes then looking at him she nodded.
-it’s nice - she said. Her eyes never let go of his.
Yabu sighed. It’s when she realized what is going to happen next.
-so it was true…
-huh? - she made a noice.
-I didn’t play any song when I gave you that earphone.
Atsuko bit her lower lip, obviously speechless.
-why didn’t you tell me?
-tell you what?
-that… - he sighed then stood up.
-don’t turn your back at me, because I don’t know what are you talking about to me - she said. This time her voice was unexpectedly serious. He was shocked. Probably the same like Yamada was when she finally showed him her true self not that cute and silly little Atsuko-chan. Looking at her was Yabu. No word could go from his mouth.
-Yamada told you?
-no - he shook his head - he just gave me a clue… so why didn’t you tell me…
-tell you? - she pouted - what it changes? If I told you would you date me? Did I ever had any chances to win your heart over Ai-chan? Of course not, so please don’t try to be mad or disappointed now. It’s pissing.
-Atsuko!
-what?! Am I wrong? Who could love a deaf stupid cute Atsuko? Could you?
Yabu stayed in silence.
-Could you?! - she repeated strongly.
-Yes! No! I don’t know! Why are you asking me so hard questions?!
-huh! - she pouted once again and was about to leave but he caught her by her wrist and pulled close to him. Face to face, nose to nose they were looking straight into their eyes.
-and so what, Yabu-kun? - she whispered smiling mockingly - what do you want from me? An apology? A hug?
-kiss me.
Blinking twice was Atsuko: excuse me, what?
-kiss me - Yabu whispered then pressed his lips against hers.
With her eyes opened wide she stood like that for a moment then slightly pushed him away.
-don’t dare to do it! Never again! I don’t need your pity! - she said through her teeth then left place as first. The same time, Yabu, shocked, dumbfounded and lost in his feelings was watching her thinking hardly about what he did and why…
…
Sitting on a bed in her hospital’s room is Asuka. Doctor told her that tomorrow she can go back home. Really relieved about that she was scared to come to school again. Her heart was scared. After what Hikaru told her she was thinking hard how to explain everything to Inoo and then Risa entered the room.
-Rina-chan!
-don’t call me that - she scolded Asuka, but then smiled at her - how are you?
-doing fine, I guess. And you?
-doing bad, I guess - Rina said playing with her cellphone.
-eh? - Asuka tilted her head.
-ah! It’s stupid! - she said hitting her cell with a finger.
Asuka was able to notice that thing what Rina is torturing with her finger acting like she’s beating someone was Yuto’s face on a wallpaper.
-what is stupid about Yuto?
-Nakajima! This… this idiot! Called me few days ago, but because of weak battery my cellphone turned off while conversaion and he never called me again. Probably he thinks I don’t want to talk with him.
-and you want?
-I don’t know, ok?! I’m mad at him still!
-ok, ok you don’t have to yell at me… - Asuka smiled warmly.
-and you?
-me what?
Rina rolled her eyes in disbelief.
-you and Inoo-kun of course!
…
Hearing his cellphone is ringing Inoo turned his head from Hikaru to it. It says Rina.
-why don’t you answer the call? - Hikaru suggested raising his eyebrow.
-ah, yeah… right…
Unsurely Inoo pushed the green button but at the same time he realized that Suzuki Rina is not calling him. Well not in a straight way. Only thing he knew it was Asuka’s voice he was able to hear.
„Inoo? This idiot? - he was able to hear - I can’t like him. It’s because the only one feeling i have towards him is … - at that Ino tried to end the call but Hikaru stopped him with a small, mischievous smile painted on his face. Inoo took a look at his phone and once again put it close to his ear just to listen “towards him is … pure love.”
Seeing expression on Inoo’s face Hikaru knew that it was it. Immediately he took a cell from his hand and yelled to it: “thanks Rina!” and he heard from the second side “You are welcome, Yaotome-senpai”. Blinking twice was obviously Inoo and Asuka, even if they couldn’t see each other. Hikaru once again put a cellphone to Inoo’s ear and hit back of his head.
-say something smart ass - he mouthed.
-A-Asuka…
...
When Hikaru came back home Riko was still in work. He took a small piece of paper rom his pocket and read it. It says how to make latte macchiato and it was from the other day when he asked mother of his friend to teach him how to make it. Searching for an ingredients for latte his eyes stopped on a small box hided behind glass in the highest cupboard. It says: antydepresant. When Hikaru opened it, it was almost empty. It wasn’t hard to realize where the rest of pills was. Somehow, really angry Hikaru put it to it’s place again and close a cupboard, focusing on searching for the rest of ingredients. Riko back home really late and she was really shocked he’s waiting for her on a coach.
-don’t sleep yet? - she asked with a warm smile.
-I can’t. somehow.
-should I make some tea for you?
-nope, this time I have something for you.
-ehh? - she tilted her head - for me?
-yes - Hika nodded - just take off your coat and shoes at first and come sit next to me.
Ordering her like this, she found it funny so she did as she was asked to do and sat next to him. When she did it its when she realized that table is full of cups with macchiato. She recognized it by its smell. Hikaru was observing her all the time with unknown for her expression.
-what’s this? - she asked.
-latte - was his simple answer but she found it cold the way he says it.
-and?
-drink it. I want you to smile, so drink it.
Watching him unsurely is her. Hikaru is giving her first cup.
-drink it.
She did as she was told but then he gave her another one and another one and…
-I can’t drink it anymore Yaotome-kun. It’s too much…
-I don’t care. Drink it!
When she didn’t do it, he caught her hands his one hand and holding a cup in his free hand he forced her to drink still. When she wasn’t able to drink latte was pouring on her chin to her clothes.
-please stop it - she said finally through tears.
-drink it!
It was like this as long as she didn’t drink all latte he made for her. Dirty on her t-shirt and wet on all her face, not only from latte but from tears and blurred make up as well was Riko.
-and now cry. Cry and yell as much as you want to do it.
-I don’t want to …
-don’t lie to me! - he said putting a hand under her chin - I hurt you and you want to cry. I hate your always smiling face! I hate you hiding your true self! It’s not bad to be weak sometimes! Cry!
-no! - she yelled finally.
Shaking her arms for a while Hikaru finally let go of her for a second just to put hand into his pocket and show her small pill.
-you want it better then crying right?!
-how’d you…!!! I told you not to come to my room!
-it wasn’t in your room! You left it in the kitchen!
-give me that! - Riko gave him a cold look.
-you want it this much? It’s better to eat stupid pills then tell “Hikaru I need a hug”?!
-and you think you are better?! Always acting like a proud and strong idiot?! You have no rights to yelling at me! give me that! - she yelled out of her mind.
-so catch it! - Hika really pissed of, threw it at her face and was about to stand up from a couch when felt both her hands pulling him by a wrist.
-don’t go away, yet - she whispered then started to yell her pain out. Squezzing his wrist even harder and hitting her chest with second hand, she was yelling louder and louder. Hikaru’s hand never let go of hers. He was watching her screaming, teary face, waiting till she was able to stop.
-enough? - he asked.
Riko just nodded.
-good. Your pill is somewhere near to that corner - he pointed with his finger at a corner of couch and finally let go of her hands. Actually he was about to leave, one hand on a door-knob when heard her whispering his name. He turned back to a place when voice should come from but when he did it she was next to him.
-H-hikaru… -she muttered - I need a hug.
Seeing tears falling down on her cheeks he couldn’t stop himself from hugging her tightly. She was so small and weak in his arms, he suddenly felt like he wants to take care of her forever. But indeed because of crying she was too weak that she wasn’t able to stand on her feet. Holding her still with his back on a door he laid down on a floor.
-should I carry you to your room? - he whispered.
Riko with her eyes still closed shook her head: “no, I want to sleep here. With you.” She whispered, then put her head on his chest. Hikaru took off his blouse and put it on her back. When she was hugging him he didn’t know what to do with his own hands.
-it’s ok to stroke my hair if you want - she whispered like she was able to read his mind.
-sleep - he ordered her putting his hands on a floor, but when he was sure that she fall asleep that’s when he wrapped then around her arms, and didn’t realize when he fall asleep too.
...