Oneshot: Four Seasons of Memories
Title: Four Seasons of Memories
Genre: ...
Pairing: Kamiki Ryunosuke/Fukuda Mayuko, ooc
Disclaimers: Characters are not mine.
Summary: Kamiki is reminded of Mayuko, while she stalks him.
Author's Note: Re-written, because I didn't like it the first time. Hmm, the second time isn't all that better, but it's a little improvement. ^__^;; Lame title, lame story, lame ending. I tried to write past tense and present tense properly, but there may still be some a lot of mistakes. The story is a bit confusing (especially at the ending), so ask questions if you have any. ^^;;
I realized that whenever I write Kamiki/Mayuko, it's always one side/ unrequited/ friendship. They never really physically end up together. Lol. This is probably the same.
Hey... Did you know?
The cherry blossom petals that walk with you in spring, that's me.
Whichever path you go, I will surely follow.
“Can I get a sunflower and a lily please?” He asked the familiar florist behind the counter as he prepares his money.
The girl smiles and nods as she takes the flowers she has prepared before hand and wraps them in a plastic paper. Perhaps the bouquet with two stalks of flower looks strange to others, but it’s something that he has always requested, and she is already used to it.
“Going to meet her again?” She asked as the young man nods, “Well, be sure to say hi to her for me.”
“Okay.” He smiles and waves goodbye to the florist before heading out.
“So it had already been that time again.” The girl smile gently as she gazes at Kamiki’s back.
“This! I want this!” Mayuko excitedly pointed to a picture in the manga that she was reading. It was a picture of a boy, presenting flower to a girl he liked while confessing his feelings.
“I want this for my birthday!” Mayuko beamed, reminding Kamiki once again her upcoming birthday even though it's not until a few months.
“Well, then you will need to get yourself a boyfriend.” Kamiki shrugged as he went back to reading his own manga.
Mayuko quickly put on a pout, “Aren’t you already my boy friend? The last time I checked, I’m pretty sure you’re a boy.”
“That’s different from being a boyfriend.” Kamiki shook his head, “Beside, it’ll be weird if I give you flowers when I don’t even like you.”
“Then you can pretend to like me for one day!” Mayuko’s eyes lighted up with her suggestion, “You can give me a bouquet of lilies, or even one is good.”
Kamiki broke out into laughter behind the manga that he was holding. Unable to stop, he clutched his stomach in pain as the girl glared at him.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re so stupid!” Kamiki said in between his laughs, “Why would I do that? And besides, if I like a girl, I’ll give her a sunflower, not a lily.”
“Stop laughing!” Mayuko scrambled to cover his mouth, “And what’s wrong with lily? It’s my favorite flower.”
“Lily is for an elegant lady.” Kamiki quickly dodged her out reach hands and snickered, “You’re still in elementary school. I can’t give you that.”
She glared at him, and he knew quite well that she is really angry now. Being neighbor and childhood friends forever gave him this special ability.
“Kamiki Ryunosuke! You’re mean!” She yelled and added before ran out of the room, “Just because you managed to enter junior high doesn’t mean anything. I hate you!”
The next thing he knew, he was in trouble with his parents for making the younger girl cry.
“She’s really is a kid.” Kamiki mumbled under his breath crossly as he stomped out of the room after his parents forced him to go over to her house to apologize.
The blue sky and white clouds of the summer, that's also me.
Sometimes, my tears fall, but only because I want to show you the seven colors rainbow.
Carefully holding his flowers as he walks toward his destination, the owner of the ice cream shop recognizes him and waves.
“Kamiki-kun!” The old man called to him, “Going there again?”
Kamiki nods. He stops for a bit to have a chat with the old man. It has been a while. The old man smiles gently and quickly gives him a scoop of his favorite ice cream.
“It’s hot today, so here, my treat.” He hands Kamiki the strawberry flavored ice cream before adding, “I would send her one too, but I’m afraid it might melt. Oh well, say hi to her for me.”
Kamiki smiles and thanks the old man for his generosity before heading off once again.
“You can have anything you want.” Kamiki sighed as he followed the happy Mayuko into their usual ice cream parlor. This is his customary punishment for making her angry.
“So what did he do this time?” The owner of the shop laughed the moment he saw the two of them walk in.
“Oji-san, he was so mean to me.” Mayuko began describing to the man what happened the other day. Once in a while, their heads would turn to his direction, the old man’s face full of amusement while Mayuko would shake her head in displeasure.
“I said I’m sorry already.” Kamiki cut in between them, forcing their conversation to a stop. All he did was accidentally forgotten to tell her not to wait for him after school because he was going to hang with his friends. He didn’t think she was going to wait 5 hours for him at school. When her parents was wondering why she wasn’t home, he ran back to school as quickly as his feet could carry him to look for her, only to find her crying her eyes out, thinking that something must’ve happened to him. Really, she’s already a first year junior high student; he didn’t think she was going to be this dumb.
“Kamiki-kun,” the old man gave him a pitied smile, “You know you shouldn’t make women cry, especially Mayuko-chan.”
“That’s right!” Mayuko chimed in.
“I’m sorry, alright?” Kamiki wondered why the grownups are always on her side, just because she’s a younger girl. He sighed once again, cupping his chin to his hand as he watched her chose the usual 3 scoops of her favorite chocolate mint ice cream. Three scoops, this meant all the money he has with him.
“You’re going to be fat!” Kamiki exclaimed, hoping she would change her mind, but she just laughed at him and told him to pay.
“Here, this is on the house!” The man handed him the strawberry ice cream cone as Kamiki gave him the money. Kamiki smiled, he’s glad that at least the old man has some common sense.
“Oji-san, that’s not fair.” Fukuda pouted before Kamiki could say his thanks.
“But Kamiki-kun always gives me good business. This is his reward.” The old man laughed. Kamiki smirked at Mayuko and licked the ice cream in triumph. It tasted great in this hot weather, and even better as he watched Mayuko angrily stomped her feet.
The red leaves underneath your feet in autumn, it's me again.
Those crackling noises with each steps you walk, as if I’m laughing by your side.
Crossing the street, Kamiki comes toward a park. Many children are playing while their mothers are chatting to each others about the day gossips. A gentle breeze makes the leaves to shake slightly. He stops momentarily and watches the children as they ran about in their game. A ball from a group of kids suddenly rolls toward his feet. He picks it up and hands to the young boy that steps forward.
"Kamiki-niichan." The young boy smiles as his group of friends joins them, "Do you want to play?"
The boy beside him nudges him slightly, "What are you saying? Kamiki-niichan is busy today. He's carrying flowers so that means he has a date with his girlfriend."
The younger boy's mouth turns into a big round 'O' before nodding.
"Well, maybe next time." Kamiki chuckles and ruffles the young boy's head.
He waves goodbyes to the group of children and continues on his way.
“But it’s too early!” Kamiki whined and covered himself with the thin jacket from the cool air of the autumn morning. He was pulled out of his house at 5 in the morning by Mayuko. She has declared the day before that they are going to start running every morning from now on. He didn’t think she was serious.
“Don’t you want to get in shape?” Mayuko asked, “And beside, the athletic festival is next week. A little practice doesn’t hurt.”
“I barely got any sleep from studying.” Kamiki stifled a yawn, “My high school entrance exam is coming soon. Do you want me to fail?”
“According to a book, running will stimulate your brain and help you study better.” Mayuko grinned, “Your mother liked the idea too.”
“Yeah right!” Kamiki scoffed, “I’ll bet you just want to exercise because you’d been gaining a few pounds from devouring all those ice creams.”
As if he hit the mark, her expressions instantly changed. Being childhood friends all their life has some advantages.
“I’m right aren’t I?” Kamiki laughed. She is just so easy to tease.
“Kamiki Ryunosuke!” Mayuko gritted her teeth, “I’m going to tell your mother!” Whenever she’s angry, she always pulls his mother out as a warning. It might has worked when he was younger, but now, he’s old enough to not feel threaten by such remark.
“Fine fine.” Kamiki smiled, “I’ll help you this time.”
Her frown slowly brightens, bit by bit, it became a full blown smile. This was the reason why the boys from school have nicknamed her the ‘blooming flower’. This is also why he always enjoys teasing her so much. His friends have admired him for having the power to make the 'flower bloom', and secretly, he is very proud of it.
She happily pulled him toward the park near their house. They did the usual stretches before the run. But, before they began running, Kamiki looked at her incredulously.
“Are you sure you want to run?” Kamiki asked. It’s well known that Mayuko has bad hands and feet coordination. Whichever sport she’s playing, she always managed to trip over her feet and fall. Even something like walking on a straight plane, she will easily fall.
“It’s fine.” She’s smiled while slapping her chest, “I’m already a second year junior high student.” She exclaimed as if that will change anything. Then, she quickly dashed off. However, as Kamiki has feared, not even a minute of running, Mayuko accidentally tripped over herself and fell. Worried, Kamiki ran up to her, wondering if she’s alright. She was crying as she pointed to her bleeding knee. The exercise session, which lasted about 10 minutes, came to an abrupt end.
“Carry me home!” Mayuko demanded between her sobs. Seeing her like this, Kamiki had to comply. With her on his back, Kamiki realized how light she is, but he can’t help with his teasing.
“What have you been eating?” Kamiki sound shock, “You’re as heavy as an elephant.” With her free hand wrapping around his shoulder, she pinched his cheek.
“Ow!” Kamiki stopped, “What did you do that for?”
“I’m not talking to you anymore.” Mayuko pouted.
“But I’m the one who have to carry you home!” Kamiki said, nevertheless, true to her words, she didn’t say anything back to him.
The walk home was in complete silence. The closer they are to their house, the more worried Kamiki is, not sure if she’s still angry at him. When he finally decided to apologize, he noticed her regular breathing on his shoulder. Turning his head, she has already fallen asleep on his back.
The snowflakes clinging on your shoulder in winter is me.
So that I can feel the warmth of your hand as you wipe the snow off when you go inside.
Stopping at a shrine on his way, Kamiki stands in front of the displays of wooden ema, keeping various wishes of the people in town, his eyes searched for the ones he was looking for. After a minute, he finally spots them, hidden under a pile of newer ones. He smiles as he read the messages on them before moving to the shrine. Dropping a coin into the offering box, he rang the bell. With two claps, Kamiki puts his hands together to pray.
But what is he praying for, he didn’t really know.
“For all the wishes to come true I guess.” Kamiki smiles.
Ever since he entered high school, they didn’t have that much time to meet. Kamiki would be busy with his high school life. Homework, friends, and his club activities took over most of his time. Likewise, Mayuko became even busier with school, and her own friends. In order to prepare for entrance exams, her parents enrolled her to cram school. Right after school, she headed straight to cram school with her friends and always returns home late into the night. Even on her day off, she will hang out with her own friends, studying at the library.
Not having seen her for so long, Kamiki began to miss her. All those times together with her were fun. They always argue, but he doesn't hate it. Rather, he enjoyed their silly arguments. Once a while, when he thought back to those fun times together, he had the urges to see her again. Nevertheless, standing in front of her door, he suddenly became a coward. He’s didn't want to see the changes during the time they are apart. She may have been happy to have him away from her life. Well, he wasn’t sure and he didn’t really want to find out.
That’s why; it was strange when she suddenly called him outside early one morning. She smiled sheepishly as she stood in front of his porch. With her keitai on her ear, she waved to him, standing at his room window.
He asked her what’s up, but she just shook her head and invited him to accompany her somewhere. They walked together in the white landscape from the snow fall the night before. It was still early, so the street was bare. Not a lot of people and cars are around. That suited them fine, because he enjoyed walking with her. He missed it. It was just a world with the two of them, nobody to bother.
From the last time he saw her, she has grown at least a few centimeters. Her face has matured; she no longer has that look of a little kid he used to know. Now, she has an air of elegant surrounded her. The changes made him a bit nervous. Then again, she didn't really change, well, her personality at least. She smiled brightly when she talked about the things at school. Her face has the familiar scowl when she talked about the fights with her mother. She hasn’t change at all, and he’s relieved. They chatted happily, trying to catch up on the lost time.
Mayuko suddenly pulled him toward the shrine. He could feel his heart beat wildly as she held onto his hand. Kamiki wondered why.
“Here!” Mayuko handed him the ema, “Write down your wish!”
“You called me up so early just for this?” Kamiki asked, even though he doesn’t really mind.
Mayuko just nodded eagerly. With a smile on her face, she wrote something down on her own. Kamiki tried to take a sneak peek, but she quickly covered it.
“Don’t look!” She pouted and went back to her writings.
Kamiki shrugged and began to write his own wish. But, searching his brain, he didn’t know what to wish for.
“’For all the wishes to come true’, that’s a lame wish.” Mayuko read his ema over his shoulder, “No, write something you really want!” She demanded.
Kamiki blushed as he covered his ema, “I don’t have a wish now.”
Mayuko sighed, but doesn’t push him further. They tied their ema to the wooden bar. Kamiki tried to take another peek at her ema, but she already pulled him toward the main hall of the shrine. She took out a coin and tossed it in. Turning to Kamiki with expectant eyes, he reluctantly did the same. They clapped and bowed.
“In an hour, I’m taking my entrance exam.” Mayuko finally disclosed her reason for this morning journey. It caught Kamiki off guard.
“Oh really, which school are you aiming for?” Kamiki asked, hoping she utters the name of his high school. He thought about how great it would be if things were to be like before. Walking to school together, going home together, and waiting for each other after class… like how it used to be when they were younger.
She turned to him and gave a mischievous smile, “It’s a secret!”
“Why? Tell me!” Kamiki complained, “I told you where I want to go when I was taking my entrance exam.”
Turning around, with her back facing him, she said, “It’ll be too depressing if I fail.”
"Oh" He uttered, an awkward silence befell on them. Kamiki stared at her back while she looked at the melting snow on the branches of the trees as if they are the most interesting thing on earth. After what seemed like forever, she shyly turned toward him.
"Um..." Mayuko hesitated, "Can't you at least wish me luck?"
"But you didn't tell me where you are aiming for." Kamiki replied.
"You don't have school today, do you?" Mayuko shook her head exasperatedly, "Can't you put two and two together?"
"Huh?" Kamiki asked, still confused.
"You've becoming dense, Ryu!" Mayuko pouted and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Kamiki called after her, still not sure what she is talking about. Suddenly remember her ema, he curiously walked toward the wooden stand and take a peek at her wish.
'Please let me and Ryu be together forever!'
Finally realized what she meant, Kamiki face blushed with embarrassment, but the corner of his mouth curved into a smile.
Kamiki turned toward the direction she has left, and ran after her. Even though she is probably a long way ahead of him, at least, he wants to tell her that he felt the same, and especially, he wanted to tell her...
"Good luck."
I'm always there next to you, watching you, listening to you, and feeling your warm.
And I will continue to always be by your side, for eternity.
Kamiki slows down at the corner of the main street. Kneeling down, he props the flowers against the foot of the light. He looks up at her wavering figure, just like how he remembered it.
"Good luck!" He called after her.
In her junior high uniform, Mayuko smiled brightly as she waved at him in the distance. She mouthed the word 'Thank you!' to him and crossed the street.
A bright light suddenly enveloped her body. The light was blinding, but Mayuko stared at it straight on. Kamiki saw it, he tried to run after her, but he was already too late.
It was just an instant.
The sound of screeching tires, the sound of her body falling onto the snow, and the sound of him screaming her name.
He held her lifeless body in his arm, the pure red color of her blood clings on to him and stained his clothes, as if she didn't want to let him go. Kamiki finally realized his feelings, but it was already too late. She died instantly.
At that intersection, she was hit by a truck on her way to take her high school entrance exam. It wasn't anyone fault. The melting snow caused the road to be slippery. The truck was unable to stop in time for her. Since then, Kamiki has been visiting this intersection every month, with the same two flowers in his hand. Walking on the same road that they used to walk, passing the same places they'd always passed, remember those memories that's never going to come back. Each time, his heart is as heavy as the first.
Before he knew it, his vision has blurred as droplets of tear are falling from his eyes. The people look at him curiously, but he didn't care to wipe the tears away.
Her wish wasn't granted. We are not together forever.
"That's not true."
Mayuko was standing there, smiling at him. Her outline glows slightly with a soft white light.
"That's not true." She repeated again. Even with the noise of the shuffling feet and the honking of the traffics, he could hear her clearly as if it's a world with just the two of them.
"I am always beside you." She smiles innocently, "We'll always be together.”
"Mayuko." Kamiki wants to protest, but she put her finger to her lips and shakes her head. Her body slowly becomes transparent.
"I love you!" He called to her.
"I know." She smiles sweetly and nods as she disappears.
Her voice resonates through the air, carrying a message only he could hear. He reaches his hand out to grab it, a dandelion seed.
Holding it tightly in his palm, Kamiki smiles.
私も...大好きです。
Hey… Did you know?
Even if we are not meant to be, your memories of us together kept me alive.
So, that's why... Thank you.
---------------
Note:
- Blowing the seed off a dandelion is said to carry your thoughts and dreams to your loved one. (thus I made this very confusing reference in the story)
- 大好きです。 = Watashi mo... Daisuki desu. (I think for this, Japanese has a better/deeper meaning don't you think?)
- ema are wooden plagues in Shinto shrine that people write their wishes on.
Genre: ...
Pairing: Kamiki Ryunosuke/Fukuda Mayuko, ooc
Disclaimers: Characters are not mine.
Summary: Kamiki is reminded of Mayuko, while she stalks him.
Author's Note: Re-written, because I didn't like it the first time. Hmm, the second time isn't all that better, but it's a little improvement. ^__^;; Lame title, lame story, lame ending. I tried to write past tense and present tense properly, but there may still be some a lot of mistakes. The story is a bit confusing (especially at the ending), so ask questions if you have any. ^^;;
I realized that whenever I write Kamiki/Mayuko, it's always one side/ unrequited/ friendship. They never really physically end up together. Lol. This is probably the same.
Hey... Did you know?
The cherry blossom petals that walk with you in spring, that's me.
Whichever path you go, I will surely follow.
“Can I get a sunflower and a lily please?” He asked the familiar florist behind the counter as he prepares his money.
The girl smiles and nods as she takes the flowers she has prepared before hand and wraps them in a plastic paper. Perhaps the bouquet with two stalks of flower looks strange to others, but it’s something that he has always requested, and she is already used to it.
“Going to meet her again?” She asked as the young man nods, “Well, be sure to say hi to her for me.”
“Okay.” He smiles and waves goodbye to the florist before heading out.
“So it had already been that time again.” The girl smile gently as she gazes at Kamiki’s back.
“This! I want this!” Mayuko excitedly pointed to a picture in the manga that she was reading. It was a picture of a boy, presenting flower to a girl he liked while confessing his feelings.
“I want this for my birthday!” Mayuko beamed, reminding Kamiki once again her upcoming birthday even though it's not until a few months.
“Well, then you will need to get yourself a boyfriend.” Kamiki shrugged as he went back to reading his own manga.
Mayuko quickly put on a pout, “Aren’t you already my boy friend? The last time I checked, I’m pretty sure you’re a boy.”
“That’s different from being a boyfriend.” Kamiki shook his head, “Beside, it’ll be weird if I give you flowers when I don’t even like you.”
“Then you can pretend to like me for one day!” Mayuko’s eyes lighted up with her suggestion, “You can give me a bouquet of lilies, or even one is good.”
Kamiki broke out into laughter behind the manga that he was holding. Unable to stop, he clutched his stomach in pain as the girl glared at him.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re so stupid!” Kamiki said in between his laughs, “Why would I do that? And besides, if I like a girl, I’ll give her a sunflower, not a lily.”
“Stop laughing!” Mayuko scrambled to cover his mouth, “And what’s wrong with lily? It’s my favorite flower.”
“Lily is for an elegant lady.” Kamiki quickly dodged her out reach hands and snickered, “You’re still in elementary school. I can’t give you that.”
She glared at him, and he knew quite well that she is really angry now. Being neighbor and childhood friends forever gave him this special ability.
“Kamiki Ryunosuke! You’re mean!” She yelled and added before ran out of the room, “Just because you managed to enter junior high doesn’t mean anything. I hate you!”
The next thing he knew, he was in trouble with his parents for making the younger girl cry.
“She’s really is a kid.” Kamiki mumbled under his breath crossly as he stomped out of the room after his parents forced him to go over to her house to apologize.
The blue sky and white clouds of the summer, that's also me.
Sometimes, my tears fall, but only because I want to show you the seven colors rainbow.
Carefully holding his flowers as he walks toward his destination, the owner of the ice cream shop recognizes him and waves.
“Kamiki-kun!” The old man called to him, “Going there again?”
Kamiki nods. He stops for a bit to have a chat with the old man. It has been a while. The old man smiles gently and quickly gives him a scoop of his favorite ice cream.
“It’s hot today, so here, my treat.” He hands Kamiki the strawberry flavored ice cream before adding, “I would send her one too, but I’m afraid it might melt. Oh well, say hi to her for me.”
Kamiki smiles and thanks the old man for his generosity before heading off once again.
“You can have anything you want.” Kamiki sighed as he followed the happy Mayuko into their usual ice cream parlor. This is his customary punishment for making her angry.
“So what did he do this time?” The owner of the shop laughed the moment he saw the two of them walk in.
“Oji-san, he was so mean to me.” Mayuko began describing to the man what happened the other day. Once in a while, their heads would turn to his direction, the old man’s face full of amusement while Mayuko would shake her head in displeasure.
“I said I’m sorry already.” Kamiki cut in between them, forcing their conversation to a stop. All he did was accidentally forgotten to tell her not to wait for him after school because he was going to hang with his friends. He didn’t think she was going to wait 5 hours for him at school. When her parents was wondering why she wasn’t home, he ran back to school as quickly as his feet could carry him to look for her, only to find her crying her eyes out, thinking that something must’ve happened to him. Really, she’s already a first year junior high student; he didn’t think she was going to be this dumb.
“Kamiki-kun,” the old man gave him a pitied smile, “You know you shouldn’t make women cry, especially Mayuko-chan.”
“That’s right!” Mayuko chimed in.
“I’m sorry, alright?” Kamiki wondered why the grownups are always on her side, just because she’s a younger girl. He sighed once again, cupping his chin to his hand as he watched her chose the usual 3 scoops of her favorite chocolate mint ice cream. Three scoops, this meant all the money he has with him.
“You’re going to be fat!” Kamiki exclaimed, hoping she would change her mind, but she just laughed at him and told him to pay.
“Here, this is on the house!” The man handed him the strawberry ice cream cone as Kamiki gave him the money. Kamiki smiled, he’s glad that at least the old man has some common sense.
“Oji-san, that’s not fair.” Fukuda pouted before Kamiki could say his thanks.
“But Kamiki-kun always gives me good business. This is his reward.” The old man laughed. Kamiki smirked at Mayuko and licked the ice cream in triumph. It tasted great in this hot weather, and even better as he watched Mayuko angrily stomped her feet.
The red leaves underneath your feet in autumn, it's me again.
Those crackling noises with each steps you walk, as if I’m laughing by your side.
Crossing the street, Kamiki comes toward a park. Many children are playing while their mothers are chatting to each others about the day gossips. A gentle breeze makes the leaves to shake slightly. He stops momentarily and watches the children as they ran about in their game. A ball from a group of kids suddenly rolls toward his feet. He picks it up and hands to the young boy that steps forward.
"Kamiki-niichan." The young boy smiles as his group of friends joins them, "Do you want to play?"
The boy beside him nudges him slightly, "What are you saying? Kamiki-niichan is busy today. He's carrying flowers so that means he has a date with his girlfriend."
The younger boy's mouth turns into a big round 'O' before nodding.
"Well, maybe next time." Kamiki chuckles and ruffles the young boy's head.
He waves goodbyes to the group of children and continues on his way.
“But it’s too early!” Kamiki whined and covered himself with the thin jacket from the cool air of the autumn morning. He was pulled out of his house at 5 in the morning by Mayuko. She has declared the day before that they are going to start running every morning from now on. He didn’t think she was serious.
“Don’t you want to get in shape?” Mayuko asked, “And beside, the athletic festival is next week. A little practice doesn’t hurt.”
“I barely got any sleep from studying.” Kamiki stifled a yawn, “My high school entrance exam is coming soon. Do you want me to fail?”
“According to a book, running will stimulate your brain and help you study better.” Mayuko grinned, “Your mother liked the idea too.”
“Yeah right!” Kamiki scoffed, “I’ll bet you just want to exercise because you’d been gaining a few pounds from devouring all those ice creams.”
As if he hit the mark, her expressions instantly changed. Being childhood friends all their life has some advantages.
“I’m right aren’t I?” Kamiki laughed. She is just so easy to tease.
“Kamiki Ryunosuke!” Mayuko gritted her teeth, “I’m going to tell your mother!” Whenever she’s angry, she always pulls his mother out as a warning. It might has worked when he was younger, but now, he’s old enough to not feel threaten by such remark.
“Fine fine.” Kamiki smiled, “I’ll help you this time.”
Her frown slowly brightens, bit by bit, it became a full blown smile. This was the reason why the boys from school have nicknamed her the ‘blooming flower’. This is also why he always enjoys teasing her so much. His friends have admired him for having the power to make the 'flower bloom', and secretly, he is very proud of it.
She happily pulled him toward the park near their house. They did the usual stretches before the run. But, before they began running, Kamiki looked at her incredulously.
“Are you sure you want to run?” Kamiki asked. It’s well known that Mayuko has bad hands and feet coordination. Whichever sport she’s playing, she always managed to trip over her feet and fall. Even something like walking on a straight plane, she will easily fall.
“It’s fine.” She’s smiled while slapping her chest, “I’m already a second year junior high student.” She exclaimed as if that will change anything. Then, she quickly dashed off. However, as Kamiki has feared, not even a minute of running, Mayuko accidentally tripped over herself and fell. Worried, Kamiki ran up to her, wondering if she’s alright. She was crying as she pointed to her bleeding knee. The exercise session, which lasted about 10 minutes, came to an abrupt end.
“Carry me home!” Mayuko demanded between her sobs. Seeing her like this, Kamiki had to comply. With her on his back, Kamiki realized how light she is, but he can’t help with his teasing.
“What have you been eating?” Kamiki sound shock, “You’re as heavy as an elephant.” With her free hand wrapping around his shoulder, she pinched his cheek.
“Ow!” Kamiki stopped, “What did you do that for?”
“I’m not talking to you anymore.” Mayuko pouted.
“But I’m the one who have to carry you home!” Kamiki said, nevertheless, true to her words, she didn’t say anything back to him.
The walk home was in complete silence. The closer they are to their house, the more worried Kamiki is, not sure if she’s still angry at him. When he finally decided to apologize, he noticed her regular breathing on his shoulder. Turning his head, she has already fallen asleep on his back.
The snowflakes clinging on your shoulder in winter is me.
So that I can feel the warmth of your hand as you wipe the snow off when you go inside.
Stopping at a shrine on his way, Kamiki stands in front of the displays of wooden ema, keeping various wishes of the people in town, his eyes searched for the ones he was looking for. After a minute, he finally spots them, hidden under a pile of newer ones. He smiles as he read the messages on them before moving to the shrine. Dropping a coin into the offering box, he rang the bell. With two claps, Kamiki puts his hands together to pray.
But what is he praying for, he didn’t really know.
“For all the wishes to come true I guess.” Kamiki smiles.
Ever since he entered high school, they didn’t have that much time to meet. Kamiki would be busy with his high school life. Homework, friends, and his club activities took over most of his time. Likewise, Mayuko became even busier with school, and her own friends. In order to prepare for entrance exams, her parents enrolled her to cram school. Right after school, she headed straight to cram school with her friends and always returns home late into the night. Even on her day off, she will hang out with her own friends, studying at the library.
Not having seen her for so long, Kamiki began to miss her. All those times together with her were fun. They always argue, but he doesn't hate it. Rather, he enjoyed their silly arguments. Once a while, when he thought back to those fun times together, he had the urges to see her again. Nevertheless, standing in front of her door, he suddenly became a coward. He’s didn't want to see the changes during the time they are apart. She may have been happy to have him away from her life. Well, he wasn’t sure and he didn’t really want to find out.
That’s why; it was strange when she suddenly called him outside early one morning. She smiled sheepishly as she stood in front of his porch. With her keitai on her ear, she waved to him, standing at his room window.
He asked her what’s up, but she just shook her head and invited him to accompany her somewhere. They walked together in the white landscape from the snow fall the night before. It was still early, so the street was bare. Not a lot of people and cars are around. That suited them fine, because he enjoyed walking with her. He missed it. It was just a world with the two of them, nobody to bother.
From the last time he saw her, she has grown at least a few centimeters. Her face has matured; she no longer has that look of a little kid he used to know. Now, she has an air of elegant surrounded her. The changes made him a bit nervous. Then again, she didn't really change, well, her personality at least. She smiled brightly when she talked about the things at school. Her face has the familiar scowl when she talked about the fights with her mother. She hasn’t change at all, and he’s relieved. They chatted happily, trying to catch up on the lost time.
Mayuko suddenly pulled him toward the shrine. He could feel his heart beat wildly as she held onto his hand. Kamiki wondered why.
“Here!” Mayuko handed him the ema, “Write down your wish!”
“You called me up so early just for this?” Kamiki asked, even though he doesn’t really mind.
Mayuko just nodded eagerly. With a smile on her face, she wrote something down on her own. Kamiki tried to take a sneak peek, but she quickly covered it.
“Don’t look!” She pouted and went back to her writings.
Kamiki shrugged and began to write his own wish. But, searching his brain, he didn’t know what to wish for.
“’For all the wishes to come true’, that’s a lame wish.” Mayuko read his ema over his shoulder, “No, write something you really want!” She demanded.
Kamiki blushed as he covered his ema, “I don’t have a wish now.”
Mayuko sighed, but doesn’t push him further. They tied their ema to the wooden bar. Kamiki tried to take another peek at her ema, but she already pulled him toward the main hall of the shrine. She took out a coin and tossed it in. Turning to Kamiki with expectant eyes, he reluctantly did the same. They clapped and bowed.
“In an hour, I’m taking my entrance exam.” Mayuko finally disclosed her reason for this morning journey. It caught Kamiki off guard.
“Oh really, which school are you aiming for?” Kamiki asked, hoping she utters the name of his high school. He thought about how great it would be if things were to be like before. Walking to school together, going home together, and waiting for each other after class… like how it used to be when they were younger.
She turned to him and gave a mischievous smile, “It’s a secret!”
“Why? Tell me!” Kamiki complained, “I told you where I want to go when I was taking my entrance exam.”
Turning around, with her back facing him, she said, “It’ll be too depressing if I fail.”
"Oh" He uttered, an awkward silence befell on them. Kamiki stared at her back while she looked at the melting snow on the branches of the trees as if they are the most interesting thing on earth. After what seemed like forever, she shyly turned toward him.
"Um..." Mayuko hesitated, "Can't you at least wish me luck?"
"But you didn't tell me where you are aiming for." Kamiki replied.
"You don't have school today, do you?" Mayuko shook her head exasperatedly, "Can't you put two and two together?"
"Huh?" Kamiki asked, still confused.
"You've becoming dense, Ryu!" Mayuko pouted and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Kamiki called after her, still not sure what she is talking about. Suddenly remember her ema, he curiously walked toward the wooden stand and take a peek at her wish.
'Please let me and Ryu be together forever!'
Finally realized what she meant, Kamiki face blushed with embarrassment, but the corner of his mouth curved into a smile.
Kamiki turned toward the direction she has left, and ran after her. Even though she is probably a long way ahead of him, at least, he wants to tell her that he felt the same, and especially, he wanted to tell her...
"Good luck."
I'm always there next to you, watching you, listening to you, and feeling your warm.
And I will continue to always be by your side, for eternity.
Kamiki slows down at the corner of the main street. Kneeling down, he props the flowers against the foot of the light. He looks up at her wavering figure, just like how he remembered it.
"Good luck!" He called after her.
In her junior high uniform, Mayuko smiled brightly as she waved at him in the distance. She mouthed the word 'Thank you!' to him and crossed the street.
A bright light suddenly enveloped her body. The light was blinding, but Mayuko stared at it straight on. Kamiki saw it, he tried to run after her, but he was already too late.
It was just an instant.
The sound of screeching tires, the sound of her body falling onto the snow, and the sound of him screaming her name.
He held her lifeless body in his arm, the pure red color of her blood clings on to him and stained his clothes, as if she didn't want to let him go. Kamiki finally realized his feelings, but it was already too late. She died instantly.
At that intersection, she was hit by a truck on her way to take her high school entrance exam. It wasn't anyone fault. The melting snow caused the road to be slippery. The truck was unable to stop in time for her. Since then, Kamiki has been visiting this intersection every month, with the same two flowers in his hand. Walking on the same road that they used to walk, passing the same places they'd always passed, remember those memories that's never going to come back. Each time, his heart is as heavy as the first.
Before he knew it, his vision has blurred as droplets of tear are falling from his eyes. The people look at him curiously, but he didn't care to wipe the tears away.
Her wish wasn't granted. We are not together forever.
"That's not true."
Mayuko was standing there, smiling at him. Her outline glows slightly with a soft white light.
"That's not true." She repeated again. Even with the noise of the shuffling feet and the honking of the traffics, he could hear her clearly as if it's a world with just the two of them.
"I am always beside you." She smiles innocently, "We'll always be together.”
"Mayuko." Kamiki wants to protest, but she put her finger to her lips and shakes her head. Her body slowly becomes transparent.
"I love you!" He called to her.
"I know." She smiles sweetly and nods as she disappears.
Her voice resonates through the air, carrying a message only he could hear. He reaches his hand out to grab it, a dandelion seed.
Holding it tightly in his palm, Kamiki smiles.
私も...大好きです。
Hey… Did you know?
Even if we are not meant to be, your memories of us together kept me alive.
So, that's why... Thank you.
---------------
Note:
- Blowing the seed off a dandelion is said to carry your thoughts and dreams to your loved one. (thus I made this very confusing reference in the story)
- 大好きです。 = Watashi mo... Daisuki desu. (I think for this, Japanese has a better/deeper meaning don't you think?)
- ema are wooden plagues in Shinto shrine that people write their wishes on.