I, She, He and You [TwoShots]
Title: I, She, He and You
Author: rae_yna
Pairing: TaDaiki, YabuNoo[somehow]
Rating: PG
Warning: Kei and Daiki are girls. And one of a twist in a fast sequence of story XD.
A/N: I am very lazy today and I even don’t want to post this yet or any of the fictions hanging up there doing nothing but yeah~I just feel lazy and sick at the same time.., well, whatever., ENJOY READING AND COMMENTS ARE LOVED!
Summary: Daiki and Kei are stepsisters. Daiki doesn’t like Kei who has a crush on Yabu who is Daiki’s relative through her mother’s sister’s sister in law. Then, Takaki came and fell for Daiki who turned her dislike to hate on Kei who’s in good terms with Takaki who’s jealous of Yabu who can possibly have a relationship with Daiki.
PART 1: I, She, He and You
Daiki yelped and stifled her shriek. She turned and glared at Takaki who, for the nth time managed to sneak behind her and startle her by touching the back of her knee, deftly. She gritted her teeth and tried to suppress her anger but it wasn’t working anymore. She reached out, grabbing Takaki’s lengthy hair and pulled him down her level.
“You never learn!” Daiki shrieked at Takaki’s ear, who winced and tried to pull away from her. As she let go, Daiki stomped angrily away leaving him staring at her. He turned to look at their classmates, watching them in interest and grinned.
“Well, it’s not worth it if there’s no challenge” Takaki shrugged. Five months have passed now since he had dared Daiki. Considering his past, five months is very lengthy. But he doesn’t mind especially that he knows that every effort he pulls and put into courting Daiki is worth it.
Takaki walked on the usual hall, bringing his self towards the usual spot where he could find Daiki but as he looked at the overhead, he didn’t see Daiki. He slightly frowned and turned to the storage room, still not finding her.
“She’s not here” Yabu said the moment Takaki slid the door of the council room open. The brunette slightly frowned then and still entered the room, knowing by instinct that Daiki is in the room.
“Well, I can chill in here for a while” Takaki nodded down, sitting on one of the chairs in the room. He looked at Yabu and thinly smiled before resting his head on the backrest of his chair.
“The bell’s going to ring in ten minutes, you can chill here that long but after that, I’m going in my own class” Yabu shrugged, looking at the papers on his table.
“What is Daiki like when she was~” Takaki started
“Cute” Yabu replied simply “Her face, it’s the same when we’re kids” he shrugged “She thinks that she’s chubby~ ow” he groaned “But she’s not, she just have puffy cheeks and she’s petite” he smiled. He then lifted his head and used his eyes to just look down to his left, telling Takaki something that the brunette instantly understood. “Before Kei came, Daiki is really cheerful. She never fails to smile and it’s infectious” he sighed “I loved that side of her” he nodded down “Well, I think you can imagine what it’s like when she smiles or maybe not because all you two do lately is to bicker anywhere” he pointed out
“I love teasing her” Takaki grinned “Her cheeks become red and her eyes flashes angrily” he smirked and then stood up, walking silently towards the Yabu’s desk’s left side. He then sat in squat, peering his head to the other side to see Daiki leaning on the table, making faces as she twitches her fingers. “And she’s always like a rat on the run, making me, the cat in the game, have more fun than expected” he added, blowing then Daiki’s ear, making her jump on her feet. Takaki stood up as well and grinned at Yabu who snorted his laugh and concealed it instantly, pretending to do his paperworks.
“Kota!” Daiki whined
“This place is not a hiding place, Daichan” Yabu shook his head “I can’t let you always hide here, so if I were you, you have to find another place and make sure that nobody else knows it since I think, with Takaki-kun’s skills, your guts will be spilled even before you know it” he shrugged
“Damn it!” Daiki snapped, walking out of the council room as well
Takaki stared at her back then turned his attention to Yabu who shook his head at him.
“Don’t tease her too much” Yabu minded “You can’t make her cry, literally. If you noticed, Daichan never expresses her anger easily and only uses her harsh words. If things get too much, she cries and it’s a bad thing” he shrugged
“How so?” Takaki asked
“She has genetic disease” Yabu shrugged and went back to his work.
He wasn’t able to persuade Yabu to tell him what kind of genetic disease Daiki has but he has another source. Takaki smiled at Kei as she stepped out of her classroom. She did the same and walked with him, heading to the shoe lockers.
“I heard Daichan inherited a disease” Takaki started and Kei imply glanced at him
“I bet it’s from Kota but he didn’t tell you what kind of disease it is, so you are now going to ask me” Kei smiled
“Well, you are not named after intelligence if you didn’t manage on deducting information that fast” Takaki shrugged
“She has this disease” Kei said, stopping to point at Takaki’s left part of chest. “Her late mother died because of that, a heart hole” she shrugged “So you can start lessening the surprises, one time you’d make her drop dead in front of you” she shook her head “You don’t want that, do you?”she smiled
Now he understands why he never sees Daiki in any gym or outdoor activities.
-----
Daiki blinked and turned to look behind her if Takaki is close by. She was expecting him to jump out of nowhere again to anger her but nothing came. Shaking her head, she headed to their classroom to find it empty since it’s time for their outdoors activity. She was assigned to do light works but she knows that she can do better than those. Not that she had an attack or something in the school when she tried running a hundred meter. It was because her father was worried about her and told the whole faculty about her situation. She concluded that it was because of that that she couldn’t really beat Kei from being the first. Kei could play volleyball and all while Daiki sits back and watch only, earning her no point at all.
She sat on her place and started scribbling on her notes, reading in advance for her next classes. She even ignored the one who entered the room, since she knows that the outdoors activities are nearly done.
“Hey” Takaki greeted softly and made Daiki look up, to find him squatting in front of her desk. He’s still wearing his gym clothes with his hair tied. He’s neat and has no sweat from his activity, making Daiki somehow admire him.
“What?” Daiki asked, softly too making her feel unexpectedly unlike her when she’s talking with Takaki.
“Nothing” Takaki shook his head, reaching out to touch Daiki on the cheek. He was thankful that she didn’t pull away and just let him rest his hand on her cheek. He rubbed her lower lip with his thumb and gently brushed her forefinger on her eyebrow. “You have a scar” he said then in a frown
“Ah” Daiki blinked “I fell before” she said “And it scarred” she shrugged
“Did it hurt?” Takaki asked
“Of course, it did” Daiki snorted. She was then taken aback as Takaki leaned forwards and kissed her brow, just where her scar is. “What are you doing?” she asked
“Nothing” Takaki smiled, brushing her cheek with his knuckles “I’ll go change clothes now” he said and straightened up
“Do you even have to tell me that?” Daiki called out as Takaki headed to the door
“Well, I want you to agonize while imagining my sexy body as I change my clothes” Takaki winked
“In your dreams!” Daiki chuckled and watched as Takaki stepped out of the room. As soon as she was sure that he’s gone, she grimaced and took a shaky breath, gripping on her uniform. Earlier when Takaki kissed her on her brow, she felt her heart skip a beat but the pain was bearable. Still, the sudden attack wasn’t expected and to think that her last one was ages ago already that she couldn’t even remember it anymore, that she couldn’t remember she even has this problem. Curling her arm over her desk, Daiki rested her head on it and closed her eyes. The nausea and irregular flow of her system draining her all of a sudden.
“Daichan?” Kei softly called and made her look up.
“What are you doing here?” Daiki panted, grimacing at the sting of her movement. She gasped and fisted her hand. Kei held her hand then and her anger for stepsister dissolved for a moment, thankful that she’s there somehow.
“I was on my way to my classroom and I saw you. Did you bring your medicine?” Kei asked
“It’s in my bag” Daiki replied “I just need a rest, I don’t need to take the pill” she said then
“Are you sure?” Kei asked
“Yes” Daiki answered “Don’t tell daddy. I don’t like it when I go to the hospital and skip school for observation” she said then
“But~” Kei protested
“Please, Kei” Daiki begged
“Alright but I’ll bring you the infirmary and tell Kota” Kei said
“No” Daiki shook her head
“Pick one. I’ll tell Dad or Kota” Kei offered
Yabu came five minutes after Kei had left her in the infirmary and had insisted that they should tell her father but after another set of begging, Daiki closed her eyes, resting herself. The pain had already disappeared and she’s back to the way she normally feels but somewhere in her mind, she’s scared of having another one. She knows the reason her mother died and she’s really scared of having the same fate, though it’s inevitable since she got everything from her mother - including her heart problem.
-----
Takaki frowned as their third period came and Daiki still hasn’t shown up. Even their teachers were shocked to know that she wasn’t around but they didn’t fuss over it that much. He thought at first that Daiki might just be late or something but then as lunch came, with her still not around, Takaki headed to the room next to theirs and waited until Class A was dismissed. He spotted Kota coming out and he simply shrugged and looked back to the room, calling for Kei.
“She’s down with a fever” Kei said not even hearing Takaki’s question. “She insisted on coming but she was forced to stay home” she pointed out “If you want to see her today, you can come and visit her” she added
He’d been once in their house but somehow, knowing that he came to visit Daiki, Takaki felt a little uncomfortable especially the moment Kei told her stepfather the purpose he’s there. He was looked at carefully, frowned at for moment then was shrugged off as the head of the family headed to wherever he went.
“Daichan’s room’s two doors from mine, the middle room was a connecting room to our rooms but we barely use it so it was turned into a closet” Kei explained as she climbs the stairs “We wanted to turn it into another bedroom but unfortunately we are not blessed to have another sister or brother” she shrugged “Shh~” she hushed then as they reached the end of the hall at the second storey of their house. Kei carefully twisted the knob of a room, and peeked inside. “Daichan” she called out softly
“I’m not in the mood Kei to hear your story of the day” Daiki’s reply came then making Takaki smile. She sounds tired but all in all her sarcasm is still as sturdy as her character.
“Maybe my story of the day will brighten you up” Takaki spoke then, carefully entering Daiki’s room. He stood there, taking in the appearance of the room but he’s much more focused on the bed where Daiki is currently lying down, not on her back but rather on her stomach and is reading a book. He slightly frowned, his mind going through his memories of her. Either she would be bickering with him or she’s reading something were the ones that he recovered.
Daiki blinked at his sudden entrance and wasn’t able to react quickly, well, it’s not her fault if he finds her undesirable now after seeing her in her sleeping clothes, nipping on one of her favourite snacks and is reading while lying on her stomach. She wasn’t feeling that bad but due to her father’s insistence of her resting, she yielded and let him do what he wants.
“I don’t need it either” Daiki shook her head, sitting and finishing the stick of pocky she’d been nipping at. “What are you doing here?” she asked then
“I heard my sweety is sick so I came to visit you” Takaki winked, settling then on the bed, reaching out to touch Daiki who slapped his hand away from her “Moody?” he asked
“More of like, what the hell? I didn’t even allow you in my room” Daiki grimaced “Kei” she frowned at her stepsister
“He’s just worried” Kei pointed out
“Invasion” Daiki grimaced
“I’ll get you two some snacks and teas” Kei offered and exited the room
“How are you feeling” Takaki asked, soon as Kei left them alone in the room
“Obviously, just fine” Daiki shook off and climbed off her bed, opening then the door to her own veranda. “They just do the overreaction thingy whenever it’s me involved in the sickness” she grimaced “With those aside, what do you need? I bet you didn’t even copy notes for me to catch up with the lessons I’ve missed today” she pointed out
“Oh” Takaki blinked and stood up “I never did that before so I have nothing to share to you now” he shrugged
“I knew it” Daiki blew a breath and then frowned as Takaki stood closer to her
“But I have something to give you” Takaki grinned and cupped Daiki’s chin
“If you kiss me” Daiki started “I’ll knee your precious part” she threatened and that was enough to make Takaki step away from her “I guess that’s really important for you” she snorted
“Of course!” Takaki exclaimed, looking at Daiki in amusement “I need it for our bright future. The family we are going to build. Baby girls with your curls or baby boys with my handsomeness” he winked as Daiki looked at him in disbelief
”Just my curls?” Daiki asked
“Of course not” Takaki shook his head “They’ll also have your pert nose and pretty eyes” he said
“I don’t need that” Daiki grimaced “I’m scared to have brown monkey as a son” she faked a shiver
“You don’t have to worry” Takaki shook his head “I’m pretty fair skinned but because I keep on playing outside my skin tanned” he nodded down
“And I’m not going to have babies with you” Daiki grimaced “I’m just seventeen and planning that this early is ridiculous. You’re not even my boyfriend to begin with, which make this creepy” she pointed out
“Then, why don’t we make it not creepy?” Takaki asked “I’ll marry you anywhere you want” he winked
“In your dreams” Daiki scoffed
Kei came in with the snacks she promised and saw the two seated just on Daiki’s plush floor, with Daiki glaring at Takaki who was chuckling as she came. She put the tray down the floor, closer to Daiki and smiled at her.
“I’ll be in my room” Kei said and headed off first.
“I’m curious why you don’t like Kei” Takaki started then as he reached for a sandwich and scooted closer to Daiki
“Because I have inferiority complex” Daiki grumbled, pushing Takaki slightly as he inched closer again but sighed heavily as Takaki didn’t budge and even managed to put an arm around her shoulders. She glared at him then reached for her own sandwich. “Why do you keep on coming on to me?” she mumbled, biting on her sandwich
“Because~” Takaki sighed this time “I really like you. The moment I saw you walking out of your classroom the day we first met, I felt pulled by you. I could have asked anyone that time but I chose to ask you, even though you have this, “leave me alone aura”, then I wasn’t wrong choosing you. You’re definitely cute and has this challenging personality which drooped down when your sister came” he nodded down, playing with a strand of Daiki’s hair.
“Whatever” Daiki sighed too, melting then in Takaki’s warmth. “You’re just persistent” she added
-----
Daiki turned her head and looked at the backseats where the boys are seated, she slightly glared at Takaki who winked and blew a kiss to her. She then giggled and turned her attention to the crowd seated at the top chairs, where parents are settled and saw her father and stepmother. She smiled as they waved at her, then she turned her attention to the seats to her left, spotting her stepsister looking up to the stage where currently Yabu is giving his last speech as the council president and passing his position to another student. There are dark circles under her eyes, somehow ruining her beauty for the last day she’d spent in her high school. Kei turned to look at her too but as their eyes met, her stepsister instantly turned her head away, biting her lower lip and started gnawing on it. Daiki slightly frowned at her but ignored it as Yabu’s voice came back for her to listen at.
“Now, I call for the student’s representative to give the closing speech” Yabu announced “Inoo Kei” he called
Daiki slightly pouted as she watched her sister walk up the stage and take the spot on the podium from Yabu to speak. She wanted to do that but then she couldn’t do anything about it anymore. She wouldn’t be able to beat Kei just yet in academics, she accepted it already, not easily but with Takaki’s help, yeah, she ended up just giving up on stealing the number one spot from Kei.
“This day marks the end of our high school days, we all have been through a lot of things and went through it not as easy as a thread going in a needle’s hole” Kei started, clearing her throat then “I, myself had worked hard and I feel accomplished as I now look at us, sitting in this gym, listening to my closing remarks. You all might think that this is going to be long, yes, maybe, but really it is not since I hate long speeches as well but I was forced by someone, you all know who, to deliver this five thousand words speech” she giggled as the students groaned in disbelief “I’m just joking” she added “I just want to say that the years I’ve spent with you all are fun and very much memorable. I will miss you all” she said “The end” she chuckled, making others be infected with her too.
As students drifted off on their own, Daiki waved at Takaki who nodded down at her then turned to where his parents are. She hasn’t met them officially, yet, because she hasn’t even said yes to him but to people, they are already going out since several had spotted them already kissing or even being touchy to each other, mostly Takaki does both but it’s Daiki fault not preventing him.
Maybe things are just going well enough.
“What?” Daiki asked as she lifted her head and looked at her stepsister, seated across her.
“I said” Kei blinked “I will be studying in Hokkaido” she said
“That’s so far away!” Kei’s mother exclaimed
“I know” Kei nodded down
Daiki stared at her sister for a while, noting then the dark circles under her eyes that were darker compared to before and the strains, she’s obviously hiding from them. She slightly frowned but when Kei met her eyes and smiled, Daiki shook the thought of her sister going through a problem.
----
Daiki managed to enter one of the best universities and was happy with it but what startled her was when Takaki showed her that he could stalk her anywhere she goes. She shook her head the first day of her lectures as Takaki entered the room and winked as he instantly spotted her.
“I heard Kei moved” Takaki started as he settled next to Daiki
“Yeah” Daiki shrugged “She wants it and we can’t change it anymore” she sighed
“Well, sometimes there are things geniuses do that we don’t understand” Takaki shrugged
“Well~” Daiki shrugged
“Well” Takaki imitated and tucked a strand of Daiki’s hair behind her ear.
“Stop being touchy” Daiki sneered at him but let him be as Takaki held her hand, twining their fingers.
Days in university, is a lot different from high school, Daiki noted. There are days it is very easy but there are days that it is horrible, especially if examinations are included. She learned to manage her time accordingly, including Takaki who she had finally accepted her boyfriend.
“Hey, there’s a gathering next month” Takaki said as he sat next to Daiki in the cafeteria. They are in their third year already and Daiki is already on the verge of crying because of the incoming examinations.
“I don’t care about anything!” Daiki snapped, burying her face on her hands “I hate you” she cried in muffles
“Come on, not that you don’t pass anything” Takaki pointed out “I heard, Kota’s coming too” he said and that made Daiki lift her head, her eyes red already from stopping her tears. “Hearing his name makes you perk like a kid” he narrowed his eyes, pinching then Daiki’s nose
“I haven’t heard a thing from him like Kei since we heard that he passed his law school!” Daiki exclaimed “Unlike you, who I see every day” she grimaced, slapping Takaki’s hand from her
“Well, are you coming or not? You can try asking Kei too, if you can connect the call to her” Takaki invited
“Alright” Daiki sighed
-----
“I’m home” Daiki called out, slapping Takaki’s hand away as he tried helping her as she removes her shoes. She then walked towards their living room where the only light is coming from and when she took a step in the room, she stopped making Takaki bump on her.
“What’s wrong?” Takaki asked and looked ahead to see what his girlfriend saw.
“Dad?” Daiki asked in concern, going in fully in their living room. “What’s wrong?” she asked and looked around to see if her stepmother is somewhere to ask as well, but she wasn’t there.
“Kei” her father started but then buried his face on his palms
“What happened to Kei?” Daiki asked and turned to look at Takaki who held her hand to give her the comfort she might need
“She~” her father started “She’s dead” he confessed
“What?” Daiki rasped and blinked in disbelief. She then felt Takaki’s arms around her. “How?” she squeaked “I thought she’s just in Hokkaido! She’s okay, right?” she asked “I know I hate her but telling me she’s dead is not a bit funny” she shook her head
“I really hoped too that it was just a joke, Daiki” her father spoke then “But~” he shook his head “She died two days ago. Brain aneurysm” he said “Your mother’s worried about her lack of communications since last month. We let two weeks pass before we headed to where she lives and discovered she died in the hospital and they were to inform us about it already” he explained “She’s just twenty-one, Daiki. Twenty-one” he whispered
“You’re lying” Daiki sniffed and turned to Takaki completely, burying her face on his chest “She couldn’t be dead” she whispered
“Daichan” Takaki comforted, hugging her close.
-----
Daiki sat at the doorsteps of their house with Takaki, waiting for her parents to come. They all decided that it was better to have Kei’s burial in Hokkaido instead of travelling her body back home. Today was the day they’d bring Kei’s ashes back and still, Daiki couldn’t believe that the sister she envied so much had died already. She had a mild heart pain and that was the reason she couldn’t travel to Hokkaido as well.
“They’re here” Takaki whispered and helped Daiki to stand. Soon her parent’s car came and stopped just there. Daiki watched as her father stepped out first, holding on the box that has Kei’s urn then she somehow ended up frowning as her stepmother stepped out, not alone but rather with someone in her arms. A child and Daiki guessed that he might just be two or three.
“Daichan” her father greeted with a warm smile
“Who is that?” Daiki asked, looking at the child carefully as her stepmother came closer. But she shouldn’t have asked it especially that the resemblance the child has with Kei is very obvious, but something else in the child is showing a familiarity that made Daiki shiver as she placed it in her mind.
“His name is Reiji” her stepmother introduced “He’s Kei’s son” she nodded down
Daiki closed her eyes and bit her lower lip then opened her eyes again, staring at the child. Reiji has his mother’s curls, nose and lips but his eyes were of~. Daiki’s lower lip quivered and she slowly looked at her lover. Takaki stood there staring at the child, pale and disbelieving. Daiki swallowed hard and stepped away from Takaki who tried to reach for her.
“No” Daiki whimpered and ran inside the house, locking herself in her bedroom. She heard Takaki knocking a second after she bolted her room but she ignored him and hid herself under her blankets.
After three days of locking herself in her room, barely touching the food her father had brought to her, Daiki stepped out, needing to go to her university.
“Daiki”
Daiki tensed up as she heard Takaki calling her. She’s not yet ready to see him but bracing herself, she turned and looked as he walked towards her. She held her emotions tightly, not wanting to break down in front of him.
“Yes?” Daiki asked
“Let’s talk. I will explain” Takaki replied, standing within a distance he could still reach and touch Daiki
“Explain what?” Daiki asked “Explain how you and Kei managed to make a baby? I’m pretty knowledgeable with that Yuya and of course you know that” she hissed
“Please” Takaki begged
“I don’t want you to explain” Daiki shook her head “And if in case you still don’t know, we’re done” she said and turned to leave first
“Please” Takaki hurried to her side “Daiki, don’t do this” he shook his head “I~ I just wanted to help Kei that time. She was hurt” he started explaining but Daiki managed to volume his voice and hurried away from him. Takaki had continued trying to explain to her but Daiki managed to ignore him not just for a day even until the gathering mentioned to her before came.
Daiki entered the rather huge pub and looked around, spotting her former classmates. She smiled at them then headed to the tables where they were assigned, stopping as she saw Takaki seated there already. He looked at her, his eyes slightly red and his stubble slightly obvious due to his obvious neglect on his self. They stared at each other for a moment but Daiki managed to turn her attention to one of her old classmates, smiling as she sat next to her.
It was some time later when someone tapped Daiki and made her turn to look. Yabu grinned as their eyes met and that made Daiki grin back. She stood up and looked up to Yabu who seemed to have grown taller again the years they didn’t see each other.
“Wow” Daiki giggled, pushing Kota’s spectacles back in place as it slid down the latter’s nose “You look very professional” she nodded down, hugging then Yabu who returned her affection “How are you?” she asked then told the one sitting next to her earlier that she’d be joining him, getting then an okay.
“I’ve been very good, really” Yabu smiled, sitting on one barstool and helped Daiki as she took one stool as well
“Obviously” Daiki rolled her eyes
“How about you? You look very tired and somehow, weird” Yabu pointed out
“I’m tired, right” Daiki sighed “And a little bit weird” she smiled
“What happened?” Yabu asked, holding on Daiki’s hand
“Things” Daiki replied and sighed heavily, turning then as a shadow fell on them
“Hello” Takaki greeted, looking at Daiki broodingly then turning his attention to Yabu
“Oh” Yabu blinked and stood up with a smile “Long time no see” he nodded down, shaking Takaki’s hand “How have you been?” he asked
“I’m just good” Takaki drawled, sitting then next to Daiki, touching her hand and rested his head on the bar counter.
“Is he okay?” Yabu asked, frowning at Takaki who was now kneading Daiki’s palm
“I hope” Daiki shrugged and turned to Takaki “Go home if you’re drunk” she said “Yuya” she said and felt her throat tightening. She swallowed, stopping her tears from coming out. She then put her arm around his shoulder, leaning on him as she rested her forehead at the back of his head. She bit her lower lip, engulfing Takaki’s scent.
“Daichan?” Yabu called then making her look up to him, a tear rolling down her cheek “Hey~” he crooned
“I need to get away from here” Daiki said, pulling her hand from Takaki who didn’t protest and let her be.
“I’ll get you home” Yabu offered with a frown. Both of them exited the pub and Daiki sat silent in Yabu’s car as they drove their way. “Did you break up with Takaki?” he asked then
“I did” Daiki replied. She stepped out of the car as they reached her home and Yabu did walk her until the doorsteps. Hesitating, Daiki looked at Yabu then to her home. She looked down then sighed, knowing that sooner or later, Yabu will know the reason why things are this way. “Come in” she invited and walked in.
“Daichan, have you eaten dinner already?” Daiki heard her stepmother calling, followed by a coo. Sighing again, Daiki walked to the kitchen where she found her parents and Reiji seated on the highchair they bought for him, to join them in their meals. “Oh, Kota-kun” Daiki’s stepmother greeted
“Hello” Yabu greeted back
“Good thing I cooked a little bit too many”
“Mom” Daiki called then “Can we talk on our own?” she asked
“Oh, okay” was what she got “Rei eats in bits” she instructed and stood up, leaving them alone in the kitchen
“What talk?” Yabu asked, taking the chair on the dining table and looked at the baby on the high chair. He stared for a minute or so, a frown soon appearing on his brows.
“He looks like his mother” Daiki smiled thinly, reaching for the spoon on the table. She wanted to feel hatred towards the child but she couldn’t bring herself to hate him more than a minute. He’s innocent and caught in between. She could barely look at him at the first days he stayed with them but slowly she managed to greet him and then feed him.
“His mother?” Yabu asked silently
“Kei” Daiki replied “You’ve been away for so long” she looked down, feeding Reiji a small bit of carrot “You haven’t heard what happened yet” she then looked at Yabu “Kei’s gone” she said and watched as color left Yabu “She died so instantly that until now I couldn’t believe that she’s already gone. I still think at times, she’s just in Hokkaido and studying” she snorted “But then she’s gone, what can we do?” she asked
“What happened?” Yabu asked almost in a whisper
“Aneurysm” Daiki replied “I really don’t know since I couldn’t stand listening on how she died” she swallowed hard “It was one issue. Reiji is the another one” she said and gave Reiji another bit of carrot
“’nough!” Reiji exclaimed “I don’t like carrots!” he shook his head
“Really? I thought you like orange?” Daiki asked, making the child blink
“I like orange” Reiji replied then went silent as Daiki gave him another bit of carrot
“He’s cute” Daiki smiled and earned a smile from Reiji as well “Want to guess his age?” she asked, looking at Yabu who shook his head and looked at the child too “He’s three” she answered and Yabu looked at her again “Meaning, Kei’s conceiving him even before our high school graduation” she shook her head “You can guess who the father is” she said, her smile leaving her lips
Yabu looked at the child again, silent as he observed then he closed his eyes and stood up, leaving the table to stand by the window of the kitchen.
“Takaki Yuya” Yabu said in a whisper
“That’s right” Daiki nodded down, wiping Reiji’s lips
“Does he know?” Yabu asked
“Yes” Daiki replied
Yabu turned and looked at Reiji again. He closed his eyes once more.
“Painful?” Daiki asked
“For me?” Yabu asked instead “No” he shook his head “Because I don’t own Kei to stop her from what she wants to do” he said “But, how about you?” he asked
“I’m angry and hurt and sad and I don’t know” Daiki replied “I want to hurt Yuya so much but I couldn’t. I want to blame Rei but I couldn’t. Why?” she asked, her eyes flooding with tears again “I want to know what happened for this result to come but I couldn’t swallow to listen. I don’t want to hate Yuya more than I hate him now. I love him so much that I want to hurt him too, to slap or punch or even kick him” she sniffed “Kota? Am I wrong on being like this?” she asked
“No” Yabu shook his head “Daiki” he called and watched as she turned pale.
“I want to see him but I can’t take to look at him” Daiki whispered “I want him to be with me, to stay with me forever but I can’t take the idea of him near me” she whimpered, standing up and walked out of the kitchen. Yabu followed her and saw her by the stairs. She took a step but before she could take another one, her hand slipped off the rail and Yabu was fast enough to catch her.
-----
Takaki hurried to the hospital as fast as he can and as he reached it, the first person he saw was Yabu. He walked towards him and the glare he gave told him that the latter already knows the situation. Still, he braved his self. He wants to make sure that Daiki is alright.
“How is she?” Takaki asked
“Just another mild attack” Yabu replied “She was stressed and tired at the same time” he explained
“Is everything okay now?” Takaki asked then
“Yes” Yabu replied “She’s just resting” he nodded down “But she’d be dropping from school and continue it when she’s fine enough” he explained
“I see” Takaki looked down “Can I see her?” he asked hesitantly
“Of course” Yabu nodded down “But she’s asleep” he said
“I’ll just look at her” Takaki said
“She’s in 317” Yabu smiled thinly then
“Thank you” Takaki replied and walked ahead
“Takaki” Yabu called then making the brunette stop “I’m adopting Reiji” he said and watched as Takaki frown at his statement. He then turned and left, leaving Takaki standing there.
Daiki is sleeping like Yabu said as Takaki entered the room. She was there, breathing evenly though there’s an oxygen mask next to her. She’s pale and her lips are still a bit blue. Sitting on the chair next to her bed, Takaki reached for her hand and slightly felt teary as her fingers curled to hold him too. She’d do that too even when she’s just sleeping next to him.
“Hey” Takaki greeted “I hope you get well” he said “You know~” he started “I can’t forgive myself too with what happened. I can’t blame the kid for being born. I want to say sorry but that’s not enough for hurting you” he sniffed, wiping the tear that rolled down his cheek. “To tell you the truth I forgot that night already until he came, reminding me that I did something you’ll never forgive” he sniffed again “Yabu dumped Kei that time. She told me that Yabu wants her to grow up first before he could start a relationship with her. She wasn’t going anywhere when I saw her at the overhead shed that day. I told her to go home already but she won’t listen. I invited her to my house, not wanting to leave her depressed at school” he swallowed “Then things just went off the way. I didn’t know why I thought it will help that time. I regretted it the morning I woke up, so did Kei. We promised to forget it and I did. She did too I guess not until maybe when she found out she’s pregnant already. She didn’t tell me too, of course I was shocked too when I saw the kid” he sniffed “I want to say sorry but that’s not going to be enough” he shook his head “If you want me to disappear, then I’ll disappear” he looked down “Daiki, I love you” he said
“I love you too” Daiki spoke then making Takaki look up at her “So much that I hurt whenever I see you” she rasped “Yuya, why can’t I forgive you even though I want to? I want to say that it’s okay that all of us does a mistake or two but whenever I see you, I just can’t let myself forget” she closed her eyes “Maybe~ the only way is to let go” she sighed
Takaki waited for her to speak again but as he checked, she went back sleeping again. He touched her forehead and kissed her temple, smiling a little then as she sighed after he pulled away.
“Thank you for trying to forgive me” Takaki said “Bye” he pulled away completely and left the room.
-----
The sky was blue, clear of clouds making the day so bright. Daiki lifted her head to look at it and remembered a day. She turned her head to wait but of course nothing will come anymore. Three years had already passed since Kei died and three years had passed too since she broke up with Takaki. Remembering his name still makes her heart ache but unlike before where she couldn’t even breathe. She somehow managed to move on, not alone of course.
“Mummy” Reiji appeared from the hallway, hurrying towards her. She grimaced as he hurled his self to her but giggled as Reiji kissed her cheek. Painfully, as Reiji grows up his resemblance to Takaki is becoming prominent. He got his father’s bone structure and somehow a little of Takaki’s personality is showing too. “Aren’t you the cutest mummy in the whole wide world?” he asked
“Reiji” Daiki narrowed her eyes
“Okay~” Reiji drawled, pulling away then “Dad, says Ruri’s almost ready” he nodded down “And you can start locking the doors” he grinned
“Hmm~” Daiki arched a brow and stood up “Why don’t you get my bag now?” she asked, pinching his jaw since no matter how heavy she feeds him, he wouldn’t gain weight at all.
“Alright” Reiji nodded down and ran out of the room. Daiki shook her head and slid the door of the veranda close, locking it and turned to find Reiji coming back but not carrying her bag but rather her daughter who’s gurgling happily as her brother talks about something related to candies and merry go rounds. “Mum” he called
“Rei” Daiki whined and reached for her daughter “Don’t hold Ruri so tightly” she shook her head
“Sorry” Reiji pouted “She’s excited to go to the amusement park” he grinned
“You too” Daiki smiled, kissing the top of his head
“You have to buy me cotton candy, popcorn and soda” Reiji nodded down
“Alright” Daiki rolled her eyes and looked up as she heard footsteps from their stairs. She surpassed her laughter after seeing her husband carrying her bag and when he saw her snort, he narrowed his eyes and smiled as he reached them.
“Do I look girly in this?” Kota asked, showing Daiki’s bag
“No” Daiki shook her head “You look manly and weird with my bag” she pointed out
“Anything you say” Kota winked, kissing the bridge of her nose. “Let’s go and it’ll be hotter later, Ruri hates warm weather” he shook his head
The amusement park as they had expected was crowded and Kota had insisted Daiki to sit on one shaded bench where she’d rest with Ruri since she had started throwing a fit with the swarm of people new to her eyes. Daiki had managed to calm her down already and was simply waiting for Kota and Reiji to come from the candy shop where their son had insisted going in earlier.
“Mum” Reiji called, making Daiki look at him as he runs towards her. She smiled as he excitedly waved his bag of candies with a red balloon tied on his left wrist.
“Did you enjoy the candies?” Daiki asked
“Yes but I lost Dad” Reiji nodded down “I don’t know how I should find him so I just went here so you can call him that I’m here already” he explained
“You’re so dead to him later” Daiki shook her head “You’re six and people tend to get kids your age because you’re yummy” she grinned
“Huh” Reiji snorted “I was told the same thing every time you and Dad scare me, it’s not working” he shook his head “Besides someone helped me to find you since there are lots of benches here” he nodded down
“Who?” Daiki asked
“Hmm~” Reiji narrowed his eyes amongst the crowd “He says he can’t go here so he let me go half way towards you” he explained “Ah!” he exclaimed and raised both his hand, waving them violently.
Daiki looked where Reiji is waving and narrowed her eyes to the figure standing far from them. She wasn’t able to see his face just the blur of his brunette head but that was enough for Daiki to recognize him.
“Mum?” Reiji asked, touching Daiki’s cheek “Why are you crying?” he asked in concern
“Oh” Daiki blinked and sniffed “Nothing” she shook her head and reached for Reiji, holding him in a very tight hug, trapping Ruri in between them, making her whine
“Mum, Ruri’s getting mad. I’m okay but she’s not” Reiji said “Shh~” he just ended up assuring her about something he doesn’t know. Her tears stopped only when Kota came and hushed her in comfort of his embrace.
She did enjoy the day but she couldn’t help but turn her head to anywhere. As kids tire that they even ended up sleeping, Daiki leaned back to her seat in their car and watched the blur of the buildings they pass.
“I saw him” Daiki said then
“I know” Kota nodded down “You haven’t cried that much for three years” he smiled as Daiki looked at him
“Are you mad?” Daiki asked then
“No” Kota frowned
“You’re mad” Daiki smiled and snorted, reaching to hold on Kota’s hand “Because I loved him that much that I still cry seeing him there? Or because I cried again because of him?” she asked
“Because you cried” Kota sighed “I don’t like it when I see you cry” he shook his head
“Oh, Kota” Daiki sighed “I cry for the love I had for him” she shook her head “I smile for loving you” she tilted her head “In any sane person’s view, I think smiling while loving someone is better” she pointed out
“I’m still jealous” Kota smiled, looking at her
“Then I’m happy for that” Daiki smiled back “I love you” she said, touching his cheek
“I love you more” Kota replied
“Good” Daiki nodded down “It should always be like that” she grinned
-----
Takaki shoved his hands in his pocket, his eyes at the back of his son. Well he is his son but he’s not his child anymore. He looked up to the shaded benches where he saw Daiki seated and smiled to his self after seeing her well and healthy. The baby in her arms was sleeping and he’s sure that she resembles Daiki very much. He wanted that image for himself before, he still wanted it but then he cannot do that anymore. He broke it himself and there’s no way he could repair it anymore, if ever he did manage to glue the pieces back together, their relationship would be more than fragile. It would be like a thread. It might still be there, the love and the adoration but broken, it could connect again by tying them once more but Daiki chose not to anymore. She’s right, Takaki can do a millions of knots to tie them together but it still remains broken.
He turned as he saw her look at him when Reiji waved at his direction. He was careless to let Daiki see him, he doesn’t want to trouble her anymore. He wants to look at her again but he knows that if he does that, he’s not just going to hurt Daiki but also his self.
“Bye” Takaki muttered and left completely, knowing that Yabu’s there to stop Daiki crying and make her smile again.
ENJOY READING AND COMMENTS ARE LOVED!
Author: rae_yna
Pairing: TaDaiki, YabuNoo[somehow]
Rating: PG
Warning: Kei and Daiki are girls. And one of a twist in a fast sequence of story XD.
A/N: I am very lazy today and I even don’t want to post this yet or any of the fictions hanging up there doing nothing but yeah~I just feel lazy and sick at the same time.., well, whatever., ENJOY READING AND COMMENTS ARE LOVED!
Summary: Daiki and Kei are stepsisters. Daiki doesn’t like Kei who has a crush on Yabu who is Daiki’s relative through her mother’s sister’s sister in law. Then, Takaki came and fell for Daiki who turned her dislike to hate on Kei who’s in good terms with Takaki who’s jealous of Yabu who can possibly have a relationship with Daiki.
PART 1: I, She, He and You
Daiki yelped and stifled her shriek. She turned and glared at Takaki who, for the nth time managed to sneak behind her and startle her by touching the back of her knee, deftly. She gritted her teeth and tried to suppress her anger but it wasn’t working anymore. She reached out, grabbing Takaki’s lengthy hair and pulled him down her level.
“You never learn!” Daiki shrieked at Takaki’s ear, who winced and tried to pull away from her. As she let go, Daiki stomped angrily away leaving him staring at her. He turned to look at their classmates, watching them in interest and grinned.
“Well, it’s not worth it if there’s no challenge” Takaki shrugged. Five months have passed now since he had dared Daiki. Considering his past, five months is very lengthy. But he doesn’t mind especially that he knows that every effort he pulls and put into courting Daiki is worth it.
Takaki walked on the usual hall, bringing his self towards the usual spot where he could find Daiki but as he looked at the overhead, he didn’t see Daiki. He slightly frowned and turned to the storage room, still not finding her.
“She’s not here” Yabu said the moment Takaki slid the door of the council room open. The brunette slightly frowned then and still entered the room, knowing by instinct that Daiki is in the room.
“Well, I can chill in here for a while” Takaki nodded down, sitting on one of the chairs in the room. He looked at Yabu and thinly smiled before resting his head on the backrest of his chair.
“The bell’s going to ring in ten minutes, you can chill here that long but after that, I’m going in my own class” Yabu shrugged, looking at the papers on his table.
“What is Daiki like when she was~” Takaki started
“Cute” Yabu replied simply “Her face, it’s the same when we’re kids” he shrugged “She thinks that she’s chubby~ ow” he groaned “But she’s not, she just have puffy cheeks and she’s petite” he smiled. He then lifted his head and used his eyes to just look down to his left, telling Takaki something that the brunette instantly understood. “Before Kei came, Daiki is really cheerful. She never fails to smile and it’s infectious” he sighed “I loved that side of her” he nodded down “Well, I think you can imagine what it’s like when she smiles or maybe not because all you two do lately is to bicker anywhere” he pointed out
“I love teasing her” Takaki grinned “Her cheeks become red and her eyes flashes angrily” he smirked and then stood up, walking silently towards the Yabu’s desk’s left side. He then sat in squat, peering his head to the other side to see Daiki leaning on the table, making faces as she twitches her fingers. “And she’s always like a rat on the run, making me, the cat in the game, have more fun than expected” he added, blowing then Daiki’s ear, making her jump on her feet. Takaki stood up as well and grinned at Yabu who snorted his laugh and concealed it instantly, pretending to do his paperworks.
“Kota!” Daiki whined
“This place is not a hiding place, Daichan” Yabu shook his head “I can’t let you always hide here, so if I were you, you have to find another place and make sure that nobody else knows it since I think, with Takaki-kun’s skills, your guts will be spilled even before you know it” he shrugged
“Damn it!” Daiki snapped, walking out of the council room as well
Takaki stared at her back then turned his attention to Yabu who shook his head at him.
“Don’t tease her too much” Yabu minded “You can’t make her cry, literally. If you noticed, Daichan never expresses her anger easily and only uses her harsh words. If things get too much, she cries and it’s a bad thing” he shrugged
“How so?” Takaki asked
“She has genetic disease” Yabu shrugged and went back to his work.
He wasn’t able to persuade Yabu to tell him what kind of genetic disease Daiki has but he has another source. Takaki smiled at Kei as she stepped out of her classroom. She did the same and walked with him, heading to the shoe lockers.
“I heard Daichan inherited a disease” Takaki started and Kei imply glanced at him
“I bet it’s from Kota but he didn’t tell you what kind of disease it is, so you are now going to ask me” Kei smiled
“Well, you are not named after intelligence if you didn’t manage on deducting information that fast” Takaki shrugged
“She has this disease” Kei said, stopping to point at Takaki’s left part of chest. “Her late mother died because of that, a heart hole” she shrugged “So you can start lessening the surprises, one time you’d make her drop dead in front of you” she shook her head “You don’t want that, do you?”she smiled
Now he understands why he never sees Daiki in any gym or outdoor activities.
-----
Daiki blinked and turned to look behind her if Takaki is close by. She was expecting him to jump out of nowhere again to anger her but nothing came. Shaking her head, she headed to their classroom to find it empty since it’s time for their outdoors activity. She was assigned to do light works but she knows that she can do better than those. Not that she had an attack or something in the school when she tried running a hundred meter. It was because her father was worried about her and told the whole faculty about her situation. She concluded that it was because of that that she couldn’t really beat Kei from being the first. Kei could play volleyball and all while Daiki sits back and watch only, earning her no point at all.
She sat on her place and started scribbling on her notes, reading in advance for her next classes. She even ignored the one who entered the room, since she knows that the outdoors activities are nearly done.
“Hey” Takaki greeted softly and made Daiki look up, to find him squatting in front of her desk. He’s still wearing his gym clothes with his hair tied. He’s neat and has no sweat from his activity, making Daiki somehow admire him.
“What?” Daiki asked, softly too making her feel unexpectedly unlike her when she’s talking with Takaki.
“Nothing” Takaki shook his head, reaching out to touch Daiki on the cheek. He was thankful that she didn’t pull away and just let him rest his hand on her cheek. He rubbed her lower lip with his thumb and gently brushed her forefinger on her eyebrow. “You have a scar” he said then in a frown
“Ah” Daiki blinked “I fell before” she said “And it scarred” she shrugged
“Did it hurt?” Takaki asked
“Of course, it did” Daiki snorted. She was then taken aback as Takaki leaned forwards and kissed her brow, just where her scar is. “What are you doing?” she asked
“Nothing” Takaki smiled, brushing her cheek with his knuckles “I’ll go change clothes now” he said and straightened up
“Do you even have to tell me that?” Daiki called out as Takaki headed to the door
“Well, I want you to agonize while imagining my sexy body as I change my clothes” Takaki winked
“In your dreams!” Daiki chuckled and watched as Takaki stepped out of the room. As soon as she was sure that he’s gone, she grimaced and took a shaky breath, gripping on her uniform. Earlier when Takaki kissed her on her brow, she felt her heart skip a beat but the pain was bearable. Still, the sudden attack wasn’t expected and to think that her last one was ages ago already that she couldn’t even remember it anymore, that she couldn’t remember she even has this problem. Curling her arm over her desk, Daiki rested her head on it and closed her eyes. The nausea and irregular flow of her system draining her all of a sudden.
“Daichan?” Kei softly called and made her look up.
“What are you doing here?” Daiki panted, grimacing at the sting of her movement. She gasped and fisted her hand. Kei held her hand then and her anger for stepsister dissolved for a moment, thankful that she’s there somehow.
“I was on my way to my classroom and I saw you. Did you bring your medicine?” Kei asked
“It’s in my bag” Daiki replied “I just need a rest, I don’t need to take the pill” she said then
“Are you sure?” Kei asked
“Yes” Daiki answered “Don’t tell daddy. I don’t like it when I go to the hospital and skip school for observation” she said then
“But~” Kei protested
“Please, Kei” Daiki begged
“Alright but I’ll bring you the infirmary and tell Kota” Kei said
“No” Daiki shook her head
“Pick one. I’ll tell Dad or Kota” Kei offered
Yabu came five minutes after Kei had left her in the infirmary and had insisted that they should tell her father but after another set of begging, Daiki closed her eyes, resting herself. The pain had already disappeared and she’s back to the way she normally feels but somewhere in her mind, she’s scared of having another one. She knows the reason her mother died and she’s really scared of having the same fate, though it’s inevitable since she got everything from her mother - including her heart problem.
-----
Takaki frowned as their third period came and Daiki still hasn’t shown up. Even their teachers were shocked to know that she wasn’t around but they didn’t fuss over it that much. He thought at first that Daiki might just be late or something but then as lunch came, with her still not around, Takaki headed to the room next to theirs and waited until Class A was dismissed. He spotted Kota coming out and he simply shrugged and looked back to the room, calling for Kei.
“She’s down with a fever” Kei said not even hearing Takaki’s question. “She insisted on coming but she was forced to stay home” she pointed out “If you want to see her today, you can come and visit her” she added
He’d been once in their house but somehow, knowing that he came to visit Daiki, Takaki felt a little uncomfortable especially the moment Kei told her stepfather the purpose he’s there. He was looked at carefully, frowned at for moment then was shrugged off as the head of the family headed to wherever he went.
“Daichan’s room’s two doors from mine, the middle room was a connecting room to our rooms but we barely use it so it was turned into a closet” Kei explained as she climbs the stairs “We wanted to turn it into another bedroom but unfortunately we are not blessed to have another sister or brother” she shrugged “Shh~” she hushed then as they reached the end of the hall at the second storey of their house. Kei carefully twisted the knob of a room, and peeked inside. “Daichan” she called out softly
“I’m not in the mood Kei to hear your story of the day” Daiki’s reply came then making Takaki smile. She sounds tired but all in all her sarcasm is still as sturdy as her character.
“Maybe my story of the day will brighten you up” Takaki spoke then, carefully entering Daiki’s room. He stood there, taking in the appearance of the room but he’s much more focused on the bed where Daiki is currently lying down, not on her back but rather on her stomach and is reading a book. He slightly frowned, his mind going through his memories of her. Either she would be bickering with him or she’s reading something were the ones that he recovered.
Daiki blinked at his sudden entrance and wasn’t able to react quickly, well, it’s not her fault if he finds her undesirable now after seeing her in her sleeping clothes, nipping on one of her favourite snacks and is reading while lying on her stomach. She wasn’t feeling that bad but due to her father’s insistence of her resting, she yielded and let him do what he wants.
“I don’t need it either” Daiki shook her head, sitting and finishing the stick of pocky she’d been nipping at. “What are you doing here?” she asked then
“I heard my sweety is sick so I came to visit you” Takaki winked, settling then on the bed, reaching out to touch Daiki who slapped his hand away from her “Moody?” he asked
“More of like, what the hell? I didn’t even allow you in my room” Daiki grimaced “Kei” she frowned at her stepsister
“He’s just worried” Kei pointed out
“Invasion” Daiki grimaced
“I’ll get you two some snacks and teas” Kei offered and exited the room
“How are you feeling” Takaki asked, soon as Kei left them alone in the room
“Obviously, just fine” Daiki shook off and climbed off her bed, opening then the door to her own veranda. “They just do the overreaction thingy whenever it’s me involved in the sickness” she grimaced “With those aside, what do you need? I bet you didn’t even copy notes for me to catch up with the lessons I’ve missed today” she pointed out
“Oh” Takaki blinked and stood up “I never did that before so I have nothing to share to you now” he shrugged
“I knew it” Daiki blew a breath and then frowned as Takaki stood closer to her
“But I have something to give you” Takaki grinned and cupped Daiki’s chin
“If you kiss me” Daiki started “I’ll knee your precious part” she threatened and that was enough to make Takaki step away from her “I guess that’s really important for you” she snorted
“Of course!” Takaki exclaimed, looking at Daiki in amusement “I need it for our bright future. The family we are going to build. Baby girls with your curls or baby boys with my handsomeness” he winked as Daiki looked at him in disbelief
”Just my curls?” Daiki asked
“Of course not” Takaki shook his head “They’ll also have your pert nose and pretty eyes” he said
“I don’t need that” Daiki grimaced “I’m scared to have brown monkey as a son” she faked a shiver
“You don’t have to worry” Takaki shook his head “I’m pretty fair skinned but because I keep on playing outside my skin tanned” he nodded down
“And I’m not going to have babies with you” Daiki grimaced “I’m just seventeen and planning that this early is ridiculous. You’re not even my boyfriend to begin with, which make this creepy” she pointed out
“Then, why don’t we make it not creepy?” Takaki asked “I’ll marry you anywhere you want” he winked
“In your dreams” Daiki scoffed
Kei came in with the snacks she promised and saw the two seated just on Daiki’s plush floor, with Daiki glaring at Takaki who was chuckling as she came. She put the tray down the floor, closer to Daiki and smiled at her.
“I’ll be in my room” Kei said and headed off first.
“I’m curious why you don’t like Kei” Takaki started then as he reached for a sandwich and scooted closer to Daiki
“Because I have inferiority complex” Daiki grumbled, pushing Takaki slightly as he inched closer again but sighed heavily as Takaki didn’t budge and even managed to put an arm around her shoulders. She glared at him then reached for her own sandwich. “Why do you keep on coming on to me?” she mumbled, biting on her sandwich
“Because~” Takaki sighed this time “I really like you. The moment I saw you walking out of your classroom the day we first met, I felt pulled by you. I could have asked anyone that time but I chose to ask you, even though you have this, “leave me alone aura”, then I wasn’t wrong choosing you. You’re definitely cute and has this challenging personality which drooped down when your sister came” he nodded down, playing with a strand of Daiki’s hair.
“Whatever” Daiki sighed too, melting then in Takaki’s warmth. “You’re just persistent” she added
-----
Daiki turned her head and looked at the backseats where the boys are seated, she slightly glared at Takaki who winked and blew a kiss to her. She then giggled and turned her attention to the crowd seated at the top chairs, where parents are settled and saw her father and stepmother. She smiled as they waved at her, then she turned her attention to the seats to her left, spotting her stepsister looking up to the stage where currently Yabu is giving his last speech as the council president and passing his position to another student. There are dark circles under her eyes, somehow ruining her beauty for the last day she’d spent in her high school. Kei turned to look at her too but as their eyes met, her stepsister instantly turned her head away, biting her lower lip and started gnawing on it. Daiki slightly frowned at her but ignored it as Yabu’s voice came back for her to listen at.
“Now, I call for the student’s representative to give the closing speech” Yabu announced “Inoo Kei” he called
Daiki slightly pouted as she watched her sister walk up the stage and take the spot on the podium from Yabu to speak. She wanted to do that but then she couldn’t do anything about it anymore. She wouldn’t be able to beat Kei just yet in academics, she accepted it already, not easily but with Takaki’s help, yeah, she ended up just giving up on stealing the number one spot from Kei.
“This day marks the end of our high school days, we all have been through a lot of things and went through it not as easy as a thread going in a needle’s hole” Kei started, clearing her throat then “I, myself had worked hard and I feel accomplished as I now look at us, sitting in this gym, listening to my closing remarks. You all might think that this is going to be long, yes, maybe, but really it is not since I hate long speeches as well but I was forced by someone, you all know who, to deliver this five thousand words speech” she giggled as the students groaned in disbelief “I’m just joking” she added “I just want to say that the years I’ve spent with you all are fun and very much memorable. I will miss you all” she said “The end” she chuckled, making others be infected with her too.
As students drifted off on their own, Daiki waved at Takaki who nodded down at her then turned to where his parents are. She hasn’t met them officially, yet, because she hasn’t even said yes to him but to people, they are already going out since several had spotted them already kissing or even being touchy to each other, mostly Takaki does both but it’s Daiki fault not preventing him.
Maybe things are just going well enough.
“What?” Daiki asked as she lifted her head and looked at her stepsister, seated across her.
“I said” Kei blinked “I will be studying in Hokkaido” she said
“That’s so far away!” Kei’s mother exclaimed
“I know” Kei nodded down
Daiki stared at her sister for a while, noting then the dark circles under her eyes that were darker compared to before and the strains, she’s obviously hiding from them. She slightly frowned but when Kei met her eyes and smiled, Daiki shook the thought of her sister going through a problem.
----
Daiki managed to enter one of the best universities and was happy with it but what startled her was when Takaki showed her that he could stalk her anywhere she goes. She shook her head the first day of her lectures as Takaki entered the room and winked as he instantly spotted her.
“I heard Kei moved” Takaki started as he settled next to Daiki
“Yeah” Daiki shrugged “She wants it and we can’t change it anymore” she sighed
“Well, sometimes there are things geniuses do that we don’t understand” Takaki shrugged
“Well~” Daiki shrugged
“Well” Takaki imitated and tucked a strand of Daiki’s hair behind her ear.
“Stop being touchy” Daiki sneered at him but let him be as Takaki held her hand, twining their fingers.
Days in university, is a lot different from high school, Daiki noted. There are days it is very easy but there are days that it is horrible, especially if examinations are included. She learned to manage her time accordingly, including Takaki who she had finally accepted her boyfriend.
“Hey, there’s a gathering next month” Takaki said as he sat next to Daiki in the cafeteria. They are in their third year already and Daiki is already on the verge of crying because of the incoming examinations.
“I don’t care about anything!” Daiki snapped, burying her face on her hands “I hate you” she cried in muffles
“Come on, not that you don’t pass anything” Takaki pointed out “I heard, Kota’s coming too” he said and that made Daiki lift her head, her eyes red already from stopping her tears. “Hearing his name makes you perk like a kid” he narrowed his eyes, pinching then Daiki’s nose
“I haven’t heard a thing from him like Kei since we heard that he passed his law school!” Daiki exclaimed “Unlike you, who I see every day” she grimaced, slapping Takaki’s hand from her
“Well, are you coming or not? You can try asking Kei too, if you can connect the call to her” Takaki invited
“Alright” Daiki sighed
-----
“I’m home” Daiki called out, slapping Takaki’s hand away as he tried helping her as she removes her shoes. She then walked towards their living room where the only light is coming from and when she took a step in the room, she stopped making Takaki bump on her.
“What’s wrong?” Takaki asked and looked ahead to see what his girlfriend saw.
“Dad?” Daiki asked in concern, going in fully in their living room. “What’s wrong?” she asked and looked around to see if her stepmother is somewhere to ask as well, but she wasn’t there.
“Kei” her father started but then buried his face on his palms
“What happened to Kei?” Daiki asked and turned to look at Takaki who held her hand to give her the comfort she might need
“She~” her father started “She’s dead” he confessed
“What?” Daiki rasped and blinked in disbelief. She then felt Takaki’s arms around her. “How?” she squeaked “I thought she’s just in Hokkaido! She’s okay, right?” she asked “I know I hate her but telling me she’s dead is not a bit funny” she shook her head
“I really hoped too that it was just a joke, Daiki” her father spoke then “But~” he shook his head “She died two days ago. Brain aneurysm” he said “Your mother’s worried about her lack of communications since last month. We let two weeks pass before we headed to where she lives and discovered she died in the hospital and they were to inform us about it already” he explained “She’s just twenty-one, Daiki. Twenty-one” he whispered
“You’re lying” Daiki sniffed and turned to Takaki completely, burying her face on his chest “She couldn’t be dead” she whispered
“Daichan” Takaki comforted, hugging her close.
-----
Daiki sat at the doorsteps of their house with Takaki, waiting for her parents to come. They all decided that it was better to have Kei’s burial in Hokkaido instead of travelling her body back home. Today was the day they’d bring Kei’s ashes back and still, Daiki couldn’t believe that the sister she envied so much had died already. She had a mild heart pain and that was the reason she couldn’t travel to Hokkaido as well.
“They’re here” Takaki whispered and helped Daiki to stand. Soon her parent’s car came and stopped just there. Daiki watched as her father stepped out first, holding on the box that has Kei’s urn then she somehow ended up frowning as her stepmother stepped out, not alone but rather with someone in her arms. A child and Daiki guessed that he might just be two or three.
“Daichan” her father greeted with a warm smile
“Who is that?” Daiki asked, looking at the child carefully as her stepmother came closer. But she shouldn’t have asked it especially that the resemblance the child has with Kei is very obvious, but something else in the child is showing a familiarity that made Daiki shiver as she placed it in her mind.
“His name is Reiji” her stepmother introduced “He’s Kei’s son” she nodded down
Daiki closed her eyes and bit her lower lip then opened her eyes again, staring at the child. Reiji has his mother’s curls, nose and lips but his eyes were of~. Daiki’s lower lip quivered and she slowly looked at her lover. Takaki stood there staring at the child, pale and disbelieving. Daiki swallowed hard and stepped away from Takaki who tried to reach for her.
“No” Daiki whimpered and ran inside the house, locking herself in her bedroom. She heard Takaki knocking a second after she bolted her room but she ignored him and hid herself under her blankets.
After three days of locking herself in her room, barely touching the food her father had brought to her, Daiki stepped out, needing to go to her university.
“Daiki”
Daiki tensed up as she heard Takaki calling her. She’s not yet ready to see him but bracing herself, she turned and looked as he walked towards her. She held her emotions tightly, not wanting to break down in front of him.
“Yes?” Daiki asked
“Let’s talk. I will explain” Takaki replied, standing within a distance he could still reach and touch Daiki
“Explain what?” Daiki asked “Explain how you and Kei managed to make a baby? I’m pretty knowledgeable with that Yuya and of course you know that” she hissed
“Please” Takaki begged
“I don’t want you to explain” Daiki shook her head “And if in case you still don’t know, we’re done” she said and turned to leave first
“Please” Takaki hurried to her side “Daiki, don’t do this” he shook his head “I~ I just wanted to help Kei that time. She was hurt” he started explaining but Daiki managed to volume his voice and hurried away from him. Takaki had continued trying to explain to her but Daiki managed to ignore him not just for a day even until the gathering mentioned to her before came.
Daiki entered the rather huge pub and looked around, spotting her former classmates. She smiled at them then headed to the tables where they were assigned, stopping as she saw Takaki seated there already. He looked at her, his eyes slightly red and his stubble slightly obvious due to his obvious neglect on his self. They stared at each other for a moment but Daiki managed to turn her attention to one of her old classmates, smiling as she sat next to her.
It was some time later when someone tapped Daiki and made her turn to look. Yabu grinned as their eyes met and that made Daiki grin back. She stood up and looked up to Yabu who seemed to have grown taller again the years they didn’t see each other.
“Wow” Daiki giggled, pushing Kota’s spectacles back in place as it slid down the latter’s nose “You look very professional” she nodded down, hugging then Yabu who returned her affection “How are you?” she asked then told the one sitting next to her earlier that she’d be joining him, getting then an okay.
“I’ve been very good, really” Yabu smiled, sitting on one barstool and helped Daiki as she took one stool as well
“Obviously” Daiki rolled her eyes
“How about you? You look very tired and somehow, weird” Yabu pointed out
“I’m tired, right” Daiki sighed “And a little bit weird” she smiled
“What happened?” Yabu asked, holding on Daiki’s hand
“Things” Daiki replied and sighed heavily, turning then as a shadow fell on them
“Hello” Takaki greeted, looking at Daiki broodingly then turning his attention to Yabu
“Oh” Yabu blinked and stood up with a smile “Long time no see” he nodded down, shaking Takaki’s hand “How have you been?” he asked
“I’m just good” Takaki drawled, sitting then next to Daiki, touching her hand and rested his head on the bar counter.
“Is he okay?” Yabu asked, frowning at Takaki who was now kneading Daiki’s palm
“I hope” Daiki shrugged and turned to Takaki “Go home if you’re drunk” she said “Yuya” she said and felt her throat tightening. She swallowed, stopping her tears from coming out. She then put her arm around his shoulder, leaning on him as she rested her forehead at the back of his head. She bit her lower lip, engulfing Takaki’s scent.
“Daichan?” Yabu called then making her look up to him, a tear rolling down her cheek “Hey~” he crooned
“I need to get away from here” Daiki said, pulling her hand from Takaki who didn’t protest and let her be.
“I’ll get you home” Yabu offered with a frown. Both of them exited the pub and Daiki sat silent in Yabu’s car as they drove their way. “Did you break up with Takaki?” he asked then
“I did” Daiki replied. She stepped out of the car as they reached her home and Yabu did walk her until the doorsteps. Hesitating, Daiki looked at Yabu then to her home. She looked down then sighed, knowing that sooner or later, Yabu will know the reason why things are this way. “Come in” she invited and walked in.
“Daichan, have you eaten dinner already?” Daiki heard her stepmother calling, followed by a coo. Sighing again, Daiki walked to the kitchen where she found her parents and Reiji seated on the highchair they bought for him, to join them in their meals. “Oh, Kota-kun” Daiki’s stepmother greeted
“Hello” Yabu greeted back
“Good thing I cooked a little bit too many”
“Mom” Daiki called then “Can we talk on our own?” she asked
“Oh, okay” was what she got “Rei eats in bits” she instructed and stood up, leaving them alone in the kitchen
“What talk?” Yabu asked, taking the chair on the dining table and looked at the baby on the high chair. He stared for a minute or so, a frown soon appearing on his brows.
“He looks like his mother” Daiki smiled thinly, reaching for the spoon on the table. She wanted to feel hatred towards the child but she couldn’t bring herself to hate him more than a minute. He’s innocent and caught in between. She could barely look at him at the first days he stayed with them but slowly she managed to greet him and then feed him.
“His mother?” Yabu asked silently
“Kei” Daiki replied “You’ve been away for so long” she looked down, feeding Reiji a small bit of carrot “You haven’t heard what happened yet” she then looked at Yabu “Kei’s gone” she said and watched as color left Yabu “She died so instantly that until now I couldn’t believe that she’s already gone. I still think at times, she’s just in Hokkaido and studying” she snorted “But then she’s gone, what can we do?” she asked
“What happened?” Yabu asked almost in a whisper
“Aneurysm” Daiki replied “I really don’t know since I couldn’t stand listening on how she died” she swallowed hard “It was one issue. Reiji is the another one” she said and gave Reiji another bit of carrot
“’nough!” Reiji exclaimed “I don’t like carrots!” he shook his head
“Really? I thought you like orange?” Daiki asked, making the child blink
“I like orange” Reiji replied then went silent as Daiki gave him another bit of carrot
“He’s cute” Daiki smiled and earned a smile from Reiji as well “Want to guess his age?” she asked, looking at Yabu who shook his head and looked at the child too “He’s three” she answered and Yabu looked at her again “Meaning, Kei’s conceiving him even before our high school graduation” she shook her head “You can guess who the father is” she said, her smile leaving her lips
Yabu looked at the child again, silent as he observed then he closed his eyes and stood up, leaving the table to stand by the window of the kitchen.
“Takaki Yuya” Yabu said in a whisper
“That’s right” Daiki nodded down, wiping Reiji’s lips
“Does he know?” Yabu asked
“Yes” Daiki replied
Yabu turned and looked at Reiji again. He closed his eyes once more.
“Painful?” Daiki asked
“For me?” Yabu asked instead “No” he shook his head “Because I don’t own Kei to stop her from what she wants to do” he said “But, how about you?” he asked
“I’m angry and hurt and sad and I don’t know” Daiki replied “I want to hurt Yuya so much but I couldn’t. I want to blame Rei but I couldn’t. Why?” she asked, her eyes flooding with tears again “I want to know what happened for this result to come but I couldn’t swallow to listen. I don’t want to hate Yuya more than I hate him now. I love him so much that I want to hurt him too, to slap or punch or even kick him” she sniffed “Kota? Am I wrong on being like this?” she asked
“No” Yabu shook his head “Daiki” he called and watched as she turned pale.
“I want to see him but I can’t take to look at him” Daiki whispered “I want him to be with me, to stay with me forever but I can’t take the idea of him near me” she whimpered, standing up and walked out of the kitchen. Yabu followed her and saw her by the stairs. She took a step but before she could take another one, her hand slipped off the rail and Yabu was fast enough to catch her.
-----
Takaki hurried to the hospital as fast as he can and as he reached it, the first person he saw was Yabu. He walked towards him and the glare he gave told him that the latter already knows the situation. Still, he braved his self. He wants to make sure that Daiki is alright.
“How is she?” Takaki asked
“Just another mild attack” Yabu replied “She was stressed and tired at the same time” he explained
“Is everything okay now?” Takaki asked then
“Yes” Yabu replied “She’s just resting” he nodded down “But she’d be dropping from school and continue it when she’s fine enough” he explained
“I see” Takaki looked down “Can I see her?” he asked hesitantly
“Of course” Yabu nodded down “But she’s asleep” he said
“I’ll just look at her” Takaki said
“She’s in 317” Yabu smiled thinly then
“Thank you” Takaki replied and walked ahead
“Takaki” Yabu called then making the brunette stop “I’m adopting Reiji” he said and watched as Takaki frown at his statement. He then turned and left, leaving Takaki standing there.
Daiki is sleeping like Yabu said as Takaki entered the room. She was there, breathing evenly though there’s an oxygen mask next to her. She’s pale and her lips are still a bit blue. Sitting on the chair next to her bed, Takaki reached for her hand and slightly felt teary as her fingers curled to hold him too. She’d do that too even when she’s just sleeping next to him.
“Hey” Takaki greeted “I hope you get well” he said “You know~” he started “I can’t forgive myself too with what happened. I can’t blame the kid for being born. I want to say sorry but that’s not enough for hurting you” he sniffed, wiping the tear that rolled down his cheek. “To tell you the truth I forgot that night already until he came, reminding me that I did something you’ll never forgive” he sniffed again “Yabu dumped Kei that time. She told me that Yabu wants her to grow up first before he could start a relationship with her. She wasn’t going anywhere when I saw her at the overhead shed that day. I told her to go home already but she won’t listen. I invited her to my house, not wanting to leave her depressed at school” he swallowed “Then things just went off the way. I didn’t know why I thought it will help that time. I regretted it the morning I woke up, so did Kei. We promised to forget it and I did. She did too I guess not until maybe when she found out she’s pregnant already. She didn’t tell me too, of course I was shocked too when I saw the kid” he sniffed “I want to say sorry but that’s not going to be enough” he shook his head “If you want me to disappear, then I’ll disappear” he looked down “Daiki, I love you” he said
“I love you too” Daiki spoke then making Takaki look up at her “So much that I hurt whenever I see you” she rasped “Yuya, why can’t I forgive you even though I want to? I want to say that it’s okay that all of us does a mistake or two but whenever I see you, I just can’t let myself forget” she closed her eyes “Maybe~ the only way is to let go” she sighed
Takaki waited for her to speak again but as he checked, she went back sleeping again. He touched her forehead and kissed her temple, smiling a little then as she sighed after he pulled away.
“Thank you for trying to forgive me” Takaki said “Bye” he pulled away completely and left the room.
-----
The sky was blue, clear of clouds making the day so bright. Daiki lifted her head to look at it and remembered a day. She turned her head to wait but of course nothing will come anymore. Three years had already passed since Kei died and three years had passed too since she broke up with Takaki. Remembering his name still makes her heart ache but unlike before where she couldn’t even breathe. She somehow managed to move on, not alone of course.
“Mummy” Reiji appeared from the hallway, hurrying towards her. She grimaced as he hurled his self to her but giggled as Reiji kissed her cheek. Painfully, as Reiji grows up his resemblance to Takaki is becoming prominent. He got his father’s bone structure and somehow a little of Takaki’s personality is showing too. “Aren’t you the cutest mummy in the whole wide world?” he asked
“Reiji” Daiki narrowed her eyes
“Okay~” Reiji drawled, pulling away then “Dad, says Ruri’s almost ready” he nodded down “And you can start locking the doors” he grinned
“Hmm~” Daiki arched a brow and stood up “Why don’t you get my bag now?” she asked, pinching his jaw since no matter how heavy she feeds him, he wouldn’t gain weight at all.
“Alright” Reiji nodded down and ran out of the room. Daiki shook her head and slid the door of the veranda close, locking it and turned to find Reiji coming back but not carrying her bag but rather her daughter who’s gurgling happily as her brother talks about something related to candies and merry go rounds. “Mum” he called
“Rei” Daiki whined and reached for her daughter “Don’t hold Ruri so tightly” she shook her head
“Sorry” Reiji pouted “She’s excited to go to the amusement park” he grinned
“You too” Daiki smiled, kissing the top of his head
“You have to buy me cotton candy, popcorn and soda” Reiji nodded down
“Alright” Daiki rolled her eyes and looked up as she heard footsteps from their stairs. She surpassed her laughter after seeing her husband carrying her bag and when he saw her snort, he narrowed his eyes and smiled as he reached them.
“Do I look girly in this?” Kota asked, showing Daiki’s bag
“No” Daiki shook her head “You look manly and weird with my bag” she pointed out
“Anything you say” Kota winked, kissing the bridge of her nose. “Let’s go and it’ll be hotter later, Ruri hates warm weather” he shook his head
The amusement park as they had expected was crowded and Kota had insisted Daiki to sit on one shaded bench where she’d rest with Ruri since she had started throwing a fit with the swarm of people new to her eyes. Daiki had managed to calm her down already and was simply waiting for Kota and Reiji to come from the candy shop where their son had insisted going in earlier.
“Mum” Reiji called, making Daiki look at him as he runs towards her. She smiled as he excitedly waved his bag of candies with a red balloon tied on his left wrist.
“Did you enjoy the candies?” Daiki asked
“Yes but I lost Dad” Reiji nodded down “I don’t know how I should find him so I just went here so you can call him that I’m here already” he explained
“You’re so dead to him later” Daiki shook her head “You’re six and people tend to get kids your age because you’re yummy” she grinned
“Huh” Reiji snorted “I was told the same thing every time you and Dad scare me, it’s not working” he shook his head “Besides someone helped me to find you since there are lots of benches here” he nodded down
“Who?” Daiki asked
“Hmm~” Reiji narrowed his eyes amongst the crowd “He says he can’t go here so he let me go half way towards you” he explained “Ah!” he exclaimed and raised both his hand, waving them violently.
Daiki looked where Reiji is waving and narrowed her eyes to the figure standing far from them. She wasn’t able to see his face just the blur of his brunette head but that was enough for Daiki to recognize him.
“Mum?” Reiji asked, touching Daiki’s cheek “Why are you crying?” he asked in concern
“Oh” Daiki blinked and sniffed “Nothing” she shook her head and reached for Reiji, holding him in a very tight hug, trapping Ruri in between them, making her whine
“Mum, Ruri’s getting mad. I’m okay but she’s not” Reiji said “Shh~” he just ended up assuring her about something he doesn’t know. Her tears stopped only when Kota came and hushed her in comfort of his embrace.
She did enjoy the day but she couldn’t help but turn her head to anywhere. As kids tire that they even ended up sleeping, Daiki leaned back to her seat in their car and watched the blur of the buildings they pass.
“I saw him” Daiki said then
“I know” Kota nodded down “You haven’t cried that much for three years” he smiled as Daiki looked at him
“Are you mad?” Daiki asked then
“No” Kota frowned
“You’re mad” Daiki smiled and snorted, reaching to hold on Kota’s hand “Because I loved him that much that I still cry seeing him there? Or because I cried again because of him?” she asked
“Because you cried” Kota sighed “I don’t like it when I see you cry” he shook his head
“Oh, Kota” Daiki sighed “I cry for the love I had for him” she shook her head “I smile for loving you” she tilted her head “In any sane person’s view, I think smiling while loving someone is better” she pointed out
“I’m still jealous” Kota smiled, looking at her
“Then I’m happy for that” Daiki smiled back “I love you” she said, touching his cheek
“I love you more” Kota replied
“Good” Daiki nodded down “It should always be like that” she grinned
-----
Takaki shoved his hands in his pocket, his eyes at the back of his son. Well he is his son but he’s not his child anymore. He looked up to the shaded benches where he saw Daiki seated and smiled to his self after seeing her well and healthy. The baby in her arms was sleeping and he’s sure that she resembles Daiki very much. He wanted that image for himself before, he still wanted it but then he cannot do that anymore. He broke it himself and there’s no way he could repair it anymore, if ever he did manage to glue the pieces back together, their relationship would be more than fragile. It would be like a thread. It might still be there, the love and the adoration but broken, it could connect again by tying them once more but Daiki chose not to anymore. She’s right, Takaki can do a millions of knots to tie them together but it still remains broken.
He turned as he saw her look at him when Reiji waved at his direction. He was careless to let Daiki see him, he doesn’t want to trouble her anymore. He wants to look at her again but he knows that if he does that, he’s not just going to hurt Daiki but also his self.
“Bye” Takaki muttered and left completely, knowing that Yabu’s there to stop Daiki crying and make her smile again.
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