...Can we still be friends?
Chapter 30
You can always change your point of view.
Suzuka was on her way to Takaki when she felt like someone is grabbing her by her arm.
-what the… - she tried to say but she cut herself seeing Takahashi Ai, then smiled meanly, knowing perfectly what is going to happen next.
-seems like you’re having fun - Ai said, didn’t let Suzuka provoke her with that smile.
-yes I have, is it bad? - her eyes never let go of Ai’s.
-not actually. I’m glad when other people are happy.
-so…. What do you want from me? - Suzuka raised her eyebrow.
-ask you about help.
-you are kidding me, right? - Suzuka smiled - why should I have to help you?
-because a friend of mine needs your help.
-and so what?
-so what?! - Ai gave her a look.
-yes, so what - Suzuka repeated - and please faster, I’m in hurry. My boyfriend is waiting for me.
-because of you my best friend Risa is in troubles.
-me?
-don’t act stupid - Ai laid her back on the wall - it’s you who took a picture and sent it to almost whole school.
-since when sharing photos with other people is a crime? - Suzuka crossed her arms.
-since then - Ai gave her a cold look - when this picture is showing a crime and when witness of it, instead of talking is making jokes. You saw what sensei did… what he tried to do to Risa and you ignored it, and even Inoo-kun will be expelled from school because of you cause he tried to resolve what you didn’t. are you happy now?!
-Inoo-kun? Expelled? - that was unexpected.
-yes. And what did you think? - Ai was talking slowly and calmly, what makes Suzuka afraid of her - Inoo hit him, because he got furious because of how sensei hurt Risa, but he has no proof for that and he will be expelled. His future will be ruined because of you. And you’ve made Risa a whore who likes older. Guys were asking her if she sleeps with their fathers too. You have no idea how much she suffered because of you. I hope you are proud of yourself that you ruined two people’s lifes.
-w-wait… - Suzuka stammered - she hurt me too… that time…
-hurt you? She just played with you. Don’t you see the difference? We are talking about a crime now and about innocent person involved.
-I don’t…
-you know what? You’re the worst person I even know - Ai shook her head - I thought that when I ask you about it like a human you will show me some human’s feelings but looks like I made a mistake. Go to your boyfriend bitch. I’ll be off first.
Suzuka was watching her leaving and whispered to herself; “ you didn’t even let me finish my talk…”
…
-get in the car, Hikaru - he heard her say. Turning his head to the black car his eyes opened widely. At the passenger seat in the back of this car was no one other than his ex-best friend Nakayama Yuma.
-are you kidding me? - he muttered but she heard it.
-I’m not - she shook her head - get in the car. We don’t have much time.
Blowing some air Hika spoke: I don’t think this is a good idea…
From the corner of his eye he was still watching Yuma.
-I didn’t ask you what do you think, just get in.
Seeing no other way Hika did as he was told. Car stopped in front of her favourite restaurant. That’s what Hikaru learnt about her spending this much time with her. When they entered it they realized that it’s empty. Just one table is prepared with dinner.
-it’s for us - woman explained seeing their questioning looks - we are going to eat dinner together. And we are going to talk. I believe we have some things to tell to each other.
-I don’t - Yuma muttered.
-but I have - woman said with a smile.
They eat in silence from time to time watching each other. Nakayama-san is still smiling seeing them so embarrassed about the situation. Especially Hikaru. It even looks hard to eat for him.
-take your time eating Hikaru - she said - it’s not poisoned, it’s not my son who prepared it.
At the end of her speech she laughed softly.
-I don’t think it’s funny - he muttered, pouting.
-I’m just making the atmosphere - she explained.
-so you are a bad mood maker mom - this time it was Yuma who pouted.
-ok - woman sighed - so if you want to make it hard to you just stop eating already and we will talk.
-eh? - both boys made a noise.
-we are here - she started - because I want to explain some things to both of you. And you will be here till I finish my talk. GOT IT?
Suddenly her voice changed. It sounded this scary that both of them just nodded, afraid of what might happen if they refuse to stay here. That’s the time when Hikaru realized that she’s not what he thought. She’s really a business woman who can always get what she wants. After all wasn’t the same with him? She wanted him and she got him. Hikaru shook his head and tried to listen to her once again.
-so… actually I want you Yuma to listen to me carefully, Hikaru is just an add here. Because it’s you who seem misunderstand some things, honey.
-mom…
-Did I let you talk?
-no…
-so?
-I’m sorry.
-good. So once again. If I’m correct you and Hikaru were friends once, and you are no longer because you found out we had an affair.
Yuma couldn’t help but pouted at the very last word and Hikaru was thinking when did she found out about that they were friends. Truthfully she was well informed about Hika’s life earlier.
-and - she continued - I want to tell you something about me and your dad, next about Hikaru and hopefully you can understand him and me after that ok? So, me and your dad love each other very much, but there was a time in our marriage when your dad suspect me about having a lover. We quarreled about it so much but he didn’t believe me. It was my fault because I loved my job more than your dad and spend more time in a company then with him, but I didn’t had a lover that time. That’s the truth. But when you always hear from the person you love you betray him… there is a sentence “lie repeated thousand times, finally became true” so to make your father happy because of him being right I did found a lover and let your dad see us together. He wanted believe that I was betraying him so I just did what he wanted. I’m not so sure if you can understand it now cause you are a kid still but I believe that later in your life you at least will try. So… after that your dad pushed me away. I loved him but I felt so lonely. We’ve never divorced because of you. We wanted a family for you. Your dad hated me day by day more making love hard for me, and I was having more and more affairs just because I wanted someone to give me some warm feelings. And then I met Hikaru. He didn’t know I’m your mother and I didn’t know he was friends with you cause we didn’t life together and I didn’t know anything about your friends cause your dad was protecting your private life in front of me. So is you who didn’t know truth about your best friend’s hard life.
Yuma gave her a questioning look, so she smiled weakly, then turned his head to Hikaru who turned his own somewhere else. Everything just to not watch Yuma straight into his eyes. Yuma felt Hika’s somehow embarrassed about what his mom is going to tell.
-simply. Hikaru’s mother was selling his body for money against his will, but he loved her this much he was doing it.
-what?! - Yuma couldn’t control himself from asking.
Hikaru turned his head even more far from Yuma.
-and when I met him I wanted to help him. I couldn’t take care about my own son, so I wanted to take care about him. But I was sure he will refuse my help so I bought his body from his mom. That was the only way he could agree. Finally he had a place to live, money on clothes, food etc. and he was more like a companion for me then a lover. Hikaru is very proud young man so he never told anyone about his horror. If for you it was hard, try to imagine how hard it was for him to do it all the time, when his drunk mother forced him to do it and then kicked him from home. So I guess the one in fault here is me, you can’t blame your friend Yuma.
-why didn’t you tell me - Yuma turned to Hikaru with his fists clenched - why! Single tear was shining in his eye. But Hika stay quiet.
-let him be, Yuma… don’t ask hard questions, and I’m not finished yet. Now me and your dad will have a second child, and we decided to made up so we will be hopefully happy family once again. Your dad could forget, and forgive me… I believe you can do the same with your friends. And Hikaru, is there anything what you want to say before we leave this place?
-I… - he whispered - I have never wanted to hurt you or Chinen.
-that’s all? - she asked, and Hikaru just nodded.
-good - she smiled - so we are finished.
-I’ll be off first - Hikaru muttered and left them obviously embarrassed, without giving Yuma a single look…
…
-found you! - Chinen put hands on Mayuko’s eyes.
-Chinen-kun? - she asked.
-it’s me - he said cheerfully, sitting next to her on a grass. I wanted to talk with you.
-un… - she nodded waiting for him to speak.
-something happened? - he asked seeing her sad face - did he hurt you?
Suddenly Yuri got angry but she gave him a weak smile then shook her head.
-oh… - he nodded - anyway… Yabu told me everything about…that….
Chinen couldn’t find a proper words to speak about all this things which happened between him, Yuma and Mayuko.
-Mayu… I want to…
-Yuma needs me - she cut him, tears in her eyes, immediately her lower lip bitten.
-what? - Yuri blinked twice. That was unexpected reaction.
-something happened to Yuma, and he needs me… I can’t leave him now.
-I know the truth you don’t have to be afraid of him anymore.
-it’s not about that… I want to be near him now, cause he needs my help…
-Mayu-chan…
-I can’t leave him like that. Now he needs someone who can give him a lot of warmth. He called me and cried - her voice broke - he begged me to… to save him… I can’t Chinen. I’m sorry…
-but…
-but there is someone who wants you to save her too. She’s watching us now and I believe you can be the happiest person in the world with her. A lot of things happened. And I think it’s not our time yet… I believe you can understand…
Chinen raised his head and spotted not that far from them a girl. It was Haruna, who he doesn’t speak with from weeks. She has tears in her eyes.
-go and make her happy, finally - Mayuko smiled a bit.
-but the one I love is you…
-I know. And she knows too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try to love her. Not now. But someday. She’s a nice and kind-hearted girl. Why don’t you gave her a chance? Just go to her… she’s waiting for you…
Chinen bit his lip but stood up.
-just give her a chance, Chinen-kun…
Yuri only nodded.
-but… - she continued - I believe that we can still be friends?
At that he smiled at her, and left first.
…
-come in! oh Hikaru! - Asuka smiled.
-how are you feeling?
-I’m fine. My back still hurt a bit but I guess it’s because of this uncomfortable bed - she laughed softly. And you? You look like beaten up by someone?
-it’s nothing - he cut her - I wanted to thank you.
-it’s nothing - she grinned and he shook his head in disbelief.
-you awful girl, you really suits well with Inoo. You screw up it with that stupid phone call.
-phone call?
-that day we played basketball he wanted to call you and tell you his feelings but you unintentionally called him first and we all heard like you were making fun of him.
Asuka thought hard and then she realized. Her eyes opened widely.
-that’s why…. Oh my God… Hikaru… he didn’t listed my talk till the end right?
-right - he nodded watching her closely.
-at the end of this speech I admitted to the girls that I like him…
-big misunderstanding - he shook his head.
-I have to talk with him!
-so call him, I have to be off first after all, so… thank you and… see you at school soon!
-yeah - she nodded and Hika left her room.
He was at the hall when he spotted something. Next door from Asuka’s had Narumi kanji on it. He narrowed his eyes, then asked a nurse who was passing by:
-excuse me…
-yes?
-this person here…?
-Narumi? It’s not a person. It’s two people here.
-eh?
-Miss and Mister Narumi.
-what happened to them?
-they had a car accident. And there is no way for them to recover. Their brains are dead already but it’s their daughter who still believes in…
-her name? - he cut her.
-Riko - nurse answered - Narumi Riko.
Hika stayed speechless for a moment watching the door like an idiot.
-how long they are here?
-three years already… she didn’t agree on stop treatment…
-three years… - he whispered - so this is this journey she was talking about…
-excuse me? - nurse said.
-no it’s nothing - he waved his hand in the air.
-do you know young miss by any chance?
-I know her… - he nodded.
-could you perhabs explain her that there is no point in this treatment? She just hurt herself and we can’t help other patients cause her parents are taking threatening machines. And… their organs are still in good condition so she could help save other people’s life…
-you asked me to tell her something like this?!
-I know it’s hard… but… it’s pointless and there is a lot of other people who waits for a new live.
Hikaru bit his lip.
-I know what you want to say - she gave him a look - but doctors here thinks only about how to save more lives not to make one persons live better. That’s their job. If you are her friend please help her to understand it.
After that she left him alone at the hall. Hikaru laid down on the wall then hid his head in his knees. Too much of emotions for a one day. When he was finally able to think properly he took his phone from a pocket and dialed Chinen’s number but then he cut the call.
-no, it’s not your help I need now.
After some time he found himself in Haru’s house. Pressing a doorbell he wait.
-yes? - her mom asked - oh Hikaru, good evening.
-good evening miss- he boved - is Haru inside?
-oh, no… she’s off with some friend, I believe his name is Shoon. May I help you?
-I’m not so sure - he scratch his head - do you…possibly can teach me, how to make a latte macchiatto?
…