ICHIGO FOR EVERYONE
"ICHIGO FOR EVERYONE"
~special chapter 2~
[Valentine's Day Yuukai Jiken (Valentine's Day Kidnapping Case)]
January 1, Sunday, Maya was really bored and freakingly missing Kyu. It's the first day of the year and yet she's unhappy and not even excited for the opening of a new year. She got her cellphone and looked up on the phonebook, she pressed a number and waited for the other line to ring. The other line rang and it took few moments to be answered.
"Moshi moshi.", the other line answered.
Maya gasped and his eyes went wide. "Chotto...", she said to herself. She looked at the screen and the number she pressed was wrong.
"Moshi moshi?", the other line said again.
Maya leaned back the cellphone on her ear. "A- ano... moshi moshi...", she shyly started.
"Maya?", the other line asked.
"A- Akanishi~kun?", her voice was too low and it's hard to hear.
"Why did you call?", he asked.
"E-to... I just pressed the wrong number... uhmm... I was about to call my friend. Sore de wa.", she said politely.
"Chotto yo. It's been a long time since the last time we talked and I'm a friend of yours, right? So I guess it's just okay if you talk to me for a bit, right?", he persuaded.
"H- hai..."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm great and I"m and happy because you called me.", he smiled to himself.
"I said I pressed the wrong answer!", she shouted to her mind. "S- sou desu ka?", she asked anyway.
"Hai. It looks like you have a problem huh? You can share it with me.", he insisted.
"No. I'm okay. Really.", she lied.
"Ah! I just remembered, won't you want to go with me today? I'll be going to Tokyo. I really missed you so I want to see you again.", he excitedly said.
"Eh?"
"Please? Didn't you miss me?", his voice saddened.
"I ... missed you.", she hesitated.
"Then meet with me."
"Okay."
"That's great then! Wait for me at the Tokyo tower by 2 p.m. Got it?"
"Hai."
"Arigatou! I might as well get ready. See you later!", he said excitedly.
"Hai.", she hung up.
Maya sighed. "Mendokusai na!", she exclaimed to herself.
At exactly 2 p.m., Maya arrived at the Tokyo tower. As she walked nearer and nearer to the place she saw the one she's looking for. The guy waved at her when he saw her. He is tall, sort of dark~skinned, he looks excited.
"Thanks for waiting.", Maya said shyly.
"No problem. You just came in time. You grew some few inches huh!", he exclaimed as he patted her head. He was looking at her with merriment.
She blushed. "Don't pat me on my head like that. I'm not a kid anymore.", she complained but she was just looking on the ground.
"You're right! And you grew into a beautiful teenage girl.", he smiled.
"That's not true.", she whispered.
"Why? I'm telling the truth you know."
"If I'm beautiful like what you said then why he seems don't like me anymore.", the words came out from her continously without thinking.
"He?", he asked, he raised an eyebrow.
"Ah... Where are we going?", she changed the topic.
"You're hiding something from me.", he stated.
"No.", she chuckled nervously.
"Sou ne.", he nodded. "Let's go?", he grabbed her hand and he started walking.
Maya blushed and she was shocked, she followed walking.
"Have you gone to the temple?", he asked.
"No."
"Oh! Sorry! I forgot that you're a catholic. So hows your christmas and new year?"
"It's okay than not."
"Doushite?"
"Ah nani mo nai.", she said quickly then she blushed.
"You're making me sad, you know. We haven't met for so many years yet you don't seem to welcome me.", he looked at the ground.
"Will it be okay to you if I"ll tell you?", she looked at him.
"Of course. Anything. So, what is it that bugs you?"
"I have a boyfriend...", she started.
"Namae wa?"
"Ky-- Yamada Kyusuke desu. He studies where I study but we're not in the same section. He's a sport type person. He plays soccer like you... and as of now he is working as a model for a clothing company. Back then...", she sighed. "...he used to call me every night before we sleep because we don't meet that often. And he always does his best to see me once or twice a week. But now... h- he doesn't call anymore neither he tries to see me... I'm thinking if he has other girl now... I also keep on asking his twin brother if Kyu is just okay or what is he into recently. He gives me information I need but even in their household he is busy and always goes home late... I'm trying to call him but his cellphone is always off or he is not answering the call. If he doesn't want me anymore why not he tells me straight to the point not that I'm hoping and hoping. My heart breaks eveyday but I'm still missing him and I love him so much... why is he like that? I feel like I'm not important... I feel like I'm a trash...", then a droplet of water fell on the back of her hand. That was the only time she knew that she is crying.
"Don't say such. You know that you are important to me. There is no day that I didn't miss you. I'm always wondering if you are just okay and yet I feel happy when we met at last. And here you're sharing something to me. I really appreciate it. I feel like it's still the same when we are still children.", he said. "Sou!", he exclaimed. "After we went to the church let's go to a beautiful place! I'm sure you'll like it and I'll treat you a pasta!", he said happily, he examined her face which is drenched with tears.
"H- Honto?", she asked as she looked at him.
"Honto!", he assured.
"Arigatou.", she smiled. "Gomen if I'm crying like crazy ne?"
"It's okay. It's better to cry than to keep it, it will eventually be a grudge if you won't let it out. And I think it's natural, you love him that much that's why you're hurting. Right?", he smiled.
"Hai.", she nodded. "Honto ni arigatou ne? Akanishi~kun?"
"Why so formal? You used to call me Ji~n, deshou?", he pouted.
"Sou ne. Arigatou Ji~~n!!", then she giggled. (Ji~~n is pronounced as Jiiiun. There is more pressure on the "n".)
They went to the church and then they went on an Italian restaurant. Maya ordered spaghetti while Jin ordered carbonara. They both ordered lemon iced tea. They chatted and chatted and the awkwardness that Maya felt a while ago is totally gone now. They went on the park where there will be a fireworks display that evening.
7 in the evening, still hand-in-hand, they went on a good spot on the park. Then a sound came loudly, it's the explosion sound of the first lightened firework.
"Kitta!", Maya exclaimed. The red lights scattered on the sky, they're like falling bright red fire as they fell from the sky. "Sugoii!", she exclaimed.
"I told you, you'll love it.", Jin muttered. He squeezed the hand of Maya a little tighter. He smiled.
She looked at her hand which was intertwined with Jin's, then she looked at him and he nodded. "Arigatou yo! Ji~~n!", she smiled, a smile that brightened that very spot.
He smiled in return.
Then, continously, the fireworks flew up the sky. Glistening the area it could reach, you can hear exclamation of amazement from the audiences. They're all smiling up above like wishing for the lights to stay up there and show more loveliness.
It was a 30-minute show. After that, Jin accompanied Maya until she got a taxi cab. Before she went inside the cab, she hugged Jin tightly. She smiled at him after she released from the hug.
"You really made my new year happy and complete! Doomo arigatou gozaimasu!", she bowed.
"Hey! You know I'll do anything for you, right? It's my pleasure to make you happy. So I think this won't be the last. Hope to see you soon."
"Hai. Ja ne! Ki o tsukete yo!", she smiled then she went inside the cab. "Bye bye!", she shouted out the window and waved her hand at him.
Jin waved his hand also and smiled at the moving away cab.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow came, at school. Lunch time. Yari and her friends were eating on the rooftop.
"Uwa~!", Yari stretched her arms and she yawned. "I had a good time with Yama~kun yesterday. We went to the temple and I wore my new yukata. He also wore his.", she stated excitedly.
"Sou ne! Sugoii na Yari~chan.", said Maya.
"How about you, Maya?", Enit asked.
"Ah... e-to...", she looked down.
"Kyu~kun haven't call you yet? Any calls?", asked Kira.
"Iie.", Maya answered.
"That's sad then. Actually, my date with Chii almost got ruined. I'm really pissed off when he said that he can't come but then he still came. Warukatta ne, Maya~chan?", said Kira, sympathizing with her.
"So who's the guy with you yesterday?", Enit asked and she was looking intently at Maya.
"Huh?", Maya was shocked.
"Guy?", asked Yari and Kira in chorus.
"Ah eh... actually I was with my childhood friend yesterday. We wander around Tokyo yesterday.", she answered.
"Childhood friend?", Enit, Kira, and Yari asked in chorus.
"Ah... ano... hai. Childhood friend. He invited me to go out yesterday since it's been 3 years when we last met. He lives in Sendai right now. He was happy to see me and so do I.", she stated.
"Oh...", the other three muttered as they nodded.
"Nandayo minna!", she pouted.
"Iie. Betsu ni. I just thought that you have another one besides Kyu.", Enit said then she smiled as she sticked her tongue out.
"Baka na koto!", Maya shouted at her.
Yari and Kira laughed.
"And how about Enit~kaichou? Won't you tell us what happened to your new year?", Maya asked mocking.
~FLASHBACK~
Maya just got home after the fireworks display when he got an e-mail from Enit.
"I can't hold it anymore Maya. Yuto slept at us last night to wait for the sunrise, then as the sun rose he suddenly kissed me and so I returned the kiss.", Enit's e-mail said.
With what she have read, she grinned.
~END OF FLASHBACK~
"H- Huh?", Enit asked, her eyebrows curved then she giggled nervously.
"Sou ne. What happened?", Yari repeated the question.
"E-to...", she began to blush by just reminiscing the moment when they kissed. "Uhmm... Yuto was with me on the new year's eve to wait for the sunrise and then we kissed.", she said and she blushed badly.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHH?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!", Yari and Kira shouted in shock.
Maya laughed aloud.
"Hidoii!", Enit shouted at Maya, still blushing. Her face was red all over.
Maya held her stomach as she laughed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 14. Valentine's day. Early in the morning, Kyu was outside the Kawashima household, door belling, he was holding a bouquet of rose. It took few seconds before someone went out from the house.
"Ohayoo gozaimasu, Kawashima~san.", Kyu greeted as he bowed after Maya's mother opened the gate.
"Ohayoo!", she smiled, she looks so much like Maya. "Hayai na, Kyusuke~kun.", she said.
"Hai. Is Maya still here?", he asked politely.
"She already left for school. I'm actually wondering why is she so early.", she said.
"Sou desu ka? I'll leave as well, Kawashima~san. Arigatou gozaimasu!", he bowed slightly before her.
"Hai. Ki o tsukete, Kyusuke~kun.", she said.
"Hai.", he nodded. Then he left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the classroom, only few have just arrived. When Yuuri came, Kira stood up from her seat and went to him.
"Happy valentine's day!", she greeted as she gave the chocolate to him.
"Woah!", Yuuri exclaimed, he chuckled. "Arigatou! You made this?", he asked, he couldn't take away his smile from his lips because of too much happiness.
"Uhn.", she nodded, she was blushing.
"Sugoii! This is the first chocolate you ever gave to me. I'll treasure this.", he said.
"Eh? Don't tell me you're not eating it?"
"Of course I'll eat it. What I mean is, I'll take a picture of it, then I'll document this."
"You'll do that?"
"Mochiron yo!"
"Sonna! It's too much but you made me happy!", she exclaimed.
"Because you're always making me happy.", he said, he held her chin up and looked at her eye-to-eye.
Kira blushed and she was like hypnotized by him. Suddenly the door opened.
"Ohayoo!", Kyu greeted aloud.
Kira, Yuuri, Ryosuke, Yuto and Ryutarou looked at him.
"Oh! Ohayoo! Kyu!", Ryosuke greeted.
"Ohayoo!", the rest greeted.
"Is Maya here already?", he asked.
"It's good that you're looking for her.", said Ryosuke. "As I've told you, she misses you badly. Ne, Kira?", he asked Kira.
"Hai.", Kira agreed. "She's sad everyday because you're not with her.", she added.
"Sou...", Kyu looked down. He felt guilty. "D- demo where is she now?", he asked again.
"She went to the powder room with Enit~chan and Yari~chan.", Kira answered.
"Sou desu ka? Then I'll wait for her.", he said.
"Don't you have a class?", asked Ryosuke.
"It's still early. I still have half an hour.", he said.
"Ah mite goran nasai!", Ryosuke stood up and excitedly went to Kyu. "Tada~~n!!", he showed him a rectangular-foiled thing. "Yari gave me this! Uwaah~! I'm so excited to eat this but I also don't want to eat it. I'm thinking of preserving it.", he said, he raised his eyebrows up and down as he was smiling widely.
"As we have said, that's stupid you know!", said Yuto and Ryutarou.
"I think Enit will appreciate it if I'll eat it, savoring each bite as I feel the love she gave in this choco while she's doing it.", said Yuto, full of smiles.
"I agree with Yuto~kun.", Ryutarou agreed. "I want to feel the love of Yochi with this chocolate.", he said.
"Yeah! Whatever! We have different opinions.", Ryosuke cut off. "Demo ne, Kyu. Don't be sad, I know Maya has something for you.", he encouraged.
"Sou ne.", Kyu smiled.
Enit and Yari came.
"What took you so long?", asked Kira with the two.
"We were looking for Maya, she suddenly disappeared. We don't know where did she go.", Enit said, her face was full of worry.
"She disappeared?", Kyu asked.
"Hai.", Enit and Yari answered.
"Maybe she just went somewhere.", Kyu reasoned.
"If that's the only case well it's fine but as we looked for her someone called my cellphone and he said that he's got Maya.", said Enit.
"WHAT?!", Kyu asked, shocked. Quickly, his face was soaked with worry.
"Let's stay calm. Maybe, it's just a prank caller.", said Yuto.
"If it is, then why he knows my number? Basically, with some kidnapping cases they got the number from the cellphone of the person they kidnapped.", said Enit.
"Maa... tabun ne?", Yuto muttered.
"Let's wait for the next call, I'm sure he'll call again to state his demand.", Enit said.
"Why do you know a lot about such?", asked Yuuri.
"Ah... e-to I'm addicted with Detective Conan recently.", Enit said.
"No wonder.", said Yuuri.
Then they heard a sound of running water. Enit put her hand in her skirt pocket.
"It's my ringtone.", then she giggled. She pressed the answer button and she leaned the cellphone on her ear. "M- moshi moshi.", she started.
"Moshi moshi.", the other line answered, the voice was peculiar, it's like an alien's voice. "Now that I think, you are all together. Can you hand the phone to the boy named Yamada Kyusuke?", the voice commanded.
"Hai.", she nodded, she looked at Kyu. "He wants you.", she said then he gave the cellphone to him.
"Yo!", the voice greeted confidently.
Kyu gritted his teeth. "What do you want?! Where is Maya?!", he asked angrily.
"Woah! That fast? Tsk! Tsk! You should know how to ask for mercy first not that you act like a mad cow.", the voice teased.
Kyu exhaled a big amount of air and he clenched his jaw. "Okay. Please, don't do anything bad to Maya. I'll do anything just... just don't move her. Please?", he begged.
"Aaah... how touching. I'll try not to do anything to her. So let's just say I want to play with you. You'll be the detective while I'll be the criminal which I really am.", the voice said.
"What?!"
"You're opposing? Well if you do then that's bad."
"O- okay. What shall I do?"
"Solve this case with your own might. Don't call any police nor take your friends with you. Do you understand?"
"H- How how will I do it?"
"That's for you to know. Take the girl who owns the cellphone with you. He will help you."
"What? But she's not involve in here. I- I can't do that. I can't take the risk to have her in danger either."
"Just follow what I said.", then the other line hung up.
"Hey!", Kyu shouted but it didn't make on time. "KUSO!", he shouted angrily.
"What did he tell you?", Ryosuke and Enit asked in chorus.
"He wants me to solve the case, the kidnapping case of Maya. I as a detective and he wants me to take Enit with me.", he said in pain.
"What? I won't let that happen. I'll be the one who'll go with you, Kyu~kun.", said Yuto.
"I don't want to take her with me either. I know this is dangerous.", he said.
"I'm okay! I learnt taekwando and I can protect myself. And I love solving cases and the one involved here is my friend.", Enit said.
"Our friend!", Yuto corrected. "I won't let you do this.", he said.
"Yuto, what if he'll hurt Maya if he found out that you're the one who went with Kyusuke~kun instead of me? I know you're just trying to protect me but if I'm needed then so be it. I trust Kyusuke~kun, I believe him. I know he can also protect me. So don't worry, ne?", she smiled at Yuto.
"Mou! Such a stubborn president. Okay I understand. Please take care? For me?", Yuto begged.
"I will. I don't want to hurt your feeling so I will keep my promise. I won't do any risky thing.", Enit promised, she smiled.
Yuto hugged Enit tightly, his heart pounded as if something bad will happen. He closed his eyes and breathed. He let go off the hug and he held the face of Enit with his two hands and he kissed her on the lips. "Ki o tsukete.", he said his final words.
Enit, though blushing, nodded.
"I think we have to go now.", said Kyu.
"Kyu! Please bring Maya back here. And go back safe and sound.", said Ryosuke.
"Hai.", he nodded. He looked at his friends for one last time and he smiled at them like assuring them that he'll be back with Maya and Enit safe and sound. "Arigatou minna.", he said. "Ittekimasu!", he said.
"Itterasshai!", the rest said. Then Kyu and Enit left.
When they were outside the school already, Enit's cellphone rang. Kyu pressed the button allertly.
"Hello?", Kyu started, he is nervous.
"Good to know that you did what I told you. Now let's start the game. Sunrise is to east while sunset is to west, if I said start from 90 degrees and end to 315, do you know where is the place to guess?", the voice asked.
"W- what? I can't understand.", Kyu said confused.
"De wa!", the other line hung up.
"What did he say?", Enit asked.
"E-to... he said... how do I put it... he told me a riddle. It's like this. Sunrise is to east while sunset is to west, if I said start from 90 degrees and end to 315, do you know where is the place to guess...? I can't understand what he meant.", he said.
"He wants us to think then. Maybe it has something to do with the directions. So west to east is 180 degrees but he says we will start from 90... nanto iu ka?", Enit paused to think.
"Maybe he wants us to start from the north since if you'll look at the sign of the directions, it's like a cartesian plane, right?"
"Sou ne! Ii na Kyusuke~kun!", Enit exclaimed.
"Arigatou! But how about the finish line? I can't think of any."
"315 desu ka? If what I'm thinking is correct... ikuzo!", she started running.
"Hai!", he followed running.
They went on the north from where they were standing. After some moments Enit halted.
"Yatta! I thought so! The beginning is the end.", she giggled triumphantly.
"What do you mean?", Kyu asked clueless.
"See that stall?", she pointed at a clothing store.
"Ah sou ne! Sasuga Enit~san!", Kyu exclaimed.
They went in the stall, when they got in, Enit looked around like looking for clues. Suddenly her cellphone rang.
Kyu answered it.
"Bravo! Excelente!", the voice exclaimed. "I told you, she can help you. Though good job! You two solved that riddle."
"Do you have an accomplice roaming around? Why do you know where are we?"
"Should I answer? Why don't you guess?"
"Are you not just playing around with us? How can I be so sure that you have Maya?"
"You've became defiant huh? Okay. Maya~chan! You're prince wants to here your voice.", the voice said.
"Kyu? Kyu?!!!", Maya's voice in panick. "Tasukete Kyu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", she shriek.
"Maya? Maya? Are you okay?", he asked worriedly.
"That's it for now.", the voice said then he laughed devilishly.
"What did you do to her?!!! You good for nothing bastard!!", he yelled angrily, as if he can smash the cellphone with his strong grip.
The voice laughed as a response. "Let's move to the next one. Pile of books, pile of junk, pile of heaven. Which one do you prefer? Choose wisely because it will close in minute seven. Ja!", the voice hung up.
"Pile of books, pile of junk, pile of heaven. Which one do you prefer? Choose wisely because it will close in minute seven...", he muttered as he placed his thumb on his chin.
"Maybe there is a dumpster between a bookstore and a church.", said Enit.
"Could be... demo is that even possible?" Kyu asked. "But then let's start looking for a bookstore.", he said.
"Hai.", she agreed.
They left the stall. They started to run again. As they run they saw a bookstore but there is no dumpster nor a church. They continued to wander the area but they found nothing. No other bookstore. But they found a church and a dumpster separately.
"We forgot something! The last clue. It will close in minute seven.", said Kyu. "But if that's the case, we're running out of time. It's 5 minutes passed.", he added.
"Matte! Books! Some people treat them as trash but some treat them as heaven for they find peace reading books. Wakatta!! If you noticed we just found only one bookstore along our search. Mou!!! Ikuzo! Let's go back there!", said Enit.
"Hai!", Kyu started running, running as fast as he could. He didn't notice that he left Enit behind. "Maya, get a hold of yourself. Wait for me, I'll save you!", he shouted to his mind.
When he arrived, the clerk of the bookstore was about to lock the door. "Chotto!!!!!!!!!!", he shouted.
The clerk turned on him. "Eh?"
"Please, don't close the store yet! Please!", he begged.
"Doushite?", the clerk asked clueless.
"I need it opened. Please? Just some minutes more. Please? I beg you."
"H- Hai."
After few minutes, Enit arrived. "You made it, right?", she asked, she's grasping for her breath.
"Hai.", he smiled. "Are you okay?", he asked worriedly.
"I'm great!", she smiled.
"Yoshi!", he muttered.
"Can I close now?", the clerk asked.
"Not yet. Please a bit more."
"Hai.", the clerk nodded.
"Hayaku! Call now!!", he muttered to himself.
It didn't took that long and the cellphone rang.
"Hello!", Kyu started.
"Tsk! Tsk! I hate to say this but you almost ran out of time. Now the last clue. I hope you'll be able to find her in 15 minutes.", the voice said.
"It's echoing.", Kyu thought to himself. "I'm ready."
"Very good then. Girls' tears are precious, their smiles have to be treasured. However if you take them for granted they might vanish. That's it. Finder's keeper, remember that! Sore de wa!", the other line hung up.
"We have to unlock the clue for 15 minutes only. He says, girls' tears are precious, their smiles have to be treasured however if you take them for granted they might vanish...", he said.
"It's somewhat related to you. I don't have any rights to tell you this, I know how much you love her but you don't know how much she loves you. She's always looking for you. You're her air, sky, star. Her life... she's glad if she hears that you're fine but have you ever asked her if she's fine? You didn't keep your promise to her. You're still making her cry. Despite that fact, she still loves you.", Enit said as if seeing Maya's sad face, painful face.
"Gomen... I just realized how I hurt her. And I have to save her. I remembered when we went at the sea-side park, she compared the water on the sea as tears, the water is precious to the sea. Without it there's no sea. After she said that she looked at me full of smile and she laughed. If she only knew how much I miss her and how much I regret taking her for granted. If that memory is as easy as the clue then I could've solved it but I couldn't make anything from it. I don't want to loose her, I want to tell her how afraid I am with the idea of loosing her. If only I can trade place with her now, she might be crying and trembling right now.", he said, his tears fell down on his cheeks.
"I think you solved it.", Enit said.
"Eh?", he looked at Enit. "Sou! That park is near here, maybe there is a clue left there that could tell us where she is.", he said. "How much time left? And I think I got a clue... that kidnapper is near us, his voice is echoing while he was talking."
"I think we should hurry up. We only have 10 minutes."
"No worries, the park is near here.", he said. "Ikou?"
"Uhn.", she nodded.
They started running again. Kyu smiled, "I'm near. I'll save you. Goshimpai nai ne, Maya.", he said to himself.
They didn't took that long and Kyu can see the park from a far already. They continued running. A girl caught Kyu's eyes. "Maya?", he muttered.
"Huh?", Enit asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maya was standing, leaning on the low wall which serves as the separator of the sea and the park. When she felt a hand on her shoulder from her back.
"Ji~~n?", she turned.
"Gomen, it took so long.", Jin said.
"Betsu ni.", she smiled.
"Here.", he gave her a canned coffee. "For you to get warm. And wear this on.", he took off his coat and placed it on the back of Maya.
"Arigatou.", she looked at him, eye-to-eye.
"No. THANK YOU! At last I'll be able to taste your self-made chocolate. I think it's sweet.", he giggled.
"Eh?", then she laughed.
"Maya?"
"K- Kyu?", Maya's eyes gone wide.
"What's the meaning of this? I thought you're... you are kidnapped... why is this? Wh- who is he?", Kyu asked, confused.
"Gomen nasai.", she muttered.
"W- What? What do you mean? Why are you saying sorry?", he became more confused.
"I made this all up.", she said, she looked down. "Ji~~n?", she called. "I'm also sorry for involving you here.", she said apologetically.
"Betsu ni. I enjoyed actually.", Jin said.
"You made this up?", his eyes narrowed.
Maya nodded.
"Baka!", Enit shouted at her then she slapped her.
Maya catched her face and she caressed it.
"IF YOU ONLY KNOW HOW WORRIED WE ARE FOR YOU!!! YOU MADE US WORRY TO DEATH!! WE WERE THINKING THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOU, THAT YOU'RE IN A COLD PLACE! AND MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU MADE KYUSUKE~KUN WORRY FOR YOU TOO MUCH!! YOU'RE THE WORST!!", Enit exploded.
"Gomen..."
Kyu pulled Maya's hand toward him and he hugged her. "Are you okay? Did it hurt?", he asked worriedly.
"It's okay. I deserve it. Kyu... I'm sorry. It's just that..."
"I understand. Don't say sorry, you won't do this if it's not because of me. Just don't make me worry anymore huh? I'm relieved to know that you're okay, that I didn't loose you. I love you very much!! Please forgive me for not keeping my promise.", he said apologetically.
"Kyu...", she started to cry on the chest of Kyu. "I hate you! I thought you don't like me anymore! I hate you..."
"I know. I'm sorry for that."
"Eventhough how much I want to hate you the worst thing is I still want you, I still love you."
"I know."
"I hate you!"
"I know."
"I missed you... so much."
"I know."
"Baka!"
"I know."
"Don't you have anything to say than 'I know'?"
"I have. Daisuki desu! Daisuki! Daisuki! Daisuki!"
"Baka!"
"I know."
"Please tell me you missed me and you still love me?"
"I missed you more than anyone else and the only girl I love is you. You're always forgetting that. I repeat, THE ONLY GIRL I LOVE IS YOU!"
"I know."
Kyu chuckled.
"Eh? Nani sore?" (Yuuri)
"ENIT!!!!!!!!!!!"
Enit turned and she saw Yuto. "Yuto?"
He ran to her and hugged her tightly. "Thank goodness you're safe!", he exclaimed.
"Hai. How did you, guys, know where we are?", Enit wondered.
"A guy called us. He said that he knows where Maya is. So we went here.", he explained.
"Sou desu ka?", then she looked at Jin.
Jin smiled at her. "You're right with what you're thinking, miss.", he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Maya have said, she made this whole thing up. She didn't actually disappeared but she hid while watching them. It's her who was also talking on the cellphone to them, she used a voice changer. She used phone booth to call them because she thought they might think of tracing the number. It actually made her nevous everytime she gave the riddles because Kyu might think of not solving them which means she is not important for him. Jin bid goodbye when the things settled down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Honto ni gomen nasai, minna!!!!!!", Maya shouted apologetically as she bowed 90 degrees.
"Hai! Honto ni gomen nasai!!!", Kyu seconded the motion and he also bowed.
"Ii no yo!! At least you're safe and sound!", said Kira.
"But there is still bugging me.", Ryosuke said.
"Nani?", asked the rest.
"Who is that guy with you? Yeah I know his name is Jin but who is he to you, Maya?", Ryosuke asked.
"Ah he is my childhood friend, but no worries, he will be getting married soon.", Maya explained.
"Honto?", the rest asked.
"Hai.", she nodded. "Last January 1, we met and he actually went to the church to book for his wedding. And before he marry we decided to go out today.", she looked down.
"Ah..", they muttered as they nodded.
The door of the student council office suddenly opened.
"Minna! I was looking for you this whole day. Where did you go?", Daiki asked as he went inside.
"NANDE MO NAI!!!", they shouted at him.
"Eh??? Anyway, look at this cake. Hotaru~chan made this for me. Isn't it sweet?", Daiki asked.
"Sure! It is because it's a chocolate cake, right?", Ryosuke said sarcastically.
"Kimi! Ah and she asked me to give these chocolates to you guys.", he showed the small boxes ribboned with red lace.
"Where is she?", Ryutarou asked.
"She's outside with Yochi~san.", he whispered loudly.
"Hotaru~chan!!! Come in! We know you're out there!", Yuuri called out.
"Oi!! Sonna!!", Daiki restrained.
"K- Konnichiwa!", Hotaru greeted as she peeked from the door.
"Konnichiwa!", Yochi greeted as well.
"Come in! Let's celebrate valentine's day!", Ryosuke invited.
"Hai.", Hotaru and Yochi said in chorus. They came in.
"So, here is your chocolates, minna.", Daiki distributed the chocolates to Ryosuke, Kyusuke, Yuto, Yuuri and Ryutarou.
"Arigatou!!", they said in chorus.
"Kyu...? Here!", Maya gave him a heart-shaped chocolate wrapped with a foil.
"Arigatou.", Kyu said and he smiled.
"I told you!", Ryosuke whispered to him. Kyu smirked.
"Let's eat!", Enit invited. There are gyoza, different kinds of sushi, tonkatsu and curry rice.
While eating...
"Maya?", Kyu called.
"Nani?", Maya asked.
"You have a dirt on your lip."
"Sou desu ka?", she was about to get her handkerchief when suddenly Kyu kissed her on the lips. That surprised Maya and her heart began to race, her palms cold-sweat and she blushed.
"Ohhh!!", the rest exclaimed when they saw what's happening.
"Happy valentine's day.", Kyu greeted to Maya and he gave her the bouquet of roses.
"Arigatou.", she muttered shyly.
"Daisuki da yo!", he said to her.
"Too much sweetness!! The ants bringing army!! It's bad!!", Yuuri shouted.
Kyu shook his head and he just smiled.
~OVER~
^comments and suggestions are highly appreciated^
{A/N:: The longest chapter of IFE, gomen if this is too long ~.^}
~special chapter 2~
[Valentine's Day Yuukai Jiken (Valentine's Day Kidnapping Case)]
January 1, Sunday, Maya was really bored and freakingly missing Kyu. It's the first day of the year and yet she's unhappy and not even excited for the opening of a new year. She got her cellphone and looked up on the phonebook, she pressed a number and waited for the other line to ring. The other line rang and it took few moments to be answered.
"Moshi moshi.", the other line answered.
Maya gasped and his eyes went wide. "Chotto...", she said to herself. She looked at the screen and the number she pressed was wrong.
"Moshi moshi?", the other line said again.
Maya leaned back the cellphone on her ear. "A- ano... moshi moshi...", she shyly started.
"Maya?", the other line asked.
"A- Akanishi~kun?", her voice was too low and it's hard to hear.
"Why did you call?", he asked.
"E-to... I just pressed the wrong number... uhmm... I was about to call my friend. Sore de wa.", she said politely.
"Chotto yo. It's been a long time since the last time we talked and I'm a friend of yours, right? So I guess it's just okay if you talk to me for a bit, right?", he persuaded.
"H- hai..."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm great and I"m and happy because you called me.", he smiled to himself.
"I said I pressed the wrong answer!", she shouted to her mind. "S- sou desu ka?", she asked anyway.
"Hai. It looks like you have a problem huh? You can share it with me.", he insisted.
"No. I'm okay. Really.", she lied.
"Ah! I just remembered, won't you want to go with me today? I'll be going to Tokyo. I really missed you so I want to see you again.", he excitedly said.
"Eh?"
"Please? Didn't you miss me?", his voice saddened.
"I ... missed you.", she hesitated.
"Then meet with me."
"Okay."
"That's great then! Wait for me at the Tokyo tower by 2 p.m. Got it?"
"Hai."
"Arigatou! I might as well get ready. See you later!", he said excitedly.
"Hai.", she hung up.
Maya sighed. "Mendokusai na!", she exclaimed to herself.
At exactly 2 p.m., Maya arrived at the Tokyo tower. As she walked nearer and nearer to the place she saw the one she's looking for. The guy waved at her when he saw her. He is tall, sort of dark~skinned, he looks excited.
"Thanks for waiting.", Maya said shyly.
"No problem. You just came in time. You grew some few inches huh!", he exclaimed as he patted her head. He was looking at her with merriment.
She blushed. "Don't pat me on my head like that. I'm not a kid anymore.", she complained but she was just looking on the ground.
"You're right! And you grew into a beautiful teenage girl.", he smiled.
"That's not true.", she whispered.
"Why? I'm telling the truth you know."
"If I'm beautiful like what you said then why he seems don't like me anymore.", the words came out from her continously without thinking.
"He?", he asked, he raised an eyebrow.
"Ah... Where are we going?", she changed the topic.
"You're hiding something from me.", he stated.
"No.", she chuckled nervously.
"Sou ne.", he nodded. "Let's go?", he grabbed her hand and he started walking.
Maya blushed and she was shocked, she followed walking.
"Have you gone to the temple?", he asked.
"No."
"Oh! Sorry! I forgot that you're a catholic. So hows your christmas and new year?"
"It's okay than not."
"Doushite?"
"Ah nani mo nai.", she said quickly then she blushed.
"You're making me sad, you know. We haven't met for so many years yet you don't seem to welcome me.", he looked at the ground.
"Will it be okay to you if I"ll tell you?", she looked at him.
"Of course. Anything. So, what is it that bugs you?"
"I have a boyfriend...", she started.
"Namae wa?"
"Ky-- Yamada Kyusuke desu. He studies where I study but we're not in the same section. He's a sport type person. He plays soccer like you... and as of now he is working as a model for a clothing company. Back then...", she sighed. "...he used to call me every night before we sleep because we don't meet that often. And he always does his best to see me once or twice a week. But now... h- he doesn't call anymore neither he tries to see me... I'm thinking if he has other girl now... I also keep on asking his twin brother if Kyu is just okay or what is he into recently. He gives me information I need but even in their household he is busy and always goes home late... I'm trying to call him but his cellphone is always off or he is not answering the call. If he doesn't want me anymore why not he tells me straight to the point not that I'm hoping and hoping. My heart breaks eveyday but I'm still missing him and I love him so much... why is he like that? I feel like I'm not important... I feel like I'm a trash...", then a droplet of water fell on the back of her hand. That was the only time she knew that she is crying.
"Don't say such. You know that you are important to me. There is no day that I didn't miss you. I'm always wondering if you are just okay and yet I feel happy when we met at last. And here you're sharing something to me. I really appreciate it. I feel like it's still the same when we are still children.", he said. "Sou!", he exclaimed. "After we went to the church let's go to a beautiful place! I'm sure you'll like it and I'll treat you a pasta!", he said happily, he examined her face which is drenched with tears.
"H- Honto?", she asked as she looked at him.
"Honto!", he assured.
"Arigatou.", she smiled. "Gomen if I'm crying like crazy ne?"
"It's okay. It's better to cry than to keep it, it will eventually be a grudge if you won't let it out. And I think it's natural, you love him that much that's why you're hurting. Right?", he smiled.
"Hai.", she nodded. "Honto ni arigatou ne? Akanishi~kun?"
"Why so formal? You used to call me Ji~n, deshou?", he pouted.
"Sou ne. Arigatou Ji~~n!!", then she giggled. (Ji~~n is pronounced as Jiiiun. There is more pressure on the "n".)
They went to the church and then they went on an Italian restaurant. Maya ordered spaghetti while Jin ordered carbonara. They both ordered lemon iced tea. They chatted and chatted and the awkwardness that Maya felt a while ago is totally gone now. They went on the park where there will be a fireworks display that evening.
7 in the evening, still hand-in-hand, they went on a good spot on the park. Then a sound came loudly, it's the explosion sound of the first lightened firework.
"Kitta!", Maya exclaimed. The red lights scattered on the sky, they're like falling bright red fire as they fell from the sky. "Sugoii!", she exclaimed.
"I told you, you'll love it.", Jin muttered. He squeezed the hand of Maya a little tighter. He smiled.
She looked at her hand which was intertwined with Jin's, then she looked at him and he nodded. "Arigatou yo! Ji~~n!", she smiled, a smile that brightened that very spot.
He smiled in return.
Then, continously, the fireworks flew up the sky. Glistening the area it could reach, you can hear exclamation of amazement from the audiences. They're all smiling up above like wishing for the lights to stay up there and show more loveliness.
It was a 30-minute show. After that, Jin accompanied Maya until she got a taxi cab. Before she went inside the cab, she hugged Jin tightly. She smiled at him after she released from the hug.
"You really made my new year happy and complete! Doomo arigatou gozaimasu!", she bowed.
"Hey! You know I'll do anything for you, right? It's my pleasure to make you happy. So I think this won't be the last. Hope to see you soon."
"Hai. Ja ne! Ki o tsukete yo!", she smiled then she went inside the cab. "Bye bye!", she shouted out the window and waved her hand at him.
Jin waved his hand also and smiled at the moving away cab.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow came, at school. Lunch time. Yari and her friends were eating on the rooftop.
"Uwa~!", Yari stretched her arms and she yawned. "I had a good time with Yama~kun yesterday. We went to the temple and I wore my new yukata. He also wore his.", she stated excitedly.
"Sou ne! Sugoii na Yari~chan.", said Maya.
"How about you, Maya?", Enit asked.
"Ah... e-to...", she looked down.
"Kyu~kun haven't call you yet? Any calls?", asked Kira.
"Iie.", Maya answered.
"That's sad then. Actually, my date with Chii almost got ruined. I'm really pissed off when he said that he can't come but then he still came. Warukatta ne, Maya~chan?", said Kira, sympathizing with her.
"So who's the guy with you yesterday?", Enit asked and she was looking intently at Maya.
"Huh?", Maya was shocked.
"Guy?", asked Yari and Kira in chorus.
"Ah eh... actually I was with my childhood friend yesterday. We wander around Tokyo yesterday.", she answered.
"Childhood friend?", Enit, Kira, and Yari asked in chorus.
"Ah... ano... hai. Childhood friend. He invited me to go out yesterday since it's been 3 years when we last met. He lives in Sendai right now. He was happy to see me and so do I.", she stated.
"Oh...", the other three muttered as they nodded.
"Nandayo minna!", she pouted.
"Iie. Betsu ni. I just thought that you have another one besides Kyu.", Enit said then she smiled as she sticked her tongue out.
"Baka na koto!", Maya shouted at her.
Yari and Kira laughed.
"And how about Enit~kaichou? Won't you tell us what happened to your new year?", Maya asked mocking.
~FLASHBACK~
Maya just got home after the fireworks display when he got an e-mail from Enit.
"I can't hold it anymore Maya. Yuto slept at us last night to wait for the sunrise, then as the sun rose he suddenly kissed me and so I returned the kiss.", Enit's e-mail said.
With what she have read, she grinned.
~END OF FLASHBACK~
"H- Huh?", Enit asked, her eyebrows curved then she giggled nervously.
"Sou ne. What happened?", Yari repeated the question.
"E-to...", she began to blush by just reminiscing the moment when they kissed. "Uhmm... Yuto was with me on the new year's eve to wait for the sunrise and then we kissed.", she said and she blushed badly.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHH?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!", Yari and Kira shouted in shock.
Maya laughed aloud.
"Hidoii!", Enit shouted at Maya, still blushing. Her face was red all over.
Maya held her stomach as she laughed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 14. Valentine's day. Early in the morning, Kyu was outside the Kawashima household, door belling, he was holding a bouquet of rose. It took few seconds before someone went out from the house.
"Ohayoo gozaimasu, Kawashima~san.", Kyu greeted as he bowed after Maya's mother opened the gate.
"Ohayoo!", she smiled, she looks so much like Maya. "Hayai na, Kyusuke~kun.", she said.
"Hai. Is Maya still here?", he asked politely.
"She already left for school. I'm actually wondering why is she so early.", she said.
"Sou desu ka? I'll leave as well, Kawashima~san. Arigatou gozaimasu!", he bowed slightly before her.
"Hai. Ki o tsukete, Kyusuke~kun.", she said.
"Hai.", he nodded. Then he left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the classroom, only few have just arrived. When Yuuri came, Kira stood up from her seat and went to him.
"Happy valentine's day!", she greeted as she gave the chocolate to him.
"Woah!", Yuuri exclaimed, he chuckled. "Arigatou! You made this?", he asked, he couldn't take away his smile from his lips because of too much happiness.
"Uhn.", she nodded, she was blushing.
"Sugoii! This is the first chocolate you ever gave to me. I'll treasure this.", he said.
"Eh? Don't tell me you're not eating it?"
"Of course I'll eat it. What I mean is, I'll take a picture of it, then I'll document this."
"You'll do that?"
"Mochiron yo!"
"Sonna! It's too much but you made me happy!", she exclaimed.
"Because you're always making me happy.", he said, he held her chin up and looked at her eye-to-eye.
Kira blushed and she was like hypnotized by him. Suddenly the door opened.
"Ohayoo!", Kyu greeted aloud.
Kira, Yuuri, Ryosuke, Yuto and Ryutarou looked at him.
"Oh! Ohayoo! Kyu!", Ryosuke greeted.
"Ohayoo!", the rest greeted.
"Is Maya here already?", he asked.
"It's good that you're looking for her.", said Ryosuke. "As I've told you, she misses you badly. Ne, Kira?", he asked Kira.
"Hai.", Kira agreed. "She's sad everyday because you're not with her.", she added.
"Sou...", Kyu looked down. He felt guilty. "D- demo where is she now?", he asked again.
"She went to the powder room with Enit~chan and Yari~chan.", Kira answered.
"Sou desu ka? Then I'll wait for her.", he said.
"Don't you have a class?", asked Ryosuke.
"It's still early. I still have half an hour.", he said.
"Ah mite goran nasai!", Ryosuke stood up and excitedly went to Kyu. "Tada~~n!!", he showed him a rectangular-foiled thing. "Yari gave me this! Uwaah~! I'm so excited to eat this but I also don't want to eat it. I'm thinking of preserving it.", he said, he raised his eyebrows up and down as he was smiling widely.
"As we have said, that's stupid you know!", said Yuto and Ryutarou.
"I think Enit will appreciate it if I'll eat it, savoring each bite as I feel the love she gave in this choco while she's doing it.", said Yuto, full of smiles.
"I agree with Yuto~kun.", Ryutarou agreed. "I want to feel the love of Yochi with this chocolate.", he said.
"Yeah! Whatever! We have different opinions.", Ryosuke cut off. "Demo ne, Kyu. Don't be sad, I know Maya has something for you.", he encouraged.
"Sou ne.", Kyu smiled.
Enit and Yari came.
"What took you so long?", asked Kira with the two.
"We were looking for Maya, she suddenly disappeared. We don't know where did she go.", Enit said, her face was full of worry.
"She disappeared?", Kyu asked.
"Hai.", Enit and Yari answered.
"Maybe she just went somewhere.", Kyu reasoned.
"If that's the only case well it's fine but as we looked for her someone called my cellphone and he said that he's got Maya.", said Enit.
"WHAT?!", Kyu asked, shocked. Quickly, his face was soaked with worry.
"Let's stay calm. Maybe, it's just a prank caller.", said Yuto.
"If it is, then why he knows my number? Basically, with some kidnapping cases they got the number from the cellphone of the person they kidnapped.", said Enit.
"Maa... tabun ne?", Yuto muttered.
"Let's wait for the next call, I'm sure he'll call again to state his demand.", Enit said.
"Why do you know a lot about such?", asked Yuuri.
"Ah... e-to I'm addicted with Detective Conan recently.", Enit said.
"No wonder.", said Yuuri.
Then they heard a sound of running water. Enit put her hand in her skirt pocket.
"It's my ringtone.", then she giggled. She pressed the answer button and she leaned the cellphone on her ear. "M- moshi moshi.", she started.
"Moshi moshi.", the other line answered, the voice was peculiar, it's like an alien's voice. "Now that I think, you are all together. Can you hand the phone to the boy named Yamada Kyusuke?", the voice commanded.
"Hai.", she nodded, she looked at Kyu. "He wants you.", she said then he gave the cellphone to him.
"Yo!", the voice greeted confidently.
Kyu gritted his teeth. "What do you want?! Where is Maya?!", he asked angrily.
"Woah! That fast? Tsk! Tsk! You should know how to ask for mercy first not that you act like a mad cow.", the voice teased.
Kyu exhaled a big amount of air and he clenched his jaw. "Okay. Please, don't do anything bad to Maya. I'll do anything just... just don't move her. Please?", he begged.
"Aaah... how touching. I'll try not to do anything to her. So let's just say I want to play with you. You'll be the detective while I'll be the criminal which I really am.", the voice said.
"What?!"
"You're opposing? Well if you do then that's bad."
"O- okay. What shall I do?"
"Solve this case with your own might. Don't call any police nor take your friends with you. Do you understand?"
"H- How how will I do it?"
"That's for you to know. Take the girl who owns the cellphone with you. He will help you."
"What? But she's not involve in here. I- I can't do that. I can't take the risk to have her in danger either."
"Just follow what I said.", then the other line hung up.
"Hey!", Kyu shouted but it didn't make on time. "KUSO!", he shouted angrily.
"What did he tell you?", Ryosuke and Enit asked in chorus.
"He wants me to solve the case, the kidnapping case of Maya. I as a detective and he wants me to take Enit with me.", he said in pain.
"What? I won't let that happen. I'll be the one who'll go with you, Kyu~kun.", said Yuto.
"I don't want to take her with me either. I know this is dangerous.", he said.
"I'm okay! I learnt taekwando and I can protect myself. And I love solving cases and the one involved here is my friend.", Enit said.
"Our friend!", Yuto corrected. "I won't let you do this.", he said.
"Yuto, what if he'll hurt Maya if he found out that you're the one who went with Kyusuke~kun instead of me? I know you're just trying to protect me but if I'm needed then so be it. I trust Kyusuke~kun, I believe him. I know he can also protect me. So don't worry, ne?", she smiled at Yuto.
"Mou! Such a stubborn president. Okay I understand. Please take care? For me?", Yuto begged.
"I will. I don't want to hurt your feeling so I will keep my promise. I won't do any risky thing.", Enit promised, she smiled.
Yuto hugged Enit tightly, his heart pounded as if something bad will happen. He closed his eyes and breathed. He let go off the hug and he held the face of Enit with his two hands and he kissed her on the lips. "Ki o tsukete.", he said his final words.
Enit, though blushing, nodded.
"I think we have to go now.", said Kyu.
"Kyu! Please bring Maya back here. And go back safe and sound.", said Ryosuke.
"Hai.", he nodded. He looked at his friends for one last time and he smiled at them like assuring them that he'll be back with Maya and Enit safe and sound. "Arigatou minna.", he said. "Ittekimasu!", he said.
"Itterasshai!", the rest said. Then Kyu and Enit left.
When they were outside the school already, Enit's cellphone rang. Kyu pressed the button allertly.
"Hello?", Kyu started, he is nervous.
"Good to know that you did what I told you. Now let's start the game. Sunrise is to east while sunset is to west, if I said start from 90 degrees and end to 315, do you know where is the place to guess?", the voice asked.
"W- what? I can't understand.", Kyu said confused.
"De wa!", the other line hung up.
"What did he say?", Enit asked.
"E-to... he said... how do I put it... he told me a riddle. It's like this. Sunrise is to east while sunset is to west, if I said start from 90 degrees and end to 315, do you know where is the place to guess...? I can't understand what he meant.", he said.
"He wants us to think then. Maybe it has something to do with the directions. So west to east is 180 degrees but he says we will start from 90... nanto iu ka?", Enit paused to think.
"Maybe he wants us to start from the north since if you'll look at the sign of the directions, it's like a cartesian plane, right?"
"Sou ne! Ii na Kyusuke~kun!", Enit exclaimed.
"Arigatou! But how about the finish line? I can't think of any."
"315 desu ka? If what I'm thinking is correct... ikuzo!", she started running.
"Hai!", he followed running.
They went on the north from where they were standing. After some moments Enit halted.
"Yatta! I thought so! The beginning is the end.", she giggled triumphantly.
"What do you mean?", Kyu asked clueless.
"See that stall?", she pointed at a clothing store.
"Ah sou ne! Sasuga Enit~san!", Kyu exclaimed.
They went in the stall, when they got in, Enit looked around like looking for clues. Suddenly her cellphone rang.
Kyu answered it.
"Bravo! Excelente!", the voice exclaimed. "I told you, she can help you. Though good job! You two solved that riddle."
"Do you have an accomplice roaming around? Why do you know where are we?"
"Should I answer? Why don't you guess?"
"Are you not just playing around with us? How can I be so sure that you have Maya?"
"You've became defiant huh? Okay. Maya~chan! You're prince wants to here your voice.", the voice said.
"Kyu? Kyu?!!!", Maya's voice in panick. "Tasukete Kyu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", she shriek.
"Maya? Maya? Are you okay?", he asked worriedly.
"That's it for now.", the voice said then he laughed devilishly.
"What did you do to her?!!! You good for nothing bastard!!", he yelled angrily, as if he can smash the cellphone with his strong grip.
The voice laughed as a response. "Let's move to the next one. Pile of books, pile of junk, pile of heaven. Which one do you prefer? Choose wisely because it will close in minute seven. Ja!", the voice hung up.
"Pile of books, pile of junk, pile of heaven. Which one do you prefer? Choose wisely because it will close in minute seven...", he muttered as he placed his thumb on his chin.
"Maybe there is a dumpster between a bookstore and a church.", said Enit.
"Could be... demo is that even possible?" Kyu asked. "But then let's start looking for a bookstore.", he said.
"Hai.", she agreed.
They left the stall. They started to run again. As they run they saw a bookstore but there is no dumpster nor a church. They continued to wander the area but they found nothing. No other bookstore. But they found a church and a dumpster separately.
"We forgot something! The last clue. It will close in minute seven.", said Kyu. "But if that's the case, we're running out of time. It's 5 minutes passed.", he added.
"Matte! Books! Some people treat them as trash but some treat them as heaven for they find peace reading books. Wakatta!! If you noticed we just found only one bookstore along our search. Mou!!! Ikuzo! Let's go back there!", said Enit.
"Hai!", Kyu started running, running as fast as he could. He didn't notice that he left Enit behind. "Maya, get a hold of yourself. Wait for me, I'll save you!", he shouted to his mind.
When he arrived, the clerk of the bookstore was about to lock the door. "Chotto!!!!!!!!!!", he shouted.
The clerk turned on him. "Eh?"
"Please, don't close the store yet! Please!", he begged.
"Doushite?", the clerk asked clueless.
"I need it opened. Please? Just some minutes more. Please? I beg you."
"H- Hai."
After few minutes, Enit arrived. "You made it, right?", she asked, she's grasping for her breath.
"Hai.", he smiled. "Are you okay?", he asked worriedly.
"I'm great!", she smiled.
"Yoshi!", he muttered.
"Can I close now?", the clerk asked.
"Not yet. Please a bit more."
"Hai.", the clerk nodded.
"Hayaku! Call now!!", he muttered to himself.
It didn't took that long and the cellphone rang.
"Hello!", Kyu started.
"Tsk! Tsk! I hate to say this but you almost ran out of time. Now the last clue. I hope you'll be able to find her in 15 minutes.", the voice said.
"It's echoing.", Kyu thought to himself. "I'm ready."
"Very good then. Girls' tears are precious, their smiles have to be treasured. However if you take them for granted they might vanish. That's it. Finder's keeper, remember that! Sore de wa!", the other line hung up.
"We have to unlock the clue for 15 minutes only. He says, girls' tears are precious, their smiles have to be treasured however if you take them for granted they might vanish...", he said.
"It's somewhat related to you. I don't have any rights to tell you this, I know how much you love her but you don't know how much she loves you. She's always looking for you. You're her air, sky, star. Her life... she's glad if she hears that you're fine but have you ever asked her if she's fine? You didn't keep your promise to her. You're still making her cry. Despite that fact, she still loves you.", Enit said as if seeing Maya's sad face, painful face.
"Gomen... I just realized how I hurt her. And I have to save her. I remembered when we went at the sea-side park, she compared the water on the sea as tears, the water is precious to the sea. Without it there's no sea. After she said that she looked at me full of smile and she laughed. If she only knew how much I miss her and how much I regret taking her for granted. If that memory is as easy as the clue then I could've solved it but I couldn't make anything from it. I don't want to loose her, I want to tell her how afraid I am with the idea of loosing her. If only I can trade place with her now, she might be crying and trembling right now.", he said, his tears fell down on his cheeks.
"I think you solved it.", Enit said.
"Eh?", he looked at Enit. "Sou! That park is near here, maybe there is a clue left there that could tell us where she is.", he said. "How much time left? And I think I got a clue... that kidnapper is near us, his voice is echoing while he was talking."
"I think we should hurry up. We only have 10 minutes."
"No worries, the park is near here.", he said. "Ikou?"
"Uhn.", she nodded.
They started running again. Kyu smiled, "I'm near. I'll save you. Goshimpai nai ne, Maya.", he said to himself.
They didn't took that long and Kyu can see the park from a far already. They continued running. A girl caught Kyu's eyes. "Maya?", he muttered.
"Huh?", Enit asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maya was standing, leaning on the low wall which serves as the separator of the sea and the park. When she felt a hand on her shoulder from her back.
"Ji~~n?", she turned.
"Gomen, it took so long.", Jin said.
"Betsu ni.", she smiled.
"Here.", he gave her a canned coffee. "For you to get warm. And wear this on.", he took off his coat and placed it on the back of Maya.
"Arigatou.", she looked at him, eye-to-eye.
"No. THANK YOU! At last I'll be able to taste your self-made chocolate. I think it's sweet.", he giggled.
"Eh?", then she laughed.
"Maya?"
"K- Kyu?", Maya's eyes gone wide.
"What's the meaning of this? I thought you're... you are kidnapped... why is this? Wh- who is he?", Kyu asked, confused.
"Gomen nasai.", she muttered.
"W- What? What do you mean? Why are you saying sorry?", he became more confused.
"I made this all up.", she said, she looked down. "Ji~~n?", she called. "I'm also sorry for involving you here.", she said apologetically.
"Betsu ni. I enjoyed actually.", Jin said.
"You made this up?", his eyes narrowed.
Maya nodded.
"Baka!", Enit shouted at her then she slapped her.
Maya catched her face and she caressed it.
"IF YOU ONLY KNOW HOW WORRIED WE ARE FOR YOU!!! YOU MADE US WORRY TO DEATH!! WE WERE THINKING THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOU, THAT YOU'RE IN A COLD PLACE! AND MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU MADE KYUSUKE~KUN WORRY FOR YOU TOO MUCH!! YOU'RE THE WORST!!", Enit exploded.
"Gomen..."
Kyu pulled Maya's hand toward him and he hugged her. "Are you okay? Did it hurt?", he asked worriedly.
"It's okay. I deserve it. Kyu... I'm sorry. It's just that..."
"I understand. Don't say sorry, you won't do this if it's not because of me. Just don't make me worry anymore huh? I'm relieved to know that you're okay, that I didn't loose you. I love you very much!! Please forgive me for not keeping my promise.", he said apologetically.
"Kyu...", she started to cry on the chest of Kyu. "I hate you! I thought you don't like me anymore! I hate you..."
"I know. I'm sorry for that."
"Eventhough how much I want to hate you the worst thing is I still want you, I still love you."
"I know."
"I hate you!"
"I know."
"I missed you... so much."
"I know."
"Baka!"
"I know."
"Don't you have anything to say than 'I know'?"
"I have. Daisuki desu! Daisuki! Daisuki! Daisuki!"
"Baka!"
"I know."
"Please tell me you missed me and you still love me?"
"I missed you more than anyone else and the only girl I love is you. You're always forgetting that. I repeat, THE ONLY GIRL I LOVE IS YOU!"
"I know."
Kyu chuckled.
"Eh? Nani sore?" (Yuuri)
"ENIT!!!!!!!!!!!"
Enit turned and she saw Yuto. "Yuto?"
He ran to her and hugged her tightly. "Thank goodness you're safe!", he exclaimed.
"Hai. How did you, guys, know where we are?", Enit wondered.
"A guy called us. He said that he knows where Maya is. So we went here.", he explained.
"Sou desu ka?", then she looked at Jin.
Jin smiled at her. "You're right with what you're thinking, miss.", he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Maya have said, she made this whole thing up. She didn't actually disappeared but she hid while watching them. It's her who was also talking on the cellphone to them, she used a voice changer. She used phone booth to call them because she thought they might think of tracing the number. It actually made her nevous everytime she gave the riddles because Kyu might think of not solving them which means she is not important for him. Jin bid goodbye when the things settled down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Honto ni gomen nasai, minna!!!!!!", Maya shouted apologetically as she bowed 90 degrees.
"Hai! Honto ni gomen nasai!!!", Kyu seconded the motion and he also bowed.
"Ii no yo!! At least you're safe and sound!", said Kira.
"But there is still bugging me.", Ryosuke said.
"Nani?", asked the rest.
"Who is that guy with you? Yeah I know his name is Jin but who is he to you, Maya?", Ryosuke asked.
"Ah he is my childhood friend, but no worries, he will be getting married soon.", Maya explained.
"Honto?", the rest asked.
"Hai.", she nodded. "Last January 1, we met and he actually went to the church to book for his wedding. And before he marry we decided to go out today.", she looked down.
"Ah..", they muttered as they nodded.
The door of the student council office suddenly opened.
"Minna! I was looking for you this whole day. Where did you go?", Daiki asked as he went inside.
"NANDE MO NAI!!!", they shouted at him.
"Eh??? Anyway, look at this cake. Hotaru~chan made this for me. Isn't it sweet?", Daiki asked.
"Sure! It is because it's a chocolate cake, right?", Ryosuke said sarcastically.
"Kimi! Ah and she asked me to give these chocolates to you guys.", he showed the small boxes ribboned with red lace.
"Where is she?", Ryutarou asked.
"She's outside with Yochi~san.", he whispered loudly.
"Hotaru~chan!!! Come in! We know you're out there!", Yuuri called out.
"Oi!! Sonna!!", Daiki restrained.
"K- Konnichiwa!", Hotaru greeted as she peeked from the door.
"Konnichiwa!", Yochi greeted as well.
"Come in! Let's celebrate valentine's day!", Ryosuke invited.
"Hai.", Hotaru and Yochi said in chorus. They came in.
"So, here is your chocolates, minna.", Daiki distributed the chocolates to Ryosuke, Kyusuke, Yuto, Yuuri and Ryutarou.
"Arigatou!!", they said in chorus.
"Kyu...? Here!", Maya gave him a heart-shaped chocolate wrapped with a foil.
"Arigatou.", Kyu said and he smiled.
"I told you!", Ryosuke whispered to him. Kyu smirked.
"Let's eat!", Enit invited. There are gyoza, different kinds of sushi, tonkatsu and curry rice.
While eating...
"Maya?", Kyu called.
"Nani?", Maya asked.
"You have a dirt on your lip."
"Sou desu ka?", she was about to get her handkerchief when suddenly Kyu kissed her on the lips. That surprised Maya and her heart began to race, her palms cold-sweat and she blushed.
"Ohhh!!", the rest exclaimed when they saw what's happening.
"Happy valentine's day.", Kyu greeted to Maya and he gave her the bouquet of roses.
"Arigatou.", she muttered shyly.
"Daisuki da yo!", he said to her.
"Too much sweetness!! The ants bringing army!! It's bad!!", Yuuri shouted.
Kyu shook his head and he just smiled.
~OVER~
^comments and suggestions are highly appreciated^
{A/N:: The longest chapter of IFE, gomen if this is too long ~.^}