Chapter 19: The Shield and His Treasured Friend
Title: The 7 Faces of My Boyfriend
Genre: Romance
Characters: Shida Mirai, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Irie Jingi, Kamiki Yuu (Oizumi Yo), Yonemoto Mai (Kawashima Umika), Sakamoto Shougo, Kanata Hongo, Hiharu (Ohgo Suzuka), Narumi Riko, Nozomi Maeda
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Kamiki and Shida were childhood best friends. One day though, Shida had to go to another town and leave… so Kamiki promised that when they meet again, they’ll marry each other. Eight years later, and she’s back. But Kamiki is not the same. He was diagnosed with MPD and now has 7 personalities. What will Shida do?
Chapter 19: The Shield and His Treasured Friend
Shida Mirai tentatively poked her head inside the room through the open window. "Good evening..." she greeted quietly. Looking at the two beds, she called out "Yae-chi...?"
"Come in." A low voice said silently. "Be quiet. Non-chan is sleeping."
She nodded, tiptoeing inside. Slowly walking to his side, she saw him sit up and hold his table to pull himself up. Rushing to help him, she took one of his arms. "Let me help."
He swatted her hand off. "I can handle myself." He quickly said. "Let go."
Refusing to let go, she held on and pulled his other hand up. "It's not bad to ask for help, you know."
"I only need myself." he retorted, but let himself be pulled.
She frowned a bit but did not speak further. She let go of his hands and let him stand on his own. Watching him get a flashlight and a blanket, she followed after him outside the room. They walked in silence up the stair and into the rooftop. Placing the blanket down the floor, he sat down and glanced briefly at her. Taking the cue, she walked to his side and sat by there. She looked up at the stars and wondered why he even agreed to go with her if he won't speak at all. He's still being cold, isn't he?
He finally spoke up after a while. "I heard about you from Ken-chan. He didn't tell me your name, but I think he was talking about you. The one who made his wish come true."
...
..
.
Shida, age 9, sneakily went to the side of the hospital to check on her friends. "Are you ready?" she asked with a smile, peeking through the window.
The two boys on the room were already packing their bags, sporting mischievous grins on their faces. You could almost feel the excitement in the air as they walked to the window and climbed outside. It was their "Top Secret Adventure". Their first Summer Festival together. It's been years since they met, but festivals has always been a big no-no for both Kamiki and Kenta. They were always asked to stay inside whenever there's a gathering like this. Fireworks is bad for Kamiki's lungs, while festivals in general makes some stress that is not good for Kenta. Shida was always alone when she goes.
But this year was different. Kamiki was having problems at home with his parents while Kenta was down because he couldn't go to school again. Shida thinks it's unfair to not let them have fun when they need it the most. That is why she decided to take matters into her own hands. She made a plan for all three of them to sneak out together. She even chose the safest place so that the two wouldn't collapse or anything.
"I'm so excited! Fireworks~" Shida could almost see stars in Kamiki's eyes. He was so hyper. "Dad never lets me see fireworks, but now I'll see them!!!"
Putting on a mother hen front, she feigned a frown and sternly said "But no getting close to it, okay? Not even 6 meters away, get it?"
Laughing, he nodded. "Mi-chan being strict is cute too!"
She blushed a bit, pouting at him. Always saying stuff like that just too innocently! This kid!
"I'm excited too! I've always wanted to try those games at the festival!" Kenta was obviously happy as well. "It's a small festival, but there are games, right?"
"Yes!" Shida smiled at the younger boy. "There are shooting games and lots of others! Kenta-kun should try getting me some goldfish, okay?"
He nodded immediately. "I'll get Mi-chan one!"
A whiny voice then retorted with a "I can get one too!" Kamiki was obviously feeling envious and competitive. "I'll definitely, definitely get one!"
"Hai, hai." Shida shrugged as Kenta laughed.
They spent hours at the temple, going through different stalls and trying different food. Kamiki was able to get one big goldfish for Shida. Kenta got five. The two competed in getting her some stuffed toy as well. Shida was definitely a lucky girl to have those two! By the time they were walking to the side of the temple to rest, they already have lots of toys and things to give her. On their faces were large smiles that showed how happy they were. There was only one event left then, before they go back. The fireworks.
Shida decided for them to stay beside the temple, saying that it was the best view. It was actually more because it was the farthest place from the crowd and from the people playing with fireworks. This was safest for Kamiki.
A few seconds later, colorful fireworks exploded in the dark night sky.
"Uwah~! It's beautiful!!!!" Kamiki looked up at the sky and jumped excitedly.
Kenta was in awe as well. "It is!" He then looked at Shida and smiled widely. "Thank you, Mi-chan. This is the best!"
.
..
...
A wide smile settled on her lips upon remembering that. That was one of her happiest moments too. Being with two of her treasured friends, and being able to play without a care... it was unforgettable. "Kenta-kun said that, huh... I'm happy."
He was looking at the sky with a nostalgic expression on his face. "Kenta told me... the day before he died. He asked me to take care of that person who made his wish come true." His voice was filled with sadness, most likely remembering the day Kenta passed away. "He told me that Ryunosuke would be the first one to help her when she's in need, so I should do the same."
Sighing as she imagined a grown up Kenta saying that, she also looked at the sky. "It's two way. I will also protect him when he's in need. The two of us are like that."
"That's exactly what he said." He mentioned quietly. "You're strong enough to protect him."
She looked down a bit. "Sometimes I feel sure about that, but other times I wonder if I really can..." she whispered to herself, thinking about the various things she still doesn't know about Kamiki's life while she wasn't here.
A long silence ensued between the two as they watched the stars. Shida kept on having little flashbacks of what she used to do when Kamiki was in the hospital.
"Ne," She suddenly got a brilliant idea. "Do you want to watch it too? Fireworks."
He looked at her for a while before looking back at the sky. "I can't endanger this body. I'm the only one who can take this pain. I'm not allowed to go out."
Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Yaechi still refused to look her in the eye. "If you want to protect Ryunosuke, you should just let me be." he said coldly. "He can't live without me."
Shida was taken aback by that. The coldness of his voice was chilling. It made her a bit scared just hearing it. She wasn't able to respond to that, knowing in herself that her knowledge of Yaechi's thoughts were still lacking. She had to observe more to understand how she should react to him.
"I'm going back." He suddenly said, standing up and glancing at her. "Go home."
She meekly nodded and stood up as well, not really having any energy to say anything else.
"You can't protect anyone, Ryunosuke." An eleven years old athletic-looking boy hovered in front of a 9 year old Kamiki. "You can't even protect yourself."
He was on the verge of crying, but he was keeping it all in. Trying to be strong. "I can protect Mi-chan! I can!" His expression was those of utter determination. He tried to stand up, holding on to his uninjured knee. The other knee was bleeding already.
"Mikki!" Shida ran to them, stopping in front of Kamiki and spreading her hands on both sides as if to shield him. "Hayato-kun! Stop hurting Mikki!"
Hayato frowned. "I didn't hurt him. He fell on his own."
"Mi-chan, Ogawa-san didn't hurt me..." Kamiki said. "I tripped, that's why..."
"Don't be stupid!" Some tears fell from her eyes. "I know what Hayato-kun has been doing! Just because you're a boy, it doesn't mean you have to protect me. I can protect myself."
"Mi-chan said something nice, didn't she~?" Hayato laughed. "She can protect herself, she said. Doesn't that imply that she doesn't need you?" He looked at Kamiki with a grin.
Shida stepped forward, sporting an irritated look. "You don't understand anything." she said darkly, glaring at the older guy.
Before he could react, a female voice shouted "Hayato'nii-chan! Let's walk home together!"
"Hai, Rika!" A younger version of Rika came and pulled Hayato away. "Jaa, see you next time!" He winked before running away.
...
Shida Mirai woke up sweating, the image of her 'nightmare' being vivid in her mind. "What was that...?" she asked herself. All along, she's always told herself that Kamiki was the only childhood friend she played with. But if you think about it... it couldn't have been like that, right? She had other friends, for sure. But she doesn't remember any. Other than Kamiki, and Kenta who was only with them at the hospital anyway, she didn't have any memories of other people. She assumed before that it was because Kamiki was too big a part of her life, that her childhood centered around him too much.
But what was that dream? A younger Hayato and Rika? Have they met before? And what was with that bullying?!
"Good morning!"
Shida decided to forget that image for now. She thinks there is a right time for that. For now, what she has to do is win Yaechi's favor and be friends with him. There's only a bit left before Kamiki Ryunosuke finally appears. She could feel it.
Yaechi looked at her and nodded in greeting. He then went back to reading his manga in peace.
Ignoring his cold attitude, she walked to his side and sat on the chair, glancing around the room. "Nonchan isn't here?"
"Nonchan and Shougo are in the garden. Morning walk." he replied promptly, not even looking up from reading.
Shida smiled and rummaged through her bag, searching for something. "Shougo-kun is amazing... He's always visiting Nonchan during weekends?"
He nodded. "And sometimes after class. He doesn't want her to be lonely."
"Hmmm..." At last, she found what she was looking for. She took four books from her bag and showed it to him. "I found this in your room. You haven't read the next part, right?" She pointed to what he was reading. "You're rereading it?" She noticed it yesterday while she was sitting here quietly. The next part of what he was reading was not in the room. Knowing that he wouldn't ask anyone for that, Shida decided to get it for him. I don't want him to be lonely.
He blinked a bit, obviously surprised. "That..." You could almost see an embarassed blush on his face. "Thank you." He took it all and placed it on his other side. Putting the one he was reading down, he got the next one and started reading. The changes in his expressions were minimal, but it was still there. Shida found it amusing to watch him.
After reading one volume, he placed it down and leaned on the bed. He must be tired of reading.
"Do you want me to get you a drink?" she asked goodnaturedly.
He glanced at her before shaking his head. "I'll get it myself."
Sighing, she stood up and said "I was about to get one myself. I thought it was more efficient to get one for both of us. I'm not really getting the juice just for you, Yaechi." She smiled inwardly, knowing that it hit him right where it should.
"...okay. Orange juice." He laid down his bed again and closed his eyes in defeat.
She giggled before going to the vendo machine at the corner.
She couldn't see it, but Yaechi was definitely smiling fondly at her direction just when she turned her back.
...
She sat beside him again and gave him the juice. They both opened their cans and drank in silence.
"You're not gonna read?" Shida curiously asked, looking at his hands. He wasn't showing any signs of picking up the book again.
He shook his head. "My eyes are tired. I can't overexert."
He always says that, doesn't he? she thought, remembering how he reacted to her proposition of watching fireworks. "Then, let's just talk!" She grinned. "I want to know more about Yaechi!"
He looked away and placed his juice down. "I'm going to sleep." he said, laying down the bed and turning to the other side.
"Ehhhh~" Before she could complain though, a thought struck her. Since we met at night, he must be tired, right? And so she let him sleep as much as he likes. She can talk to him when he wakes up anyway.
It was dinner time. Shida sat in her usual seat while Shougo and Nozomi sat on Nozomi's bed. Somehow, Yaechi was taking a nap once again. He woke up earlier for a while but he read his manga throughout the time he was awake. When he finished reading, he fell asleep again.
"Sleepy head." Shida giggled as she watched him sleep. "Is he always like this?" She turned to Nozomi who was unpacking the lunch boxes Shougo brought.
"Always." Nozomi laughed as well. But she frowned a bit when she said "I think it's because he gets all the tiredness from all personalities. He is the one who should rest the most."
I can't endanger this body. Is that because of this? He's the one taking all the pain... It's painful just thinking about it. "It must be hard for him."
"He never complains though, right?" Shougo said, glancing at Yaechi as well. "He's really strong."
They started eating then, with little words spoken. Nozomi was curious about something though. So she put her chopsticks down and looked at Shida. "Ne, can you tell me about Kamiki Ryunosuke?" she said. "I want to understand what's happening..."
Shougo looked up at her and then at Shida. He nodded and agreed. "I want to understand too. I've never met Ryunosuke. Hongo-kun and Jingi-kun speaks highly of him and they seem to love him so much... But all I know is Aki and the other personalities."
"Hmmm..." Shida hummed thoughtfully. "Mikki, ne, he's a really, really good guy. When you feel sad, he won't always know why or how sad you are, but he's the type to suddenly appear beside you and comfort you. He's clueless but he somehow manages to make us smile. That innocence he has is cute too. He plays the piano enthusiastically, and it makes everyone who hear it happy. He's a really talented boy, you see. He just is really awkward sometimes and doesn't show his talents around other people. I was lucky to be his best friend." Her eyes were shining as she said that, and her voice was laced with affection for the boy. It's been a while since she talked about Kamiki like this.
Nozomi had a big smile on her face as well. "He seems like a really good person."
Shougo was frowning, however. "But why did this have to happen to him... He's a good guy but people..."
Shida remembered Sai's words then. "Un... Even though he is a good person, even though he is the kindest person I've met... People hurt him. Sai said it to me before, that there are people who likes hurting other people, that there are people who don't care." She looked at Yaechi's sleeping figure and said "But now I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt him anymore."
"You really love him." Nozomi smiled.
She nodded. "I do. That's why I'll protect him with all I've got."
At the side, with no one seeing, Yaechi closed his eyes again and pretended to be asleep some more. Shida's words lulled him back to sleep.
When Yaechi woke up, it was already midnight. And he was starving. He forgot to eat dinner, after all. A knock on the window took his attention. "Who's there?"
"Shida Mirai" she answered, knocking again. "I brought you some sandwiches."
He stood up and opened the window, letting her in. He watched as she jumped over the side and into the room, slinging her bag behind her as she stood up properly. She walked silently to the side of his bed and placed down her things. He then followed after her and called her attention. "We should go to the rooftop."
Hearing that, she smiled and nodded, taking her things with her.
They once again walked side by side as they went up the stairs. Shida wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but the atmosphere was a bit lighter. A bit more welcoming than yesterday.
They sat on the floor and opened the box Shida brought. Inside were plenty of sandwiches and some fried bite-sized meat.
"Eat up!" She said, smiling widely. "You're hungry, aren't you?"
"Thank you." He said, taking a sadwich and munching on it. He seemed to have smiled a bit.
He smiled! He definitely, definitely smiled, didn't he~?! Shida's grin widened. "Good. You have to eat lots and strengthen yourself, ne?"
He simply nodded and continued eating.
Not giving up just yet, she tried opening up a topic. "Do you know anything about the other personalities?"
Looking at her for a while, he shook his head. "There's a bit. But not much. Sometimes I can hear them talking before I sleep... Aki and Juichi."
Her eyes widened. "Juichi?" That must be... That guy, right? "I've met him." Ju-kun is actually Juichi! What kind of person is he...? "They're the only ones you hear?"
"Yes." He nodded.
"There are others, like Tomodachi-kun. He's really sweet. He doesn't speak Japanese, you know? There is Sai too. He's in a band and he plays the guitar amazingly. He's overflowing in charisma!" She giggled a bit, remembering them. "There's also Iinchou-kun. He's scared to go out of his house and is always absorbed by games but he really is one of the nicest persons I've met. Then Yosuke-kun... he's clueless and delusional, but he has a good heart." She was overwhelmed, remembering all of them. Quite honestly, she misses them.
"You've really met them all... How?" He sounded curious for once.
She looked away, not wanting to say a lie but scared that he might react harshly if she says the wrong answer. "I've been here for a while, that's all. I'm just pretty close to Mikki's friends so I get to see a lot." It was only a half-lie anyhow. She just can't find the right answer to that.
He seemed to have accepted that answer, and he let go of that topic. They ate in silence while watching the stars comfortably.
This went on for a week, with Shida visiting him after class and sneaking in to talk with him at night. It started with him being cold, but for some reason, he opened up bit by bit. He didn't talk about himself much, but he listened to Shida and gave little comments. They weren't close friends, but it was a civilized relationship.
He started talking more though, saying "It's delicious" even though he whispers it to himself. He's gotten more open about his compliments, which really makes Shida happy. Nozomi always walks around the hospital to give them alone time, so they always talk on their own.
Shida found different little facts about Yae. He, despite always being cold, seems to warm up a lot when they start talking about Kenta. It seems that Kenta was an important person in his life, and losing him was too much for Yae. He was really cold to Nozomi before, too. Shougo said so. But he warmed up a bit when she started talking about Shougo and their friendship. It's like he was touched about it... or remembered something similar.
Within a week, Shida was able to slowly but surely be closer to Yaechi.
But this good flow... was halted abruptly by a small mistake. A mistake that would cost all of Shida's hardwork.
"Did you check Yaegashi's temperature?" It was Yuu-sensei's voice. He and a woman doctor were outside of Yaechi's room. It was still early so they thought that the two people inside the room would probably be asleep.
"I'll check it after breakfast. He's been here for a while... Is it okay?" She asked, worry etched in her voice.
"He'll be fine. Mirai is doing her best. Just like with the others, she'll be able to make Yaegashi disappear. Ryunosuke would wake up soon."
Ryunosuke would wake up soon...?
I've been in bed (dying) for two whole days. That's why I'm moving my deadline until tomorrow. Will post the next chapter lateeer.
Genre: Romance
Characters: Shida Mirai, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Irie Jingi, Kamiki Yuu (Oizumi Yo), Yonemoto Mai (Kawashima Umika), Sakamoto Shougo, Kanata Hongo, Hiharu (Ohgo Suzuka), Narumi Riko, Nozomi Maeda
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Kamiki and Shida were childhood best friends. One day though, Shida had to go to another town and leave… so Kamiki promised that when they meet again, they’ll marry each other. Eight years later, and she’s back. But Kamiki is not the same. He was diagnosed with MPD and now has 7 personalities. What will Shida do?
Chapter 19: The Shield and His Treasured Friend
Shida Mirai tentatively poked her head inside the room through the open window. "Good evening..." she greeted quietly. Looking at the two beds, she called out "Yae-chi...?"
"Come in." A low voice said silently. "Be quiet. Non-chan is sleeping."
She nodded, tiptoeing inside. Slowly walking to his side, she saw him sit up and hold his table to pull himself up. Rushing to help him, she took one of his arms. "Let me help."
He swatted her hand off. "I can handle myself." He quickly said. "Let go."
Refusing to let go, she held on and pulled his other hand up. "It's not bad to ask for help, you know."
"I only need myself." he retorted, but let himself be pulled.
She frowned a bit but did not speak further. She let go of his hands and let him stand on his own. Watching him get a flashlight and a blanket, she followed after him outside the room. They walked in silence up the stair and into the rooftop. Placing the blanket down the floor, he sat down and glanced briefly at her. Taking the cue, she walked to his side and sat by there. She looked up at the stars and wondered why he even agreed to go with her if he won't speak at all. He's still being cold, isn't he?
He finally spoke up after a while. "I heard about you from Ken-chan. He didn't tell me your name, but I think he was talking about you. The one who made his wish come true."
...
..
.
Shida, age 9, sneakily went to the side of the hospital to check on her friends. "Are you ready?" she asked with a smile, peeking through the window.
The two boys on the room were already packing their bags, sporting mischievous grins on their faces. You could almost feel the excitement in the air as they walked to the window and climbed outside. It was their "Top Secret Adventure". Their first Summer Festival together. It's been years since they met, but festivals has always been a big no-no for both Kamiki and Kenta. They were always asked to stay inside whenever there's a gathering like this. Fireworks is bad for Kamiki's lungs, while festivals in general makes some stress that is not good for Kenta. Shida was always alone when she goes.
But this year was different. Kamiki was having problems at home with his parents while Kenta was down because he couldn't go to school again. Shida thinks it's unfair to not let them have fun when they need it the most. That is why she decided to take matters into her own hands. She made a plan for all three of them to sneak out together. She even chose the safest place so that the two wouldn't collapse or anything.
"I'm so excited! Fireworks~" Shida could almost see stars in Kamiki's eyes. He was so hyper. "Dad never lets me see fireworks, but now I'll see them!!!"
Putting on a mother hen front, she feigned a frown and sternly said "But no getting close to it, okay? Not even 6 meters away, get it?"
Laughing, he nodded. "Mi-chan being strict is cute too!"
She blushed a bit, pouting at him. Always saying stuff like that just too innocently! This kid!
"I'm excited too! I've always wanted to try those games at the festival!" Kenta was obviously happy as well. "It's a small festival, but there are games, right?"
"Yes!" Shida smiled at the younger boy. "There are shooting games and lots of others! Kenta-kun should try getting me some goldfish, okay?"
He nodded immediately. "I'll get Mi-chan one!"
A whiny voice then retorted with a "I can get one too!" Kamiki was obviously feeling envious and competitive. "I'll definitely, definitely get one!"
"Hai, hai." Shida shrugged as Kenta laughed.
They spent hours at the temple, going through different stalls and trying different food. Kamiki was able to get one big goldfish for Shida. Kenta got five. The two competed in getting her some stuffed toy as well. Shida was definitely a lucky girl to have those two! By the time they were walking to the side of the temple to rest, they already have lots of toys and things to give her. On their faces were large smiles that showed how happy they were. There was only one event left then, before they go back. The fireworks.
Shida decided for them to stay beside the temple, saying that it was the best view. It was actually more because it was the farthest place from the crowd and from the people playing with fireworks. This was safest for Kamiki.
A few seconds later, colorful fireworks exploded in the dark night sky.
"Uwah~! It's beautiful!!!!" Kamiki looked up at the sky and jumped excitedly.
Kenta was in awe as well. "It is!" He then looked at Shida and smiled widely. "Thank you, Mi-chan. This is the best!"
.
..
...
A wide smile settled on her lips upon remembering that. That was one of her happiest moments too. Being with two of her treasured friends, and being able to play without a care... it was unforgettable. "Kenta-kun said that, huh... I'm happy."
He was looking at the sky with a nostalgic expression on his face. "Kenta told me... the day before he died. He asked me to take care of that person who made his wish come true." His voice was filled with sadness, most likely remembering the day Kenta passed away. "He told me that Ryunosuke would be the first one to help her when she's in need, so I should do the same."
Sighing as she imagined a grown up Kenta saying that, she also looked at the sky. "It's two way. I will also protect him when he's in need. The two of us are like that."
"That's exactly what he said." He mentioned quietly. "You're strong enough to protect him."
She looked down a bit. "Sometimes I feel sure about that, but other times I wonder if I really can..." she whispered to herself, thinking about the various things she still doesn't know about Kamiki's life while she wasn't here.
A long silence ensued between the two as they watched the stars. Shida kept on having little flashbacks of what she used to do when Kamiki was in the hospital.
"Ne," She suddenly got a brilliant idea. "Do you want to watch it too? Fireworks."
He looked at her for a while before looking back at the sky. "I can't endanger this body. I'm the only one who can take this pain. I'm not allowed to go out."
Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Yaechi still refused to look her in the eye. "If you want to protect Ryunosuke, you should just let me be." he said coldly. "He can't live without me."
Shida was taken aback by that. The coldness of his voice was chilling. It made her a bit scared just hearing it. She wasn't able to respond to that, knowing in herself that her knowledge of Yaechi's thoughts were still lacking. She had to observe more to understand how she should react to him.
"I'm going back." He suddenly said, standing up and glancing at her. "Go home."
She meekly nodded and stood up as well, not really having any energy to say anything else.
"You can't protect anyone, Ryunosuke." An eleven years old athletic-looking boy hovered in front of a 9 year old Kamiki. "You can't even protect yourself."
He was on the verge of crying, but he was keeping it all in. Trying to be strong. "I can protect Mi-chan! I can!" His expression was those of utter determination. He tried to stand up, holding on to his uninjured knee. The other knee was bleeding already.
"Mikki!" Shida ran to them, stopping in front of Kamiki and spreading her hands on both sides as if to shield him. "Hayato-kun! Stop hurting Mikki!"
Hayato frowned. "I didn't hurt him. He fell on his own."
"Mi-chan, Ogawa-san didn't hurt me..." Kamiki said. "I tripped, that's why..."
"Don't be stupid!" Some tears fell from her eyes. "I know what Hayato-kun has been doing! Just because you're a boy, it doesn't mean you have to protect me. I can protect myself."
"Mi-chan said something nice, didn't she~?" Hayato laughed. "She can protect herself, she said. Doesn't that imply that she doesn't need you?" He looked at Kamiki with a grin.
Shida stepped forward, sporting an irritated look. "You don't understand anything." she said darkly, glaring at the older guy.
Before he could react, a female voice shouted "Hayato'nii-chan! Let's walk home together!"
"Hai, Rika!" A younger version of Rika came and pulled Hayato away. "Jaa, see you next time!" He winked before running away.
...
Shida Mirai woke up sweating, the image of her 'nightmare' being vivid in her mind. "What was that...?" she asked herself. All along, she's always told herself that Kamiki was the only childhood friend she played with. But if you think about it... it couldn't have been like that, right? She had other friends, for sure. But she doesn't remember any. Other than Kamiki, and Kenta who was only with them at the hospital anyway, she didn't have any memories of other people. She assumed before that it was because Kamiki was too big a part of her life, that her childhood centered around him too much.
But what was that dream? A younger Hayato and Rika? Have they met before? And what was with that bullying?!
"Good morning!"
Shida decided to forget that image for now. She thinks there is a right time for that. For now, what she has to do is win Yaechi's favor and be friends with him. There's only a bit left before Kamiki Ryunosuke finally appears. She could feel it.
Yaechi looked at her and nodded in greeting. He then went back to reading his manga in peace.
Ignoring his cold attitude, she walked to his side and sat on the chair, glancing around the room. "Nonchan isn't here?"
"Nonchan and Shougo are in the garden. Morning walk." he replied promptly, not even looking up from reading.
Shida smiled and rummaged through her bag, searching for something. "Shougo-kun is amazing... He's always visiting Nonchan during weekends?"
He nodded. "And sometimes after class. He doesn't want her to be lonely."
"Hmmm..." At last, she found what she was looking for. She took four books from her bag and showed it to him. "I found this in your room. You haven't read the next part, right?" She pointed to what he was reading. "You're rereading it?" She noticed it yesterday while she was sitting here quietly. The next part of what he was reading was not in the room. Knowing that he wouldn't ask anyone for that, Shida decided to get it for him. I don't want him to be lonely.
He blinked a bit, obviously surprised. "That..." You could almost see an embarassed blush on his face. "Thank you." He took it all and placed it on his other side. Putting the one he was reading down, he got the next one and started reading. The changes in his expressions were minimal, but it was still there. Shida found it amusing to watch him.
After reading one volume, he placed it down and leaned on the bed. He must be tired of reading.
"Do you want me to get you a drink?" she asked goodnaturedly.
He glanced at her before shaking his head. "I'll get it myself."
Sighing, she stood up and said "I was about to get one myself. I thought it was more efficient to get one for both of us. I'm not really getting the juice just for you, Yaechi." She smiled inwardly, knowing that it hit him right where it should.
"...okay. Orange juice." He laid down his bed again and closed his eyes in defeat.
She giggled before going to the vendo machine at the corner.
She couldn't see it, but Yaechi was definitely smiling fondly at her direction just when she turned her back.
...
She sat beside him again and gave him the juice. They both opened their cans and drank in silence.
"You're not gonna read?" Shida curiously asked, looking at his hands. He wasn't showing any signs of picking up the book again.
He shook his head. "My eyes are tired. I can't overexert."
He always says that, doesn't he? she thought, remembering how he reacted to her proposition of watching fireworks. "Then, let's just talk!" She grinned. "I want to know more about Yaechi!"
He looked away and placed his juice down. "I'm going to sleep." he said, laying down the bed and turning to the other side.
"Ehhhh~" Before she could complain though, a thought struck her. Since we met at night, he must be tired, right? And so she let him sleep as much as he likes. She can talk to him when he wakes up anyway.
It was dinner time. Shida sat in her usual seat while Shougo and Nozomi sat on Nozomi's bed. Somehow, Yaechi was taking a nap once again. He woke up earlier for a while but he read his manga throughout the time he was awake. When he finished reading, he fell asleep again.
"Sleepy head." Shida giggled as she watched him sleep. "Is he always like this?" She turned to Nozomi who was unpacking the lunch boxes Shougo brought.
"Always." Nozomi laughed as well. But she frowned a bit when she said "I think it's because he gets all the tiredness from all personalities. He is the one who should rest the most."
I can't endanger this body. Is that because of this? He's the one taking all the pain... It's painful just thinking about it. "It must be hard for him."
"He never complains though, right?" Shougo said, glancing at Yaechi as well. "He's really strong."
They started eating then, with little words spoken. Nozomi was curious about something though. So she put her chopsticks down and looked at Shida. "Ne, can you tell me about Kamiki Ryunosuke?" she said. "I want to understand what's happening..."
Shougo looked up at her and then at Shida. He nodded and agreed. "I want to understand too. I've never met Ryunosuke. Hongo-kun and Jingi-kun speaks highly of him and they seem to love him so much... But all I know is Aki and the other personalities."
"Hmmm..." Shida hummed thoughtfully. "Mikki, ne, he's a really, really good guy. When you feel sad, he won't always know why or how sad you are, but he's the type to suddenly appear beside you and comfort you. He's clueless but he somehow manages to make us smile. That innocence he has is cute too. He plays the piano enthusiastically, and it makes everyone who hear it happy. He's a really talented boy, you see. He just is really awkward sometimes and doesn't show his talents around other people. I was lucky to be his best friend." Her eyes were shining as she said that, and her voice was laced with affection for the boy. It's been a while since she talked about Kamiki like this.
Nozomi had a big smile on her face as well. "He seems like a really good person."
Shougo was frowning, however. "But why did this have to happen to him... He's a good guy but people..."
Shida remembered Sai's words then. "Un... Even though he is a good person, even though he is the kindest person I've met... People hurt him. Sai said it to me before, that there are people who likes hurting other people, that there are people who don't care." She looked at Yaechi's sleeping figure and said "But now I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt him anymore."
"You really love him." Nozomi smiled.
She nodded. "I do. That's why I'll protect him with all I've got."
At the side, with no one seeing, Yaechi closed his eyes again and pretended to be asleep some more. Shida's words lulled him back to sleep.
When Yaechi woke up, it was already midnight. And he was starving. He forgot to eat dinner, after all. A knock on the window took his attention. "Who's there?"
"Shida Mirai" she answered, knocking again. "I brought you some sandwiches."
He stood up and opened the window, letting her in. He watched as she jumped over the side and into the room, slinging her bag behind her as she stood up properly. She walked silently to the side of his bed and placed down her things. He then followed after her and called her attention. "We should go to the rooftop."
Hearing that, she smiled and nodded, taking her things with her.
They once again walked side by side as they went up the stairs. Shida wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but the atmosphere was a bit lighter. A bit more welcoming than yesterday.
They sat on the floor and opened the box Shida brought. Inside were plenty of sandwiches and some fried bite-sized meat.
"Eat up!" She said, smiling widely. "You're hungry, aren't you?"
"Thank you." He said, taking a sadwich and munching on it. He seemed to have smiled a bit.
He smiled! He definitely, definitely smiled, didn't he~?! Shida's grin widened. "Good. You have to eat lots and strengthen yourself, ne?"
He simply nodded and continued eating.
Not giving up just yet, she tried opening up a topic. "Do you know anything about the other personalities?"
Looking at her for a while, he shook his head. "There's a bit. But not much. Sometimes I can hear them talking before I sleep... Aki and Juichi."
Her eyes widened. "Juichi?" That must be... That guy, right? "I've met him." Ju-kun is actually Juichi! What kind of person is he...? "They're the only ones you hear?"
"Yes." He nodded.
"There are others, like Tomodachi-kun. He's really sweet. He doesn't speak Japanese, you know? There is Sai too. He's in a band and he plays the guitar amazingly. He's overflowing in charisma!" She giggled a bit, remembering them. "There's also Iinchou-kun. He's scared to go out of his house and is always absorbed by games but he really is one of the nicest persons I've met. Then Yosuke-kun... he's clueless and delusional, but he has a good heart." She was overwhelmed, remembering all of them. Quite honestly, she misses them.
"You've really met them all... How?" He sounded curious for once.
She looked away, not wanting to say a lie but scared that he might react harshly if she says the wrong answer. "I've been here for a while, that's all. I'm just pretty close to Mikki's friends so I get to see a lot." It was only a half-lie anyhow. She just can't find the right answer to that.
He seemed to have accepted that answer, and he let go of that topic. They ate in silence while watching the stars comfortably.
This went on for a week, with Shida visiting him after class and sneaking in to talk with him at night. It started with him being cold, but for some reason, he opened up bit by bit. He didn't talk about himself much, but he listened to Shida and gave little comments. They weren't close friends, but it was a civilized relationship.
He started talking more though, saying "It's delicious" even though he whispers it to himself. He's gotten more open about his compliments, which really makes Shida happy. Nozomi always walks around the hospital to give them alone time, so they always talk on their own.
Shida found different little facts about Yae. He, despite always being cold, seems to warm up a lot when they start talking about Kenta. It seems that Kenta was an important person in his life, and losing him was too much for Yae. He was really cold to Nozomi before, too. Shougo said so. But he warmed up a bit when she started talking about Shougo and their friendship. It's like he was touched about it... or remembered something similar.
Within a week, Shida was able to slowly but surely be closer to Yaechi.
But this good flow... was halted abruptly by a small mistake. A mistake that would cost all of Shida's hardwork.
"Did you check Yaegashi's temperature?" It was Yuu-sensei's voice. He and a woman doctor were outside of Yaechi's room. It was still early so they thought that the two people inside the room would probably be asleep.
"I'll check it after breakfast. He's been here for a while... Is it okay?" She asked, worry etched in her voice.
"He'll be fine. Mirai is doing her best. Just like with the others, she'll be able to make Yaegashi disappear. Ryunosuke would wake up soon."
Ryunosuke would wake up soon...?
I've been in bed (dying) for two whole days. That's why I'm moving my deadline until tomorrow. Will post the next chapter lateeer.