Chapter 20: Betrayal
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?
Note: As crysta0917 noted, I made a very stupid mistake. I actually forgot what Kanata Hongo's first name is! I was all "Kanata Hongo or Hongo Kanata?" And ended up being wrong for the last 17 chapters ;_; I'll edit it immediately!
Chapter 20: Betrayal
It was a rainy day, the clouds dark and gloomy. Shida looked outside her window and saw the rain falling down continuously. She sighed, wondering if she should go to the hospital today. The weather's pretty bad.
"Mirai! Someone's here for you!" There was a gleeful tone to her father's voice. Was it Yuta? He must be really happy to have a boy visiting her daughter.
"Okay!" She hastily tied her hair into a ponytail and ran to the stairs, immediately looking at the front door to see the visitor. "Ah!" To her surprise, it was not Yuta. It was Kanata Hongo. He looked serious. A grave expression was on his face.
He looked up at her, nodding slightly in greeting. There were dark circles under his eyes, as if he was not sleeping properly. "Mirai." He called out. "Do you have time?"
A huge smile was on her father's face as he said "You can talk in your room, right? I'll serve tea and cookies." He patted the boy on his shoulder before playfully shoving him to Shida's side. "Go on, go on!"
...
"Your father is irritating." Kanata said flatly, looking around her small room. "Does he always welcome boys into your room like this?"
Shida sighed, not being able to disagree to his first statement. "You're the first one, I guess. My father tries too hard."
"I heard from Yuta. He doesn't like Ryunosuke at all, so he pushes you to other guys?" he asked, glaring at the side. He seemed to be really angry at the idea.
She shrugged. This topic was something she didn't want to talk about at all. She's been ignoring the way her father treats Kamiki and how he speaks about him, because that way is easier. Fighting with her father would just make things worse for the two of them. They live in the same house, so they have to be at peace with each other! "That's how he is. I'm sorry if he irritates you."
"That doesn't sound like you." He noted, placing his bag down at the desk and sitting on the chair. "You sound tired."
"I don't have the energy to deal with my father... I guess." she sighed. "I love him so much but he really should stop being overprotective ONLY with Mikki. It sucks."
He hummed thoughtfully as he nodded. Opening his bag, he took some envelopes and laid it on the table. "I just came to ask you some questions. Your letters for Ryu... when did you stop writing? Why?"
She blinked, surprised at the question. "I'm not sure. But he stopped writing first. Was it five years ago? My letters became slower because of school. I never stopped though. I still occassionally gave letters. He didn't reply, so I was worried. I know why he didn't write anymore though, so I understand."
He looked at the envelopes in front of him, gritting his teeth. There was something wrong. Something missing. "He never stopped writing. He always wrote..."
"What?" More surprised, she walked to his side to look at what he was staring at. Those were letters from Kamiki, both to Kanata and to her. "What are these?"
"Some letters he gave you went back to him. They said you changed address. Was it true?" Suspicion rising, he stared right at her.
"We did move. But I sent him a letter about it! I'm sure! I sent him lots of letters to make sure he didn't send to the past address anymore!" Her eyebrows were furrowed as she tried thinking about those days. She was sure she did it. She was depressed then, because Kamiki wasn't sending her letters anymore. She wrote and wrote, always waiting for a reply.
Kanata was frowning so much. "He didn't receive it. Your letters... He didn't receive it." Clenching his hands into fists in anger, he asked "Something isn't right. Someone has been playing with your feelings, and with Ryu's as well."
"He didn't receive my letters?" She frowned. "I don't... understand..." Who would do such a cruel thing? Why would they... Was it Hayato? If he really bullied Mikki at a young age, then it's possible.
"Mirai, why did you transfer to our school? How did you know where Ryunosuke was?" He asked.
She moved to the side to get her laptop. She immediately opened it and clicked around to get to her e-mail. "Here. Yuu-sensei sent me an e-mail He called my school and asked around, I think. He said he'll search for a job offer for my dad and he'll let me transfer to his school for free. He asked me to keep it a secret from dad. He'll tell it to him on his own, he said."
Kanata read the e-mail quietly. "This is just suscpicious, not matter how you look at it. It was an e-mail so you got it. Maybe snail mail was being tampered with." He took his things and stood up. "I'll find evidences and get back to you. I'll ask Mai as well."
"I want to ask something too!" She stood up and looked him in the eye. "About Juichi... Do you know anything?"
His frown deepened and a dark look flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'll tell you everything when I find out what's wrong. Now isn't the right time to talk like this. Just focus on Yaechi." He bowed and opened the door.
"O...kay." She nodded, biting her lip in thought. She's curious, but he's right. She has to think about Yaechi for now. She wasn't able to go last night to him, because of her father going home. She has to talk to him today!
"Yae...? Good morning!" Nozomi was out on her morning walk again, so Yaechi was alone in the room. He was staring out to space though, looking like he wasn't listening. "Yaechi...?"
This time, he looks up. But his eyes are cold. "Why are you here?" he asks.
Shida tried to smile. "Why are you asking? I always come, right? Are you angry that I didn't come last night?"
"No." His voice was low, angry. "I'm asking, why do you come here? To be my friend?" He chuckles darkly, a tone filled with resentment... and sadness. "Or are you here to kill me? To save Ryunosuke?"
She stepped back, surprised and scared at the same time. Not knowing what to say, she simply looked at him. What is he saying...? What... is this?
"Making me disappear isn't saving Ryunosuke. You'll kill him! I'm the only one who cares for him this way. I'm the only one willing to take all this pain for him!" He rashly took a book by his side and threw it at her direction. "Get out!"
Shocked, she ran away and shut the door behind her. Why... Why is he saying that? What happened? She couldn't respond to his question. She didn't know what to answer. After all... She went to him in hopes of making Ryunosuke appear, right? She had an ulterior motive. She... was talking to him to find her Mikki. She was in the wrong too... But that was only the start, right? She cared for Yaechi for real. She didn't want him to be lonely. She liked seeing him smile. She genuinely watched him.
Just as with the other personalities, she cared. Her intentions were muddled, but she didn't do everything just with that intention in mind.
...
"Mirai-chan?" Nozomi just came back from her morning walk, and was looking at Shida with worried eyes. "What happened? Why are you sitting there?" It was just outside Yaechi's room, right at the waiting area.
"Nonchan..." Not knowing what to do, she rushed to the girl and hugged her tightly. "Something happened... I don't know why, but Yaechi doesn't want to see me anymore. He knows about the others disappearing... He probably knows that he'll disappear as well. Nonchan, what should I do?"
A frown graced the other girl's lips. "I heard it too. Yuu-sensei accidentally said it outside the room. He didn't choose his words properly..." Her frown deepened. "It was wrong of him. Definitely wrong."
"What did he say?" Shida was panicking. It was so bad, how can she fix it?
"That Yaechi will disappear soon, and that Ryunosuke will wake up." Nozomi repeated from memory.
Shida looked down. That was really badly worded! It sounds so wrong... even if it is the main point, it still sounds wrong!
"Anou ne, Yaechi is someone who doesn't want to care about others. That's what kind of person he is. He doesn't want to waste effort on loving others. Knowing that Shou-chan is here for me, he knew he didn't need to think about me much." She smiled a bit. "Do you know what he always says when he has a nightmare? He says 'I need to protect you, Ryunosuke...' It's as if his whole life is centered on that."
"He doesn't want to overexert... because he's the only one who can handle Mikki's pain. He said he's the only one willing to do this. He's the one who loves him the most." Shida pieced it together. "He loves Mikki so much. It must be like Mai's love for Yosuke... The want to protect. The fear of disappearing."
Nozomi placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know Mirai-chan will protect Ryunosuke-kun though. You won't hurt him because you love him. That's why I support you. I want to meet the person Mirai-chan loves. Yaechi loves that person too." She smiled a bright smile. "This Ryunosuke Kamiki... He surely wants to live his life the way he wants to. Yaechi... is like a mother protecting a child, doesn't he? But children has to be let go so they'll learn."
"That's right..." Shida smiled. "Nonchan is right! I should explain this to Yaechi too!" She bowed a bit. "Thank you."
"Anytime, Mirai-chan!"
"If there's someone I want to marry, then it's Mirai-chan after all!" An eleven years old Hayato was bragging happily on top of the small hill by the side of the playground.
A 9 years old Kamiki sulked at the side, not looking up.
"Mikki~ Come on, let's go home?" Shida prodded, pulling at his sleeve. "Your dad will worry, right?"
He looked at her, pouting. "Ogawa-san said he'll marry you."
"Then? I never said I will." Shida shrugged.
Hayato ran down the hill and to her side. "You will! I'm sure!" He crossed his arms. "You'll definitely fall in love with me! I'll be the most popular guy and you won't be able to look away."
Rika, nine years old as well, walked to Hayato's side and smiled. "Hayato'nii-chan will surely win anyone's heart~ He's amazing after all!"
Shida frowned visibly. "I'm marrying someone else!"
"And if he doesn't like you by that time?" Hayato scoffed.
"He will like me! He promised!" Shida defiantly yelled as Kamiki looked up with wide eyes.
"He probably won't. He's a coward, after all." Hayato shrugged and pulled Rika with him as they walked away.
Rika looked at her for one last time and stuck out her tongue. "By that time, he'll already like someone like me~"
Shida woke up suddenly from her nap. She was sitting outside his room, waiting for a chance to see him. She was busy thinking of what to do when she suddenly fell asleep. Somehow, she ended up dreaming a memory again. It's been getting frequent... dreams about Hayato and Rika. It scares her how much of her memories has been missing until now.
But that wasn't her main problem. She has to think about Yaechi for now. She has to make him see that she was serious about wanting to make him happy and about wanting to be his friend.
...
When Nozomi went out to get them some dinner, she smiled at Shida and gave a go sign. "Talk to him!"
Shida, nervous but determined, walked slowly to the room, opening the door quietly. When she stepped in, he was already looking at her. It was the same cold look he gave her this morning. He was definitely still angry.
"I told you to go." He said, looking her in the eye.
She refused to budge and looked at him straightly as well. "I just have to say this. Yaechi, I'm sorry for approaching you with Mikki in mind. It's just that, I love him so much... that I want to see him as soon as possible. If Yaechi goes to sleep, Mikki will show up and he'll be able to live again." She took a deep breath. "Did you know? He hasn't woke up for a while. He woke up one time though. He told me he was happy to see me, he hugged me. He was so happy to be alive." She stepped forward. "That was an important moment for me. But it wasn't the only reason I talked to you. I really, really honestly wanted to be your friend. This guy who was Kenta-kun's friend... this guy who is Nonchan's room mate, I wanted to meet him. That's what I thought. Even if you were cold, you valued life more than anyone. I was amazed at what you said to Mana-chan."
He looked away. not wanting to see her honest face. He might easily give in if he sees that look. Her smile was always honest. He knew that. But he isn't supposed to go. Juichi was whispering to him just this morning. That Kamiki would have it hard if he goes away. "That doesn't erase the fact that you want me to go. You don't understand. You and Nonchan and that doctor... everyone... You don't understand. Ryunosuke needs me to accept all his pain. He needs to have a happy life. He's too good to be treated badly. He's too good to feel pain."
"I'm strong enough to protect the two of us." She started, walking closer. "I'm not that small girl who couldn't fight off our bullies. Ryunosuke is the same. He has the determination to fight. We'll protect each other."
His eyes narrowed. "Then why did he make me?"
This made her quiet. She didn't have an answer for that.
"It's because he wanted to take away all the pain. He made me appear to stop all his sufferings. He was sick of having to care about everyone, of having to put himself last. If I wasn't made, he would have died." He explained, his cold tone still obvious. "You have to understand that."
It was total defeat. The moment he talked about "why a personality was made", she was lost already. It was always her weakness. She wasn't here when the bad things happened. And she wasn't here when the personalities appeared. She's an outsider, it would seem. She's still trying hard though, and she knows that's all she could do.
Try hard until her efforts reach Kamiki's personalities.
...
She placed a note on top of the lunch box she made. Asking Nozomi to give it to him, she waited outside. [I'm sorry for not thinking properly. But I still stand by my opinion, after all. Kamiki Ryunosuke isn't a child anymore. He has to experience life the way we do.] was what it said.
She waited and waited until Nozomi came out.
"I'm sorry. He refused to eat it. And he said if I help you, he'll get angry at me as well." Nozomi sulked, sadly giving her the box. "But I'll still help. I will!"
Shida shook her head. "It's okay! I'll do it on my own. I have an idea!" She moved to Nozomi's ears and whispered her plan.
Jingi walked to Shida and Nozomi who were waiting for him outside Yaechi's room. "You asked for my help?"
Shida nodded, smiling. "I need an assistant!" She took out some papers and a box from her bag. "I'm planning to talk to him through notes. Does Yaechi know you?"
"Un... I've visited him a lot of times." He answered. "But you can go on disguise, you know. To give the notes. Or when he's sleeping. He likes to sleep, right?"
"Uwah." She took both his hands. "I knew it! Jingi-kun does have more ideas than me~ You're amazing as usual, Writer-san!" She giggled, motioning for the three of them to sit. "I need Jingi-kun to get me a nurse outfit from the hospital. It's okay to ask Yuu-sensei but never let him know our plan. Kanata-san said we can't trust adults just yet."
Jingi nodded solemnly. "Do you need anything else? I'll go out and buy what you need tomorrow so we could start whatever you're planning."
Shida took out a small paper from her pocket. "I made a list. Thanks for the help!"
[I know you're still angry. But I'll always wait for you to forgive me. If you hear my side, maybe you'll understand me better.]
Written on a note inside his lunch.
[Eh... You're not eating well at all! You can be angry at me, but if you don't eat well, you'll grow weaker. I don't want that! I've made this food with your health in mind. I care for you and for that body as well. Please don't be stubborn.]
Note placed inside his dinner.
[I've read that manga. I understand now, why you like it so much. Doesn't the main guy remind you of Ken-chan a bit? He's so addicted to historical dramas and he's a mature boy who acts spoiled. I'm happy when I read it. You haven't read the next chapter right? Something incredible happens! So read!]
Note placed inside the next chapter of his manga, which was on top of his table first thing in the morning. No one came in except a small nurse and the doctor...
Nozomi and Shougo were talking animatedly as they entered the room. "Eh~? Another note? Someone's really loved!" Shougo teased as he sat on his usual seat beside Nonchan's bed. "You should write back if you're happy, ne Nonchan?"
She giggled and nodded as she sat on her bed. "It takes effort to write to someone who treats you coldly but she doesn't give up. It's really admirable."
Yaechi looked away and placed the letter inside his drawer. "She's only doing it for a selfish reason. Admirable, really?" He took the manga though and read through it.
"Hmm" Nozomi smiled at Shougo, showing that she's really seeing improvement. "Softie" she whispered, letting only Shougo hear it. "He really is."
Shougo nodded and laughed. "I'm sure Mirai-chan isn't just being selfish though. If you've seen her as long as I did, you'll understand. I've only heard stories, but I heard that every personality who disappeared said 'I'm happy...' just as they went. Mirai-chan... more than making them disappear, I think it was more like, she wanted them to be happiest and then make them realize that she's worthy of protecting him."
Yaechi kept quiet as he listened, thinking about the letters he's been receiving. Thinking about the smiles she gave her. That happy twinkle in her eyes when she spoke about the personalities. She was an honest girl, and she never showed him anything worthy of being treated this coldly.
"Ne, Yaechi," Nozomi called his attention. "Even though you've been staying here far longer than I've been, I really want to say this. I'm sure you feel boredness, or sadness, because of staying in this hospital for so long. I feel the same way too. I want to get out. I want to run away. I want to be free..."
"I'm here so that Ryunosuke could do it." He replied.
"But is he doing it? You heard it from Mirai-chan, right? It's been a long time since Ryunosuke appeared. Yaechi... Multiple Personality Disorder makes it hard for him to be himself. Right now, Yaechi owns that body. We're inside a hospital, and we feel caged. But imagine how Ryunosuke feels... sleeping for five years?" She stared right at him, smiling an understanding smile. "You want to help him, and you love him. We get that. But Mirai-chan feels the same way. She's trying her best to show you what's best for Ryunosuke." She took Shougo's hand and held it tightly. "I'm sure Ryunosuke-kun was sad and didn't want any more pain, that's why he asked for help. If I didn't have Shou-chan, I'd do the same. But since I've got Shou-chan, I'm able to smile everyday and face my problems easily." She smiled fondly at the blushing Shougo. "Because I'm not alone, I could handle the pain and make it a memory. Ryunosuke-kun was probably waiting for Mirai-chan. She's now here... so won't you want to make them meet?"
No words were spoken after, but Yaechi's eyes showed a renewed belief. He was moved. He knew where his fault was, and he was willing to change that. He was willing to make things right.
...
[Flowers for Yaechi! They aren't as pretty as real flowers, but they try their hardest. And they never die, right? I think fake flowers are really strong!]
A bouquet of fake flowers were lying by his bed when he woke up from his afternoon nap. A small smile appeared on his face. Fake flowers never die...
He looks at the side to see Nozomi's bed empty. She must have gone playing around in the pediatrics department again. He held on to his table to help him stand up. He wanted to set things right now.
"Yaechi." A voice, Shida's for sure, echoed around the hospital. Shouts of 'Someone's locked themselves inside the radio room!' was heard. "Yaechi, do you want to see it?"
He looked up, staring at the stereo.
"The fireworks. Do you want to see it?" A summer-like sound was playing in the background. "It's winter, but we'll have a summer party! This night, look out your window. Please?"
"Oi! Close that! You're being a disturbance!" A senior nurse's voice could be heard.
And then it ended. That live broadcast.
"Fireworks..."
10:00 in the evening. Curtains are closed and the lights are out. But in a room in the first floor, the light is still on. Whether it was Nozomi or if it was Yaechi peeking through the curtains, Shida wasn't sure. But she was happy enough to be given this chance.
Yuta and Jingi stood a few meters away from her, positioning some heavy equipments for the Chinese Fireworks they'll use. Shida was nearest to the room, just about 5 meters away. "When I say go, okay?" she calls out.
The two guys nodded and readied themselves.
"Ready... Go!"
Different colored fireworks colored the sky. Blue, red, green, yellow... all sorts of designs erupted in the dark sky, adorning it beautifully. Everyone was quiet, and all you could hear is the sound of the fireworks going off. It was like a painting... colors scattered in the sky randomly, but beautifully.
"Mirai-chan, go!"
As the last fireworks ended, Mirai took her sparklers on her right hand and started spelling a word.
まもるよ。やくそく。 (I'll protect you. I promise.)
Seconds later, his window opened, and he went out, intent on going to them.
"You can't! Yaechi!" Mirai immediately ran to the buckets at the side, putting the fireworks down. "The smoke is bad for you!"
He was already coughing when he reached her. "I'll..." He was coughing badly but he had that small smile on his face as he crouched in front of Shida. "I'll let go. Don't do stupid things like this again. Ryunosuke would probably want to play with fireworks too." His smile widened a bit. "I want... Ryunosuke to see it too. With his grown up eyes, he'll be able to see more things. He'll be able to watch you play and be happy. If you put that much effort, if everyone puts so much effort for him, I know he'll be safe. Ryunosuke would be happy to live."
After saying this, he fainted.
"Mi-chan...?" It was that timbre. That childish tone. Shida sleepily looked up to see a smiling Kamiki. "Are we in a hospital?"
Her eyes widened. "Mikki?!"
And so I still wasn't able to finish anything. But somehow, this feels like a second to the last chapter already.
1.) Hayato and Rika!
2.) KAMIKI IS BACK!
3.) Kanata is being detective-san and is finding lots of things :o
4.) -Yaechi is adorbs for me kk. The selfcest is amazing.-
5.) Shida in this chapter is somewhat really admirable *O*
6.) SHOUZOMI POWAAAAA. <3
I don't want to promise anymore, since I suck at updating. But I'm just sure this will finish, since I still have a fanvid to do ~_~
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?
Note: As crysta0917 noted, I made a very stupid mistake. I actually forgot what Kanata Hongo's first name is! I was all "Kanata Hongo or Hongo Kanata?" And ended up being wrong for the last 17 chapters ;_; I'll edit it immediately!
Chapter 20: Betrayal
It was a rainy day, the clouds dark and gloomy. Shida looked outside her window and saw the rain falling down continuously. She sighed, wondering if she should go to the hospital today. The weather's pretty bad.
"Mirai! Someone's here for you!" There was a gleeful tone to her father's voice. Was it Yuta? He must be really happy to have a boy visiting her daughter.
"Okay!" She hastily tied her hair into a ponytail and ran to the stairs, immediately looking at the front door to see the visitor. "Ah!" To her surprise, it was not Yuta. It was Kanata Hongo. He looked serious. A grave expression was on his face.
He looked up at her, nodding slightly in greeting. There were dark circles under his eyes, as if he was not sleeping properly. "Mirai." He called out. "Do you have time?"
A huge smile was on her father's face as he said "You can talk in your room, right? I'll serve tea and cookies." He patted the boy on his shoulder before playfully shoving him to Shida's side. "Go on, go on!"
...
"Your father is irritating." Kanata said flatly, looking around her small room. "Does he always welcome boys into your room like this?"
Shida sighed, not being able to disagree to his first statement. "You're the first one, I guess. My father tries too hard."
"I heard from Yuta. He doesn't like Ryunosuke at all, so he pushes you to other guys?" he asked, glaring at the side. He seemed to be really angry at the idea.
She shrugged. This topic was something she didn't want to talk about at all. She's been ignoring the way her father treats Kamiki and how he speaks about him, because that way is easier. Fighting with her father would just make things worse for the two of them. They live in the same house, so they have to be at peace with each other! "That's how he is. I'm sorry if he irritates you."
"That doesn't sound like you." He noted, placing his bag down at the desk and sitting on the chair. "You sound tired."
"I don't have the energy to deal with my father... I guess." she sighed. "I love him so much but he really should stop being overprotective ONLY with Mikki. It sucks."
He hummed thoughtfully as he nodded. Opening his bag, he took some envelopes and laid it on the table. "I just came to ask you some questions. Your letters for Ryu... when did you stop writing? Why?"
She blinked, surprised at the question. "I'm not sure. But he stopped writing first. Was it five years ago? My letters became slower because of school. I never stopped though. I still occassionally gave letters. He didn't reply, so I was worried. I know why he didn't write anymore though, so I understand."
He looked at the envelopes in front of him, gritting his teeth. There was something wrong. Something missing. "He never stopped writing. He always wrote..."
"What?" More surprised, she walked to his side to look at what he was staring at. Those were letters from Kamiki, both to Kanata and to her. "What are these?"
"Some letters he gave you went back to him. They said you changed address. Was it true?" Suspicion rising, he stared right at her.
"We did move. But I sent him a letter about it! I'm sure! I sent him lots of letters to make sure he didn't send to the past address anymore!" Her eyebrows were furrowed as she tried thinking about those days. She was sure she did it. She was depressed then, because Kamiki wasn't sending her letters anymore. She wrote and wrote, always waiting for a reply.
Kanata was frowning so much. "He didn't receive it. Your letters... He didn't receive it." Clenching his hands into fists in anger, he asked "Something isn't right. Someone has been playing with your feelings, and with Ryu's as well."
"He didn't receive my letters?" She frowned. "I don't... understand..." Who would do such a cruel thing? Why would they... Was it Hayato? If he really bullied Mikki at a young age, then it's possible.
"Mirai, why did you transfer to our school? How did you know where Ryunosuke was?" He asked.
She moved to the side to get her laptop. She immediately opened it and clicked around to get to her e-mail. "Here. Yuu-sensei sent me an e-mail He called my school and asked around, I think. He said he'll search for a job offer for my dad and he'll let me transfer to his school for free. He asked me to keep it a secret from dad. He'll tell it to him on his own, he said."
Kanata read the e-mail quietly. "This is just suscpicious, not matter how you look at it. It was an e-mail so you got it. Maybe snail mail was being tampered with." He took his things and stood up. "I'll find evidences and get back to you. I'll ask Mai as well."
"I want to ask something too!" She stood up and looked him in the eye. "About Juichi... Do you know anything?"
His frown deepened and a dark look flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'll tell you everything when I find out what's wrong. Now isn't the right time to talk like this. Just focus on Yaechi." He bowed and opened the door.
"O...kay." She nodded, biting her lip in thought. She's curious, but he's right. She has to think about Yaechi for now. She wasn't able to go last night to him, because of her father going home. She has to talk to him today!
"Yae...? Good morning!" Nozomi was out on her morning walk again, so Yaechi was alone in the room. He was staring out to space though, looking like he wasn't listening. "Yaechi...?"
This time, he looks up. But his eyes are cold. "Why are you here?" he asks.
Shida tried to smile. "Why are you asking? I always come, right? Are you angry that I didn't come last night?"
"No." His voice was low, angry. "I'm asking, why do you come here? To be my friend?" He chuckles darkly, a tone filled with resentment... and sadness. "Or are you here to kill me? To save Ryunosuke?"
She stepped back, surprised and scared at the same time. Not knowing what to say, she simply looked at him. What is he saying...? What... is this?
"Making me disappear isn't saving Ryunosuke. You'll kill him! I'm the only one who cares for him this way. I'm the only one willing to take all this pain for him!" He rashly took a book by his side and threw it at her direction. "Get out!"
Shocked, she ran away and shut the door behind her. Why... Why is he saying that? What happened? She couldn't respond to his question. She didn't know what to answer. After all... She went to him in hopes of making Ryunosuke appear, right? She had an ulterior motive. She... was talking to him to find her Mikki. She was in the wrong too... But that was only the start, right? She cared for Yaechi for real. She didn't want him to be lonely. She liked seeing him smile. She genuinely watched him.
Just as with the other personalities, she cared. Her intentions were muddled, but she didn't do everything just with that intention in mind.
...
"Mirai-chan?" Nozomi just came back from her morning walk, and was looking at Shida with worried eyes. "What happened? Why are you sitting there?" It was just outside Yaechi's room, right at the waiting area.
"Nonchan..." Not knowing what to do, she rushed to the girl and hugged her tightly. "Something happened... I don't know why, but Yaechi doesn't want to see me anymore. He knows about the others disappearing... He probably knows that he'll disappear as well. Nonchan, what should I do?"
A frown graced the other girl's lips. "I heard it too. Yuu-sensei accidentally said it outside the room. He didn't choose his words properly..." Her frown deepened. "It was wrong of him. Definitely wrong."
"What did he say?" Shida was panicking. It was so bad, how can she fix it?
"That Yaechi will disappear soon, and that Ryunosuke will wake up." Nozomi repeated from memory.
Shida looked down. That was really badly worded! It sounds so wrong... even if it is the main point, it still sounds wrong!
"Anou ne, Yaechi is someone who doesn't want to care about others. That's what kind of person he is. He doesn't want to waste effort on loving others. Knowing that Shou-chan is here for me, he knew he didn't need to think about me much." She smiled a bit. "Do you know what he always says when he has a nightmare? He says 'I need to protect you, Ryunosuke...' It's as if his whole life is centered on that."
"He doesn't want to overexert... because he's the only one who can handle Mikki's pain. He said he's the only one willing to do this. He's the one who loves him the most." Shida pieced it together. "He loves Mikki so much. It must be like Mai's love for Yosuke... The want to protect. The fear of disappearing."
Nozomi placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know Mirai-chan will protect Ryunosuke-kun though. You won't hurt him because you love him. That's why I support you. I want to meet the person Mirai-chan loves. Yaechi loves that person too." She smiled a bright smile. "This Ryunosuke Kamiki... He surely wants to live his life the way he wants to. Yaechi... is like a mother protecting a child, doesn't he? But children has to be let go so they'll learn."
"That's right..." Shida smiled. "Nonchan is right! I should explain this to Yaechi too!" She bowed a bit. "Thank you."
"Anytime, Mirai-chan!"
"If there's someone I want to marry, then it's Mirai-chan after all!" An eleven years old Hayato was bragging happily on top of the small hill by the side of the playground.
A 9 years old Kamiki sulked at the side, not looking up.
"Mikki~ Come on, let's go home?" Shida prodded, pulling at his sleeve. "Your dad will worry, right?"
He looked at her, pouting. "Ogawa-san said he'll marry you."
"Then? I never said I will." Shida shrugged.
Hayato ran down the hill and to her side. "You will! I'm sure!" He crossed his arms. "You'll definitely fall in love with me! I'll be the most popular guy and you won't be able to look away."
Rika, nine years old as well, walked to Hayato's side and smiled. "Hayato'nii-chan will surely win anyone's heart~ He's amazing after all!"
Shida frowned visibly. "I'm marrying someone else!"
"And if he doesn't like you by that time?" Hayato scoffed.
"He will like me! He promised!" Shida defiantly yelled as Kamiki looked up with wide eyes.
"He probably won't. He's a coward, after all." Hayato shrugged and pulled Rika with him as they walked away.
Rika looked at her for one last time and stuck out her tongue. "By that time, he'll already like someone like me~"
Shida woke up suddenly from her nap. She was sitting outside his room, waiting for a chance to see him. She was busy thinking of what to do when she suddenly fell asleep. Somehow, she ended up dreaming a memory again. It's been getting frequent... dreams about Hayato and Rika. It scares her how much of her memories has been missing until now.
But that wasn't her main problem. She has to think about Yaechi for now. She has to make him see that she was serious about wanting to make him happy and about wanting to be his friend.
...
When Nozomi went out to get them some dinner, she smiled at Shida and gave a go sign. "Talk to him!"
Shida, nervous but determined, walked slowly to the room, opening the door quietly. When she stepped in, he was already looking at her. It was the same cold look he gave her this morning. He was definitely still angry.
"I told you to go." He said, looking her in the eye.
She refused to budge and looked at him straightly as well. "I just have to say this. Yaechi, I'm sorry for approaching you with Mikki in mind. It's just that, I love him so much... that I want to see him as soon as possible. If Yaechi goes to sleep, Mikki will show up and he'll be able to live again." She took a deep breath. "Did you know? He hasn't woke up for a while. He woke up one time though. He told me he was happy to see me, he hugged me. He was so happy to be alive." She stepped forward. "That was an important moment for me. But it wasn't the only reason I talked to you. I really, really honestly wanted to be your friend. This guy who was Kenta-kun's friend... this guy who is Nonchan's room mate, I wanted to meet him. That's what I thought. Even if you were cold, you valued life more than anyone. I was amazed at what you said to Mana-chan."
He looked away. not wanting to see her honest face. He might easily give in if he sees that look. Her smile was always honest. He knew that. But he isn't supposed to go. Juichi was whispering to him just this morning. That Kamiki would have it hard if he goes away. "That doesn't erase the fact that you want me to go. You don't understand. You and Nonchan and that doctor... everyone... You don't understand. Ryunosuke needs me to accept all his pain. He needs to have a happy life. He's too good to be treated badly. He's too good to feel pain."
"I'm strong enough to protect the two of us." She started, walking closer. "I'm not that small girl who couldn't fight off our bullies. Ryunosuke is the same. He has the determination to fight. We'll protect each other."
His eyes narrowed. "Then why did he make me?"
This made her quiet. She didn't have an answer for that.
"It's because he wanted to take away all the pain. He made me appear to stop all his sufferings. He was sick of having to care about everyone, of having to put himself last. If I wasn't made, he would have died." He explained, his cold tone still obvious. "You have to understand that."
It was total defeat. The moment he talked about "why a personality was made", she was lost already. It was always her weakness. She wasn't here when the bad things happened. And she wasn't here when the personalities appeared. She's an outsider, it would seem. She's still trying hard though, and she knows that's all she could do.
Try hard until her efforts reach Kamiki's personalities.
...
She placed a note on top of the lunch box she made. Asking Nozomi to give it to him, she waited outside. [I'm sorry for not thinking properly. But I still stand by my opinion, after all. Kamiki Ryunosuke isn't a child anymore. He has to experience life the way we do.] was what it said.
She waited and waited until Nozomi came out.
"I'm sorry. He refused to eat it. And he said if I help you, he'll get angry at me as well." Nozomi sulked, sadly giving her the box. "But I'll still help. I will!"
Shida shook her head. "It's okay! I'll do it on my own. I have an idea!" She moved to Nozomi's ears and whispered her plan.
Jingi walked to Shida and Nozomi who were waiting for him outside Yaechi's room. "You asked for my help?"
Shida nodded, smiling. "I need an assistant!" She took out some papers and a box from her bag. "I'm planning to talk to him through notes. Does Yaechi know you?"
"Un... I've visited him a lot of times." He answered. "But you can go on disguise, you know. To give the notes. Or when he's sleeping. He likes to sleep, right?"
"Uwah." She took both his hands. "I knew it! Jingi-kun does have more ideas than me~ You're amazing as usual, Writer-san!" She giggled, motioning for the three of them to sit. "I need Jingi-kun to get me a nurse outfit from the hospital. It's okay to ask Yuu-sensei but never let him know our plan. Kanata-san said we can't trust adults just yet."
Jingi nodded solemnly. "Do you need anything else? I'll go out and buy what you need tomorrow so we could start whatever you're planning."
Shida took out a small paper from her pocket. "I made a list. Thanks for the help!"
[I know you're still angry. But I'll always wait for you to forgive me. If you hear my side, maybe you'll understand me better.]
Written on a note inside his lunch.
[Eh... You're not eating well at all! You can be angry at me, but if you don't eat well, you'll grow weaker. I don't want that! I've made this food with your health in mind. I care for you and for that body as well. Please don't be stubborn.]
Note placed inside his dinner.
[I've read that manga. I understand now, why you like it so much. Doesn't the main guy remind you of Ken-chan a bit? He's so addicted to historical dramas and he's a mature boy who acts spoiled. I'm happy when I read it. You haven't read the next chapter right? Something incredible happens! So read!]
Note placed inside the next chapter of his manga, which was on top of his table first thing in the morning. No one came in except a small nurse and the doctor...
Nozomi and Shougo were talking animatedly as they entered the room. "Eh~? Another note? Someone's really loved!" Shougo teased as he sat on his usual seat beside Nonchan's bed. "You should write back if you're happy, ne Nonchan?"
She giggled and nodded as she sat on her bed. "It takes effort to write to someone who treats you coldly but she doesn't give up. It's really admirable."
Yaechi looked away and placed the letter inside his drawer. "She's only doing it for a selfish reason. Admirable, really?" He took the manga though and read through it.
"Hmm" Nozomi smiled at Shougo, showing that she's really seeing improvement. "Softie" she whispered, letting only Shougo hear it. "He really is."
Shougo nodded and laughed. "I'm sure Mirai-chan isn't just being selfish though. If you've seen her as long as I did, you'll understand. I've only heard stories, but I heard that every personality who disappeared said 'I'm happy...' just as they went. Mirai-chan... more than making them disappear, I think it was more like, she wanted them to be happiest and then make them realize that she's worthy of protecting him."
Yaechi kept quiet as he listened, thinking about the letters he's been receiving. Thinking about the smiles she gave her. That happy twinkle in her eyes when she spoke about the personalities. She was an honest girl, and she never showed him anything worthy of being treated this coldly.
"Ne, Yaechi," Nozomi called his attention. "Even though you've been staying here far longer than I've been, I really want to say this. I'm sure you feel boredness, or sadness, because of staying in this hospital for so long. I feel the same way too. I want to get out. I want to run away. I want to be free..."
"I'm here so that Ryunosuke could do it." He replied.
"But is he doing it? You heard it from Mirai-chan, right? It's been a long time since Ryunosuke appeared. Yaechi... Multiple Personality Disorder makes it hard for him to be himself. Right now, Yaechi owns that body. We're inside a hospital, and we feel caged. But imagine how Ryunosuke feels... sleeping for five years?" She stared right at him, smiling an understanding smile. "You want to help him, and you love him. We get that. But Mirai-chan feels the same way. She's trying her best to show you what's best for Ryunosuke." She took Shougo's hand and held it tightly. "I'm sure Ryunosuke-kun was sad and didn't want any more pain, that's why he asked for help. If I didn't have Shou-chan, I'd do the same. But since I've got Shou-chan, I'm able to smile everyday and face my problems easily." She smiled fondly at the blushing Shougo. "Because I'm not alone, I could handle the pain and make it a memory. Ryunosuke-kun was probably waiting for Mirai-chan. She's now here... so won't you want to make them meet?"
No words were spoken after, but Yaechi's eyes showed a renewed belief. He was moved. He knew where his fault was, and he was willing to change that. He was willing to make things right.
...
[Flowers for Yaechi! They aren't as pretty as real flowers, but they try their hardest. And they never die, right? I think fake flowers are really strong!]
A bouquet of fake flowers were lying by his bed when he woke up from his afternoon nap. A small smile appeared on his face. Fake flowers never die...
He looks at the side to see Nozomi's bed empty. She must have gone playing around in the pediatrics department again. He held on to his table to help him stand up. He wanted to set things right now.
"Yaechi." A voice, Shida's for sure, echoed around the hospital. Shouts of 'Someone's locked themselves inside the radio room!' was heard. "Yaechi, do you want to see it?"
He looked up, staring at the stereo.
"The fireworks. Do you want to see it?" A summer-like sound was playing in the background. "It's winter, but we'll have a summer party! This night, look out your window. Please?"
"Oi! Close that! You're being a disturbance!" A senior nurse's voice could be heard.
And then it ended. That live broadcast.
"Fireworks..."
10:00 in the evening. Curtains are closed and the lights are out. But in a room in the first floor, the light is still on. Whether it was Nozomi or if it was Yaechi peeking through the curtains, Shida wasn't sure. But she was happy enough to be given this chance.
Yuta and Jingi stood a few meters away from her, positioning some heavy equipments for the Chinese Fireworks they'll use. Shida was nearest to the room, just about 5 meters away. "When I say go, okay?" she calls out.
The two guys nodded and readied themselves.
"Ready... Go!"
Different colored fireworks colored the sky. Blue, red, green, yellow... all sorts of designs erupted in the dark sky, adorning it beautifully. Everyone was quiet, and all you could hear is the sound of the fireworks going off. It was like a painting... colors scattered in the sky randomly, but beautifully.
"Mirai-chan, go!"
As the last fireworks ended, Mirai took her sparklers on her right hand and started spelling a word.
まもるよ。やくそく。 (I'll protect you. I promise.)
Seconds later, his window opened, and he went out, intent on going to them.
"You can't! Yaechi!" Mirai immediately ran to the buckets at the side, putting the fireworks down. "The smoke is bad for you!"
He was already coughing when he reached her. "I'll..." He was coughing badly but he had that small smile on his face as he crouched in front of Shida. "I'll let go. Don't do stupid things like this again. Ryunosuke would probably want to play with fireworks too." His smile widened a bit. "I want... Ryunosuke to see it too. With his grown up eyes, he'll be able to see more things. He'll be able to watch you play and be happy. If you put that much effort, if everyone puts so much effort for him, I know he'll be safe. Ryunosuke would be happy to live."
After saying this, he fainted.
"Mi-chan...?" It was that timbre. That childish tone. Shida sleepily looked up to see a smiling Kamiki. "Are we in a hospital?"
Her eyes widened. "Mikki?!"
And so I still wasn't able to finish anything. But somehow, this feels like a second to the last chapter already.
1.) Hayato and Rika!
2.) KAMIKI IS BACK!
3.) Kanata is being detective-san and is finding lots of things :o
4.) -Yaechi is adorbs for me kk. The selfcest is amazing.-
5.) Shida in this chapter is somewhat really admirable *O*
6.) SHOUZOMI POWAAAAA. <3
I don't want to promise anymore, since I suck at updating. But I'm just sure this will finish, since I still have a fanvid to do ~_~