TYCUUN DIARY chp2

CHAPTER TWO

I wanted to make him feel a little better but I have no right to do that. He continued “So why don’t you just go home and fulfill whatever your heart desires and be happy!! Unlike yours, my dreams will never come true.”

I didn’t ask him what his dream was. I stood up, smiled and offered him a hand. He grabbed my hand and we walked until we got back.

By the time we got back we were still holding hands and we saw a car in front of the house. I already knew whose car it was.

I hurriedly went inside and found my parents. When they saw me, they hugged me at once. I felt droplets of tears in my shoulder.

“Akane chan!”

I apologized and they released me. I gazed at Gilbert. Gilbert smiled at me and gave me a thumbs-up. I smiled back. Dad was holding my hand until I got in the car. I think he thought I was going to run away again. Gilbert ran towards me and kissed me for the second time in the same place. I blushed like it was my first. Okasan and Ojisan witnessed that scene with stunned expressions in their faces.

He whispered “Goodbye! I’ll see you soon. The next time I see you I’ll be able to see you clearly.” I waved goodbye and watched them fade as the car move.

I woke up from my dream. I peeked outside and realized that it was already dark. I went outside the room wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I called sempai as soon as I found him. “Naru sempai! He turned and saw me.

“May I have a minute of your time?” I asked and he agreed.

“Why don’t we do inside?” he insisted.

“No thanks, I’ll just ask here. Tomorrow’s Saturday, right?” he nodded

“Okay then, what is it?” he asked.

“Can I go home for the night?”

He thought for a second. “I guess you can! I give you permission to go home.”

“Thank you Naru sempai! Bye!” I waved goodbye and ran off.

I went back to room 203. I found Natsume searching high and low for something. I asked him what he was looking for.

“My I.D” he answered.

“Can I help?” I asked. He remained fixed on looking for his I.D and replied without looking at me “No thanks”

I proceeded to the restroom and changed. I heard a disturbing sound coming from behind the door. I hurriedly changed into a T-shirt and put on my jumper or whatever the spelling is. As soon as I wore it I went out. I saw Natsume looking through my stuff. I think he is hiding something.

“What are you doing?” I asked

He answered nervously “nothing” he stared at me for a long time. He looked at me from head to toe. I asked him “Why do you keep staring at me?” I raised my eyebrow that made him a bit nervous. I then decided to let it go and waved my hand. He waved back.

On Natsume’s side of the story

I didn’t accept Tycuun’s help and fixed my attention to find my I.D.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my I.D. I was about to give up when I saw Tycuun’s private stuff with the label “Private stuff”. I decided to search in it and assumed that maybe my I.D is in it. I kept searching. Then I found something which I wasn’t supposed to find. I found an unfamiliar school I.D that has a picture of a high school girl. The girl has a face that resembles someone I know. I looked closer. Then I realized who she is.

Suddenly I heard the sound of the door opening. I instantly hid the box and kept the I.D I found. She stared at me like she was trying to melt me. “What are you doing?” she asked. I replied nervously “Nothing” I stared at her, making certain that what I thought was true. I said to myself “there’s no hill in her/his chest, is she/he really a female?” suddenly I realized that I have been staring at her for a long time and she realized.

“Why do you keep staring at me?”

It was awkward. Tension fell in the room. I thanked God when she finally went out.

I took out the I.D and stared at it. “This high school girl really is Tycuun” I felt really somewhat happy or relieved. I didn’t know why. I let it pass. I looked at the ID again and saw Tycuun’s real name “Akane Echizen” below the picture.

“Cute name” I thought. I wondered what reason why she would enroll in an all-boy’s academy and why he would feign as a guy.

I sighed because I couldn’t think of any reasons behind it. Then I took out the box that has the “Private stuff” name on it. I browsed the box again and I saw another picture. The picture has four people in it, the tall persons must be there parents and the other two looked alike that I knew they are twins. The beautiful girl with long black hair must be Akane and the other one is a boy. I have no idea what his name is. I returned it and kept the box inside the cabinet.

End of his side

I was walking and finally reached the bus station. I went inside. I sat on the back where no one can see me. I took a glimpse of my watch. It was about 7:00pm that time. I watched the people from every corner. Some of them were in a hurry some took their time. Then the bus stopped. I went out. I walked until I found my house.

“I’m home, Ojisan!” I opened the door to my house. I removed my slipper and my father appeared wearing a kimono. He’s always been a fan of the feudal era that’s why he wears weird stuff. Anyway, father came out and was surprised to see me. “Oh? Akane! You’re home? What’s the occasion?” I glared at him. “You’ve caused me a lot of trouble old man!! You told Gilbert about me!” I accused him. Instead of feeling guilty, he smiled. “I guess my planned worked after all. You returned from playing tennis.” I didn’t know how he found out but that doesn’t matter right now.

He continued. “Ahh. Gilbert? His surgery was a success! He came here on his own and asked me about you on the phone. I couldn’t lie to him so I told him everything. And so, he decided to enter Seishun Gakuen to protect you.” I remained speechless and made him continue. “Don’t worry he’s not going to tell anyone and you won’t be blackmailed because I blackmailed him first.” He laughed with cruelty. I sighed and thought “he really does enjoy other’s misery”

He motioned and a maid with black hair appeared. I handed her my pouch bag. She bowed and excused herself then left us. We went to the garden. I found mom sitting down on the floor looking at the stars. She saw us and smiled. She then approached me “Akane” she hugged me tightly like she was never going to let me go.

She finally let go and father interrupted “Look what time it is. Why don’t you buy some food? There’s no food left because you came without warning. Put on this dress too. You’ll look cute and a wig too.” He gave me the blue dress and black wig. I sighed. “I have no more strength to argue with you old man.” I went to the restroom to change.

“He planned this right from the start didn’t he and I fell right into his trap” I sighed as I was trying to wear the wig.

After 30 minutes in the restroom…I went out dressed like a girl. In my entire life, I haven’t dressed like this for a long time. I heard father say “Why is it that women take this long just to change?”

I felt a sudden anger and my mom did as well. We chorused “You said something old man!!” I think it was the first time I saw mom give off such frightening aura. I was a bit scared. Then father answered. In his deep voice, there was a hint of nervousness “Nothing dear!”

My mom signaled me to go have dinner. I went outside and took a deep breathe. I returned inside to get my purse. A maid approached me before I could enter and gave me what I needed. A butler bowed and gave me a sky blue jacket and a beige hat. I thanked them and wore them. I left and walked. I just remembered that I was never allowed strolling at night by my brother. He would always accompany me and protect me. I laughed. Just then, I finally found out why he wouldn’t.

I found myself being cornered by guys. They reek of alcohol but the other one didn’t. I glared at them though I knew that it would only provoke them.

“Who are you people?” I asked with a hint of panic. “You’re a cute chick! Why don’t you play with us?” The not so drunk guy spoke to me. He was about to grab me when someone grabbed him from the back and used aikido on him. He immediately fell flat on the ground. The other guys ran away. But I just couldn’t let them get away and I managed to kick one of them and just like that he fell and lost consciousness. I crouched down and poked him.

“What an idiot” I was so focused on the guys that I completely forgot the person who interrupted.

Before I could lift my head, he suddenly spoke in a deep, familiar voice. “Ahhh! I see you finally decided to become your own kind! The first time I saw you with a cute dress, Last time I saw you, you were wearing a boy’s clothes.” I recognized the voice and immediately raised my head. I was stunned when I saw him. That someone is Gilbert. Gilbert is still the same as always, still as cocky. He offered me a hand but I refused. I stood on my own.

Suddenly I saw my classmates from Seishun Gakuen ~ Xiu Yi, Luka, Kaori, Naru, Yuu and Natsume. I paused. I hoped that they didn’t see the fight.

“Suke! Nice punches! You kinda remind me of someone”. Unfortunately, they did. They approached us and Yuu asked, concerned. “Are you alright miss?”

“If I was alone, I would probably run away by now but Gilbert was with me and he doesn’t know.” I told myself.

Natsume was looking at me. His gazes were different from the others. Then I saw a stunned look on his face like he realized something. I knew he realized something but what. I decided I didn’t want to find out. I grabbed Gilbert’s hand and walked away. All of a sudden Xiu Yi grabbed my hand. I looked back and saw the same stunned face Natsume showed me.

He didn’t let go for a minute. Yuu grabbed my hand as well which I find weird.

“You look familiar have we met before? And these hands they seem very familiar.”Yuu mentioned. I pulled my hand away and then Gilbert butted in. “Hey! Are you bullying her?” I checked if my hand was okay.

“Why would we bully such a pretty lady?” Kaori replied

“Lady?” he sarcastically asked. Before he could continue I kicked his knee cause I knew what he was about to say about me.

“Ouch” he complained.

“Do you have something to do?” Kaori asked.

“I was just planning to…” I tried to reply.

“Then that settles it why don’t you go with us and have some fun?” but failed.

I tried to speak up. “Ummm…” Thankfully Natsume seemed to have notice that I was uncomfortable “Hey Kaori kun, don’t you think it’s kind of suspicious for us to invite her just like that? We’re sorry miss. Please forgive our rudeness.” I felt a hint of relief. “Thank you!” they all looked at me, amazed. Then they said “You’re so cute!” I started backing away.

Gilbert interrupted again. “Yoh! Akane chan”

He hugged me. “Who’re these freaks?” he asked.

I answered. “They’re friends, I Guess.”

“Friends?” He laughed

“Who’s this freak?” Kaori asked that made Gilbert angry. Gilbert released me and rushed towards Kaori. “Freak?! Do you want me to…” he was about to throw a tantrum. Then I dashed towards them and grabbed Gilbert’s shoulder. I glared at him. I tightened my grip. He finally let go of Kaori.

I apologized to them and showed them a threatening smile. They backed off a little which I find silly.

“Now that everyone has cooled off why don’t we all go to the karaoke station? You may come too Gilbert Kun, you’ll be her guardian.” Narumi who I call Naru interrupted and said with a smile. Now that I’m in a girl form, I find Naru very handsome. I blushed for a moment then Gilbert replied. “Thank you. It’ll be an honor.” Suddenly I saw Gilbert reaching for my waist and then he carried me on his shoulder.

“Hey! Put me down. I’m not a kid!” I struggled

“You still are.” he laughed.

While I was being carried, I saw Natsume somewhat annoyed by something. Our eyes met and he quickly averted his gaze.

We reached a bar or something and Gilbert finally put me down.

“Your weight’s the same as always.” He laughed. I fixed my dress. “That’s because I’m not like you, you PIG!” a host came in tux and asked. “What can I do for you, sirs and ma’am?” Since I was always disguised as a boy, I find it surprising for me to be called a lady or ma’am. I felt weird and happy at the same time.

“We just need a karaoke room for eight people.” Naru replied.

The man escorted and led us to a spacious karaoke room. We entered. Yuu gave him a tip and asked to bring us some drinks.

He bowed and left. We sat down. There are three sofas and each sofa can only hold three people. Gilbert sat to my right and Natsume sat on my left. In our right, another sofa was standing and Kaori, Yuu and Xiu Yi were seated. Naru sat on the last one and Luka started fixing the connections of the microphone. He’s such a technician.

Minutes later, the host came in carrying a tray. In the tray was a bottle of wine and some glassware. The host placed it on the table and left. Kaori opened the bottle of wine and poured it in the glassware.

“Who will sing first?”Luka asked as soon as he finished attaching the wires. No one answered. Luka laughed and Naru said “then I’ll sing” Luka came over and sat next to Naru. He gave him the mike. Naru chose a song and started clicking the numbers in the remote. As soon as he was done, I heard a melody and then Naru started singing. I was mesmerized by his voice. I closed my eyes.

Gilbert poked me and said “OII. Akane chan?! You haven’t introduced your friends yet.” Yuu answered. “Let us introduced ourselves, I’m Yuichi Saito.” The others followed.

“I’m Kabaji Sakuragi”

“I’m Xiu Yi. My friends want to meet you too.”

“Huh??” Gilbert became confused.

”Ignore him!” I told him

Naru continued. “I’m Narumi Hyuga, You might ask this later so I’m going to answer your question in advanced. I’m this guy’s cousin” he pointed at Natsume.

“Natsume Hyuga!” Natsume introduced himself.

“I see! We’ll this cool guy you’re looking at is named Gilbert Cole.” Xiu Yi who somewhat a *baka asked. “Where? Where is he?”

I introduced myself quickly “I’m Akane Echizen” without thinking I told them my real name. I didn’t know if it was right or wrong. My doubt turned into certainty. “Echizen?” “Are you related to Tycuun Echizen?” I couldn’t speak.

“Tycuun’s probably her cousin.” Fortunately Gilbert replied normally. He smiled at me and I moved my mouth “Thank you”

He gave me a thumb up like he understood.

Gilbert managed convinced them. “I see, thought you were…Tycuun dressed as a girl” that surprised me.

Hours passed and it was already an hour passed midnight. Gilbert and everyone else were drunk. Natsume and I were the only ones who weren’t drunk. We sat together and it was an awkward moment. I didn’t know what to say to him. He sighed. I couldn’t look at him then Luka seems to be freezing so I stood up and pulled out my jacket and placed it on him.

I felt Natsume’s presence behind my back. I looked back and saw him looking at me.

“What?” I asked. I turned my face and felt myself blush.

“He looks even more handsome when he’s up close.” I thought.

“What are you doing?” Natsume finally spoke

“I...nothing” I continued.

“What are we going to do with these guys?” I sighed.

Natsume rubbed his hair, feeling annoyed by my question. “Leave ‘em alone”

Since I gave my jacket to Luka, I was feeling a bit cold. I sat on the sofa far from Natsume. He sat next to me. “If we sit together, my body heat will warm you”

I was a bit embarrassed and leaned on his shoulder. He twitched but I felt his body relaxed as seconds passed.

I woke up still leaning on Natsume’s shoulder. I rubbed my eyes and saw the others fast asleep. Since the cooler was turned off, I grabbed my jacket from Luka.

I looked back at Natsume who was sleeping soundly. Gilbert woke up.

He slowly sat up and looked at me, confused. “What’s going on?”

He’s eyes were bloody red. He was still half asleep. I went over to him and sighed. “You’re really an idiot” I thanked God it was Saturday or else we’ll be late. Natsume woke up afterwards. He stared at us and said “I’ll carry him, let’s send you and that idiot to your house” I nodded. My body was starting to feel heavy. I stood up and then Natsume assisted Gilbert who was half asleep.

The host approached us and Natsume said “They’ll pay for the expenses” the host got us a cab and we entered. I thanked Natsume for carrying Gilbert. Natsume didn’t reply.

For a short time, we reached our house. I got out first and helped Natsume carry Gilbert. I rang the bell and father’s butler went out together with a maid. They opened the gate and bowed.

“Good morning Akane Sama!” they chorused.

I gave them my hat and my jacket. We entered and I showed Natsume where Gilbert’s room is. He put Gilbert in his room and we closed the door. I thanked Natsume once more. He slid the sliding door and exited our house. I stared at him until he finally disappeared.

I sighed. The room started circling. I felt dizzy and my body suddenly felt like lead. I got on my knees and touched my forehead. It was hot.

“I guess I have a fever and hoped it’s not too serious” I tried to stand up slowly. I went to my room wearily and dropped myself on the bed. I didn’t have the strength to call for my maid. I closed my eyes. I heard the door being slid. I slowly opened my eyes and saw someone walking towards me. His face was vague however I could see the expression on his face. He was anxious. It was like he felt my pain then I fell asleep.

In my dream, I saw myself in a field. I was wearing a beautiful dress and from afar I saw two figures. I tried to run away from them as fast as I could though I don’t know why. It was hard running when you’re in a dream form especially when you’re wearing a dress. Then the two of them caught up. Suddenly they were right in front of me. They were so close that I saw pairs of wings from their backs. I thought they were angels but the other one has dark wings. I was petrified but I don’t know why I was. I stared closer at their faces but it was a vague. Then from the distance I saw another figure which I somehow recognized. Finally I remembered my other dream from before and it was the same but this time, I knew who this person was ~ he was my brother, Ryoma. He has silver wings. It was fascinating. He was reaching out to me and I wanted to grab his hand. I was about to grab his hand when I realized that his right wing has a scar. He smiled faintly and disappeared.

I cried. I opened my eyes slowly and saw father and mother. They were holding onto my hand. I looked at my clothes and I was wearing boy’s clothes. I looked around and saw Natsume and Gilbert and some maids and a butler. I slowly sat up. I felt a throb in my head. My mom helped me sat up properly.

“I’m sorry” I said.

I hugged mother tightly. I couldn’t hold back my tears.

“Mom! I saw Ryoma!! He was…” I wiped my tears with a tissue but new ones came. My mother hugged me back and said comforting words.

Soon after my mom put me to sleep, she gave me a sleeping pill.

I woke up and it was already dark beside me was Gilbert and Natsume. They were both asleep. I stood up and exited. I was still feeling woozy but I still forced myself to take steps. I went somewhere where I can find the albums of my brother and me. As soon as I found it I opened one album and saw a picture of me playing with my twin.

“Brother!” my ochibi self said.

“Akane chan!” he opened his arms for me and hugged me. I hugged him back. Then my father took a picture of us.

I reminisced and flipped the album. I found another picture of brother and me. We were playing tennis then.

In my memories I was laughing. “Brother! Let’s play!” “Sorry Akane, I have to finish my homework, speaking of homework, have you done yours?” brother laughed. I didn’t answer. I totally lose when I argue with him. I showed him the puppy dog eyes because I knew and he knew that he couldn’t resist it. “Oh…alright” I gave him the racket and we went towards the court.

After that event, I laughed. I turned the album again. This time I saw a picture of our burned house below it was a coffin where my twin brother was placed. Instantly droplets of tears fell all at once in my eyes. I wiped them with the sleeves of the T-shirt. That day, that unfortunate day was our last birthday celebration together, June 3. And even on that day, it wasn’t a birthday celebration but a sad funeral. Before that event actually occurred, in the morning we were in school. I ran towards his classroom. I opened the door

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” I yelled. I saw a couple of other students and they were looking at me.

“Thank you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Akane!!”  My brother smiled. I gave my brother an atomic hug. That day I didn’t give my present to him and decided to give it to him later. My brother gave me a present.

In his palm was an eye patch. Honestly speaking, I thought he would give me something like this. He would never give me anything girlish; he knows that I don’t like super girlish stuff like teddy bears or something like that.

Anyway, I love my present. I embraced him and kissed him. By the time I stopped, I saw Ryoma’s classmates glaring at us or was it brother only. I glared back at them. My brother led me outside. Before I exited, I turned around and smiled at my brother then I thought I saw a dark air around him. It was pure black and I was scared for a moment. I walked slowly in the hall remembering the dark something around him. I heard from grandma, who always tells us stories when we were staying at her place, something about dark auras especially the one I saw in my brother’s back. She said that once a person has one that person will die. The word ‘die’ crept me out.

In the afternoon, I went home at about four. As I was walking I remembered the dark thing enveloped in my brother’s body. Anyway, when I was about to reach home I found our house enveloped in an immense fire. I ran towards the sliding door to search for my brother.

“Brother!” I cried out.

Though I was afraid, it didn’t matter since I wanted to save my brother. Once I entered and got to the kitchen I suddenly passed out.

I lay flat on the kitchen floor. I moaned in the floor “Brother! Where are you?” before I was completely out I saw a dark figure. I picture him reaching his hand towards me and felt his hands behind my head and back.

He muttered “Hold on…” I thought I recognized his voice however I was too tired to think so I let it pass. I woke up in the arms of my mother. I was covered in black bruises which I remember was the result of the fire that caught my skin and then a brown blanket to keep me warm but I think it wasn’t effective at all since I was already burnt. I looked around and saw firemen washing away the fire in our house.  Tears fell from my eyes as I remembered and realized the familiar figure that saved me---it was my twin brother.

“Mommy…brother…” I cried in my mother’s arm and felt the pitiful gazes of the people who witnessed the unfortunate event. I forced myself to look at the house one more time but I wasn’t directly looking at the house but my brother. I forced myself to stand up and walked wearily towards the burnt, lifeless body of my brother and it was all my fault.

The next day, we went to our other house. This house was almost the same as the one that was burned down. Anyway, I didn’t come out of my room. I sat on the bed and huddled in the blanket. I sobbed. “Brother” I repeated it over and over.  Then I remembered the gift I wanted to give my brother ~ a precious cap that I bought using my allowance. I remained in my bed the whole morning. When I knew it was already night, I sneaked out and was relieved that no one was around. I strolled and then found the coffin in where my brother lies. I slowly walked and every time I did, I felt like I was being stabbed in the heart.

As soon as I reached the coffin, tears flowed like rivers from my eyes. I touched the coffin and fell to my knees.

“Brother” I cried in a soft voice. I forced myself to stand up and opened the lid of the coffin. I saw the body wrapped in a blue silky cloth.

I placed the ring inside the cloth and ran, moaning. I was in the hall and due to exhaustion I unexpectedly collapsed and fell asleep.

I woke up hearing footsteps coming from the next room. I peeked and saw my father in the room where Ryoma is. He lovingly embraced the coffin and I heard faint sobs. Still, he stood up strong. I saw him reaching for something and then he held it near his heart.

“Take care, son” I heard a whisper

I wiped my tears from the back of my hands after reminiscing. I kept the album and looked up. By the time I looked up, I noticed the sun rising from the transparent window. I touched my forehead and knew that my fever was gone.   

The next day I asked or should I say forced Gilbert to accompany me to my brother’s grave. When we finally arrived at Shouji Cemetery, we prayed. I told Gilbert not to light incense since I’ve always been afraid of fire, smokes or anything that sparks. He understood so instead we placed the blue rose which was Ryoma’s favorite rose.

The next day I woke up at 5:30am and packed my things. I picked up the door key for the room and left. I didn’t wake Gilbert. My driver sent me to the academy and he carried my bags to my dorm room. I proceeded to Class 2-C. about 20 students was in, including Yuu, Xiu Yi, Luka, Kaori, and Natsume. I sat on my chair which is next to Natsume.

“Are you feeling better?” Yuu approached me

I smiled. “Yeah”

“You seem livelier than before.” He said.

“You want me to be depressed?” I asked and smiled.

“No. I like you just the way you are”

I blushed. He’s a smooth talker.

Kaori interrupted “Yeah but you’re cuter than before!” Kaori blushed that I laughed.

Natsume’s eyes and mine met. I was about to turn when he called me “Hey Tycuun! I forgot to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY, though it is a bit late.”

“Birthday?”Everyone stared at me and asked.

The present was wrapped in a blue. He averted his gaze while giving the present to me. It was the first time he showed such a shy expression. I was somehow amused by that. I opened the box wrapped in blue.

Xiu Yi stared at me and said “So you’re birthday was two days ago? HAPPY BIRTHDAY and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your brother as well.” they greeted me. “Arigato” I murmured.

I stared at the blue teddy bear and I embraced it. “Hey Natsume! That’s not fair! You cheater!” Natsume ignored them and I laughed.

As soon as the session was over, we ~ Natsume, Naru, Kaori, Yuu, Luka, Xiu Yi, and me ~ went to the rooftop for lunch break. I finished last but I was usually a fast eater. As soon as I finished eating the, I stood up and looked down. The people from below were like tiny ants.

Luka moved towards me and called me. I turned towards the voice then; I felt his finger on my face. He poked me.  “That’s it keep smiling, Tycuun san!” I laughed.

The bell rang. We went to our classroom and sat on our usual seats. Minutes later, Mr. Tsubaki arrived and entered the class.

“Good morning class!! I have exciting news.” Sensei announced. Everyone in class became excited.

“We have a new transferee. Why don’t you come in, Mr. Cole.” He continued. The word ‘Cole’ echoed in my head.

“Cole? Don’t tell me…” I whispered. Cole entered the class “YOH! Nice to meet yah all!” he grinned. I crouched then prayed to God. “Kami Sama! Don’t let him see me! Please!”

Gilbert grinned at me and said with delight “Looks like were in the same class. LUCKY!! Umm… Teach, can I sit next to that boy?” Gilbert insisted.

“Umm… by the way class this young man is called Gilbert Cole. He is a transfer student from U.S just like Tycuun.” Mr. Tsubaki stated.

“If it is okay with Tycuun I will permit you.”

“OK. So that settles it I’ll sit next to you.” Gilbert selfishly claimed.

“But wait…” Mr. Tsubaki wanted to protest.

I sighed “it’s no use, sensei. He always does what he wants.” That made sensei give up; Gilbert walked and he made Luka changed seats.

“I’m sorry Luka” I whispered yet loud enough for him to hear. He smiled.

“I see. Alright! Now that that is over, let’s start the lesson for today.”

3:00pm and we were all dismissed. I picked up my bag and quickly exited. Gilbert came running towards me.

“Hey Akane!” he recklessly yelled. I didn’t look back but I could sense that people were becoming suspicious. I think no one suspected me. I slowly walked away.

Soon he caught up. He walked beside me however I ignored him.

“I’m sorry, I forgot that you were a girl” he apologized. I purposely stepped on his foot and ran. While I was running, I looked back and saw him jumping and complaining about the pain on his foot.

I found a comfortable place and sat trying to catch my breath.

“Baka!” I lied down and felt the green grass prick my school uniform. I closed my eyes and felt the cool breeze touch the edge of my face. I placed my arm on my eyes to cover the rays of the sun and fell asleep on the green grass.

I woke up, rubbed my eyes and stood up. I returned to the dorm.

On my way there I saw Naru sempai, Xiu Yi and Gilbert in the hallway. They were talking about stuff. I tried to eavesdrop but I couldn’t hear anything. I moved closer.

“Gilbert will be staying with Xiu Yi in room 205.” I quickly but quietly ran towards my room. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Natsume sleeping soundly like a kid. I moved closer and crouched. I poked his childish face while giggling softly. Natsume twitched and I immediately stopped.

I changed my clothes in the restroom with blue shorts and a plain T-shirt. I dried my hair and soon exited.  The light was already turned off and I sprinted on my bed. I wasn’t that tired since I spent most of my afternoon sleeping. I tried to close my eyes.

“I can’t sleep” I sighed.

“Wanna go somewhere?”

I heard his voice and turned. He was standing and scratching his hair. “If you can’t sleep then why don’t we walk outside?”

“Okay” I grinned. I sat up immediately.

We went out without changing our clothes but Natsume brought with him a sweater though he didn’t wear it. We walked on the cemented path, surrounded by posts of light. We kept going and ended up in a very far place. I’m not even sure if were still in school. The place was surrounded by roses so I knew that this place was a garden.

“Beautiful garden, isn’t it young man?” I heard a voice that sounded like an old man. We turned.

“Did he just take a note of the word ‘young man’?” I thought

“Umm…yeah” I responded nervously.

“That’s good to hear” The old man grinned.

“And be careful on that day” he approached me and whispered.

With that confusing word he disappeared in the dark.

“What did he say?” he asked.

“Nothing” I fibbed.

“Let’s go?” Natsume said.

I nodded. After a while, I shivered. Natsume placed the sweater on my shoulders. I thought for a second that he purposely brought the sweater for me but then he said “You’re a guy and you can’t protect yourself from a cold?” I actually thought for a second that he was a nice guy.

“I’m just…” I tried to think of an excuse.

He laughed and hugged me from behind “Even though you’re too girly, I don’t mind.”

I blushed. I didn’t turn back to see if he was sincere. Soon, he released me and made the night awkward. We walked all the way and I didn’t dare look at him; I stepped about 3 meters away from him.

It was definitely an awkward moment for me. I was still wearing the sweater and sniffed it. I smiled.

“Feeling better?” he broke the silence. He saw my expression a while ago.

I blushed and covered my face with the collar of the sweater. I just hope he didn’t notice.

He laughed. His face lights up when he smiles. It was so blinding that I wasn’t able to reply.

“What’s wrong?” Natsume asked.

I averted my face, hoping he won’t see my mortifying face. Suddenly rain fell from the sky.

“Umm...Nothing’s wrong. Thank you…” I dashed away and dropped the sweater on the ground.

“Wait!” I heard him shout.

I ran though I didn’t know where my feet would lead me and so as usual, I got lost. I was soaked and I still couldn’t find any shelter then I found what seems to be a greenhouse. I walked towards it and entered. I saw the old man gardening.

“Konnichiwa, young lady” he said. He grinned at me. I was forced to smile.

“Kuru” he instructed me. I walked slowly towards him, my hands on my back. As soon as I was beside him, I crouched down.

“Oyaji?” I started.

“Yes?” he asked.

“What did you mean ‘be careful on that day’?”

“I mean what I said, be careful on that day’” he repeated. I stayed silent until he was finally done with gardening. He stood up.

“You’re friend is worried about you. You should probably go back, he’s looking for you”

“Tycuun!” I heard someone calling my name.

I turned my face and saw Natsume.

“Natsume” I whispered. I bid goodbye to the old man and left. I met up with Natsume.

“I’m…” before I could continue, he hugged me. I blushed.

“I’m sorry” I apologized to him.

On the hall, I suddenly collapsed on the ground. Natsume sprinted towards me. He assisted me and when we were inside the dorm, I saw vague people looking at me. They were coming closer and then I fell asleep.

By the time I woke up, everything was still vague. I found myself inside a car. Someone was holding my hand. It was cool that it made me feel comfortable. I fell asleep again.The third time I woke up I was in the hospital. I was feeling a bit dizzy. I saw the sun shining on the transparent windows. The beautiful nurse was checking up on me and he went out minutes later. As soon as he was out, I turned my attention to the others. I saw Gilbert, Xiu Yi, Yuu, Luka, Naru and Natsume. They noticed me struggling to sit up and they dashed towards me to assist me. I sat up and father and mother appeared.

“Everyone, please go home. Your parents must be worried” Father asked them. They obeyed.

Soon I was alone with my parents. They stared at me.

“We keep reminding you that you shouldn’t stay under the rain” They sighed and scolded me. My mouth remained zipped. They sighed for the second time and sat on the bed beside me. They patted my head as they forced me to lie down.

“Brother” I murmured before I dosed off.

Xiu Yi’s side of the story

As soon as I heard a ‘thud’ I went out of the room with Gilbert, who is my roommate. We saw Tycuun on the ground and Natsume, beside ‘her’.

‘Don’t worry I already know that Tycuun’s a female’. Anyway, we dashed to assist him. I’ve never seen Natsume so worked up. Soon, Narumi phoned a cab. We entered and found ourselves in a hospital minutes later. That night in the hospital, I sensed lots of wandering souls. Fortunately, on my way to Tycuun’s room I only sensed innocent souls.

I opened the door at her room and felt a scary vibe of an undead person. I turned quickly and saw a little girl with short black hair grinning at me. That person started laughing wickedly. She glared at me. Then she whispered something; I couldn’t make out the words then she disintegrated. I looked around to see if anyone noticed, but they were all asleep except for Natsume who was holding Tycuun’s hand.   

Four hours passed. It was already day light and Natsume stayed wide awake for her. I stayed on a sofa. Half an hour passed and Tycuun woke up. I can tell she was still ill since she was struggling and all. We ran to help her. Her parents entered and we were told to leave. I can’t seem to get over the little girl who appeared with murderous looks. It was like she’s planning something.

“Xiu Yi” I heard someone call my name.

“Hey Xiu Yi! Let’s go!” Yuu came but the voice was very different from the first.

“Right” I said.

We returned to the dorm at about lunch time and we proceeded to the cafeteria. I ordered the usual serving and started eating. I recalled that night. Naru snapped me out.

“Hey Xiu Yi! What are you spacing out for?” he asked, concerned.

I shook my head “Nothing” I fibbed. I stood up and didn’t finish my food.

“Hey Xiu Yi” he called.

I turned and he continued “He’s not sleeping in the dorm tonight” I nodded.

End of Xiu Yi’s side of the story

In my dream, I saw a young girl. She has blonde hair. She was crying. She was in pain. Though I wanted to come over and comfort her, I just couldn’t. It was like chains were attached to my body that I couldn’t move towards her. She stopped sobbing and she looked at me.

“Please don’t follow” “Please don’t follow me” she repeated. I tried to speak and ask why.

I woke up. I looked around. I saw someone sitting on the sofa.

“Hey Akane? You awake?” Gilbert spoke.

“Yeah” I said.

He walked towards me. He placed the back of his hand on my forehead. “You’re fever has gone down”

“Yeah” I repeated.

“Yeah?” he repeated.

“Is that all you can say?” he asked.

“Yeah” I said again.

He sighed. “I guess it can’t be helped. You’re still a bit warm”

I lied down and closed my eyes. I didn’t plan to sleep any longer and so I waited for Gilbert to fall asleep. I wanted to go for a walk after being cooped up in this room.

Night fell and Gilbert finally decided to sleep. As soon as I knew he was sleeping, I got up and left the room slowly. By the time I was out, no one was around and it was dim but I can still see figures and can still identify them. I immediately looked at the wall clock. I couldn’t determine what time it was. But I knew it was almost midnight. I walked wearily and stopped. I began to think this wasn’t such a good idea then I heard some someone sobbing. I listened and followed the sound.