37Hello, this is the last chapter.. It might be a little long so bear with me! I'm trying to tie up some loose threads in this chapter. Hope it's a good one. :)
dollarbanks: Yup, this is the last chapter! Thanks for reviewing and reading this fanfic.. Really appreciate it. :)
moodygal: I hope in this fic I atleast built up to a Kyouren/Rukawa friendship.. Sorry if Rukawa seemed OOC in some places, and thanks for reading and reviewing!
TheNewKid: Thanks for the encouraging reviews and thanks for reading!
Chapter Thirteen
Discoveries
Monday morning was unusual. Kyouren woke up early, almost at the crack of dawn. An internal clock pushed her to rise with the sun. She never really believed she would stay forever, and yesterdays phone call ignited inside her a silent count down. She could feel the minutes tick by, inching closer towards the end of the week when she would be leaving.
Forever.
Refusing to be depressed she shoved off her covers and headed in for a refreshing morning shower. The look Nitta-san gave her when she walked downstairs, fully dressed in her uniform, an hour early brought a genuine smile to her lips. Never in her entire stay in Kanagawa had she got up on time. She instantly regretted it as she gazed out the kitchen window, where the sun was climbing up the horizon in a burst of warm rays.
"Miss Itou.."
The solemn title alerted her to Nitta-sans concern. The old lady was looking at her very strangely, stirring the miso slowly in thought. "Hai Obaasan?"
"Are you well?"
She laughed forcefully, draping her arms around the housekeepers shoulders. "Perfectly well," she reassured her, tightening her arms around the frail ladies shoulders. "I'm sorry for not getting up on time.. I will from now on."
The thump of feet pattering down the stairs diverted the two women towards the lone figure of Rukawa, lumbering down the stairs. Kyouren averted her eyes casually, trying to forget the accusing stare he had given her, to no avail. She remembered how he appeared- dripping wet, wearing nothing but a towel to her astonishment. Her cheeks reddened as she realized she was picturing him half-naked. But how shocked he looked, the disappointment in his tones.. You are a coward. It wasn't like him to eavesdrop in the first place, much less get caught in the act in such awkward manner. What did it all mean?
The way to school was awkward. Especially since she had to cling to his back as they bumped over hills and her head dipped into his back when he turned. She never noticed how close they were sitting, and how tightly she had to hold onto his rigid back. Miraculously, he didn't fall asleep even once. They made it to school in record time.
Rukawa parked his bike silently, never looking back as he walked towards class. Kyouren watched his retreat uncertainly. There was something she couldn't quite pinpoint about him, a subtle change in his manner. He was always quiet– but something in the air had changed. His silence was awkward, and tense.. brooding.
"Kyo-chan! Ohayhoo!"
Yohei and the Gundan strolled towards her, the mischievous twinkle ever present in their eyes. They were true friends, and she knew Sakuragi was lucky to have them. "Morning guys.. Anou.. Where's Sakuragi-kun?"
"He's been acting suspicious this morning," Takamiya whispered, rubbing his chin and pointing towards the gate. "He's been standing there ever since we got here."
"Ora?" Kyouren sneaked a glance to the brick gate, and spotted the tall red head, standing sentinel. Then it dawned on her.. Haruko-chan! He's waiting for Haruko-chan. Kyouren smiled in understanding.
"He's vicious. Look what he did!" Ooksu complained, rubbing the large red bump on his head. "All I did was ask him what he was doing there.."
"It's d-day," She muttered softly.
"Nani..? D-day?" Yohei asked, blinking as he scratched his head.
"Gambatte Sakuragi-kun," She murmured to herself, smiling as glimpsed the bristly red head pacing in front of the gate.
"Nande yo Kyouren-chan.. What's d-day?" Noma asked impatiently as they walked towards the sophomore hallway.
"Sakuragi-kun is finally biting the bullet," Kyouren replied, winking at the gundan cheekily.
"Masaka.. You mean.. Haruko-chan?"
"Sou yo!" She affirmed, laughing as they stared incredulously. She realized she was the only one laughing, in surprise she clamped her mouth shut. The four gundan were scrutinizing her with puzzled expressions on their faces. "What..? What are you looking at?"
"Anou.. Kyo-chan.. Are you feeling okay?" Yohei asked carefully, a hand reaching over to grip her shoulder.
"Yes! I'm perfectly fine!" She shouted, a little irritated being asked that particular question twice that morning. The gundan shrank back in apprehension as she glared at them in annoyance and slapped Yohei's hand away.
Takamiya placed a clammy hand on her forehead, waving the other in front of her face. "Mou.. She doesn't have a fever," he muttered.
"W-w-w-hat do you thinks wrong with me?" She sputtered, not understanding the joke.
"Kyo-chan," Ooksu asked seriously, peering up into her eyes. "Aren't you in love with Hanamichi?"
Kyouren stared back at them, her jaw hanging open incredulously. "What.. What are you talking about?"
"The way you look at him.. The way you smile at him, how you're always happy to see him," Noma ticked off on his fingers, while Takamiya nodded in affirmation.
"We thought you had a major crush on him," Ooksu concluded, smiling goofily.
Yohei twiddled his thumbs nervously in the background, whistling to himself as he nervously slid away from the scene. He had an itching premonition about the violence about to ensue.
"Crush?" Kyouren whispered, the color draining out of her face. The very idea of being attracted to her brother in that way.. She felt the chunks rise from the bowels, the mornings miso groaning dangerously in her intestines. In a flash her book bag was over her head, with a tremendous double whack it smacked the side of Ooksu' grinning face. The blonde man fell the floor, his vision dizzy and blurred. "Crush! How dare you presume such a disgusting.. H-h-h-orrendous idea!" Whack! Whack! "Baaaaaka!"
"Maa maa Kyo-chan! That's enough!" Yohei cut in, waving his hands in front of the enraged girl, the fire bursting from her brown eyes. For moment Yohei thought he was looking into Hanamichi's eyes. He shook the ridiculous idea from his thoughts, as he watched the girl calm down and lower her book bag, panting furiously. Takamiya and Noma dragged the injured Ooksu away as he twitched erratically with a dazed look in his eyes.
"..Sumaaan.." He mumbled, holding the sides of his swelled and bruised face.
Kyouren merely glared at him, trying to suppress her gag reflex. "What ridiculousness. Sakuragi-kun is..." She glanced down at her feet for a moment, gathering the courage to speak plainly. "He's a brother to me."
"Aa, we're just teasing," Takamiya lied, still wary of the bag clutched in Kyouren's hands. "Wait! Almost forgot.. Do we have the confetti and the trumpets?" He asked excitedly.
"Sou da! We have to be ready!" Ooksu brightened, smiling painfully through his bruises.
"Trumpets? Confetti?" Kyouren asked, eyeing the gundan suspiciously.
"Hai.. In case he gets dumped!" Takamiya roared, laughing heartily. "Wait.. We have to follow him! He might be being dumped this very minute!"
"Yoshi! Lets go!"
Kyouren watched in horror as the four gundan raced back down the hall and out of the building. She groaned, slapping her forehead. I shouldn't have told them.. The black uniform clad men rushed out of view, and she couldn't help smiling. So many familiar faces, so many memories.. She sniffed lightly to herself, suppressing tears forming in her eyes. Ja ne Sakuragi gundan..
She walked into the classroom and sat at her seat. The room was still empty, as the students were still roaming the halls socializing. Only one seat was occupied– by a mop of black hair that was Rukawa Kaede. She smiled at the sleeping figure, and if she had seen her own reflection the tenderness of her own expression would have shocked her.
Yea.. I think I'm going to miss you too.
OoOOooOOo
Sakuragi shivered as he waited by the gate, but not from the cold. His clammy hands gripped the small package in his hands, as he waited for her. Inside was a silver chain, with a beautiful heart pendant. It was his mothers, and one of his most treasured objects. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind– what he would say, how she would react. Tensai.. I'm Tensai. Tensai's don't get nervous. "Demo.. What will Haruko say?" He wondered out loud. He didn't think he could take it if he was dumped this time, because she was different.
Akagi Haruko wasn't like those fifty others who had dumped him. This was the longest crush he had out of all of them. Haruko inspired him to be better, to work harder. She was the one who developed his passion for basketball, the sport that had become the second most important thing to him in his life. Haruko of course, was the first.
Otousan.. Okasan, if you're up there in heaven, please help me.
He looked upwards at the sky, which was a bright blue-grey, praying to himself. He forcefully steadied his hands, meditating on calming his frayed nerves.
"...Sakuragi-kun!"
The bright, cheerful voice never failed to astonish and pleasure him. He felt his heart stop at the gentle tones, as he viewed the smiling face of his one and only angel. He thanked the heavens silently, she was alone.
"Haruko-san.."
"Were you waiting for me Sakuragi-kun?" She asked playfully, as they walked slowly through the gate.
"Hai.. Anou, Haruko-san.. I have something to give you.."
Haruko paused, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity. "Hontou? What is it?"
Sakuragi starred seriously into her eyes, and shyly reached for her hands. Haruko's eyes rounded even wider. He reached nervously in his pocket for the package, his voice caught in his throat. "Haruko-san.. I– "
"Excuse me. Are you Sakuragi Hanamichi?"
Sakuragi's head jerked angrily towards the soft, cultured voice. A man wearing a smart looking suit, and holding a black leather bag was observing them. Sakuragi's eyes began to glow dangerously.
The gundan rushed out from behind the bushes where they were espying the scene, forming a wall between the interrupter and the enraged Hanamichi. Sakuragi's face had turned the color of flame.
"Nande yo ji-ji, how dare you interrupt us?" Sakuragi roared, struggling to free his arms from Takamiya and Yohei.
The man merely raised his eyebrow in surprise, undeterred by the show of hostility. "Then you are Sakuragi Hanamichi, son of Itou Michiko?"
Sakuragi blinked in confusion, his rage momentarily forgotten. "Nani yo..?"
The man removed a manilla envelope from his jacket, and shuffled hurriedly through some papers. "Gomen... née Hayashi. Hayashi Michiko."
Yohei turned towards Sakuragi, alarmed. He had been friends with Sakuragi ever since they were children. Only he knew the name of Sakuragi's mother.
"Hai.." Sakuragi replied, his voice monotonous. Then as if remembering himself, his face contorted in anger. "Oi old man.. Why are you asking me about my mother?"
"Its confidential Mr. Sakuragi. Would you mind stepping into my car– "
Sakuragi's eyes flared, and he raised a threatening fist. "You'll tell me here."
The man looked warily at Haruko and the gundan, then fixed his gaze on the furious red haired man. He cleared his throat. "Very well. I'm a representative from Warner and Lawson, to entail the money left for you in Mrs. Hayashi's will. This account is entitled to you on the event of Mrs. Hayashi's death which occurred exactly five months ago the First of– "
Haruko gasped. Sakuragi had broken free, knocking aside the gundan who had tried to form a wall around him. His hands grasped the collar of the "representative", lifting him clear off the ground with one hand. "What account," He nearly whispered, his face radiating confusion and pain. "What will.. My mother.. She died when I was born."
"Please, Mr. Sakuragi.. Calm down," The man protested, tugging at Sakuragi's arm.
"Hanamichi! Matte.." Yohei warned, struggling to get his friend to put the man down.
Haruko was quiet, her mind putting pieces of the puzzle together. The picture.. The picture of Sakuragi's mother at Kyouren's house.. "Masaka.. Itou Kyouren!"
Sakuragi and the gundan suddenly turned towards Haruko, confusion in their faces. "Haruko-san...?"
Haruko felt painful sympathy when she saw the tortured look in Sakuragi's eyes, which mirrored confusion and terror. She slowly walked towards him, putting a hand on his arm. "Sakuragi-kun.. I think we should go with this man," She said gently, tugging his arm.
At Haruko's touch, Sakuragi lowered his arm and put the man down slowly. The sudden information had shocked him out of his rage and his senses. He felt numb to the world. Haruko's gentle eyes were all he could see, as she lead him gently away.
The man looked nervously from Sakuragi to Haruko, unsure of what to do. "Would you come with us Miss.. Mr. Yoshino is waiting at the office.."
"Yoshino?" Yohei asked, speaking for his stunned friend.
"Yes.. The late Mrs. Hayashi's lawyer. He sent me to get you.."
The gundan looked at each other worriedly, then at their friend. Sakuragi was quiet, pale, and listless. They never had seen him like this. Yohei glanced at Haruko in confusion. What does Kyouren have to do with this?
Haruko lead the way, taking Sakuragi by the hand. The tall, fierce man looked like a lost child, clinging tightly to his mother. The gundan followed after them cautiously. From the looks of it Sakuragi had a high chance of going berserk.
The six teens disappeared into the black suv, and zoomed off in the opposite direction of school.
OoOoOooO
Kyouren tapped her pencil idly in her mouth, staring worriedly at Haruko's empty seat. It was fourth period– current events, and still she hadn't returned. Is it a good thing? IS she on a date with Sakuragi? But she figured it could be a bad omen. Maybe Haruko had run home in embarrassment. Her feet itched to find out if Sakuragi was also absent. If Sakuragi's gone too, then it must be a good sign.. Wait.. Or is it? She groaned loudly, rubbing her head in confusion.
"Do you disagree Miss Itou?"
Kyouren blinked up at her sensei, who looked mildly amused. She desperately looked at the chalk board for clues to what he had asked. "Uh.. Yes sensei," She guessed blindly.
"Really? Then enlighten us; why is over fishing in the Yellow sea a benefit to the Japanese economy?"
"Aaaahhh..."
"I suggest you think before you react," He replied dryly, turning back to his work.
Kyouren turned red in her seat while the class giggled, some of the friendlier girls nudging her playfully. In fifteen minutes the bell rang, signaling lunch time. She burst from her seat, nearly upsetting her chair, grabbed her bento and rushed down the hall.
One by one the classroom emptied, but there was no sign of Sakuragi. She noticed that Yohei was also missing, and he was in Sakuragi's class. She stood perplexed, silently hoping that Sakuragi and Haruko were out on a date. I bet the gundan are out spying on them.. She sighed, half-reassured. The hallway was empty. Most of the students were outside, enjoying the clear skies and a refreshing break from endless rain.
She realized that this was that same hallway where she had first set eyes upon Sakuragi. She let the tears slip down her cheeks, wiping them away shamefully. It felt like all she ever did in Kanagawa was cry. Well, that was coming to an end soon. Soon, she would be back in the States, where all she needed to worry about was what to wear and her grades. Slumping down against the wall, she opened her bento.
It was an array of colorful seaweed rolls, beautifully made. She thanked the kind housekeeper mentally, feeling a fresh onslaught of tears in her eyes, as they fell into her bento. Somehow the shapes of the rolls reminded her of Nitta-san's kind eyes. This is getting ridiculous, she scolded herself. Fighting away despondency she dug in, stuffing her mouth with rice balls and letting the tears slide down her cheeks.
"Hrm."
She choked on a large bite of rice, her head jerking up erratically towards the noise. Rukawa was standing before her looking down at her quietly. She coughed in surprise, swallowing the lumps of rice stuck in her throat. He never ate lunch with her at school.
"What's with you?" She finally asked, watching as he mechanically popped the rolls in his mouth with his chopsticks.
"What?" He asked, his eyebrow raised in question. Kyouren sighed, wondering that he would follow her question with another question.
"Nevermind," she muttered, taking a long sip of cool tea from her thermos. They ate together in silence– that same uncomfortable silence. Kyouren scowled at him. If he was going to sit with her, he should at least say something. The awkwardness was giving her indigestion.
"Why are you leaving?" He asked suddenly, in that quiet voice of his.
Typical of Rukawa to hit you right in the gut. Kyouren was glad she didn't have anything in her mouth, lest she choke on it. She considered his question thoughtfully, wondering how she was to explain that particular complexity. "..Because... there's no reason for me to stay," She said simply, looking down at her thermos.
"Liar."
His voice was cold, she looked up in surprise. He was looking at her, his gaze equally frosty. She had seen him irritated before, but this was something to behold. Rukawa, his face and eyes frozen was furious. "It's the truth," She persisted.
"No. You're running away," He said simply.
Kyouren's eyes blazed at that comment. She gripped the thermos tightly in her hands, ignoring the overflow of tea spilling over her hands. "I– am– not– running," She said through clenched teeth. "Its for his own good.."
"And how do you know that?" Rukawa snapped, surprising her yet again. She searched the angry blue eyes of his, wondering what had brought on this rage, had stirred his anger. Noticing her inspection, he turned his gaze towards the wall.
"You're right," she whispered, holding back a long sigh. "I don't know Hanamichi as well as a sister should. I don't know his dreams, his hopes, his fears.. I don't even know what his favorite food is." She paused a moment to blink away the tears that threatened to fall and collected herself with a shuddering sigh. "But I know he cherishes the memory of our parents.. And there's nothing more I can give him than that."
"You're wrong."
She looked at Rukawa in surprise. His voice had taken on a low, dead serious tone she had never heard before.
"You asked me, if I were him.. If I would want to know the truth."
She nodded slowly, remembering that day. "You said you didn't know."
"I lied." He turned to look at her, his gaze earnest. "Even if my worst fears concerning my family were confirmed.. I would want to know."
Her eyes were focused completely on his, desperately searching. The question was in her face, but she struggled to voice it. "Why..?"
"Because it's the truth," He answered calmly, now looking out the window. It was beginning to rain. The thundering of footsteps alerted them to the students beginning to head inside. "Give him the truth."
Kyouren sat there in shock, staring at her lap in confusion. She knew Rukawa had headed back to class. The rustle of his uniform and the clatter of his bento comfirmed that. But his words stayed with her.
"It's the truth."
Rukawa Kaede.. He's an orphan too. She looked back towards the retreating form, but he was lost in a myriad of uniforms. Could is be possible, that Rukawa Kaede could relate to Sakuragi? Bewildered by the idea, she picked up her bento and walked slowly back to class.
OooooOOooooO
"Okasan.. She.. She was alive all this time..?"
Haruko watched Sakuragi's pale, expressionless face with heartfelt sympathy. His face was haggard, it sagged, as if all the strings pulling his features in place had been cut. It was an awkward scene. Crowded in a small conference room, Sakuragi sat uncomfortably on a chair that didn't accommodate his legs. She was sitting beside him, watching his expression carefully. The gundan were standing by the door, shocked expressions on their faces, though they tried to keep quietly in the background.
"Hai Sakuragi-kun," The man who introduced himself as Yoshino Hidoaki replied. "I'm sorry to be the one to give you the news.. I thought you had already been informed," he apologized.
"Urusei. You lie," Sakuragi growled, bursting from his seat. Haruko gasped as his chair knocked back over, and he clenched his fists tightly to his sides.
"Sakuragi-kun, please," She whispered putting a hand on his arm. She felt his arms go limp at her touch, and he turned his face away from her ashamedly. Haruko wondered if she should leave him alone.. No. He needs someone right now. There was no telling what would happen once she left– that lawyer would have been in the hospital, old man or no. Sakuragi was on the verge of exploding, the way his fists were clenching and unclenching, the corded muscles on his back bristling restlessly.
"..Sakuragi-kun," Mr. Yoshino said calmly, folding his hands in front of him. "Your mother left you a substantial amount of money. I'm here to make sure you get it."
"Urusei," Sakuragi snarled, his eyes snapping to Yoshino. "I don't give a damn about money. How.. How did she die?"
Haruko's clenched his arm tightly, tears coming to her eyes as she watched Sakuragi choke out the tortured words.
"I believe it was cancer," Yoshino replied reverently, reaching out a hand to pat Sakuragi's fist in a feeble gesture of condolence. "But beyond that, I don't know the particulars."
"You don't know..the particulars.."
Sakuragi was snorting hysterically. Haruko watched in mute horror, as he wrenched his arm away from the mans touch, and slammed his fist into the oak desk. It shuddered audibly, a penholder rattled as it fell, papers flew in all directions, the desk creaked.
"My mother died.. And that's all you can say?" He whispered, his voice hoarse. "She's dead. Here's the money?" Hot tears began to stream from his eyes, as he stood, his hands gripping the edge of the desk until his knuckles were white. His face was mere inches away from Mr. Yoshinos, a horribly strangled look on his face. "Yaro.. Tell me what happened," he hissed, his arm suddenly reaching out to grab the man's collar.
"Sakuragi-kun, dame yo!" Haruko cried, tugging at his arms to no avail. She looked desperately back at the gundan, but they merely shook their heads, a look of pity on their faces.
"Sakuragi-kun," Mr. Yoshino struggled, though his voice was surprisingly even. "Please put me down. I'm not trying to offend– "
"Damare. Tell me what everything.. Tell me now."
Yoshino gripped Sakuragi's wrist with both hands, trying to loosen the younger man's grip. But his large hand was like a steel clamp around his throat, and slowly, every so slowly it was tightening. "I wish I could," he started, and gulped when the boys grip became noticeably tighter. "Perhaps.. Perhaps your sister– "
With a crashing thud, the lawyer landed uncomfortably back in his leather chair. Sakuragi's grip had gone slack. His arm slid limply against his side, as his bewildered eyes somehow became larger.
Yohei stepped forward, his face shocked as he gripped Sakuragi's shoulder in an effort to steady him. Sakuragi's face had somehow gone whiter, and the giant looked shaky, as if his long knees could no longer support him.
"Teme, what the hell are you saying!"
Yoshino looked exasperated, a hand going to rub his temples. His client was oblivious to everything. He had not suspected he had no idea his mother had passed away five months prior, nor that he was not aware of his sister. He opened his mouth slowly, wondering how he'd survive this– when the young lady in front of him, suddenly pulled the tall man towards her.
Sakuragi felt soft hands tugging him. He looked into Haruko's angelic face, the quiet warmth, the pretty features, the comforting wide blue eyes, which were filled with so much emotion; warmth, sympathy, and kindness. "Haruko-san," he said apologetically, regretting the fact that she had witnessed this, but still thankful she was standing by him. She was the only thing keeping him from losing a hold on himself.
"Sakuragi-kun.. He's telling the truth," She said quietly, meeting the raging brown eyes. "You do have a sister. We all know her."
The four gundan looked at Haruko curiously, their expressions confused and shocked. Sakuragi hung on to her every word, his eyes never leaving hers. "Dare..?" He asked quietly, his eyes burning as he searched her face. His face begged her to know. He had to know.
Haruko breathed deeply, hoping what she was about to reveal was for the best. For Sakuragi, and for her..
"It's Kyouren..."
OoooOoOooOoOo
The bell rang, announcing the end of the cleaning hour. Kyouren straightened from her uncomfortable position mopping the floor. School was over, and still there was no sign of Haruko. All she could feel was apprehension– there was no telling what could have happened between Sakuragi and Haruko, until she got to the gym.
Her leaden feet dragged slowly as she made her way outside towards the gym. Even Rukawa caught up with her, though he was always last to leave the classroom since he was always asleep. The ground was slick under her feet she sloshed through the puddles carelessly.
As the all too familiar shifting scene passed by her, Kyouren walked slower, a part of her wishing to imprint everything in her memory, under the pouring sky. The grey of the horizon, the industry-like building that was their school, the murmur of talking students, the clatter of footsteps falling on the cement, the feeling of the frigid wind passing under her umbrella..
In her mind she could picture the glistening maple floors of the basketball court, hear the pattering of basketball shoes against the floor, the squeals, the shouts, and thuds, an echo of the diligence of the basketball team. She could see Sakuragi pushing through the middle, and slamming in a basket with both hands, captain Miyagi's steady voice as he calmly led the offense, Mitsui shooting a three pointer with his perfect form– and Rukawa.
She glanced at her silent companion, who had slowed his pace to match hers. She wondered why he chose to walk beside her, even though he wasn't saying anything. In fact he looked like he was sleep walking, his eyes half closed, his head nodding forward, the black bangs covering his eyes.
From the dozing kitsune, to the bright eyes of Haruko, Ayako-sans rich laugh, the snowy white Santa that was Anzai-sensei, and of course the kind Mrs. Nitta.. She knew she would never forget Kanagawa. But what pained her the most, was to think she would have to pretend, for the rest of her life, that she never had a brother.
They had reached the gym door, where she imagined Sakuragi Hanamichi, clad in his black uniform, a gym bag slung over his shoulder, smiling at her. His short bristly red hair had grown longer, and was spiked higher on his head, his deep brown eyes radiated both fierce pride and strength–
Kyouren slipped in the next puddle, losing her balance. She heard a small grunt as she collided with Rukawa. His hands were on her shoulders, steadying her, but she barely noticed. Sakuragi Hanamichi wasn't just a vision. He was standing there, looking at her, but he wasn't smiling. From beside him, the smaller figure of Haruko peeked out uncertainly at them. A small wave of relief flooded through her tired mind. So they were together.. But he wasn't smiling, nor was he looking at Haruko, who stood, her small hand touching his arm.
A gesture of comfort? Affection? She couldn't tell– but Sakuragi looked strange. He was staring at her with an intensity she had never seen before. She lowered her eyes in confusion, unable to move, frozen five feet from him. Her legs refused to budge, and she couldn't look at him. Come on.. Walk up to them.. Say something. Her muscles somehow locked tighter.
A slight squeeze to her shoulder broke her from her paralysis. She glanced briefly back, where Rukawa was still standing. She couldn't see his eyes, but his hands were resting on her back, and gently, he began to push her forward.
She would thank him later, for doing so. At that moment, Itou Kyouren could not move, or speak.
"You.."
Kyouren looked up uncertainly, standing before Sakuragi. His voice was choked and strangled. A sudden spark of fear and excitement snapped her eyes wide open, as she peered into Hanamichi's restless eyes. He.. Knows? Her doubt crumbled into horror, shock, wonder, then finally hope..
"Sakuragi.." She stuttered, searching his face for the answer.
"You," He repeated, almost whispering. He was looking straight into her eyes, searching for something. "You're.. My sister?"
His question sounded broken and uncertain, but Kyouren saw it in his face. His eyes glimmered with tears, his features were overwhelmed by it. He was hoping, begging for the truth. She knew, from the moment she met him– there was nothing she could deny her brother.
"Hai."
Nothing would prepare her what happened next. In two strides Hanamichi had closed the distance between them, and she felt her head colliding into the soft material of his shirt. Shock, excitement, and happiness overcame her all at once.
Later, she would say it was the happiest moment of her life; she realized she didn't need to leave Kanagawa. Smiling through her tears, her head buried in her brother's torso, she realized she was already home.
oOOOOooooOOOO
There is a short epilogue coming up.. But this is the end of a full long chapter.. Thanks for reading this far :)
Japanese phrase update!
Masaka- No way
Damare- Shut up
Dame yo- Stop it
Dare- Who?