Chapter 9

Sleep is one of the most essential daily routine everyone must follow it in order to properly function throughout the day. I love my sleep, as lazy as it may sound to people but for me it is one of best rewards I give myself whenever I'm done doing my daily activities. But as I was sleeping the constant ringing of my phone awoke me from my slumber. I got a hold on my phone and the blinding bright screen reach its way towards my eyes. Fifty notification. Are you serious? Who in their right mind send fifty straight notifications at three in the morning? Doesn't these people have anything better to do? Like I don't know, sleeping and not bothering me!? Plus aren't they aware that it is a school night? I don't care what the other students in Kaihin does at night but stop bugging me. I ignored them all and place my phone in silent mode. I know if it's an emergency Komachi or mom will call me and not send me multiple online notification and messages. Besides, after unlocking my phone and have a quick glance at the screen I was able to verify that all the notifications were from my classmates base on the handle names. I set my phone in silent and back at the table and soon enough I was able to go back to sleep.

….

The following morning I woke up just in time at the sound of my alarm. I check my phone and see why it kept on ringing last night. I was surprised that I rubbed my eyes twice to make sure I was seeing things right.

"What the hell?" I asked confused to myself after seeing 20 text messages from both unknown contact to some acquaintances, 134 online notification and even receiving 5 miss calls from random numbers on my phone. I unlocked my phone and tapped on the notifications only for me to be more surprised as I saw different photos of myself and Yumiko together with suggestive captions, death threats and comments like; we are dating but keeps it a secret and other bullshit assumptions. But what really infuriated me the most is some comments suggested that Yumiko is dating me because I help her study in exchange for her "services". I tried to tracked down the source of the said photos but failed because all I saw was an anonymous account. I then checked Yumiko's social media profile with more people asking her about the picture spreading around but she didn't reply to anyone. I looked at the time and saw that I need to prepare going to school. Even if this is spread out online it will not just spread all over school, right? I could have not been more wrong. The moment I stepped into the school premise I could see students giving me different looks and glares. Some of them are even whispering right in front of me. I'm no means popular in school, in fact I don't think some of my classmates knows who I am but I figured that if I get associated with someone popular as Yumiko false gossips and rumors will spread out sooner or later I just got caught off guard and let that thought slip.

"Hey isn't that the guy from the picture with Miura-san?" A random male student asked his clique while another one yelled.

"Oh yeah! Lucky bastard." His friend answers annoyed while glancing at me.

"I bet she's only dating him because he's from class 2-1." This is going to be a pain in the ass. They kept on talking even if I am just a few feet away from them and I just ignored them as they are not my friends or classmates but is just simply following the sheep's gossip and they'll believe whatever that they want to whether if it is the truth or otherwise. It would be a complete lie if this situation doesn't worry me, although I am more worried about Yumiko than myself. I am already used to have unwanted rumours spreading around me back in middle school but I wouldn't want to drag down Yumiko with me she doesn't deserve to be in this mess. As I walked through the hallway a student from a different class approached me from behind and tapped my shoulder and I stopped from walking and I turned around to face him.

"You're Hikigaya, right?" Although I know he is from class 2-3 I really don't know his name.

"Uh, yes."

"Why are you asking?" I continued and asked.

"How did you seduce Miura-san?" He suddenly asked and made me choke on my own saliva. FOR FUCKS SAKE, NOT THIS AGAIN! I don't even know a thing about witchcraft. And I am not that old to be a wizard.

"I didn't seduce her." I answered calmly closing my eyes and letting out a sigh.

"Oh, Tch." He glared at me with unconvinced expression and left probably to go back to his classroom. That's totally rude you know. After he left I walked fast and went straight to my own classroom. The day has just begun but I really want it to end already. As I walked in front of the room, loud chatters can be heard inside but it completely died down as I enter the room and I felt my classmates eyes following me as I walk. I went straight to my desk and rest my head. I glanced at the desk beside me and noticed Orimoto is not yet here which surprised me a little since she and Tamanawa are always earlier than me. I closed my eyes for a moment to rest but I felt something uncomfortable, like something is in my personal space and when I opened my eyes again I got shocked as my classmates surrounded my desk. But before I could say a word they all immediately asked me questions upon questions.

"Uh.." Is the only reaction I was able make.

"Ne Hikigaya-kun, are you really dating Miura-san from class 2-2?"

"I-" Before I could even finish answering they threw more questions at me.

"Have you two already done it?" What the fuck? I'm not a pervert.

"Hey I told you guys before-" As I was trying to explain I got cut off again.

"I thought you said you're not dating Miura-san!" Woah! Calm down. I can't answer if you keep on interrupting me from saying anything.

"We're not ye-" Before I could finish, one of them showed me his phone that displayed the picture where Yumiko kissed me.

"We always see the two of you walking home together but we didn't know you went that far already." This is starting to get in my nerves. I took a deep breath and calmly answered.

"Look, believe me when I say that this is much of a surprise to me as is it to you guys." I answered.

"And you shouldn't just believe what you hear from strangers." I continued with an annoyed voice and they stop asking question and went back to their seats. I know some of them didn't believe me while the others were just there to stir up some gossip to spread around the school. As the morning bell was about ring Orimoto and Tamanawa finally arrives and enter the room.

…..

After the first period ended Hasegawa-sensei dismissed the class and left the room and we have a fifteen minutes break before the next class starts. My classmates stopped bugging me with questions but I can hear from their loud whispers that they are still talking about me and Yumiko. I ignored them all and stepped out of the room to get myself a drink before the next period starts. I can feel that they are watching my every move and waiting for me to do something. This happened before but if I were to be completely honest, this is more irritating than it was back in middle school. After managing to leave the room without being interrogated I made a quick glance at class 2-2, Yumiko's room. She's not there. Maybe she also saw the pictures and decided to skip classes until this whole mess dies down. While I am walking I felt a tap on my shoulders and when I turned around I saw a girl with red glasses and shoulder-length hair and is wearing a Sobu high uniform? Why is someone from Sobu high here and during class hours?

"You're Hikio-kun, right?" Hikio-kun? Is she a friend of Yumiko.

"Uh, it's actually Hikigaya." I said politely to her. She then smiles at me.

"Hm, I see." She answered and looked at me from top to bottom and circled around me. This is so awkward! What does she need. I decided to end this awkward silence and speak up.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh nothing, I just want to make sure she's making the right choice and not end up hurting herself again." Her answer is too vague that I couldn't tell if I understand what she just said.

"Come again?" I asked confused.

"It's nothing." She smiles before walking into the opposite direction of the corridor and I proceeded to the vending machine but not before she called me up one last time.

"Hey, Hikigaya-kun!" She called and ran towards me.

"What is it?"

"Please take care of Yumiko for me, okay?" She asked before turning around and walking away. I called her so at least I can know her name.

"Hey wait a minute, can I at least know your name." She turned around with a soft smile before answering.

"Hina." I kept her name in mind and I proceeded to the destination I was suppose to go to begin with.

….

The class finally ended. It felt like it went by too fast, then I remembered I tried to pretend sleeping in between breaks and didn't eat anything because every time I leave the room or do something, almost all of my classmates attention were directed towards me and asked me tons ridiculous questions about my relationship with Yumiko. I didn't even had the appetite to eat anything for lunch. If I have to be completely honest I hate this kind of situation where I'm the center of attention. History is going to repeat itself again like it was two years ago back in middle school when I got fooled by Orimoto thinking we were actually dating. Speaking of which, I am surprised Orimoto never once bugged me today or yesterday. She would be the first to ask the question about it- Wait that night, Orimoto saw me outside of Yumiko's house after Tamanawa and the rest of the student council came to help us deal with the stalker. Could she really do all those things? Nah, she wouldn't do such thing and go this far, right? She doesn't have a reason to do it. Doesn't she? I mean she would have already bug me about this whole situation by now but she never once spoke to me. Maybe Orimoto doesn't care anymore but knowing her she didn't care about me to begin with. And if it does turn out that she is behind all this, she probably did it just to annoy and make fun of me. As I walk out of the school's premise a familiar face was waving at me with her cute smile. I approached her.

"Yo, Komachi." My deadpan greeting made Komachi to frown for some reason.

"Onii-chan, you really know how to kill the mood." She answered in a disappointed tone.

"Hey I'm really surprised you went here on a school day all the way from Tokyo."

"Of course I just had to come here. Mom and I are really happy for you!" Komachi spoke with excitement written all over her face.

"Did something happened?" I asked concerned. Komachi's smile even grew bigger and shook her head.

"You didn't have to hide it from us onii-chan. Mom already told you she'll be happy if you got one." What is she talking about?

"I don't understand what you're trying to say Komachi-chan. What did I get?" I asked and Komachi smirks before answering.

"A GIRLFRIEND OF COURSE!" She showed me her phone with the exact photo that was spreading around school today. All the students remaining left near us looks towards our direction after Komachi shouted. I got very nervous after Komachi shouted and the students nearby noticed me and Komachi and their attention are now directed towards us. I nervously smile and bowed down slightly to ease the awkwardness around us and I grab Komachi's hand and walk away from the school grounds. We stopped in a convenient store somewhere near from school and I decided to ask her how she got the picture.

"How did you get that picture?" I asked Komachi.

"Well one of my friend's sister is also going to the same school as you and showed me the picture." Komachi explains.

"Who is it?" I asked. This might be a long shot but I might get a lead on who spread the picture or my suspicion could be right.

"Oh, Chiyo Nakamachi." Komachi's answer connected a part of the puzzle. If I remembered correctly Orimoto's best friend's name is Nakamachi Chika. But that could just be all a coincident. I thought for a moment but my train of thought was broken when Komachi called me.

"Are you alright Onii-chan? You just spaced out for a moment there." Komachi asked concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"So, how long have you two been dating?" Komachi asked. For the next ten minutes or so I tried to explain everything to Komachi about my true relationship with Yumiko.

"So you're actually starting to like Yumiko-san but you're not sure if her kissing you was actually her showing you a similar affection or just a sign of gratitude?" Komachi asked and I nod my head in agreement.

"Well that's simple then!" Komachi answered.

"You think so?" I asked.

"Of course Onii-chan."

"How? Things are a bit complicated right now." I ask.

"Just ask Yumiko-san for a proper date talk it over and try to understand if you think her feelings are the same as yours." Komachi answered.

"Besides onii-chan, It has been almost three years since things got complicated between you and Kaori-chan. Don't let her and the past be the reason why you're holding back and not accepting Yumiko-san's feelings for you." Komachi continued.

Komachi does have a point. Maybe I am still chained from the past because of those experience and now is the right time to move on. But this situation is the obstacle. It doesn't feel right to just accept Yumiko's feelings all of the sudden because it will seem like we just gave in from the pressure instead of pursuing a genuine relationship and I really want to know how Yumiko feels about me. I know she has her own reasons for liking me and I want to know what it is. The last thing that I would want is a relationship where neither of us is genuine about our own feelings and just remain together out of misplaced feelings and confusion. Komachi then spoke that broke my train of thought.

"Just remember onii-chan, whatever Yumiko-san's true feelings are you just have to understand it, alright?"

"Komachi doesn't want to see onii-chan get angry or hurt again." Komachi continued with a genuine concern in her voice.

"I understand and thanks for the talk Komachi." I said and smiled at her.

Komachi and I talked about different things until her phone got a message.

"Ah, it's mom she said she'll pick me up here in five minutes."

"Sorry, I couldn't stay longer I still have to go to school tomorrow." Komachi continued.

"It's okay Komachi, I will wait with you until mom arrives." After waiting for a couple of minutes we see mom's car arriving. She parked her car and went straight towards me and Komachi.

"Hi mom." I greeted her and she smiled.

"My! You grow really fast Hachiman, it's not too long ago since we last saw each other but I can see the difference!"

"Is it because of your girlfriend?" Mom asked.

"It's not like that yet, some things just happened." I answered and scratched the back of my head.

"I see, call me when it's for real okay? She seems to be a nice girl." Mom said and came close to me and gave me a hug.

"Yeah, if things work out well." I answered. Mom then break from her hug and checked her watch.

"I'm sorry Hachiman but Komachi and I have to go." Mom said in a saddened tone.

"It's okay mom and thanks for stopping by to see me." I answered. Komachi and mom then enter the car.

"See you soon Onii-chan and tell me if things works out well with Yumiko-san, okay."

"I promise." I answered before mom's car starts to move and I waved at them from behind.

…..

"PLEASE GO OUT WITH ME!"

"S-sure."

"So do you accept, Orimoto-san?"

"Hm, something like that." It was this moment when I thought things are finally looking up and getting better for me. I though our feelings are mutual to a degree and she was just too shy to admit it. But I was wrong. What followed next burst my dream bubble and woke me up to a bitter and cruel reality.

"I never agreed to date with you. You asked me out so I accepted." As I am laying down on my bed I thought back what was the reason I decided not to have another relationship and I always tried reading other's intention. The signs were obvious but I was so stupid and blinded by what I thought was love and mutual understanding that I ignored my common sense and tell myself that every relationship is different. But I should have realized it sooner that I was being manipulated and my feelings for Orimoto was just one-sided and she took advantage of it. The gossips that followed and being ridiculed forced me to change into someone I never knew existed within me. I locked my feelings away and I got cautious when making any interactions with my peers. I chose not to have any unnecessary interactions with my classmates and isolated myself from them. I lowered my expectation from everyone around me and made sure I'll never get used again by anyone for their own advantage. At one point I thought that all my decisions was correct but it backfired at me when I thought I was above the others knowing their motives and I underestimated Kawashima and her group. I always tell myself not to let my guard down and I won't fall for the same trick twice. If I had tried to remember these a year ago I would be irritated at myself that I recalled those events. But tonight it wasn't the things that Orimoto did to me that kept me awake but someone else.

…...

"You like Orimoto, don't you?" I remember asking this to Tamanawa and not feeling anything about it after I realized he already had a lingering feelings for Orimoto. This was also the time Orimoto and I had a proper conversation. She apologized to me and I decided to forgive her but my mindset was already clear back then and is still the same now that it was the last time I was going to let myself be fooled by the same people around me. I told Tamanawa that I don't mind if he confesses to Orimoto and that he can do whatever he wants.

"Tamanawa confessed to me." I remember Orimoto telling me this and I got confused not because Tamanawa confessed to her but the expression Orimoto gave me at that moment. As if she and Tamanawa was asking me a permission to pursue a relationship with each other. Her decisions are none of my business I did not feel any kind of jealousy, hatred or anything similar feelings when Orimoto accepted Tamanawa's confession and they start dating each other. Even though I have forgiven Orimoto for what she had done back then my mind is clear that we cannot be anything else but just mere acquaintance. It may seem like I am overreacting from what happened in the past but the mere fact she did that means that she can do it again in the future if I ever give her another chance and I had enough it already. But as I am thinking about it right now I just don't see myself falling for Orimoto again. Not just because of what she did in the past but I also don't want to damage her relationship with Tamanawa. He doesn't deserve it because I know he's really in love with Orimoto.

…..

As the night gets deeper I still couldn't sleep. I feel so restless even though I am already tired of all the things that happened in school today but my mind is filled with questions. Questions about myself but mostly questions about her.

"All done!"

"Hey Hikio, are you okay?" I touched my forehead as I remember what happened that time at the infirmary room.

"I'm sorry Hikio!"

"It was a force of habit." I couldn't help but smile thinking back how flustered we were at that time. We then walked home together for the very first time. Although I had to walk back from her house afterwards I didn't mind it. She gave me her number before we parted ways. We hung out after class more often. It didn't matter to me if we studied for the things she didn't understand in modern japanese or Japanese history in the library or just because she wanted company when her friends are busy. I was also surprised when Yumiko helped me study in math and science. I was actually having fun and it didn't felt like I was forced to do things I didn't want to do or go to places I didn't want to go. I really got surprised when she went to my apartment when I got sick and checked up on me. Even though I told Yumiko it wasn't her fault that I got sick she still insisted on coming after school hours and made sure I was eating and taking my medications properly. After I got better I offered to pay her for all the food and medicine she bought but Yumiko refused and all she asked was that I walk her home when I get better. Seeing that their was no harm to it, I accepted Yumiko's offer. She looked very excited when I agreed to her proposal. This was the time slowly but surely I was already falling for her. I get excited when I am with her but I feel that my day is incomplete when I don't get a chance to talk to her or even see her in school.

"I'm such an idiot." I said to myself as I look above the ceiling and still remembering what happened thus far. I touch my lips and remembered the time I helped Yumiko deal with the stalker following her. I grab my phone and stared at Yumiko's number. I ignored all the notifications that I am receiving and just stared at her number. I know it's now or never. Screw those who spread those pictures. I dialed her number and waited for it to connect.

"H-hello." She answered in a low and soft voice.

"Hey, it's me."

"H-hikio?" Yumiko ask nervously over the phone.

"Yeah. Can we talk?"

"I-I don't think it's right that we're talking right now. After all of the trouble that I caused…" Yumiko couldn't bring herself to finish what she wanted to say.

"That doesn't matter to me." I answered calmly.

"But if I didn't asked for your constant help none of this would have happened." I can hear her voice stuttering. She is blaming herself for this situation when it's clear that it wasn't her fault people starts spreading those pictures and made all the false rumors. Somehow hearing Yumiko blaming herself makes me uncomfortable inside and I couldn't stand hearing her blame herself from other people's bad intention.

"It's not your fault." I answered. A moment of silence took place in our conversation.

"I-I have to go." Yumiko answered.

"Wait-" Before I could finish what I have to say Yumiko got disconnected over the phone. I can understand what she's feeling right now, but I couldn't help get angry at myself. Angry at myself because I always question Yumiko's feelings for me and dismiss it for her to have an ulterior motive for getting close to me. Angry at myself because I let myself get consumed by the past and blinded by hatred. But most of all, angry at myself because we had to go through all this trouble just to realize something so simple. I am slowly falling in love with Miura Yumiko without realizing it myself.

…

The week is about to end and although Yumiko did come back to school after being absent for three days neither of us spoke to each other not because we don't want to but to prevent this situation from escalating to something worse than it is now. Sometimes I see Yumiko with other guys trying to confess to her but she quickly turns them down. When Yumiko sees me she seems like she has something to say but stops herself from doing so as if she's holding back from talking to me and runs away. I just stopped caring about the rumors and I just want to talk to Yumiko and ask directly how she truly feels and start again from there but I just can't force myself to approach her not because I don't want to but I don't want to cause her more trouble.

As I lay my head down my desk during break Orimoto spoke to me.

"You look like a dead horse resting your head like that."

"I am so tired, maybe I am one." I answered while I turned my head towards her. She then laughs before asking me again.

"Did something happened between you and your girlfriend?" She asked after she reached for her phone. I sigh before answering.

"She's not my- never mind." I answered. Because of the recent events that are happening even I can't tell what is my relationship with Yumiko anymore.

"I don't know. I thought things are getting better but shit starts happening lately." I continued and Orimoto then made a weird grin for a second before looking at her phone again.

"Hm. I see." She answers uninterested. Maybe it wasn't really Orimoto who spread those pictures after all.

"Ah, Tohru is calling me. See you later Hikigaya."

"Yeah." I answered before Orimoto left the room.

.…..

As the class ended, I fixed my things and prepare to leave the room. Walking through the corridor I heard Tamanawa calling my name.

"Hikigaya-kun."

"What is it?" I stop from walking and turn my attention to him.

"Going home already?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"What about Miura-san?"

"We….haven't been able to talk properly because of you know." Because of the recent events even Tamanawa knows what happened between Yumiko and myself.

"I see." Tamanawa answered.

"Is Miura-san going to be alright though. Walking home by herself." Tamanawa continued and must be concerned with Yumiko as well after the stalker incident. Although I am worried that someone might follow Yumiko again if she decides to go home by herself after what happened a few days ago but for the past two days I saw her walking with her classmates home. I am somehow confident nothing wrong will happen to her if she's with them besides that stalker that did follow Yumiko the other day got suspended and his guardians were called by the school.

"I saw her walking home with her friends so I think she will be fine." I answered. As much as I would like to talk to Yumiko, I want this bullshit rumor that's everyone's been calling "glasses-kun from class 2-A is helping her study in exchange for her services" to die down first.

"I see. " Tamanawa answered.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked.

"Would you like to walk home with me and Kaori?" He smiled awkwardly. Although I have nothing important planned to do tonight I still find it odd, why would Tamanawa want me to be a third wheel between him and Orimoto. His voice also sounds a bit weird but maybe I am reading too much into Tamanawa.

"It's fine I guess. But won't I intrude between you two?"

"No it's fine, Hikigaya-kun."

"Alright then." I answered and we then proceeded towards the front gate where Orimoto was waiting for us. We then proceeded to Saize to get an afternoon snack. I had no problem eating at Saize but I find it a bit odd that Orimoto is sitting next to me on the chairs while Tamanawa is facing her in the couch. Aren't you two supposed to sit together? What's even weirder is they seem to be completely oblivious and fine with it. Maybe I'm just thinking too much of this.

"Oi, Hikigaya! Come back to us!" I heard Orimoto calling.

"Huh? What was that?" I asked confused.

"The food is already here and we were worried since you look like you just spaced out all of the sudden." Tamanawa answered and chuckled making Orimoto laugh as well.

"Oh, right. Sorry." I replied and the three of us started eating. The atmosphere between the three of us seems to be relaxed and we mind our own food and the interactions are almost exclusive to Orimoto and Tamanawa because well, they are dating so it's only natural and I did not dare to interrupt in their conversation and I only spoke when they talked to me. Most the things the three of us talked about were mostly school related things other than that I just minded my own food. All seems to be fine and I was about to take another bite of my food until Orimoto called me.

"So, Hikigaya." I stopped from eating and placed my utensils down.

"What is it?" I asked. Orimoto wasn't directly looking at me and just looking out the window. A few moments passed before she spoke again.

"How are things between you and Miura-san?" I got caught off guard by her question but what surprised me more is Tamanawa also spoke up.

"Kaori." Tamanawa interrupted her.

"I don't want to talk about it." I answered and suddenly the atmosphere between the three of us changed. I am still doubting Orimoto from spreading those pictures but I really don't want to talk about this now since I haven't been really able to talk to Yumiko properly. Just thinking about the current situation makes me stressed about the whole thing.

"Ehh? Why not?" Orimoto pressed on. She's so annoying. Why does Orimoto love prying into someone else's business. I thought she was uninterested towards this topic, yet here she is again acting like my living diary.

"I already told you, I haven't really been able to talk to her properly."

"Happy?" I continued annoyed.

"Eh, I thought you're dating her. Don't tell me she broke up with you already." Orimoto commented teasingly. I had a sudden knee-jerk reaction to slam my fist on the table causing the other customers to look towards our directions. A part of me knows Orimoto is just teasing but I also have limits from being teased.

"Kaori, stop." Tamanawa called Orimoto once again but I just lost my appetite.

"I'm done." I said as I stood up from my seat placed enough money to pay for my meal and walk out the restaurant but suddenly Tamanawa called once again as I approached the door.

"Hikigaya-kun." I just turned my head around. I didn't want to say anything because I know my voice will just sound confrontational.

"I'm sorry for Kaori's behavior." Tamanawa apologizes and bowed his head. But I am so annoyed right now that I couldn't give Tamanawa a proper response and just walked out the restaurant.

…..

After I left the restaurant and the sun is beginning to set I am currently walking on the streets and heading back towards my apartment. I was still annoyed at Orimoto, I wore my earphones and I didn't realized I bumped into a couple of students as I was walking.

"Ah, sorry." I apologized to the blonde guy I just bumped in the shoulders with.

"It's alright. It's already getting darker so it couldn't be helped." He responded politely. I just nodded in response and his group continued on walking away as I did the same. I stopped at the end of the streets and waited for the lights to change colors. I continued walking my way home until I noticed the sky's getting darker and rain drops starts falling. I reached for my umbrella and hurried walking until I reached the entrance of the apartment complex. As I get closer I noticed someone standing just a few meters outside the establishment. The more I walk closer to the apartment the more I recognized the figure. I was surprised when I stopped by the entrance and I called her attention.

"Yumiko?" I asked and she turned around to face me. She didn't have any umbrella with her and she was getting soaked by the rain. I saw something that I wished I would never see. Her weak and forced smile greeted me. I felt thousands of arrows hitting my chest as I look at Yumiko's expression.

"Hey." She responded again with a weak smile. I tried to approach her and share my umbrella but Yumiko made a step back and slowly shakes her head.

"Don't worry about me. I'll leave soon, I'm just here to apologize." My eyes widdens and I felt a sudden shock in my body once I heard her say those words.

"W-what are you saying? You have nothing to apologize for." I answered. Yumiko made a deep breath and shakes her head.

"I-I'm sorry." Yumiko answered. I was surprised and I didn't know what to say.

"Yumiko." I know I want to say something but the words aren't coming out.

"I always ask for your help. I didn't realize it will cause so much trouble for you."

"I'm sorry." Yumiko continues. I saw a teardrop coming out of her eyes. I tried to approach her again but she then runs away from where we stood. MOVE! I yell in my mind but my body is frozen still. I never knew in my entire life that seeing someone cry will hurt me this much. I want to follow her and tell her what I just realized but my body is not responding. I want to yell out loud and say that everything will be alright and we will get through this but my lips are not opening. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! GO AFTER HER! My mind screams but my body is not responding and before I knew it, Yumiko is gone. I gritted my teeth in frustration and punched the wall.

"Damn it!" I scream above the falling rain.