7.11.02 - spelling & grammer errors fixed. 'koi no hito' ->'koibito', etc.
- Late Summer Taisho 16-
Kaede sat on the roof, gazing at the stars. It was the night before her wedding. She felt a great knot in her stomach as she pondered the future. 'Neesan... I wish you were here...' she sighed, her gaze falling on the full moon. "Huh?"
Behind her Kayama had put his coat on her shoulders. "Lovely night... lovely lady... I feel a song coming up~!" he chimed.
"Baka na." she laughed as she leaned her head back to stare up at him. "Can you believe it? Time has really passed. I've been here at the Teigeki for two years. I've watched the girls mature and go through many experiences... I feel like I'm one of them too."
"You're not retiring are you??" he asked, squinting at her, "Just because you are my wife-to-be, doesn't mean I want to force you to be a house-wife. You're welcome to continue your career or do whatever you want."
"That's not what I meant. Demo, arigatou yo." she replied, "You see, along with the girls, I've fallen in and out of love. I've had my share of heartache too. We've gone through it together. But now, I've found my soulmate. I'm so lucky."
"Daijoubu daijoubu. The other girls will someday find theirs too." Kayama replied, "Hey! There's a Tsukigumi member for each of them!"
Kaede threw her head back and laughed, "Since when have you decided to play match-maker??"
"Anything that'll make you smile." he replied, picking up his guitar, "Maa, people are meant to fall in love as surely as cherry blossoms fall in springtime! The girls will have their share of loves and loves lost, but it's like what they say: 'It's better to have love than to never have loved at all.' Isn't that so?"
She nodded cheerfully, as he sat next to her. He started to play as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Soon, they started to sing, "Haru yo koi~! Hayaku koi~!"
* * *
Oogami gazed up at his ceiling. He could hear singing coming from somewhere in the distance. His windows open because it was summer; he felt the warm breeze come inside his room as he lay on his bed without any blanket.
'My injury has fully recovered... shikashi, not all wounds are healed. My heart still aches just a bit. Being alive isn't enough... I need...' Closing his eyes, his mind faded back to events earlier that day...
(flashback)
Oogami stumbled into the cafeteria and paused to see Takeshi and Orihime sitting very close together, sharing a sundae. "Haah? Nan de...?"
"Dakara!" Yuri said, appearing beside him, "Haven't you heard?? Orihime-san and Takeshi-san are in love! I thought you knew!"
"Iya! I didn't!" he gasped, "I-I thought... that... that Sakura-kun...!"
Yuri dropped her head for a moment, and then lifted it, looking so angry she might break a plate. "Mou!! I knew I should've told you, but my annoying friends wouldn't let me! For now on, I'll tell everyone when I get the latest gossip!"
Oogami wasn't even listening to her. 'Jaa... then Sakura-kun... she doesn't have anyone... I-I thought... that's why I told her I was okay with just being friends... I didn't know...' Blinking, he looked from side to side. 'Where is Sakura-kun?!'
Tsubaki was at his other side. "Sakura-san went with Maria-san to Yoneda-shihainin's office for a meeting." she explained, with Yuri fuming in the background.
"I WAS GONNA TELL OOGAMI-SAAN!!!"
"Yare yare..." he said, trying to calm Yuri down, "I would've found out eventually. Hmm... I wonder what kind of meeting..."
"We'll find out!!" Tsubaki and Yuri exclaimed, running down the hall. Oogami frantically went after them, hoping they wouldn't get in trouble. But he felt curious too. In front of the manager's office, the trio pressed their ears against the door.
"What's going on?" Iris asked, as she and Reni were on their way to the stairs. "Ne, Oniichan??"
"Shhh, Iris. I'm trying to see what Sakura-kun is talking about with Yoneda..." he replied, not even looking at her.
Iris blew off some steam. "Mou! Oniichan forget about Sakura already! You belong to Airisu!"
"Does not." Reni mumbled.
"I heard that!!" Iris exclaimed, "Reni-chan, you traitor! I HATE YOU!!"
"SHHHH!!!" Tsubaki and Yuri hushed them. Suddenly the door opened and they all fell onto the room. "Uwaaah!!"
Maria gazed down at them, holding onto the doorknob. "Minna, can't you see we're in the middle of a meeting here?"
Oogami stood, despite the pile of girls at his feet. "Maria... Yoneda-shihainin... I want to know what's going on. What's this meeting about?"
Sakura got up from her seat and answered, "My mother has requested that I be relieved of duty and return home."
"WHAT!?!" Oogami and the pile exclaimed.
"We have to acknowledge this request." Yoneda said, "I promised Wakana when I recruited Sakura that she could ask for her daughter anytime she wanted and for as long of a time as she wanted."
"But what for?" Iris asked, "Why does Sakura have to leave the Teigeki?!"
Sakura replied, "I have to follow what my family asks of me, and face them with the things I did. To gain their trust once more... no matter how long it takes."
Suddenly the window opened and the other Hanagumi members peered their heads in. "Chotto matte!!" Sumire exclaimed, "You actually told your mother what you did?! Aan, this country girl never learns! You're not supposed tell parents these things!!"
Sakura ignored her and bowed her head. "Gomen nasai, minna-san. I know I'm making an inconvenience for you. Demo, this is something I have to do. I've already decided."
Kaede walked over and put her hand on her shoulder. "Sakura-kun, return home and do what you have to do. Then come back here; we'll always welcome you back. Demo ne, could you please leave after my wedding? I really want you to attend."
"H-Hai! Arigatou gozaimasu, Kaede-san." she said, slowly smiling, "The day after the wedding, I'll go with Takeshi-kun."
Now Yoneda concentrated on Oogami. "As for you, Oogami. The Paris Kagekidan has been calling. We have to discuss where you will be transferred to after your time-off has ended..."
(end of flashback)
'No matter what I try I can't keep us together, can I? It's only a matter of time before we say goodbye again...'
Oogami climbed out of bed and walked to his window, gazing out at the bright streetlights. The scene becoming blurred by tears, he leaned his head down on his folded arms, "Sakura..."
* * *
The next morning, Sumire woke everyone with her screaming. "The wedding is just hours away! Everyone, get to work! Teikoku Kagekidan - Sanjou!!"
Kanna opened her door and threw a pillow at the back of her head. "Oi, Sumire! Shuddap and let everyone rest! It's 7 AM in the morning!!"
"Oh, is it??! Don't think I know that already!!?" she snapped, jumping in her face, "The wedding is coming and no one is budging!! Soon the guests will be here and... Aaargg!!"
"G-Get a grip!" Kanna cried, taking her by the shoulders and shaking her, "Look, we'll get it all done in time! Don't worry!! Just... let me sleep for another ten minutes." She then let her go and escaped into her room, locking the door.
"KANNA-SAAAN!!" Sumire exclaimed angrily, "You come out here this instant!" Everyone else just peered out their rooms, sighing. Sumire quickly snagged Kaede by the arm. "All right! Time for makeup and dresses... NOW!"
"Sore wa chotto!" Kaede gasped, "It's 7AM in the morning! I haven't had breakfast... and I was thinking about take a bath first..."
"NAN DESUTTE?!?!" Sumire yelled, "There's no time for that!! We're on the schedule that I made last night!!"
Kohran rubbed her head. "Sumire-han made a schedule? Isn't that the strangest thing you ever heard??"
Orihime crossed her arms. "Actually a trip to the onsen wouldn't be so bad. I mean, we'll be dancing all evening, might as well freshen up now."
A sleepy Oogami quickly woke up and had a nosebleed. "B-Bath... onsen...??"
The girls glared at him and exclaimed, "HEEY!!!"
* * *
While the girls started to get ready, downstairs the Sannin Musume made snacks in the cafeteria. "I'm going to request a dance with Kotone-sama!" Kasumi chimed as she carried out the tray of onigiri.
"Fine, but Yuri-san and I will be asking Oogami-san." Tsubaki said, "Unfortunately, I think his dance cart will be full tonight... as always."
Yuri cut in, "Oh! But I got the news on the honeymoon! Kayama-san is taking Kaede-san on a cruise! Isn't it romantic?"
"Figured the ocean would be involved somehow." Oogami suddenly arrived; already in tuxedo, "I'm ready for action!"
"Yatta! Oogami-san is here!" Tsubaki happily said, "Yuri-san and I both reserve a dance with you tonight!"
"Waaah! Girls are already asking me..." he stammered bashfully, "Jaa... I'll try to remember..."
"YOU BETTER REMEMBER, OOGAMI-SAAN!!" Yuri and Tsubaki exclaimed.
Oogami fearfully nodded his head, feeling he was back in military academy. "H-Hai! Sir yes Sir!"
* * *
Fortunately, everything was ready by the time the guests arrived. During the ceremony, Yoneda went into tears, crying for the loss of one of his daughters. Ignoring him, priest said, "Do we have the ring...?" A long pause followed.
Oogami's face went pale. He started searching his pockets frantically. Just then, Sakura patted him on the arm and held out the ring. "(You forgot it at the dining table last night...)" she whispered.
He sighed in relief and held out the ring to the couple. "Oogami!" Kayama chimed, "I knew I can count on you!" He proceeded to put it on Kaede's finger.
Oogami moved to his place next to Sumire and watched as his two of his best friends go through the final rites. 'They look so happy... to be together like this forever...'
"Congratulations to the married couple!!" everyone cheered when they kissed; except Yoneda who looked like he might attack Kayama.
"Aa, Sakura-kun!" he called, catching up to her after the ceremony, "I-I wanted to thank you for..."
"Iie, it was no problem at all..." she started to say, but suddenly tripped and started to fall. "K-Kyaaaa!"
Oogami caught her with one arm and helped her up. "Sakura-kun, daijoubu? Um... Y-you look really nice."
She blushed as she got her balance back. "I was about to say the same thing. That tuxedo really suits you, Oogami-san." He slowly released her, blushing as well. "Jaa... I better meet with the others."
But as she left Oogami behind, she ran into the others around the corner. They had been eavesdropping. "MOU!" Iris grumbled, "Why did Onii-chan look at Sakura like she was his lover!? Airisu don't like that look!! Onii-chan is Airisu's boyfriend!"
"Aren't you a bit too young to be talking about 'lovers'??" Orihime questioned.
Sakura had turned bright red. "Iyada!! Oogami-san and I... we're not lovers!"
Pulling at her dress, an uncomfortable Kanna replied, "Ya mean the two of you haven't gotten back together? Cheh!!"
"Our relationship has never really been official..." Sakura explained, "But after all that's happened, Oogami-san and I are okay with just being friends."
Sumire sighed, "Mattaku! After that chance I gave you to be alone with him in the hospital, I thought for sure you keep him for yourself!"
Sakura ignored her and replied, "As long as Oogami-san is happy, so am I. I don't want to ruin things between us again. Just being close to him is enough."
"But you do care about him." Reni said, stepping forward, "Sakura, maybe you should tell him your feelings now. You're leaving tomorrow."
"Sou ya!" Kohran added, "Don't you think its perfect timing? And Oogami-han might be transferred away while you're gone. You don't know when the next you'll see each other again."
Sakura remained silent and proceeded inside to the reception. The others looked after her, feeling worried. 'Time will run out.' Maria clutched her locket and closed her eyes.
* * *
Once the reception party started, the girls came after Oogami for to dance, including the Barugumi. "I wanna dance with Ichirou-chan!" Yokohiko cried, wearing a pink dress as he fought with Yuri and Tsubaki over the first dance.
Oogami snuck away and saw Takeshi and Orihime in a deserted part of the garden, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes. 'Why didn't I see it before...?'
"Orihime-san." Takeshi said, handing her a single rose. "Tomorrow is when I go so I want to spend as much time together with you as possible. Demo... I don't know when..."
Orihime uttered, "I understand. I'm stuck here in Teito and you've got medical school. But when you graduate, can't you practice medicine here?"
He shook his head. "I can't. Being a doctor in Sendai... that's been my dream. I'm sorry I can't change it. I'm sorry I can't stay with you for long."
Orihime quietly nodded and went to embrace him. "I'll always think of you... and I'll come visit you, ne?" she uttered, trying not cry, "Please think of me too, Takeshi-san."
"H-Hai!" he said, "I won't forget you..."
Oogami decided to leave them alone and go look for the other Hanagumi. Kohran went off to set up her fireworks outside for her show tonight. Kanna had raided the buffet, while Iris was at the bar. 'Hah? Why is Iris at the bar?!'
"Iris," Maria said, handing her a napkin, "Why do you go make up with Reni. It's better when you're not upset at each other. Forgive and forget, that's the best way."
"Hai, Maria, er, I mean, Taichou!" she said, jumping off the stool. She stopped and turned back towards her. "A-Ano... what was in that milkshake? Airisu feels dizzy."
"N-Nothing really..." Maria uttered, rubbing her head.
Yoneda took Iris's milkshake and finished it, already starting to get drunk. "Yaa Sakuraa!" he chimed, "Could I have a dance with you before you leave?"
"Of course, Shihainin!" she replied, taking his hand. The two walked past Oogami towards the dance floor. He watched with envy as the old guy twirled her about and held her in arms.
"Oogami-kun!" Kaede stood next to him, smiling in her flowing white bridal gown, "Would you mind if I danced with you a bit?" He bashfully tried to refuse, but she took his hands. "Nani yo?? Are you too shy to dance? How can you dance with her if you can't even dance with me?" she giggled, pulling him into the dance floor.
Suddenly, Kayama waved and yelled towards them. "Yo Oogami! Looking smooth! Isn't my Kaede a great dancer? Later let's sing a duet!"
Oogami dropped his head in embarrassment. To make matters worse, Kaede had brought them right next to the dancing Yoneda and Sakura. "Ne, mind if we switch partners?" Kaede asked.
"Wooo! I wouldn't mind!" Yoneda chimed, happily going to dance with Kaede, the two disappearing in the crowd.
Oogami nervously stood in front of Sakura, as she arranged her arms around him. "Oogami-san," she chuckled, "You don't have to act shy around me. We've been friends for 4 years already..."
"Sou ka." he replied, trying to relax as he lead the dance. 'Finally... I get to dance the waltz with Sakura-kun... what a wonderful feeling.'
"Ano, Oogami-san... tomorrow... will you come see me off at the train station?" He stared down at her pleading eyes. "Onegaishimasu. I-I want you there."
"Hai," he said, holding her closer, "Sakura-kun, I..."
Just then, the music abruptly stopped and so did everyone else. "Yattaze!" Kanna chimed, having getting a control of the band. "It's time to boogie-woogie!!"
The slow-paced waltz replaced with some rock'nroll, the crowd just shrugged and went with it. Smiling, Sakura took his hand, "Yatta wa! Oogami-san, let's go!"
Nodding, he led her into a fast-paced boogie, forgetting about their trouble for the meantime. 'I won't ever forget...'
* * *
Throughout the party, Sumire fought off lovesick fans that wanted to dance with her. After a while, she rushed to the bar for sanctuary. "Maria, keep it pouring." she said, taking off her gloves and watching Maria skillfully make her a drink.
Towards the end of the party, she finally decided to dance and snagged Oogami. "Ma~a, Chuui, you're a greater dancer." she noted, "Did you have a chance to dance with Sakura-san?"
"Aa," he uttered, gazing towards her dancing with Kayama, "We waltzed for about two minutes, then boogie-woogied three dances in a row before Orihime-kun came in and reprimanded Kanna."
"Ohohohoho, but the night has been truly magical. I can't help but feel proud to actually have helped. You too, Chuui, feel proud that you were apart of tonight... that you helped your friends get together... soshite... you actually got to dance with Sakura-san once last time."
'Sakura-kun...' he sadly thought, 'One last time...?'
"This magical night is ending, Chuui." Sumire uttered, "And so is your time together... better make every moment last."
Suddenly the music stopped. Kaede picked up the microphone. "Minna-san, the night is just about over. I'd like to give the bouquet away now."
Immediately, the Barugumi and Sannin Musume went running. "WAAH!! IT'S MINE!!" they exclaimed, fighting each other. Iris soon joined in and blew up the bunch. Consequentially, the bouquet landed in Yokohiko's hands.
"Ichirou-chan~! Our wedding is next~!" Yoko chimed, hearts floating everywhere. Oogami nervously went to hide.
* * *
After Kaede and Kayama left for their cruise, the crowd started to disperse. Once again the Teigeki was an incredible mess. "Let's handle it in the morning!" Kohran said, "Demo na! Let's enjoy the fireworks! I finally got them ready!"
Sitting in the garden, they watched the sky erupt with colors and the skillful combinations that Kohran made, along with the music played on a record not far. "T-That's the record I gave you...!" Takeshi stammered, staring at Orihime, who smiled and pressed a kiss on his cheek.
"Oi oi!" Yoneda snapped, "None of that!!"
"Yoneda-ojiichan! Daijoubu da yo~!" Iris said, clamping onto Reni with a tight hold, "L'amour is so wonderful~! Even Airisu has found a new 'koibito'!!"
"UWAAH!!" Reni gasped, redfaced, "Airisu, calm down!!"
When Oogami saw the fireworks in the sky, it reminded him of the engagement party when Sakura told him she thought he cheated. '"I'm sorry, Oogami-san! I know I said I'd wait for you... demo...I-I can't forgive you! You have no idea how much you've hurt me!"'
No doubt Sakura was in her room, packing for tomorrow. He went inside and stood right outside her door. 'I can't... what am I to say...? It's too late...' he told himself, his hand dropping to his side. Sighing, he turned away.
"Taichou," said a voice behind him. Slowly turning, he saw that it was Maria. "Could I talk with you for a moment?" She led him out onto the terrace where a bottle of Russian whiskey waited.
"Aa, just what I was in the mood for." Oogami chimed, going to lift his glass, "Drink away my sorrow~! Bring new love tomorrow~!"
Maria lifted her head slightly. "Taichou, that doesn't sound like you. I've always thought you to be one who never gives up and brave in any situation. And yet, you couldn't even knock on the door."
"Because," he uttered, gulping down a glass, "Regardless I knock or not, she's leaving tomorrow. Regardless of my true feelings, she's already on that train for Sendai..."
"Oogami-taichou," Maria took out her locket and placed it on the table in front of him. "I told you my story of how I lost my Taichou. But I never told you how deeply in love with him I was. I've never told anyone... because, I was afraid of my own feelings. I more than anyone understand what Sakura is going through."
Oogami stared towards her. "Maria..."
"A love for your commanding officer is dangerous. You don't know if its right or wrong, and you don't know when your moments are final. Life ends too quickly..." she said, gazing into her glass, "The problem is, I never gave it a try. I never said anything to him and my chance slipped out from my hands. Not telling him has been the greatest regret of my life."
A long paused followed. Oogami silently gulped down another glasses as Maria gazed towards the locket. Above them, the fireworks continued. "Taichou," Maria finally said, "Sakura has told you her feelings already. Even with rejection, she doesn't regret it. She honestly loves you..."
Oogami's head was bowed down, still clutching his empty glass. Maria noticed that he wasn't responding and perhaps fallen into deep thought. Instead he had fallen asleep, passed out drunk. Maria sighed and shook her head. "Taichou..." Finally smiling, Maria took out a photograph from her box, of him and Sakura together. She slipped it under his hand and leaned in to whisper, "You can't live with memories alone, Oogami-Taichou."
* * *
Sakura sat in front of her suitcase, shutting it close. A glance at the clock told her she should already be asleep. Still, her mind kept drifting back to the past...
One rainy day at the Teigeki, a soaked Oogami stood opposite of Sakura. "This is the last time I will attempt to say... I love you... No matter what happens in the future, I'll always love you, Oogami-san."
The answer then had been rejection. Sakura promised herself she wouldn't regret it, nor would she attempt it again. She decided that from then on she would keep her true feelings to herself.
'Oogami-san...'
Sitting back in her chair, she eased the red ribbon out of her hair and closed her eyes. Soon she would be back home, in Sendai. Far from the Teigeki, from the battle, from everything she loved. Maybe then, she could start to heal her broken heart.
* * *
Oogami woke up lying in the central garden, Shiro licking at his ear. Realizing that he must've drunkenly wandered out here, he looked at the photo in his hand then checked out his watch. "MASAKA?!" he cried, "T-The train...!!!" Faster than anyone could greet him good morning, Oogami took off in a run for the station.
"I'll miss you." Takeshi said softly, embracing the tearful Orihime, "I... I'll come back for you someday. Please wait for me."
"Ha~i! Dakara... Papa says we must have an Italian wedding!" she replied. Takeshi instantly went red, but she happily kissed him goodbye. "Sayonara, Takeshi-san..."
Sakura stood off to the side; no one had come to see her off. Already the conductor was asking to them board. "Ano... we really should get going. Orihime-san, please give everyone my regards."
"Un, you can count on me, Sakura-san!" Orihime cheerfully said as Takeshi released her and went into the train with Sakura. After finding their seats and putting away their luggage, Orihime met them at their window. "I'll be sure to punish Chuui-san for not coming."
Sakura sadly smiled. "Daijoubu desu. It's better this way." Just then, the final whistle went off and the train started to move. "This is it... Sayonara, Teito!"
"MATTE!!" a voice in the distance yelled. They all turned and saw Oogami running towards the train, in a disheveled suit. "SAKURA-KUN!!"
"O-Oogami-san?!" Sakura gasped, Orihime and Takeshi both gaping. He continued to run alongside the train, which was gaining speed.
"SAKURA-KUN!! Don't go!!" he cried, "I don't want you to go!! Please stay!! I NEED YOU!!"
"Oogami-san..." she uttered, her face softening and hair blowing in the wind, "Sayonara..."
"NO!!" he exclaimed, trying so desperately to keep in pace with very little luck, "I LOVE YOU!!"
She gazed at him, unable to hear any of his last words. The sounds of the tracks loud in her ears, the train picked up its ultimate speed and no matter what Oogami tried, he couldn't keep up with it. The speeding train soon was out of his reach and so was the girl he loved.
* * *
'...It's been six weeks since then.' Oogami thought, gazing out into the ocean. He had daydreaming about that time, that time when he finally admitted his feelings, yet she couldn't even hear it.
Closing his eyes, Oogami squatted in the soft sand. He had thrown his socks and shoes aside and rolled up his pants to below his knees. It had been a long while since he had been to this beach. Since Yoneda had given everyone leave of duty while peace in all capitols continued, he wanted to get away and see this place. It seemed that when he was close to the ocean, his heart would become at ease.
'Seems I'm an Ocean Man after all. But the ocean is much too beautiful to look at alone...' he sighed, as a breeze of fresh sea air strongly filled his senses. 'Hmm? Someone is calling me on my kinematron...' Taking out his case, he answered the call. "M-Minna?!"
"Yaa Oogami-san!!" Erica chimed, "It's good to see you again!" She and the entire Paris Kagekidan crammed together on the screen. "We heard about your possible transfer back!"
Oogami nodded, thinking to himself, 'It's only a matter of time before I'm sent back to France. Maybe before then, I can see Sakura-kun one more time... but I doubt it. Her kinematron battery had died four weeks ago so I haven't seen or heard her voice since. And her letters aren't enough...'
"Oogami-chuui," Hanabi replied, "We know you love your homeland and we know you'd rather stay there. So we did something... ehihi!"
Lobelia cut in, "Let's just say we've put the Paris Kagekidan on hiatus. The place is under construction for a while."
"Eeh? W-What did you do?!" Oogami gasped.
"It was an accident!!" Erica cried, the only answer he was getting.
Coquelicot shrugged. "No base, no problem. You can stay in Japan for a longer time, Ichirou!"
"Minna, do you mean it?" he exclaimed, "Jaa... what about you guys?? What are you going to do now?"
Glycine smiled. "Why we're on vacation like you are. In fact, we decided on a great city to visit - Tokyo!"
"Eeeh?? You mean... you're in Japan!?"
"Hai!" Maria's head popped up on the screen, "I've been instructed by Yonada-shihainin to guide the Paris Kagekidan around Teito for their time here." The Tokyo Kagekidan also popped up.
Sumire flipped out her fan and sighed. "If you ask me, it's getting crowded in the Teigeki. I think I might go stay in a hotel..."
Kanna chuckled, "No one's stopping you. Hurry out, Snake woman."
"KANNA-SAN! WHY YOU...!"
Iris cut in, "Airisu couldn't wait to speak French with them... demo, they only want to speak Japanese!"
"Duh, brat!" Lobelia yelled, "After how long it took me to freaking learn it!"
Reni quickly replied, "Don't you dare call Airisu names!"
"Hora! Don't get too excited just yet!" Kohran said, waving a wrench, "Once I'm finished with this high-powered engine, we can all take a spin around Tokyo in my special steam bus racer!!"
"NO!! STOP!!" Glycine exclaimed, "No more of your crazy inventions!! I swear we almost died last time we tried something of yours!!"
Oogami rubbed his head and arguments erupted all over the screen. "Oogami-kun," Kaede suddenly popped up, "We'll be waiting your return. It isn't the same without you."
Next to her, Kayama played a chord. "Honto na~! How long do you plan on staying at that ocean?? We miss you. Hurry home soon, Oogami!"
"Minna... arigatou..." he said, smiling slightly.
He finally had a chance to disconnect and put away the kinematron. Loosening his tie, his focus moved to the folded letter in his pocket. He unraveled it and cleared his throat, proceeding to read out loud his clumsy words.
" Time passes and I still haven't the courage to face you with my honest feelings. Perhaps when I do have enough courage, I shall be an old man, probably like Yoneda-shihainin, fighting until the day I die. We can go on like we've always had, living off the wonderful memories we've made over the years. But I don't want that. I don't want you to become just a memory to me. I want you to know I never stopped thinking about you and not another day goes by without me wanting to be near you. Someday, I know my feelings will reach you. I will wait forever if I have to.Teikoku Kagekidan - Hanagumi Oogami Ichirou "
Oogami paused as he ran out of words to read. Staring at the difficult handwriting, his face became miserable. 'What am I thinking? This letter won't do. I can't possibly...' Without another thought, he tore the letter up into tiny pieces, holding all the pieces in his hand until it was blown away by the wind. 'It's hopeless...' he sighed, the currents taking his confession away.
Suddenly, the world went black and two soft hands covered his eyes. "Dare da~?" asked a sweet voice. Oogami sat upright, recognizing that voice instantly. He lifted his hands and latched onto her wrists, gently prying them away.
"Sakura-kun?" he asked, turning around. Her black hair was blowing in the wind and she looked absolutely stunning in her sleeveless summer dress. Staring in awe, he managed to sputter out a few more words. "W-What are you doing here...?"
Sakura ran a hand through her hair and sat in the sand next to him. "I just got back yesterday and everyone told me where you went."
"Aa... I see..." he stammered, lowering his head. He could see the torn pieces of the letter floating away. Still too lost for speech, Oogami held his breath and waited for her to make the next notion.
Sakura crossed her arms and leaned her chin down, also gazing after the torn letter. "Oogami-san, that was a lovely letter you wrote." Oogami clutched his chest; she had heard every word. "Who was it for?" she asked innocently.
"Eto..." he uttered, blushing. Closing his eyes for a moment, he calmed himself down. There was nothing left for him to hide. "A special girl." he replied, dipping his fingers in the cool water, "A girl I was in love with."
"Are you still... in love with her?" Sakura asked, rather anxiously.
"Hai." he responded automatically. She just turned towards him, staring into his face. Oogami, after a long pause, turned towards her, the two of them facing each other. "I love you, Sakura-kun." he said, touching her cheek ever so gently.
"Oogami-san... Your feelings make me so happy!" she cried, throwing her arms around his neck, "I... I love you, Oogami-san...!"
They gazed into each other's eyes, still holding each other as the tide washed their feet. Slowly, Oogami moved to kiss her. The passionate kiss lasted as the sun set and when they pulled away it was already dark. Oogami just held her close, listening to her heartbeat and staring into her sparkling smile.
"Sakura... always..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so the curtain fell again on the stage
More players take a bow with the Teigeki
The warm and fuzzy life will continue
As if it always had before
An ocean of sorrow forgotten
And tears were wiped away
The rain has finally stopped
But not the storm of battles
Though the dream might end tomorrow
And youthful flowers wilt and die
Maidens look for their love
Leaving behind the sad past
Taking chances and shining brightly
Unwavering like cherry blossoms
They persevere and continue to hope
Fin
\(^o^)/ domo arigatou gozaimasu for reading. until next time! - jill
