(Complete) Taking Her Place (Saiouma/Oumasai)

Scary Phone Calls and Default Wallpapers

Chapter 12: scary phone calls and default wallpapers

Shuichi's POV

"Kokichi-"
"No just, stop." Kokichi sped up and I let him go. I don't know why I did. But I felt like now, with the conversation we just had, wasn't the time to go chase after him. So I let him go.

I walked back to the cabana but couldn't bring myself to go in and face Makoto. I decided that skipping today, would be ok. I quietly grabbed my bag and got back onto the boat. Maybe I should take some responsibility.

I picked up my phone and held my finger over the call button for a long time. What would I say to her? "Sorry I left you at the alter but I'm now on a cruise with an old friend from high school- he's not even really a friend is he. He's more of an acquaintance- an old acquaintance from high school who I happen to like and I don't think I want to be with you anymore!"

That's rude. I can't do that. I wonder how she's doing. Is she ok? Is she mad? Can she tell I stopped at home for a bit before leaving. Home... would things be easier if I did just leave and sucked it up for the rest of my life? Maybe I should leave. I mean, I guess it's a little late now, but when we get off the ship for real. I could always go back home. Pretend none of this ever happened. Go back to her.

I don't want that. But is it what's best for everyone. If it would help everyone... maybe I should. I pressed call. The phone started ringing. She picked up fairly quickly.

"Shuichi?! Is it really you?! I've been worried sick!" She shouted into the phone.
"H-hey, listen I'm sorry-"
"You're sorry? I'm sorry! I'm sorry if I put too much pressure on you. If you didn't want to get married you could've just told me. You didn't have to run away."
"No I'm sorry, I really am. I mean that. I'm sorry." She makes it so hard to be mean. She's so nice.
"It's ok... where are you?"
"It's a long story... I- I'm really sorry but I don't know if I can do this anymore."

"Do what? Are you..."
"I don't know, maybe. I mean, I think we should at least take a break."
"Take a break? Are you... going to come back? Ever?" You could hear the heartbreak in her voice.
"I don't know. I don't know anything right now. I just felt bad not saying anything to you. I just need some time."

"Time? How much time. Do you want me to cancel the honeymoon?"
"No no no, I'll get back to you before then..." I hope.
"Ok... I understand, I hope everything's ok."

"Yeah, everything's fine here." I said to her.
"Are you alone? Did you run away alone?"
"..." I was silent.
"Shuichi?"
"No, someone else came with me, but right now while I'm on the phone I'm alone."

"Who's with you?" She asked.
"..." Another bit of silence from me.
"I met some girls looking for someone at the wedding, it was Kaede Akamatsu and some strawberry blond girl who had on a tight dress. Does this have anything to do with them?"
"I guess you could say that."

I kept in touch with Kaede over the years so my girlfriend knew of her existence. Not sure they've ever officially met but I know she has seen pictures of her.

"Do you know who they were looking for?" She asked me. Of course I know who they were looking for. But how do I say that?
"I-"
"Can you tell me the truth, Shuichi?"
"Yes, I know who they were looking for. They eventually found him though-"
"Is that who you're with?"
"..." I didn't know what to say to her.
"Shuichi? You can answer me. I won't be mad, I promise."
"Yes."

Oh god, why did I tell her?! I guess I felt so bad that I wanted to be honest with her. I felt like it was my job to be honest with her.

"Thank you for being honest. I hope to hear from you soon ok." I could hear her sniffing through the phone. This has to be one of the hardest things I've ever done. Definitely up there with having to say Kaede was the culprit.