Of Angels and Phantoms

Chapter 13-Going to Sendai

"Hello?"

I let out a whimper, crying in relief.

"June? June, is that you? What's wrong?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words couldn't get out. I choked and gasped, making futile attempts to stop my tears.

"Oh God, Junny..." Adam's voice became more flustered. "It's okay. I'm...I'm fine."

"W-What-" I choked, swallowing back the salty tears. "Were y-you thinking!" I felt another bout of tears coming as my vision became blurry again.

Adam paused for a while, sighing softly. "Junny...I'm sorry. I wasn't watc-"

"YOU COULD HAVE DIED!" I broke down again, sobbing into a mess and choking on my tears. I gasped for air as it gradually became impossible to breathe through my nose.

"Shhhh...hush..." Adam softly consoled me, using his most comforting voice. "I'm alright now. I got 4th, too."

I sniffled, wiping my tears away. "W-Why-" My voice trembled, struggling to speak. "W-Why did you...compete?"

"I wasn't really hurt, and..." Adam paused hesitantly. "Well. I just wanted to."

"...You're stupid." I took deep breaths, trying to calm my voice. The tears slowed down and my throat cleared a little.

Adam chuckled, tickling my ear. "Yeah, I'm your stupid noodle. Sorry I made you worried."

I kept quiet, my sniffles filling up the silence. I could hear his breathing across the phone, sighing softly.

"You know..." Adam broke the long pause, clicking his tongue. "I, uh...I'm really happy. That you called."

I blushed and rolled my eyes, staying silent.

"I bet you just rolled your eyes at me."

"Whatever." I snorted, blowing my nose into a tissue.

"Ooh, that's a mighty one~ Someone's got a runny nose now?" Adam teased playfully, making baby noises.

"Ugh, you." A giggle bubbled up my throat, lightening up the conversation. "Alright, I confirmed that you're alive. I have to go," I dried my tear-stained face, steadying myself.

"So soon?" Adam sighed disappointedly.

"Overseas calls are expensive, noodle."

"Fine, fine...I'll see you soon, then?"

"See you in three weeks."

"Huh?"

I glanced down at my feet, pausing for a while. "I'll be there for NHK Trophy."

"Really? Can't wait, then. See you, Junny."

"Bye."

--- ---

"Eh...Coach?"

"Yes?" Coach replied, looking up. I glanced up from the application forms at Yuzuru, standing awkwardly in front of us.

Yuzuru licked his lower lip uncomfortably, shifting his eyes. "Um...for NHK, we are flying back to Sendai..?"

"Yes, of course. What about it?"

"Can we go back...earlier?"

Coach paused and frowned. "Why? Is there something you need to do?"

I looked at Coach, pursing my lips and glanced at Yuzuru, who had 'nervous' written all over his face.

"I...I want to visit...my family."

I sensed Coach's hesitance as he glanced down at the half-written training menus. Yuzuru wiped his palms on his thighs nervously, looking at Coach pleadingly.