The Third Miya: Isuma

LVII

~Flashback: 2 days ago~

Confronting someone was much more nerve-wracking than Isuma had expected.

The last month before her departure, she couldn't bring herself to talk to Tamiko. Every time she gathered the courage to say something, he smiled in her direction or laughed, making her falter. After a few- MANY- harsh words from Suna, she promised herself to ask him the day she left.She arranged it so Tamiko was the only one seeing her off at the airport. Unbeknownst to him, she had already said her goodbyes to everyone earlier in the day and wasn't expecting them. Tamiko kept checking his watch and glancing at the main doors. "It's strange; why isn't anyone else here? I'll call Osamu-san, shall I-"

"Don't. He's not going to be here." Isuma said quietly. Tamiko gave her a funny glance. "Sorry?"

"I asked everyone else to stay behind." She gripped the handle of her suitcase tightly. Tamiko tilted his head. "Why's that? Is something wrong?"

Isuma swallowed; small details began standing out, things she'd never bothered to notice. Tamiko's habit of playing with the earring she'd gifted him; his tendency to wear the trench coat she'd given him for his birthday; his hairstyle, which she'd randomly remarked looked good on him. He was over a foot taller than her, and for the first time, she didn't see him as her best friend or little brother.

"Isuma? What's wrong?" Tamiko waved his hand in front of her face, concerned yet amused. She hesitated, her heart aching. "...Tamiko, do you like me?"

"-yes? You're my best friend, or has something changed?" He flicked a long lock of his hair aside. Isuma looked down. "I meant the other way."

His content expression faded, and Tamiko took a step back. But to her surprise, he didn't try to deny it. Instead, he smiled. "What do you want to hear, Isuma?"

She didn't respond. Tamiko let out his breath. "It's hard for me to say... but yeah. I do."

"Tamiko-" He cut her off. "Don't say sorry. You haven't done anything wrong." His smile was warm yet heartbreaking at the same time. "It's my choice. I might never get over you- but Isuma, I'm content watching you be happy with someone else. Your happiness matters to me more than anything. I must say, though, I'm surprised it took you so long."

"I- I didn't notice. Atsumu told me." Isuma's eyes were full of tears now. Tamiko said, "Don't cry, or I might just stop you from leaving. For once, I'm going to be selfish and request something from you."

Isuma managed to look up. "What?" Tamiko leaned forward, suddenly serious. "PLEASE get on that plane. I've been meaning to tell you this but... I need time. Away from you. I love you, Isuma, and most likely always will. But I need to recover. Okay?"

"...okay." Isuma swallowed. "I'm so sorry, Tamiko. I'm so, so sorry. I know you said not to be, but I am. You're my best friend and I didn't..." She couldn't finish. Tamiko sighed, flicking her forehead. "You're so sensitive, Isuma. Don't cry!"
He took a step back and looked away briefly; Isuma dried her eyes and tried to smile. Tamiko nodded in approval. "Good. Don't worry, Isuma. I'm fine. Go to California, and when you return, I'll treat you to teriyaki so we can catch up."

The hidden meaning didn't escape Isuma: 'don't contact me while in California.' She managed a quick nod, sure she would start crying again. Tamiko's hand brushed over her ring, and he suddenly felt awful. Tamiko looked away, his relaxed mask slipping; hoarsely, he said, "Please go."

Isuma was gone in a whirl of blue; Tamiko turned around and walked in the opposite direction as people veered towards the escalators. The second he stepped outside, rain soaked through his hair and sweater; he made no effort to find shade and tilted his head back, letting his burning tears mix in with the icy rain. 'How strange. It wasn't raining earlier.'

The rain washed away his tears as soon as they came; Tamiko forced himself to resume walking, not caring where he was going. The still-functioning part of his brain recalled that he had no way to return home. 'What now?'

Someone suddenly grabbed his arm, yanking him several feet back. Two cars honked angrily and zoomed past; Tamiko realized he'd stopped in the middle of the road. He glanced back. "Hinosa Senpai-"

Hinosa slapped him cleanly across his face and snapped, "You idiot!! Do you want to die?!"

Tamiko's hand went to the left side of his face, which was burning. "What was that for?!""To bring you back to reality!!" Hinosa shook him by the shoulders. "You were about to DIE! You're lucky I noticed you, Hinosa!"

"I-" He stopped talking, noticing the tears of frustration in Hinosa's eyes. "I know you're a little broken right now, but you can't just- just give up on living! Isuma-san would never forgive me!!"

Neither of them spoke for several long moments. Tamiko let out his breath, resuming control of his emotions. "I know. I'm sorry."

Hinosa glared at him and looked away. Tamiko smiled slightly. "You didn't have to slap me."

"Yes, I did. You're being an idiot." He said in a clipped tone. Tamiko answered, "Your mother wouldn't be thrilled, would she?"

"Okaa-san doesn't need to know- and you're not telling her." Hinosa began walking away, his glasses flashing for a moment. When Tamiko didn't follow, he paused and looked back. "The train home leaves in fifteen minutes. Let's go, unless you want to wait another hour."

"Yeah. Okay." Tamiko's eyes flicked to the horizon, wondering if Isuma was gone. Hinosa didn't speak until they were at the train station. "Tamiko, are you okay?"

Tamiko questioned, "Are you worried about me?"

Hinosa didn't answer. Tamiko let out his breath. "No. I'm not okay. But I'll try my best to get better."

"What are you going to do now?" Hinosa asked. Tamiko looked up; rain was still falling lightly. "I think I'll intern somewhere too. Maybe at a hospital or small clinic. Hospitals are usually good places to recover and reevaluate your life."

Without looking in his direction, Tamiko was sure Hinosa's mind had gone to the elder Kita brother. Those few months he was in the hospital destroyed Hishari and Takahiro. "Yeah. They are."

I'm having to force myself to write. A lot is happening a lot. I'm sorry I keep disappearing for long stretches.