*1 week later, at the party.*
(Hina's POV)
I was setting up the party for Taka by setting out food and decorating the table. It was about 15 minutes till anyone showed up. The doorbell rang, and I thought it was Ibuki at first, but it seemed kind of early. She went out to go pick up a few other people so she shouldn't have been back so soon. I open the door with a smile.
Taka stood there, smiling. He waved, "Hello Hina!" It was a really weird sight.. Taka wasn't wearing his uniform, and his arm was in a cast. He's wearing some sort of sweater. I assume it's the same one Leon and Mondo mentioned.
"Taka! You aren't supposed to show up yet.. the party isn't set up fully yet."
"I can help out with setting up."
"No no really it's okay, I don't want you to work so much, you're injured."
"I feel just fine!"
I sigh, giving up. "Fine, come inside." I could use the help as well, I'll just give him something easy to do. We walked inside and I pointed out some food in the kitchen, "Can you move the food onto the table?"
"Of course," Taka walked quickly, determined to help. I smiled and cleaned up the living room. I could keep an eye on Taka, since the living room and dining room are connected.
Soon enough Ibuki walks in with 3 people. Mahiru, Chiaki, and Chihiro. I waved and glanced at Taka, he seemed nervous. Chiaki was playing on some sort of handheld console, but I don't know the name of it. Mahiru immediately went over to Taka and asked him if he was okay. They started a quiet conversation as more people walked in. I could see Taka smiling, I'm so happy he's enjoying himself. I greeted everyone as they came in. Only 2 people left then everyone is here!
(Taka's POV)
A bunch of people were talking to me at once. I don't know who they were, everything was kind of blurring together. Maybe I need to get my eyes checked out. All of a sudden there was a pain in the right side of my head. Like a headache, except the pain felt worse. I heard more voices again. I tried to talk and explain that I didn't know what they were saying, but I don't know if anything came out. There was a lot of echo and jumbled up words I was hearing. I blink a few times to try and see my surroundings better. I see sets and sets of eyes. All staring at me. I turn away and see the backdoor. I apologize and run out, I think.
I walk out onto the back porch and practically fall down. I sat on my knees and stared at the backyard. Most of it was dry and green. Leaves flowing in the wind. It was calm out here. No more people, or eyes, or voices...
"Yo, dude," I felt a hand on my shoulder. Fear shot through my body, and I slowly turned my head to who it was. Kaito. "You good bro? What happened? Ya just kinda, left."
"I'm.. sorry. I just.." I was at a loss for words. He sat cross legged next to me.
"Nevermind that dude, you're alright. You don't have to explain. Cool shirt though," He smiled.
"Oh.. Thank you Kaito. I appreciate it. Mondo actually gave it to me."
"Really?"
"Yeah, when I was in the hospital."
Kaito nodded, and looked around a bit, "What calms you?"
"Studying. But I didn't bring anything to study with."
"Do you like working out?"
"Uhm, I don't mind it. Why?"
"Cmon! Let's work out! It'll make you feel better. Just forget about everything else," He grinned after he was done speaking.
"Alright, what do you want to do first?"
"Lets start with some sit ups. Let's go to 100."
I nodded, although I don't think it's healthy to do that many without stretching or warming up. I don't remember if I read this from a credible source or not, but I warned Kaito anyway, "We should stretch or warm up first. We could pull a muscle or tear something. Unless 100 is an everyday thing for you?"
"Pshh, yeah. 100 sit ups is nothing. I do it every night with my sidekicks."
"Alright.. I may go slower than you, I do not work out as often as you."
"That's cool dude." We move into the yard to begin doing sit ups. He explains where to put my hands and to focus on my back and thighs. I didn't interrupt him, even though I already knew everything he was talking about.
When he was done explaining, we began. I was counting both of our workouts simultaneously. I noticed immediately I was going way faster than him. I shake my head and speak up, "So, who are the 'sidekicks' you mentioned?"
"Oh yeah! That's Shuichi and Maki roll." I assume he was talking about Maki. That's an odd nickname, I thought.
After I finish I get up and sit on my knees. Kaito does the same.
"Wow dude, that really worked up a sweat huh?"
I give him a stern look, "You only did 23 sit ups. You need to finish your workout."
"Uh, no? I did 100."
"Alright, my apologies."
"Do you feel better yet?"
"A little, thank you! I appreciate your attempt to make me happy," I glance at the house to see if anyone was there. Just as I looked over I saw the curtain close really quickly.
"Yo dude, you could be my like, mini sidekick."
"Oh no that's okay I don't—"
"Nonsense, you are officially my mini sidekick!"
"Haha.. alright."
"Let's go inside and get a snack and freshen up!"
"Alright, I'm not hungry though."
The both of us went inside and to the food table. Kaito waved over Shuichi and I panicked and walked away quickly. I sat down on the couch, no one else was sitting there, everyone was talking in groups around the couch and dining table. I felt really lonely, and I have never talked to most of these people. I don't know why, but I just teared up. Why was I even here? One wrong move and I'm in the hospital for another month. Why did I tell people I'm fine? I should've stayed at the hospital. Studying. Always studying. This party was a waste of time. And money.
I felt someone sit next to me so I looked up. It was Mondo, and he set a box of tissues in my lap. "I uh, noticed you crying a lot so I grabbed some tissues. You in pain or somethin'? Do I need to call someone? The fuck happened?"
I felt my face and sure enough, there were tears rolling down my face. I wiped it with a tissue. "No no I'm alright.. Just a little overwhelmed."
"Do you need anythin'?" He set his hand on my thigh.
"I'm alright. I appreciate your concern but I'll be okay," he moved his hand around my waist. I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder. I tuned everyone out and everything was silent, like time stopped.
This party isn't so bad.
