Sun Catcher

Chapter Five

I froze when I felt a hand as it came into contact with my shoulder. I couldn't tell who it was or what it was that they wanted. Whoever this was must have had bad intentions and I didn't want to wait around to find out. I wasn't able to go anywhere and I'm stuck where I stood. I swallowed as I tried to prepare for the worst to happen.

"Tamaki? Are you doing okay?"

I turned toward who was next to me only to see that it was Mirio. A cool relief flowed through my system at the sight of his smiling face. I wasn't sure what I'd do if I lost anyone through this mess I'm in. At least I wouldn't be taking this trouble alone anymore. For me, it felt unsafe to be anywhere let alone by myself as it sent shivers throughout my entire body.

Mirio frowned, "I know you're struggling but we're here for you. Don't forget that." He paused. "Nejire is waiting nearby so I want us to meet up with her."

I remained motionless and didn't respond. Something felt off in the air as it became still. I frowned and knew better than to panic. It would be my downfall. Everything was starting to spiral out of control and it seemed there was no end in sight. I was done for if I was caught by those looking for me. I'd rather avoid getting taken away and lose all that I have.

"Mirio, is there any way we can go home early? I'm not sure how much longer I'll last."

"You'll be fine! We've got a few hours ahead of us still and plenty more fun things to do."

"I need you to listen to me, being here is dangerous and if I get caught there's no knowing what they'll do to me."

"Come on, Nejire is waiting for us at the food court. It's time for lunch and I want you to join us. We already ordered something for you so you should be fine."

"I'm not hungry."

Mirio said nothing before he put a hand on my back and led me toward the food court. Nejire sat alone on a picnic table as she looked at three foil wrapped items in front of her as she waved to us. She stood up and passed the food to each of us as we sat down and she started to unwrap her sandwich. She took a bite as she closed her eyes and her smile widened.

"This is great! You guys should try some! You won't be sorry!"

Mirio took a bite from his sandwich. "This is good!" He looked at me. "Now it's your turn Tamaki! You'll love it, I can promise you that."

I looked at the sandwich wrapped before me and picked it up running it through my hands. It was warm and smelt of pepperoni. Mirio should know by now that I don't like anything spicy as it always messed with my stomach. I looked at him and back before I unwrapped it seeing it smothered in red sauce that threatened to drip out. I bit my lip only to notice that they both looked at me and leaned closer to me. There was no getting out of this one.

Slowly I took a bite and gagged at the first contact of how spicy the sandwich was. I hid how I felt about this the best I could. I closed my eyes before forcing myself to swallow. I felt it as the food traveled from my throat all the way down into my stomach. Shivering I put the sandwich back onto the table propping my head onto my elbows. This was all too much for me and I've hit my maximum of what I'm able to handle. Tears streamed down my face silently as I tried to hide them with my hands.

"Oh Tamaki, don't cry. Nobody likes to see you this way." Nejire said, frowning.

"I can't stop. This is too much for me." I said as I sat there.

The two of them looked at each other in silence before they turned back to me. Whatever was going through their minds was always unknown to me. Would they take me home like I wanted or would I be stuck here suffering more? I held my breath and prepared for the worst.