Haruhi's twin

Chapter 68: Akihiko's Pleas; Haruhi and Yori's Answer

Haruhi's pov

"Are you sure it's a good idea that we go see him?" Yori questioned, he looked very unsure of the situation at hand. I knew that he was still angry with him for what he did but I needed to understand why he did it, something that I picked over the year of knowing him is that he always has some underlying reason as to why he does things. He self-sabotages good relationships with others and it concerned me with how far he kept people at arm's length, rather than just letting us help him. There was something more here, something that probably had to do with his parents. I had only seen them once, it was earlier this year. Emi and I were heading home when we spotted Akihiko getting chewed out by his father as they were coming from the school building, I didn't make a scene because I figured he would have been very embarrassed about it being brought up. "Yori, I know that you don't like him because of what he did but he has to have some sort of reason for doing it." I said, "His reason for doing it is simple. He is a narcissistic asshole that only cares about himself and his feelings. Not anyone else's." Yori argued, crossing his arms. I let out a sigh, shaking my head at his answer. "Yori, he is a human being. He is entitled to his feelings... He may not always show concern for others but I know that deep down he does care. I've seen it before. Just trust me on this, yeah?" I asked, Yori looked away from me for a moment and shook his head, he sighed heavily as he wrestled with the idea.

"Sometimes people make mistakes and it's our job to understand and empathize with them, even if we don't agree with their actions." Yori rolled his eyes, clearly unconvinced. I continued, "It's not about condoning what he did, but rather trying to see the bigger picture. Maybe there's a part of him that wants to change, to be better. And if we shut him out completely, we're denying him that chance." Yori sighed, his stubbornness waning slightly. "Fine," he grumbled reluctantly, "but don't expect me to forgive him anytime soon." I smiled, grateful for his openness.

"I won't push you, Yori. Thanks."

"No problem,"

The two of us headed to find Akihiko and as we walked through school, I heard someone playing piano. "Do you hear that?" I looked at Yori, who nodded as we heard someone playing the piano very well. We followed the sound and arrived at the room. The door was slightly ajar, allowing us to peek inside. There, sitting at the grand piano, was Akihiko. His fingers danced effortlessly across the keys, his expression lost in the music. I was completely captivated by the beauty of the melody. It was as if Akihiko's soul poured out through his fingertips, filling the room with raw emotion. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for him. The music resonated deep within me, touching a part of my soul I didn't know existed. Akihiko's talent was undeniable, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the keys as if they were an extension of his very being. It was at that moment that I realized how much beauty can come from pain, and how art can be a form of redemption.Yori's surprise mirrored my own, his eyes widening as we witnessed this hidden side of Akihiko. The melody wrapped around us like a warm embrace, filling the room with its hauntingly beautiful sound. It was a reminder that beneath our flaws and mistakes, there lies untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Yori's eyes widened in surprise.

"I didn't know he could play like that," he whispered.

"Emi did say something about Akihiko playing the piano well... I just didn't think much about it." I whispered.

"Wonderful... He has a redeeming quality." Yori sighed sarcastically, I nudged him in the side making him wince in pain.

As the last note faded into silence, Akihiko turned to see us standing in the doorway. His eyes widened momentarily before he quickly composed himself. "What are you two doing here?" he asked, his voice guarded."We heard you playing," I replied softly. "You're really talented."A flicker of vulnerability flashed in Akihiko's eyes before he looked away. "It doesn't matter," he muttered. "But it does," Yori spoke up, surprising both of us. "You have something special, Akihiko."Akihiko's gaze met Yori's for a moment before he looked down again. With a nod, he whispered, "Thanks."In that brief exchange, I saw a glimmer of hope in Akihiko's eyes. And maybe, just maybe, forgiveness wasn't such an impossible notion after all. "Was there a reason that you two came to see me? I know you didn't come to hear me play the piano, after all, I did break your trust." Akihiko scratched the back of his neck, his body language was tense. "Ian told us that you wanted to talk a chance to talk to Haruhi and Emi." Yori started, shoving his hands in the pocket of his jacket. "I do... Though, Ian advised me to give you guys space. I broke your trust. I just want you to know that I didn't mean to give away something so precious. I never meant to hurt you or Emi. All I was thinking about was impressing Moriko... And the best way I knew how to express my feelings for her was to give her a plushie because I knew how much she loved them. So, I took the plushie that Emi had thinking that it wouldn't matter, that she wouldn't miss it. Obviously, I was wrong. I need you to know that I am sorry. I didn't mean to break your trust. And I can understand if you don't forgive me right now. All I ask is that you believe me." Akihiko pleaded.

"Tch." Yori responded.

"I can sense your regret, and I understand how you might be feeling right now. It's never easy to break someone's trust, especially when you didn't intend to do so. But it's important to remember that we're all human, and we make mistakes. It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge your actions and express your remorse. And you did, Akihiko. I do believe you. Although, it will take some time for you to be able to earn our trust. I can say that I do forgive you because I can tell you're sincere." I said. Akihiko's body deflated, seeming less tense and on edge than he had been all week. I could tell that this whole situation got to him.

"Thank you, Haruhi. I will do everything I can to make this right."

"I know." I nodded.

"She's not the only one you need to make this right with. You need to make it right with Emi and the other hosts. Now, I may believe that your apology is sincere and you are really remorseful for what you did but that doesn't mean that I forgive you. It's going to take a lot more for me to forgive you and to trust you again. Emi and Haruhi mean everything to me and my sister and if you hurt them again, especially Emi... I will not hold back this time. Got it?" Yori threatened, "Got it," Akihiko nodded. "I can't speak for the other members but they need more time before you can come around again. Just give them time." Akihiko nodded at my words and the two of us left, heading back to the club room.

"Why did you forgive him?" Yori asked.

"Because we're all human. We all make mistakes. Akihiko didn't do this intentionally." I answered, turning to face him.