High School Love

Chapter 14 ~ More Than a Friend

Narrator's POV

Friday flew by faster than expected. Shinobu confirmed with Akaza that he would come over for a hangout tomorrow. Due to her older sister accepting her request and with her younger sister wanting to meet akaza. Shinobu quickly was on the winning side.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when the two siblings left to head over to Shinobu's House. With Hakuji being the overbearing older brother he was. Walked akaza to the front door of Shinobu's house. Akaza knocked on the door. There was a click as the door quickly swung open. To reveal Shinobu with akaza assumed was her older sister behind her. Hakuji was skeptical when he saw the older sister but let it go for Akaza's sake.

Shinobu dragged akaza inside while the two siblings followed behind inside the house. Hakuji introduced himself to the sibling. Kanae introduced herself as well. She and Hakuji talked for a bit to figure out they were in similar situations. Of raising their younger siblings due to a parent or parent's death in Hakuji's case. They both traded numbers. Hakuji soon left feeling, finally understood.

Shinobu introduced akaza to her younger sister Kanao and then brought him into her bedroom to exchange secrets with one another.

In Shinobu's Room

Shinobu's POV

I spread a blanket on the ground for Akaza and me to sit on while I fetched some games from my closet. I presented a few for Akaza to choose from. He picked one, and we played while catching up with each other. About an hour passed before we got bored and just sat talking. That's when I remembered what I wanted to ask Akaza. I inquired about his recent tired and downcast appearance. He asked me to promise not to tell anyone, and I assured him I wouldn't. What he shared was devastating. It was the most heart-wrenching thing that could happen to someone, especially someone as kind as him. 

Akaza disclosed to me about his parents and the sleepless nights he'd endured for the past three months. Upon hearing this, I felt compelled to share my secret to reassure him that he was not alone. I told Akaza about my mother's death and its impact on our family. I recounted how the doctors insisted she was fine until they discovered she had been poisoned by the time the doctors found out. It was too late and my mother had only three days left to live. After sharing, we both sat in silence for a good while to break the ice I questioned akaza if he had any crushes at school.

He mentioned one person, but he wasn't sure if they reciprocated his feelings. I urged him to reveal the name. Akaza said that his name was... I was astonished, but not surprised due to how much he interacted with him. I told Akaza about my crush on a guy named... He shared that Rengoku spoke to him during his morning class. Akaza mentioned that he feels confident about him and believes he is the right guy for me. I was grateful that Akaza supported me. I had one more thing to confess to Akaza before anything else. I clenched my fist, feeling nervous about what I was about to tell him.

Akaza's POV 

Shinobu became serious all of a sudden. Her fist shook, and a tear rolled down her face. I knew what she was about to say might change everything. My thoughts were interrupted when she spoke. She said, "I couldn't help but see you as the brother I never had, and I hope you can forgive me for thinking of you that way." I was delighted to accept her as my little sister. I expressed to Shinobu that I considered her as a sister. I voiced to Shinobu that I would embrace the title she had given me and carry it with pride.

The time I spent with Shinobu today will be something I will never forget. I enjoyed dinner with her family. A little while later, my brother came to pick me up before departing. I expressed my appreciation to the Kocho sisters for the great time I had. Then I walked over to the car where my brother was waiting. Once we arrived home, Hakuji asked me about my day. I replied that it was wonderful. For a brief moment, I could have sworn I saw Hakuji smile. He then questioned me if I had eaten. Assuring Hakuji that I had and that he didn't need to worry, I then excused myself and went to rest for the night exhausted from today's events.

Hakuji's POV 

I truly struggled to believe what I had witnessed with my own eyes. If I hadn't seen it firsthand, I would never have believed akaza when he said that he was happy for once. I knew about the nightmares he faces, but I felt it was not the right time to address them. The police report I received on the day they were murdered seemed disingenuous. It appeared as though our parents were intentionally targeted, but for what reason? And what did Akaza witness that day? I am certain the truth will emerge. It's only a matter of time.

To Be Continued