Butterfly Effect

#9: Finishing the Race

The sound of morning fireworks commence the sport festival. Kumiko entered the classroom to get the first aid kid prepared for their class. She volunteered as one of the festival medical personnel. She walked out the room and bumped into someone. "Kumiko, the games already started. What are you doing here?", Hayato asked. Kumiko was startled to see him. "Just getting some stuffs", Kumiko answered. She waved her hands and left. She walked around the gymnasium and  saw Mayu going wild for volleyball. There were tons of wounds to be treated. "Mayu!!! Learn to control your power. Will ya?!", Kumiko scolded her. The black haired just gave a peace sign and continued spiking with such great force. The teams already quited and they won by default. "Our class is going to win this time", Mayu says with such confidence.

Mayu and Kumiko peeked at the other gymnasium and saw their team totally crushed in basketball. They looked around to see who's team was it. They saw Aimi being thrown in the air. "A formidable opponent appeared", Mayu glared at Aimi. Shou was at the side doing some sketch. Kumiko and Mayu just sighed and was about to leave. Aimi waved at them and joined them. "Are you going to watch some games?", Aimi asked in glee. "Did you have some injury or wounds?", Kumiko asked. Aimi shook her head. They ended at the ground where soccer is still playing. The only teams left are Class 2-1B and Class 3-1.  "Its Ren!", Kumiko pointed at Ren. "It's the senpai" Aimi also pointed at Hideki. Hayato passed by and joined the girls. Shou is at some high place taking pictures. "Woah! This is the first time I saw Ren being pushed back", Hayato said in interest. "He will not lose", Kumiko said with confidence. Mayu looked at Kumiko and looked back at Ren. "Saotome, who do you think will win?", Hayato asked. "Hmmm. I heard from someone... as long as you dont give up, no one knows what 0.01% chance of wining could do", Aimi smiled. In the end, Ren's team won. They were given sometime to rest before the final game of race relay per classes.

Hayato stretched his limbs. "Takuma asked me to give you this", Aimi handed a special head band. "He's also cheering for you, silently", Aimi informed. Aimi walked around and saw Ren sitting near the gymn entrance. She looked around and saw that there are less students. Aimi saw some bruise on his ankle. "Tanaka, you're injured? I'll call Kumi", Aimi was about to run but Ren grabbed on her hands. She lost her balance and fell sitting on the ground. Ren stood up and pulled her by the hand. "She's going to watch the race", Ren lets go of Aimi's hand. "Then, wait for me here", Aimi ran as fast as she can ang brought a muscle spray. She handed it to Ren and the guy applied it to his ankle. "That was a good game", Aimi gave a thumbs up. "Regarding with the work, can you try to ask your manager to add more part timer?", Ren averted his stares. Aimi smiled. "Sure".

The relay game started. Hayato looked around and saw Mayu and Kumiko waving at him. He held the head band Shou did and clenched his fist. "Ready, get. Set. Go!!!", the crowd shouts. Hayato waits for the batton and finally grabbed on it. They were a bit farther than everyone. "You can do that!!!", a voice shouted. Hayato smiled and ran as fast as he can. In the end, they won.

Everyone gathered at the school ground for the bonfire. Mayu saw Shou taking picture of the crowd and also of the fire. "Shou, did you enjoy this year's sport's fest?", Mayu asked. Shou had a smile plastered on his face. "I dont know. One thing I am sure, something so little can cause so much to change", Shou looked at Aimi playing fire. "Shou, did you remember Mom's story when we were little kids about the moth?", Mayu asked they sat on the grass. "The child moth loves to hover around the flame of the candle. The place was warm and also the flame is such a majectic thing it saw", Mayu started. "The mother moth tells it not to do it anymore because it might burn its wings and die", Mayu continued. "In the end, the moth didnt follow and he died", Shou said it with no hesitation. "That's why Shou...", Mayu was about to say something when Shou opened his mouth. "Then... the moth should be careful until the candle melts and the flame gets turned off", Shou butted in. "Do you know what you are talking about?", Mayu asked in a worried voice. "I know it. Someone whom I looked up to did the same thing", Shou answered. "Kisaki, Takuma... let's go and have a picture", Aimi called them. "Oh, are you having a serious conversation?", Aimi tilted her head. Shou stood up and followed her. Before even taking another step, he looked back to Mayu and gave a weak smile.

"Mayu, our class is looking for you?", Ren called her. "I'm gonna go crazy!!!", Mayu shouted. Ren stepped back and tried to escape but Mayu already clung unto his arms. "Comfort me Ren. Shou really broke my heart", Mayu whined. "Stop clinging on me", Ren complained. "Let's go and sing at the karaoke later. We're not going to invite Shou", Mayu continued to whine. "Ren, dont get close to the fire. Your wings will burn", Mayu warned. There was silence between them.  Ren sighed and gently pushed Mayu. "You're so cruel", Mayu sobbed and ran away. Kumiko approached Ren and offered something to drink. "Now I can be at peace", Ren breathed deeply. "Is there something bothering you?", Kumiko asked. "Mayu said something stupid", Ren answered. "I see", Kumiko looked for anything to talk about. "You're medical personnel this year? Its a waste you werent able to play tennis", Ren opened. "About that.. I kind off quit this year. I also need to concentrate with my studies", Kumiko answered. "Oohh, congratulations being in the top 5", Ren drank and looked at Kumiko. "It's sweet", he said in a poker face. "I'm sorry. You dont really like it?", Kumiko panicked and looked for any stalls selling salty food. Ren chuckled. Kumiko stopped and was amazed by Ren's smile. "You're so cute Kumiko. I bet a lot of boys are already courting you", Ren teased. "I'm not interested", Kumiko shyly said. "Be sure to be with someone who will make you happy", Ren patted her head. "Its already this late. I have to make a call for Mom. By the way, thanks for the drinks. Remember, I dont like sweet things", Ren bowed and left. Kumiko held on her chest. "Are you a caffeine? Why do you make my heart beat this fast?!!!", Kumiko talked to herself.

Aimi and Shou took a picture together. "Give me a copy of this, okay?", Aimi requested. Shou just nodded. "I'll be visiting tomorrow. I hope you're already done with your allergy shots", Aimi informed. Shou just nodded and watch Aimi disappear from his sight.

Author's note:

Ooohhh I cant help falling in love with....

Me...

I mean you :)

Thanks for reading this far