Butterfly Effect

#13: How We Trust

Seri skipped around the corridor and happily anticipate to see Aimi inside her room. She was startled that she didnt. She came across with Mayu. "I knew you already learn from before. Stop making friends with other people who's not part of our circle", Seri warned. "You know what, you really look pitiful right now. Whatever happened in the past wont happen now", Mayu raised her chin and passed through Seri. "Really? Let's see. You know that I really love you guys. I wont let anything infect you", Seri held Mayu's hand. "Was I wrong when I did that?", Seri asked Mayu. Mayu gently removed her grip then left.

Aimi entered the classroom and saw Hayato doing the same thing. "Kisaki-kun. You're always this early?", Aimi laughed. "Saotome-chan, I'll meet you after class. Can I be the one to tell where?", Hayato asked. "Just dont kidnap me", Aimi nodded.  "And you are still in the mood of joking", Hayato sighed. Aimi walked at the canteen with eyes dropping a disappointed look on her.

Social Climber.

User.

Leech.

Ambitions.

Friend?

Aimi gulped and went to buy her food. She was tripped by a student making her fall flat on her face. She stayed like that for a while. "Stand up", a voice reached her. She looked up and saw Ren with his hand crossed. "Arent you going to offer a hand?", Aimi pouted. "Those who have feet can stand on their own", he answered. Aimi stood up and shook of the dirt from her uniform. Ren passed through her. The rest of the students murmured. Aimi finished eating and went at the library. He saw Hideki reading near the window. She hesitantly walked towards him. "Can I sit here?", Aimi asked. "Do you really not know them before you engaged in being friends with them?", Hideki asked. "I see. The rumor also reached the higher years", Aimi scratched her nape. "Tanaka Ren, grandson of the control system of Multination Businesses. Takuma Shou, Son of Blue's president. Kisaki Hayato and Kisaki Mayu, children of a known branch company here in Japan. Takuma Kumiko, their cousin which also owns resort in Yaeyama", Hideki pointed out. "You're quite knowledgeable, Senpai", Aimi said in a low voice. "That's what I get from reading. Most students just knew that they are bunch of rich kids who were bored with living in the extremes that's why they studied in a school such as this", Hideki added. "Kisaki-kun said he wanted to be friends with you but I guess you turned him down", Aimi remembered. "I want a peaceful life and if you also do, stay away from them", Hideki adviced.

Class ended. Aimi received a message from Hayato.

See you at the sea park.

Aimi arrived at the entrance and saw Hayato waiting. "Aquarium?", Aimi twitched her eyes and walked towards Hayato. "Why chose to talk here?", Aimi asked. "This is Mayu's first date", Hayato informed. "You shouldnt give her secrets like that. She'll probably stab you a hundred times", Aimi hushed him. "It was her first and last one", Hayato continued. They entered and watched the sea creatures. "Why are you telling that to me?", Aimi asked. "Two years ago, Mayu met a guy named Haru. He's quite older than anyone of us. Since Mayu met her during a math exhibit, they shared the same experience. That Haru guy also captured our feelings", Hayato smiled as he narrates. "We went having holidays together. We also played basketball and had competition over sports. We later knew that he was also dating Mayu that time. Of course, we teased them", Hayato held on his chest. "Until that day when we all felt...betrayed", Hayato looked at Aimi. "Mind if you continue the story?", Aimi asked.

Flashback... 2 years ago

Hayato, Ren, and Shou are playing games of the general when Seri entered Shou's room. "Who is this guy?", Seri asked. "He's our friend. Inawa Haru", Hayato introduced. "Inawa, I dont recall any business partner with that kind of name. Where does your father work?", Seri asked. Haru looked down and wasnt able to answer. "Harada-san, can you just leave. We're having fun here", Shou said in a bored tone. "Tch. Where are the girls?", Seri asked. "They're probably at our house", Hayato informed.

Seri went to check on Kumiko and Mayu who are busy baking a cake. "Is it someone's birthday?", Seri asked as she walked towards the kitchen. "It's Haru's birthday. Mayu's boyfriend", Kumiko elbowed Mayu. "Boyfriend? Really? Where did you meet him?", Seri asked. "He's the winner of the math exhibit we just had last year", Mayu answered. "And his parents?", Seri asked. "That doesnt matter", Mayu designed the cake. "Why doesnt it matter?", Seri digged in. "He's a son of a fishermen in the country side. He's actually self supporting. You see, he has 3 part time jobs and can still find time for us", Mayu said proudly. Seri nodded and clenched her fist.

Seri found out that Haru is working as a librarian at the public library. She sat in front of him. Seri dropped an envelop in front of Haru. "What is this, Ma'am?", Haru asked. "Open it", Seri looked at him. Haru did what was asked and saw a pile of money. "We dont accept bribery here. Is there any book you want to borrow?", Haru asked. "Why are you sticking your nose with them? Are you actually thinking that you can drain their money out? Does being Mayu's boyfriend give you popularity?", Seri crossed her arms. "Who are you?", Haru asked. "I am their older sister and if you continue to harm them. I have no choice but to cut your ties with them", Seri raised her voice. "We're at the library", Haru hushed her. "If you really is their sister... why do you doubt their decision to make me their friends? Are you really... connected with them?", Haru challenged. "Answer my question", Seri glared at him. "I thought being close to them will also make me feel better. People like them who are rich and born rich. Its such a hateful feeling for me but I held unto that feeling. I felt good being praised by people because I am with bunch of rich people. I took advantage of them.... but, as I get to know them more, I finally respected who they are. That's when I decided to be real friends with them. I dont want their pity and the like. All I ever wanted is for them to see me as a friend. And with Mayu, I know believed that love at first sight really happens", Haru explained. "I see your concern for them. Dont worry, I wont soil our friendship", Haru smiled. Seri left with such irritation inside her. Then, she had a sly smile and closed the recorder she had a while ago.

Haru entered Shou's condominium and was blocked by someone at the same age as him. Ichirou gave him a solid punch on the face. "How dare you play with Mayu's feeling!!!", Ichirou scolded him. "Ichirou-san. I dont know what you are talking about", Haru bowed his head. Ichirou played a track on his phone.

"I thought being close to them will also make me feel better. People like them who are rich and born rich. Its such a hateful feeling for me but I held unto that feeling. I took advantage of them".

"You're wrong. I said something after that", Haru tried to explain. "You know what, people who deny so much are the ones really convicted of the sin", Ichirou pinned him on the wall. "Plus, you also accepted the money from Harada", Ichirou dropped a death glare on him. "I didnt accept anything. Please listen to me", Haru begged. "Harada always took care of us. She wards of those that tries to use us for their personal needs", Ichirou explained. "Its not impossible for you to even do that", Ichirou added. Mayu walked out and saw Haru. She averted her eyes and left. "Mayu, let me explain", Haru tried to grab on her hands. Shou and Ren blocked the way. "How could you do this to us? You said we are friends", Shou looked at him with disdain. "Apologize", Ren crossed his arms. "Apologize? Apologize for what?", Haru asked. Ichirou grabbed on his collar. "Apologize saying that you were our friend. We shouldnt have met someone like you", Ichirou bit his lips. 

Months went by and Haru was removed from all his part time jobs since he's been performing bad. He spent his time trying to reach out the group but all they did was to shun him away. He was their first friend who they trusted and cherished so much. Its true, the thing that you love the most are the very thing that will hurt you the most.

July 20, 2019

University student found by the river, trying to commit a suicide. He was found by a passerby and brought him to the hospital. Student survives the incident.

Mayu read the news and knew it was Haru since he didnt came knocking on their door that week. She sneaked out and went at the hospital. She entered the room and saw Haru blankly staring outside the window. "Did you do that to earn our sympathy?", Mayu clenched her fists. Haru just looked at her and tears fell down. "Sorry Mayu, that you met such a terrible person like me", Haru covered his face with the blanket.

Author's note:
TO be continued...