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The wind blew in her hair softly as she stared across the ocean. She loved the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks on the beach. It was calming. But today, she couldn't find it pleasant.
Akane clenched her fists as she tried to not cry. She wished she could reverse time so it wouldn't have to be today, the day Nine and Twelve would leave for a suicidal mission. No matter how many times she protested against it, they would never change their minds. Those two boys were family to her when she was all alone. How could she let them go?
Akane jumped in her seat when she felt a hand placed on her shoulder. She looked up to see it was Twelve, who had a smile. She couldn't stare at his face any longer, as it was too painful for her. Akane then turned back to the ocean.
"It's almost five o'clock," Twelve said.
A long heavily sigh fell from her mouth. Don't cry. Please don't cry, she chanted to herself.
"I know."
The brown-haired boy took a seat next to her and stared at the view too. Twelve wouldn't dare to leave Akane alone due to her situation, but Nine said they had to cut ties with everyone close to them.
"I've brought you something, Akane-chan," he said as he pulled out a stuffed toy from behind his back, which he has been hiding this whole time.
Akane let out a small laugh as she looked at the teddy bear, but she couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes.
Twelve held its head, "Hello, I'm Aiko. It's nice to meet you." He said in a cute voice.
When he saw a smile on her face, Twelve gave the bear to her. Akane hugged it tightly. "Thanks, Twelve."
A voice called out from behind them, "The car is ready." It was Nine.
A sad look flashed on Twelve's face as he heard those words. He glanced back at Akane and gave her a tight hug, which surprised her. "I'm going to miss you."
She wrapped her arms around him. "Me too." And tears flowed down from her eyes.
They stayed there for a few seconds before Twelve pulled away and headed to the car. He wanted to let Nine have his time with Akane as he knew of the black-haired boy's feelings for her. He felt bad for the both of them.
Even though Nine didn't look at her, he knew she was crying.
"You can't stay for one more day, can you?" Akane asked as she stood up from the bench and wiped her tears, looking away from him.
"We can't risk it," he replied.
She mentally sighed. It was the same answer. She knew she couldn't change his mind but she at least wanted to try.
Akane finally built up the courage to look at him. He wasn't wearing a blank face as usual. Instead, a small sad smile formed on his lips. His hands were placed inside his pockets. Handsome as always, she thought.
Nine slowly walked towards her. This was his last chance. All those feelings bottled up inside him when he was around her, was finally released.
Akane stood still in her spot, confused and wondering on his next move. When he was a few inches away from her, he stopped. Her heart was racing and she closed her eyes.
"It will be painful," He warned as he brushed hair through his fingers. Nine knew Akane liked him back from the start. With all the long glances to the red blushes on her face whenever he would compliment her, it was obvious for him.
"Just do it," she whispered.
Nine leaned forward and let his lips touch hers, his hands placed on her hips. As clichè as it sounds, she felt fireworks exploding inside of her. The kiss was slow, but there was longing. She wrapped her arms around him tightly as tears ran down from her face. Akane never wanted to let him go, but she had to.
Nine was the first to pull away. His forehead pressed against hers. "I have to go."
And he didn't wait for her response. He held onto her hand before walking away. Nine didn't look back as he headed towards the car. He had to.
Watching him leave was the hardest thing for her. Once he was out of sight, Akane broke down, silently crying.
She loved him so much, but she couldn't tell him. Nine was right, it was painful.
