The Coming of Spring

Love

        The rest of the trip went by fast. Like really fast.

  Before they knew it, it was the last day. Souvenir time.

           Okita left the group as she wandered off into a coffee shop. "Welcome! What would you like?" The waiter asked while Okita looked at the menu. "Can I have a Houjicha tea please?" "Sure thing." He left. Okita looked down at her denim skirt and white long sleeve blouse. She had already purchased a key chain for Jin when she visited her during the break. And she got one for herself, of course. 

      After the shop, it was time to head back to the hotel for departure. She took the alley for a shortcut. But ran into an older teenager who smoked. Super suspicious. Okita hurried past him but it was no use. "Hey." Okita didn't stop. "I said hey." 

      He grabbed onto her wrist making her jolt back. "What?" He looked down into her eyes. "Can I ask you a favor?" Okita's heart skipped a beat. "No-" His hand landed on her cheek. He squeezed them as she flinched. "Are you sure?" She bit down on his hand. "I don't want anything to do with this!" Okita tried to squirm free. But his grip tightened. "You little bitch." He slammed her against the wall. Okita flinched as she stumbled a little. 

            He threw an arm next to her face. He took out a knife. "If you don't listen to what I have to say, then listen to this!" He threatened as he sharpened the knife.He put it up against her neck. Making a big cut. Okita felt burning over her shoulders and her eyes burned as well. The tears swelled.  Okita looked down at her shoes. Should I run? The others will get worried if I don't show up. 

         She was about to make a run for it, when a figure farther into the alley called out to the jerk. "Hey you! Leave her alone!" "What?" The figure stepped up closer to the jerk. He looked over at the victim and their bleeding neck. "Okita-chan?" Kenjiro asked. She sniffled. "Oh? You know this ho?" "She's not a ho!" Kenjiro spat. Right then, Angela, Sawa, and Nakama showed up. "Okita!" Angela yelled. 

        "Come one step closer and your friend dies!" He puts Okita between his arms. Placing  a knife to her bloody neck. "You bastard!" Kenjiro yells. Nakama brings out his phone and dials the police. 

        "Let her go!" Sawa spat.Okita choked as she attempted escape. Finally, she stepped on his foot hard enough for him to let go. Great timing. She ran away, as the police entered the alley their guns pointing at the punk. "You bitch!" He yelled at Okita, making her flinch. She collided into Kenjiro's arms. He hugged her as she cried into his shirt. Her eyes blurring from tears. Her neck giving out blood. Angela wrapped her arms around her. So did Sawa, and Nakama.

         The police arrested him. The ER came and wrapped a bandage around her neck. "Okita? Are you okay?" Kenjiro didn't let go of her. "Ye-yeah." Okita sniffled. He finally let go, his eyes piercing through hers with worry. Okita flushed. When everyone was packing up to leave, Kenjiro still looked down at the petite girl. "I'm glad you're okay." Okita smiled. I think I should tell him my real feelings... 

    "Kenjiro-kun..." Okita sniffled. "What?" He replied anxious. "I-I think I like you..." Okita looked into his eyes. His eyes widening. Then relaxing. "I'm glad you do." He wrapped her in a hug again. Did I just tell him I like him..? Okita cried into his shoulder. He pushed back, "I hope this reaches you." Placing his lips on hers.Okita's heart pounded in her throat. Okita's eyes widened also, at the sudden budge. But soon, she closed her eyes and returned it with her own. They let go, both of their faces burning red under the sun as it's rays filled the alley. 

       It reached her. And it stayed there, Forever. Okita felt a tinkle of this funny feeling in her heart. I love you, Kenjiro-kun...