Hello! I hope you had a good week and you're ready for a new chapter of Cry of the Flowers! As of now (the day I'm publishing this chapter) I am working on the last chapters of this book! I hope you stay tuned till then!

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“Knock-knock, Rin!” Maiko chimed at Rin’s door. I held a plate of cookies in my hands as I tried to straighten my denim shorts. They kept folding in strange ways and just weren't working that time. I was feeling better after a good night’s rest and we decided to visit Rin to check on her. Akito watched me struggle with slight amusement before he offered, “Here, want some help?”

I blushed at the thought of him even putting his hands on my legs. “Wha?!” Akito took the plate from me gently. “I think you should fix up those shorts.” How embarrassing it was to think in such a weird way. Of course Akito would avoid something awkward like that.

“Um thank you.” I chuckled nervously, straightening my shorts. Suddenly, the door cracked open. Rin’s mom peeked through and opened it wider. “Ah, hello Maiko. I see you’ve brought your brother and your friend...uh,” she put her hand on her chin.

“Ritsuko Akiyama.” I bowed to her. “Oh, yes, yes. Ms. Akiyama. Sorry, new faces and names just happen to slip my mind from time to time.” I smiled at her. “No worries, Mrs. Sakura.”

Mrs. Sakura opened the door wider, “Won't you guys come in?” We a all stepped in as she shut the door behind Akito. “Rin’s been wanting to see you ever since the, um- incident at the performance. She was hoping you all weren't hurt.”

“No, we’re fine, Mrs. Sakura.” Akito nodded. She tilted her head and grinned, “Oh good. Rin is in her room if you want to see her. She's resting herself up so she can get to preparations.”

Maiko leaned forward and chirped, “Thank you.” She then proceeded to lead me and Akito to Rin’s room while Mrs. Sakura went into the living room.

She knocked once and opened the door. “Rin!” She greeted excitedly. Akito and I followed right behind her. Rin was in her bed, clad in a yellow tank top and black leggings under her blankets while her mouth opened.

“Oh my!” She gasped. “How embarrassing it must be seeing me like this.” She pressed her blanket to her chest and blushed. “Ha ha!” Maiko laughed in a sassy voice, “Look at the graceful and hardworking ballerina in bed at day like a slob. Tsk, tsk, tsk.” She clicked her tongue playfully. “Laziness gets you nowhere, Rin.”

Rin barked in agitation, “Hey! Blame my mother for it! She insists I should stay off my feet for a bit. I’m not even hurt, really, I just sprained it a little.”

I sat down on a chair near a bed. “Oh, I was so worried. At least that's all that happened to you, hm?” Rin nodded, “Oh my gosh, I don't know what I would have done if it was any worse. Luckily, I got good reviews from the dance academy. The president and her teacher loved my dancing. They said they’ve never had such a naturally talented dancer like me before and they would be excited to have me go to Akinara to their academy.”

Maiko and I gasped loudly and squealed in delight. Akito smiled, “Congratulations!”

“Ah! I knew this was gonna be your last performance! This is so exciting!” Maiko threw her arms around Rin and laughed joyfully. Rin giggled and hugged her, “I know! I can't wait for it. I’m going to miss everyone a lot though. I don't know what I’ll do without my mom and dad and Hiroshi. Promise me you’ll take care of him while I’m gone.” She requested.

Maiko and I nodded. “And you watch out for him, okay?” Rin pointed at Akito. “Promise me, Akito!” She asserted. Akito rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled, “Yeah, of course.”

Rin clenched her fists and squealed quietly. “Oh, this is the chance of a lifetime for me. You know how long I’ve been working for this? I was saving up all my money to sign up and even audition, but guess what? I don't need it now. Isn't this great?!” She embraced the three of us. “Thank you guys for being so supportive.”

“Hey, anything for the girl that gets me free drinks at her work.” Maiko joked and raised a finger. “Well what happened to those free coffees and cakes at the cafe?” Maiko covered her mouth holding in a laugh, “Yeah, I haven’t been going lately. You’ll have to come by on Saturday when I work. If you have time to stop by with all your dance stuff.”

“Speaking of which, I’m inviting the three of you to my going away party. I’m leaving on Saturday morning so I’m having it on next Thursday night.” Rin mentioned. Maiko and I gasped. “Oh, so soon?!” Rin nodded, “Sadly, yes. They want me to work with them as soon as I can because they're going to be leaving for a tour all around Japan. It’s one of the biggest tours that they do every year and they want me to be in it.”

I cheered, “Oh, that's so exciting, Rin!!” Maiko made a sad puppy face, “Aww, but you're leaving so quickly!” Rin rolled her eyes playfully, “Hey, I’m still going to visit and come back here on my breaks. And I’ll write and email all the time.”

Maiko pointed her index finger at Rin and growled,  “You have to remember to write me, okay?! Never miss one letter or one email!” Rin sweated nervously, “Of course, heh.”

“That’s awesome!” Akito looked down at the plate of cookies and handed them to her, “By the way, Rin, I don't know what's left of these since Maiko kinda crushed them up, but we brought you some cookies.”

Rin’s eyes lit up, “Wow! I haven't had a sweet treat in forever.” She took the plate. “Thanks, guys. You're the best. And you’ll be even better by coming to my goodbye party, right?” Maiko leaned on my chair, “We wouldn’t miss it for the world, right guys?”

“Right!” Akito and I agreed. I tapped my hands on my chair. Rin looked up at us with a concerned expression, “I forgot to ask, how’s everyone at the school? That thing yesterday sounded really serious.”

Maiko nodded, “It was. I’ve never seen people so terrified.” Rin furrowed her eyebrows, “I’m getting worried about this. Hiroshi saw the police on their way and he found out all about it. Ever since, he’s been closed up in his room reading. People aren't realizing exactly what it's doing to the younger students. Even what it's doing to older ones. Was it really bad?”

I looked up, recalling the image of Tadaaki, bloodied up, hung by his neck and stabbed open. “Yes. That student was practically turned inside out. He didn't even look like himself.” Rin covered her mouth with both hands. “You were the first one to see it, right?” I nodded slowly, “With Alexandra.”

“One of the twins?” I hummed in response. “Oh my gosh. And I thought the sabotage at the dance performance was horrible. And seeing all these people changed by these things, I don't know when they’ll stop. Who would do things like this?”

“We don't know. We do hope it gets better, though.” Rin smiled at us, “Don't worry, it will.” I couldn't help but smile back. At least she had a bit of hope that it would get better. Slowly, I was gradually losing hope that I’d be able to do this. I couldn't let them get away with this. But what if this didn't have to do with their curse and the cursed killer was just after blood? No one except Akito and Maiko knew what I actually was, but what if that shadow whispered that I was next because they knew something about me?

It was no use. No matter what I did or thought of, it all came back to me. I couldn't stand the thought of me being responsible for another murder. Akito noticed I was a little more gloomy than before after we left. I could tell by the way he talked to me. When we got to the apartments, Maiko went into her kitchen to probably cook or bake something new.

Akito knocked on my door unexpectedly when I was in the middle of a meditation. No visions were coming to me, which worried me since I was trying to reach into one that could lead me to some sort of conclusion. I needed a sign.

Gasping, I stood up looked at the door. Akito knew I had special powers now so I just raised my hand and turned it to twist the knob on the door feet away from me. The door opened and I put my hand down. I blew the candles around me out and stepped out of the circle.

“Um, hi.” Akito greeted awkwardly. I smiled, “Hi.” Wrapping my arms around myself, I glanced down at my robe. “I’m sorry, you probably shouldn't see me in this.”

Akito added, “I actually think you look pretty in it.” I blushed, hiding my face in the sleeves of my robe. “Thank you.” I chuckled. “Sorry for coming in like this. I didn't know you were doing,” he paused and gestured at the ritual circle. I telekinetically picked the flowers up and put them in the basket. “No, it’s kind of my fault for letting you in. Not that I think you should leave, I mean, I opened the door for you.”

Akito stared at me and chuckled, “Ritsuko, you're funny.”

“Funny?” I blushed.

“Yeah.” Akito nodded. “I like that about you.” I found myself grinning at what he said. Why couldn't I just play it cool? I always acted the a exact opposite of what I wanted. I acted so different.

I excused myself to change quickly, thinking of what to say when I went back out there. What did Akito come for anyway?

I stepped out the door, wearing a casual outfit and brushing my hair. “So what did you come by for?” Akito raised an eyebrow, “What? Am I not allowed to visit my friend whenever I want?” I shook my head furiously and stammered, “Um, no, you are.  You're welcome anytime, Akito.”

“Well that's good to know.” He sat down in front of me and pulled a chair up next to him. I took the seat as he began, “You looked kind of off today. Is everything okay?”

I shook my head, “Not really.” He leaned back and stared at nothing, “I thought so. You wanna talk about it?” my head shook again. “No, it’s okay. I don't want to stress you out even more when we all have our own worries.”

“No, I want to hear what you have to say. You're at the center of this, after all. You must have a lot on your mind.” I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could Akito want to hear about me? All I was gonna do was vent all the concern and fear in my mind. That's all my brain was filled with.

Suddenly, without warning, Akito started stroking my hair. My body stiffened up, my cheeks were warm. I looked down for a second and looked at him curiously. I didn't want him to stop, but I was a little taken aback by what he did. His fingers separated little parts of my hair apart as he stroked down. It felt soothing.

Akito noticed my expression and pulled his hand back. “Sorry, you had something in your hair.” He looked a little embarrassed now. I could tell by how he shrugged his shoulders. I blushed and titled my head to the side, “Well then, thank you. But I don't want to talk about it. It’s alright.”

He looked at me suspiciously as if not believing me. “I’m serious. I’m fine.” I leaned toward him. Akito chuckled in disbelief, “No you're not.”

I sighed, “When I’m ready to talk, I’ll tell you. But you don't need to worry about me.” Deep down, I knew I was lying to me and him. I wanted to tell him every little concern, but I didn't want to use him like that.

Akito gave me a small grin, “Okay then. I just don't want you to-”

“Be worried?” I questioned, shifting my weight on my chair. “I know.” He snickered and looked at me, “Hey, if you want, maybe tomorrow we could go take some pictures or something.”

“Of possible proof?!” I asked. Akito shook his head and laughed, “No, not that. Just to relax for a bit. Too much stress is bad for you, you need a rest from that even if it's for a while. I’m going out early tomorrow after I finish cleaning the empty apartments and do my other chores. You can join me and we can, I don't know, try to get some good pictures. Unless, of course, you want to go somewhere else, I mean, I could just take photos by myself anytime.” He stroked his hair back.

It would be nice to spend time with him. “No, it’s okay. I’d love to see the photographer in action. I’ll be there.” Akito’s smile got even bigger. “Really?”

“Really.” I answered. “Well, great! Take care of yourself tonight, eh?” He nudged me. I bit my lip and blushed.

“Okay, I’ll see you. Don't stay up all night worrying.” He joked as he gave me a quick hug. I froze up, losing my ability to speak. He hugged me!

Before I even noticed, Akito was gone and I was alone again. The thing was, I didn't feel alone. Knowing my friends were there for me through this just made everything seem better.

But knowing that they could die because of me almost made me regret this. I never felt so unsure of myself in my life until then. And Akito, I would never forgive myself if I got him hurt. He mattered a lot more than a crush now. He was my friend, and I couldn't get him in danger. I needed to protect him along with Maiko. Even if it meant me having to get hurt.

I chuckled at the foolish thought that maybe he would feel the same I did. He couldn't. My mind always told me so. It could never happen. Even now that he knows what I am, he still couldn't feel like that. To him, I’m just a friend.

To me, though, he was almost my everything. When did I start feeling that way? I never recall when exactly I had stronger feelings for him, but it didn't matter to me.

“What I am.” I said aloud, raising my hand in front of my face. I knew very clearly what I was, and even if I wanted to change it, I couldn't.

Then the only choice was to protect him and heal the cursed ones.

I have to admit, I was really excited and nervous to go with Akito. There was no talk about Maiko going so it was probably just going to be me and him.

For the first time ever, I had no idea what to wear that day. We were going to take some pictures near the forest, so nothing fancy, but I didn't want to wear anything too plain.

Maiko came in unexpectedly while I was only wearing my undergarments. “Aah!!” I fell onto my back when she barged into my room. “Hey, Ritsuko!!”

“Maiko! Don't do things like that, I almost had a heart attack.” Maiko picked me up, “Ah, look at you, you're not even dressed.”

I covered myself up with my arms, “That's why!” Maiko put her hand on her chin and examined me. “Maiko, please!” I squealed, covering myself tighter. Without saying anything, Maiko opened my drawers and questioned, “Do you have anything sleeveless or strapless?” My eyes widened, “Hardly. Only two dresses and perhaps a few blouses. They're too garish for a simple outing. ”

She hummed in response and pulled out a bright red and black striped blouse with a bow on the shoulder. She then gave it to me and took a pair of black shorts. I put the blouse on and thought it looked nice. Maiko handed me the shorts and looked into my small closet

“Perfect!” she winked and pulled my feet. “Just one more thing!” I shouted, “Ah, Maiko, you're gonna make me fall!” I said trying to balance on one foot while she slipped a black flat on the other. “Well Akito’s almost done mopping the floor at the entrance.

I gasped, “Really?” I took my foot out of her grasp and accidentally kicked her. “Ow!” She exclaimed. “Heh, sorry.” I smiled nervously. Maiko stood up and asked, “Okay, are you ready for your date?”

Why did she keep saying it was a date? “Ugh, it’s not a date!” I said in a flustered voice. “Really? Well then you’d be surprised about what Akito says about you.” Maiko said matter-of-factly.

I looked up and squeaked, “What he said about me?” Maiko still had her eyes closed with the know-it-all look on her face. “Yep. He’s always talking about you. You would be pretty shocked to hear him.”

Ugh, why did Maiko have to do that? She immediately hooked me on what Akito said about me. It made me so curious, I almost couldn't take it. “Why, what did he say?!” I asked desperately.

“Ah, no matter right now.”

“Huh?!!!” I screeched.

“You’ve gotta get downstairs before Akito thinks you stood him up.” I checked the clock and gasped, “You're right!” I ran out the door and called, “Thanks Maiko, please close my door!” as I ran past Ms. Ikeda, my apartment neighbor and greeted her.

This was gonna be nerve wracking and exciting.

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Ooh, a romantic date? Well, according to Maiko it is! But will all go as expected, or will there be a few minor unexpected twists? We'll see! Thank you for reading, please share, comment, and vote!