Chapter Seven

"Can I sit with you?"

Kiyoshi Teppei, the guy whom my adorable boyfriend had inflected so much evilness, was standing right in front of me, giving off an overwhelming aura of friendliness. His eyes were gentle and his smile was really heartwarming. I couldn't help but notice that his personality was contradictory to his giant body. I've seen him play, and he was really strong and tough. I had never thought that he was this dopey.

I simply nodded my head and forced myself to give him a closed-lip smile. "Yeah, sure."

"I'm glad we met again," he set his tray down the table and slid down to the seat in front of me. "I'm really sorry for what happened the other day."

I shook my head, secretly irked with his stare. "Let's forget about it. It's okay."

"By the way, I'm Kiyoshi Teppei." He introduced, that stupid smile even larger than before.

For a minute, I was hesitant to admit that I knew him. But then again, what's the point in pretending that I didn't? It's not like I would gain something from it. "I know you, you're an Uncrowned King. The Iron Heart and Seiren's center."

His face turned slightly pink, he scratched his cheek then laughed softly. "Really? I'm so happy that you know me."

I raised a confused brow, "Why would you?"

"A-Ah, because.." He stuttered, looking a little bit guilty and nervous and redder. And I swear, he was really starting to weird me out even more. "N-Nothing. So, what's your name? You're attending Kirisaki Dai Ichi, right?"

"Yes, I do. I'm Harashi Nadeshiko." I answered casually, trying to divert my attention away from him by trying to finish up my grub in front of me. Note the keyword there: Try. Because I was becoming so self-conscious. I could feel his stare, he was watching my every move, and it was incredibly awkward. "Is there a problem?"

"I just can't help but notice your discomfort, am I bothering you or something?" He asked worriedly, eyeing me thoughtfully.

I shook my head, "No. It's not your fault." I sighed and looked at him straight in the eyes. "Our basketball team hurt and injured you, they're my friends so it's just a little awkward sitting here with you."

He blinked owlishly, "And so? Their mistake is not yours."

"Hanamiya Makoto is my boyfriend."

At that, he froze. Then I saw a glint of sadness and disappointment flashed through his eyes. It even took him a whole good minute to speak. "Ah sou.." He showed me a faint smile, "It's true that what they did is not right, but you're not part of it, Nadeshiko-chan. So just let loose, I really want to be your friend."

I was flabbergasted, really. The guy deserved a big round of applause for his exceptional kindness. Calling what my friends did to him "not right" was totally forgiving, hell, what they did was "beyond grievous." Purely evil!

"O-Okay, if you say so."

"So we're friends now?" He asked with a smile.

I returned his smile and nodded my head, "Sure."

Later on, I finally learned how to relax in his company. He was a nice guy and despite his weirdness, he was fun to talk to. It was so nice talking to someone as funny as he is. He tends to sprout jokes that are really lame, but I couldn't help but laugh at them. And what's worse was that I didn't know why I was so comfortable with him.

We even stayed there in that table longer than necessary for people who ordered a rather small meal. For hours, I forgot that I was having a little trouble with my love life. Just talking to him, joking, and laughing together like we've known each other since forever--it was something that I'd never forget for the rest of my life.

I found a new friend in Kiyoshi Teppei.

***

--
Kiyoshi Teppei sent you a friend request.

Accept   Ignore

--

That's what I saw when I logged in to my Facebook account. Smiling to myself, I pressed accept and viewed his page. He was not the type who would post random pictures of himself on his wall, his profile picture was even a group picture of him and the rest of the Seiren basketball team. After minutes of scrolling down through his page, I left and settled on my own. When there was a knock on my door, I left my computer then opened the door. It was my Mom, carrying a basket of little pink flowers decorated with a red ribbon. They were Nadeshiko flowers!

She handed me the basket with a smile, "Hanamiya-kun's driver delivered these for you."

"R-Really?" Still surprised, I took the basket from her hands. "Just now?"

"Yes. He said Hanamiya-kun's not feeling well so he brought that for you in his Master's stead."

I nearly gasped, "What? Makoto's sick?"

How come I didn't know? How come nobody told me? He was even there to watch our game. He looked fine, he even congratulated me. Just what exactly happened to him?

"That's what he said. Your boyfriend is such a sweet boy." She giggled softly, pleased with Hanamiya's sweet gestures. "I like him."

I forced a smile on my lips, "Y-Yeah, he is. Thanks, Mom."

After she was gone, I closed the door and read what's written on the little card that was in the basket together with the sweet little flowers. My heart immediately raced.

I'm so proud of you, Nadeshiko. You were amazing in your game this afternoon. I have so much to say to you, I want to hug and kiss you, but I know I can't. I am keeping my distance because I'm afraid I might upset you even more. However, I'll admit that I'm barely hanging on. I am miserable without you, Nadeshiko. I already miss you so much, please stop this.
Makoto

Guilt flooded through me, I choked back a sob before bringing the basket of Nadeshiko flowers to my chest. It was hard, really hard. I was missing him so much too---so so much! But until he promise me that he'd change himself for the better, I really couldn't promise that everything would be back to the way it used to be. I was doing it because I love him. He wasn't the only one that's hurting, I was too.

I set the basket down to my desk then went back to my computer. I decided to stalk Hanamiya's profile, I needed to know if he really was sick. It's true that I blocked him on my account, but it doesn't mean that I couldn't view his.

His profile picture was still the photo of us together, I was laughing and he was kissing my cheek. It was Kojiro who managed to take the photo using his phone. But my eyes widened when I saw what he posted just about half an hour ago.

--
Hanamiya Makoto is feeling sick

Without your smile, my day is incomplete. Please stop ignoring me.
29 minutes ago

     Kojiro Furuhashi:  :(

     Kentaro Seto:  </3

     Kazuya Hara: ...

     Hiroshi Yamazaki: LOL. Screen capture.

     5 likes

     Hanamiya Makoto: You assholes! I'll quadruple your training menu!

     67 likes

     Kazuya Hara: Damn! I didn't even say anything!

     3 likes

     Hiroshi Yamazaki: Fuck!

     Kojiro Furuhashi: Tch.

     Kentaro Seto: You're not serious!

     Hanamiya Makoto: I am! You'll see tomorrow!

     51 likes

--

I sweatdropped, almost smiling. I guessed I worried too much, he seemed to be just fine.

Sighing, I left his page then checked my notifications. Something caught my eyes. Kiyoshi Teppei posted on your wall. I clicked it and read what he posted, then eventually writing a comment under the post.

--
Kiyoshi Teppei

Hi, Nadeshiko-chan! :)
6 minutes ago

     Harashi Nedeshiko: Hello, Teppei-kun! :)

     Kiyoshi Teppei: Had fun talking to you. Thank you for the time. Hehe

     Harashi Nadeshiko: Haha. I had fun too. Thanks.

     Kiyoshi Teppei: I'll treat you next time.

     Harashi Nadeshiko: Next time?

     Kiyoshi Teppei: Yeah. Next time :)

     Kazuya Hara: wtf?

     Kazuya Hara: What is the meaning of this??

     3 likes

     Hiroshi Yamazaki: LOL. Screen Capture.

     3 likes

     Harashi Nadeshiko: Hiroshi Yamazaki Go to hell!

     Kiyoshi Teppei:  :)

     Harashi Nadeshiko: Kazuya Hara What?

     Kojiro Furuhashi: Jawdropped.

     3 likes

     Kazuya Hara: EXPLAIN!

     3 likes

     Harashi Nadeshiko: There's nothing to explain.

     1 like

     Kentaro Seto: Stop this ruckus at once. Hanamiya's reading everything.

--

And I did, I stopped typing. I froze, like a deer caught in the headlights. My fingers started to tremble. How could Hanamiya read everything? How? I already blocked him.

Oh yeah, shit!

He's a genius. He must've found a way to still know my whereabouts.

It's bad. He would get jealous. That's how he is. If he didn't even know that Hara is my bestfriend, he would have kicked his butt a long time ago every time he would come closer to me. A TRIVIA: Hanamiya Makoto is possesive, obssessive, and protective of what's his. That's his best and worst trait at the same time.

But hey, it's not like I was doing something wrong. We were not doing anything inappropriate, we were just talking. Kiyoshi's just a friend.

This is so shit!

I ran towards my bed, not even caring to close or turn off the computer. Why was I even feeling guilty? I wasn't cheating on him. And I would never.

Ah yeah, I was feeling this way because I knew he might have been upset already. I love him and I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to doubt me, I didn't want him to think that I was happy with what I was doing---avoiding him and all was hard for me too. It's his fault that we were in this situation. He's just too stubborn, conceited, and being just his usual self:

A despicable guy.

THE NEXT MORNING.

It was freaking annoying and painful!

I was vomiting my life out in the toilet bowl. The feel of bile rising to my throat exactly after I had just woken up, and I couldn't hold it back anymore. The sickness had been with me for days already but that morning, it was worse, forcing me to regurgirate all the contents in my stomach back out.

It was a pain.

I tried heaving all the toxic-feeling away, but more of the feeling kept on coming. No matter how much I tried pushing the contents out, it wouldn't come out.

"Damn!" I cussed, almost gasping for air. I stood up, went to the sink and filled an empty glass with water. Then I immediately gurgled my mouth, hoping that it would help me ease the feel of puking again. My throat went dry immediately after that.

I felt like collapsing on the tiled floor, I felt awful. I stormed out of my bathroom then immediately plopped myself down to my bed, not in the mood to do anything, not even going to school. Then my door opened, revealing my beautiful older sister already in her uniform.

"Not prepared yet? You're gonna be late for school." She reminded me, sitting on the edge of my bed. "You look bad. Are you okay?"

I showed her a small smile, "I ate something nasty last night and my stomach's aching now, I just want to rest for today."

A worried frown formed on her forehead, "Isn't that bad? Should we get a doctor?"

"No, I'll be fine. I'll take some medicine later."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I promise."

She eyed me carefully before letting out a sigh, "Okay. I'll just tell Mom and Dad you're not feeling quite well."

After she got out and closed the door, I immediately heaved a sigh and closed my eyes. What is this? What was really happening to me? It was getting worse and worse. Damn! I wish it would just stop, I already had enough problems to think at the moment and I didn't want that sneaky illness to add up.

***

I slept for twelve hours. I couldn't believe how terribly hungry I was when I woke up. Mom and Dad has yet to arrive from work and my sister was late---as always.

Slipping on a pair of jeans and white blouse, I headed out to eat in some fastfood restaurant. Although there was only one place I had in mind: Maji Burger.

I sat on my usual table, holding my tray of food on both hands. I didn't waste a minute and started eating immediately. Halfway finishing up my food, a familiar figure towered in front of me. I looked up and was greeted by the same silly smile I would always find so heartwarming.

Kiyoshi Teppei.

"Hey," I greeted, although it didn't sound like much of a greeting.

"I didn't expect to find you here, Nadeshiko-chan." He sat on the seat in front of me and placed his tray down to the table, "It's already pretty late."

"Yeah. I got hungry and I didn't want to eat at home."

"Eating fast foods is not really healthy, you know." He lectured, brows almost meeting each other.

I chuckled, "And yet you're always here."

"My body is healthy enough, you're different. You even look sick right now, are you okay?" He sounded so worried while his eyes scanned every detail of my face.

Hey now, do I really look horrible?

"I guess I was sick, but I'm okay now." I assured him.

"You don't seem like it. Do you have a problem? You can tell me, maybe I can help you." He offered sincerely, giving me a smile.

I knew I shouldn't take his offer. I knew we're friends but I barely know the guy, my boyfriend and him were not even in good terms too. And yet there I was, sprouting everything to him---my love life problems, my complaints, and all about Hanamiya's sweet little acts to make up for his mistakes. Kiyoshi just sat there in front of me, listening to my rants and sentiments quietly.

"You're horrible," were the first two words he spoke after I finished my storytelling. "I don't even know where to start, Nadeshiko-chan."

I looked at him flabbergastedly, "W-What?"

His face went dead serious, very serious. "I know he's an unpleasant basketball player and he did some cruel things to other people through his foul play, but that doesn't mean he deserves any of what you're doing right now. I think he really loves you, he doesn't want to lose you. You are right about what you're trying to fight, but you're doing it the wrong way. You need to make him understand your point in the easiest way possible--through talking. Stop avoiding him like this, you're just making everything worse. You're just inflicting more pain to him and to yourself as well. So you should really give him a chance, Nadeshiko-chan."

Okay, I was speechless. I never expected him to say such words, words that were starting to make sense to me now. I was expecting him to say something that goes with:

Yeah, you did the right thing. You should really ditch him, he's an asshole anyway.

Right? After all, Hanamiya injured him and by now he should be holding a great amount of grudge and ill-feeling. But no. Nothing. He doesn't hate my boyfriend at all. He was even defending him in front of my face.

I gave him a closed-eye smile, "I guess you're right, Teppei-kun. I really should fix this, I should apologize to him, and talk to him thoroughly about this."

Unexpectedly, he patted my head with that large hand of his. "I'm glad you understand now, Nadeshiko-chan."

I chuckled, but then gasped when Hanamiya Makoto entered my line of view. He was walking over to us with long strides, anger was written all over his face. Everything about him screamed danger at the moment. Then he stood just in front of our table, shoved Kiyoshi's hand that was on my head, and glowered at him. The brunette turned to him, surprised upon his sudden entree and of his rude action.

"Don't touch her!" He screeched then grabbed my hand and pulled me up, closer to him. "Let's go!"

"W-Wait," I tried yanking my hand away but it was no use. We were making a scene and it was embarrassing to the costumers around.

Kiyoshi stood up too, "Hanamiya, it's---" A strong punch landed on his face that caused him to fall into the chairs with a sickening sound of metals crashing, people gasping and talking. Kiyoshi immediately wiped the blood on the side of his mouth and struggled to pull himself up.

I gasped, "Teppei-kun!" I attempted to help my friend but Hanamiya already dragged me away while muttering incoherent curses. "Makoto! Let me go!" But he remained deaf and dumb of my pleas and struggles. That steel, furious expression never once leaving his face.

***

He brought me to an empty street basketball court and the moment he let go of my hand, I glowered at him. "What is your damn problem?! Why did you hit him?! He didn't do anything wrong!"

"What's my problem?!" He hissed, "Last night you were flirting with that stupid guy in Facebook and I had to restrain myself from breaking my damn computer! You didn't come to school today and I don't even know why! Your sister called me all of a sudden saying that you were missing and that you were not feeling well! I was very worried and went out looking for you! Then I found you dating and smiling with that airheaded of a guy?! And you ask me now what's my problem?! Fuck it, Nadeshiko!!" At that point, tears welled up in his eyes. Then in a shaky, helplessly fragile voice he continued. "Just how much more do you want me to get hurt before you're satisfied?"

I was taken aback when I saw those pearl-like tears streamed down to his cheeks. My vision blurred and I tried to gather all of my thoughts, "I-I'm sorry, Makoto. Believe me, I didn't want to hurt you. Kiyoshi and I are just friends, you're misunderstanding everything."

"You don't know how much it hurts when you ignore me but smile in front of other people, when you talk to them but won't even look at me, when YOU SHUT ME OUT OF YOUR LIFE BUT LET OTHER PEOPLE IN!" He ran a hand down his face, then his hand stopped right on his mouth as if trying to prevent his sobs from coming out. His shoulders were shaking and he looked so lost. "I know I'm a jerk, Nadeshiko. But I truly love you." He slowly wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest, "I love you so much."

That's only when I felt his hot temperature. He was burning! He was really sick. "Oh My God, Makoto! You're sick!" Worry immediately filled me up, he was really not well and yet he still went out to look for me. I couldn't stop myself from tearing up.

It was all my fault!

"I knew from the very beginning that I'm the kind of guy who doesn't deserve you. The first time I saw you, my heart trembled. I couldn't take my eyes off of you and I knew I had to make you mine. So I gathered all my courage and told you to be my girlfriend that day. But my attitude, my blatant inexperience, and my basketball got in the way and you left me..." He trailed off, his voice becoming more and more hoarse and shaky, he even whimpered. "But I never stopped loving you. I may not be the only one for you, but I know you're the only one for me, Nadeshiko. I don't want to lose you again and I thought you feel the same way. But why are you doing this to me? It hurts."

"M-Makoto.. N-No, that's not it.." I struggled with the words I wanted to tell him. I had so many things to say. I wanted to apologize. I wanted to tell him that I love him, that I feel the same, and that I was hurting too. But I couldn't find my voice. I couldn't fucking speak in the most needed time. Bullshit!

"If that's what you want, okay. I'll leave you alone if you want me to." My eyes widened, he unwrapped his arms around me and pulled away. "I'm letting you go.."

Those last words made my world shatter. My breathing hitched and my heart clenched in pain. I was still in a daze that even though he was already taking quick steps away from me, I couldn't move at all. My tears wouldn't stop from falling. I clutched my chest and sobbed miserably.

This can't be.. No!

"M-Makoto.. Stop!" But he already disappeared behind a corner, taking the last hope of us getting back together with him..