Chapter 32

**Yu's POV** 

I bet she just wanted to get the spotlight off Naoto and Kanji...but...still--she's my girlfriend. I couldn't just take her flirting with some random bodyguard sitting down.

**back to when the gang exited the elevator**

As the elevator dings open, I gasp. I see Naoto arguing with some tough guy wearing pilot shades and dark clothes. I see Kanji in the far side of the lobby, being restrained by several other men wearing the same outfit. I'm about to step in when I see Rise and Sasha walk in, right up to the guards. I tense up when I see their reactions and what Rise and Sasha seem to be saying.

After a few minutes, the big guard flicks his head, and the guards let go of Kanji. I grit my teeth as I watch the big guy take Rise, and more especially Sasha, away from the scene. Just don't think about it. Don't. Don't. They'll be okay, I think. I see Sasha shoot me a look resembling fear, and I clench my fists as hard as I can. 

Yosuke: Bro, you okay?

I glare at Yosuke, pissed he'd even ask that. I just watched my girlfriend get taken by a big-ass guard to God-knows-where...And he'd ask if I was okay...? Jesus. Calm down, Yu. Be cool, calm down, I think to myself. I tap a slow Morse code saying 'follow'  to Naoto, and she nods. She tips her head, and then I hear several loud grunts and look over to see all four of the other guards on the ground, out cold. Kanji cracks his knuckles, chuckling.

Kanji: Pathetic little shits.

I laugh, and we take off after the guard and the girls. As we near the elevator, I hear someone cuss loudly. 

Unknown: Shit.

I look into the elevator to see a guy in his thirties who looks really shaken up.

Me: You okay, dude?

Man: I just watched this big ol' guy take these two teen girls into a storage closet. Jesus fuckin' Christ. And I thought I'd have a nice vacation...

I grasp him by the shoulders, shaking him slightly in desperation. I bark a question, more like an order, and he cringes.

Me: What floor?!

Man: Uh...3rd, I think!

Me: Thank you, thank you.

Then I hear the loud ring of sirens as the metal doors close, followed by blue and red flashing lights. All of us look at each other, frantically pushing open the elevator doors for the police. 

Police Chief: You know where the two girls kidnapped by that guy went?!

Chie: Yeah! Third floor! We're going there now! We're their friends!

There is the loud ding! noise as the elevator doors slide open. The police chief, accompanied by who's probably his deputy rush over to the locked closet. We hear loud voices inside. I can almost feel my heart stop.

Guard Leader: You do what I say, or one o' these goes in your neck, and then I can fuck you all I want. And nobody will ever know. So I'll say it again. Take it off. 

Sasha: Fuck NO!

I feel my heart pounding as I hear the muffled screaming, then I hear a sudden click. A safety release. On a gun. Then I snap.

Me: You bastard! Don't you dare touch either of them! You're fucking dead!

The police chief shoves me to the side, his gun drawn. His loud voice booms through the hallways, drawing the guests on this floor to appear in the doorways of their rooms.

Police Chief: Come out, with your hands up! We know you're in there! You're under arrest for attempt of murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping of minors!

1:30 p.m.

**Sasha's POV**

I load my luggage into the boot of the truck, squishing my suitcase into the tight space. Yu follows, his hand placed on the small of my back reassuringly. I'm still scared shitless, even though I know the guy will be behind bars for quite a while. 

Yu rubs my back soothingly, softly and gently. He knows better than to overstep my boundaries right now. I click open the driver's side door and slide into the comfortable seats. I plug my iPod into the audio jack, playing one of my favorite metal songs by [insert badass band name]. I smile as the bass and drums blast through the loud speakers. I see Kanji grinning ear-to-ear as the vocals kick in. 

The others, after packing their luggage in, slide into their seats. Naoto sits in the passenger seat next to me, fumbling through the thousands of songs on my iPod, and Yu slips in behind me, starting to play with my hair. This weekend is the first time anyone has seen me with my hair down and untouched with equipment in quite a while. I turn the key in the ignition, hearing whoops from the guys and girls in the truck bed. I grin, seeing Chie's indignant face in the back, as she's been stuck there with the other guys.

As the song ends with a clang, I hear Naoto choose one of my favorite songs. Everyone might think I'm crazy, but I love the song [insert song name], by [band name]. Nobody has ever heard of it, but the song soothes me, gets me focused and in the mood for anything. Whether it's singing, dancing, fighting, or giving myself a pep-talk. The bass booms in the speakers as we make our way out of the city and back on the highway. Eventually, we pass the diner we stopped at before, grinning as I brake to pull in. I hear the others asking me why we're back here after just eating, but I pull my keys outta the ignition and slam the door shut.

As I open the big, old-style, metal doors, I notice a familiar dyed-hair-brunette grinning at me from behind her big-framed glasses.

Me: Nikki!

Nikki: Heyyy gurrl!

Me: Hey gurl, hey!

Nikki: How yah been? I haven't seen you since you guys popped in before!

I run my hand through my unkempt brown hair and sigh. 

Me: We're going back now...

The smile on her face droops, and I can feel my heart break ever-so-slightly. I smile sadly, bringing her into a hug. She whispers into my ear, clutching me tightly.

Nikki: You're gonna come back. I know you will.

Tears start to build up in her eyes, and I hug her even more tightly as they drip down onto my shoulder. She sniffles, and I can't help but cry as well.

Me: Course I'll be back, girlie. 

I pull away, sniffling. I wave her goodbye and she wipes her eyes, her makeup ruined. Mine is as well, as I see myself in the reflection against the metal doors. I inhale a deep breath, pushing the doors open. I slide back into the truck, closing the door behind me. I throw the key into the ignition, rubbing my puffy eyes. As I pull away, I notice that Yu looks at me, his expression fraught with worry.

Yu: Hey...You okay?

I nod, wiping my eyes quickly as I back out of the parking lot.

Me: Just saying goodbye to my best friend, that's all...

Naoto: Oh.

She looks away, awkward. I know deep down, she really thinks we're best friends. I mean-We are! It's just...Nikki's like a sister to me.

Me: Yeah...She's kind of like a sister to me. We saved each other from killing ourselves during middle school...She's always had my back, no matter what. And I love her more than anyone now.

I rub the nape of my neck, sighing. Yu pulls at a tangled strand of hair, breaking free a few strands. He throws them to the floor. 

As the mood shifts to silent, familiar piano tunes play. I laugh and realize that Naoto has found access to the Frozen soundtrack. She's starting to play "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" I laugh, then clear my hoarse throat to sing along. Rise, in the seat next to Yu, starts to sing along too.

Elsa?

(knock, knock, knock-knock, knock)

Do you wanna build a snowman?

Come on, let's go and playyyy...

I never see you anymore

Come out the door,

It's like you've gone away!

We used to be best buddies,

And now we're not...

I wish you would tell me whyyyyyy!

Do you wanna build a snowman?

It doesn't have to be a snowman...

(Go away, Anna!)

Okay byyyye

-------

(knock, knock, knock-knock, knock)

Do you wanna build a snowman?

Or ride our bike around the halls?

I think some company is over due, 

I've started talking

To the pictures on the wallls!

(Hang in there, Joan!)

It gets a little lonely, 

All these empty rooms, 

Just watching the hours tick by!

(tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock!)

-----

(knock, knock, knock)

Elsa...

Please...

I know you're in there!

Then...Amidst Rise and I both singing, I hear the prettiest, most melodious, feminine voice ever sung erupt from a certain blue-haired girl's mouth. I stop for a moment, staring at her. She hits every note effortlessly, her mouth carved into a perfect o shape, pretty and angelic. I continue singing along, noticing Yu is also whisper-singing along with the music. 

People are asking where you've been...

They say of courage...

And I'm trying to...

I'm right out here for you...

Just let me in....

We only have each other...

It's just you and me

What are we gonna doooooo?

Do you wanna build a snowman...

----

As I open my eyes after the song ends, I notice the truck's back window lays open, and everyone outside is dead silent. Kanji, Chie, Teddy, and Yosuke stare at all of us, but especially at Yu and Naoto. They look on innocently as we make our way closer to back home. 

5:40 p.m. 

By the time the sun sets, we are back in Inaba yet again. I roll my window down, sticking my fingers out into the cooling air as I slow my speed. I turn my head, spotting Nanako walking home. I wave at her, and see Yu craning his head for his cousin to spot him.

Nanako: Hey, Sasha! Is Big Bro with you?!

Me: Yeah!

I put my foot on the brakes, letting her see her "Big Bro" through the passenger window. She waves at him, beaming, then skips along with her grocery bag full of goodies. I tug the iPod from Naoto's sleepy grip, cranking on some [insert punk band name]. I blast the volume enough to wake the blue-haired girl, and from the truck bed I see Kanji grinning. I'm positive he likes this band. It honestly wouldn't surprise me.

As I pull into the driveway, I notice Shirogane-sensei smoking a cigar with a cup of green tea. Naoto and I wave at him, and I honk the horn of my truck. I crack the key out of the ignition, then fumble out of the car. I pull everyone's luggage out of the car, then stop to stretch. I bend back, cracking my neck. I raise my hands up towards the setting sun, as if to reach up and grab it, plucking it from it's high perch in the clouds.

Chie: Hey, so I'm gonna head home. Thanks for everything, guys!

We offer her our goodbyes and wave as she lugs her bags to her house, with Yukiko racing after her.

Yukiko: Chie, slow down!

Yukiko rolls her red suitcase after her as I muffle my chuckles behind my hand. I look over at everyone else, my eyebrows raised. Yu scratches the nape of his neck absentmindedly, Teddie whistles, obviously oblivious to everything, Yosuke taps his finger on his crossed arms, and Kanji clears his throat loudly. Rise, Naoto and I burst out laughing, pointing out their obvious awkwardness.

Yu: What? Why are you laughing?

I wipe a tear from my leaky eyes, still chuckling.

Me: You guys look so weird, just standing there. Go home, already!

Rise: Ouch, that was a little harsh.

Teddie: Yeah, Sa-chan. Way to put out our fun, party pooper.

Me: Right, like we're gonna do any partying standing in our driveway. Riiiiiiight. 

Yu clears his throat, lugging his bags from the truck bed and gives me a quick hug. I wrap my arms around him while the others squeal and whoop. I hear the click! of a phone's camera. I look over to spot Rise, snapping photos of Yu and I holding hands and embracing. She squeals loudly.

Rise: Oooooh, these are SO going up on my wall!

Me: Dammit, you better not!

Rise: Kah-ching! Up on my wall!

She shows me her screen, displaying her main [insert irrelevant social media name] page, which is littered of pictures of food and concert performances, as well as fan comments. I grin at the new photo album she posted, and she turns the screen back toward her with a smug grin on her face. 

Me: Well, for one...I'm blown out. What 'bout you, Naoto? You?

Naoto: Ya-

She starts, but her voice cracks, a way to signal me she's feeling awkward standing here. Beside Kanji, no less. She clears her throat and starts again, more confident.

Naoto: Yes, I am quite tired, and I'd also like to use the restroom and put lotion on my sunburns.

She points to her shoulders and cheeks, which are glowing a slight pink tone. It's faint, but probably only because the sun has almost gone down.

Me: Well, I bet Yu wants to go hang out with Nanako too...And Kanji, remember we have to work on those designs for your mom again.

Kanji: Right.

Rise: Yeah, and I bet my grandmother needs help. I'm out. Seeya guys!

She blows me a kiss jokingly, and I catch it. We exchange giggles, and she waves goodbye and tugs the handle for her glittery pink suitcase back home. Teddie leaves with Yosuke. Naoto heads back inside, and Kanji also leaves, leaving me alone with Yu.

Yu: Well, I'll see you at school tomorrow.

Me: Yeah. Bye.

Yu: See you.

He waves me goodbye and smiles slightly, walking away. I pull my suitcase up the driveway after closing the gate for the truck bed. I click the truck locked, and head inside. I push the handle of the suitcase down and lug the heavy bag up the stairs. I kick open the door to my room, throwing the bags to the floor and plopping onto my messy futon. I stare up at the speckled-paint ceiling and sigh. I pull my phone out of the small compartment of my bag, going into [insert Rise's irrelevant social media page name]. After signing in, I head over to Rise's page, ignoring my late parents' still-active accounts.

I scroll through Rise's photos, looking at one black and white one of Yu and I hugging. I'm on my tiptoes, and Yu is smiling and pressing me close. I smile softly, clicking the button to download the entire group of photos. I press the phone to my chest, sighing. The fading light from the sunset diminishes, leaving me in the darkness of my room. I close my eyes, not bothering to unpack or do anything. I'll just lay here forever. I fall asleep to the sound of the cicadas in the trees fluttering away.

**Yu's POV**

I slide open the front doors, the sound of feet clapping on the wooden floors. I'm greeted by two 7-year-old faces, Nanako and one of her friends, Rima. Rima grins at me, her black pony tail swishing as she and Nanako drag me inside. My uncle is on the couch with Rima's father. They're laughing and horsing around on the couch, as if they are also six-year-olds. Uncle spots me and laughs.

Ryotaro: Yu! Welcome back! Haru, this is my nephew, Yu.

Haru: Good evening.

Me: How are you?

Haru: Very well, thank you for asking.

Ryotaro: So Yu, I heard that you just started going out with that American girl, Sasha.

Me: Yeah.

Haru: I've heard alotta things about that girl. 'Parently she's won a shit-Oops! Sorry...Crap ton of awards in dance and such. She's sort of a superstar in America. 

Rima: So she's like a foreign version of Rise?! That's awesome!

She grins at me, then at Nanako, who smiles at me too, and it's then that I realize that one of her front teeth is missing. I crouch, pulling at her lip for her to show me.

Me: Nanako, what happened?

Nanako: I lost my tooth when I was eating breakfast today. Daddy says that the Tooth Fairy's gonna come and put money under my pillow and take the tooth. He says that in the morning, it's gonna be gone!

She grins her adorable, heart-melting, childish grin at me, and I can't help but smile back.

Me: That's right.

11 p.m. 

After Haru leaves, Nanako and Rima rush up the stairs. I follow them, only to discover that they have covered my entire room in sparkles. I groan, then chuckle. Uncle leans into the doorway, and bursts out laughing. Rima and Nanako stand in the middle of the room, triumphant, with their hands on their hips. I can't help but laugh too. They run past us, giggling and talking. They shut the door and I chuckle. Girls will be girls, I suppose. I throw my duffel bag down, causing an explosion of sparkles on my floor. I plop onto my neatly-made futon, shutting my eyes. I get up, noticing I left the light on. My eyes flick over to my phone, as I'm kind of curious about the photos Rise took of us. I type [insert that same social media].com into the URL bar, and the first thing to pop is Sasha sharing the photos. I grin as I look down and notice how many people like it. I laugh then, because it's only been an hour, and 2000 people have either liked or commented on it. 

It's not much later I find out why. The photos are mostly either black-and-white, or sepia. In every photo, both our eyes sparkle in the diminishing light, and we both look calm, happy. In one photo, Sasha is laughing as she pulls me close to her. I see her expression, and my heart thuds so hard in my chest, I feel as if it will just explode out and flutter away. Everyone's commenting: 

Gorgeous.

Amazing couple.

They look so happy.

I ship it!

Fab!

Omg this is so cute I so can NOT b-leeeeve!!!

Noooo!!! He's miine! How dare you take him!

That's amazing, good for Sasha. 

I grin, then flick over to my messages, typing up a few for Sasha. She's probably asleep, I think. I press the send button anyways. Why not.

Oh good lord, I'm really sorry about not updating for so long, don't murder me!

:(

At least I'm back for now, right?

-Mako-

(I'm just trying to fill up some space)