第13章:信じられない

CHAPTER 13: Unbelievable

The trip ended solemnly after the attack on Izumi. Along with Sorano, they got a few days off work to rest. Izumi informed everyone on their LINE group chat that she was resting fine and that the others shouldn't worry about her. Sorano disappeared from online radar due to lack of time. But Yozora Pub did not stop operating. The others worked as hard as they usually would.

Friday night attracts most customers because the next day would be a weekend so the pub had to extract some members from Team Delta namely Akaashi, Bokuto and Takaguchi. Akaashi and Bokuto were in charge in front while Takaguchi was stationed with Reina. Iwaizumi served as the captain so he could switch stations whenever he sees fit.

Reina began doing the dishes when no more orders were given to the kitchen. She was feeling a bit feverish that day and she guessed it was because she was tired from the event the other day.

'Three servings of seafood dumplings!' Bokuto spoke through the small window connecting the bar with the kitchen.

'Coming right up.' Takaguchi replied nonchalantly and turned to the fridge to pull out a bag of frozen dumplings. He turned to his friend. 'Reina, could you please fill up the pot so I can boil this?'

Reina nodded. 'Okay.'

She took a pot and let the water run. When it was enough, she turned to give it to Takaguchi. But a sharp pain on her chest startled her and she dropped the pot involuntarily. Along with it, she fell to the ground as her vision blurred and her head swayed. She couldn't breathe.

Takaguchi who was arranging the dumplings quickly turned to see what the noise was all about and saw her friend on the floor. 'Reina! What happened?!' he panicked.

She wanted to tell that it hurt but she couldn't answer a word. Her oxygen supply level was reducing and she gasped for air. The water spilling from the pot was nearing her. Takaguchi was cursing non-stop as he ran to the front for help. 'Somebody! Call an ambulance! Captain! Iwaizumi!!' he was yelling.

And Reina blacked out.

-

Sorano checked the time. It was quarter past 2pm. She was supposed to pick up Kise at 2 but her lecturer made a surprise quiz that she had to stay back to finish it. She rushed to the parking lot to drive to Kise's. While driving out of the campus, she texted Kise to say she would a bit late.

Luckily the road wasn't packed with cars; she was able to reach his place in 15. Kise was wearing a black cap, black t-shirt and white pants complete with a black facemask over his mouth and nose. He recognized Sorano's car and quickly entered the backseat.

'Sorry I'm late.' She spoke.

Kise pulled down his mask and leaned back. 'That's okay. As long as you're not pushing yourself too much.'

'Huh?' she glanced at the mirror. Kise wasn't looking at her; he was staring out of the window as he said that. 'Isn't that supposed to be my line?' she frowned.

Kise sighed but didn't reply.

-

'What's wrong, Kise?' the director beamed. 'You don't look energetic. Did anything happen?'

Kise adjusted his kimono. 'Sorry, let me do it again.'

He was shooting for a tea advertisement so he got the role as a tea master. The director looked hesitant but Kise flashed a smile so he instructed the cameramen to get ready.

Sorano was staring at Kise and realized he was acting a bit odd that day. When it was time for a 5-minute break, Sorano went to Kise.

'Hey, are you alright?' she asked.

Kise glanced at her. 'Yeah, I'm perfect.'

She shook her head. 'You don't look like it, Kise. Stop pretending. What's wrong?'

'Give me my phone, I'll show you.' He said, holding out his hand.

Without words, Sorano handed him what he wanted. He searched for something, pressed it and showed it to Sorano. She didn't read all of it but saw the important highlights.

'You...' Sorano trailed off, speechless.

Kise huffed. 'I still have time to decide, don't worry.'

It was an acting job offer and Sorano didn't know how to feel about it.

'I... uh... you...' Sorano frowned, stuttering. 'C-Congrats!' she managed to blurt it out.

Kise blinked. 'Thanks but... what are you going to do?'

Sorano pursed her lips into a thin line, not knowing what to say.

He probably sensed her distraught and patted her shoulder. 'Let's not think about it right now.'

'Kise, are you ready to roll? We're starting!' the director called as if on cue.

'Coming!' Kise replied and got off his seat. Sorano looked away, deep in thought.

-

'Sora-cchi, your phone's been ringing for 2 minutes.'

Sorano snapped out of it and looked around. They were on their way out from the studio but instead of going to the car, Sorano had walked the opposite direction. 'Ah! Why didn't you tell me the car's the other way around?!' Sorano whined.

Kise shook his head. 'Is it that shocking to you?' he queried as he grabbed his manager's arm and turned around towards where their car was parked.

Sorano merely followed where he was bringing her. 'Kind of.' She mumbled under her breath.

'I think it's urgent.' Kise commented when Sorano's phone rang again for the nth time. Sorano inhaled sharply when she saw how many missed calls she had. She answered the call nevertheless.

'Hajime, what's wrong?' she spoke.

Kise nudged her arm and she unconsciously handed him the car key.

'What's wrong, my ass! Where the hell were you not answering your calls?!' the familiar yell hurt her ear. Sorano winced.

'I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it until now.'

'That's fine. I called to ask. Is it okay for you to come for work tonight?'

'I thought I asked for day-offs until tomorrow. What's the rush, though?'

Kise pulled Sorano into the car's passenger seat and fastened the seatbelt for her then proceeded to sit on the driver's seat. Sorano was so absorbed with the call that she didn't realize the car was already moving.

'I know you did. I'm sorry but Reina was admitted to the hospital minutes ago and we couldn't get hold of anyone from Team Delta. Sorry I had to resort to you.'

'That's completely fine! I don't mind coming to help but—Reina was what?! Is she okay?!'

'She was in the kitchen with Takaguchi and he suddenly rushed to the front for help and the ambulance picked her up. Now Izumi's at the hospital, waiting for her.'

'Gosh, that's terrible! When can we visit her?'

'I don't know. We have to wait until Izumi says something.'

'Okay, please let me know as well.'

'Akayuki, if you want to rest for tonight I understand, okay? Don't strain yourself.'

'Yes, yes, I know. I can ask for a day off later again if I need to. Don't worry. I'll come after I send Kise.'

'Okay, we'll be waiting. Bye.'And the call ended.

Sorano sighed.

'What's wrong?' Kise asked. Sorano turned to him.

'Reina passed out in the kitchen and Yozora's short of workers, I have to go there after I send...' she stopped talking. 'Wait—why are you...?'

Kise chuckled. 'Stop getting shocked at everything, gosh, Sora-cchi, I can drive, don't worry! Besides, what was it with Reina? Why did she pass out?'

Sorano closed her gaping mouth. 'You did not take any driving lessons, right?'

'I didn't but I pretty much learned it through arcades. We'll be fine.'

Sorano looked out of the window and clasped her hands together. 'God, for today, please let me live a little while longer.' She prayed loudly.

'SORA-CCHI!'

Sorano laughed.

-

Fortunately, they arrived safely at Yozora Pub & Karaoke. Kise had declared earlier he didn't want to go home yet and that he wanted to follow her. Sorano wasn't thinking properly so she agreed with his choice (which usually: Kise would be scolded).

She entered through the front door. 'Good evening.' She greeted. Iwaizumi was behind the counter along with Akaashi and Bokuto.

'Welcome back, Akayuki.' Iwaizumi said.

Kise sat down by the counter while Sorano went behind it. There were a few customers, minding their own business; all have received their foods and drinks.

'For now, we're not occupied. You can rest a bit.' Akaashi spoke.

Sorano nodded. 'I'll go change for a while.' And headed to the locker room.

'Any news on Reina-san?' Kise asked.

'Not for now,' replied Iwaizumi, while shaking his head. 'But I did tell Izumi to tell me if anything is updated.'

-

Shino Izumi was feeling more restless than ever as she waited outside while the doctor examines Reina. Her friend was rushed in as soon as she collapsed and the doctor praised their speed of response. Reina woke up but the doctor had to do some tests on her and Izumi volunteered to wait. Half an hour later, a guy with brown hair that looked like Reina but boy version sat beside Izumi.

Izumi couldn't help but ask. 'Are you Reina's relative?' she queried.

The guy looked startled as he turned to Izumi.

'Ah! I'm Reina's friend, Shino Izumi,' she bowed her head. 'Nice to meet you.'

The boy nodded. 'I'm Reina's younger brother, Furihata Kouki. Nice to meet you too.'

'Oh! Reina has mentioned you before. Did the pub contact you?'

'Yes, yes. Thank you.'

Izumi smiled.

As if on cue, the doctor in charge of Reina opened his door. 'Guardian of Furihata-san?' he asked. Izumi unconsciously stood but when Reina's brother did the same thing, she sat back down.

Kouki turned to her. 'You can follow.' He said.

'Oh—thank you.' Izumi exclaimed and followed the doctor in with Kouki. They sat opposite the doctor.

'I put Furihata-san to rest for a while. She can be discharged tonight,' the doctor said and Kouki nodded. 'That being said, we found out something.'

-

Izumi still had a few hours left before her shift ends but she chose to go home because she was feeling a bit tired. Her mind was full of Reina. She entered her house and sat on the living room without turning on the lights or fans. As soon as she settled down on the soft sofa, she fell asleep.

Iwaizumi came 3 hours later and noticed the door was slightly ajar. He quickly rushed in, thinking that a robbery or something had happened and found the house silent and dark.

'Izumi?' he called out as he turned on the lights. 'Oh...' he saw her on the sofa, sleeping in a sitting position. He closed the door behind him and locked it before walking towards his lover.

He picked her up and went to her bedroom, placing her down on her bed. He turned on the air conditioner and grabbed a packet of wet tissue and wiped her face, removing the light powder she put on before going to work. Then, he changed her work clothes to her PJs before tucking her in the thick blanket.

Finally, he kissed her forehead. 'Goodnight. You've worked hard today.'

-

Sorano rang the bell. This time, Oikawa was ready in his sports attire as he exited from the front door and unlocked the gate manually. 'Good morning.' He spoke.

'Morning.' She greeted him back and entered the yard.

'Have you had breakfast?'

'Yes.'

Oikawa invited Sorano into the house and gestured for her to sit in the kitchen while he finishes his breakfast. He was eating an omelet and a plate of nicely cut sausages while a glass of milk was positioned near his plate.

'You know sausages are carcinogenic, right?' Sorano commented.

Oikawa hummed. 'I don't.'

'How many times do you eat sausages a week?' she asked.

'I eat this everyday...' he replied and sent another bit of sausages into his mouth.

Sorano gasped. 'That's ultimately unhealthy!'

Oikawa tch-ed. 'Who cares?' he whined. 'This is the easiest meal I can have.'

Sorano shook her head. 'Have you heard of cereals?'

'Isn't that processed too?'

'You know organic cereals exist, right?'

Oikawa pouted. 'It's not delicious.' He murmured.

'Then whole meal breads?' she suggested and stood to proceed to the refrigerator. 'You're living here temporarily while your brother is in Italy, right?'

'Yeah.'

Sorano opened the fridge door and scanned the items in it. 'If you eat this many eggs you will one day wake up and find that your head has turned into an egg.' She shook her head in disapproval because there were too many eggs in the fridge. Half of the space was filled with them!

Oikawa sighed. 'With eggs, I can make omelet, omurice, egg sandwich and probably cakes.'

Sorano frowned. 'Don't lie to me, you don't bake cakes.'

'Okay but the others are what I often eat too.'

'Aren't you sick of them?'

'Kind of.'

'You know salmonella exists in eggs, right?'

'What's that?'

'Bacteria that can cause food poisoning,' said Sorano. 'Eating too many eggs are dangerous. Try to buy vegetables instead. And fishes, perhaps.'

'Maybe I'll just buy meals at the convenience store.'

Sorano strode towards Oikawa and grabbed the collar of his shirt. 'You. Are. Buying. Them.' She uttered in menace.

Oikawa blinked. 'O-Okay...'

'Let's go after my shift ends tonight!'

'Okay, what time?'

'3am.'

'HUH?!'

Sorano laughed. 'I'm joking. Let's go after our practice.'

Oikawa grinned. 'Can we grab some shaved ice too?'

-

'We should've used my car. It's so heavy.' Sorano whined as she adjusted the two heavy plastic bags in her hands. Oikawa wanted to help her but he himself have both hands occupied.

'Just a few more minutes to the station.' He muttered, hoping it'd serve as a motivation.

Then to make things worse, Sorano's phone rang. 'Gosh!' she yelled and halted her steps. She moved aside and put down the plastic on her right hand before answering the call.

'Yes?' she greeted.

'Is this Kise Ryouta's manager?' it was a man.

'Yes, Sorano Akayuki speaking.'

'We are calling to move our appointment date.'

As Sorano talked on the phone, Oikawa leaned against a lamppost and put down his heavy stuffs. They bought a lot of nutritious food (according to Sorano) and Sorano promised to send him recipes that he could use to cook them.

Oikawa chuckled.

'Why are you smiling by yourself?'

Oikawa turned to look at Sorano who was frowning at him. 'Oh, you're done.' He said and picked up his stuffs.

'Yes, let's go.'

-

That night, Oikawa followed Sorano to the pub and found that there were no customers but all of the crews were grouping. Sorano changed her clothes without saying anything yet and headed to the group.

'Welcome back, Akayuki.' Iwaizumi greeted rather grimly.

'What's wrong?' Sorano asked, glancing at all of them.

Kanzaki appeared from the kitchen. 'Oh, hi Sorano. Let's sit down and we'll start the discussion.'

'What discussion?' Sorano questioned but proceeded to sit as instructed.

Izumi cleared her throat. 'It's about Reina.'

Sorano listened attentively. The surrounding went silent.

'She's suffering from cardiomyopathy. A heart disease.' Izumi announced. Kanzaki gasped.

Sorano shifted uncomfortably in her seat. 'This is a serious business, right?' she muttered under her breath.

Izumi sighed. 'I know, guys. I'm devastated too. The doctor says she can't do heavy work and to rest. Her brother is taking care of her at the moment so we don't have to worry much.'

Kanzaki frowned. 'Then we have no choice but to let her go.'

'I think we can visit her home whenever we're free but be sure to make it brief so we won't disturb her or her family.' Izumi continued.

'I'll start recruiting an additional member.' Kanzaki concluded.

'That's all I wanted to say.' Izumi bowed her head politely and the discussion ended with silence.

-

A/N: Hello! It's been a while, right? Sorry for the late update to whoever is still reading this. I'm trying my best to plot it out carefully hehe.

Until then, by my leave, mortals....

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