Arashi POV

~ At the hospital - 6:15 PM ( June 12th) ~

-Arashi? Are you listening? Are you okay, Arashi? You look horrible – Aliaa asks me.

-I-I'm fine, Aliaa - I force a smile. I don't want to worry her anymore. I've been here sitting next to her for a while now. Still, I didn't say anything. Who am I kidding? Why did I even come here? I know that I can't tell her anything. 

-No, you're not. Tell me what's wrong, please. Why are you avoiding my question? - She continued asking me. Why did you come here alone? Where is Shadow?

-I'm sorry - I said to her, holding back the tears. 

-Why are you saying sorry-

-I'm so sorry, Aliaa. I couldn't do anything - I knelt and grabbed her hand, Slurred word for word. I messed up.

...

~ After school - 5:32 PM ~

-SHADOW! - I yelled. Seeing Shadow get stabbed by her, I panicked and ran to him for help. But Shadow stops me.

-I-I'm fine. Stand still there. - Shadow told me, holding the wound in his stomach.

Blood spilled out more and more, fell on the grass, and dyed an area red. Seeing it made me dumbfounded. My legs can't move, I can't stand up to reach him. Am I, scared? What am I scared of? Getting hurt? No, I have always been in pain.

Then why can't I do anything? Something about her, that girl is...

- You shouldn't have stopped me. - Said Saiko, shaking off the blood that was still on the knife. She looks at us, heartless. 

-Is there anyone stupid enough not protecting his friend? - He's sarcastic.

-Really? In my opinion, a fool is someone who helps others. Now, Get out of the way – She said in a cold voice. 

-What if I say no? – Immediately, Shadow punched her so hard that she fell to the grass ( She bleed a little bit) and took away the knife. One leg pinned her down. 

-Sorry, I don't usually hit girls. Because you make my eyes itch so much. Indeed, following you two is not a bad idea. You were suspicious anyways - He smiled.

-Y-you! - she gritted her teeth and endured. Get your feet off me now!

-How about not? I don't want to die yet; neither does my buddy there. If you want to let go, can you answer a few questions? What do you think, Arashi? – Shadow turned to look at me – who was in a state of being speechless.

"Perhaps I'm worrying too much,"- I sighed and gave him a nod. His wound has also stopped bleeding, which is good. I calm down and slowly walk closer to them. 

-You're smart too, caught us off guard with this game. The first question I would like the victim of the chaos you caused to ask.

-You think I'll answer y- AGH - Saiko yelled in pain. 

- Hey, I don't have time to go around. The wound you inflicted on me was not light. Shadow pressed his foot into her stomach harder. I don't have the patience every time I get hurt.

It looks like Shadow is angry. It has been a while since I saw him getting mad ( He always smiles. What can I say? ). Shadow seems scary when he's pissed. 

-Why did you kill Haruka? - I ask her the first question, but she doesn't answer.

-Why did you push her off and blame it on me? - I walk closer to her and continued asking her. But, still no reply from her.

-ANSWER ME! You kill Haruka Furawa, hurt Aliaa and Shadow. Why did you do all this!? What did I ever do to you!?

Suddenly she laughed, covering her face with her hands. Shadow pushed me backward.

"Why is she laughing-"

"Darling, does mom hit you that hard? Arashi, you don't remember anything about your childhood, huh?"

-Why? Are you kidding me, Arashi? You took everything from me-  She said, laughing, but I seemed to hear the cry.

-You-

- Don't tell me you don't remember? Don't you remember anything? Also, what today is? Today is the day you killed your beloved sister -Taiya Hoteru! - Saiko said in pain.

I was silent, and so was Shadow. Shadow looks at me then walks backward - walk away from me.

I can't defend, Can't say anything after hearing those words. Today is Taiya's coaxing day, the day I pushed her down the street.

-How ridiculous! Have you forgotten all about it, Arashi? You are indeed despicable. You kill her, and you don't memorize anything. What did she do to you? Hey, answer me, Arashi. - Tears run down her face. She got up from the ground and stand up.

-Say something! Answer me! Why did you do that!? She was a wonderful, kind, and cheerful girl. She saved me. She was the only one who understands and is there for me. That beautiful girl wasn't deserved to die, It should have been you!  Hey, you dared tell me you're the victim here? She was the one who tries to reach out to you, you were the one denying all of her care. The day she dies, how happy do you feel? That smile on your face when you let your hands be covered in blood, tell me how you feel! 

-Take a swan dive off the building you fucking monster. I tried, I tried so hard to make you feel you pain you have caused me. Do you know who's the murderer in everyone's eyes after she dies? It was me, I WAS THE ONE WITH HER. The only one that loves her so much, why was I the killer when it was you? - She pushed away Shadow, approached me, and grabbed me by the collar. Those deep, brown eyes make me frightened. What is she saying? I don't know any of this, all I know was I push her.

Does she care for me? No, that never happens.

Right?

-Hey! Let go of him! -Shadow comes and pushes us away from each other. Making me lose my balance and fall to the ground.

-Oh? What are you doing, Shadow? Even after what he has done you still protecting him? - Saiko said, smirking.

-Shadow, I-

-Shut up. I don't want to hear it from you anymore, Arashi. - Shadow looks away from me.

I could see the disappointment in his deep blue eyes. Those used to be so bright, but now, it is filled with anger and dismay. Those eyes kill me.

The moment Shadow turned his back, I felt like I was dead. When he finished saying that sentence, I felt like I lost a part of my life.

Regret came over me. I shouldn't have pushed Taiya down that year. And now, the end is tragic. I can feel the weight on my shoulders. What have I done? Did I make such a big mistake that you turned your back on me? Why does everything I do make things worse?

-"Arashi, don't overwhelm. I've already told you. He will leave you alone soon."

-"No, that's not true. That's... not true, right?" - I thought to myself.

-You know what he did, right Shadow? He killed his twin sister - my savior. Unlike you, the one who's trying to save your sister - Takaoka Aiko. Arashi Hoteru kills Taiya on purpose.

-How do you- Shadow opened his eyes in surprise.

-Oh Shadow, I know everything about you. Even about A̶k̶u̶m̶a̶ K̶i̶m̶i̶z̶u̶k̶i̶ - your dearest bestfriend. You don't know how much time I spent on this plan. I've waited for years just for the best opportunity to ruin his life. 

-Zip it right now. - Shadow approached her, fists clenched. Those cold eyes that looked straight at Saiko made her shiver a little. He punched her again and again. Making Saiko bleed and lose her balance. His killing intent made the atmosphere overcast.

-S-Shadow - I call him

-W-why? I have a full right to talk. If you want me to stop there, then Fine. I'll stop with that now. Come on, Shadow. You understand, don't you? You hate Arashi too, don't you? So please stay away so I can - Before she could finish her sentence, Shadow grabbed her by the neck, Making it hard for her to breathe.

-Don't even think about it. I don't want to hear any more words from your filthy mouth. It doesn't matter what your reason is; what you did is unacceptable. You killed Haruka Furawa and got my friend hospitalized. 

-I agree with you that Arashi's actions are wrong. However, that's in the past. And you, you didn't just kill people and put Aliaa in the hospital. You also blamed Arashi, stabbed me, and invaded my private life. Hey Saiko Misaki, who do you think you are? - He pressed harder, wanting to make her pass out. 

-L-let me go! I did nothing wrong! Arashi was the wrong one! You understand how I feel, right!? You suppose to hate Arashi-

-Listen here, you little brat. I don't want to hear it. All I know is I'm done with you.

-I don't understand. T-This supposed to be my perfect plan-

-Girl, Do whatever you want to me but don't you fucking dare touch my friends. - Shadow said as he chokes her tighter. Right now, he looks like a complete monster. He's the monster that lost his mind.

... (Y'all know what happen at this point -v-)

-I'm sorry, Aliaa. I brought you guys into this horrible mess and make you guys hurt. I've messed up and broken our friendship. Shadow will never forgive me...

-It's okay, Arashi - Her arms wrapped around me, and she hugged me tightly.

-Calm down, Arashi. I'm not angry, and I'm sure Shadow will calm down soon. Shadow will never leave us. He promises to you to be by your side and to protect me. Shadow hates liars, I know he won't break the promise. For now, stop apologizing and blaming yourself. - Aliaa said, patting my head.

That voice was so warm, It seems to lighten my heart. I hugged Aliaa, feeling her warmth and comfort. Suddenly, tears rolled down my face. I hugged Aliaa tighter, apparently trying to stop the tears from rolling down. It's been a long time since I felt that warmth. How long has it been since I received a hug when I fell? I'll probably didn't even remember.

-Let it all out. It's okay to cry. But hear me out, I didn't meet Shadow as long as you, so I couldn't know him as much as you do. But what he said is not wrong. We barely know anything about him, and he never wants to talk about it. Shadow has lots of secrets, but that's okay. Whenever he wants to talk about it with us, he will. You've been going through a lot, Arashi. It's time for you to rest.

-I'm sorry, Aliaa...

-Shhh. It's alright, Arashi.

Before this, I thought it was a bad idea to talk about this with Aliaa. I was afraid she would avoid me out of fear and that I would lose her. I didn't expect that she would hug me and comfort me. Aliaa is like an angel. She came down to earth and saved me. Aliaa - The person I fell in love with.

Aliaa and Shadow are the two most important people in my life. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve to have friends like this around. But there is one thing I know very well, I won't survive if I lose both of them. They are the source of my life, my reason for living.

After a while, the two of us talked happily again. I feel relieved after sharing it with Aliaa. Now that it's all over, Saiko has been sent to a re-education camp. Rumors about me will disappear soon. Finally, I can relax.

-Hey Arashi, Have you thought of a plan for Shadow's birthday? I'll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning. - Aliaa says happily

-Oh! About that, I have something to tell you. Shadow is busy on Monday, so I think tomorrow we can celebrate. How about we have a picnic or something?

-Good idea! We can actually, and how about we go to the hill near here? It's pretty peaceful and quiet. I've been there before, and It was great! ^^

-Sounds great! How about we...

Then we both start making plans for Shadow's birthday until 8 PM.

_________________________________________________

Shadow POV

"Gosh, I didn't think that It would hurt as hell."

I hugged the bandaged wound on my stomach while cursing silently. I thought it would only sting a little. Who would have thought it would hurt so much? Fortunately, my uncle hasn't come home yet. Otherwise, I would have lost my life.

Sitting in my room, I feel kind of lonely. Everything is surrounded by darkness, The only light was the moonlight glimmering through the window. Quiet, this room is so quiet. 

Leaning against the bed, I looked up at the ceiling wondering what did I do wrong to have to deal with this. I'm tired but I don't want to sleep, either resting. I'm mad but at the same time, I'm very sad. 

There are so many problems to deal with. That Saiko girl spent lots of time and effort on this plan. She has waited until Arashi is happy. So she can make him broken by stealing away his happiness. What's a waste of time. She could have been moving on instead of trying to revenge.

However, this girl knows about my past when I was in the old town. The only way she can know is if someone has told her. The only person I can think of is Uncle. Did he sell my information to her for money? There is a high chance that man is going to do that. 

After a while of thought, I stood up and took my bottles of pills, wondering if I should take more. I want to forget today's troubles, but my body has reached its limit.

"My best friend - Hoteru Arashi, There are lots of things you don't know about me. Now excuse me, I'll be going."

Remembering what happened this afternoon, I soon lost control.

-Damn it! Why did I say that? - I threw the bottle away, rubbing my head in anger.

I hate Arashi, I hate him for what he did, but I also hate myself for being so stupid. Everyone has envy other people, especially children. It should be over, I forgive myself so why can't I forgive him? 

Oh Family, what do I know about family? I love my sister, Aiko and yes I love my family too. My mother, my father, or even bits and bits of my memories about them make me pleased. Family is my treasure, something I've wanted to get back, it is and forever will be my happiness. I was mad, mad at him for not treasuring it. 

I'm angry at Arashi for his stupid odd thinking. Because of that mistake, Aliaa was injured. But I was angrier at myself for not understanding him and leaving him.

The wound in my stomach opened again, blood-soaked the bandages and my hand. My mind is disoriented. I don't know what to do now. Should I meet him at the river? Should I forgive him and say sorry? What do I have to do now?

-Hey, what will you do if you're here, A̶k̶u̶m̶a̶? - I said in pain.

Suddenly, my guitar fell, making a shrill sound. I was startled but out of my misery.

Standing up and picking it up, I looked at it for a while. I haven't touched it in a long time, but it's still clean.

"Maybe the bottle touch it then make it falls" - I think to myself.

I put it up nearby and quickly changed the bandages. As soon as the dressing was over, I took the guitar and sat down near the window, gently strumming a few notes.

It's been two years since I've touched it. I don't know if I can still play it now. With my hands plucking each string, I remember the time I played with him. Then start playing some random music.

For the past two years, I have forgotten how relaxing it is for me to play, maybe I should play more to relax.

I sat there next to the window, leaning my back against the wall and closing my eyes. Listen to the melody of the guitar. The sound is so soothing, it brings back good memories of when I was in the old city, under that noisy bridge. It seems that the music makes my mind more comfortable, and the anger has also lessened a lot.

-"Then what are you going to do, Shadow?"  - A familiar voice said to me.

I opened my eyes wide in surprise. In front of me was the silhouette of a boy with dark red hair, a bit jet black at the end. He looked at me - with those light yellow eyes. Once again, my tears fell. This is just an illusion, right? It can't be real. Six years have passed, and the image in front of me is still that 10-year-old boy.

-"Shadow, what are you going to do?" -the boy touches my face and wipes away my tears.

-A-Akuma - I paused

-"You've changed a lot, Shadow. Since the day you meet Arashi. Don't tell me that you are going to break the promise with him and Aliaa. You hate liar, aren't you?"

-..You're the one who breaks our promise...

-"Then don't become a person like me. You kept secrets from both of them. You lied too, and you forgive yourself for it. It's almost your 13th birthday. They're the only ones who can help you smile and be happy. Everyone makes mistakes, including me, Aiko, you, and Arashi. Forgive him, Shadow. It's okay." - Akuma looks at me and smiles. 

And then just like that, the illusion of that boy disappeared, leaving me alone there with the guitar.

Holding the guitar tightly, I wiped my tears and smiled lightly. Maybe I'm crazy, suddenly seeing his silhouette in front of me. I don't know if he's dead or not, I don't usually see ghosts that clearly. Even if he's still alive, I don't think he can know where I live. But...

-Thank you, Akuma...

       "I know It still pretty soon but. Happy birthday, Shadow - my best friend" 

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Me: Omg, This hit 400 reads I'M DYING IN HAPPINESS-

Thank you very much for this ^^

This chapter is written in 2 days and I didn't post for more than 1 week-

Sorry, I posted late. I tried to make it longer so forgive me. I'm very not okay right now, so Is it forgivable? ;v;

 Lots of things have been going on and It's too much for me. My friends are trying to help and I am trying to get better so, I'll be fine soon.

I don't know what to say about this chapter. I just know that I like it ( I like all the chapters wtf-)

I hope y'all like this chapter too :D

This story is about to end. Maybe 2-3 more chapters and It's going to be completed  ( I might continue posting random things tho-)  

Pls, vote and comment. Give me some advice too I would love that. :D

Have a great day/night/ afternoon ^^ and Take care! If you want to talk you can talk to me-

P/S: The view and vote are lower slowly T^T
I'm very sorry if you don't like my story. I know It's not the best but I tried ok? ;-;