In the street. They are walking toward their destination, holding hands as if they both don't want to be separated. I looked up at the black hair man who was already staring at me.
"Why are you holding my hand?"
One corner of the mouth pulls up and tightens, creating an asymmetrical smile with rhythmic nodding. Tightening my grip—he didn't want to let go of the comfort he got after a few months.
"Huh… you are too much."
Shimizu covers his face with his free hand in sheer embarrassment. His cheeks are flushing a deep strawberry pink. He averted his gaze around, not knowing where to look, until he finally fixed his eyes on the ground, making a fluttering gesture to dismiss the attention.
Shimizu sighed, trying everything to hide his face;
Shimizu turns his face toward the wall. Why does he always tease me like that… when my guard is down.
He puffed out his cheeks—sulking on his own. Why am I like this?
I look forward to confusion. Why is his face always red when I touch him or tease him? But who cares? He's cute. A warm smile formed on his face, looking forward; waiting for what will come next. Preparing himself;
Knowing it would be worse than anything happening in his life right now, I still want to spend my remaining time. Peacefully with someone who really cares about me more than anyone, even if he can sacrifice his life for me. That kind of love I always dreamed of. Having someone sacrifice for you—it's just something… but.
This kind of tale always happens in fiction…
And who would be someone who sacrifices themselves in the name of love—they claimed.
I just need someone who respects my personal space, to be with me when I say hurtful things that I don't want to. Just be by my side.
That's all I need;
No sacrifice… no fakeness… no fiction… only someone besides you, who really supports you at any cost with all his effort he had;
In the middle of the thoughts—some random person bumped into me.
I lost my balance. I fell into the arms of someone who was walking beside me. I look back in confusion. This is an empty street with no cars or motorcycles. We're not even walking in the middle, literally. We are in the, corner but he bumped on me—purpose… I think;
"That bastard doesn't have an eye."
My lips became narrowed and pressed tightly together, clenching my jaw in annoyance.
I looked up at the startled man, who was hugging me? Why the hell is he holding me like that? I just need to say. Really, today's kids have no shame.
"I'm sorry." Pushing him away while stroking his hair.
"That boy doesn't even say sorry."
I look back again where that boy was already in despair… it has lightning speed or something.
Shimizu is staring at the little figure who was pushing him; where he isn't even losing his grip. His breath is heavy, covered in sweat; His face becomes darker by the passing time.
I try to push again; Huh… why his grip is getting tighter. Something is wrong.
"Ouii Shimizu are you listening?"
Ignoring my plea. He doesn't lose despite being tightened. My face flushed—I couldn't breathe. My cheeks become red in suffocation;
In the movement. My stomach pain came back. Ahh… I think that pain is gone but… Ahhh how it came back.
"Shimizu you're hurting me now." My voice is weak.
"SHIMIZU."
I shouted with all my strength I have. I pushed him away—panting trying to catch my breath while grabbing my stomach.
Taking deep breath;
"What is wrong with you? You wanted to—" Gathering his breath.
"KILL ME OR WHAT!!" I looked down in disappointment.
Shimizu came out of his thoughts—flushed. Not knowing what is happening. Why is Minato shouting at me like that? It's so scary.
Forgetting what he did; Confused…
What I do. What I do. What I do. What I do. What I do. What I do…
Why can't I remember anything? He forced his mind to remember but can't.
His thoughts were messed—in confusion. He was trembling in fear. He started scratching his neck—brutally.
I looked up in silence. Why is he not saying anything? He's so stubborn.
Huh… My eyes became wide in terror; His neck was filled with cuts, where blood was flowing, continuously, he was looking at the ground. I rushed toward yanking his hand from his neck.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING."
This time my voice is a lot louder than any other day.
S ~ I ~ L ~ E ~ N ~ C ~ E.
Both froze at the same time as the surroundings didn't exist. I tightened my grip on his wrist, looking into his eyes with concern.
Shimizu's hand again started trembling—he began to cry.
"Huh…" I sighed, wiping my sweat with one hand.
I hug him—Comforting, patting his back slowly. We come here to refresh my mood now who cries when he's going to be an adult. I don't know the reason either.
"Why are you crying—where I was the one who hurt."
I look at his puffy face. My voice is soft with a genuine smile. Shimizu stops crying, staring at the ground as he is going to dig it and hide himself from the rest of the world.
"I was scared…"
Shimizu whispered. His hands are still trembling. I hold his both hands toward my chest.
"You were scared."
I look at our hands then at him; Woah he's not gonna change. I leaned closer, comparing his expression to adult Shimizu vs child Shimizu. But they are the same… Ahhh.
"HEHE…hehe…" My voice became more low.
"Are you stupid. You were scared of me…means me. How it can be possible."
I don't understand—how can someone be scared of me…
"It can be possible. Your voice was too loud."
This time Shimizu smiled; I looked at his bright face again. I sighed in relief.
"Huh… forget it. Let's go home for now. I need to treat your wound which you created on your own."
"Hehe…" Shimizu awkwardly smiles, scratching his neck again.
"Ouch!! It's hurting."
I grab his hand immediately, "Why are you always scratching your neck? You already made a mess now." I take a deep breath.
"Let's cancel today's plan."
"No." Shimizu lifts his free hand in objective. "Why are you canceling, it's just a minor cut." Making puppy eyes.
"Yeah minor. It bleeds, you call it minor." I hit his hand to make it straight.
"Ahh!! But I want to go. I want to go."
Shimizu starts protesting—repeating those same words as mantra to make my ears ring.
"Okay."
Smile forming on Shimizu's face. Yeah yeah …
"But it would be in your home."
Shimizu deadpanned; He is disappointed he wants to go on a date… a night date, but he ruined it.
Shimizu pout; Looking around direction in anger.
I move my hand directly in front of his eyes to catch his attention.
"I said 'yours'."
I know he likes it when I come to his house. SO it is checkmate;
"'Yours' means 'mine' place."
Shimizu's face lit up in happiness. Minato is coming to my house… means mine… He was jumping in his inner world while I looked at his face, filled with happiness.
But it is strange why he was acting as if he didn't remember anything. I think I need to ask him in his home now. If he starts to cry, I will be dead for sure.
I scratch my hair—holding his hand. Going forward to Shimizu's house.
TO BE CONTINUED.