Chapter 19

Phone Call

I stood there in shock, numb for a few seconds.

My body wouldn't respond.

Like the sound of automatic gunfire,

only thoughts shot through my head.

Who was he?

What's going on?

What does he mean?

Was she in danger?

Was this a kidnapping?

What was he doing with her?

Was this a joke?

Come alone?

The police was not an option.

What did he want with us?

There was no way this was happening to me.

A dream. It must be a dream.

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Chapter 20

Phone Call

I was sweating.

Whether it was the heat or not, I didn't know.

The longer I waited,

the more certain it was.

It was no dream.

It was no nightmare.

My muscles tensed.

What if something happened to her?

Could I live without her?

Like a kick in the back,

I stumbled forward.

I realized I couldn't let that happen.

I had to find her.

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Chapter 21

Phone Call

I raced through the neighbourhood into the school.

The sun flashed by, scattering its rays through the windows.

In a few minutes I was speeding through the deserted hallways.

The windows were only source of light,

a merciless light, searing my flesh,

every time my shadow flitted past.

Thousands of memories flooded back.

I could see Aoi and I on the rooftop together

eating our home made lunches.

I could see my friends laughing and joking.

I could hear the voices of the students.

They were echoing, echoing through the dark stairwells,

filling empty classrooms with chairs in disarray.

But I brushed away the thoughts.

Memories couldn't affect me now.

I didn't know who he was,

but I knew I was going to do everything I could to save her.

If I had to fight, if it meant to protect her, I would.

I knew I would even die for her if I had to.

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Chapter 22

Phone Call

I got up on the rooftop in record time.

We always used to eat here. 

My friends and I would climb over the frayed fence 

and like delinquents, hang our feet off of the roof edge. 

Three years ago, 

it was here that I gave Aoi a present on White Day, 

another day abundant with sugar and sweets,

pastel colored blue, pinks and whites,

exactly one month after Valentine’s.

I had received a mountain of presents from girls in my classes, 

for the first time, I realized people were actually paying attention to me. 

And for the first time, I made a decision.

I confessed to Aoi.

Emerging out of the stairwell, the sun was bearing down hard. 

I tried not to squint as I scanned the rooftop. 

It was in the same state as it was years ago.

But with one glance I could tell it was empty.

She wasn’t here.

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Chapter 23

Phone Call

I headed across the rooftop and to the fence on one side. 

My fist slammed into the fence in all abandon.

It shook and rattled. 

Damn it. I closed my eyes.

For a few moments there was silence. 

I could only feel the sun on my neck.

Silence didn’t help. It made things worse.

I didn’t know what to think or what to feel. 

The last few minutes had been so unreal. 

Was it the heat?

My mind, my mind was blank. 

But at the same time it was a whirlpool that I couldn’t make any sense of. 

I could only hear the words of the man that called echo over and over.

A monotone drone, every word a hammer against my skull.

I could only hear my own heart pounding, rumbling through my body.

I wanted to cry, I wanted to shout, I wanted something, anything. 

But nothing came. I tried to picture Aoi-chan in my head but there was nothing. 

I desperately tried to remember her face, 

her soft hair, 

her warm hand in mine, 

her head against my shoulder, 

her smile, but there was nothing.

The only thing left now were the thoughts that spun in my head.

What if I could never see her again? 

What if I couldn’t see her smile again? 

Feel her fingertips against my palm? 

What if I couldn’t hold her again?

It dawned on me how precious she was to me. 

Only I suddenly realized that I hadn’t cherished her enough. 

The ground rose to meet my helpless body.

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Chapter 24

Phone Call

I opened my eyes.

Something was different about the field today.

Something in pink was shining under the sun.

It was an odd sight.

I first thought it was a part of the basketball court.

Then I realized what it was. Tears in my eyes.

The pink chalk was clearly defined,

drawn carefully on the court below.

Wide curves, broad curls, threading in and out.

It was a giant birthday cake, and in the middle was a simple message.

Happy 16th Birthday, Narimiya Seiji

It pierced my heart suddenly,

sending aching rivets of pain throughout my body.

I clutched at where my heart would be. I could hardly breath.

Was this what you planned all along? Aoi…

Tears threatened to overflow.

She made this all last night?

It was beautiful. This was such a beautiful scene.

It didn’t deserve to be happening now.

She was in danger. She risked her life to do this for me.

I wanted to scream. Where was she?

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Chapter 25

Phone Call

My cell phone rang again.

Damn it.

I picked up.

“Helloi?” My voice wavered.

It was the man.

“There are slight complications.”

He laughed hideously.

“Come to the shrine next to the school.”

“You bastard --!!” I swore at him, but was cut off.

There was only silence over the line.

My knuckles turned crimson

as I tore at the fence one last time

before spinning around,

anger quaking through my blood.

Tears of frustration threatened.

It wasn’t worry or fear anymore,

I was filled with contempt and rage.

Who could do something like this to us?

I would not forgive them.

I took off down the stairs and out of the school.

I hoped I wasn’t too late.

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Chapter 26

Phone Call

The shrine was close to the school, it was only a five minute walk.

But feet pounding, I got there within two.

The trees around were getting dense,

light becoming scarce beyond the cluttered leaves,

but I saw the clearing up ahead.

I could see the main entrance to the shrine's yard.

We used to come here to make wishes together.

Out of breath, I reached the front and gave the heavy gates a push.

It was locked. I cursed and shook the gates.

God had forsaken me.

It wouldn't budge.

Swearing, I jumped and struggled to haul myself over the top.

Every muscle burned and protested

but I dropped over on the other side,

landing on my feet hard.

My heels would be a bit sore.

But it didn't matter, I was in.

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Chapter 27

Phone Call

I saw someone there, sitting off to the side.

But through the bushes, I could not tell who it was.

Was it the man over the phone?

Or Aoi? Was it a trap?

There was no time for hesitation however.

I rushed forward, poised and ready for anything, uncertain what was to unfold.

My muscles tensed up, adrenaline pulsing through my body.

My heart was pounding hard.

I had no idea what I was up against.

All I knew was that I needed her to be fine.

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Chapter 28

Phone Call

“Aoi?” My voice cracked. It never does.

I saw a petite figure sitting,

very familiar short hair

reaching down to the bottom of her neck.

It had to be Aoi.

She turned, startled, and stood up.

She looked at me in surprise.

Relief filled my senses.

“Seii-kun? What are you doing here?”

I didn’t answer.

I was numb from fear, and from anger.

I couldn’t think of anything to say.

Instead of replying,

I rushed over with much determination and wrapped my arms around her,

hugging her tight to my body. I felt her eyes fly open in delighted surprise.

“You’re… safe….” I mumbled in her ear.

Tears were threatening again.

For she was finally in my arms.

She sounded confused.

“Of course I am… Silly, what were you thinking?”

I felt her arms reach around me and hug me back.

I felt my body relax. I was finally able to breath.

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Chapter 29

Phone Call

"So you weren't...kidnapped?"

I asked hesitantly.

I let go and held her shoulders, looking her in the eye.

"What?" She raised her eyebrows.

She gave me a weird look.

"Wait. Where's your cell phone?"

My words were strong and calm,

despite the tension in my body.

She looked confused and bit her lip as she checked her bag.

"Oh, I think I left it at home." She told me.

I exhaled. "Baka." I hastily explained the story.

"I got a call from your phone.

The guy said to come here alone or you would be in danger.

So I ran here."

"Eh??"

"Yeah.." I exhaled again and looked at the ground.

"I was so scared.. What if something happened to you?"

Then her eyes softened and shone.

She looked happy and gave me a shy smile.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing." She looked down at her shoes. Then she looked back up.

"But who was it?"

"I don't know, but someone has your phone."

There was silence for a moment.

Then she tilted her head up and gave me a quick kiss.

It was my turn to be surprised.

"It's okay. Because you're here."

I smiled at her.

The happiness that coursed through my body, was such a sudden contrast to the feelings just minutes ago.

That's the type of feelings she had the power to give me.

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Chapter 30

Phone Call

“Alright, let’s go make a wish.” She said with a radiant smile.

“What? Why?”

She took my hand and ushered us to the shrine.

We clapped our hands together three times and bowed.

I paused. What should I wish for?

I felt like I had everything in the world.

I didn’t need anything. As long as she was fine, I would be okay.

I stole a glance at Aoi. She looked so peaceful, eyes closed, hands clasped.

I closed my eyes too.

God, I wish that Aoi would always be this happy and loved by people around her.

Protect her and never let her be in danger.

I wish that I will always be by her side forever.

That was my only wish.

As long as she was happy, I would be happy.

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