This is the last one. It changes POV's every chapter, so it might be confusing. But I hope you guys like it just as much!

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Shina POV




“America?” I could feel my mouth drop open, the familiar faces in front of me, strange, their voices echoing in my head. America. America. America.

“You want to be an English teacher, right?” the person on the left, supposedly my mother, said, placing her hand on my knee. “It’ll be a good chance for you to improve your English and get a handle on high school,” she smiled, looking into my eyes. “If this is what you want to do, then we want to make sure you’re the best.” I think I might be sick.

“Is this some trick?” I looked at the person on the right, supposedly my father, half glaring. You never know, it could be a trick.

“Oh Shina!” my mother threw up her arms.

“Why can’t you just trust us for once?” my fathers voice was stern, deep, solid, yet, somewhere deep inside I heard a hint of pain. I sighed, closed my eyes, and thought about it.

“When do I leave?” I forced a smile. The truth is, I’ve always wanted to go to America, and I know that going to America is going to help me with my English and it will give me a grip on teaching high schools, just like how my mother said. This would be a great opportunity for me. My parents looked at each other with bright smiles. I wonder if they’re faking it.

“Tomorrow.” My father answered. Tomorrow. Tomorrow?!

“What?!”


It’s still dark outside when I woke up the next morning. I got home late and so did Shuu and Shun. I wanted to say bye, but I didn’t have the heart to wake them up. I couldn’t wake them up. I wouldn’t be able to say ‘goodbye’.

From the little light that I got from the candle, I found a piece of paper and a pen. I know they’re going to hate me for doing this, but it’s the only way for me.


Dear Shun and Shuu

I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t, didn’t, wake you up and say this properly. I just wouldn’t be able to pull through. Mother and Father have found me a job, sort of an internship, in America for me. I only heard about this last night. I’m truly sorry for leaving this way. I’ll be back before you know it. Shun, good luck with the business. Shuu, take care and study hard. Don’t worry about me. I love you both.

Shina


I blew the candle out and walked outside with my duffel bag and a backpack. This was all I would take over to America for the first three months I’m going to be there. I pulled my coat closer to me as I stepped outside where there was a cool December breeze. My driver, Kita-san, was waiting patiently. When he saw me, he stepped out into the cold and opened the door for me. I smiled, thanked him, and got in.

“You’re really going to love America, miss,” he said to me as we got onto the highway.

“Have you been there before?” I looked out of the window, starting to see the beginning of a sunrise.

“Once. Oh, what a wonderful experience it was!” I smiled at him.

“I’m a bit afraid, to tell you the truth,” I laughed. I’ve never been out of the country. Surprising, but I haven’t.

“You’ll be fine! Miss, with your English, you’re going to fit right in! And I heard you’re going to Seattle?” I nodded. “Seattle is a great place! Many Japanese people there! You’ll be just fine!” his little pep talk encouraged me. I felt more confidence rise in me.

“Thank you,” I said before closing my eyes to doze until we got to the airport.


“Good luck, miss, I’ll be cheering you on from here,” Kita-san handed me my bag. “Goodbye.” I waved and he got back into the car.

“Thank you,” I whispered as he pulled away. Before I went inside the terminal, I pulled out my cell phone. Now, for the hardest thing I have to do before I leave. I held down the number two button, soon hearing a ring.

“Hello?” I heard his voice croak.

“Ohno-kun, sorry to call you so early…” I could feel my heart pounding, my voice straining.

“Shina-chan? What’s up?” I heard him yawn.

“I…um…Ohno-kun, I’m sorry I have to say this over the phone…”

“Shina-chan?” I took in a deep breath. Hearing his voice suddenly worried, awake, made it harder.

“I’m leaving.”

“Leaving? Where to?”

“America…” there was silence. I heard my heart thudding. It felt abnormal.

“How long?”

“I don’t know…”

“When are you leaving?”

“Today, in an hour…” I heard a gasp, Ramen’s little whimper, then a sound like throwing his covers off. “Ohno-kun?”

“I’m coming! Don’t leave without me being there!” the line went dead. He can’t come. I can’t do it if he comes. I held back my tears. I didn’t want to do this, but it was what I had to do. I had to leave before he came.

“Sorry…Ohno-kun…Satoshi…” I took in a deep breath of the cold air and walked into the terminal where I checked in and quickly went down to my gate where I waited for ten minutes before boarding the plane.

O.O OMG! THEY'RE BACK!!
[::secretly hopes that the other girls appear too::]
This is so sad ;__;

Go OHNO GO!!

OMG! Run for it Oh-chan!

Ohno POV



“This has to be a nightmare!” I grabbed my hair and looked at the departure board. Shina was no where, her phone was off, and it now said that all planes going to America had left. “Shina!” I couldn’t, wouldn’t, give up. I ran around the terminal, calling her name. She had to be here. This is some sick prank the guys came up with the get back at me for sleeping through rehearsals and making us practice later then we were supposed to. This has to be. It just has to be!


Hours passed and nothing. I sat down on the floor, in the corner, away from people. My phone vibrated. It was Shuu.

“Ohno-san?” he yelled into the phone, panicked. “Shina! She left!” I bit my lip and nodded, even though I knew he wouldn’t be able to see.

“I know, Shuu…” I heard soft sobs from the other line.

“Ohno-san! What should I do? Shina’s gone! She left a note…a note!” I took in a deep breath, shook my head, and cleared everything.

“Shuu, I’ll be there soon, ok? So calm down. Do you have school today?”

“Yes…” he choked out.

“Do you think you can make it?”

“Yes…” his voice was now just a whisper.

“Go. I’ll be waiting at the school and we can talk all you want. But go to school, alright?”

“Ohno-san…”

“I’m sorry Shuu; I wish she didn’t leave either. But for now, get ready for school.” the line went dead. I felt my chest tighten. How could she leave like this? Call me, leave a note for Shuu. I slammed my fist down on my knee, not feeling any pain except for in my chest. This just wasn’t fair. “Shina…” I rested my forehead on my forearms as tears started to slide down my cheeks. “You left me, again.”


This was far worse than last time though. She didn’t give anyone a warning. This time she just packed and left. Slipped through our fingers, through our grasp, to somewhere we couldn’t reach her. And this time, no one knew when she was coming home.

Shuu didn’t talk at all when I picked him up from school. He walked next to me, but went his own way. I followed quietly. When he was coming out of the school many of his friends were by him, asking if he was alright, that they were there for him to talk to, but he ignored them all. Actually, it seemed more like their words just weren’t reaching his ears. He was somewhere else.

By the time Shuu’s feet stopped moving, we were at a soccer field. I don't where we were, but it was empty. Shuu turned around and smiled, a forced smile, but a smile nonetheless.

“Ohno-san, will you play with me for awhile?” I nodded. He knew I couldn’t play. And I knew I couldn’t play. I dropped my bag next to Shuu’s and kicked off my shoes, along with my socks, and followed Shuu out to the field. My feet were instantly cold, but it didn’t matter. Shuu had taken off his school jacket and was tying his cleats. He got up slowly and walked over to a small shed that I hadn’t noticed earlier, along with some bleachers. Shuu bent down and seemed to search around for something on the ground before getting up and opening the shed door. He came out, seconds later, with a ball.

“I’ll be the goalie…” I said to him, running to the goal. Shuu, without warning, just started running towards me, full blast. He would, on his way, stop and turn, as if he were truly playing against someone. He was dodging around his invisible opponents and was getting closer to me. I felt my heart pound. Seeing the usual happy Shuu, sad faced, serious, running head on towards me full power was intimidating. Before I knew it, he was running away from me, the ball in the goal behind me. I quickly grabbed the ball and kicked it back to him.

This went on for hours, to the point where we were relying on the moonlight to see. I hadn’t blocked any shots, not even close. I only was able to touch a few balls, he was good. No joke. He held up his arm and jogged over to me before I kicked the ball back to him.
“Ohno-san…” he breathed out. “Thank you…” he smiled. A happier smile then before. “Really, thank you.” I let out a sigh and smiled.

“No problem, Shuu…” his school shirt was rolled up, a bit of dirt stained from sliding around on the grass at times, his hair slightly damp from sweat.

“You must have work tomorrow…” Shuu jumped slightly, realizing the time. “I’m SO sorry for keeping you out!”

“Shuu! Shuu!” he was panicking. “It’s ok,” I soothed him. “It’s fine. You needed me. Remember, I’ll be here anytime you need me, ok?” the truth is, I need this too. Even though I was only blocking, my mind was off of Shina. I needed it. “Are you going home now?” Shuu shook his head.

“I’m going to play some more…” he smiled. “Now that I don’t have a sister to tell me when to come home…I can stay out later for practice.” I could see the tears welling up behind his sparkling eyes. I could tell he was fighting them. He didn’t want me to see him cry.

“Ok…” I turned before he let them spill. “But don’t stay out too long, ok?” I glanced back and smiled. “Good night, Shuu.” I waved, leaving. I quickly put my socks and shoes on, feeling warmth come back to my toes, and left.

Once I got far enough from the field, I turned around and noticed lights turning on, lighting the field up. I could see a small speck, Shuu, running back and forth down the field. I’m sorry, Shuu.

“Shina, how could you? You broke his heart…and mine…”

somebody get the ambulance here, im gonna kick her ass, lol.
Poor ohno and Shuu! T^T
i want to hug them both. Hopefully Shina has a good excuse for this.

Good job as usual ^__^

Shuu POV


“Hey you!” I could hardly hear the voice, I kept running, kicking the ball in front of me, swerving through the other team, only visible to me. “Hey!” someone jumped in front of the goal right as I was about to kick it. I stopped and looked at him, confused. Is he part of my imaginative opponent or a real person? “I said hey.” he said softly.

“Sorry, sir,” I was breathing hard. He was real.

“Are you supposed to be playing here?”

“I was never told not to, sir,” I saw him take a few steps closer. Who was this guy?

“I don’t even think you’re supposed to be out here at this time! How old are you?”

“Seventeen, sir.”

“Well, I’ve been watching you,” he shook his finger at me. “I like what you have, kid,” he came closer to me. Once he was in clear vision, I was shocked.

“Shinozuka-san?!” I gaped. “Shinozuka Tomoya?” the guy laughed.

“That’s right,” he held out his hand. “Shinozuka Tomoya.” I looked at his hand, then back at him. I felt my eyes bulge. The owner and coach of the best soccer team in Japan was standing in front of me!

“Unami Shuu,” I shook his hand, getting my wits back together.

“Shuu-kun,” Shinozuka-san squeezed my hand. “What school do you go to?”

“Seiki, sir, I’m a senior.” He seemed to be thinking.

“Ah, no wonder I’ve heard of your name, you’re the captain?” I nodded. He’s heard of me! “Your team is very strong, Shuu-kun. I’ve never seen your games in person, but I’ve heard many good things about you, and your team. How would you like to come to a few of my practices?”

“To…to your practices?” he nodded. “Yes sir!” I could never let up on this chance. To go to one of Shinozuka Tomoya’s practices!

“Well, here’s my card, and…” he pulled out a pen and wrote a few things. “This is where the practices are held and the time.” I held the card gingerly in my hands. This is my future, I’m holding here. “I hope to see you then, Shuu-kun,” Shinozuka-san said. “Goodbye.” By the time I looked up, he was gone. Was it a dream? I looked down and still saw the car in my hands.

“Shinozuka Tomoya’s practices…” I quickly grabbed the soccer ball and returned it to the shed, turning off the lights, putting the key back to its hiding spot, and grabbed my bag, running full speed home.

It was five am when I got home. I’ve never been out later then twelve in my life. It was a weird feeling, sneaking into the house. It was so dark, quiet, and empty. I wonder if Shun’s even home? I crept past everything quietly, even Shina’s room, which was empty. I felt a hollow feeling in my chest. I opened my door quietly and set my stuff down. Home. Safe. Home.

I needed to take a shower. Should I even sleep tonight? I can make it until two tomorrow. I’m pretty sure, at least. I grabbed clean clothes and walked to the bathroom where I turned on the shower and quickly undressed. The warm water hit me like bullets. It hurt at first, my body so used to the cold. The sweat and dirt ran off of me. It felt nice. I stood there, letting the water wash down my body for a long time before I washed my hair and body.

Once I was dried and dressed, my hair sticking to my head, I walked out into the hall, where I noticed the light was on. Did I leave it on?

“Shuu!” I heard a growl. I slowly turned around. I didn’t leave the light on. It was turned on once I was in the shower. I saw Shun standing behind me, angry faced, his arms crossed. “Where were you?”

“I…I was practicing…” I shook my hair out of my face, looking right back at Shun.

“Where?”

“At the soccer field that we always go to.” Shun seemed to let his shoulders drop.

“You worried me. You know? Now the Shina’s gone, I’m the parental figure for you.” I shrugged. “Why were you out so late?”

“I couldn’t think straight…” I grinned. “Plus, Shun!” I jumped over to him. “Shinozuka Tomoya saw me!”

“What?” Shun laughed. “Did Shina leaving get to you that much?” I felt my chest clench a bit, but I pushed it aside.

“I’m serious, Shun! Shinozuka Tomoya saw me and liked me! I’m going to one of his practices! I even got his card!” I ran to my room and found the card, running back to Shun and showing it. “See?!” Shun took it from me and looked at it closely.

“Shuu…oh man! I can’t believe you! This is great!” he grabbed me in a hug and twirled me around. “I’m so happy for you!” Shun was supportive of my soccer. He always played with me, with his friends, until I got into middle school where I started beating him and his friends. “Now,” he dropped me on the ground. “I guess it’s too late for some sleep, so, want to go get some breakfast?” I grinned up at Shun. My big brother.

“Definitely!” I ran back to my room, put Shinozuka Tomoya’s card in my wallet, put on jeans and pulled a sweatshirt over my head. I got a beanie from my closet and put it on so my head wouldn’t be so cold. I ran downstairs and found Shun already dressed and waiting.

“Where to?” he smiled as he walked out of the door. I felt like a little kid again. Shun and I haven’t hung out like this for the longest time. It was like the old days, when we would play soccer, before he left.

“Anywhere that’s open.” Shun nodded, unlocking the car doors. I quickly got in, escaping the cold air. The car started and soon, we were off. To where? We’re not sure yet, but somewhere good, nice, and most of all, fun.

Now, the thought of Shina not being around anymore, sad to say, didn’t seem as bad as it did when I woke up yesterday and found her note on the kitchen table.

I absolutely ADORE Shuu and Shun!!!

You're a wonderful writer and i've been following this series since Aiba's fic!! KEEP IT UP!!

Sho POV


It’s been busy lately. Concerts, recording. Since Christmas, when we put out a Christmas single, it’s been crazy. Photo shoots, more magazine interviews, TV shows, concerts. It’s a bit too overwhelming. I haven’t been able to spend time with Natsumi. In normal cases, I would be worried about that. But this isn’t a normal case. Natsumi’s been busy lately too. Her final exams are coming up and basically, one more week and she’ll be an official doctor.

Since we’re both busy, it’s hard getting the timing right to see each other. I think that’s the hardest thing. I only see her for about an hour a day, if I’m lucky. If I can get off in time, then I can see if she wants dinner, if she isn’t studying or doing work related stuff, that is, which is hardly the case. She’s working really hard, which is great. I’ll have to get sick and hurt just so I can go see her during work.

Ever since Shina-chan left, things have been a little bit off track. Satoshi is spacing out more then usual, Natsumi’s taking it a bit harsh on herself because of Shuu-kun. Oh, which I heard good news from. He got scouted by Shinozuka Tomoya, which I was so overwhelmed when I heard about it. He went to a few practices with his team, and bam! He’s on. Shinozuka Tomoya just loved him and his skills that he asked Shuu-kun to join as soon as he could. So, he talked to the school, and since he’s not planning on going to collage, and school’s ending soon, they told him as long as he attends the last two days of school, he doesn’t have to come and can still graduate. Unami Shuu, the newest player on Japans greatest team. The rooky. He’s going to do great.

Rika’s been a bit stressed lately too. Ever since Renji-kun came back, and for good, her dad put her on as his assistant manager. She’s just not used to the job, but she’ll get used to it and everything will be all better. It’s just hard for her since her friend…Hitomi-san…isn’t there to work with her anymore.

But her relationship with Masaki seems to be going just fine. They’re so in love. I wonder if people see that when I’m with Natsumi? Truly, I can’t explain how much she means to me. I can’t imagine my life without her. It would be pointless, from what I can manage to imagine. I would still be depressed, blaming myself for everything bad in my life. Who knows? I may not even be here. Natsumi saved my life. If she never came into my life, rearranged it, made me happy, I would never be who I am now.


“I haven’t seen her for a week now!” Jun said during our break from our choreography practice.

“Seen who?” Masaki said, knowing well that Jun was talking about Jun-chan.

“She said she won’t see me until I finished all my work!” he sat down, frowning.

“Maybe that’s a good thing?” I wonder if Masaki was asking for something. I could sense Jun’s angry vibes starting up. I quickly walked up to Masaki and steered him away as Nino and Satoshi did their job to calm Jun down.

“How’s Rika?” I tried to get Masaki to change his gear.

“Great!” Masaki was easily set off topic. It’s quite sad, actually. “She’s enjoying her new job! And oh! Renji and I went out to dinner the other day! Isn’t that great? He gave me his newest single, so I gave him ours! He’s so cool!” I laughed. Masaki was, ever since he found out about R.A.D., has been a hardcore fan, although it took him the longest time to figure out that R.A.D. was Renji.

“I bet,” I smiled. My mouth was open to say something, but instead of words, music came out. Well, not from my mouth. Jun’s cell phone started ringing. Loudly too.

“It’s Jun-chan!” he practically screamed as he ran to his bag on the other side of the room. My phone started vibrating at that time and I took it out of my pocket.

“Hello?” I didn’t recognize the number.

“Sho?”

“Natsumi!” I smiled. Masaki grinned and tried to fight for the phone from me.

“Sho! You have to come down here quickly Jun-chan is—” there was a loud clatter and I looked over to see Jun’s cell phone on the ground, his body shaking as his knees went out. “Sho? What happened? Sho?!”

“Natsumi, what happened?” panic started to seep through my body.

“Jun-chan had another stroke.” I felt me knees go weak but I kept up. “You guys need to come here. Now!” the line went dead. Masaki’s grin was gone. Satoshi and Nino were right next to Jun, helping him stand.

“Guys, we need to go to the hospital.” As soon as I said those words, Jun ran out of the room.

“What’s going on?” I ran after Jun, the others behind me.

“Jun-chan had another stroke.” I glanced around and saw Masaki running with his cell phone next to his ear, along with Nino. Satoshi sped up and was right behind Jun. Right when everyone thought Jun-chan was going to make a miracle recovery, she gets another stroke. And by the sound of Natsumi’s voice, it didn’t sound like anything good.

and here I was all happy that everyone seemed to be making another appearance in a story...

Yoshimaru, I love your stories, but you are seriously robbing me of my beauty sleep.

Natsumi POV


The coffee was hot. My tongue was now burned. I looked up from my mug to glare at the paper work I had to fill out. I was almost done with my training and, after I fill these out and they get accepted, would be a doctor.

“Need help?” Sho walked up to me with his mug in his hands. I looked up at him, my glare still intact. Sho raised his eyebrow.

“Sorry…” I relaxed my face. “I didn’t mean to glare at you, too…” I set my mug down on the table in front of me. Sho sat down across the table.

“What’s bothering you?” he couldn’t possibly be asking me that. I smiled at him. “Don’t pull it. I mean it; you haven’t been acting yourself lately.”

“Sho…”

“Natsumi, tell me.” he reached over and touched my hand. I looked down at it as if I didn’t know what it was.

“Sho…I’m scared…” I sighed, resting my cheek against the table. “I’m confident in passing the exam, but I’m afraid that when there’s a real emergency, that I’ll blank out. What if that happens when I get a patient in? What if I blank out? Then I…” I felt his hand squeeze mine.

“You won’t.” his voice sounded so stern. I could believe it if my doubt and worries weren’t so strong.

“It could happen though, Sho…I’m so scared…”

“Natsumi, you’re going to be a great doctor. You’re a smart girl, most of the times, and you’re lovely. Everyone will love you.” I gave him a weird look. Sometimes? I’m a smart girl most of the time?

“Thanks,” I hid my smile and sat up straight, taking my hand away. “I really needed that extra bit in the encouragement.”

“I love you.” everything seemed to stop once again. My other worries pushed past and into my mind. “Natsumi?”

“Sho...Rika-chan and Masaki-kun…are they ever going to get married?” Sho looked down into his coffee with a thoughtful look. I shuffled my papers and stood up. “You know, never mind…” I sighed. “I’m going to go get some work done at the hospital. I’ll call you later.” I saw Sho nod and stand up. He followed me to the entry way. We were silent the whole time while I tied my converse onto my feet. Once tied, I shrugged my backpack on and stood up. I turned around to say goodbye to Sho when suddenly he leaned down and captured my lips.

“I love you…” he said, breaking away, his lips brushing against mine as he said those words. “Remember that…” my mind was foggy. I just nodded, looked up and saw Sho smirking.

“Bye…” I waved shyly at Sho before leaving. I wasn’t too good when it came to things like that. I always get shy whenever he kisses me like that. He knows it too. And it’s not fair when he uses it to his advantage. I let out a sigh as I walked down the sidewalk towards the train station.

“Miss! Miss!” the voice sounded familiar, but I just ignored it, trying to focus my brain on work now. “Excuse me, miss,” someone tapped my shoulder.

“Sho!” I jumped back, my heart beating fast. I was out of words. “What are you doing here?” he didn’t really have a disguise or anything on, just openly running after me.

“Oh, well, I didn’t have anything to do, so I thought I’d walk you to the station,” he looked away. I smiled. I knew when he was trying to act cool and casual.

“Right,” I nodded. My pace slowed down as I walked by a large building.

“Natsumi?” Sho stopped and looked up at the building.

“This is one of the hotels,” I sighed. “I hate to say this, but the only reason why Shina is on ‘better terms’ with her parents is because of Ohno-kun.”

“What do you mean?” I looked down and ahead of me into the crowded sidewalk.

“Ohno-kun and Shina got in a fight about it one time. Ohno-kun just couldn’t understand what was going on. I don’t think anyone would be able to unless you knew her then. She was so…happy then.” I sighed. I couldn’t talk about this. “Sho, I really have to go, I’ll talk to you later ok?” I cleared my head from Shina. She’s coming back soon, isn’t she? I’ll talk to her then. I’ll get things straightened out. Ohno-kun and Shina would be ok. I’m going to fix things.


“Hello…” I sighed when I walked into the office area of the hospital.

“Natsumi-chan!” one of the nurses, Terumi-chan, walked up to me. “You don’t have work today! What are you doing here?” I smiled at her and held up my papers, she just laughed and nodded. “I see.” I walked past her and to a work table in the middle of the room. There were a few other nurses in the room, and a guy who was in my class and graduated a little earlier.

I let out a sigh and settled myself in the chair before blocking everything out to finish everything. That didn’t last long. There was an emergency and all the nurses in the room were told to come down to the ER. I was told to come too. I followed closely behind. My heart pounding a little harder then usual. A different way from when I feel after Sho’s kisses. I walked into the busy room and saw doctors and nurses around a body. It looked familiar. I took a few steps closer and quickly stabilized myself against the wall.

“Jun-chan?” my voice shook. One of the nurses came to my side and helped me out of the room, out into the lobby area where I saw her parents sitting, shaking.

“Natsumi-chan!” her mother ran over to me, hugging me. “Is she going to be ok?” I couldn’t answer her. My mouth wasn’t working. I didn’t even know what happened.

“What—”

“She was in the middle of physical therapy when her body just stopped working and…” her mother covered her face up, her husband coming to her aid and support. I slowly walked to a seat and sat down. I was feeling dizzy.

“Did you tell Matsumoto-kun?” her father shook his head.

“I’ll call him now…” the couple moved over to my side and sat down.

“Can I borrow your phone?” I said to the nurse, who gave me her phone gladly, so I could call Sho.

“Hello?” I heard his uneasy voice.

“Sho?”

“Natsumi!” I could almost see his smile.

“Sho! You have to come down here quickly Jun-chan is—” there was a loud clatter and I heard some shouts. “Sho? What happened? Sho?!”

“Natsumi, what happened?” there was a hint of panic in his voice.

“Jun-chan had another stroke.” I could feel hot tears spill down my cheek. “You guys need to come here. Now!” I hung up, knowing he would be here soon. I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes. “Jun-chan…hang on…”

Girl you sure know how to keep me at the edge of my seat!!
I wanna know whats up next!!!

Sho and Natsumi are so cute

Jun POV


I could hardly keep my body still. I sat next to her parents, waiting, while the others sat a few rows away from me, to give me space. They were crying, all of them. My heart kept threatening to stop. Each time a door opened, my eyes would dart over to see if it’s her doctor. And each time it wasn’t, my head would fall down. The longer it took for the doctor to come out, the more my hopes fell. Was that a bad thing?

I couldn’t help but cry. Tears flew down my cheeks, seeing this, Rika-chan ran over to me, knowing I needed someone.

“Jun-kun…” Rika-chan rubbed my back. “Everything’s going to be fine…” she whispered into my ear. I felt her arms wrap around me and I turned into her shoulder. I needed a shoulder.

“Rika-chan…what if…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. It’s not possible for me to finish the sentence.

“Shh…” she just kept murmuring comforting words to me while I tried to calm down. Next to me, I heard Jun-chan’s mom gasp a little then I heard shuffling feet as a door closed. My body tensed up and my head shot up. The doctor was out. I watched from where I was sitting as the doctor told Jun-chan’s parents, what seemed to be, grim news.

Suddenly, Jun-chan’s mom crumbled to the floor and Itou-san helped her up, stabilizing her. The doctor bowed and slowly walked away, his shoulders drooping.

“Go…” Rika-chan whispered to me. I didn’t want to, but my body got onto my feet and they started to move, carrying me towards the bad news.

“Junko…she’s not going…” Itou-san couldn’t finish his sentence. My knees went out; I fell to the ground just like her mom had. Instead of having my husband come rescue me though, my friends crowded around to support me. Sho and Nino were right next to me. I looked at everyone in the eyes, my mouth opening and closing. I didn’t have to say anything for them to figure out what happened. I could see true sorrow in their eyes, even though they tried to hide it to not make me feel worse.

Jun-chan's parents had left to go see Jun-chan. Soon, I would be able to go in. Can I face her? Can I see her…only minutes away from death?

“Jun-chan…and her friends…” Itou-san came out, trembling. “Will you please come in?” he fought the tears back. He was fighting a battle inside his mind. My body was trembling even harder now. I wanted to rush in, to see Jun-chan, to be with her. But my body wouldn’t move and when I felt Nino and Sho lift me up and help me walk, I felt my body refuse. My legs wouldn’t move. Nino and Sho dragged me inside.

The machines attached to her beeped and made weird noises. She was attached to so many. Lying unconscious on the bed. I ran up to her, getting down on my knees.

“Jun-chan…” I grabbed her hand. “Junko.” I couldn’t see right. “Don’t. You can’t. It’s not right. I love you!” I sobbed out. I kissed her hand over and over. “Don’t leave me…” I felt her hand grip mine back slightly. I looked up and saw her eyes open.

“Junko!” her mother gasped.

“Don’t…cry…Jun-chan…” she said in a weak voice. “I love…you…too…” she then closed her eyes once again. I still heard the unsteady beeping of her heart. She was still here.

“Don’t cry?” I laughed slightly. “I can’t not cry, Junko. What am I supposed to do?” a nurse came up to me, looking sympathetically. She fiddled with a few things and checked other things. “Will she be alright?!” I latched onto the nurse as she was about to leave. “Will she?” the nurse looked surprised but gently loosed my grip on her. She crouched down to be level with me.

“We’re doing out best, Matsumoto-san, but there’s no guarantee…” with that, she stood up, bowed, and walked out. My shoulders dropped and I scooted back to Jun-chan.

“Don’t listen to her. You’re going to make it. I promise.”


I had fallen asleep, my hands still holding onto Jun-chan’s, still on my knees next to her bed. I was dreaming.

“Jun-chan?” I heard her sweet voice. I turned around. She was walking.

“You’re walking,” I smiled at her. She was still the same height.

“I am,” she giggled. “Watch this!” she took a few steps away and twirled, jumped, and ran around. “I’m back to normal! Look at how well physical therapy and hard work can do!” I ran up to her and hugged her.

“Junko…don’t leave me…” I felt her arms wrap around me.

“I’m sorry, Jun…” I looked down at her. Jun? She hardly ever called me Jun. She looked into my eyes. “It’s not going to be forever.” She smiled, placing her hand on my chest. “I’ll always be with you, just remember that.” She got on her tip toes and kissed me on the nose. “I love you.” she was leaving. She was pulling away, her sweet smile seemed to be glowing. Is this the last chance?

“Wait!” I pulled her back before she got out of reach. I cupped my hands around her face and kissed her.


“Jun?” someone shook me awake. I looked around groggily. “Jun…” it was Masaki. I glared at him for waking me up. I kissed her. I touched my lips. It felt as if I truly did just kiss her, still warm. There was a loud annoying beep. I looked around and my jaw tightened. Tears streaked my face. “Jun!” Masaki caught me before I fell down onto the ground. Jun-chan’s parents were crying, sobbing. I was frozen. No. That couldn’t be my goodbye. No! I won’t let this happen!

“Junko!” I got my wits back and grabbed her hand, rubbing it, hoping it would help bring her back. “Junko! Wake up! Walk! Jump! Twirl like you did earlier! You were walking! Junko!” I shook her shoulders but she was stiff. “No…Junko…no…”

NOOOO!!!! This is a nightmare!

I can't believe it...I can't...it's just a dream

OMG, I don't think I can handle the drama *faints from a broken heart*

Masaki POV


We got two weeks off of our busy schedule to recover from our loss. We all stayed home and sulked. I was worried about Jun. He took it the hardest. I don’t blame him though; I don’t know what I would do without Rika. I looked across the room at Rika, sitting on the ground leaning against the wall, her glasses on and her hair up in a messy bun, wearing sweats and a t-shirt, reading a book, tears streaking her face.

“Are you ok?” I said quietly, almost a whisper. She looked up from her book. Her glasses, black plastic frames, slid down her nose a little and she pushed them back up. Her head nodded slightly.

“I think I am.” I saw her body shake slightly. I got up from the couch and walked over to her, crossing the soft carpet, walking softly as if any step I take could crumble the whole world.

“It’s ok…cry…” I wrapped my arms around Rika and felt her head rest on my shoulder. She shook her head.

“I can’t. I can’t cry.” Even as she said this, tears kept running down the trail on her cheek.

“Rika…” she hugged me tightly and buried her face into my chest, sobbing. Her irregular gasps and breathing made it hard for me to not cry. Hearing her soft whimpers and cries as she hugged me, I felt my chest tighten.

“Why did she have to go? Why Jun-chan? She doesn’t deserve it! Why couldn’t it be me? Jun-chan—” I grasped her shoulders and shook her slightly.

“Rika!” her face was wet, eyes red. “Don’t ever say that! Ever! You deserve to live! Jun-chan does too. Do you think she’d be happy if you said that?”

“I…don’t know.”

“Well, I do,” I couldn’t believe she said that. “And she wouldn’t be happy.” I hugged Rika. “Don’t ever say that. You can’t leave too. I can’t live without you Rika. I love you…” my voice was hardly a whisper. I don’t even think she heard me. I pulled her closer. The thought of her not being here scared me. What would my life be like without her? I can’t remember how my life used to be. But I do know that it wouldn’t be as fun. No more arguments, teasing, no more kisses and hugs, no more sudden tricks being pulled on me. How could life be fun without her around? “I love you.”

“I love you too…” she whispered back. But I heard, felt, something different behind those words then what I usually feel. Uncertainty maybe? I brushed the feeling aside, it’s just my mind over thinking from what happened to Jun-chan.


I haven’t done anything. And although I’m sad and depressed from Jun-chan’s death, doing nothing is driving me crazy. Rika had taken a few days off, but she’s back at work now, and so I’m home…alone. I feel neglected! Sho-chan said the same thing. Natsumi-chan, as hard as it was for her too, had to go back to work. She passed her exam, I heard, and is a doctor now. She’s as busy as ever now. Shina-chan’s little brother got scouted and was asked to be on Shinozuka Tomoya’s team, which was insane. I couldn’t help but grin when I heard that from Captain.

“How do you think Jun’s doing?” Nino’s voice filled my ears.

“I’m worried…I haven’t heard from him and he hasn’t replied to my calls…”

“Maybe we should check up on him?” I heard the slight sound of his guitar in the background.

“Are you playing your guitar?” Nino chuckled.

“No, not me, Ayaka. What do you think?”

“It sounds great! Tell her to play louder!” I heard Nino tell Ayaka-chan to play louder. Suddenly the guitar stopped and Nino came back on the line, laughing.

“She got embarrassed. Well I’m going to go. Let me know if you hear back from Jun.” I nodded and hung up. I smacked my forehead. I had the habit of nodding instead of answering. Ayaka-chan. She’s a mystery. I don’t know her well. She’s a nice and funny girl, but she never talks about herself. Nino doesn’t really either. They’re both a mystery. Although, I do know Nino pretty well, whether I like it or not, half my life I spent with him. Even though he didn’t talk about himself, you just get to know people by being with them. I know about his little habits, his taste in clothing, music, movies, everything. I wonder if the other guys know me like this too? I wonder if they know my tastes in things?

I looked down at my cell phone again. It wouldn’t hurt, would it? To call Jun one more time. He might answer.

“C’mon, please, Jun…answer…” but he didn’t. The beeping stopped and I got his answering machine. I sighed and threw my phone against the couch that was across the room. Things are falling apart. I can feel it.

Aww, I'm kind of depressed. What happens next?