"You..love her?" Yuki stated at me in shock, and I could only nod my head.
"I'm pretty sure she has forgotten by now. She's changed a lot since we were kids. I kept an eye on her, and noticed that she secluded herself a lot. But I couldn't stop..." I took a deep breath, as Yuki ran a hand through his hair.
"You can't tell Hatori or Akito. You can say you're good friends, but if word got to Akito...after what happened to Kisa, and Kana."
"Yeah..." I never understood why Akito did attack the females like that, but that was the last thing I wanted to happen to Y/n. "I'll just say she's a really good friend who I trust."
The walk to the main estate felt like it took ages, but when we got there we went straight to Hatori's office. I stood timidly behind Yuki as he knocked on the door, then slid it open.
"Oh, Yuki? I didn't know you had an arrangement with me today."
"I didn't...something happened at school..." Hatori raised a brow, his gaze finally shifting towards me.
"Someone found out."
"Yeah...it was my fault. We had a misunderstanding and she slipped."
Hatori let out an irritated sigh, and he began packing his bag. "Do you know where they live? I want to get this done quickly-"
"Hatori wait a moment. Can you reconsider? She's my friend, and I don't want her to lose her memories...I want to keep being her friend..."
"Momiji, you know already Miss Honda is the only exception Akito will make. And that's still barely. Once I tell-"
"Then don't! Please, Hatori I'm begging you. I never ask for anything from the Souma's. I gave up my own family without a fight. Can't I have this..?" I didn't want to use the guilt card, but I knew Hatori's heart wasn't so dark like he tried letting it on to be.
"You say she's trustworthy?"
"Yes! She's super sweet and honestly I'm her only friend. She wouldn't have anyone else exactly to tell."
He let out one more sigh, before turning away. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut, but I'd advise you keep your friendship with her on the downlow. If Akito found out, you know it'll be dangerous not only for you, but her. Don't let any of the other Souma's know that she knows. Understood?"
"Yes! Thank you Hatori!" I quickly jumped forward, and hugged the tall male. He let out a small huff, shooing Yuki and I out of his office.
I was so happy. She wouldn't have to lose her memories, and could keep being my friend. I'm overjoyed.
~~~
-Y/n's POV-
I couldn't sleep at all last night. The thought of my memories of Momiji and Haru being erased was honestly so upsetting. I wanted nothing more than to just take back finding out their secret.
"Honey, get up it's time for school." My mother peeked her head into my room, catching her eyes and nodding. "Yes ma'am."
"Breakfast is ready, see you soon." She stepped away, and I forced myself out of bed. My head was killing me from crying, but I guess I better get ready.
~~
"Y/n!" My attention snapped towards Momiji, who ran up and grabbed my wrist. He seemed awfully happy for some reason. Maybe he didn't care...
"Come come, follow me! I need to tell you something." He slowly dragged me off, leading me up towards the schools roof. My eyes squinted at the sunlight as he pushed open the doors and brought me out, finally letting go of my wrist.
"I talk to Hatori yesterday. And he said you can keep your memories." His large smile seemed to keep growing as he stared at me, letting out a few giggles as he spoke.
"What? Seriously?" I took a step closer to him, and he nodded his head. "On some conditions. Yuki and I are the only ones who know you know, it has to stay that way. You can't let Haru or any other zodiac member know. And of course don't tell anyone at all what you know."
"Of course! Anything as long as I can keep being your friend." His eyes softened, and he quickly hugged onto me. I watched as yellow smoke appeared, and this small bunny formed into my arms.
"That makes me so happy to hear, Y/n." He said, nuzzling his head against my shoulder. I smiled, holding him close against myself.
Yeah, I didn't mind keeping this secret. As long as I could keep being his rainbow. I didn't mind at all.
Even if he didn't remember.
~~~
"Haru was suspended?!" Momiji shouted, causing Yuki to sigh. "For a little bit, yes. He did break a window and hurt another student. But he will be back in school."
"Poor Haru..." Tohru quietly spoke, looking towards Kyou who only scoffed. "Serves him right for going Dark Haru in school. Maybe he should learn to control his temper."
"You're one to talk, stupid cat." Yuki muttered, making the orange haired boy go into hysterics. Tohru attempted to calm him down, but it was to no avail.
I sighed silently to myself, and looked down the hall at the sea of kids walking with each other. Drowning out the noises of Kyou's blabbering as he threw insults at Yuki. I was taken back by the feel of a hand on mine, and I looked down to see Momiji and looped his pinky with mine. A worried looked adorning his face.
"Sorry, I'm just worried about Haru."
This caused him to slightly smile, and nod his head. "He's okay, not the first time he's ever been kicked out of school. He will come back and everything will return back to normal."
I nodded, releasing a sigh of relief, and then smiled. Yeah, normal.
As normal as people turning into animals can be, I guess.
~~~
"Bye mom, I'm gonna go get some things from the store."
"Don't forget to grab some rice for dinner, love you."
"Love you."
I closed my front door, and began making my way towards the mini mart. Because it was rather sunny out, I wore a cute short sleeved top with some jeans shorts and sneakers. It felt nice to let the wind hit my skin.
I couldn't help but think back, though. I still couldn't believe what I knew now. The Souma's were cursed, and when hugged by the opposite sex turned into zodiac animals. It left me with so many questions. Why were they cursed? Why is it such a big deal with a few outsiders know? Well, I guess that one makes sense. Most people wouldn't take that kind of news lightly.
"Are you actually gonna walk across or keep staring at it like a doorknob?"
"Huh?" I didn't even get a chance to look who spoke, before they grabbed my arm and proceeded to drag me across the street. I gasped, and looked to see it was none other than Haru.
"A-ah! I'm sorry I was zoned out..."
"Yeah I could tell. Just be more careful, someone might snatch up someone pretty who isn't paying attention."
We made it to the other side, and he let go of my arm. I stared up at him, tilting my head slightly.
"What?"
"What are you doing in the middle of the city?"
"I can't do stuff other than sit at home?" He showed a slight smirk, causing me to scoff.
"I wasn't saying that! I just...wasn't expecting to see you after what happened at school."
He didn't respond for a second, instead he reached his hand out and let his finger gently trace the bandage along my cheek. His eyes showed some sadness as he shook his head. "I needed some things from the store."
I let him touch my cheek, and slowly nodded my head. "I'm heading there too, we can walk together?"
"Sure." He dropped his hand, and side by side we began our walk.
"Can I ask you something, Haru?"
"Hm?"
"What...happened?"
He drew in his breath, and released a long sigh. He pondered on it, then shrugged. "My girlfriend dumped me. But I couldn't really reach out or talk to anyone cause we were dating in secret."
"Oh...I'm sorry to hear..."
"I'm over it now. It hurts, yeah, but I'll live. If it's what she wants, then I'll respect her wishes. Just don't go blabbing to anyone, okay? Especially Kyou."
"Your secret is safe with me." I showed him a kind smile, which he returned.
Haru gave off the aura of the kind of person who never really seemed approachable. But he was honestly a really cool person. He obviously had a big heart, and he was really sweet. I really enjoyed the time I did get to spend with him.
We took our time shopping. We spent the whole time talking, actually getting to know one another. It was honestly amazing.
"So, you really have to leave after graduation?"
"Yeah...my parents had it planned since before I was born. They have these huge dreams for me."
"But...are they your dreams?"
I stopped waking standing in front of the vegetables and picking up a bundle of carrots.
"Of course not."
"Then tell them to screw off."
I could only chuckle, and look up to him sadly. "I wish I could, but my future is already decided. I never had a choice. And I can't really be upset because they are wonderful parents. Theyre not mean or anything, and in return of the nice home life they wanted me to pursue the career path they couldn't. So I don't mind."
He sighed, his hand going through his hair. "I understand the feeling. But let me ask you something."
"Hm?"
"If the strings of your fate were cut, would you run? And make new ones?"
If they were...cut? But then that would mean that I'd have my own future to pave. I...
"I'd be scared..."
"What if you had someone with you?"
"With me?"
"Someone who could create a new fate with you."
~~~
"I'm heading to bed, night mom, dad."
I walked up, and went into my room. I couldn't stop thinking about Haru's words. Who would possibly want to go out of their way to help me like that? He's absolutely insane.
But...why did my heart beat so fast at the thought of running away from my future?
I placed my hand over my heart, then looked to my desk where I saw my phone light up. Curious, I grabbed it and flipped it open.
Haru: penny for your thoughts
I smiled to myself, taking my phone then sitting on my bed.
Me: Might be a penny lost
Haru: or a penny well spent, plus I m bored
Me: so I'm just a remedy for your boredom?
Haru: would that be such a bad thing?
Me: I suppose not. I was just thinking about what you said earlier. About cutting my strings of fate. I don't think I really have the tools or strength to really do it...I'm scared.
Haru: I see.
I sighed. I could tell he was disappointed. I would be too. Talking to someone who can't stand up to their own parents. I closed my phone, getting ready to put it up when it lit up once more.
Haru: Guess it's a good thing I know how to use a knife.