~~**~~
The cycle continued for weeks. I always took care of my sister until she felt a lot better and was able to walk around.
She was still too hurt to work, so she just lived with me. She still wanted to work despite being unstable.
Until finally, she recovered and everyday, her battle with depression was slowly coming to an end.
She went back to work after recovering and was praised by her boss for her determination. I agree with her boss. I really love her, she's my idol.
And almost everyday, whenever I can, I visited grandma to make sure she's eating and is healthy.
I couldn't help but smile at my sistee, seeing her beautiful smile once again after a while. I still went to school, but after our school year ended, I immediately transferred to somewhere near my sister's home temporarily.
Which made me unable to visit her sometimes, but I still tried. But nowadays, I haven't been able to visit her at all.
It's been weeks, I wonder what happened to Akio and his grandma.
So when my sister came back from her work, I decided to tell her about him and ask for permission to visit his grandma.
As soon as I heard a knock on the door, I immediately went and got it. But it ended up being a delivery guy. I looked at him confused and he stared back
"Uhm, is this Lynsie from Grove Apartment, Blk. 5?" He asked. "Yes..." I reluctantly opened the door wider and took it while asking for the price.
"How much?" I asked. "It's a mail for her, you don't pay for it." He replied.
"Oh, uh... Yeah, makes sense. Yeah totally. Alright, thanks." I stuttered. That was so embarrassing.
I shut the door as I heard the delivery guy finally leave.
I sighed and put the box on the table, not bothering on checking whatever is inside.
After a while, my sister finally arrived and opened the door with her room card. I quickly stood up from my chair beside my study desk and ran outside to greet her.
"Lyn! You're finally home, your delivery arrived. What even is that anyway?" I asked. Lynsie just smiled at me and went to open the box.
When she opened it, I saw her take it out, and wow. I don't know what to say. She just received a piece of jewelry from the mail. She's so lucky the guy delivered it to her instead of downstairs along with the other mail, or else it would've been stolen too.
"Why did you receive jewelry from the mail?" I asked her, staring at the bracelet she held.
"I bought it, I just felt like buying one you know. This is a matching bracelet, so when you go back to our hometown after staying here for months, I want you to remember me in this bracelet. And I just thought that we never had any jewelry at all." She replied.
I smiled and took the other bracelet, wearing it on my wrist. It looked so beautiful. Which reminds me of her. My sister, my mother, and my family. She's my everything.
After a while of being indulged in the bracelet with her, I decided to bring up the topic.
"And uhm, do you remember a guy from your accident?" I asked. She looked at me and thought about it. Well, she did forget a lot of things after that.
"Well no, I passed out before I could even see anything." She replied. I sighed in disappointment and decided to tell her about it.
"I heard a boy saved your life when you fell." I explained excitedly.
"Oh really? I would love to meet him one day." She smiled.
"I'm sure you will. Fate has some ways to make things happen." I winked at her while she just laughed.
A few days after that talk, I decided to go back to the hospital to try and visit him again in his room.
When I arrived at the hospital, the kids whom I borrowed some books from waved at me as they were being pushed in a wheelchair on their way out of the hospital, some on their way to surgery.
"Miss Louise! We hope your sister's doing okay now! Thank you for cleaning the books!" One of the kids yelled and waved goodbye.
I smiled and waved back. They were so adorable and kind.
After that, I went to the counter to ask about Akio.
"Good morning, I just wanted to ask about the guy next to my sister when she was admitted here after the train station incident," I asked. The nurse looked up at me and nodded with a smile, looking back at her computer and typing something.
"Good morning. What's your sister's name? And the guy's name too." The nurse asked, looking up at me with a welcoming smile.
"Her name's Lynsie Thompson. And I think the guy next door is Akio." I replied, hoping to get a positive answer from her.
"Oh, Mr. Fujiwara Akio is currently in his room and is being assisted by Nurse Trina." The nurse replied.
"Can I still visit him?" I asked.
The nurse sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but you can't. Only family members are allowed. I wasn't even supposed to let you visit him." She replied. With that, I left disappointed.
I decided to just give up and spent the last few days taking care of my sister and bonding with her before I go back to our hometown every weekend.
I was really unable to visit grandma this time. I felt bad, but it was inevitable. I couldn't just go back to where Linsyie is staying.
I decided to go back after school days because there were a lot of my things there that I can't bring, and believe me, I had a few friends when my sister got into a coma.
I developed friends by them being concerned for my sister and me.
After a while, everything went back to normal. Nothing much happened, and I'm left wondering about Akio and his grandma.
I spent lots of time there and I developed some more friends, I was used to talking to someone, so I felt uneasy when I came back to my hometown. I decided to get over my fear of socializing. Well, not completely, but it's an improvement. Progress is progress.
In the middle of summer break, I decided to move back in with my sister after having known she almost fell once again in the tracks but was saved by someone. It's been a whole year, I've missed going to this train station.
I really haven't had the time in my hands to visit them, since school got even more harder.
Linsyie probably haven't slept properly these days, she was still mentally unstable when I left, which was inevitable.
It was painful for me because this is actually the first time I made friends. They're not a lot but they're friends of mine.
I bid goodbyes to them and exchanged everything we could to keep in contact with each other and probably reunite with the whole class of last school year.
Not a lot talked to me, but they all knew of my existence, and that's a relief to know.
I gave them the name of the town I'm moving in and told them to chat with me if ever they wanted to visit.
I'm actually so glad to be their friend, they're the best.
Immediately when I arrived at the train station, Lynsie was also there. I sighed and frowned at her, knowing that she shouldn't be here.
"Linsyie, what are you doing here? I thought it was clear between us that you'd be waiting home." I sighed and stood there, waiting for her response.
"I couldn't help it, I was worried you wouldn't be able to carry your luggage. I even bought James with me to help you with those. Don't worry, I also rented the apartment next to ours so you'd be able to have your precious privacy." Lynsie smiled and held James' hands tighter.
"And you... Is it official or-?" I asked, staring back at Linsyie with an unexplainable expression.
"Well, not officially. We're gonna try though." Linsyie explained with a huge grin. She was happy, so I was happy too.
I smiled at James and shook his hands.
"I'm sorry for what happened in the past. I never realized she was pregnant at that time, and I want to make things better with her. My ex-girlfriend revealed her true colors when I started to tell her about how I'm still friends with Linsyie." He clarified.
"It took her 4 months to accept and give me a second chance." Hearing that, I dramatically sighed in relief, making them laugh.
I smiled and laughed along with them. It was so refreshing to see my sister smile again.
"I'm glad, let's go home."
Before the train arrived, I saw a glimpse of black hair from the other side.
But soon enough, the train arrived. I shook my head and forgot about it on our way home, I had too much to think about other than that.
When we got there, we went straight to the apartment and were able to unload my package in my apartment.
I sighed and took a deserved break, lying down on the bed, exhausted.
Just when I was about to fall asleep, I saw the shine of the moon and stars winking at me.
I opened my eyes and looked at the moon. "I wonder if he's also staring at the same moon."
I sat up and held my head, remembering something very important.
"Akio. Fujiwara Akio." I mumbled under my breath and looked around. I think I remember his drawings. They were portraits of my sister.
I sighed and lay back down, noting to visit them tomorrow when I have some time alone. Though I doubt that because they'd want to hang out.
The next day, I woke up and the room was all clean. Like, clean. I sat up and saw Linsyie cleaning up.
"Goodmorning, Ms. Sleepy Head. You're so messy. You just moved in and look at your room. Get ready, the three of us are gonna go out." She explained.
I yawned and nodded, standing up and walking to the bathroom.
After taking a bath and getting ready, Linsyie was just waiting there for me in my room.
"What are we gonna do?" I asked. Linsyie just smirked at me and dragged me outside where James had been waiting.
Needless to say, the day was a long one. We went everywhere we could just to not go back home yet.
Arcades, carnivals, window shopping, restaurants, and walking around the capital.
It was so tiring, but to see the smile on my sister's face was everything. It's been so long ever since I've seen her smile genuinely after the accident.
I love her so much, and I wouldn't want anything to happen to her. The whole time, I went with what she wanted to do.
We went to ride every ride in the carnival, played every arcade games, took pictures around the mall, and took a calming walk around the peaceful part of the capital.
Everything felt like a puzzle, everything was complete. I smiled and held her hand tightly.
The day went on and we finally decided to go back home. The day was a tiring one, but I enjoyed every bits of it with her.
I sighed and plopped on my bed, I felt so tired after all that. My social battery has run out and I don't think I can go out anymore.
But before I managed to fall asleep, I suddenly remembered something.
"Akio, I need to visit them." I quickly stood up and got dressed. Even though I have not eaten dinner yet, I decided to just go there and visit. It's been almost a year ever since I saw grandma.
Linsyie was about to go to my apartment when I told her I needed to go somewhere urgent.
"Oh, Lou! Where are you going?" She asked.
"I need to go somewhere urgent, sorry. I'll be back very quick." I replied and dashed out of the building after putting my shoes on.
On the way there, I remembered so many memories of grandma telling me about Akio. I hope they're both doing well.
It's been a long time, but the place hadn't changed a bit. It still had that calming and relaxing aura within the place.
It looks even better at night. The street lights barely giving any light, it gives me this peace of mind.
The walk was kind of far away, but the silence of the night and the occupational chirping of the birds reassured me peace.
Once I arrived, I pushed the gate and entered their front porch. The steps were made of cobblestones which were placed vertically towards the door of their home.
Sakura trees were everywhere, and the fact that its fall season made it look even more majestic. The place was full of Sakura leaves. I feel like I'm in Japan.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside, walking closer to the door.
I was scared. I haven't visited grandma for a very long time now, and I feel bad. I was scared, what if they're not here anymore? I tried to push the thoughts away and gathered enough confidence.
I sighed and knocked on the sliding door thrice. I anxiously waited for a reply and soon, the door slid open.
I expected grandma to greet me behind the door but did not expect someone else.
His black hair looked as if it was floating in the air, and his purple eyes stared intensely at my green ones. It was as if time ticked slowly, and his eyes were glued to mine.
His eyes looked so gorgeous and matched his dark hair. He looked so beautiful, so ethereal.
The guy smiled at me warmly.
"I... I-, Uhm..."
"Oh, hello. Are you here to look for my grandmother? She told me someone was taking care of her, but hasn't visited for a while." He explained, while I just stood there with a red face.
"I kept waiting and waiting for "her" to come back so I can thank them personally, but she never arrived. But now that you're here, thank you." He bowed down and hugged me tightly after.
I was left speechless.
When he pulled away, he invited me inside for some dinner and to catch up with his grandmother.
God that was so embarrassing, but having him stand in front of me was intimidating. I felt like fainting because of his beauty.
Akio reached his hand out. I looked at him in shock, I think he's expecting a response?????
I smiled awkwardly and hesitantly took his hand. I awkwardly took my shoes off and continued to walk inside with him still holding my hand dearly.
My ears and face were basically red at this point.
He followed behind me with a smile still on his face. I'm starting to feel a little calmer.
I was greeted by a table full of dishes and different meals.
"Woah, you cooked all of these?" I asked, sitting down next to grandma.
"Yes, I've always been cooking for her before I even got into an accident." He replied.
I smiled and admired his cooking. AND it tasted so delicious!
While eating dinner, I realized that all of the stories grandma told me, we're true.
He was kind, caring, gentle, and managed to influence a smile to me.
After dinner, Akio told me to wait for him in his room while he clean up and put his grandma to bed.
I couldn't help but wonder about him. This is the first time I've stepped foot inside his room.
As I waited, I looked around his room. It was clean, and I love how you could literally fall asleep just by stepping a foot inside. Everything about it is just so calming.
After a little more admiring, I didn't realize that I fell asleep until I heard a whisper.
"Beautiful." A voice cooed. I could feel their hands brushing a hair strand out of my face.
I opened my eyes and groaned, looking around and seeing Akio smiling at me with those admiring eyes.
"You fell asleep." He smiled at me. He frickin smiled at me while I just woke up. Oh god WHY DOES HE LOOKS SO GORGEOUS?? IS HE DOING IT INTENTIONALLY TO TEASE ME OR WHAT? Oh to have someone as beautiful as him greet you as you wake up.
I quickly sat up and apologised. Due to being out all day, I couldn't help but fall asleep. And with this relaxing room, there was no stopping my eyelids from closing.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry. I've been out all day and I never got the chance to rest." I chuckled awkwardly and forced my body to stand up.
He chuckled and helped me stand up. "It's fine."
Akio took my hand and asked me something.
"Ms. Thompson, can I talk to you outside?" He asked. I couldn't help but chuckle, he sounded like an old person.
"You can call me Louise. And yes, sure." I replied. Akio just chuckled and led me to a flight of stairs that led to the attic.
"Didn't you say outside? Why there?" I asked. Akio looked back to me with a smile.
"This is where I go draw every night my grandma is asleep. And tonight, there will be fireworks displayed." He smiled and continued climbing up.
I climbed back in silence as he helped me up. He stepped out of a window and led us to their roof.
This place is beautiful, and the sky could be seen perfectly here.
And the view down there is so breathtaking, you could clearly see the trees and the pond.
The stars and the moon complimented each other perfectly, and the stars twinkled like lights in the sky.
We sat in silence for a while, string at the far away city. The lights of the city stated that the city was still alive at this hour.
"I wanted to ask you, how did you meet my grandmother?" He broke the silence.
Oh no, I didn't plan this part. Firstly, it's getting late and my sister would get mad at me for staying outside for so long. Second, I got all so flustered I couldn't speak.
I didn't know what to say. If I do, I'd have to tell him about my sister and that I talked to him in the hospital.
"Before that, what should I call you?" I asked, staring at his eyes which glowed under the glow of the moon.
"Usually, we use last name basis. But you can call me Akio. And actually, I've never heard you say my name today." He smiled once again and started flipping through the pages of his sketch book.
I chuckled and stayed silent after. I just stared at the moon while we sat there next to each other. I was hesitant whether or not should I tell him the truth. I don't know how he'll react.
I mean, I don't completely know him. If I ask him out of the blue, I'd sound weird. But ugh, I really should tell him about it shouldn't I?
Well, here goes nothing.
.~~**~~.