《Respite》


 Fleeting 1

    Today¡¯s the day. I¡¯m going to ask the girl of my dreams to be my girlfriend.


    It¡¯s safe to say that I¡¯m nervous.


    I washed my clothes yesterday and added extra softener for the smell. It smells great, but I managed to burn a small spot on the sleeve while ironing my shirt.


    I blame that on my active imagination. I can¡¯t help being happy as my mind decides to play an early screening of the school¡¯s biggest event of the year. It¡¯s the classic rooftop confession, and then, a smile from the distant girl who accepts and embraces the guy she happened to admire in secret.


    It¡¯s perfect, so I give compliments to my brain. But having to run another load and keep it a secret from my mom may have been too steep a price.


    No matter, I may be sleep-deprived and wearing my second-choice shirt that¡¯s too large but I¡¯m more confident than ever. All because of preparation.


    Being unable to sleep is terrible and I don¡¯t wish it on anyone, but I used that time to run over the scenario more times than I care to remember. By now I can recite my confession as if by instinct.


    I button my shirt, toss on a tie, and stare into the mirror. ¡°Manami, thank you for meeting me.¡± Perfect.


    ¡°Sure thing, Myo.¡± I¡¯m doing my best to imitate her voice. As I¡¯ve never heard more than one-word responses from her, I¡¯m taking the liberty of filling in her lines.


    They may not be accurate but I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a resemblance. Also, the romantic atmosphere of a boy pulling out every ounce of courage to confess his love is sure to win her over.


    ¡°Ahem. Manami, I-I think you¡¯re a fan and I¡¯ve been beautiful since the first day of class!¡± That wasn¡¯t right. A few more practice runs should settle the butterflies in my stomach.


    It¡¯s unlike me. Not to boast, but I consider myself one of the bravest guys in my class. Maybe even the school.


    I¡¯ve climbed trees, run from teachers after being caught playing football during study period, and even snuck out a few times at night. Not once did I lose my composure.


    But whenever I talk to Manami, or make the attempt at least, I¡¯m nervous. I lose focus, and I find myself anxious for her answer. But I enjoy that feeling. For her to have that effect on me is what draws me in even more.


    One more time. ¡°Manami- ¡°


    ¡°Myo! You¡¯ll miss the train if you don¡¯t leave now. I¡¯m not taking you to school today.¡±


    One added difficulty to falling asleep late is that it¡¯s almost guaranteed you¡¯ll wake up later than expected. I had done just that, and now, I¡¯ve lost valuable preparation time.


    I have a plan B, however. I¡¯ve prepared for this day for so long that it¡¯s natural to have a backup plan. A scene from my favorite romance show Jack of all trades. I¡¯ve watched it enough to memorize the lines but still cry every time.


    ¡°Alright.¡± One final check in the mirror and I¡¯m off for school. There¡¯s no time for breakfast but if I chug enough water, I should make it until lunch.


    I walk to school most days. There¡¯s a train station about a five-minute walk from my house. The train ride after is ten minutes with a short walk to school right after.


    As I arrive at the station, I see my best friend, Toro, waiting on a bench. I nicknamed him Toro when we were five years old because he¡¯s always been a larger kid. Even now, at the age of 15, he¡¯s a good 190 cm.


    Height, good looks, athletic, but timid and lacking in social skills. I have him beat in those two aspects. I¡¯m able to meet and talk to anyone, though most girls are just using me for a pass to him. I don¡¯t mind, the guy deserves some love.


    ¡°Yo, Toro, wake up late too?¡±


    ¡°Myo!¡± Toro stands and provides me with some nice shade. I¡¯m 180 cm tall last I checked but the difference is still jarring. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you, thought you chickened out on your big day.¡±


    ¡°Chickened out? When have you known me to do that?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re right. I hope things go well for you today.¡± Toro stands beside me as we wait for the train.


    Neither of us are great students as one might notice by our thin backpacks. Toro has a future in sports if he can overcome his timid nature. Though tearing out that root may be impossible, even with my encouragement.


    We¡¯re the last two students to take the train at this station. The benefit is that there¡¯ll be some free seats, but we run the risk of being late. I love trains, but they aren¡¯t the most punctual form of transportation.


    ¡°Hey Myo, did you burn your shirt?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I drop my bag and check the sleeve I burnt last night. There it is. A large, brown circle. If I run back home, I¡¯ll miss the train but can grab a taxi.


    ¡°Want my shirt?¡± Toro was already unbuttoning his.


    I let out a sigh. Despite the constant bumps at the start of my day, I wouldn¡¯t be the brave Myo if I allowed myself to be fazed by any of it. ¡°It¡¯s fine Toro; I¡¯ll just rely on my boundless charisma. Also, your shirt is way too big for me.¡±


    ¡°Right, sorry.¡±


    I pat him on the back and flash him a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s going to be a great day.¡±


    If I could act this way and receive the same look of admiration Toro gave me around Manami, then I would be more confident in my words. But the spell she puts me under doesn¡¯t allow it.


    The train arrives three minutes late, not bad. We walk inside to find an empty car. In what the train lacked in timekeeping it made up for in cleanliness. The floors and windows sparkled, and the seats were maintained and replaced to always look new.


    ¡°Think we¡¯ll make it?¡±


    ¡°At full speed, you can make it with time to spare. But with me on your back, I say we¡¯ll be a minute late at least.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you running with me?¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Toro.¡± I grabbed his shoulder. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t do to get sweaty on my big day. I already have to deal with this burn mark.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ guess you¡¯re right.¡±


    I give him a thumbs up. My best friend, always reliable and blessed with the physicality that will bring him great achievements. But for today, he¡¯ll need to use it to get us to class on time.


    The train screeches to a stop at our station and Toro bursts through the doors with me on his back. I might as well not exist as he ran with ease for our school.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing great Toro!¡±


    On our way there we passed some of Toro¡¯s fans. All of them wave, say hi, or blow kisses his way. I take note of each girl who looks his way, one of them must be a good partner for him.


    I do most of the talking when we¡¯re around girls, always making sure to highlight his greatest characteristics. Tall, handsome, athletic. No. You won¡¯t meet a more reliable and kind man than the one rushing to get us to class.


    And he does just that. I stand at the gate of our school with time to spare, other students are still arriving as well.


    Our school has two floors with the bottom being for the first two years and the upper floor for the remaining two years. The building has wooden planks on some windows, the color on the doors has long since faded away, and the gate doesn¡¯t close anymore. Our sports facilities are top of the line, however.


    Toro takes in one big whiff of air and his breathing calms.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not on PED¡¯s, are you?¡±


    ¡°Ha of course not, I play three sports throughout the year you know.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± As I finished, two of Toro¡¯s teammates walked up to us. I saw them standing by the entrance as we arrived so they must have been waiting for us.


    ¡°Meet us in the gym after school.¡± Goon #1 looks up to Toro who shrank to his size at the confrontation.


    Toro nods, keeping his head down as if making eye contact would be an act of aggression.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I step in between the two. I see goon #2 clench his fist but I raise my hands. ¡°I thought there was no practice today.¡±


    ¡°There isn¡¯t, but we need to meet. Or does his nanny not allow it?¡±


    Before I can step in to close the gap, Toro grabs my shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s ok, they just want to talk.¡±


    Liar. ¡°Fine.¡± We walked off to class and I bumped into the goon nearest to me as I passed him.


    Our classroom is already filled with students conversing, laughing, and doing their homework before class starts.


    As we enter, most girls turn and wave at us. I flash them a smile and wave back only to receive irritated looks and sneers. ¡°Hmph.¡± I scoff at them as Toro makes his way for his desk.


    I have something important to do before I can sit.


    Manami sits in the row of desks nearest to the class doors. ¡°Alright.¡± I whispered after finding her. I walk over, stomach twisting and turning from my nervousness and the fact that I didn¡¯t have breakfast. When I manage to drag myself to her desk, I mutter. ¡°Good morning, Manami.¡±


    She looks up to me. This may have been easier had she kept her face down. ¡°Good morning, Myo.¡± Her voice like a sweet hum. But that wasn¡¯t all that entranced me. She has black hair tied into a ponytail with bangs that stop just above her almond eyes. Her nose is small, and she has plump lips. While slim, her long legs seem endless and she has a decent bust, ¡°Myo?¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± I return to our planet. ¡°Could you¡­ meet me on the roof after school?¡±


    She looks away from me with a quick turn and begins to write, but as she does, she whispers. ¡°Sure.¡±


    As she continued to write, I could see a faint red on her cheeks. Although, this could just be my sleep deprivation working together with the sudden rush of ecstasy to fool me.


    ¡°Good luck Myo.¡± Toro gives me a tap on the back, though his tap is much stronger than mine, and sends me off. But I must admit, the earlier interaction with Toro¡¯s teammates has lingered on my mind the entire day.


    Enough to throw me off as I head for my big moment. I got Manami to accept and meet me, I need to focus.


    Manami always arrives first to class. Now that I¡¯m at the foot of the stairs that lead to the roof, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll already be there. Then, I just need to perform. And though I may want to throw up, have weak knees and a burnt shirt, one fact remains: I perform under pressure.


    When it comes down to the last second, to the moment that matters the most, I¡¯ll perform. Always have. I¡¯ll just continue that streak.


    |||


    Toro is slammed into the gym wall. There was a break for after-school activities this week, so the gym is empty, and most students have gone home. It¡¯s a perfect opportunity for the two students towering above Toro to release their frustration towards him.


    ¡°Damn it, Toro! Every time you break under the pressure!¡± The first guy kicks Toro on the side of the stomach.


    ¡°That body is wasted on you!¡± The second guy grabs Toro by his head.


    Toro has tears in his eyes. He wanted to scream for help but knew no one would come. Even if he tried to overpower his teammates, they would only retaliate worse. So, he decided to just let it happen. Hoping that it will end soon.


    ¡°Answer us! Because of you, we can¡¯t lose another game or we miss playoffs!¡± Another kick to the side.


    Toro may crumble in important moments, but he is still a valuable player with lots of potential. It¡¯s the reason they didn¡¯t use full force with each hit.


    ¡°Hey Toro, you know what¡¯ll happen next time, right?¡±


    Toro looks up at his teammates, now with tears streaming down his face. He can¡¯t make a promise he isn¡¯t sure of. It¡¯s far beyond his ability to keep his composure in stressful moments.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡± Toro mutters.


    ¡°Sorry? You think-¡±


    The students turned to look at the gym door that burst open


    |||


    ¡°Damn!¡± Regret isn¡¯t something I can live with. And in moments where either choice will leave me with some, I go with the one that makes me look cooler.


    It might be overthinking it. I hope I am. But I know Toro better than anyone, so I can tell when he hides something from me.


    I pushed through the gym doors and found Toro on the ground with the two teammates from earlier looking down at him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I believe that¡¯s what he said. My hearing had dulled as my mind processed the situation.


    If there¡¯s anything that I dislike about myself, it¡¯s my short fuse. I like to say it¡¯s genetic given how my father was, but it¡¯s just my nature. I despise it, but in moments like this, I allow it to act free.


    Whatever the student said next didn¡¯t matter as my fist cut him off before he finished. Athlete or not, fighting experience gives me the edge in this situation.


    ¡°Myo!¡±


    ¡°Stay down Toro! If you get caught fighting, you¡¯ll be kicked off the team!¡± Although I would have liked for him to join me. The school is empty after all. But I love dramatics, and right now, I was making up for missing out on my big moment.


    The first guy isn¡¯t getting up from my blow, but his friend has a decent size advantage over me. Including his reach.


    As I move in to get a blow, he hits me with a good shot that almost knocks me off balance. Basketball players have freakish arm lengths.


    But it¡¯s nothing I haven¡¯t dealt with before.


    He flails at me some more and is winded by his sixth attempt that I dodge with ease. I won¡¯t be able to deal a good blow with our height difference; however, punching isn¡¯t my only tool.


    As he walks back to recover, I dash in low and grab him by his hip. He punches my back but soon finds himself rising into the air. Then, stepping and swinging my body forward to gain momentum, I slam him down. He lets out a gasp of air and slumps to his side.


    I stare at him until I see his chest move up and down. ¡°Oh, thank god, I didn¡¯t kill him.¡± Confirming my victory, I helped Toro up and we left the gym.


    About halfway to the entrance, Toro mutters a sentence. ¡°Myo, I¡¯m sorry you had to come save me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that!¡± Again, short fuse. I turned to look Toro in the eye. ¡°Don¡¯t ever keep something like that from me again ya hear! It doesn¡¯t matter what I¡¯m doing or what is going to happen. I¡¯m your friend dammit.¡±


    Toro nods.


    ¡°Now say it!¡±


    Toro smiles. ¡°You looked really cool big bro.¡±


    ¡°Damn right. Now let¡¯s get some ramen.¡± With a pat on the back, Toro picks his head up.


    ¡°What about Manami?¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, she probably left already.¡±


    We make our way to the gate until a voice calls out to us. ¡°Um¡­ excuse me.¡±


    Turning to the voice, we find Manami leaving the main building entrance. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to meet me on the roof?¡±


    Manami scans both of us but takes a longer glance at me. My clothes are ripped, there¡¯s a burn mark on my sleeve, and I have blood dripping from my mouth. Nothing has gone my way today, and I look like a delinquent who just beat up a guy twice my size, but an opportunity is better than none.


    Being as tired as I am, I have no idea what to say. Plan B it is.


    ¡°Manami¡­ I¡¯m the type of guy that worries a lot. I do my best every day, but I always find myself asking if I could do more. And today, I want to do just that. I¡¯ve fallen for you; will you be my girlfriend?¡± A perfect rendition. So much so that it can¡¯t fail.


    Manami seemed surprised by the sudden confession, as I expected. Her eyes conveyed more disgust than happiness, however, which set off a few alarms in my head. She shuffles around a bit and then takes a deep breath before answering.


    ¡°Sorry, but my answer is no.¡±

 Fleeting 2

    Toro offered to pay for my ramen afterward. I declined.


    Not that I wouldn¡¯t enjoy a free bowl of ramen, but I plan on drowning myself in it to calm the pain swelling inside after being rejected.


    What happened after the rejection is hazy to me, but Toro said I was frozen still as Manami rushed past us to the school lot. He also mentioned that she muttered, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry.¡± as she passed by.


    In truth, I never planned to be rejected. My incredible charm, decent looks, and preparation should have been enough to pull any girl. But I miscalculated, Manami is not just any girl. I should be the one apologizing for believing so.


    Given how it went, I now sit across from Toro in our favorite ramen shop. Three bowls of ramen sit in front of me; I doubt I¡¯ll make it halfway through the second one before I collapse from heart failure. But I have my trusted friend Toro to help finish the rest and carry my lifeless body home afterwards.


    ¡°Myo?¡±


    ¡°Yea?¡± I manage to say as I slurp the noodles.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem too sad, or are you just putting on a strong face?¡±


    ¡°Come on Toro. If this was enough to put me down, then I wouldn¡¯t be the brave Myo.¡± I lied.


    My hidden talent is acting. Or so I like to believe. No matter how difficult things get, or how terrible I feel, I always have a happy face plastered on. I need to. Not for others. This was so that I could look in the mirror and believe everything would get better. It always works.


    ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m here if you need to talk.¡±


    ¡®Thanks, little bro.¡± Despite my acting skills, I couldn¡¯t fool Toro. Darn his years of experience on my character.


    ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, I¡¯m surprised she said no¡­ she looked happy when you first asked.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± All I remembered was her look of disgust at the end. But that¡¯s natural, I think. If someone wins a prize at a fair then spills a drink on their favorite shirt later that day, they¡¯ll remember the tragedy instead of their big win.


    I¡¯m no different. My brain replays her rejection and face without stopping as I eat my ramen. But, by now, I¡¯ve acclimated.


    ¡°Maybe it was just too much of a surprise. Why not give it another go?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I¡¯m not against the idea. As the brave Myo, I¡¯m more than willing to do it. ¡°I don¡¯t know, she might think I¡¯m weird for pestering her. Even if I can¡¯t date her, I¡¯d rather stay in her good graces.¡±


    ¡°Oh, ok.¡±


    I stare at Toro as he finishes his bowl. He picks it up and exaggerates how much is left inside as he gulps the rest down. ¡°I¡¯m here all day, no matter how much you want to avoid it bud.¡±


    Toro sets the empty bowl down. I slide over my third bowl. I have room left but my acclimation convinced me to live another day.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Toro, what happened?¡± I ask with a demanding tone. I¡¯m quick to anger, and I¡¯m in no mood to be lied to. The two bullies I dealt with were lucky I was rejected after I handled them.


    ¡°I missed another important shot in our game. Now we can¡¯t lose another game, or we miss playoffs¡­ it¡¯s my fault.¡± He mutters at the end.


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Yea, you missed a few shots, so what? Everyone misses shots, but you have to keep playing and do your best to win. Listen Toro, you need to have a short memory in sports. You missed a few important shots, but it only takes one to be a hero.¡±


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    Toro smiles at me. ¡°You talk as if you play sports yourself.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, fighting is a sport you know. Even if I take a good hit, I need to keep my composure and come back stronger.¡± I say as I push my second bowl towards him. There wasn¡¯t a chance I could even start it.


    ¡°Boxing and stuff yea, but I don¡¯t think it applies to street fights.¡±


    ¡°Same thing.¡± I wave for the checks. ¡°Toro, you¡¯re a great player. Confidence of a fish out of water but you got the talent. So, keep at it. I know you¡¯ll do great.¡±


    Toro nods while making good progress through the third bowl of ramen. Where he stores it all I don¡¯t know, but he has 190 cm of body to work with.


    ¡°Will that be all for you two?¡±


    ¡°Yea¡­¡± The waitress pulls her mask up as I stare into her glasses. I didn¡¯t mean to stare but there was something about her glasses, long ponytail, and ample body that I couldn¡¯t help but recognize. ¡°Catalina?¡±


    The waitress flinches as I mention the name which confirmed my suspicion.


    ¡°Catalina? It is! I didn¡¯t know you worked here.¡± Toro recognizes her as well. Catalina is the one girl in school he isn¡¯t a nervous wreck around which is surprising to say the least.


    Catalina is a girl in our class. Compared to her friends, she¡¯s quiet and easygoing. It¡¯s not farfetched to say she¡¯s the most popular girl in the class or school; she¡¯s pretty and has a body that guys fawn over.


    Including myself but I mentally apologize every time I catch myself staring a little too long.


    As of late, she¡¯s been spending less time on after school activities and the like. It started after a nasty rumor began to spread about her being an easy girl who slept with a bunch of upperclassmen. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s true or not, nor do I care.


    Despite the few interactions we¡¯ve had, I think she¡¯s a kind girl. As such, it isn¡¯t surprising she has distanced herself from school as much as she can.


    ¡°¡­ Could you guys please keep this a secret, please.¡± She bows her head as she asks.


    ¡°Oh¡­ who are you again?¡± I respond, I must have confused her with someone else after all.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice meeting you miss¡­¡±


    ¡°Nia is fine.¡±


    ¡°Cool, that¡¯ll be all for us.¡± I replied. She hands us each a check and I almost sneak Toro mine but decide against it. I can¡¯t force him to pay for saving my life just moments ago. Even if the new dent in my wallet will hurt me for months to come.


    After our meal, Toro and I split up at our train station. I take a right, and he heads left for home.


    ¡°Myo, thanks again for today.¡±


    I don¡¯t respond, choosing only to give him a thumbs up as I walk away.


    In contrast to the usual morning rush, I take my time when heading home. My mom arrives home late most days so I eat whatever leftovers I can find in the fridge. That or make some rice. I may even go wild and try my luck at making steak.


    Although, I shouldn¡¯t try my luck today.


    Having the house to yourself is something most teenagers wish for. Privacy is nice and you¡¯re able to do whatever you want. But after some time, the majority will want to return to the usual bustle their homes have.


    I¡¯m no different.


    The only time there¡¯s any noise apart from my own in the house is when my mom arrives or wakes up to make me breakfast despite needing more sleep. I keep quiet as well since she studies in her free time.


    Freedom is nice. And I use it to my benefit. Walking around at night through the city, which is a short bike ride away, is fun. The ocean is even closer. I also get to play as many games as I like whenever I want.


    But my mom will still give me a good scorn if I don¡¯t keep my grades up. So long as I¡¯m not in danger of failing, she lets me be. ¡°You¡¯re a good kid.¡± She always says to me. She¡¯s wrong.


    Outside the house door, I realized I forgot my key as well; however, my mom¡¯s car is home, so I gave it a few knocks. I hear her tumble as she walks to the door.


    ¡°Forget your key?¡± She asks as she opens the door. She wore a skintight red dress, and her heels were by the door. Not much over 30, she¡¯s a real beauty that makes the dress look better than it¡¯s worth.


    Most days she¡¯s gone for her volunteer shift before work, so it¡¯s surprising to see her.


    ¡°Leaving now?¡± I ask as I put my shoes in a cubby.


    ¡°About to for the second time; I left some things behind that I need. There¡¯s some left-over chicken in the fridge and you can make some rice if you want.¡±


    ¡°Ok, thanks.¡±


    She grabs a large bag and searches through it only to find an empty makeup bottle first. After finding some she could use, she stuffs them into her purse and rushes for the door.


    She puts her heels on in a hurry while rushing out but stops at the door. ¡°Myo, how was school?¡±


    It isn¡¯t strange for her to see me with a few bruises. Of course, she isn¡¯t happy about it. The first few times she was distraught, but after the occurrences hit double digits, she seemed to have come to terms with her son being a delinquent.


    For now, we have a silent agreement that I don¡¯t take things too far.


    ¡°It was good mom. Be safe at work.¡±


    She gives me a smile before rushing out the door.


    With that, the usual state of the house appears. We have little furniture; a couch in the living room but no T.V, and a table in the kitchen. The house used to be livelier years ago, but most of the furniture was sold off since we needed the money at the time.


    It¡¯s baron, but nice and comfortable. I¡¯m blessed to live under such conditions. Even if it can be lonely at times, mom and I do our best to make the best of it. I can ask for nothing more and appreciate all she does for me; I hope she knows that.

 Fleeting 3

    On weekends and some afternoons, I volunteer at the children¡¯s hospital. It¡¯s a small hospital but it serves our little island well.


    Since it¡¯s Saturday, I get up early to go in for my shift. I¡¯m allowed to wear any clothes I want so long as I¡¯m aware that they might get dirty. So, I wear some old shorts and a t-shirt.


    After preparing, I grab my bike and head off.


    The hospital is on the west side of the island and sits near the shore. It¡¯s a beautiful location and deliberate as most kids like staring into the vast ocean. On special occasions, we even take the kids to enjoy the beach.


    The ride to the hospital is great. The final stretch is downhill and the feeling of the sea breeze cooling my body is amazing.


    You can see the city from the top of the hill as well. We call it the city but it¡¯s just two tall buildings ¨C about 5 stories tall each and showing their old age ¨C surrounded by a bunch of small offices and homes. Most businessmen work on the mainland while our make-believe city is filled with farmers and seamen.


    The streets are empty as usual. Most people choose to use the fantastic bus system and the acceptable train system.


    I park my bike on the west of the hospital where there¡¯s a bike stand. On this side is a small playground as well where nurses bring kids to play.


    ¡°Myo!¡± A tiny critter rushes my leg. Had I not been used to it I may have kicked her into the sea.


    ¡°Lucy, got to play outside today huh?¡± Lucy nods at me but refuses to let go of my leg.


    I don¡¯t know any of the children¡¯s illnesses and I prefer it that way. The kids tend to gravitate towards me because of my age. That and they like how I treat them as I would any other, healthier, kid.


    I¡¯m able to do so because I¡¯m unaware of what ails them, but this also means I must be extra careful around them. A thin line I¡¯ve mastered the walk across.


    ¡°Myo, I¡¯m going to marry nurse Pablo.¡±


    ¡°Are you now?¡± I look up to see nurse Pablo waving at me and thanking me for the quick break he¡¯s enjoying.


    Most of the nurses at the hospital work insane hours because of the labor shortage. The shortage is also the reason they take in as many volunteers as they can.


    This hospital has a big turnover rate for volunteers, however. The work isn¡¯t difficult by any means. But the reality is that we work at a children¡¯s hospital. One where many terminal cases come to because of the beauty of the hospital and the surrounding area. Sad as it may be, parents choose to let their children experience beautiful scenery instead of a dull area like the center of a city.


    The passing of a child is difficult to process. Most volunteers leave after their first experience.


    The nurses and doctors don¡¯t have that luxury. Even if it isn¡¯t any easier for them to deal with.


    Volunteers are running dry, and requests have even been sent to bring in more workers from the mainland. But there isn¡¯t much money to bring in new recruits.


    As such, I¡¯m a big deal around here as one of three long term volunteers. The others are an older gentleman who helps with the night shift, and my mom who helps on most mornings.


    I have the afternoon shift most days, but on weekends I spend most of the day here. My mom will arrive closer to noon as she gets home late from work.


    ¡°Lucy!¡± Another child calls Lucy over to play catch with a few others.


    I sit beside Pablo who keeps his eyes on the children playing. Another nurse is getting in on the fun but also staying close in case of emergency.


    ¡°Surprised you¡¯re here.¡± Pablo breaks the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty reliable, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Myo¡­ how are you doing?¡±


    Two nights ago, one of the children in the hospital passed away in her sleep. She asked for Pablo and me to watch her sleep as she was afraid. Pablo didn¡¯t want me there. Even though I¡¯ve been here for years, he knew better than most the effect it can have on someone.


    But as we said goodnight and she drifted away I never broke. I didn¡¯t allow it. For her one wish was for us to remember her good days.


    Pablo was the same due to sheer experience. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he was numb to it. But it¡¯s because of that experience that he worries about what¡¯s to come.


    ¡°I think you should take some time away from it all. Before you get to a breaking point.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Plus, the hospital needs help.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pick up your slack.¡±


    Looking at Pablo, I can see his bloodshot eyes and pale cheeks. Mom says he visits the bar often after shifts and, well, releases it all. ¡°Better there than in front of the children.¡± She said to me.


    He may be right, but it wouldn¡¯t do the hospital any good for me to dump the workload on him. ¡°How about you teach me a few things so I can help out more?¡±


    ¡°Hah, you¡¯ve got a long way to go before you can ask that¡­ planning on getting into health?¡± He turns to look at me for once. My history is well known amongst adults, though only the ones who visit the hospital know about my volunteering. ¡°On second thought, maybe you should focus on graduating high school at least.¡±


    I chuckled at his remark. ¡°I can do more than that. But I doubt I could be a doctor or nurse, I¡¯m not good with blood.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, you seem alright around it when beating it out of someone.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°Myo, thank you.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. You have no idea how much your help means to us. Without fail, every kid here gets happier after you interact with them. It might be an age thing, adults can¡¯t create that type of connection with them, especially not a caretaker. But you don¡¯t have such restrictions. I¡¯m ashamed to say this, but I hope you stay with us longer.¡±


    ¡°I plan to.¡± Pablo nods and heads off to take the kids in after his quick break.


    If it isn¡¯t clinical, I do it at the hospital.


    Greeting patients and visitors, helping the reception desk, assisting families with directions, cleaning, restocking, and moving deliveries and boxes. But my favorite thing to do is help with the children.


    What they need most is to forget about their situation. For that I read books, play games, and whatever I can think of on the spot. Since I¡¯m not much older than them, and I don¡¯t have many responsibilities, I¡¯m able to create a connection with them.


    That and most of the workers are advised not to form a connection with the children. It can lead to heartbreak or worse. It¡¯s cruel, but the hospital was doing it for the good of their staff.


    My main task for the day is to move the delivery items to their respective places. Toiletries, tools, uniforms, paper, and all things the hospital could ever need; however, I do wish they would package them into smaller boxes.


    Since we¡¯re on an island, most deliveries arrive in a few large boxes. Big enough to give Toro some trouble and I¡¯m not half as strong as him. But I have great lifting technique, so I make it work. Should I ever get hurt, I can just drag myself to the counter.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Before moving the boxes, I¡¯m given a list of what should have arrived. I check each one and cross the items off the list.


    ¡°Toilet paper, masks¡­ what¡¯s a colonoscope?¡± Whenever I don¡¯t know what an item is on the list ¨C which is often ¨C I rummage through the boxes instead of eyeballing it.


    This time, the box I¡¯m looking for is sitting on top and I grab it out of curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s this for¡­ ew.¡± Is my usual reaction for all things medical. My forte is customer service after all.


    ¡°Alright.¡± After I¡¯m done checking the boxes, I move them in with a dolly and start separating the items which I¡¯ll move right after. If I don¡¯t know where it goes, I place them on a cart which a nurse will check throughout the day.


    I¡¯ve done my best to learn where most items go. Although, I think I¡¯ll stay away from the colon terrorist they ordered.


    Separating the items doesn¡¯t take long. I move quickly with tasks like this so I can help with patients or guests.


    There are large carts in the room with shelves so I can separate the items. After organizing them by optimal routes, I rush out and deliver the items as needed.


    Items such as pens and paper go to the front desk where I get plenty of thanks from the pretty nurses typing up a storm.


    The items that go into the back storage are my least favorite since the lights in the hallway are broken. Walking through it is like a scene from a horror movie as the second light flickers with each step I take.


    There¡¯s an easy way to deal with this. After I open the door to the hallway and pull the cart through, I rush to the end and burst into the storage room. Whatever hideous creatures have been waiting for their chance to nab me are defeated once again.


    The storage room is empty as usual. Upper management seems to run on the bare minimum mindset which leads to a lack of items being the norm. Dillan, the older man volunteer, has been talking to them about the issues they face because of it. I believe he was a lawyer for some time.


    After finishing my deliveries and making sure to leave the item of horror on the I don¡¯t know cart, I return to the lobby. Jessica, one of the nurses at the front desk, gives me orders most of the time.


    ¡°Jessica.¡± I call out to her as she types away. As usual, she wears pink glasses and has her brown hair in a ponytail. I had a small crush on her when I was a kid, but she turned me down when I was seven. I never knew a nurse could be so cruel.


    ¡°Myo! Thanks for coming in.¡± Is what most of the staff say to me every shift. They expect me to disappear soon just like most volunteers do.


    ¡°What do you have for me today?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, there¡¯s been a flu outbreak, so we expect there to be a lot of patients coming in today. Could you direct traffic for a while? Oh, take some of these forms they have to fill if they¡¯ve never been here before. And wear a mask please!¡± She yells as I walk through the front door.


    Since this is one of two hospitals on the island, I doubt I¡¯ll use much of the handouts, but it saves time.


    I have a good spot where I can sit that has a lot of shade near the entrance and parking lot. It¡¯s where I tend to go if I¡¯m directing traffic for the day.


    As I head out, I notice my mom speaking to a young girl. She has long blue hair and wore a pretty dress with some sandals. She seemed to be around my age, but as my heart was shattered not long ago, I felt little reaction to the beauty of her silhouette.


    A tragedy for a lover of long legs like me.


    I¡¯ve never seen her before, but it isn¡¯t uncommon for older kids to visit this hospital as well. For families or for treatment. Though by that age most are transferred to the main hospital.


    Jessica didn¡¯t lie about there being an influx of patients today. From the moment I arrived at my spot, I helped families with directions and other questions for about four hours.


    Most of them were here because of a recent sickness, but there were the regular parents that came to visit their children. I think those parents are braver than me. Visiting your child who is ill while juggling the other trials of life must be difficult. If seeing their child smile even once can help them, then I¡¯ll keep doing what I can.


    After the busy four hours, the crowd dwindled, and I decided to take a break. I like to stand by the rail facing the ocean while I eat lunch. On weekends my mom makes lunch for us both. She¡¯s not the best cook in the world but the added spice of love and effort make the food quite good.


    Turning the corner to my spot, I find the blue haired girl from earlier staring out into the sea. Perhaps she was waiting for someone to come pick her up as she was alone.


    I dust off my clothes and head over to introduce myself. ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    The girl turns to look my way. When we make eye contact, she gasps. Then, she covers her face and turns away from me but doesn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°Manami?¡± I could never mistake her. The soft almond eyes, fair skin, and pretty lips are etched into my memory.


    She stays quiet. Perhaps pondering if she should lie about her identity. But after some time, she responds, ¡°Myo¡­ what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I volunteer here sometimes. Are you visiting someone?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I came for a checkup.¡±


    ¡°Really? The main hospital is probably better and faster.¡± I said even though I was happy to see her.


    ¡°I was going there, but I like the ocean view here.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. It dawned on me just now that she was responding to me in full sentences. And because of this, I could no longer keep my composure. My heart was giving us its best iteration of the sound of a stampede and my hand shook.


    Her voice is soft, soothing to the ear even.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about rejecting you.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, don¡¯t worry about that. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t see me that way.¡± I open my lunch box and begin to eat.


    ¡°I was really happy though¡­ when you asked me.¡±


    ¡°Huh- ¡°Is all I managed to get out before I started choking on some rice. ¡°Ahem! Umm¡­ can I ask why you said no then?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ think there might be someone better for you. But can I ask why you like me?¡±


    I didn¡¯t like her answer. It was unfair for her to decide who was better for me when the one who has the greatest effect on my person happens to be her. But I don¡¯t dwell on it. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought you¡¯re pretty. But the main reason is because you make me nervous. I struggle to talk to you but enjoy hearing your voice. I get butterflies and¡­ and I just like you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making me blush.¡± She said as she hid her face in her hands. ¡°If you led with that, I might have said yes.¡±


    ¡°Really, what was wrong with what I said then?¡±


    She looks at me with a confused stare. ¡°It¡¯s the confession from Jack of all trades, right?¡±


    ¡°You watched that show?!¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, back when it was airing, they had the channel where I was staying at the time.¡±


    She¡¯s perfect. ¡°Aw man, well it¡¯s your fault I used that line.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°I forgot the other lines I practiced when we met at school. So, I fell back to that one since I had it memorized for so long.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, how many other girls have you used that on?¡± She gives me the prettiest smirk I¡¯ve ever seen.


    I laughed in between my bites. ¡°Just the nurse at the desk when I was a kid, but I like you much more.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve heard you talk so much by the way. May I ask why you¡¯re so quiet at school?¡± There was a slight shift in her shoulders, and she began to twiddle her fingers. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I don¡¯t want to force you to answer.¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I just¡­ find it hard to talk with others. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth making friends anyway.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Manami!¡± A tall, beautiful woman with glasses waves to Manami. I imagine that is what Manami will look like in a few years.


    ¡°You¡¯re sister?¡±


    ¡°Mother. Bye bye, Myo.¡±


    ¡°Oh, see you around.¡±


    And with that, the longest interaction I ever had with the girl of my dreams came to an end. There was a strange buildup of satisfaction and desire for more inside me. Speaking with her felt right. As if I could sit and listen to her voice for hours.


    But I can¡¯t help but notice the hint of sadness in her voice. As if hiding something or holding herself back from what she wants.


    That night I stared into my roof as I thought about our conversation with an excited smile on my face. Our longest conversation to date, but something she said lingered on my mind.


    ¡°Not worth making friends?¡± I thought about it, but I drifted away not long after.


    ¡°Myo!¡± My mom blows my door open. ¡°We¡¯re going to be late, hurry up!¡± She tosses a shirt at me to wake me up.


    My shift goes as usual. I helped with the influx of visitors, read the children some stories, and took over for Pablo so he could take a quick nap.


    My shift takes a fantastic turn when a girl with long blue hair and a tan dress walks through the front door. I was hoping that she would come today, though it mustn¡¯t mean well for her if she is.


    As she looks around, I return to the book I¡¯m reading for the children laying on the floor around me. Lucy is using my back as a pillow. I can feel Manami stare at me for some time before leaving for the rooms upstairs.


    ¡°Hmm? Hope I looked cool.¡± I mutter.


    My luck continues to make up for Friday as I arrive at my eating spot. The beautiful maiden is there once again.


    ¡°Hey Manami.¡± I say as I walk up next to her.


    ¡°Myo, you¡¯re here today as well?¡±


    ¡°Most weekends I am. Everything ok?¡± I asked since this was her second day in a row here.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ yea, everything is ok.¡± That hint of sadness in her voice never disappeared but I didn¡¯t pry any further, though there is one thing I¡¯ve been curious about.


    ¡°Hey, how come you wear that blue wig here?¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She plays with the wig. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be recognized by anyone, but you did right away anyway.¡±


    ¡°I could never mistake you for someone else.¡±


    ¡°You must really like me.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    Manami sighs. I didn¡¯t mean to upset her. Perhaps I was being too pushy in my desperate attempt to sway her heart. ¡°I like you too.¡±


    I spit out my food before I can choke on it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ you like me?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ why did you say no?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± She turned to look at me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen a more forced smile than hers. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a point for me to be happy, or experience nice things, or have friends. I think all of it would just be wasted on me.¡±


    I snapped my spoon in half without realizing. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that.¡± I mutter, doing my best to not lose my composure.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. All of it would be wasted-¡±


    ¡°No, it wouldn¡¯t!¡± I yell, unable to calm myself. ¡°Don¡¯t ever say you don¡¯t deserve to be happy. No matter who it is, everyone deserves to experience joy in life. Why would you even say that about yourself?!¡± By the time I finished scorning her, Manami had tears welling in her eyes. My inability to control my anger had pushed me over and I hurt the one I like most. ¡°I¡­ Manami, I¡¯m really sorry for yelling at you.¡±


    Manami doesn¡¯t look up again after she finishes wiping her tears. It seemed as if she wanted to spit something out, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it.


    After a few seconds, she turns around and runs for the hospital, but I grab her hand. ¡°Manami.¡± I let go after realizing what I did. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± Manami turns to me but doesn¡¯t make eye contact. ¡°All those things you say make me happy. But you¡¯re wasting them on me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ I¡¯m terminally ill.¡±

 Fleeting 4

    Manami wasn¡¯t at school the next day. Not that I had any idea of how to follow up on our last interaction. An apology was the least I could do after forcing her to reveal such a secret.


    ¡°Myo?¡± Toro attempts to snap me back to reality by waving his lunch box in front of me. He has his lunch packed by his mom since his maintenance calorie amount is so high. He¡¯d starve to death if she didn¡¯t.


    Lunch break is around noon for my class. There¡¯s a small cafeteria at our school that serves sandwiches, fruits, and other items that are easy to package.


    There are few tables to eat at and most students choose to eat in class or outside.


    Toro and I have ownership of a table with a great view of the track below where we can admire the upper-class beauties. Toro is also the reason no one ever sat here. They all feared angering the giant of school, which I don¡¯t blame them for.


    There is one consequence of our beloved seats; we¡¯re easy to find. Toro¡¯s fans bring him snacks. It happens so often that they had a list of his favorite snacks by now. One time I got chocolate, but that was only because it slipped from the girl¡¯s hands and onto my lap. *


    She gave me a furious look as I ate it in one bite. Toro has good taste in snacks is all I¡¯ll say.


    Today was no different, girls from all grades visited and asked him about his day. He isn¡¯t the best at responding and looked over to me for help, but I was too distracted to notice.


    I didn¡¯t pack food or bring money. I sat on my bed staring at the floor after waking up and had to rush out of the house by the time I realized how long I sat there.


    We all have our days when our mood isn¡¯t the best. But Toro could tell something was bothering me.


    ¡°Still hurt about Friday?¡± Toro asked.


    ¡°Hmm, oh, no.¡± It isn¡¯t my place to talk about Manami. The na?ve part of me hoped she may have made a mistake by saying terminally. Or maybe I just didn¡¯t want to believe it. ¡°Toro¡­ are you afraid of dying?¡±


    Toro puts his plate down and moves to the seat beside me. ¡°Hey man, you can talk to me. You know that, right?¡±


    I give him a smile to alleviate his worries. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s nothing like that. Something just came up, and It¡¯s been on my mind ever since.¡±


    Toro returns to his seat. His fans had made the rounds for the day and will return to cheer him on during practice later. ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about death, but I hope I¡¯ve lived a good life when my time comes.¡±


    ¡°I like that. And I know you¡¯ll look back at it all and smile.¡±


    ¡°You as well big bro.¡± He said as he finished his last sandwich.


    It would be nice. To smile during my last moments after living a life full of joy and wonders. But if I¡¯m aware of my time closing in, does that mean I should give up on enjoying what time I have left? Is it all pointless then?


    I may be in no position to speak, but I refuse to believe so. Even at the last breath, giving up on enjoying life isn¡¯t an option.


    But would I offend her for saying such a thing? What will I regret less?


    Toro tosses a bar of chocolate at my chest that brings me back. I look around to make sure his fan isn¡¯t around anymore and scarf it down after.


    ¡°Sure you¡¯re ok?¡± Toro asks as he prepares to leave for basketball practice.


    ¡°Yea, I¡¯m good. You¡¯re not hiding anything from me, are you?¡± I glared at him. There was a hint of guilt on his face because of the events on Friday.


    ¡°I¡¯m not, promise. Although it might be awkward at practice.¡±


    ¡°Tell you what, I¡¯ll stop by for a bit after cleaning the class.¡±


    Toro smiles. Having his big bro there would cheer him up. I have time to kill before heading to the hospital, so I don¡¯t mind. Toro is one of the few who knows I volunteer.


    Toro heads out for practice and I begin cleaning the room. The other student who¡¯s assigned always bails on his duties, but everyone is too afraid to report him. I don¡¯t care either way, he¡¯s annoying so I don¡¯t mind doing it alone.


    There is a curious event happening as I clean the room. Catalina, or Nia depending on where you find her, glances over to me as I clean the board. She¡¯s the only other person in class and has never stayed this long before.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± I said as I continued to clean the board.


    She leaves without responding. The rumors that had been spreading for a month or two now had flared up again last week. Word is she got into an argument with a friend and the next day the rumors began.


    Catalina missed a day and when she returned, they acted as if nothing had happened. It wasn¡¯t confirmed who spread the rumors again, but I can throw three darts into the dark and they¡¯ll hit the same friend.


    But I have seen it before. Hoping that it will end by pleasing the person you upset. ¡°It won¡¯t end until you stand up for yourself. But I guess that¡¯s easier for a lunatic like me.¡±


    After finishing my duties ¨C the class is spotless ¨C I head over to the gym to watch basketball practice. Our athletics facilities are great. Well maintained and we get a few upgrades every year. For some reason our island just breeds talented players for all sports. My money is on the sea breeze.


    The basketball gym building is old but the court itself was made last year. New bleachers, a digital scoreboard, even a little booth for the commentary club.


    But the best addition is the overlook added to the gym.


    When entering the gym from the main doors, you¡¯ll land in a display room with all our trophies. Then, there are three double doors that lead into the gym. If you take a sharp left instead of walking through the main doors, you¡¯ll find the bathrooms and some offices. The newest door at the end leads to the overlook in the gym.


    Visitors aren¡¯t allowed there during games for safety reasons. But students and faculty are free to use it during school hours. The roof of the gym has windows, so the overlook has a nice view outside and of the players on the court.


    Like most days, the overlook is filled with fans of the basketball team. Boy and girl. Our basketball team is ranked second in the country. Only trailing behind after losing a game to the ranked one team at the start of the season. Toro was blamed for that loss as well.


    I walk past the fans watching the five on five happening below. The team has two stars, Toro and the third year Javier. There are no fourth years on the team this year since they wanted to focus on entrance exams instead. Only stars ever remained in their fourth year.


    I found the usual fans on the overlook. I¡¯ve been thinking about making some Toro t-shirts to sell for some time now, but he won¡¯t let me take a good picture of him.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t they let Hiroto play?¡± A girl mutters. That¡¯s Toro¡¯s real name, Hiroto.


    After finding a good spot, I see that Toro is standing on the sideline. The two bullies from Friday are on the opposite team and there are a few scuffs and scratches on his arm. I knew they would retaliate but didn¡¯t think they would be bold enough to do it in practice.


    I hope this isn¡¯t the case, but the whole team may be against Toro. It isn¡¯t just his tendency to break under pressure, some guys are jealous of him. His popularity, looks, and physique. I was jealous once too.


    ¡°Hiroto, switch out with Ben!¡± The coach yells as the teams reset their positions.


    ¡°Let the fans see something Toro!¡± I yelled to catch his attention. The others on the balcony begin yelling support as well.


    There isn¡¯t a rule against yelling at the team during practice, the coach likes it because it helps emulate a real game environment. During a game you¡¯ll hear all kinds of trash talk and plenty of noise, it¡¯s best to get used to it now.


    The only issue is that most of the students are too afraid to stand out by starting the cheers. I have no such fear.


    As if feeding off the fuel lit by his fans, Toro scores two field goals and a three pointer right in front of one of the bullies. Whenever they attempted to push him back, they were helpless against his strength.


    That¡¯s the rare Toro we get to see every now and then. One filled with confidence that is backed by natural ability and skill. The coach might die if this was a consistent event.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°My job here is done.¡± Before leaving, I found the most excited person in the room. Everyone else is cheering and being loud, but one person in the room watches with unbreakable attention. She watched Toro¡¯s every movement, held her hands together as if praying whenever he shoots, and does a small jump whenever he scores or moves past someone. She may wear a mask, hat, and gym clothes that do their best to hide her body, but I can¡¯t call myself a man if I mistake a girl¡¯s identity.


    The girl feels me burning a hole in her body ¨C although I wasn¡¯t looking there, I promise ¨C and glances up to make eye contact. Afterwards, she leaves in a rush as if caught in the middle of a crime.


    I¡¯m aware of my reputation. Most students my age are aware of their own. Everyone wants to fit in, and they¡¯ll act whatever way necessary to snag a spot within the circle they wish to be a part of.


    I¡¯m known as the local delinquent, which is fine by me. But if there¡¯s one reputation I don¡¯t want to carry, it¡¯s that of a creep. And right now, the girl glancing at me as we wait for the train, Catalina in disguise, is thinking just that of me.


    If I make eye contact it¡¯ll be worse, so I do my best to maintain a good distance between us and avoid looking at her. Because of that, I didn¡¯t notice her approaching me. ¡°Myo.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± I believe I¡¯m allowed to look now and do just that.


    She scooted over, never turning her body away from the train tracks and spoke in a whisper. ¡°Could you¡­ keep me being at practice a secret?¡±


    ¡°Um, sure. Didn¡¯t know you were a fan of basketball, it¡¯s not something to be ashamed of.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ more of a fan of a player.¡± She mutters.


    Most guys on the team are tall and decent looking. But the height makes them all more attractive from what I¡¯ve heard. Curse them.


    ¡°That¡¯s not something to be ashamed of either.¡± I¡¯ve been having longer conversations with girls as of late. Most of the time, they just ask about Toro.


    ¡°Could I ask you to come to a game with me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind but why not go with your friends? I¡¯ve seen them at a few games, and you don¡¯t look all that comfortable around me.¡±


    Catalina takes a moment to respond. ¡°They don¡¯t want to be around me much anymore.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I¡¯m not sure how to respond. If her friends were here I¡¯d let them have it, but I doubt that¡¯s what Catalina wants.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I should have thought about how you would feel, forget I asked.¡± She begins to scoot back over to her old spot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, Catalina.¡±


    She stops, though she remains about five steps away from me instead of the two she was before. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be selfish. Aren¡¯t you afraid of what people will say?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I imagine us at the game. ¡°Being seen with a beautiful girl doesn¡¯t seem bad to me.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ll say I don¡¯t care every time. But I have a condition.¡±


    She glances over at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wear that mask and hat when we go. I want Toro to know who his biggest fan is.¡±


    I can see her cheeks blush underneath her mask. ¡°I never said I was there for Hiroto! Myo¡­ you must know about the rumors, if you¡¯re seen with me, they¡¯ll talk about you behind your back. Saying you like easy girls and all that.¡±


    ¡°Gaaah.¡± I let out a sigh of frustration. After yelling at Manami, I searched for methods to control my emotions and that was one of them; works well in my opinion. ¡°You¡¯re in luck, I already have a terrible reputation.¡± The train arrives. ¡°And just so you know, Toro would never believe such baseless rumors.¡±


    I turn and walk to another car as Catalina¡¯s cheeks rise under her mask. I love dramatics after all.


    ¡°Do you believe them?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± I looked back to find Catalina following me into the next car. Guess she doesn¡¯t know a thing about scene direction. ¡°Err, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask why?¡± She continues as we sit and the train lurches forward.


    ¡°I know few guys brave enough to talk to someone like you. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for one of the quietest girls in school, who gets nervous every time a guy approaches her and never looks someone in the eye, to do anything said in those rumors.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯m happy you don¡¯t believe them.¡±


    I glance over to Catalina. She sat with her legs closed, her hands resting on her knees, and her eyes piercing the floor. ¡°Plus, your mannerisms scream inexperience.¡±


    ¡°Are you a pervert?!¡± I don¡¯t answer. It¡¯s what she deserves for ruining my scene.


    I went straight to the hospital from school. The last stop from the station makes it a short walk but I lose the amazing downhill breeze I get when riding my bike.


    In truth, I want to get there as late as possible. I¡¯m nervous I might see Manami again and I¡¯ll freeze in the moment. Also, I don¡¯t expect her to want to talk to me.


    It¡¯s a cowardly move but history shows that¡¯s who survives in life. My bravado is admirable but I¡¯m not keen on crashing and burning once more just a day later.


    The top of the hill leading to the hospital provides a good view of the spot I use to eat. There¡¯s no one there and the parking lot had few cars.


    I feel a bit of relief inside, but it¡¯s overshadowed by guilt. I should apologize. But thinking I have the right to choose when and where to do so is what has built my less than favorable reputation over time.


    As usual, I arrive and head over to Jessica at the desk. She¡¯s typing away and sipping on caffeine through a straw. Her eyes still struggle to remain open due to the resistance her body has built to caffeine. But leaving the drinks would cause her to relapse and that would require time she didn¡¯t have.


    Still, ¡°You should lay off the caffeine Jessica. I could take over for a few days if you need.¡±


    Jessica adjusts her glasses before looking over at me. ¡°But then who would we have to move around the colonoscope?¡±


    ¡°You saw that thing?¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, I¡¯m not a fan of it either. But I¡¯m sure glad we have just the guy who¡¯s willing to do the hard work.¡± She gives me a wink and nods in the direction of a room. ¡°They might need you in there.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The room Jessica pointed at was the playroom. For children. They had to specify that after some adults decided it would be fun to mess around in there.


    The room itself is small with some shelves holding toys, and padded walls and floor. The pads are rainbow colored which the kids like. There are also some books thrown around the room since most kids don¡¯t like to read.


    The most popular item is the chalk board. Kids line up to show their next masterpiece before having it erased from history for the next kid in line. And while most kids have the strength to let their masterpiece be erased, some kids aren¡¯t happy to have their magnum opus taken away.


    Which is what is happening right now.


    Pablo kneels between two of the children, Rosa and Nigel, and tries to mediate between the two; however, a combination of sleep deprivation and stress made it difficult for him to find an amicable solution.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to erase it!¡± Nigel yelled with tears streaming from his eyes.


    ¡°But it¡¯s my turn!¡± Rosa retaliated. She took a step forward as if preparing to move Nigel out of the way.


    ¡°Come on you two, friends shouldn¡¯t fight like this.¡±


    ¡°B-but Pablo. I love my drawing.¡± Nigel tugged at Pablo¡¯s shirt.


    ¡°I know bud. But everyone has to get a turn. How about we¡­¡± Pablo thought for a solution.


    ¡°How about we take a picture, we should have an instant camera somewhere.¡±


    Pablo snaps his fingers. ¡°That¡¯s it. How about it, Nigel, that way you¡¯ll always have it by your side.¡±


    Nigel nods. The only problem with my solution is that I need to make the treacherous journey through the hall of horror and retrieve the camera from the storage room. A journey I¡¯m not excited about.


    At times I believe whatever resides inside the hall plots scenarios like this to lure me in. But it fails to consider one uncontrollable factor. My speed.


    And so, I return to the playroom, huffing and puffing, but with camera in hand and life intact.


    ¡°Alright Nigel. On three¡­ 1, 2, 3¡± Snap. The camera spits out a small, rectangle photo and I hand it to Nigel. His smile widens as he looks at his awkward pose beside his work of art.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± With that, Nigel runs back to his room and leaves Rosa free to do as she likes.


    ¡°Go ahead Rosa.¡± Pablo turns to look at me. ¡°Thanks again.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Looking at Pablo again, I notice the large bags under his eyes and the missing pen from his shirt pocket which he never forgets. ¡°Pablo, have you been here since yesterday?¡±


    Pablo nods. ¡°Someone called out, so I stayed for the overnight shift.¡±


    ¡°You just monitor them, right? I could do those.¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, but then the government would shut us down for breaking labor laws.¡±


    ¡®Hmph, I wouldn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Pablo chuckles. Rosa was drawing¡­ abstract art I believe but we both admired the passion she put into every stroke with her chalk. Her technique didn¡¯t allow more than two consecutive strokes with the same color, so she held a bunch of different colors in her free hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re more than enough help during the day. Although, you¡¯ll be even more helpful if you watch the hall for thirty minutes while I take a powernap.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Pablo walks over and holds his hand out. ¡°I won¡¯t forget.¡± He doesn¡¯t pull his hand away.


    I handed him my phone and he set an alarm on it. ¡°I have one on mine too, but this way you can¡¯t make the excuse that you forgot to wake me up.¡±


    After taking a 35-minute nap since I took my time walking to the break room, Pablo heads back but not before giving me a quick chop on the head.


    The rest of my day is the usual. I move boxes around, direct traffic, answer questions, and help with basic cleaning of the rooms.


    I was surprised to find one room locked on the bottom floor. The bottom floor rooms are the most basic of the hospital. They have minimal equipment and are designed to give the children the illusion that they aren¡¯t in a hospital.


    Most of them remain unlocked since the rooms are shared by two to three children. I¡¯m not too sure about the reason but I guess it helps to have someone close to talk to.


    After making my rounds and helping with other tasks, dinner time comes around. Mom leaves me a lunch box in the break room fridge whenever I have a shift at the hospital. Even if she doesn¡¯t have a shift that day, she¡¯ll drop by before leaving for her full-time job.


    I hesitate to walk over to my usual eating spot but somehow manage to get my legs to follow my orders.


    Manami wasn¡¯t there.


    And my stomach dropped because of it. My mom always reminds me to eat even if I don¡¯t have an appetite since that can affect me even more. If she finds food thrown away in the trash when she arrives home, I¡¯ll hear about it the next morning.


    ¡°Alright.¡± After arriving at my spot, I open my lunchbox.


    This time it¡¯s a bento box, or her attempt at one. There¡¯s rice, hamburger meat that is falling apart, and some vegetables. I hold my breath and take a small bite from the hamburger meat. ¡°Not bad.¡± I admire her dedication to improving her cooking skills.


    Still, I find it hard to continue eating. My breaks are 30 minutes long. Staring into the endless sea is how I spend most of them.


    It¡¯s calming and allows me to escape for some time. I like to imagine myself at the end of it all. Floating without care, away from all the pain and suffering. Just bliss.


    But even that scares me.


    Because if I¡¯m there, floating away, what have I left behind? Can I live without it all? Am I willing to hurt those who care about me?


    I can¡¯t.


    So, for now, I¡¯ll stick with it.


    ¡°Hmmm, I have about 10 minutes left and a full box of food.¡± The mission resting in my hands is impossible, so the fish might feast tonight. I take aim at the water below and cock my arm back.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± I hide the bento box behind me as I turn to the voice. ¡°Manami?¡± She stood there with her arms crossed and wearing the same blue wig as before.


    ¡°I wanted to apologize for running away the other day.¡±


    ¡°N-no, I shouldn¡¯t have yelled at you. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    Manami looks down into her hands to find some courage hidden in between them. She must have failed since she proceeds to nod and turn away.


    ¡°Manami.¡± I called out without thinking about what I wanted to say next.


    ¡°Yes?¡± She stops but doesn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°I¡­ can I ask why you don¡¯t believe you deserve happiness?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to die soon. All that effort could be put into something worthwhile.¡± She mutters.


    I would have unleashed a few punches had it been Toro. It¡¯s heart wrenching to see someone believe that about themselves. Even under her circumstances, I refuse to believe what she said.


    ¡°Then let me do it.¡± I swallow before continuing, making sure I could get my words right. ¡°Let me show you that you deserve it like everyone else. Let me show you that you¡¯re worth every moment. I¡¯ll make you happy¡­ even if it¡¯s just for a fleeting moment!¡± I needed her to see herself the way I did. To see the beauty. To see how she affects me. But most of all, I wanted to pull her from her own cage.


    Manami turns to look at me. ¡°Are you ok with doing that for me?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±

 Trip 1

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be in your care.¡± Were the last words Manami said to me before leaving with her mother.


    I didn¡¯t have a lot of time to process the situation before having to return to my shift. On my way home, however, I found myself unable to stop smiling and I let out a few cries of victory.


    Now, waking up the next morning, the weight of my bold promise is crushing my chest. Toro could speak for days about the times I¡¯ve made big claims only to realize my limitations. Unlike the other times, however, this is a promise I can¡¯t break.


    After double checking my shirt while dressing, I head down for breakfast.


    The house is quiet which means my mom is still asleep. I don¡¯t like waking her up since her job keeps her late sometimes. On mornings like this I toss a bunch of fruits into my bag and call it lunch.


    After giving myself a pep talk in the hall mirror, I headed out for the station.


    Toro gave me a quick scan as I arrived. ¡°Something good happen yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Woah, how could you tell?¡± I asked in astonishment about his deductive skills.


    ¡°You¡¯re walking with your head up and a big smile on your face.¡±


    Which is to say I may have overexaggerated his ability, but I won¡¯t admit that to him. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. Something great happened yesterday.¡±


    Toro pulls out a granola bar, scans the barcode of it into some health app he uses, and begins munching on it. I commend his discipline as I¡¯ve never counted calories or done anything of the sort.


    ¡°So, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you¡¯ll have to see for yourself. And when you do, I want you to shower me in praise, for I have-¡±


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± A short girl no taller than 160 cm, with a bob haircut and thick eyebrows interrupts me.


    Her name is Hana, Catalina¡¯s friend. Of the three girls Catalina hangs out with Hana is the one I pinned as the number one suspect in the rekindling of rumors case.


    ¡°You went home with Catalina yesterday, right?¡± She continues as I move behind Toro.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Do me a favor, stay away from her.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Apart from feeling insulted that she asked, it¡¯s difficult to believe she¡¯s doing this out of goodwill. ¡°Why should I?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard the rumors about her. I don¡¯t need new ones spreading about her dating some delinquent.¡±


    ¡°You tiny-¡±


    ¡°Hiroto said you¡¯re happy this morning, right?¡± Hana interrupts. ¡°I¡¯m guessing something happened between you two.¡±


    ¡°Myo wouldn¡¯t do something like that unless he¡¯s dating them. Catalina wouldn¡¯t either.¡± Toro intervenes. Which is surprising coming from the gentle giant who still has a few bites left on his granola bar.


    But Toro shows his reliability at the most surprising times.


    ¡°Hmph. Just stay away from her.¡±


    ¡°Me? You¡¯re the one who¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who what?¡± She glares at me, confirming my suspicion. It wouldn¡¯t do for me to anger Hana anymore, so I turn away and ignore her.


    After the train arrives, Toro and I find some seats far away from Hana.


    Toro leans in and whispers, ¡°Myo, did something happen between you and Catalina yesterday.¡±


    Since Toro knew me best, he also understood my weaknesses. ¡°Toro.¡± I placed my hand on his shoulder. ¡°If Catalina asked, I wouldn¡¯t think it over once. But we both know she isn¡¯t like that. We just happened to head home at the same time yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Well, would you?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Would I what?¡±


    ¡°Think it over?¡±


    Toro looks around to make sure no one is listening. ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°But how am I supposed to figure out what happened then?¡± Toro asked as we arrived at the last turn for the school.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see when-¡± As Toro and I reach the school gates, we see Manami walking to school from the road opposite us.


    Manami and I make eye contact, but she turns her head and walks through the gate. Leaving Toro behind confused, I rush after Manami.


    ¡°Manami!¡± She stops and looks at the ground as I reach her side. ¡°Good morning.¡±


    ¡°Um, good morning, Myo. Can I help you?¡±


    I lower my head to make eye contact, but she turns away from me. ¡°Want to walk to class together?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ were you serious yesterday? I thought you were just being nice since¡­ since you¡¯re a volunteer and all.¡± she muttered.


    It¡¯s frustrating to know she believed I was just doing a service. Because if she thought that way, then she saw my words as pity. Which is never and will never be my intention.


    ¡°Manami, I meant every word I said.¡± Toro walks up to us. ¡°Toro! As of yesterday, Manami and I are in a relationship!¡± I speak much louder than Toro needed me to be. I don¡¯t want Manami to believe this is something I want to keep a secret.


    No. If I¡¯m to change her way of thinking, I need to show her my commitment.


    ¡°Congrats big bro! You¡¯ve had a crush on her for so long.¡± Toro replies with stars in his eyes.


    ¡°Exactly! I¡¯ll take your praises later.¡± I extend my hand to Manami. ¡°Manami, let¡¯s walk to class together.¡±


    Manami looks around at everyone staring at us. People murmur about the new couple at school and what an odd combination we are. The delinquent with the quietest girl in school. Some even thought I threatened her to accept.


    ¡°O-ok.¡± Manami grabs my hand.


    After she picks her head up, I notice hair is out instead of tied into her usual ponytail. She has a pretty pin on the left side, and she wore a sweater I¡¯ve never seen her in. It¡¯s oversized, but it helps emphasize her cuteness.


    ¡°You look different today.¡± I blurted out after coming back to my senses.


    ¡°Is different... bad?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Somehow you look even prettier than usual.¡± She didn¡¯t respond, but Manami had a big smile during our walk to class.


    ¡°Come eat lunch with us.¡±


    Manami eats at her desk most days. She always brings a nice bento box that¡¯s filled to the brim with food. Although, I¡¯ve never seen her finish more than half of what¡¯s inside.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Manami hesitated to respond but her smile conveyed her excitement about the invitation.


    As usual, we sit at our reserved table. Our honored guest sat across from me, and Toro sat in the seat next to her as he liked the ability to prepare himself whenever a fan enters the lunchroom and heads his way.


    He did offer me the seat, but I couldn¡¯t let him have the seat with the best view.


    ¡°I like your bento, Manami.¡± Toro had never talked with Manami before, and he did his best to break the ice. Watching two socially awkward students try to talk is quite the scene and makes this seat worth even more.


    ¡°Thank you, Toro, I like your lunch box.¡± Manami responded as Toro filled the table with his lunch. Afterwards, she looks my way, perhaps hoping to compliment whatever I brought in.


    As she stares at me, I rummage through my bag and pull out the fruits I grabbed earlier in the morning. Some grapes that were squashed, an orange, and a banana.


    ¡°Actually brought food today?¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, don¡¯t get too jealous Toro.¡± I replied, though I would consider a trade for my bundle of flattened grapes.


    ¡°Is that all you brought?¡± Manami asked.


    ¡°Yea, I woke up late this morning.¡± I reply as Toro slides a granola bar my way. I did offer my grapes in exchange, but he politely declined. His loss.


    ¡°Myo never brings much for lunch.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, I just eat whatever Toro doesn¡¯t. Though recently your appetite has exploded.¡±


    A growing boy needs good nutrition, but Toro is more animal than human given his eating regimen. It¡¯s more akin to a bear preparing for hibernation than a human eating one of his daily meals.


    I never complain about my lack of food. I could always pack leftovers from the day before but I¡¯m too lazy in the morning to get it done in time. Money¡¯s tight as well so I rely on Toro¡¯s generosity most days.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°Would¡­ would you-¡± Manami begins to talk but is cut off,


    ¡°Excuse me, Hiroto.¡± One of Toro¡¯s fans, Margaret, a foreign girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, arrives with an entourage behind her.


    I knew what was coming next, though my two young, socially inept students across from me had no idea.


    ¡°Hiroto¡­ are you and Manami dating?!¡± Margaret yelled loud enough for the entire room to hear as it was filled with Toro¡¯s fans who all had the same question.


    Toro blushes and can¡¯t find his voice to respond.


    That wasn¡¯t surprising, what did surprise me was Manami clearing her throat before responding. ¡°Excuse me.¡± Margaret and the girls behind her divert their attention to Manami. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m Myo¡¯s girlfriend.¡±


    My heart nearly burst through my chest. Given how quiet Manami is, I expected her to never reveal our relationship. But I¡¯ve never been happier to be wrong.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Margaret replies in a disgusted tone. I choose to ignore that hint of disapproval as I wanted to revel in the moment for a while longer. ¡°Then here you go.¡± Margaret and her entourage give Toro the usual offerings and leave for their rooms.


    ¡°Manami, that made me really happy!¡±


    Manami¡¯s red cheeks and faint smile are the only reply I get as she picks food with her chopsticks. ¡°Here.¡± After picking the right piece, she holds it next to my mouth. ¡°Do you not want it?¡±


    I did. But I found myself unable to move for the moment. It felt wrong to be this happy when I promised to do just that for her. What actions could I do to have this wonderful effect on her? Are there any?


    ¡°Myo?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Sorry.¡± I bit into the piece of hamburger meat she gave me. It tasted great and held together well. ¡°It¡¯s tasty.¡±


    ¡°My mom and I made it.¡±


    ¡°Eating your girlfriend¡¯s home cooked food, I¡¯m so happy for your big bro.¡± Toro wipes away some tears as he watches me living out my dream.


    I¡¯m still unsure if I¡¯ll be able to succeed. But I refuse to give up on the girl who can make me float with elation with just a look my way. Whatever it is, whatever I need to do, I¡¯ll make sure to fulfill my promise.


    At the end of the day, Manami waits for me before leaving. Her mom picks her up most days, so I planned to walk her to the lot.


    ¡°Myo, could you just walk me near the school entrance?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t mind going all the way.¡±


    Manami shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to tell my mom yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine.¡± I didn¡¯t mind her request; some parents can be strict after all. My mom has never asked about my relationships, but she has been reminding me to use protection ever since I turned 13.


    Our walk to the school entrance was quiet. Manami squeezed my hand more than she did earlier, she may have thought I was angry about her request.


    ¡°Manami I-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not mad, honest.¡±


    Manami shook her head. ¡°I like you. But I thought everything you said at the hospital was just you trying to make me feel better. I shouldn¡¯t have thought you were like that.¡±


    Her voice shook as she spoke. She¡¯s torn about having judged me.


    I understood her frustration, I¡¯m not a fan of how others perceive me. In truth, I was a bit hurt that she judged me so, but I understand given her circumstances.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, you made me the happiest guy alive today by feeding me.¡±


    Manami stops right at the front entrance of the school. ¡°You made me happy too.¡±


    ¡°I did, how?!¡± I asked. What was it that I did? I needed to know. I racked my brain the entire day with scenarios that may help without realizing I had already done so today.


    ¡°I¡­ dressed differently because I really like you. You¡¯ve always been the person who tried to talk to me, and I hoped you might look my way again if I dressed this way. So, when you said I looked pretty it made me really happy.¡±


    Oh. I had been overthinking the entire day. But the realization came with a great sense of relief.


    ¡°Manami.¡± I picked her head up as she hadn¡¯t made eye contact since we stopped walking. ¡°You look beautiful every day. See you tomorrow.¡±


    Manami nods and runs out to find her ride home.


    My walk to the gym was fantastic. The sky is clear, the warmth of the sun wraps around my body, and the smell of the sea travels just far enough to find me.


    It¡¯s unfortunate that the walk from the school entrance to the gym only takes a little more than a minute.


    When the gym doors came into my sight, I saw one of the older players drag out a teammate who was flailing his arms and trying to free himself. I couldn¡¯t make out his yells, but another student ran after the two until he got tackled by another.


    ¡°Another fight huh.¡±


    Despite the talent on the team, or because of it, their teamwork is nonexistent as each student tries their best to stand out. Each attempt to showboat leads to unforced errors and more cracks in team chemistry.


    That they couldn¡¯t pin on Toro, one of the few unselfish players on the team.


    The coach did his best to control the egos, but that also led to parents complaining about play time and favoritism. Which is silly in my opinion. If one player is better than he¡¯s going to receive more play time. It¡¯s not favoritism, it¡¯s strategy.


    For example, if there was a need to beat someone up, the school would elect me in a unanimous vote. There are many larger and stronger students than me, but none of them have my grit and experience.


    As the coach made the best decisions for the team, a national championship contender, resentment grew. This late in the season is around the time most students reached their breaking point.


    ¡°Pass me the damn ball!¡±


    ¡°You brick every time!¡±


    The two students were pulled away and yelled at each other some more. They only stop to catch their breath and think of a new insult.


    I¡¯m not here for the spectacle, but the person I¡¯m looking for isn¡¯t anywhere to be found.


    Practice can be as rough as a game. At times, Toro takes a break in the locker room to cool down and gather his thoughts.


    The main gym has a door that leads into the locker rooms and the other entrance is in the hallway with the door to the overlook. This door is locked; however, they¡¯ve never improved it unlike the actual gym itself.


    With one good kick, I¡¯m granted permission to the boy¡¯s locker room. I haven¡¯t tried this trick with the girl¡¯s locker room, and I¡¯m not keen on a premature death.


    ¡°Yo Toro.¡±


    Toro had jumped into a fighting stance as I barged in. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just you Myo.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± I yelled across the room as he attempted to relax himself. His fighting stance was pitiful. Arms too high, legs shaking, and his midsection is begging to receive a few shots.


    I give him a few pokes at the errors in his stance. ¡°Stay on the balls of your feet or you¡¯ll be too slow, position your body at an angle to give them less to hit. I mean, there¡¯s plenty to hit on that mountain you call a body but this way it gives them less to work with.¡±


    Toro chuckles. ¡°I¡¯m not a fighter like you Myo.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good to know some simple self-defense.¡± Toro and I sit on the bench in the locker room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I rely on you to fight my battles.¡±


    ¡°No need, you can hire me as a bodyguard when you go pro.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± Toro meant it. I had no doubt he could make it, but I can¡¯t see that far into my future. ¡°So, you better keep that promise.¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡±


    ¡°Yea, remember? That we¡¯ll see the world together. You can bring Manami with us as well.¡±


    ¡°That would be nice¡­ anyway, why¡¯re you in here?¡±


    Toro drinks an energy drink he likes. It isn¡¯t the most popular brand, but he¡¯s been drinking it since we were in elementary. ¡°Bad start, and I was feeling a bit sick. I did hear the fighting start though.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t all there was to it. He wasn¡¯t sick from an illness or anything of the sort. ¡°Worried about your next game, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­I am. It¡¯s on their home court in the mainland. I¡¯ll probably just choke again.¡±


    I sigh. In truth, there¡¯s a high chance he will choke. But chipping away at his self-doubt could do wonders, and I know just the person that could help with that. ¡°Toro, why do you play?¡±


    ¡°Why? Hmmm, I enjoy it. And I like seeing our fans happy.¡±


    ¡°Good. But would the fans be happy if they knew you¡¯re beating yourself up over some bad games?¡±


    ¡°No, but-¡±


    ¡°No. They¡¯ll continue to support you so long as you try your best. Now, I probably shouldn¡¯t be revealing this, but I¡¯ve met your biggest fan.¡± Toro looks over expecting me to reveal their identity. I had no intention of revealing it. ¡°If you really play to see them happy, then find them. Find the one person who is the happiest when they see you play. When you see that joy, trust me, you¡¯ll do anything you can to keep them that way.¡±


    ¡°¡­Ok. I will.¡±


    ¡°Good luck out there.¡±


    ¡°Can I get a description at least?¡± Toro asks as I leave but I don¡¯t reply.


    There are a few issues with my plan for Toro. First, I don¡¯t know if Catalina will be here. Second, Toro might not recognize her like I did. Third, he recognizes the wrong person and that could lead to problems in the future.


    So, I¡¯m placing my hope on chance.


    After reaching the overlook, I looked around for Catalina. As luck would have it, she¡¯s standing in the far corner of the opposite overlook.


    A few minutes later, the team returns to the gym. The two students were forced to squash their argument given by the disgruntled looks on their faces. Toro also returned, and the coach started him.


    Toro never plays on the same side as the star third year. It would be too much of an advantage to have them on the same side. That said, those two give each other a good challenge.


    The third year, Javier, is known for his great shooting skills; however, Toro¡¯s height and strength coupled with great athletic ability made it difficult for Javier to get into a good position to shoot. What he did have going for him was his acceleration and handles that Toro couldn¡¯t match.


    Using his acceleration, Javier forces Toro to decide between getting back in front or preparing for his step back. It¡¯s a coin flip they play on court. Javier won most times as Toro tends to run forward full steam which allows his co-star to feint and shoot.


    Although he loses the coin toss often, Toro retaliates each time. His build allows him to get close to the rim and dunk or layup whenever he feels like it. While impressive, his strength does lie in his defense. No one other than Javier can get past him.


    That aside, there is one last variable. Tenacity. Javier flourished with the challenge, perhaps due to experience. Toro¡¯s performance always declined with each failed play. He let it all distract him.


    And that¡¯s why I need him to play for something other than just the win. It is important, but finding another goal can push your performance. Toro loves the sport, but that has only helped grow his frustration at his mistakes.


    After missing a shot, Toro allows Javier to get past him without much of a fight.


    ¡°Hey Toro!¡± I started the noise once again. ¡°Look around man!¡±


    Toro does as I say. Most of his usual fans were there, but one caught his eye. One that only he and I would recognize because she changed her clothes to hide most of her body. But the combination of the mask and strange glasses were something we had seen before.


    The surprise of seeing Catalina there caught Toro¡¯s attention. I didn¡¯t plan this next part, but I guess the fruits of my efforts are beginning to show.


    When Toro finds Catalina, she gives a small punch to the air with both hands as if trying to say, ¡°You got this!¡±


    From then on, every play, Toro would glance over to Catalina to see how she reacted. Every time he made a shot, she gave him some silent claps. Whenever he gave a good assist, she hopped with excitement. And then, as Toro was starting to find his groove, he managed to block a shot from Javier.


    The entire gym erupted, but one voice was heard first. ¡°YES!¡± Catalina yelled as her enthusiasm took over. The sudden flood of eyes that looked her way made her blush and run out of the gym.


    At the cost of Catalina¡¯s embarrassment, I think Toro has found an answer.


    But I¡¯m done yet. After Catalina leaves, I head for the station myself.


    I find Catalina there, covering her face with her hands as if she was still in the gym.


    ¡°Catalina.¡±


    She glances at me and sighs with relief. ¡°Hey¡­ were you at the gym?¡±


    ¡°I was.¡±


    ¡°Oh god, how embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. He looked happy with you cheering him on.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, so I have a favor to ask.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Come watch him play his next game with me.¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡± Manami¡¯s voice quivers as she speaks.


    ¡°Hey gorgeous.¡± I turned in bed with excitement hoping she couldn¡¯t hear me.


    I hear her giggle. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m pretty?¡±


    ¡°The prettiest.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± I replied.


    ¡°Can you tell?¡±


    ¡°A little, it¡¯s ok though you don¡¯t have to force yourself.¡±


    I can hear Manami rummaging through her closet. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯m talking with anyone other than family on the phone. To think it¡¯s my boyfriend¡­ even saying that makes me happy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad it does. Looking for something to wear tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I am. I want to keep your eyes on me.¡± Her confidence is growing much faster than I expected. But hearing her say that was heavenly.


    ¡°You look beautiful no matter what. But I could think of some recommendations.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you could.¡± She giggles and I hear her jump into bed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your scores by the way; you should be studying right now.¡±


    ¡°Mind helping me through video call?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t video call right now. I¡¯m not presentable.¡±


    ¡°Naked?!¡± That was supposed to be in my head.


    ¡°Hahaha, I¡¯m not naked. Just not presentable, sorry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ok, your voice is enough to motivate me for many lifetimes.¡± Somehow, I could feel her smile across the phone.


    ¡°I remember when we started high school, you came in late with Toro. Your uniform was a mess and the teacher yelled at you. But you said, ¡®They bullied my friend, so I handled it.¡¯¡±


    ¡°You remember that?! I had to sit with a bucket over my head for hours.¡± We laughed at the memory.


    ¡°It was our first day, but I noticed you immediately. There was something about you, so I looked back, and we made eye contact.¡± Manami said.


    ¡°I remember! You took a quick glance but didn¡¯t turn back when we made eye contact.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve liked you since then.¡± We said in unison.


    ¡°I never thought you would feel that way about me, and I told myself that the times you talked to me you were just being nice. But I looked forward to talking to you. Thank you, you¡¯ve been doing so much for me before you even knew it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still much more I¡¯m going to do, I promise.¡±


    Our conversation continued until we fell asleep on the phone.

 Trip 2

    The most important game of Toro¡¯s season is in three days. He¡¯ll crack under the pressure. Not to be mean, but I know my friend. Which is why I also understand how to manipulate him into having some confidence.


    Enter Catalina. My encouragement can only do so much, but having a pretty girl travel all the way to the mainland to show support is guaranteed to do the trick.


    Catalina agreed to the plan if I could find us a way there. I¡¯m in luck as someone owes me a favor.


    ¡°And that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for your boat. Please and thank you.¡±


    Pablo doesn¡¯t look my way. Lucy is crawling on his back while he sits watching some of the children playing outside. ¡°And why do you think I¡¯ll let some kid take my beloved boat?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m willing to fill in while you get some sleep¡­ Whenever you want.¡±


    Pablo picks Lucy up and sets her on the floor. ¡°You make an enticing offer, but I still can¡¯t trust you.¡±


    ¡°Come on Pablo, I really want to support my friend.¡± I bow my head. Pablo is aware of my stubbornness so it¡¯s a battle of stamina now.


    ¡°Tell me, who else are you bringing?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s just me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting you borrow anything if you lie to me. If it was just you, then you¡¯d take your bike over the bridge.¡±


    Lily¡¯s bridge connects our island to the mainland. It¡¯s a long drive but he¡¯s right in his assumption.


    Pablo had me. I can¡¯t lie to the man who has to pull important information from kids for a living.


    ¡°I may be taking a girl¡­ or two.¡±


    ¡°Really? Didn¡¯t know you were such a player.¡±


    ¡°Pablo can¡¯t go because I¡¯m going to marry him.¡± Lucy adds after hearing us talk about girls. She¡¯s jealous despite her young age.


    Pablo gives her a tap on the head and sends her off to play with the other children.


    ¡°One¡¯s my friend, and the other is my girlfriend. I¡¯ll be as safe as possible, I promise.¡±


    ¡°A girlfriend?!¡± I¡¯m not sure how to feel about his reaction. ¡°You need to be back before sundown.¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I had prepared some more convincing arguments as I expected him to reject my request some more. Sleep deprivation must be killing the poor guy. ¡°Thanks Pablo!¡±


    Now that part one is a success, I need to ask Manami to come as well. I didn¡¯t ask beforehand in case Pablo didn¡¯t give in. Promising to take her on a boat trip then disappointing her would have shattered my confidence.


    But no need to worry anymore. Now, I just need to find the courage to ask her.


    ¡°I should just ask her tomorrow and get it over with. No need to overthink it.¡± I¡¯m eating dinner at the usual spot. Mom left a note apologizing about waking up late even though I remind her often that I don¡¯t mind.


    ¡°By her are you talking about me?¡±


    ¡°Manami!¡± She¡¯s unbelievably light on her feet. Or it may be that I¡¯m used to the loud stomps children take. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were coming today.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to surprise you.¡±


    She stood beside me, staring into the sea. It may have been my imagination, but I¡¯m sure this is the closest we¡¯ve ever stood side by side. Our shoulders brushed each time we swayed.


    I take a deep breath and go for it. ¡°Manami, do you want to come watch Toro¡¯s game on the mainland with Catalina and I this Friday?¡±


    ¡°The mainland?¡± Manami looks in the direction of the mainland. It¡¯s straight shot from our spot. Her eyes didn¡¯t hide her desire to go. ¡°I would love to, but I¡¯m not sure my mom would let me.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s ok then.¡±


    ¡°But it could be exciting to not mention where the game is.¡± Manami gave me a smile when she finished.


    I never knew she had a troublemaker side to her. Though her little giggles tell me that she has never broken a rule before.


    ¡°Are you sure? I don¡¯t want to force you.¡±


    ¡°I want to go. I love looking at the ocean, so it¡¯ll be a fun car ride.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re going by boat.¡±


    ¡°Even better.¡±


    The conversation dies there. I¡¯m not sure how to pick up the bones and reanimate it, but I want nothing more than to make this moment last longer.


    ¡°Want some?¡± I held a spoon with some rice near her mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s an indirect kiss you know.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know mind.¡± Manami blushes but accepts my offer.


    There isn¡¯t much to talk about after, but eating while looking at the sea made me feel at ease. Although, I found myself looking at her more than the sea.


    She didn¡¯t wear her wig today. Her natural black hair swaying in the wind combined with her smile after each bite entranced me.


    ¡°Your family owns a boat?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± She caught me staring but didn¡¯t seem to mind. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m borrowing it from Pablo.¡±


    ¡°Nurse Pablo?¡±


    ¡°Yep, he couldn¡¯t resist my boundless charisma.¡±


    Manami giggles. It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve seen her laugh, but this time it seemed to hurt her as she grabbed her chest and coughed a bit after.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­ Myo, why do you volunteer here?¡±


    ¡°I spent a lot of time here as a kid. So, I wanted to show how grateful I am.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask why?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± I did want to tell her. I didn¡¯t want to hold anything back. But the words were caught in my stomach.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡± She rubbed my back as she spoke. ¡°If you ever want to talk about it, I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    I nod. I couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty since Manami was open with me. Not being able to reciprocate that made me feel as if I disrespected her honesty. But as she looks at me, with a sweet smile and kind eyes, I can feel the guilt disappear as a strange warmness takes its place.


    ¡°Manami!¡± On que, as if waiting for the moment I want to live in forever, Manami¡¯s mom arrives.


    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yea, see you then.¡±

 Trip 3

    The day is here. I arrived first at the dock where Pablo keeps his boat. He wouldn¡¯t let go of the keys yesterday as he had his worries about me driving it. After I mentioned that there were two much more capable and responsible girls coming with me, he gave in.


    The boat is a small cabin cruiser, painted blue and white, that he inherited from his late father. He¡¯s taken good care of it over the years even though it has started to give him some trouble.


    What excited me most about it is the front. It¡¯s easy to stand there and has high guard rails for added safety.


    Pablo told me the story of how his father used this boat on the first date with Pablo¡¯s mom. It worked great and now I¡¯m taking a page from his playbook.


    The rest of the boat is small. The cabin has a seat for the driver and two rows for about four people right behind. A thin ceiling covers the cabin and there are windows that open. As for the rear of the boat, there is some standing room, but I wouldn¡¯t recommend standing there if I¡¯m driving.


    Before the girls arrive, I¡¯m making sure the boat works. I¡¯ve seen my mom drive a car, so I¡¯m not worried about the steering. But when I arrive at the driver¡¯s seat, I only see a big wheel and a lever. The panel in front has a bunch of gauges but I have no clue what any of them mean.


    Pablo went over what each meant but the crash course didn¡¯t stick in my mind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see, speedometer, oil¡­¡± That was all I could remember. If I keep slow and steady, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be ok.


    ¡°Ammeter, fuel level, oil pressure, tachometer, voltmeter, trim, and water temperature.¡± A cute little hand points to each one as they are named.


    Turning around, I¡¯m almost blinded by the beauty standing behind me. Manami wore a straw hat, a blue dress that fell just below her knees, and sandals. Had there not been a wall behind me, I would have fallen into the sea, instead I just bumped my head.


    ¡°Ouch.¡±


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± Manami rubs the back of my head.


    As short as she is, she needed to get close to reach. So now, our faces are centimeters apart. As she remains focused on checking for any injury, I can¡¯t look away from the beauty right in front of me. Her almond eyes with pretty eyelashes, the light makeup that gave her a slight blush, and the pink lips almost touching my own.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    Manami smiles and pulls away after realizing how close we were.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± She twirls and her dress rises to reveal more of her legs before coming to a rest once again.


    ¡°It looks great on you. Have you been on a boat before?¡±


    ¡°I have, my dad¡¯s a fisherman. When I was little, we used to go on boat rides and collect seashells after, but we haven¡¯t been in a long time now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, maybe you should drive then.¡±


    ¡°Or I could teach you.¡±


    The driver¡¯s seat is small. But if we scoot in tight enough, we could manage to fit together. ¡°Yea, I¡¯d like that.¡±


    ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡± Catalina peeked around the cabin door. She wore a long red skirt, sandals, and a white blouse. She also wore her hair out; it¡¯s the first I¡¯ve ever seen it this way.


    Manami walks over and bows her head. ¡°Hi, we¡¯re in the same class, I¡¯m-¡±


    ¡°Manami, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s our first time talking so I wasn¡¯t sure you would know me. I think your name, Catalina, is really pretty.¡±


    Were we not in a relationship, I may have thought Manami was interested in Catalina given her blush and slight tremble in her voice. This may be her first time talking to someone else from our class. As far as I remember, I¡¯ve the only one who ever tried to talk to her.


    ¡°Thank you, I noticed you started wearing cuter clothes ever since Myo declared himself your boyfriend. That dress looks amazing on you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I love your outfit too, the colors go great together.¡±


    ¡°Like it? I made the skirt myself.¡± Catalina twirls as Manami stares in fascination.


    It¡¯s great to see the two hit it off, so, I turn my focus to getting the boat started. ¡°Should be fine.¡± I mutter to myself.


    Make sure it¡¯s in neutral, then just turn the key like a car. Pablo¡¯s abbreviated reminders played through my head. I may have forgotten some parts but I¡¯m sure my brain chose to remember the important bits.


    After checking for neutral, I turn the key. Since it¡¯s a cold start, the engine takes some time before starting. But after a few attempts, she finally kicks to life.


    ¡°Alright!¡± I turn to the girls with a triumphant smile. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°We are but¡­¡± Catalina and Manami look at the dock.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you forgetting something?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh right!¡± With a few quick hops, I land on the dock and untie the boat. Had they not reminded me, I would have taken it to the mainland with us.


    The boat ride to the mainland isn¡¯t too long, but I take it slow since Catalina and Manami have been having fun talking with each other. Every now and then I¡¯ll look back and find both smiling.


    Catalina seemed to enjoy not having to walk around eggshells in the conversation. And I¡¯m sure Manami was happy to have made a new friend. There was still a good amount of time before the game started, so there was no need to rush.


    Also, I¡¯m too scared to go over any faster than I already am.


    A few minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It¡¯s Catalina. ¡°Want me to take over?¡±


    ¡°You can drive a boat?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we all? We live on an island you know.¡±


    She made a great point, and it gave me the opportunity to run one of Grandpa Pablo¡¯s greatest hits. I tag Catalina¡¯s hand and head to the back.


    ¡°Manami, want to go to the front?¡±


    She nodded and put her bag in the corner beside her.


    Getting to the front is difficult as the path is narrow, but there are guard rails we can use to keep our balance. Manami walked ahead of me; she must have been waiting for the opportunity to go.


    Arriving at the front, Manami walks to the end. Her dress and hair sway back as the wind rushes past us and she keeps her hand on her straw hat to keep it from flying away.


    The back of her dress reveals the top of her back. And though I feel like a pervert for it, I make sure to catch a quick glimpse. But I can¡¯t find the courage to walk next to her.


    I don¡¯t mind. The view is perfect.


    Manami turns to look for me and holds her hand out. ¡°Come here.¡±


    For some reason, the sun decided to only give her light now. The brilliant shine that surrounded her body, as everything else was stripped of the right to light, made her person and smile angelic. It captivated me. And at that moment, the simple crush I had for years developed into something much heavier.


    I took her hand and walked beside her, my eyes losing the ability to look away. She stared into the ocean as the mainland came into view with a smile. But, unfortunately for her, the greatest view was mine alone.


    Manami and I held hands in silence until Catalina reached the dock.


    ¡°Myo, thank you. I¡¯ve wanted to go on a boat ride for so long, and to do it with you made it even more special.¡±


    Manami darts away after realizing what she said. I too needed some time to calm myself. And to do so, I stared into the mainland. For some reason, it all looked wonderful and bright.


    ¡°Um, Myo, know how to do this thing?!¡± Catalina yelled from the back of the boat, referring to tying the boat to the dock.


    ¡°I got it!¡± Manami responded.


    The mainland is another world compared to our little island. Though it isn¡¯t much larger than our island, and it¡¯s outnumbered by the other surrounding islands, the city is filled with high rises that block out the sun. Cars are a major form of getting around unlike our island where public transportation or walking is prominent.


    There isn¡¯t an absence of cars. My mom has one since she works on the mainland if she¡¯s sent there.


    Even though we live just a short boat ride away, the surrounding islands and the people of the mainland are different. Like the difference between an office worker and a farmer. My mom told me stories about discrimination during her youth but nowadays that¡¯s seen as taboo.


    Not to say both sides don¡¯t have their prejudices against each other. But since each side relies on the other, relations are good.


    ¡°Though I do get looks every time I¡¯m here.¡± I said as Manami kept her head down since mainlanders stared at her and Catalina.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Their beauty was to blame in this case. But our clothing is also a dead giveaway of our origin.


    Mainlanders all wear business clothing: dress shirts, suits, slacks. Men, women, and children dress this way as most of the jobs on the mainland are office jobs.


    The number of convenience stores on the mainland can be counted on one hand and most of the shopping is done on other islands or by delivery.


    Mom said the night life is good here. Most people divulge in it to get away from the stress of their day. Our island has its fair share of problems, but she mentioned that people seem happier there. ¡°There is a feeling of a community, whereas everyone wants to beat each other on the mainland. If someone were to collapse, the others wouldn¡¯t think about stopping.¡± It sounded insane to me, but it¡¯s true.


    Given our differences, whenever islanders visit, they¡¯re a hot attraction. Mostly the women. Since they wear different styles of clothing that can show off the beauty of their bodies and let their hair flow it¡¯s impossible for the guys not to look.


    I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if seeing a woman¡¯s shoulder is enough to drive them wild.


    I just so happen to have stolen two of the foremost beauties of my island today. Catalina seemed used to it, but she held Manami¡¯s hand while waiting for the bus to arrive. It only passed by twice an hour, which is a failure of the system in my opinion.


    ¡°Hey there, want to come eat at a caf¨¦ with me?¡± A student passing by the stop makes an attempt at Catalina.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m good.¡± She replied with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Come on, wouldn¡¯t you like to see more of the mainland?¡± He reached for her hand, but I threw a rock at it before it reached Catalina.


    ¡°Sorry, they¡¯re both with me. Though if you want to show me around, I might consider it.¡± I flashed him my charming smile that I used on every girl on our island. And just like them, he gives me a revolted look and walks away. I¡¯m not proud of the effect, but it sure has its benefits.


    ¡°Thanks Myo.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Doing ok Manami?¡±


    Manami wasn¡¯t just nervous about being on the mainland. By now the reality that she lied to her parents was starting to hit her. ¡°I¡¯m a bit scared.¡± She grabs onto Catalina¡¯s and my hand. ¡°But it¡¯s exciting.¡±


    ¡°Good, if you need anything let me know, ok?¡±


    Manami nods as the bus arrives.


    The bus took us to a stop that¡¯s a two-minute walk from the school. The school is deep in the city and the smell of the sea has been overtaken by fumes and loud noises. It¡¯s difficult to breathe compared to our island.


    Arriving at the school, Catalina and Manami take it in before we move forward. Our school building is old as most funds go into the sports departments. As such, seeing a massive school with large glass panes, five stories high, architecture that looks more like an art project than a building, and the city folk who attend it is a culture shock.


    I don¡¯t think they¡¯re all that different from us, but their uniforms that have a few extra layers than ours does make a good argument. Like at the station, every student notices and whispers about us.


    ¡°Myo?!¡± A girl with long purple hair and orange eyes rushed over to us as her friends attempted to pull her back but were too slow to act. As she reaches her range of attack, she gives me a good hit with her bag. ¡°What¡¯re ya doing here?!¡±


    Their books must be better than ours as well since my arm is throbbing in pain. ¡°I forgot you went here, Diana.¡±


    Before I can introduce everyone, Diana zips past me as she notices the girls behind me. ¡°Kyaaah! You two are so pretty! I¡¯m Diana, what¡¯s y¡¯all¡¯s names?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Manami.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Catalina, are you from an island?¡±


    ¡°Mhmm, could ya tell? I¡¯m actually Myo¡¯s old neighbor, but I moved here to study performance art.¡±


    ¡°Still going on about that?¡± I say as I rub my arm.


    ¡°Oh, come on, you¡¯re the first one who said my singing¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°I said that to get you to stop.¡±


    ¡°Mhmm.¡± Diana pulls the girls close and whispers. ¡°He says that but bought my first album.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Catalina moved away from Diana as if she was a sacred object. ¡°You¡¯re part of Crescent, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard of us?¡± Diana closes the distance between them and grabs her hand. ¡°Thank you for your support! But I have to ask¡­¡± Diana gives both girls a quick glance. ¡°What¡¯re y¡¯all doing with a delinquent like Myo.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here to watch the basketball game. Catalina¡¯s a friend, and Manami¡¯s my girlfriend.¡± I push my chest out and cross my arms to show how proud I am of my achievement.


    ¡°Ahhh.¡± Diana pulls Manami to the side. ¡°He¡¯s not forcing you or nothing, right?¡±


    Manami shakes her head. ¡°He¡¯s been really sweet and caring with me.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? I guess anything is possible then. Well then, mind if I tag along with y¡¯all?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± Manami replies.


    Diana grabs both girls by the hand and heads off for the gym, leaving me behind.


    There¡¯s a good crowd around the gym as the game is starting soon and I lost sight of the girls inside of it. After pushing through the crowd, a hand grabs me and pulls me into an empty building.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think a scandal will be good for your career, Diana.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The darling of Keone Island is just a fa?ade. Her long legs, big eyes, and pretty face had made her an instant hit in the industry, and her talent only helped solidify her career.


    But the real Diana is in front of me now. Her legs spread out, shoulders slumped, thick accent, and if she had a bucket of chicken, she¡¯d show off how much of a slob she is as well. I enjoy this side of her the most.


    ¡°Hey, the darling of Keone isn¡¯t going to be brought down by some scandal.¡± She continued. ¡°Plus, I can just say you coerced me into it.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, what did you want talk about?¡± The air became heavy with my question. As carefree as Diana is, whatever she had to say bothered her enough to make her uncomfortable.


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, as I¡¯ve told you many times.¡±


    ¡°Over the phone. We haven¡¯t seen each other since. And I never apologized in person.¡± Diana stands and bows to me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for running away¡­ I didn¡¯t know how to handle everything, and I thought leaving would make me forget. I¡¯m really sorry, I was supposed to be your friend.¡±


    I let out a big sigh. In truth, I hoped she would have forgotten it all by now. ¡°It¡¯s ok. I don¡¯t blame you or anything. We were just kids back then, so don¡¯t let it bother you.¡±


    Diana raises her head and nods. ¡°But it made me really happy to see you here, and with such a pretty girlfriend no less.¡± Diana puts her arm around my shoulder. ¡°You aren¡¯t threatening her, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, I¡¯ve had a crush on her for years now.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± She heads for the door but stops before opening it. ¡°Have you told her?¡±


    ¡°¡­I haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I see. I can say from experience if you don¡¯t release it, it¡¯ll break you. So, Myo, promise you won¡¯t make the same mistake I did.¡±


    I walk beside her, ready to head for the gym. ¡°If I do, then I¡¯ll call you just like you called me then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not let you get there, but I¡¯ll drag you and your girlfriend somewhere to make you feel better.¡± Diana flashes a credit card with her company¡¯s logo on it.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    The crowd outside the gym had grown in the time spent talking with Diana. Parents, students, faculty, and scouts are going to be at the game.


    I lost hope of pushing through, but Diana pulled me with her as everyone just moved out of her way. Like a deity demanding worship, everyone in front of us parted and gawked at her as we passed.


    ¡°I got us court side seats.¡± She yelled.


    The gym is as impressive as our own. Clean, new court, digital scoreboard, a booth for commentators, there¡¯s even a private seating section for scouts.


    Since this is the biggest game of the year so far, every supporter that could fit in the gym attended. Each claiming their side and making their presence known with cheers and insults.


    Catalina and Manami are sitting courtside on the away half. We walk over and Diana shoos two people away who had taken our seats. They didn¡¯t put up any argument, it was their goddess asking after all.


    I sit beside Manami who pokes my arm. ¡°Cheating on me already?¡±


    I chuckled at the idea since I¡¯m one of the few who knows Diana¡¯s personality. ¡°No need when I¡¯m with the girl of my dreams.¡±


    Manami smiles. Whether she was jealous or not, I¡¯m not sure. But the smile she gave me after complimenting her always warms my heart.


    ¡°Hey Myo, is Toro still playing?¡± Diana asked.


    ¡°He is, he¡¯s a star now.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Hmmm, it¡¯ll be nice to see him then.¡± As she finishes, the teams are announced, and they run onto the court. I pointed to Toro as he made his way inside. ¡°My gawd, he doesn¡¯t miss a meal, does he?¡±


    ¡°Give it up for our two teams!¡± The crowd roars in a battle to take over the gym. Nervous guards ready themselves since the previous game ended in a scuffle between visitors.


    ¡°Toro!¡± Diana jumps up and waves her arms. Toro stumbled after recognizing Diana and made his way over.


    ¡°Diana? How have you been?¡±


    Diana is one of the few girls Toro is comfortable talking to. Those two were closer than I was with either of them. In truth, Diana seemed to avoid me most of the time. Their reunion was filled with laughter, and jeers from the home side afraid of Toro stealing their princess.


    ¡°Myo, Manami, Catalina, thanks for coming.¡± Toro waved at us. Catalina gave him a nervous nod in return and looked at the court right after.


    After Toro left, I asked a question that was bothering me. ¡°Hey, Diana, this isn¡¯t Toro¡¯s first time here. You¡¯ve never seen each other before?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been avoiding seeing you two in person. But seeing you leave the island made me think it¡¯s time to have some courage. Speaking of, what gave you the courage to leave?¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s Toro. But more importantly.¡± Pablo¡¯s father move #2: the arm around the shoulder. And if I say so myself, I execute perfectly. ¡°I wanted to take her on a boat ride.¡± Manami rested her head near my chest which confirmed the success of my play. I¡¯ll have to pay my respects when I return.


    ¡°Hmph, never thought you¡¯d be a romantic.¡±


    After the teams warm up, the game begins. Our team started with their best players, which is unusual since they don¡¯t have the best chemistry. It could be a plan to give them as much time to shine in front of the scouts.


    And shine they did. Toro and Javier combined for 15 points in a few minutes, but the opposing team remained only a few points behind.


    The home team also had some star players. Someone around the same height as Toro but who didn¡¯t put in the work to gain some muscle. So, while he could match the height, Toro still pushed him around like a rag doll.


    Javier also had his rival guarding him. But after having to deal with Toro in practice for so long, he was starting to leave his rival behind. The frustration was clear, and the rival committed a few bad fouls out of frustration.


    On this one, Javier limped off the floor and sat on the bench while someone looked at his ankle.


    ¡°Hey, play fair Caesar! You¡¯re making our school look bad!¡± Diana was the loudest on our side of the court, but no one knew which team she supported.


    Manami had a hard time understanding the game and fouls. I gave my best explanation which was just that they need to get the ball in the net. Even if she had little understanding, the atmosphere of the arena pulled her in, and she was enjoying the game.


    Catalina was doing her usual antics. She watched Toro¡¯s every move with fascination at how nimble and explosive he was despite his size. That wasn¡¯t just natural ability. Toro trained like a maniac to make the most of his natural gifts. Height and athletic talent will only do so much, Toro knew this and capitalized.


    Catalina seemed aware of this as well and she admired him more for it. Most players as gifted as him put in minimal work. The prime example was on the opposite team after all.


    Toro had his weaknesses, however, and the home court was using them to their full advantage. They booed, called him names, and laughed at every mistake. And as the mistakes became more consistent, Toro¡¯s eyes began to lose focus and his movements became slow.


    Before, he could push his rival back with ease; now he struggled to move him at all. It wasn¡¯t newfound strength, Toro was overthinking. I lose the ball here, I don¡¯t want to miss the shot, and other thoughts like that.


    The game was now in the favor of the home team by three points. Javier returned in the second half but wasn¡¯t playing at his best anymore. His attempts to encourage Toro didn¡¯t have much of an effect either.


    I¡¯ve known about the rivalry between our schools since before I started attending. I didn¡¯t care for it much, until they made a grave mistake. After their victory in the first game of the season over our team, I heard of how they mocked Toro. Toro was depressed for a week after it.


    And that¡¯s something I can¡¯t let slide. So, today, I brought an unbeatable weapon.


    Deciding it¡¯s time, I whisper to Manami, and she nods. After, she whispers to Catalina.


    ¡°What¡­ I don¡¯t think I can do that. What if.¡± As I instructed, Manami waited for the moment Catalina would say Hiroto and gave her a jab in the side. As she did, Catalina yelped, ¡°HIROTO!¡± loud enough to grab his attention.


    For a moment, she only stared at her favorite player looking back at her. Her lips shook and her face was red as an apple. But after she collected her thoughts, a look of determination appeared in her eyes. ¡°You can do it!¡± She yelled. Her voice is as powerful as it was in our home gym.


    Toro¡¯s eyes lit up and gave he her a grateful smile.


    Checkmate. I unleashed a beast on an away court and leaned back to enjoy the incoming massacre.


    Manami rested her head on my shoulder. ¡°You really care about Hiroto, huh?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that¡­ they¡¯re just lucky I¡¯m a terrible basketball player.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s that kindness that makes me fall for you.¡±


    Sorry Toro, but I¡¯m taking the spot as the happiest person in the gym. Or I would have had Diana not been looking over and giving me a smirk.


    ¡°Look at you two.¡± She said, but I couldn¡¯t find the will to respond as I basked in my moment. ¡°Get a room.¡±


    But I did find the strength to flick her forehead.


    ¡°Alright!¡± The away side of the gym erupted with cheers as the buzzer marked the end of the game. We won by 17 points.


    I don¡¯t want to take credit for the victory, but Toro and Javier took the game over after Catalina¡¯s cry of inspiration. Javier couldn¡¯t miss a shot, and Toro was an unstoppable force that no one on the opposite team wanted to defend.

 Trip 4

    Diana left after the final buzzer. ¡°I think I¡¯ve used up all my courage, but I¡¯ll stay in touch.¡±


    There isn¡¯t much I can do for her, but sometimes a good kick is all someone needs to get a start. So, I¡¯ll keep that in mind for the next time we meet.


    Toro asked us to meet him by the bus the team used to get here but he¡¯s taking his sweet time. I didn¡¯t mind, but Manami was beginning to look tired.


    ¡°Sorry guys!¡± Toro runs over to us. Seeing a giant running full force your way is a frightening sight, and one his opponents had to see every game. ¡°Some scouts wanted my contact information.¡±


    ¡°Woah, don¡¯t forget about the piece of rice I gave you once, I¡¯m collecting interest on it.¡± I replied, he was on his way to a fortune after all.


    Manami pinches my side. ¡°Congratulations Hiroto.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Manami¡­ Catalina.¡± Toro rubs his head as he struggles to make eye contact. Catalina was no better as she kept her head down and swayed back and forth.


    ¡°Myo.¡± Manami tugs my shirt. ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a thing you wanted to show me?¡±


    ¡°A thing? Ohhh, right, come on. Meet us out front when you¡¯re done Catalina.¡± I whisked Manami away and she gave Catalina a pat on the back as we made way for a corner.


    After passing the corner, I kneel. ¡°Hop on.¡± I waited for a few seconds but felt no weight on my back. ¡°Manami?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am. Now on you go.¡±


    After she takes a deep breath, Manami gets on my back. She¡¯s light. I stood up with no difficulty, as if she wasn¡¯t clinging on to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not too heavy, am I?¡±


    ¡°No no, you¡¯re¡­¡± I stopped myself. Her illness could be a reason for her low weight, and I didn¡¯t want to remind her. ¡°I¡¯m strong enough to haul Toro home, you know.¡± A white lie.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s see how far you can carry me.¡±


    Manami rests her head on my shoulder. Her breast pressing up against me did make my first few steps difficult, however, I calmed myself as I¡¯m carrying precious cargo.


    After a few steps, her breath slowing, and her arms loosening gave away that she had fallen asleep. ¡°Wherever you want, whenever you like.¡±


    Catalina arrived at the entrance not long after we did. She had a big smile and was almost skipping on our way to the boat.


    ¡°Things must have gone well.¡±


    ¡°A lady never tells, and don¡¯t ask Toro what we talked about.¡± She added at the end.


    We decided to walk to the boat as I didn¡¯t want to wake Manami yet.


    After getting to the boat, I laid Manami on one of the bench seats and left to untie the boat.


    Manami can tie a great knot, so I struggle to unravel it. As I do, I can hear the girls inside.


    ¡°Manami, good morning.¡± Catalina jokes. I was making good headway on the knot now. ¡°Manami your, does Myo know?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± From outside, I couldn¡¯t see what made Catalina sound so worried. Now that the knot had fallen in our great battle, I headed in to check on them.


    As I head for the entrance, Catalina runs out and blocks the door. She spreads her arms out and shoves her boobs in my face.


    I pull my head back and close my eyes. ¡°Sorry Catalina, but I have Manami now. Do you mind stepping aside?¡±


    ¡°Not yet!¡± She yelled.


    She was acting strangely. From the crevice between her and the door, I could see Manami sitting on the ground and putting her hat back on. Perhaps she had fallen after waking up.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok now Catalina, thank you.¡±


    Catalina let out a sigh of relief and walked inside. I walk in and kneel in front of Manami. ¡°Everything ok?¡±


    She nodded and spread her arms, asking me to lift her back up into the seat. Without a thought, I did as she commanded. The two girls sat beside each other, but there¡¯s an air of awkwardness now, I must have missed something.


    ¡°Ready to head out?¡±


    Both nod and, after a few kicks to the console, the boat breathes life. ¡°Off we go.¡± Now filled with sea traversing experience, I steer our great vessel back to our island.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Catalina was the one to break the silence after a while. ¡°That was really fun, thanks for bringing us, Myo.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± I couldn¡¯t let her know about my plan. Out here, my body would never be found.


    ¡°Maybe we could come next year too. What do you say, Manami?¡±


    ¡°That would be nice.¡±


    ¡°Are you tired? Here.¡± I hear Catalina tapping her legs. Manami takes her offer fast which makes me a little jealous. ¡°Go ahead and fall asleep, I¡¯ll wake you up when we get home.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Manami¡¯s voice was no more than a whisper.


    ¡°She¡¯s a sweet girl.¡± Catalina said after Manami fell asleep.


    ¡°The sweetest, and most beautiful, and most fun, and she¡¯s a great cook, and-¡±


    ¡°Ok ok!¡± She giggled as she spoke. ¡°If you hurt her, I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°If I manage that, then I¡¯ll ask you to.¡±


    I can feel Catalina staring at the back of my head. ¡°You¡¯re much nicer than I thought you would be.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re exactly how I thought you were.¡±


    ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡±


    ¡°Nope. It makes me happy that Toro found someone so nice.¡± I muttered the last bit, but I meant every word. Catalina is kind and honest, someone Toro deserved to find.


    Now I just have to play my role of matchmaker.


    After we arrive at the island, Catalina says her goodbyes and heads towards the train station. Manami and I were headed to the hospital in the opposite direction.


    Manami was rejuvenated after her nap and dragged me by the hand to keep up with her. She was in a hurry, but her mom always picked her up a few hours from now.


    ¡°Myo, thank you for today.¡± She said as she continued to pull me.


    ¡°I still have more days like this to give you.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to them.¡± She turns to give me a quick smile. ¡°I lo-¡±


    ¡°Manami!¡± At the sound of her name being called, I also heard our hearts collectively drop.


    Manami¡¯s mom walked over from the parking lot. Manami let go of my hand and rushed over to her mom, ¡°Mom I.¡±


    Manami¡¯s mom walked past her and right over to me. Then, her hand came down hard to deliver a good slap on my cheek. I felt blood spill from my mouth but didn¡¯t retaliate.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Manami runs back to us.


    ¡°Get in the car Manami!¡± Manami stops, unsure of what to do. I gave her a nod and smiled. Although she still hesitated, Manami left for her car. ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are?¡± Manami¡¯s mom raises her hand again but stops herself midway. ¡°All of sudden, Manami started taking interest in makeup and looking cute. It made me so happy, but I guess she was doing it for you¡­ level with me kid, do you know about her illness?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°I see. You aren¡¯t doing this for some self-fulfilling purposes are you?¡± She asked in a somber tone. As if having dealt with others who only showed Manami pity many times before.


    ¡°I would never do that. I have liked Manami since we started high school. I asked her out before, but she rejected me. After she told me about her illness, and how she doesn¡¯t think she deserves happiness¡­ I couldn¡¯t let the girl I like so much think that way. So, for as long as I can, I¡¯ll do whatever I can to make her happy. Because seeing her smile¡­ makes me so happy.¡±


    Manami¡¯s mom embraces me. ¡°Thank you. She hasn¡¯t been eager for anything in so long and seeing her smile at home has just been¡­¡± She pulls back and holds my shoulders. ¡°But there¡¯s a process to this, understand? I need to know where she is always, if you want to take her out then I need to make sure she has her medicine and is safe. So please, don¡¯t do this again.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡± I bow. ¡°And I¡¯m very sorry.¡±


    Manami¡¯s mom gives me one final scan and returns to her car. She brings Manami out and gives her what looked like a good scolding. Afterwards, Manami ran over to me.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± Manami rubbed my cheek.


    ¡°Mhmm, you didn¡¯t get in too much trouble, did you?¡±


    Manami shakes her head. ¡°She¡¯s pretty mad but glad I¡¯m ok.¡± Manami gave me a quick kiss on my cheek, I almost fainted at the sensation. ¡°Call me when you get home.¡±


    Manami left before I could find the composure to respond. ¡°I will.¡±


    I still need to return Pablo¡¯s key. While Manami¡¯s mom was scolding me, I saw him from the corner of my eye. He waited for me by where he sits while watching the kids play.


    ¡°Thanks for letting me borrow the boat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed in you Myo.¡± He said as he grabbed the key.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have told her mom.¡±


    ¡°You should have.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get in trouble, did you?¡±


    ¡°No, her mom just asked if she was here since she wasn¡¯t answering her phone. Sit.¡± He taps the spot beside him. ¡°You know, right?¡±


    I nod my head. ¡°Pablo, is there a way to¡­¡±


    Pablo didn¡¯t respond, he just rubbed my back without making eye contact. ¡°I know you. So, I know you aren¡¯t doing this because you feel bad. But I¡¯m worried about you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do. I spend the most time with you. You may deny it, but I can tell. It¡¯s time for you to take a break and let it out.¡±


    I don¡¯t respond. He¡¯s right. But I¡¯m too stubborn to do what he asks. Or, too afraid. Releasing years¡¯ worth of anything isn¡¯t going to be easy. And I don¡¯t have the time to waste right now.


    ¡°Myo, if you really like her. It¡¯s going to be way worse than anyone else. So, for your own good, it¡¯s best you learn how to deal with that now. Does your mom know?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t mentioned it.¡±


    ¡°Dios mio. I¡¯ll tell her if you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Thanks again.¡± I get up but Pablo pulls my shirt.


    ¡°You owe me a thirty-minute nap.¡±


    The next morning, I woke up to the smell of eggs and sausages.


    Mom had woken up early for the first time in a few days and was filling the table up with what she didn¡¯t make then.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± She said as I walked in.


    ¡°Good morning mom, didn¡¯t you want some more sleep?¡±


    ¡°You always leave for the hospital before me! We didn¡¯t even see each other yesterday; I want to spend some time with my boy.¡± She finishes her cooking and waves me over. ¡°Eat until you¡¯re full and then some more because we don¡¯t waste food in this house.¡±


    I did my best to fulfill her order, but I couldn¡¯t make it past half of the plates on the table. The rest would have to be dealt with for lunch.


    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡±


    She almost barfed her breakfast. I can¡¯t remember the last time we¡¯ve talked about anything more than our days.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get a girl pregnant, did you?¡±


    ¡°No no. But I am dating someone.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± She sounded just as surprised. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the girl with blue hair that started coming to the hospital?¡±


    She dropped her fork. ¡°Myo¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I explained everything up until the point where I asked her out. ¡°She was honest with me. I understand and want to be with her.¡±


    ¡°But are you being honest with her?¡± She glared at me.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not fair if she is opening up to you, but you aren¡¯t opening up to her. Do you think she would be happy to know you¡¯re keeping secrets?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t need to know that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she does. I don¡¯t want to you see like that again. The same way you¡¯re helping her, she can help you. If you won¡¯t open up with me, at least let her do that for you.¡±


    Our conversation ended there. I¡¯m sure she knew I wouldn¡¯t do as she asked. It¡¯s just something I don¡¯t have the strength to do.

 Because of You 1

    Somehow, Toro¡¯s popularity skyrocketed to new heights after the victory against our rivals. Toro was hounded by his fans for the first three days after we returned to school for the week. Which isn¡¯t unusual, but even boys were starting to crowd around him whenever he showed up to school.


    Our senior, Javier, enjoyed the popularity; unlike Toro who¡¯s a social recluse, he¡¯s known for being a womanizer.


    I¡¯ll never know what that sort of fame feels like. No. I know something much worse.


    ¡°Hey! Get away from him!¡± I yelled after Toro and I were separated at the school entrance. Manami and I walk to class together every morning with Toro following right behind us like a security guard. But I¡¯ve had to leave Manami to protect the man every day so far.


    It¡¯s unbelievable how ignorant everyone is to social cues. As Toro attempts to walk through the crowd, with his head down, a trembling voice, and slumped shoulders, one would think that¡¯d be enough to convey how uncomfortable he is.


    They choose to ignore it. But they can¡¯t ignore me yelling at them. ¡°Come on Toro.¡± I grabbed Toro by his hand and dragged him away with me.


    ¡°Hey!¡± A girl grabs Toro¡¯s other hand. ¡°Why do you get to hog him all to yourself?! We¡¯re fans too!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I walked up to the girl. I¡¯ve never even seen her at a game, the hype around Toro was all she was after. ¡°Listen here you little-¡±


    Someone tugs at my shirt. It was Manami who somehow managed to push through the crowd.


    She whispered a great idea into my ear. ¡°Oh, Toro has a meeting with some scouts, you¡¯re all getting in his way. Now scram!¡± At the bold lie provided by my incredible girlfriend, the crowd creates a path for us to get through.


    ¡°Thanks guys.¡± Toro whispers as we walk to class.


    ¡°Thank Manami, I would have started a riot.¡± I give Manami a pat on the head, but she pulls away. We aren¡¯t the most physical couple, but she hasn¡¯t pulled away like that before. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± She takes my hand and starts touching parts of her body as if trying to find which she likes best. I was centimeters away from heaven at some points, but no such luck this morning. ¡°Here.¡± It wasn¡¯t a pat, but she liked it when I wrapped my arm around her shoulder best.


    ¡°As you wish.¡± We arrived at class, but I held out my hand to stop Toro. ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡±


    ¡°Going to class?¡±


    ¡°No sir.¡± I point to the end of the hallway. ¡°We just lied to half the school, go hide in the bathroom for a few minutes or something.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! I¡¯ll be back.¡± Toro scurries away to the bathroom.


    As I¡¯m a bad influence on Manami, she¡¯s no longer the first to arrive in class. The usual students are already inside, most wouldn¡¯t dare look my way or fear their test scores will drop. Rumors that Manami¡¯s were going to drop soon even started but she kept up with her studies regardless.


    There was one surprise this morning. Catalina, who did her best to plaster a smile on her face ¨C or at least a neutral look ¨C had nothing but a frown today. The three friends she hangs around with were gathered around her engrossed in their conversation. But Catalina wasn¡¯t interested.


    Manami also noticed, but there isn¡¯t much we can do about it now.


    I thanked the heavens when lunch time came around. Manami scorned me about my lack of interest in school earlier this week, but I still struggle to find the ability to concentrate as our teacher rambles on for hours. The promised time has come, however.


    Lunch with a beautiful girl. The teacher can ramble all he wants so long as I¡¯m rewarded afterwards.


    ¡°Ready to go?¡± I stop by Manami¡¯s desk before leaving for the lunchroom. Toro goes ahead of us, worried we¡¯ll lose our seats. I don¡¯t have that worry, no one in school would dare.


    Manami looks over to Catalina.


    Catalina and her friends gathered for lunch, but Catalina still had a frown on her face. I doubt she could enjoy her meal in her current environment.


    Manami tugs my shirt and whispers. ¡°Could you invite her to eat with us?¡±


    Now, I stand in front of four girls. Three with their lunches out and scowling at me as if I¡¯ve committed great sins against them.


    ¡°What?¡± The main suspect, Hana, said while glaring at me.


    ¡°Catalina, want to eat with us?¡± Catalina looks up to me, a glimmer of hope in her eyes at my request. It wouldn¡¯t be so easy, however.


    ¡°Eat with Catalina, aren¡¯t you and Manami dating?¡± A new voice, the tallest girl in the group. Her glare was no less threatening than Hana¡¯s.


    I needed an answer. I didn¡¯t want to oust Manami, and they wouldn¡¯t let Catalina leave with a two timer. ¡°Toro wants to eat with her.¡± The scowls become surprises. I may have released Toro to the lions just now, but I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll forgive me.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he ask himself?!¡± The main suspect speaks once again.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I placed my hand on the suspect¡¯s desk and stared into her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m missing out on precious time with my girlfriend. Catalina, coming with us?¡±


    Catalina looked around at her friends, their eyes filled with betrayal. Not because she was packing her items to leave, but because she was now declared the front runner on the prize known as Toro. An unforgivable action to his fans.


    After Catalina apologizes for leaving, we head for the lunchroom.


    ¡°Did Hiroto really say he wanted to eat with me?¡±


    ¡°Nope, Manami wants to.¡±


    ¡°Manami? Thank you for getting me out of there.¡±


    Manami responded with a nod, and we soon arrived at our table. Toro had spread out his items across the table as usual.


    ¡°Catalina?¡±


    ¡°Hiroto, may I eat with you?¡±


    ¡°Y-yea.¡± Without hiding his excitement, he began to pull his items in.


    I stopped him. ¡°Manami, mind sitting beside me?¡± Manami shakes her head and I pull out the seat across from Catalina for her.


    I had two things on my mind. First, the table space I¡¯m sitting at is being taken by Toro, which means I have nowhere to put my food.


    Last Wednesday Manami began making me lunch. So, seeing as I have nowhere to put it, Manami will keep it near her. And my plan will succeed because of those two factors. Now, I just wait.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll feed you then.¡± Manami opens my bento she made and picks out something for me. ¡°You really like the burger meat, right?¡±


    I nod my head. Holding back the tears of satisfaction, I enjoy the greatest meal of my life yet.


    Catalina stares at us in disbelief. But after processing the scene, she and Toro have some awkward conversation.


    I watched the blossoming flowers in front of me. It¡¯s slow and painful, but with a bit of help it¡¯ll become something beautiful.


    Toro needed to meet with his coach, so he left ahead of us. I wish he hadn¡¯t, as the aftermath of my earlier actions was barreling at us much faster than I anticipated.


    Although Toro has a seat with a view to the entrance of the lunchroom, the windows behind him offer some reflection.


    No fans came today. I watched as each of them turned away with fury in their eyes after seeing Catalina, the leading beauty of school. Behind Manami that is.


    The fans didn¡¯t worry me much. But seeing her friends appear for a moment alerted me to the mess that was to come.


    As the three of us walk back to our class, it starts.


    ¡°Catalina.¡± The main suspect grabs Catalina by the arm with a smile a con artist gives their next target. ¡°Come with us really quick, ok?¡±


    Manami was unable to stop them despite wanting to help. I could tell from her trembling arm that she wanted to reach out and pull Catalina with her.


    Catalina didn¡¯t do better. She still isn¡¯t brave enough to object to her friends. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll see you guys in class.¡± They leave for a dead-end hallway.


    I didn¡¯t move. Manami¡¯s breathing became loud and fast. Then she clenched her teeth, but her arm wouldn¡¯t stop shaking. Perhaps her pent-up frustration was beginning to reach a breaking point. I know all too well what that feeling is like.


    I¡¯m sorry, Manami, but you¡¯re much more helpful here than I am.


    I walked behind Manami, grabbed her by her shoulders, and pushed her forward.


    ¡°Myo, wait!¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡¤


    ¡°So, you¡¯re after Hiroto now?!¡± Hana, a girl with short black hair, thick eyebrows, and fair skin ¨C also Myo¡¯s prime suspect ¨C slams the wall behind Catalina. Her two associates, looming behind her.


    Jade, the tallest of the bunch with long, light brown hair. Her freckles are one of her biggest insecurities and she hates Catalina¡¯s clear and beautiful skin.


    Sonia. Only a bit taller than Catalina, but the one who dressed to impress. She always wore a fashionable sweater or the like. She had her hair done to give herself a chic look but despised Catalina¡¯s naturally beautiful hair.


    All three fans of Hiroto. All three furious at their friend who had taken leaps past their years of effort in less than a week.


    A slight that will not be forgiven.


    Hana continued talking. ¡°What gives you the idea that Hiroto wants a girl like you? Some¡­ some slut like you.¡±


    Catalina avoided eye contact with all three in front of her. She would have begged for forgiveness just a few weeks back, but she didn¡¯t regret eating with Manami and the others.


    She¡¯s afraid. Her life is miserable every time the rumors of her spread. And they spread without fail whenever she upset some girl in the school.


    ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it.¡± Catalina muttered.


    ¡°What was me?¡± Hana replied.


    ¡°You spread those rumors of me again. Even though they aren¡¯t true. You know they aren¡¯t true.¡± Her voice no louder than a rat¡¯s squeak, Catalina reveals her knowledge. She knew but would have nowhere to run should she confront Hana. She feared being outcasted and alone. If the rumors spread once more, living hell would return.


    But it felt no better to sit with the lying snakes she calls friends. She can no longer tolerate sitting with them and her misery is blatant.


    ¡°So what?¡± Hana replied. ¡°Some girl like you will never struggle. You¡¯ll find someone soon enough. But why not let us have a chance as well? Or do you look down on us?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never done that.¡±


    ¡°Yes you have!¡± Jade yelled. ¡°Those sly remarks about how we look. Saying how effortless it is for you.¡±


    Catalina is in tears now. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry if it was ever like that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I want.¡± Hana replied. ¡°Say you¡¯ll stay away from Hiroto.¡±


    They waited for a response. And after it became clear she wouldn¡¯t agree to their terms, the insults began once more.


    The last being the most common Catalina heard. ¡°You¡¯re a slut!¡±


    ¡°No, she isn¡¯t!¡± Manami, who just arrived after Myo pushed her forward at the start of the hallway, embraces Catalina. ¡°Don¡¯t ever call her that again. You¡¯re supposed to be her friends!¡± Manami also had tears of fear and anger streaming down her face.


    Catalina could feel Manami¡¯s body tremble as she was hidden underneath her thin arms. She tried to free herself, but Manami only made her embrace tighter.


    ¡°Manami?¡± Hana laughed at the arrival. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re looking down on us too now that you got a boyfriend. I¡¯d give you some credit if it was Hiroto, but you ended up with the loser Myo. I mean, I guess even he thought it might be worth it to get an easy fling from the loner in class.¡±


    Manami¡¯s eyes narrowed. The timid girl lifted her hand in an angered response to Hana¡¯s words. Not the words about her, but about Myo. Everything else blurred as she brought her hand down towards Hana.


    Catalina, sharing Manami¡¯s anger, also threw a slap aiming to inflict heavy damage with the speed it moved at.


    ¡°Woah there.¡± Myo grabs Manami¡¯s and Catalina¡¯s hands before they can connect with Hana. Manami looked at Myo with anger still in her eyes, as if she was insulted by his interference.


    ¡°Hmph, speak of the devil.¡± Hana, having scrambled to defend her face, made herself appear unbothered.


    Myo held up his phone and hit play. A video played and, after it moved past the point of Myo pushing Manami down the hallway, it showed the three girls berating Catalina. The video stops as Manami embraces Catalina.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t tell a teacher.¡± Hana said with a smug smile.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t, but I happen to have this friend¡­¡± Myo returned the smug smile to the three girls.


    ¡°¡­Whatever.¡± And with that, the girls left.


    Manami stuffed her face into Myo¡¯s left chest and pounded the other side. Her attack would¡¯ve done more damage to herself had she connected with Hana. ¡°Why¡¯d you stop me?¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m a pretty jealous guy.¡± Myo grabbed Manami¡¯s hand and pressed it against his cheek. ¡°So, I¡¯d prefer it if you only touched me. But.¡± Myo turns Manami to face Catalina. ¡°I¡¯ll allow it just this once.¡± He pushes her toward Catalina.


    They didn¡¯t exchange words. Manami held her arms out and Catalina hugged her until it was time to return to class.

 Because of You 2

    The next day, Catalina¡¯s friends no longer sat with her during their free time. Instead, Catalina would bring a chair over and sit with Manami. Their conversations were filled with smiles unlike the usual baron atmosphere Catalina would have around her old group.


    I did my best to eavesdrop and heard Catalina mention making clothes for Manami to try on because of her perfect body type. I agree. And I would love to see Manami in cute clothes.


    Their promising friendship had one drawback however, I¡¯ve lost my precious time with Manami. Had Toro not been infatuated with her, I would have kicked her away.


    ¡°Hey, Toro.¡± I poke the giant eating his fourth granola bar of the day. ¡°Go spend some time with Catalina.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± He whispered. ¡°What do you mean spend time with her?¡±


    ¡°Well, you like her, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I do, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve gotten to that point yet.¡±


    And if I don¡¯t push them, they might never reach that point. ¡°What did you two talk about after your game?¡± I asked out of curiosity, but it¡¯s valuable information for my efforts.


    ¡°Ummm, I may have asked if she would ever like to go on a date with me.¡±


    ¡°A date?¡± The combined hit from surprise that Toro would ask something like that and the realization that I had yet to go on a date with Manami left me speechless.


    Did the game count as a date? Maybe half of one? No, a date should be dedicated to the significant other. ¡°How could I have forgotten that?¡± I leaned back in my chair.


    Despite this new information, I still have no clue what kind of date Manami would like to go on. I don¡¯t have the time to waste on a simple date, so I¡¯ll need to think of something good enough and quick.


    ¡°Hey, Toro, where are you planning to take Catalina?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t decided yet.¡±


    ¡°So, she said yes.¡±


    ¡°Gah¡­ I didn¡¯t say that.¡±


    I rest my hand on his ridiculously large shoulder. ¡°Congratulations little bro.¡±


    He nods and continues to devour his bars before class, but he has a large smile as he does.


    As happy as I am for Toro, the date idea lingered on my mind the entire day.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Manami tapped my cheek with her pencil. After I didn¡¯t respond the first time, she gave more of a whack with it.


    I turn to look at her. We¡¯re in the library with Catalina since exams are coming soon. Toro said he would meet us after practice.


    Over time, Manami¡¯s eyes became softer. No longer holding back their sparkle of happiness. Somehow ¨C perhaps through the combination of her small face and pretty lips ¨C she seemed more beautiful than ever.


    ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous.¡± I managed to say.


    Manami smiles and turns my face to look at my notebook. ¡°You should be looking there¡­ but thank you.¡±


    Manami, one of the higher-ranking students of the class, did her best to teach an academic catastrophe. But even she found it difficult to drill formulas and scientific nonsense into my skull.


    Still, she didn¡¯t give in, and I managed to scrounge up an answer or two. Her excitement when I did was cute. ¡°Good job!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡±


    Toro arrived not long after and we left about an hour later.


    We walked with Manami towards the car lot. Passing near the gym, I mustered the courage to ask the question. ¡°Manami, where would you like to go for our first date?¡±


    ¡°You two haven¡¯t been on a date yet?¡± Catalina remarked.


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    ¡°Said he forgot.¡± Toro added.


    Manami thought about her answer. ¡°Anywhere is fine, so long as I¡¯m with you.¡±


    My heart jumped with joy at her answer, but I needed more. ¡°Hmmm, well is there any place you¡¯ve always wanted to go?¡±


    Her eyes darted away for a moment.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± I catch her vision before she can ignore my question.


    ¡°I¡­ I always wanted to see the island from the top of the mountain.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± That¡¯s difficult. The island¡¯s mountain is around a two-hour climb and there are no carts that take you to the top. Manami¡¯s stamina wouldn¡¯t let her make it near half of the climb.


    ¡°The mountain huh.¡± Toro and I sat next to each other after Catalina got off at her stop.


    I¡¯m in decent shape. I ride my bike often or walk around the island. Although my diet is terrible, I have a lean body built from my travels. Also, I have some muscle from moving the boxes at the hospital for the last six years.


    But I doubt that¡¯s enough to make the climb.


    ¡°Toro.¡±


    ¡°Yea?¡±


    ¡°I need you to train me.¡±


    ¡°Train you, for what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. But If I train for maybe two weeks, I should get in good enough shape. What do you say?¡± I raised my fist to Toro. Whenever we made an agreement, we bumped fist to secure it.


    He bumped my fist but was still confused. ¡°I don¡¯t mind, I do extra training after practice anyway.¡±


    And so, it started. For the next week, Toro trained me with his extreme endurance regiment. I had seen it before, but he must have toned it down for me.


    We ran a few miles, did high intensity training, and other workouts that helped stamina. ¡°What¡¯s it called again?¡± I asked as I heaved on the ground.


    ¡°Cardiovascular system.¡± Toro drank some water. He was breathing hard but still had a lot left in him.


    ¡°Come on.¡± I get up and prepare to continue. ¡°Let¡¯s get to it.¡±


    ¡°Woah.¡± Toro pulls me toward a bench. ¡°Getting into better shape is great, but there¡¯s no need to rush big bro. Take your time with it.¡±


    I stare at Toro. I wish he was right, but the reality is I don¡¯t have much time. ¡°Just a few more laps.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, fine. But take them slow.¡±


    Our first week is done. My body aches all over, which makes it even more difficult to study for exams. Manami did her best to keep me focused during our study session, but it was difficult to even raise my arms.


    I was happy to be done with studying for the day, but my training session was another hell that awaited me.


    Manami stops by the main building and looks into my eyes. Catalina and Toro stopped as well since they were following us. ¡°What have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Mhmm.¡± She poked face. ¡°You¡¯ve been more distracted than usual, and you¡¯re always exhausted at night when you call me. Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Nothing much, just harder shifts at the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Hospital?¡± Catalina muttered.


    Manami grabbed my hands. ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you lie to me. I saw you there yesterday and you were already exhausted before arriving.¡±


    ¡°You were there? You should have said hi.¡± I did my best to change the subject.


    Manami wasn¡¯t amused by my attempt. ¡°Fine.¡± She turned to Toro. ¡°Hiroto, what has Myo been up to?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that I can think of, we just work out after my practice.¡±


    ¡°Toro!¡± I muttered as I waved my hands behind Manami.


    ¡°Work out?¡± Manami was confused by sudden interest in self-improvement. ¡°Is this because of what I said? You don¡¯t need to do that. I know it¡¯s not possible.¡±


    ¡°But I want to do it.¡± I reply without a moment to lose. My hard work wouldn¡¯t fail me. And I refused to fail her. ¡°I want to take you to the top of the mountain.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have trained with her as well?¡± Catalina asked.


    ¡°Ummm.¡± I looked at Manami who seemed to be pondering her next decision.


    Once her decision was made, she took a deep breath. ¡°Can I talk to you two, alone?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± They replied.


    They moved to the building across from where I stood, and Manami began to speak. Her back was turned to me while Toro and Catalina faced my direction.


    Their faces ran through many emotions. Confusion, disbelief, and then sorrow. Catalina, perhaps overwhelmed by what she was hearing, hugged Manami.


    Toro looked over at me, I hadn¡¯t seen such sadness in his eyes since Diana left the island.


    Manami attempted to calm them as she talked with a smile afterwards, but her efforts weren¡¯t enough to help them digest the information.


    The walk to drop Manami off by the car lot was quiet. But the silence as the three of us sat on the empty train was worse.


    ¡°So¡­ what did Manami say?¡± I ask to make some noise.


    ¡°How long have you known?¡± Catalina replied in a distraught tone.


    ¡°Since before we started dating.¡±


    Tears dropped from Catalina¡¯s eyes on intervals. She did her best not to let them appear, but they welled up against her will anyway. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I said some really insensitive things.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, you didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You¡­you.¡± Catalina allowed herself to cry. She pinched her legs, hoping she may gain some composure, but it didn¡¯t work. ¡°If I can help with anything, please let me know.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    Toro hadn¡¯t said anything yet, even as we walked to our usual workout spot. It was a park near our houses with a big open field.


    After we arrived, Toro stopped by the entrance. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize.¡± I say as I turn to look at him.


    ¡°I do!¡± He yelled and lowered his head afterward. ¡°I trampled on your resolve, thinking it was just something you were doing on a whim. But I should have known better than that. I¡¯m sorry big bro.¡± I walk over and pull his head into my shoulder. Even giants can cry.


    ¡°Hey gorgeous.¡± After my shower, I collapsed onto my bed. On some weekdays I have shifts at the hospital and get out around 11. I rush home, shower, and call Manami.


    As of late, I¡¯ve been falling asleep on the phone.


    ¡°You sound exhausted.¡± She replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that tired.¡± I say even though I¡¯m already drifting away.


    ¡°I feel bad now. You¡¯re already so busy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my decision. If I¡¯m honest, I¡¯m doing it because I¡¯m selfish. I want to see the look on your face when we reach the top.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being selfish too. I know I should stop you, but I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me what you want.¡±


    ¡°¡­I want you to take me to the top of the mountain.¡±


    And as I drifted away with a smile on my face, my motivation reached an all-time high.

 Because of You 3

    Toro and I decided it would be best to train for two more weeks. He was relentless in my training.


    I barfed, I collapsed, I may have even cried. But no matter what, Toro picked me up.


    Manami gave me encouraging words every day.


    After my training was done. It was decided that Toro and Catalina would come along for part of the climb to make sure everything went well. I appreciated them for it.


    Today, I¡¯ve been invited to Manami¡¯s home to speak with her parents about our date. I wouldn¡¯t dare anger her mother again.


    Manami must have sprinkled a spell outside of her house as I can¡¯t take a step onto the porch without losing the strength in my legs. But the opportunity to see the room of my girlfriend is one that I can¡¯t let slip through my fingers.


    I give myself a good slap and ring the doorbell. I hear someone scrambling inside and a younger boy yelling that someone is at the door.


    After a few seconds, a man opens the door. ¡°May I help you?¡± He was about the same height as Manami¡¯s mom with black hair. Also, he had the same eyebrows as Manami, they¡¯re as pretty as they are on her.


    ¡°Oh, yes sir, I¡¯m here to see Manami¡­ My name is Myo.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m her dad, I didn¡¯t hear anything about this.¡± He crosses his arm and scans me as if trying to find every fault.


    ¡®Mom, have you seen my-¡± Manami runs across the hallway behind her dad. She stops and stares my way with her mouth open. Then, tears streamed from her eyes, and she covered her face as she ran up the stairs.


    There wasn¡¯t anything odd on her face. But it was clear that she didn¡¯t want me to see her as she was. She had no hair. And that was a vulnerability that she may never have wanted me to see.


    ¡°Manami?!¡± Her mom walks into the hallway with an apron on and notices me at the door. ¡°Honey¡­ we forgot to tell you he was coming today.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I should have checked first.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me sir, do you mind if I go see her?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Manami¡¯s dad turns and gives me another scan, afterwards he opens the door and waves me in.


    ¡°Myo, if she doesn¡¯t come out then come talk to me, I¡¯ll help you. Turn left at the top and it¡¯s the first door on your right.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I take my shoes off and head upstairs.


    I sit outside Manami¡¯s door by the wall. I¡¯m afraid. Seeing the tears fall from her eyes broke my heart. And I could never forgive myself if I made her feel worse.


    ¡°Manami.¡± I waited for about a minute, but I got no response. After knocking a few times, I heard her turn on her bed. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    I don¡¯t hear her make any more movements. She may have thought I would leave after some time, but I have no plans of going anywhere without seeing her.


    ¡°Manami.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Myo, can you come another day instead?¡± She responds.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. This has to be now. Just let me say a few words and I¡¯ll head out.¡±


    I hear Manami walk over and sit behind the door. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    I didn¡¯t plan for this moment. Knowing how stubborn she can be, I thought I would have to come back another day. I may have preferred that to having to think of the right thing to say.


    ¡°Manami. Right now, what I want is to see you. But I think it¡¯s unfair if I keep the real me hidden away from you as well. The Myo you see every day, who¡¯s willing to get into fights, isn¡¯t afraid to talk to anyone, and acts like he doesn¡¯t have a care in the world. All of it is a lie.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ the real me is a coward and weak. I act tough because I don¡¯t want anyone to look down on me. I don¡¯t want the people I care about to think less of me. It¡¯s why I made Toro call me big bro. Because I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll realize that every time I fight, my legs shake. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll see that I used him to scare away bigger bullies as kids.¡± By now my lip was quivering, but releasing what I had buried deep within brought a great sense of relief and I could no longer stop. ¡°And with you, I lied when I said I could make you happy. I don¡¯t know if I can. But after what you said, I couldn¡¯t live with myself if I didn¡¯t try. So, every day since, I wake up afraid that I¡¯ll fail. I smile but¡­ inside I¡¯m worried everything will fall apart. I¡¯m very reliant on others, whenever I feel I might break, I look for someone I don¡¯t want to fail. Whether it¡¯s a friend, my mom, or the others at the hospital. But recently it¡¯s been you. Whenever I look at you, I feel at ease. I can really say that I¡¯m ok. That I can keep going.¡±


    Manami doesn¡¯t respond right away, but I hear her move closer and tap the door. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re a coward or weak. I¡¯m happy you see me as someone you can find comfort in, I want to be that person for you¡­I know you have your insecurities, but I think you¡¯re wrong about yourself. Being able to put on a smile every day, always trying your hardest at what you do, and never faltering despite being so unsure of yourself. I think that makes you the bravest and kindest person I¡¯ve ever met.¡±


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    Hearing her kind words is like a dream to me. Revealing a side of me to her that I haven¡¯t revealed to anyone was difficult. But as she spoke, I could feel the worry being replaced with relief.


    ¡°Can I say what I think about you?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I need to see you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect Manami to accept my condition, but I heard the lock turn and the door open just a bit.


    I open the door some more and crawl inside. Manami remained sitting in front of the door, just far enough so it wouldn¡¯t hit her. She covered her face with her hands.


    It may be a mistake to force her, but I place my hands over hers and begin to move them away. She resisted at first, but each second that passes reveals more of her face to me. Her eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks flushed, but she stared at me in anticipation of what I would say next.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re beautiful.¡± She doesn¡¯t turn away as she begins to cry again. Instead, she chooses to keep eye contact which pushes me to continue. ¡°I think you¡¯re sweet and hardworking, you¡¯re everything I could ask for. But most of all, I think you deserve to be happy. And no matter what, I¡¯ll do my best to help you feel that way.¡±


    I could have continued but she embraced with enough strength to make it difficult to talk. It may have been her way of saying ¡°Don¡¯t say anything else I can¡¯t take anymore.¡± Or she thought, at least I did, that she never wanted to let this moment end.


    And so, I embraced her. Hoping I could make this warm and comforting feeling last an eternity.


    After Manami calmed down, we made our way downstairs to meet with her parents.


    For some reason, I¡¯m sitting next to her dad. Up close, the guy has some serious muscle tone that puts me to shame despite our heights being similar.


    ¡°And that¡¯s about it.¡± Manami finished explaining the date. Ever since we left her room, she looked at me in a different manner. Her smile is soft, and her eyes seem grateful.


    ¡°Your mom told me about your little trip young lady.¡± Manami¡¯s dad had his arms crossed, and his elbow stabbed the side of my arm whenever he moved. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I trust him with your safety.¡±


    ¡°I agree with your dad, Manami. I¡¯m not sure you have the stamina to walk all the way to the top.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to carry her.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Manami¡¯s dad scoffs. ¡°What makes you think you have the ability for that?¡±


    ¡°I already have good stamina, but I¡¯ve been training with a friend. He and another friend will also be coming with us. Toro has climbed the mountain many times before. We¡¯ll bring lots of food, water, and other supplies we need.¡±


    Manami¡¯s parents exchange glances. The commitment in my voice is obvious, but they¡¯re still worried. What did have a chance to sway them was the hint of sadness on Manami¡¯s face.


    ¡°Prove yourself.¡± Manami¡¯s dad said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go buy a heavy bag of cement, and you¡¯ll carry that to the mountain from the department store.¡±


    ¡°Dad, that¡¯s like a two-hour walk!¡±


    ¡°Honey, I don¡¯t think-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Her father and I stared at each other. Fire in both our eyes. ¡°Give me the chance and I¡¯ll prove myself.¡±


    We stand, the two girls across from us sigh as they are helpless to stop the two boys in their battle.


    Manami¡¯s dad drove us to the department store. ¡°I doubt you¡¯ll make it. But I want to say thank you for all you¡¯ve done for Manami¡­ my precious little princess has finally started smiling again.¡± He teared up near the end of the sentence. ¡°I hope you understand why I¡¯m reluctant to allow this.¡±


    ¡°I do. But I¡¯m going to win. So, I¡¯ll make this promise now; I¡¯ll take good care of your daughter because she means the world to me.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond after that.


    I don¡¯t have Manami¡¯s exact weight, but her dad bought a bag that was much heavier than her and tied it to my back. He also bought me some water bottles, mountain climbing clothes, and other items we may need on the climb.


    He may as well have wished me good luck as well.


    I started my walk. The GPS on my phone estimated that the walk was a little over two hours. With the sun glaring down on me, and my new set of clothes soaking in the heat, I make my way to the mountain.


    The first half hour of the walk wasn¡¯t a challenge. But as the roads became uneven, broken, and I was forced to walk uphill, my breathing became louder.


    I took small sips of water as Toro suggested and continued my way. Manami¡¯s dad also bought me a headband that kept the sweat away from my eyes. It was more helpful than I thought it would be, I never noticed how much I sweat before today.


    After an hour passed, I was next to the park Toro and I trained at.


    ¡°Myo?!¡± Toro ran over to me as he was taking practice shots. ¡°What are you doing?¡± He notices Manami¡¯s dad creeping up in his car behind me. ¡°I uh¡­ think you got a stalker.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just making sure I don¡¯t die. I¡¯m on my way to the mountain, see you later.¡±


    ¡°The mountain?¡± Toro asked but I was already a good distance from him. ¡°Good luck!¡± He yelled.


    Thanks to an active lifestyle, my body only groaned instead of yelling. But I must admit it¡¯s difficult. There were moments where I failed to catch my breath or stumbled.


    But as I stare at the foot of the mountain, I can¡¯t help but smile at my achievement.


    ¡°Get in, I¡¯ll drive us back!¡± Manami¡¯s dad honked his horn at me.


    I walk over to the car. ¡°Could you tell Manami I fought off some lions on the way here as well?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, come on.¡± He did his best to hide it, but he looked ecstatic.


    Manami ran out of her house and hugged me, but she pushed me away after noticing how sweaty I was. ¡°Ewww, but congratulations Myo. I never doubted you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Manami¡¯s parents were talking beside their car. Although we made the wager, I¡¯m sure they still have their reservations. After they¡¯re done, Manami¡¯s mom walks over to us.


    ¡°Go inside and bathe, we¡¯ll talk after.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t used to Manami¡¯s bathroom. Mine is just a standing shower. This one is much larger, with a bathtub and another area to clean yourself beforehand. Manami warmed the bath and now I enjoyed her kind gesture.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that; I could have bugged them until they said yes.¡± Manami said from outside the door. She sat there and waited for me while I bathed.


    ¡°Hmmm, but I bet I look really cool right now, right?¡±


    ¡°You do. I¡­ if there¡¯s anything I can do for you, please let me know.¡±


    There were a few. At the top of the list was having her join me in the bath, but then I¡¯d be dead within the hour. ¡°Keep looking at me with those pretty eyes, they motivate me.¡±


    ¡°Come on, something more.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm, some extra burger meat in my bento would be nice.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± I see Manami¡¯s shadow stand up. ¡°You¡¯ve gone and missed your chance to share a bath with a pretty girl.¡±


    I jump out of the bath and yell. ¡°Wait!¡±


    After the bath, Manami¡¯s mom sits me at their dinner table. There¡¯s a bunch of medicine and notes spread out on top.


    She went into detail with each medicine, the tells Manami¡¯s body gave when something was wrong, and specifics on dealing with any issues.


    ¡°Promise right now that you¡¯ll turn around if anything goes wrong.¡± There was still doubt in her eyes as she asked me to promise.


    ¡°I promise. No matter what, I¡¯ll keep Manami safe.¡±


    ¡°¡­Fine then. I¡¯ll allow it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, mom and dad!¡± Manami ran into the kitchen and hugged her parents. They each held a hand and looked at their beautiful daughter sporting a big smile.


    The look in their eyes was all too familiar. If they could make this moment last forever, they would.

 Because of You 4

    It¡¯s the day of our date. Toro and Catalina arrived earlier and were distributing the load amongst each other. I offered to carry more but Toro refused to allow it, adding that he would carry both of us if needed. There is no doubt in my mind that he could.


    ¡°Myo, I just wanted to say¡­ you¡¯re even nicer than I thought you were.¡± Catalina blurted out her sentence, she¡¯s terrible at expressing herself.


    ¡°And you¡¯re still the same. But I¡¯ve come to realize you¡¯re a lot braver than I gave you credit for. Thanks for coming today.¡±


    ¡°Of course! I wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡±


    Since Toro couldn¡¯t hear us, I whispered. ¡°Also gives you some quality time with Toro.¡±


    Catalina smiled and nodded.


    I watch as birds fly over us and up the mountain. A few rabbits near us ran for cover as their mortal enemies decided not to feast for the time being. Just like them, I would use the cover provided by the trees on my way up the mountain.


    The heavy pants I¡¯m wearing have my body working overtime to regulate its temperature. But a bit of sweat won¡¯t be enough to stop me.


    The altitude did worry me, but if I take it slow, I should acclimate soon. Even so, Toro and I decided not to risk it with Manami. We can always return next week or in a few days if she¡¯s up for it.


    As Manami arrives, wearing a brand-new set of mountain climbing clothes, I see a strong determination in her eyes. Her goal of reaching the top will be met today. I¡¯ll make sure of it.


    ¡°Guys!¡± Manami runs over to us, stumbling in her boots on her way. She gives me a quick smile and meets with Toro and Catalina.


    I met Manami¡¯s parents by their car. They filled a bag with all her medicine, notes, and supplies for the climb. The zipper was fighting against all odds to keep the contents enclosed.


    Manami¡¯s mom gives the rundown once more, asking some questions along the way that I answer with ease.


    ¡°What did you promise?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll turn around if anything goes wrong. I promise.¡±


    Manami¡¯s mom handed me a camera. ¡°Take some good ones for us.¡±


    I stuffed the expensive looking camera into the bag they brought. Looking into the car, I noticed some gear in the trunk. ¡°Planning on going for a climb?¡±


    Manami¡¯s mom looks over to make sure no one could hear us. ¡°Her dad just wants to be close, just in case.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± I look over to Manami¡¯s dad as he changes clothes. ¡°But she might get mad if she catches you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just lie and say I felt like taking the climb myself. I¡¯ll start about 15 minutes after you, that way we¡¯re not too far from each other.¡±


    ¡°Cool, I¡¯ll see you at the top then.¡± I waved to Manami¡¯s little brother and reunited with my group.


    Manami greets me with another smile. Her eyes told me that she wanted to head out as soon as possible.


    ¡°Want me to carry that?¡± Toro asked about the new bag I had.


    ¡°Thanks, but I got this one. Alright.¡± I swing the bag onto my stomach and kneel with my back facing Manami. After getting on, she wraps her arms around me and presses her cheek against mine.


    ¡°I believe in you.¡±


    Now there¡¯s no mountain that stands a change against me.


    Manami waves to her family but gives her dad, who was hiding behind their car, a strange stare. ¡°Jeez.¡± She whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t let him distract you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just keep me updated on how you feel.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    The first half hour of the climb is easy. The path is wide and is cleared often by the regulars who want to attract more people to their beloved hobby. For that I extend my thanks.


    After the first half hour, however, the main reason this mountain is given a difficult rating is revealed.


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    Without warning, the path becomes steep and filled with rocks that can make someone lose their footing if they¡¯re not careful.


    Toro stayed close behind me in case I lost my footing. Catalina led the group, walking at a reasonable pace since she had made the climb a few times herself.


    I have vague memories of climbing at least half the mountain over a decade ago but that¡¯s all the experience I can claim.


    Manami found the camera in the bag and was taking pictures of the area as we climbed. She was fascinated by every bird she saw and the vast, almost endless, landscape of trees around us.


    But every now and then she gets near my ear. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Mhmm, I¡¯m doing great.¡± I say with a smile. I wasn¡¯t lying. My stamina is even more impressive than I thought it would be. My breathing is calm and I¡¯m keeping myself hydrated, or Manami is as she pours water into my mouth whenever I ask. Manami feels lighter than I remember. I hope I¡¯m wrong about that. ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything.¡± She replied.


    ¡°You might feel the effects as we climb up higher, tell me if you feel anything wrong, ok?¡±


    She hangs the camera around her neck and wraps her arms around me. ¡°I feel happy.¡±


    Once the sudden steep path is cleared, the rest of the mountain is much more forgiving. Still, the trail needed to reach this point is what makes most people give in. Also past the trail is a rest stop with a small mountain inn.


    There were a few groups taking a break from their climb and we did the same.


    After grabbing a table, Toro and Catalina retrieve food from our bags. I rummage through Manami¡¯s bag and pull out a pill she needed to take. ¡°Take it after you eat.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, I hate that pill.¡± It was on the larger side, but I gave her a look that conveyed this is a nonnegotiable situation. ¡°Ok¡­ but only if take a good rest here. There¡¯s no need to hurry.¡±


    I nod and we begin to eat. We¡¯re near the peak of the mountain; after the inn, the climb is a little under a half hour. Toro was giving me advice for the rest of the climb since Manami and I will continue alone before they join us some time later at the peak.


    It¡¯s selfish on our part, but Manami wanted this part of the date to be us alone. I didn¡¯t mind, and my body is nowhere near its limit.


    After he runs out of advice, he begins his usual awkward chitchat with Catalina. Talk about the weather and mundane school subjects.


    ¡°Toro.¡± I interrupt. ¡°Don¡¯t you like surfing?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± He gives a confused reply as I¡¯ve known this for years.


    ¡°I love surfing!¡± Catalina replies.


    ¡°You do?¡±


    And with that, the two lovebirds continued to have a much more relaxed conversation. From surfing to other hobbies and even what Toro doesn¡¯t like to eat. Which is a meager list.


    ¡°Ready?¡± I say while keeping Manami¡¯s eyes on me. Her father had reached the rest area and did his best to remain unnoticed.


    ¡°Only if you are.¡± Manami replied, the excitement in her eyes visible.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    ¡°Oh! One second.¡± Manami runs into the inn. Then, she returns while dragging her dad with her. ¡°Can we take a picture here first?¡± She asked us.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Manami hands her dad the camera and we pose for the picture. Although, it did take a few seconds for her dad to take it in between his sobs.


    ¡°See you later guys.¡± I wave to our partners after Manami wraps herself around me and we head off.


    After finishing the previous trail, the rest of the mountain is tame. Not easy, but not a difficult challenge so long as I¡¯m careful.


    Manami didn¡¯t take any pictures on this trail, only looking forward towards the peak. Her breathing became louder, but I believe it was from her excitement.


    After some time, the top of the mountain comes into view ahead of us. The light that shone through was blinding, but I pushed through, and we reached the top.


    I hear an excited laugh from Manami as she jumps off my back and runs to the rails on the side of the mountain. From there, the entire island is visible. Most buildings look like small boxes and the few cars being driven around look like toys.


    The star of the view is the ocean; it has a brilliant shimmer from reflecting sunlight. Paired along with the visitors swimming, the colorful bridge, and the boats floating about, it¡¯s a breathtaking view.


    But, once again, it couldn¡¯t compare to the view I kept from everyone else. The sparkle in her eyes brighter than the shimmer in the sea, her big smile more warming than the sun, and her beauty more breathtaking than any view in existence.


    After reveling in this blessing, I take a picture. I would have preferred to keep this to myself, but I want to thank her parents for giving me the opportunity to experience this.


    ¡°This is amazing!¡± Manami yells. ¡°This¡­¡± She choked on her words as she began to cry. ¡°This is because of you.¡± Before I can react, Manami runs over to me and embraces me.


    For a few seconds she cries on my shoulder. Then, she honors me with her fantastic smile. But it began to leave my vision as she pulled herself closer.


    Our lips connect.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She whispers after returning to my shoulder.


    My body refused to move. Believing we could lose the thrilling sensation that rushed through my veins. But after my heart was no longer attempting to free itself from the confines behind my ribs, I return her embrace.


    ¡°Take some pictures.¡± She said as she wiped away some tears.


    I do as she ordered. The rest of our group, including her dad, joined us at the top not long after. They enjoyed the view, and we took pictures together. There weren¡¯t many taken as our photographer¡¯s sobs became impossible for him to control.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Manami pulled her dad with her and handed me the camera.


    ¡°Ready?¡± They nod and the camera clicks. Afterwards, Manami pointed at things down below with her dad.


    ¡°You did it big bro.¡± Toro said as he wiped some tears away.


    ¡°Congratulations.¡± Catalina added.


    ¡°Thanks, I really appreciate you all coming.¡± I lay down on the bench I claimed to myself. I wasn¡¯t tired. But I could feel something welling inside that made me feel a bit sick.


    Toro took notice of my expression. ¡°You ok?¡±


    ¡°I think so. Must be a bit of altitude sickness.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± He said in a way to call me a liar. Perhaps we could talk about it another time, but I didn¡¯t want to dwell on it for now.


    After everyone finishes at the peak, we head down.


    Manami¡¯s embrace was somehow warmer. It may have been her joyous hums on the way down or her calming heartbeat. Whatever it could be, it made this date even more worthwhile.

 Saved Me 1

    ¡°Manami¡­ wake up.¡±


    The first thing that comes into view is my little brother smiling at me. I pinched his cheeks as punishment for waking me up so early. ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°9.¡±


    ¡°I should get up then.¡± I walk into the bathroom and begin brushing my teeth.


    For the past two and a half months, I¡¯ve found myself smiling at my reflection.


    I owe that to a certain boy who asked me to be his girlfriend. Even while knowing about my condition, he¡¯s helped me become more positive and enjoy what time I have left. For all he has done, I hope I can show him even a small amount of my gratitude.


    Just yesterday, he carried me up the mountain on our island. It¡¯s a moment I¡¯ll carry with me forever. But I¡¯m still in disbelief at what I did when we reached the peak. I must have been out of my mind.


    ¡°But he liked it I think.¡± I run my finger across my lips, the sensation still lingering on them.


    ¡°Manami.¡± My mom walks into my bathroom. ¡°We need to hurry; your doctor wanted us to be there early.¡±


    ¡°Ok mom.¡± I put my toothbrush away and looked for some clothes.


    ¡°You fell asleep right away yesterday, how was it?¡±


    ¡°It was amazing. I could never thank him enough.¡±


    My mom picked up the clothes I threw behind me. ¡°Hmmm, I think that kiss may have been enough for him.¡±


    ¡°Huh?! Dad saw that?!¡± I yelped with embarrassment.


    ¡°His friends did too, unfortunately he didn¡¯t get a picture.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, how embarrassing.¡± After putting on a dress, my mom shows me a picture on a camera.


    ¡°He took some really good pictures.¡±


    It¡¯s a picture of me amazed at the view of the mountain. Myo. Always staring at me with sincere fascination. He calls me beautiful or gorgeous every chance he gets. Even after seeing a different, vulnerable me, the way he looked at me never changed.


    I can feel it every time. His gaze as he refuses to enjoy anything else. Not in the way other boys look at me. His gaze is comforting. And I hope he can look at me like that for as long as we are together.


    ¡°Three weeks.¡±


    I nod as my doctor gives me my results. After many tests and diagnosis, they estimated the time I had left. It was never certain before, but my body had begun to decline at a rapid rate. It wasn¡¯t all that visible from the outside, but I could feel myself losing more energy every day.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I nod at the doctor.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, I¡¯ll be in my office.¡± The doctor bows and leaves the room.


    My family did their best to keep their composure. Even my little brother, Miko, who was beginning to understand the meaning of death, tried to remain strong.


    But I cried. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Mom, Dad, Miko. For once, I¡¯m sad about dying.¡± No longer needing to hide their tears, my family embraces me before we leave.


    Outside the hospital, someone called my name. ¡°Manami.¡± Turning around, I noticed the pretty volunteer wave for me to come over.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back mom.¡± I wave to my mom as I walk over to the volunteer. ¡°Hi, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met before. I¡¯m Manami.¡±


    ¡°Manami, I¡¯m Veronica. Myo¡¯s mother.¡±


    It took a moment to process what she said. After taking a good look, I could see her eyes and nose on Myo. She looks so young that I never suspected the connection. ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. Can I talk to you?¡±


    We sit on a bench looking out into the ocean. ¡°Did something happen today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡°Well, Myo left in a hurry not too long ago. He¡¯s been so happy for a while, have you two broken up?" She asked in a voice filled with concern.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I hoped I was wrong, but there is only one thing I could think of that would affect Myo. ¡°He must have heard.¡±


    ¡°Heard what?¡±


    ¡°I have three weeks left.¡± After taking a moment to process the information, Veronica embraces me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I rub her back as she cries. I felt guilty breaking her heart, but when she looked at me, I only saw the warm eyes of a caring mother. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Manami, but I need you to do something for me.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, though I had little clue as to what I could do for her.


    ¡°Myo¡­ I need you to save Myo.¡±


    ¡°Save him? Is he sick?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°Myo hasn¡¯t told you about his past, has he?¡±


    He hasn¡¯t. And I¡¯ve been so engrossed in the wonderful days he¡¯s given me that I never returned the kindness. It made my stomach turn at how I¡¯ve been to the guy who treasured me. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I knew it. I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡¤


    Myo, an eight-year-old boy with short hair and bruises around his body from getting into skirmishes with the other groups of boys, runs into his house before his mom can notice he returned after curfew.


    ¡°Hah, nailed it once again.¡± He says in a triumphant tone.


    ¡°And what did we nail?¡± His mom said as she turned the corner that led from the kitchen into the hallway by the main door of their home. She held a sandal in one hand while the other was free to grab the boy who would attempt to flee.


    ¡°I have a good explanation!¡± He yelled. ¡°I was looking for flowers with Diana and Toro.¡±


    ¡°Really.¡± She pinches his cheek which receives a big yelp of pain in return. ¡°So, looking for flowers must be quite dangerous by the look of the bruises on your face.¡±


    ¡°Wait! I have a good explanation for that as well.¡±


    His mom released his cheek. And for a moment, they waited for his explanation. But it never came, instead he bolts past his mom who doesn¡¯t react in time to catch him. He was free and bound for his room until his father appeared at the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡°Woah there, you know mom doesn¡¯t like running in the house.¡± The interference was enough for the looming monster behind Myo to catch up and give out due punishment.


    Myo crawled into his room. Bottom sore after his mom was done with him. ¡°Meany.¡± He muttered. The booming response from his mom made him send apologies right after.


    After he is done groveling, he sits at his windowsill and looks at the window of the house across from his.


    After some time, the light in the room turns on and the window opens. From within, a girl his age with long purple hair, orange eyes, and dirty clothes pops her head out. ¡°Get in trouble?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yea, my butt¡¯s not doing too well.¡±


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    ¡°Well, if y¡¯all weren¡¯t so darn worried about looking tough, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess.¡± She replied. Keeping her eye contact to a minimum.


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Myo replied, almost jumping into her room. ¡°If I remember correctly, it was you who told them you would never date some weird loser.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°You, the oh so beautiful Diana.¡±


    ¡°Aw, you think I¡¯m beautiful?¡±


    Myo rubbed his arm. ¡°I¡¯m just repeating what they said.¡±


    Diana seemed disappointed by the answer. ¡°Thanks Myo. For always sticking up for me and Toro.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯m just doing it so I can guilt you both into taking care of me when he goes pro, and you become a model.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, a model.¡± Myo nodded and Diana continued with a new sense of pride. ¡°You must really think I¡¯m pretty.¡±


    ¡°Huh?! Well, you still need to learn how to eat and stuff.¡±


    ¡°What model¡¯s going around showing off their eating?¡± She replied in an irritated tone. But her tone became somber next. ¡°Myo, how¡¯s Toshi?¡±


    Myo leans back against the windowsill. ¡°He¡¯s been doing better, I think. I¡¯m visiting tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you wanted to look at flowers? Thought you finally got a crush.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Na, I¡¯m not good with girls.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± She threw a pencil at him. ¡°What¡¯s that make me?¡±


    Myo rubbed the impact zone and thought about it. He never gave it thought before. ¡°You¡¯re a girl but I like hanging around you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± She replied, her smile hidden by the darkness between them.


    The next day, Myo returned to pick some flowers for his little brother. Toshi had been sick since he was born. He was in and out of hospitals but had a good streak of health before the start of last month. The sudden decline caught the family by surprise and Myo had only seen him once since then.


    I want to do something for him. Myo often thought. But there was little a young boy could do. He hoped that the gesture of flowers would brighten Toshi¡¯s day even if just a little.


    ¡°There.¡± Myo finds Toshi¡¯s favorite flower. Chrysanthemums, bright pink and beautiful. Toshi always grabbed one when they passed this area on a walk.


    Myo picks up a handful and heads back home. He finds Toro and Diana on his way back.


    ¡°Look what I found.¡± He holds his flowers in the air like a trophy.


    ¡°Woah, good job big bro.¡± Toro replies. Diana stepped behind Toro and didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°You ok, Diana?¡± Myo gets close to Diana, but she avoids him by circling around Toro. Hmph, must be mad about what I said yesterday. ¡°Well, I have to go. See you tomorrow.¡±


    He could hear Toro and Diana murmur behind him but was already running late.


    After a scolding from his mom, the family departs for the local children¡¯s hospital. His mom and dad didn¡¯t look excited to visit Toshi. Their faces were grim, as if expecting bad news when arriving at the hospital.


    Myo didn¡¯t notice, his legs couldn¡¯t stay still knowing that he could see his brother after a long time.


    When they arrive, he gathers his flowers and rushes to his brother¡¯s room. His mom yelled at him to slow down.


    Toshi¡¯s room was on the second floor. ¡°Take a right then second door on the left.¡± Myo repeated as he climbed the stairs. After knocking on the door, he steps inside. ¡°Toshi?¡±


    Toshi was sitting up on his bed as he stared out into the ocean. ¡°Hmm? Oh, Myo!¡± His face lit up. But not as much as Toshi would have liked, he struggled to show a smile.


    ¡°Look.¡± Myo handed him the flowers.


    ¡°I love these.¡± Toshi takes a big whiff of the flowers. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Myo pulls a chair and sits.


    ¡°Tired¡­ could you tell me stories again?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Their parents walk in as Myo tells Toshi stories about his adventures on the island. There were fights, games with his closest friends, and even close calls with the local police.


    Toshi was immersed in his brother¡¯s tales that were his only escape to the outside world. Even when he wasn¡¯t stuck in a hospital bed, his body was too weak for him to venture outside often like his older brother did. But his brother never failed to describe the wonderful things Toshi sometimes saw through windows.


    ¡°When you get out of here, we¡¯ll go to the beach.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± Toshi responds. Afterwards, their parents walk over and talk with Toshi.


    Once again, their faces were grim.


    Myo left for a bathroom break. He muttered to himself as he washed his hands. ¡°Why¡¯s everyone so sad?¡± As he looked in the mirror, he heard a voice behind him. He couldn¡¯t make out what they said, but they sounded distant as if taking their leave. When he turned to check, no one was behind him.


    When exiting the bathroom, a nurse runs by Myo and into Toshi¡¯s room. The squeal of a heart monitor flatlining could be heard down the hallway.


    Myo was oblivious to what that meant.


    As he walks over, his mom stumbles backwards out of the room. She covered her mouth with her hands. Myo stepped behind her and noticed the doctor over Toshi pushing his chest in and out as if pumping air.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Myo yelled, concerned that his brother might get hurt from the force the doctor was using.


    His mom turns and pulls Myo into her chest, restricting his view of what was going on inside the room.


    ¡°Mom¡­ Toshi.¡± Is all that Myo could muster in between breaths as his mom suffocated him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡± She muttered.


    Myo felt hot drips of water fall down his back. ¡°Mom, are you crying? What¡¯s wrong?¡± He tapped her back to console her, but still didn¡¯t understand what was going on.


    After some time, he heard a heart wrenching yell from his dad as the doctor began saying the date and some other things that Myo didn¡¯t catch.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    She grabs his shoulders and musters the strength to speak through her tears. ¡°Myo I¡¯m so sorry. Toshi is dead.¡±


    ¡°¡­Dead?¡± He muttered.


    The drive home was silent. Myo didn¡¯t whimper like his parents. He didn¡¯t understand what death meant. Did he just get sick again? When will I see him again?


    His parents went into the living room and embraced each other after they arrived home. While his mom was able to put on a brave face, his dad seemed inconsolable.


    For the next few days, his parents were somber. His mom did her best to greet him with some cheer, but his dad was silent with red, puffy eyes.


    Since it was summer break, Myo and Toro spent most of their day walking around the island and playing games. ¡°Diana¡¯s coming back today, right?¡±


    ¡°Yea¡­ I think she wants to talk to you.¡± Toro replied as they looked up at the sky while sitting under the shade of a tree.


    ¡°Then why does she always avoid me? Hmph, girls.¡± Myo said in a frustrated tone. Not at Diana, but a lingering feeling inside that bothered him. It continued to grow every day that passed since the hospital visit. But his parents were evasive whenever he brought the topic up.


    ¡°Just give her a chance later.¡± Toro replied. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that your dad?¡±


    Myo looks up to find his dad walking away from their home. ¡°Where¡¯s he going?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, in that direction there¡¯s the children¡¯s hospital, the mountain¡­ maybe the bridge? Want to go after him?¡±


    Myo looks over as his dad disappears behind some buildings. ¡°Na, he hasn¡¯t been talking to me lately. Should probably leave him alone for now.¡±


    The frustration continued through the evening. He stared at his roof until he heard tapping on his window.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He joked as he opened his window to find the culprit.


    ¡°Well, I thought you might want to see me. The beautiful model who just got back from a shoot. Consider yourself lucky.¡± She raised her shoulders and expected him to agree.


    ¡°Why do you do that?¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡± She replied.


    ¡°You hide your accent sometimes.¡±


    ¡°¡­Mom says city folk won¡¯t like my accent.¡±


    Myo tosses her missing pencil at her. ¡°Well, I like it, so don¡¯t hide it from me.¡±


    Diana rubbed her forehead and smiled. ¡°Ok. How¡¯s Toshi?¡±


    Myo sighed and sat on his windowsill. ¡°It was good then everyone started freaking out. Mom said he¡¯s dead.¡± Myo turned to look at Diana after he heard sniffles coming from her. She was crying. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Myo¡­ don¡¯t you know what death means?¡±


    ¡°No, what does it mean?¡±


    ¡°It means Toshi is never coming back.¡±


    Myo sat in disbelief for a moment. That wasn¡¯t possible, Toshi was just sick and needed to recover. But then what else could make his parents look so distraught? The more he thought about it, the more the aching feeling inside began to overflow.


    He rushed downstairs to find his mom walking back and forth while calling someone on the phone. ¡°Myo!¡± She yelled when she saw him. ¡°Have you seen your dad?!¡±


    ¡°Dad? I did earlier, saw him walk up the street from the park.¡±


    ¡°Up the street from the park¡­ no.¡± His mom swings the door open as headlights flash into their driveway.


    It was Toro and his parents. Toro jumps out as Myo¡¯s mom takes his seat and yells, ¡°The bridge!¡± The car¡¯s tires squeal and they speed off for the bridge.


    ¡°The bridge?¡± Toro muttered. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m going to follow them. Stay inside if you want.¡±


    Myo grabbed his bike and peddled as fast as he could. His mind was still filled with the idea that Toshi was gone forever. It was starting to sink, but he denied the possibility. Not until he heard it from his parents.


    He arrived at the bridge entrance. He could see Toro¡¯s car pulled over. As he peddled farther, figures standing on the side of the bridge and looking to the rails appeared. Their mothers were talking to someone ahead of them.


    It was his dad. Standing on top of the rail.


    His mom jumped forward with her hand out.


    His dad was gone.


    ¡°Dad!¡± Myo arrived beside his mom. Both parents on the bridge had horrified faces. ¡°Dad!¡± Myo yelled over the bridge.


    Myo is pulled into his mom¡¯s chest, just like at the hospital. He didn¡¯t feel her tears rush down his back or the tightness of her hold. His mind was rushing to process the scene, his body felt heavy, and his breathing became erratic.


    ¡°Mom¡­ is dad dead?¡±


    Myo didn¡¯t leave his room for a week. His mom visited him, brought him food, and attempted to start a conversation. But Myo was unresponsive as he sat on the floor.


    Death. He repeated in his mind. I¡¯ll never see them again. Each repetition draws more tears from eyes that should have dried out long ago. I want to see them again.


    Toro and Diana also visited him as well. Toro would ask him to come play. Diana kneeled beside him and would apologize. Myo didn¡¯t know what for.


    As they left, Diana cried into her hands and muttered. ¡°I should have never told him.¡±


    The culmination of his thoughts and newfound emotions led him to a conclusion. He could see them again. Yea. Dad must have missed Toshi. That¡¯s why he did that. I¡­ I want to see them again.


    Myo stares off into the vast sea. The same view as his dad a week ago. The wind washing his body was liberating.


    As his vision began to blur, he could hear Toshi and his dad in the distance. ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡± Myo lets his body fall forward.


    Myo is yanked back and slammed onto the floor. His mom picked him up and shook him a few times. ¡°Why?!¡± She rested her head against his chest as she wailed. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me! Please don¡¯t leave me! Stay with me Myo! I¡­ I can¡¯t lose you too.¡± She muttered her last sentence.


    ¡¤


    ¡°I did that.¡± Veronica cried. ¡°I didn¡¯t say don¡¯t die. I didn¡¯t say you deserve to live, or it¡¯ll get better. No, I just said that¡­ how selfish could I be.¡±


    I also had tears in my eyes. Hearing about Myo¡¯s past was heart wrenching. The boy who did all he could to see my smile. I could never have imagined what he buried inside himself.


    Veronica continues. ¡°I made him the way he is now. How he doesn¡¯t show his true emotions anymore, keeping it all inside but one day it¡¯ll destroy him.¡± She clenched my hand. ¡°So please¡­ please save Myo.¡±


    I pull her head onto my shoulder as she continues to cry. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, but I¡¯ll need everyone¡¯s help.¡±

 Saved Me 2

    That evening, I called Myo.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I could hear him sniffle and try to adjust his voice when answering.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you at the hospital today.¡±


    ¡°Oh, something came up. But it¡¯s summer break now. I want to spend every day with you.¡±


    I giggle. But my suspicion was confirmed. He knew. ¡°I¡¯d like that¡­ anything on your mind?¡±


    ¡°¡­Nothing much.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°Ok. Then, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. How about after three?¡±


    ¡°Yea, see you then.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night, gorgeous.¡± He hung up after doing his best to put on a cheerful tone.


    His mom¡¯s request lingered on my mind as I lay in bed. I thought I knew everything about him, but I was foolish. Now I must find a way to help him.


    The same way he did for me. Regardless of the result, even if it may have seemed hopeless, he never faltered. And now I¡¯ll do the same.


    ¡°Ahh, but how do I do that?¡± I twist and turn in bed until I remember something. I searched through my phone and found Catalina¡¯s number. My thumb stops just before dialing. ¡°Come on!¡± I force my thumb to do as I wish.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Catalina has a pretty voice even over the phone.


    ¡°Um, Catalina. Hi.¡± I mutter, this being the first time I¡¯ve called a friend.


    ¡°Hey Manami. Everything ok? You surprised me.¡±


    ¡°Yea. I need to ask Toro something. Could you add him to this call?¡±


    We planned to meet in the morning the next day at a local coffee shop.


    ¡°So, what did you want to talk about? Is Myo not coming?¡± Catalina asked as we sipped our iced coffee. I like mine with some milk but hers was a concoction meant for heart failure.


    ¡°No, I want to keep this a secret from him.¡±


    ¡°Well, that may be a problem then.¡± Toro added, he settled for water.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°They pass by here on their way to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I jumped up in my seat looking around for their car.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that earlier.¡± Catalina pinched Toro¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Sorry I¡­¡± Toro stopped as he looked outside. ¡°Hide!¡±


    Toro turns his back to the door which allows Catalina to use him as cover. I folded my straw hat down hoping he wouldn¡¯t recognize me.


    But a voice calls over to us. ¡°You¡¯d have an easier time hiding a bull you giant!¡± None of us move, I hear the chair beside me move and someone sit in it. ¡°But you¡¯ll always be the first one I notice.¡± He whispers near my ear as I do my best to ignore him.


    His words never fail to make me happy. As our cover was blown, we all smiled and greeted him. ¡°Hey.¡± I say, hoping he would be in a hurry to leave.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± He leans the back of the chair forward and gets his face close to mine. I thought he wanted to steal a kiss, but he stopped before they connected. ¡°Hiding something from me, are we?¡±


    The tone of sadness was gone from his voice. I may have thought it never existed had I not talked with his mom yesterday.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I mutter.


    ¡°I see.¡± He stands up and wraps his arms around me from behind. ¡°I have to admit I feel a little jealous seeing my woman with another man. But I¡¯ll let it slide just this once.¡± He gives me a peck on the cheek and walks beside Toro. ¡°But if it¡¯s about my birthday.¡± He said in a loud voice. ¡°I think Toro knows how I feel about that. Right little bro?¡±


    Toro nods at Myo¡¯s question. The biggest guy in our school seemed frightened of Myo, who¡¯s not small but there is a good difference. The rumors of Myo being a fighting maniac must have some truth.


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    After getting his order, Myo leaves but not before blowing me a kiss.


    He always does his best to make me smile. But him hiding what he knew, and how he felt about it made me frustrated.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk on the beach.¡± I said, afraid that Myo might return. Knowing him, he¡¯d be willing to be late to his shift if it meant spending time with me. Any other day I would have asked him to.


    ¡°Does he not like his birthday?¡± Catalina asked as we enjoyed the crashing waves.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that. He doesn¡¯t really care, so he asks that we don¡¯t bother with it.¡±


    I walk over to Toro and whisper in his ear. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s because of his family?¡±


    Toro jerked back. ¡°Did Myo tell you?¡±


    I shook my head. Catalina looked confused but I¡¯m not comfortable telling her about his past. Repeating what I heard is too painful. ¡°His mom did.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ yea, I think it is. They used to throw small parties and invite close friends. Diana and I were always there. But after she left and everything else happened, he just didn¡¯t seem to enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°His birthday is this month, isn¡¯t it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yea, how¡¯d you know?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s always been the only person to talk to me so I kind of remembered stuff about him.¡±


    Catalina giggled and gave me a smirk. ¡°You must have liked him for some time.¡±


    I could feel myself blush; she was right after all. ¡°When is it?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Toro looked through his phone¡¯s calendar. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Thursday.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I have much less time than I thought. ¡°I want to throw him a party, will you two help me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± They both replied in unison.


    ¡°Great! Thank you.¡± I¡¯ve taken the first step. They shared my excitement with me. But just as I wanted Myo to open himself up to me, I felt guilty about hiding anything from my two dear friends.


    I cleared my throat and warned them about what I was about to say. That if they preferred to not hear difficult news then I would keep it to myself. They didn¡¯t refuse, perhaps knowing what was to come.


    Toro looked down, doing his best to hide his emotions.


    Catalina hugged me. I felt guilty for making her cry, but the relief of not hiding this from them felt good. I¡¯m sure Myo would feel the same.


    ¡°Manami¡­ Manami.¡± Catalina repeated, doing her best to find something to say.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡± I rubbed her back.


    ¡°Does he know?¡± She asked.


    ¡°He heard.¡± I replied. She squeezes me for a while longer. Afterwards, we left to prepare for his birthday.


    After Myo¡¯s shift, we met up at the food mart.


    ¡°Eating my girlfriend¡¯s food, I¡¯m truly blessed.¡± He said as he walked through the store.


    I led us into the baking aisle and Myo became quiet. But having found my determination, I pressed myself against him and asked a question. ¡°What kind of cake do you like?¡±


    He did his best to resist me, but a few more nudges were all it took. ¡°I like Tres leches. My mom used to make them for me when I was little.¡±


    ¡°Tres leches?¡± I¡¯ve heard of the cake before, but I don¡¯t know how to make it. After looking up some ingredients on my phone, I picked up the supplies I needed and put them in my basket. Since his mom had experience, I¡¯ll make it alongside her. ¡°Next aisle.¡± I grab his hand, but he stands still.


    ¡°Manami, you don¡¯t have to do anything for my birthday.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I turned and pulled him closer to me. ¡°But I want to. You won¡¯t say no to eating a cake from your girlfriend, will you?¡± A few blinks combined with a whimpering smile pulls a ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± from him.


    He¡¯s far too easy to manipulate, but I get the sense that he would like to enjoy his day. Not just with me, but those who have been there for him.


    Who will be there for him.


    I want to thank them all.


    ¡°Now come on.¡± This time he doesn¡¯t resist as I pull him.


    ¡°Since I can¡¯t stop you, what else are you planning?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I didn¡¯t want to say. But he has his ways of pulling it out of me as well. ¡°I¡¯m going to cook your favorite foods. I want your friends to be there¡­ and we¡¯re going on a date before the party.¡±


    ¡°A date? Where to?¡±


    ¡°Oh, now that I won¡¯t tell you.¡± I smiled.


    As I did, he took the basket from my arm. He did so because it was beginning to look quite heavy, but if we were alone, he would have done what he could to pry the information out of me. I could tell from the look in his eyes. I¡¯ve gotten to know him quite well.


    ¡°Is there anything you want as a gift?¡± I asked, hoping he would take the bait.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± His eyes took on a mischievous sparkle. ¡°Well, if it can be anything¡­¡±


    I smacked the top of his head with some peppers. ¡°Maybe I shouldn¡¯t give you that freedom.¡± I say as I turn back to look for the rest of our items.


    After shopping, we took the train and rode to the station near my house. Against my will, he decided to take me all the way home on his back. I couldn¡¯t refuse him; we would have stood at the station all day and I needed to prepare.


    ¡°Fine!¡± I yelled, but I hopped onto his back with enthusiasm. It¡¯s when we¡¯re the closest. While he focuses on getting us somewhere safely, I¡¯m free to focus on him. On how happy I am.


    Say it.


    ¡°Myo¡­ I- I¡­¡± No. I¡¯m grateful for all he has done. For walking into my life and turning it upside down. But I believe I¡¯m doing a great injustice to him. I don¡¯t regret kissing him, but I stole his first kiss. His first relationship. For that to be taken by someone who will leave him alone, it tears me apart.


    I can¡¯t take anything more from him.


    But like always, as if he could read my thoughts, Myo begins to speak. ¡°Sorry Manami.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± I like to keep my arms tight around him and speak near his neck as it makes him blush, just like now.


    ¡°You¡¯ve told me thank you and about how happy I make you, but I¡¯ve never told you, have I?¡±


    Have I? How so? I¡¯ve just been there, never reciprocating as a girlfriend should. ¡°Have I?¡± My curiosity and selfishness won.


    ¡°Of course. Every day. I wake up excited to see you, wondering how I got so lucky to be the guy you chose. Eating your lunches, spending time with you, our late-night conversations, staring at you when you don¡¯t notice. I want to thank you for making me the happiest guy alive.¡±


    I put one hand on his face so he wouldn¡¯t turn to see me crying. Darn you, Myo. Always saying the right thing. Always making me fall deeper for you. ¡°I¡­¡± I still can¡¯t say it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel like you need to do something big as a thank you. Just show me that beautiful smile until¡­¡± He stopped. Almost spilling his knowledge.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to look at me right now, so.¡± I gave him the best squeeze I could. ¡°I hope this makes you happy.¡±


    ¡°More than you could ever know.¡±

 Saved Me 3

    Later that night, I contacted Myo¡¯s mom and asked if we could cook together for his birthday. She agreed and we planned to start early in the morning.


    Toro and Catalina were tasked with decorations, inviting guests, and keeping Myo away from the house until we were done. Although, knowing him, he¡¯ll go to help at the hospital all day.


    I arrived early at Myo¡¯s home and Veronica started separating the ingredients I brought. I had another task, though I¡¯m not sure if I can do it.


    I stand outside of Myo¡¯s bedroom door. It¡¯s wooden and has a double-sided sign that currently says ok. The other side said not ok so it must be for when he¡¯s doing something he¡¯d rather his mom not see.


    ¡°Ok.¡± I grab the door handle. And after standing for another few seconds with my arm shaking, I walk inside.


    It¡¯s early, so Myo is still asleep. His room is a mess. Clothes, books, and store bags are all over the floor. But the desk next to his window is clean. On it, a picture of his family.


    I stared at it until I heard a voice behind me. ¡°I was a cutey, wasn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Kyaah!¡± I squeal and turn to see him only wearing boxer briefs. His body is toned and slim. Since I¡¯ve never seen a boy¡¯s body up close, I¡¯m interested and give his abs a quick poke.


    ¡°Oh.¡± He made a sound that was a cross between laughter and moaning, it transitioned into a groan of pain after I jabbed his stomach. ¡°Sorry sorry!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still a cutey.¡± I said as I put his picture back on his desk. ¡°But you should clean your room.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m almost never here¡­ but if someone¡¯s going to start visiting maybe I¡¯ll keep it in mind.¡± This time I gave his forehead a good flick. ¡°Gyaak!¡±


    ¡°I need you out of this house for today.¡±


    ¡°Aw, I won¡¯t bother you or mom with whatever you¡¯re planning.¡±


    I shake my head and toss some clothes from his closet at him. ¡°Put those on and go.¡± He seemed disappointed, so I ran over to him and gave him a quick kiss. ¡°Please.¡±


    Steam escaped from his ears. ¡°Uhhh sure, but give me a few minutes, I have to take care of something first.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± I leave his room and close the door behind me, turning the sign outside for him. Before heading downstairs, I kneel and bury my face into my hands. ¡°I must be crazy.¡± I mutter.


    ¡°See you later.¡± Myo waves to us as he leaves for the hospital.


    ¡°Ok!¡± Veronica and I begin discussing his favorite foods. ¡°I¡¯m not that great a cook if I¡¯m being honest. But he told me you¡¯re great, so just tell me what you need me to do.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± We begin preparing the food. Most could be prepared for the next day and cooked in the morning while Myo and I are on our date. I give her specific instructions on cooking as I deal with the burger meat.


    ¡°I see.¡± She says as jots down notes.


    ¡°Um, he said he really likes your Tres Leches cake. Could I ask for you to lead on that?¡±


    ¡°My cake? Veronica looks out of the kitchen window. It must have been playing memories of her past for her. ¡°I haven¡¯t made that in so long. Let¡¯s do it.¡± She finishes with a smile.


    Veronica was excited while we made the cake. ¡°It¡¯s light and fluffy, he always liked strawberries on top as well, so I¡¯ll add a few. Oh! Maybe some chocolate drizzle.¡±


    This is the first time I¡¯m seeing Veronica this excited. I¡¯ve seen her at the hospital, but she always had a neutral or caring look. She seemed revitalized.


    After we stick the cake in the oven, most preparations are done.


    ¡°Catalina and Toro are coming over tomorrow with decorations and they¡¯ve invited their parents and Diana.¡±


    ¡°Diana?!¡± Veronica replied in a surprised tone. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her in years¡­ Manami.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She hugged me. ¡°I¡¯m such a coward and couldn¡¯t bring myself to help him. Thank you.¡± I¡¯m not sure how long I held her, but the cake wasn¡¯t in the oven for long afterwards.


    Round two.


    This time, I burst into Myo¡¯s room. He was already awake and tapped his bed as I walked in. His eyes filled with awe as he saw the dress Catalina made for me.


    It¡¯s white and shows off a bit more of my legs than I usually show. Catalina said, ¡°It¡¯ll drive him crazy.¡± And she was right. I also wore my favorite hat and some small heels.


    I walk over and crawl into his bed. When I get close enough, I rip his covers off. He was clothed and ready to go. ¡°Hmph, lost your chance to be in bed with a pretty girl.¡± I say as I crawl out of bed.


    ¡°Wait!¡± He yelled as I walked away.


    I turn and give him a quick kiss. ¡°Happy birthday.¡± His shock doesn¡¯t allow him to respond.


    ¡°Come on, you must have been excited for our date.¡±


    ¡°So where are we going?¡± He asked as we walked to the station.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited. I can¡¯t think of anything special like you, but I at least wanted to spend the day with you.¡±


    ¡°Any moment with you is special.¡± He said as he put his arm around me.


    I pulled out my phone and looked at my notes. ¡°A picnic, some time at the arcade, and then we finish at the Yuro¡¯s overlook.¡±


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    ¡°Woah.¡± He gasped at the last part. ¡°You know about Yuro¡¯s?¡±


    I nod. The local legend on our island is that any confession on Yuro¡¯s is guaranteed to work. It¡¯s just a hill with a fantastic view of the ocean and bridge. It¡¯s difficult to get to since it is in the middle of a park trail, but locals love it. Most people only go at night as the lights from the bridge add some romantic effect.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you taken me?!¡± I teased him.


    ¡°I was saving it for when I ran out of date ideas, but you beat me to it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you didn¡¯t use it.¡±


    We arrived at the park and spread out a blanket for our picnic. ¡°Since it¡¯s your birthday, I¡¯ll feed you as much as you like.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond right away; he looked to the sky and held his hands together as if thanking the gods before sitting next to me.


    As I open his bento, he notices what¡¯s inside. ¡°Extra burger meat?¡±


    I stuff a piece in his mouth. ¡°You said you wanted extra!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you remembered.¡± He said in between chews with a delighted look in his eyes.


    In between his bites, he grabbed my bento and fed some of it to me. I didn¡¯t want him to, but my body refused to listen to me.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Pinching was the only way to get him to stop.


    After finishing our food, we lean back on the tree behind us. His birthday must have given him some great luck for us to find such a spot. After a few minutes, he moves and rests his head on my lap. I was caught by surprise as he could tell from the blood rushing to my cheeks.


    His mischievous smile told me that I wouldn¡¯t dare kick him off on his birthday. But he was wrong, I wouldn¡¯t have kicked him off any day.


    The sky is filled with clouds taking peculiar shapes like an artist deciding to mash animals together. The cool breeze hits our bodies, making it wonderful to sit and gaze at what we can find.


    But of course, Myo is too busy looking at me. I¡¯ll allow it. I run my hand through his hair, which he responds to by squeezing my other hand near his heart.


    It beat quite fast.


    ¡°Ready to move on?¡± I said before his beating heart can sway me to make a quick change in plans.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind sitting here all day.¡±


    ¡°Neither do I, but.¡± I picked his head up. ¡°We still have two more stops.¡±


    We had lots of fun at the arcade. I had never been, so he introduced me to every game in the building, all of which I was terrible at. At the end, we drove the go karts out behind the arcade.


    He was an excellent driver, while I had never touched any form of a car in my life. But I did my best and enjoyed the few laps I wasn¡¯t bumping into the walls.


    But as we continued our time there, it was now my heart that beat fast as it anticipated our final destination.


    Yuro¡¯s overlook.


    As I hoped, the area was empty. There is a single bench near the top of the hill and a guard rail alongside the edge. Even from the entrance we could see the bridge and the ocean greeting with its sparkles.


    I grabbed Myo¡¯s hand and walked over to the end of the overlook.


    The sound of the waves crashing below and ships making their way could be heard alongside the birds chirping. But my entire being was focusing on Myo.


    As he often did with me, I didn¡¯t stare into the view but at him. How? How did he find the courage to do so? To say all the right things, to even come up with them.


    I ran over this scene many times over the last two days. But now that he looked at me with that earnest smile and sweet eyes, I find myself lost in my own emotions for him.


    The words are there. But I can¡¯t bring them out.


    Myo grabs my hand. ¡°Thanks for today.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t sound so sad.¡± I mutter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did I?¡± He rubbed his head and forced a chuckle.


    ¡°You heard that day, right?¡±


    Myo nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s an invasion of privacy but¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I would have told you. I owe you that much at least. But Myo¡­ I don¡¯t want you to be sad. I want to spend the rest of our time together smiling and being happy. So that after.¡± I choked up. ¡°So that after I leave, you can continue smiling, you can continue to live a great life and be happy.¡±


    Myo nodded. His eyes began to sparkle as he did his best to hide his tears. ¡°I will, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I am worried. Because that isn¡¯t possible if you don¡¯t open up. It doesn¡¯t have to be me. Your mom or Toro, anyone. But you need to release all that you have pent up inside¡­ your mom told me about everything. How you never cry or show how much it all hurts. I don¡¯t want to add to that. I could never forgive myself for leaving you to deal with that alone.¡± I hadn¡¯t noticed, but I began to cry as I continued. ¡°If I can be the person that helps you deal with it all, please let me do that for you.¡±


    Tears began to fall from his eyes. ¡°But it hurts¡­ to accept that everyone is gone. That I¡¯ll never see them again. That¡¯ll never see you again. Dad, Toshi, Lucy, all the kids from the hospital¡­ you. I don¡¯t want that to be my reality. I don¡¯t want to forget you.¡±


    I wrap my arms around him, and we fall to our knees. ¡°You don¡¯t have to forget me. I don¡¯t want you to. But keeping it all inside will tear you apart. It¡¯s ok to cry, it¡¯s ok to hurt. All the wonderful memories you¡¯ve given me, all the happiness I¡¯ve felt, I¡¯ll never forget them. But we all have to mourn and accept what we¡¯ve lost.¡± I pulled his head up, tears now covering most of his face. ¡°Because after you do, you¡¯ll be able to look back on all those memories and smile. So please, don¡¯t hold it inside anymore.¡±


    ¡°Manami.¡± Myo let out a heart wrenching cry and squeezed me as he buried himself into my shoulder.


    I cried with him. Accepting what was to come. It hurt, but now, Myo and I can spend our last days together happily.


    We walked home holding hands and arrived in time for his birthday party. His mom waited outside for us. She must have noticed his puffy eyes as she ran over and hugged him.


    ¡°Myo, are you ok?¡± She cried.


    ¡°I am mom. Thank you.¡± His voice was filled with relief from no longer holding it all in.


    His mom gave me a smile and we headed inside.


    ¡°Surprise!¡± Everyone in attendance yelled.


    Toro, Catalina, Diana, our parents, and Pablo from the hospital were there. They all took turns congratulating him and giving him a gift.


    His smile is different now. It has the same sincerity as his eyes.


    Everyone ate and laughed together. Somehow Myo still ate a plate full as we sat with everyone our age.


    ¡°Surprised you came.¡± Myo said to Diana.


    ¡°Hah! You should consider yourself lucky that I made time in my busy schedule. If you want, I¡¯ll even grace y¡¯all with a performance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be great!¡± Catalina remarked.


    ¡°She won¡¯t stop once she starts.¡± Toro added.


    After eating, we sang happy birthday to Myo and cut the cake. It was a big hit and Myo ate too much. Afterwards, he rested his head on my shoulder as someone pulled out a karaoke machine.


    Diana started the fun, she¡¯s as fantastic as in her songs and videos.


    Myo never left my side. I didn¡¯t mind if he wanted to speak with the others, but I believe he really did want to spend as much time with me as possible. And that I wouldn¡¯t take away from him.


    ¡°Mhmm, he wants to walk me home.¡± I wave to my parents as they drive off. Myo and I wanted to walk around for a while after sundown and then he would take me home.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back mom.¡±


    ¡°Be safe!¡± She yelled back at him.


    The streets of the island are filled with streetlights since we can¡¯t rely on buildings for it. Cities in the mainland are illuminated by the high rises but our tallest building won¡¯t do much against the dark.


    Walking through the island, filled with green life and almost devoid of the busy sounds of a big city, is magical. The streetlights make it easy to navigate and the cool ocean breeze feels amazing on the skin.


    Myo and I ended up on the walkway of a river near the park of the island. It¡¯s surrounded by trees and has a slim concrete path to follow around the illuminated area. The only noise coming from the wildlife or fountain in the middle of the river.


    ¡°Myo.¡± I stopped about halfway around the river. ¡°Here.¡± I handed him a seashell necklace I made for him.


    His eyes lit up and he put it on. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll treasure it forever.¡± It made me happy to see him like it so much.


    But I wanted to do more. ¡°Myo.¡± I put his right hand around my waist. ¡°I know it isn¡¯t much, and I want to give you more. Do you¡­ do you want me?¡± I mutter.


    Myo puts his hands around my waist and pulls me in close. His eyes filled with determination. ¡°There is one thing I want.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°I want to spend your last moments with you.¡±


    ¡°Myo¡­¡± I hadn¡¯t thought about it yet. When the day came, I would have sent him away. Afraid of the effect it would have on him. But now, after our day together, and as he looks into my eyes with nothing but the determination to make it happen, I want nothing more than to go to rest in his arms. ¡°Myo, I¡¯m sorry, but can I ask you to hold me as I go?¡± I asked, the fear beginning to fill my body.


    He embraces me as I begin to cry. His answer conveyed, his warmth calms me, and my emotions for him grow even more.

 Saved Me 4 - Finale

    I was heartbroken after hearing Manami¡¯s diagnosis, but after yesterday I can now say I¡¯m ok. Better than ever in fact. Now, I only want to spend as much time as possible with her.


    Which is why I¡¯m standing at her door as I hear her run down the stairs. ¡°Sorry!¡± She bursts through her front door and yells into her house that she is heading out. ¡°Come on!¡± She whisks me away and we head off.


    We planned most days for the remainder of the three weeks. Some were filled with us going to places, while others were just us spending time together at home.


    Today had a mixed conclusion. Manami begged me to help clean my room. I almost resisted, but then she hit the video call button on her phone. And once the same beautiful face that¡¯s beside me now came across, it was impossible to say no.


    I dreaded it. My room should have a danger sign outside because of the state it¡¯s in.


    Manami made cleaning fun. Tossing things at me and mocking me after finding my hidden stash.


    ¡°Wow.¡± I said as I looked at my sparkling room with plenty of walking space. ¡°You¡¯re amazing at this.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re just terrible at it.¡± She hopped on my bed and crossed her legs as she admired her work. Of course, I sat down beside her. ¡°Do you have a shift today?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m taking the week off for the last week as well.¡±


    ¡°Good, I can keep you all to myself.¡±


    ¡°Myo! I¡¯m heading out!¡± My mom yelled from downstairs.


    ¡°Ok mom, see you later!¡± I replied. After we heard her car take off, Manami pulled my head and kissed me.


    The sudden pull forced me above her as she lay down on my bed. An unparalleled beauty staring at me with tempting eyes and taking heavy breaths. I caressed her face and stole another kiss.


    ¡°Myo.¡± She whispered. ¡°If you¡¯re worried about hurting me, don¡¯t be.¡±


    She pulls me in for another kiss but doesn¡¯t let me pull back this time by wrapping her legs around me. I didn¡¯t mind. I wanted our lips to connect, our breathing to mix, and our bodies to touch.


    We did our best to make the next two weeks as memorable as possible. Walks in the park, plenty of eating, we even visited the mainland once more although her parents came with us this time.


    Some days, Toro and Catalina would be with us. Catalina loved making clothes for her star model, making her twirl and going to war with me to see who could shower her with more compliments.


    Every day was beautiful. The world itself was on our side as the weather never failed us.


    My favorite moments were the times we spent alone sitting side by side. It could be in the park, on the beach, or in our rooms. If I had to pick, it would be our rooms for no particular reason.


    The last week arrived. Manami no longer had the strength to walk further than the distance between her room and the bathroom.


    But that didn¡¯t stop us, I zipped her around the island on a wheelchair to places she may not have been. She always prepared food for me and somehow seemed to be in a more positive mood than before.


    It was there. The looming dread of the day that was to come, but we never stopped smiling. We never stopped laughing. I did my best to make her smile, and she reciprocated. Telling me stories of her childhood, how much she liked me even before I asked her out, and many more that she just wanted me to hear.


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    The day before the last.


    Toro and Catalina spent the entire day with us. We visited school by sneaking inside and rushing Manami through the hallways. She carved an M on her desk and visited the spot where I asked her out for the first time.


    ¡°I was so nervous.¡± She said. She also repeated the line I used which gave Toro and Catalina a good laugh.


    We ended the day on the beach.


    Toro helped Manami onto my back. Manami loves the beach, and the ocean in general. Her fondest memories with her parents were the times they took boat rides. But after her initial diagnosis, they stopped visiting all together.


    ¡°It¡¯s so pretty.¡± She whispered with a weak smile. No less beautiful than ever before.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± I said as I looked at her.


    ¡°Look at the ocean silly.¡± She giggled. ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯re going on a boat ride¡­ Toro, Catalina, thank you for everything.¡±


    Catalina walked over and grabbed Manami¡¯s hand. ¡°Can I see you off?¡± She said while holding back her tears.


    ¡°If you want. Please don¡¯t feel like you have to.¡±


    ¡°I want to.¡±


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    The final day.


    Manami¡¯s dad still owned his cabin boat from her childhood. He fixed it up after hearing her request. Manami had decided after she heard her final diagnosis.


    The time frame isn¡¯t absolute. It¡¯s the best guess. But Manami¡¯s eyes began to look out into the distance, farther and farther every day that passed. And as the third week came, her smile never faded as she told us what day to set sail.


    Toro and Catalina met us at the pier.


    Catalina hugged Manami, her tears uncontrollable.


    ¡°Catalina, take care, ok? And make sure you and Toro live happily together.¡±


    Catalina nodded. ¡°Thank you, Manami. I¡¯ll never forget you.¡±


    Toro lowered his head and Manami patted it. ¡°Thank you for being such a good friend to Myo. Please keep on taking care of him, and I wish you the best in your sports career.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Manami, for all you¡¯ve done for Myo. Thank you so much.¡± Even giants cry.


    The cabin boat is like Pablo¡¯s. It has a roofed seating area, and the front is large and spacious.


    I sat out front as we set sail. Looking into the distant sea that never seemed to end. I didn¡¯t want it to, hoping this boat could go on forever.


    After we made some distance from the pier. The boat engine goes silent.


    I could hear Manami and her family saying their goodbyes until her mom came outside to find me. ¡°Can you get her now?¡± She muttered through her sobs.


    I nod.


    Manami waited for me inside the roofed area. She gave me a bright smile as I walked in, as if she had been saving her strength for it. After, she held her hands up and I picked her up.


    She was lighter than ever, but I still walked out front with care in each step.


    ¡°I want to be as close as possible.¡± She said.


    I sat down and rested her body above mine. She turned a little until she found a comfortable spot and rested her head above my heart. A slow and calm beat.


    Her family walked to the front as well and watched over us.


    ¡°Myo.¡±


    ¡°Yea.¡± I looked into her eyes. No longer afraid to show my emotions. But even as tears rushed down my face, I smiled at her.


    ¡°Thank you for everything. I thought I didn¡¯t deserve happiness, but you changed everything. You made me happy and showed me that I could enjoy life. Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. If I had to, I would do it over and over again.¡±


    ¡°Kiss me.¡± We kiss. ¡°Can I be selfish?¡±


    ¡°Of course, anything you ask.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever forget me.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But I want you to move on and be happy, ok?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Ok?¡±


    ¡°I will. I¡¯ll never forget you and I¡¯ll move on and be happy. I promise.¡±


    Her smile widened. ¡°One more thing. Hold me tight, like you never want to let me go.¡± I do as she asked, pulling her body as close to mine as possible. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m no longer scared. Everyone, could you come closer.¡± Her family kneels beside us. ¡°I love you all so much, thank you for staying by my side until the end.¡±


    Her family responds with loving words through their sobs.


    ¡°Myo¡­ I¡¯m so happy to have met you. I¡¯m so happy to have spent my happiest days with you. You saved me, I can never repay you for that. But I want you to know that you mean everything to me. That I can smile now because of you. That I¡­ I.¡±


    Manami looked into my eyes and smiled. She no longer held her tears back. But her smile was brighter than ever, and she reached to caress my face. I placed my hand over hers, hoping I could keep her touch for as long as possible.


    Her touch was weak, but it filled me with joy. Her body was light, but it brought me comfort. Her face was as beautiful as the first day I saw her. My emotions were pouring from my eyes. I didn¡¯t need to hold them back; she taught me to embrace them. She who saved my life. The most beautiful of them all, the kindest, the one I cherish most.


    And as we look into each other¡¯s eyes, smiling and at ease, as the light begins to fade from her eyes, I have to let her know. That I,


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    Manami¡¯s eyes light up and her smile widens. ¡°I love you too.¡±

 Epilogue

    ¡°He¡¯s done it again, that¡¯s Hiroto for you!¡± It¡¯s difficult to hear the commentators through the roar of the crowd, although a certain girl¡¯s voice is louder than everyone¡¯s, even through the speakers of a T.V.


    ¡°Mr. Myo.¡± A critter pulls at my leg.


    ¡°Yes?¡± She puts her hands up, who am I to deny her request. ¡°Up we go!¡± I pick her up and swing her though the air while she fills the room with laughter.


    ¡°I like your seashell necklace.¡± She said after noticing it hanging around my neck.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Myo!¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Mom!¡± As soon as the young critter¡¯s feet hit the ground, my mom bear hugged me. It¡¯s been almost a year since we¡¯ve seen each other. ¡°How¡¯s work?¡± She looked wonderful in her pink scrubs.


    ¡°Difficult, but I¡¯ve been here too long to complain now. Pablo can see you now.¡± She gives me one last hug before rushing into a patient¡¯s room.


    As I walk up the stairs, I notice the walls have been repainted and a lot of the building remodeled. But the best difference was the added staff which is over double what they had when I volunteered here.


    I knock on Pablo¡¯s door. ¡°Come in!¡±


    ¡°Yo, Pablo.¡± I say as I walk in. ¡°This where you take naps now?¡±


    ¡°Myo!¡± Pablo stands and gives me a hug that puts my mom¡¯s to shame. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you should have said it was you.¡±


    ¡°Come on, I don¡¯t want special treatment.¡± We sit on the couches in his office. Pablo was promoted to Hospital manager a few years ago. He still worked himself to the bone, but he looked better than ever now.


    ¡°You¡¯ll always get special treatment here.¡± Behind Pablo was a board filled with pictures of children who stayed here over the years. Pablo remembered them all. ¡°You have no idea how much Manami¡¯s foundation has done for us. Not just treatments and medicine, but staff and funding. I know she¡¯d love what you¡¯ve done.¡± He gives me a sincere smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Pablo, I¡¯m just glad everything is going well.¡±


    ¡°Of course. How about you, time for your visit?¡±


    ¡°Yea, I¡¯m heading there right after. I just wanted to say hello.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always welcome here, the kids still love you even though you¡¯re an adult now.¡±


    ¡°That surprises me too! Maybe you should hire me.¡± I give him a smirk.


    ¡°Unfortunately, your mom has taken the position as the most beloved already. And I don¡¯t think Hiroto would be happy to lose his manager.¡±


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°You may be right. I¡¯ll visit more often.¡±


    ¡°Anytime, our doors are always open to you.¡± Pablo and I shook hands.


    After a tearful goodbye with my mom, I headed out to the car waiting for me. ¡°Right this way sir.¡± The driver opens the back door for me.


    ¡°Took you long enough.¡± A woman with long purple hair, orange eyes, and a luxurious dress that kisses her body waits for me inside. ¡°Oh, look.¡± She points to a sign outside the hospital thanking the Manami Foundation.


    Manami¡¯s foundation was founded by Toro, Catalina, Diana, and me. We found it to provide funding for the children¡¯s hospital but raise enough for the hospitals around the entire country.


    Toro is a superstar basketball player now, his confidence still needs work, but he has me to back him up whenever he needs his bodyguard. Manager? Sidekick? My position was never established, but the guy said he wanted to repay me for all I¡¯ve done when he went pro. Jeez, some ramen would have been enough.


    Catalina¡¯s a famous designer. Having an incredibly handsome man who travels the world and makes speeches on stage sure helps promote the stuff. Oh, Toro and Diana wear it too. I will admit, her popularity came from being seen in the front row of Toro¡¯s games. Social media buzzed with stories of, ¡°Who¡¯s this gorgeous woman and what brand are her clothes?!¡± At first, Catalina made clothes for herself, but she took the opportunity and succeeded.


    ¡°Ms. Diana, please remember you have a photoshoot tomorrow.¡± The driver said as we took off.


    ¡°Thanks Roberto.¡± Darling of Keone Island, Diana, retired from the idol life after a very successful six years. I heard there were protests and mass gatherings outside her company begging the group to stay together. Now, she¡¯s a popular model who mostly works with a certain popular designer. Nia, I think, is her name. ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll like these?¡±


    Diana shows me a large bouquet she somehow hid underneath her dress.


    ¡°They¡¯re great, thank you. You didn¡¯t have to come by the way, I know you¡¯re busy.¡±


    ¡°I need to pay respects to the girl who saved you, I¡¯m forever grateful to her.¡±


    ¡°I see, thank you.¡±


    Diana smiled. ¡°Are you going back to Toro after today?¡±


    ¡°I have the week off, thought maybe we could spend some time together.¡± I was looking out the car window, but I did hear an excited shift next to me.


    Our destination is the island¡¯s graveyard. Diana and I arrive at Manami¡¯s tombstone. After placing the flowers, Diana says her prayers and leaves.


    ¡°Oh man.¡± A tear falls from my eye. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I promised I wouldn¡¯t cry every time. Um, I wrote a letter this time.¡± I pulled out the letter filled with my notes. It was a list of topics I wanted to tell her about, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d know if I just repeated something.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see. Everyone¡¯s doing great, Toro, Catalina, Diana. Mom is happier than ever at the hospital. I¡¯m sure your family came earlier today; I¡¯ll have to say hi later. Me¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Manami, I miss you.¡± I fold the paper and put it in my pocket. ¡°I won¡¯t lie, I was sad for a while, but everyone helped me through it. Like you said, it¡¯s ok to hurt, and the pain of losing someone you love never goes away. But I don¡¯t want it to, because that means forgetting every moment that I was lucky enough to be with you. I never want to forget that, and now the world remembers you too because of Manami¡¯s foundation. Maybe I¡¯ll tell you about it when I visit again later. I haven¡¯t kept my other promise yet, but I¡¯m making progress. A certain island girl who¡¯s been a good friend to me confessed some time ago. It¡¯s silly to think I never realized.¡±


    I placed the white roses I brought for Manami alongside Diana¡¯s bouquet. I didn¡¯t stand right away, I wanted to be still and let the emotions flow. Sadness, acceptance, happiness. With each memory of Manami that flashed through my mind, I couldn¡¯t help but smile through my tears.


    ¡°Thank you for everything Manami. I hope you know that you saved me and helped me become the best person I can be. I¡¯m doing well and will continue to live a wonderful life like I promised. Until I visit again, I¡¯ll continue to move forward, holding all our memories in my heart, and I¡¯ll bring back many stories for you. Manami¡­ I love you.¡±


    ~Thank you for reading - E.F. Veda