Forget Me Not (Chapter 9)
Nov. 20th, 2015 10:46 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dollmasterleeA/N
Who in their sane minds wouldn't grab any chance to kiss Daichan's perfect lips
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Aiko grew more aggressive as she brought her hands up to cup Daisuke's face to kiss him deeper. She started nipping at his lower lip but Daisuke suddenly pushed her carefully yet with certainty.
"Dai..."
"I can't. I'm sorry." He rubbed his face with his palms. "I'm just not in the mood today. Please don't be mad."
Aiko sighed deeply. "I understand. Just, call me later, will you?"
Daisuke nodded affirmatively.
Aiko kissed him on the cheek before turning towards the front door.
Daisuke plopped down on the sofa when Aiko finally closed the door. His eyes caught sight of Mao's scarf. He reached for it and felt its smooth material. He needs to return it, he thought. But how?
Will he even see him again?
He remembered seeing Mao smile for the first time. He also remembered kissing his soft lips last night. It felt so different from Aiko's kisses. His lips were so inviting that when he went out to clear his head, he considered returning to steal another kiss.
Daisuke felt like being gutted at the realization.
"This can't happen! I can't possibly fall in love with another man!" He cried out as he buried his face Mao's scarf, the younger man's scent drowning his senses away.
"He pushed you like that?!" Mrs. Watanabe couldn't believe her ears. She took Aiko's hands which are covered with silk gloves. Her future daughter-in-law has bruises and scratches in her palms so she had to wear gloves to hide them. She led her to sit on one of the cushioned seats surrounding the long table that will be used later for Daisuke and Aiko's engagement party.
The staff of the function hall they are renting are all busy fixing the venue so Mrs. Watanabe and Aiko opted to steer away from them.
"I never liked that Hamao Kyousuke since he starred with my son in a movie." Mrs. Watanabe continued. "I really don't understand until now why Daichan accepted that gay role. It's so shameful! But I supported him because he said it was for his career. Now, I regret allowing it. He shouldn't have met that despicable boy!"
Aiko nodded strongly. "But Daichan defended me so I'm okay now Mama."
"Awww, my son really loves you Aiko. Speaking of that guy, where did he go? He's supposed to be here early."
"He went outside to check the parking lot reservation Mama. He'll be returning soon." Aiko smiled brightly. Today is her most awaited moment. Once they are formally engaged, they can already start fixing the details of their wedding. She and Daichan can now start building their lives together.
Daisuke is about to return inside the function hall when he felt his phone vibrate inside his pants pocket. Wondering, he fished his phone out to check who could be calling him.
His eyebrows knitted upon seeing Baba Ryoma's caller ID. Hesitantly, he tapped accept and brought the device to his right ear.
"Moshi moshi..."
"Daichan, do you know what day it is today?" Ryoma's voice is unexpectedly morose.
"Huh? Ah... you mean my engagement day?"
There was a momentary silence on the other side.
"Did you know that Mao is leaving today?"
Daisuke's knitted eyebrows wrinkled more. "Leaving? To where?"
"He's going back to New York. Today is his flight."
The older man felt like being punched in the stomach. "W-what? Why?"
"Yes, Daichan, why? That's also my question. What did you do that made him decide to leave?"
Daisuke bit his lip, guilty as charged.
"What will you do now?" Ryoma continued.
"I honestly don't know Baba-kun." Daisuke leaned his head on the nearest wall. "I'm also confused here."
"Well, you still have time to come here. Mao's boarding time is two hours from now. At least fix this unnecessary mess between the two of you." With that, Ryoma hung up on the confused man.
Daisuke sighed heavily. He pocketed his phone and with slumped shoulders, entered the function hall once more.
Aiko fondled with the silver ring in her hand. In a few minutes, Daisuke will slide the ring in her finger as the highlight of the engagement ceremony.
She couldn't help but smile happily at the thought. Beaming to herself, she turned the ring in her hand. Her eyes caught sight of an unusual engraving on the inner part of the ring. Curiously, she raised the ring towards the sunlight coming from the large glass windows to properly check the engraving.
Her eyes almost popped off her head when the sunlight illuminated the engraved letters clearly and intensely.
Instantly, as if being burned, she clutched her hand to her chest, the silver band dropping silently on the heavily carpeted floor.
Upon entering the function hall, Daisuke saw with his own eyes as the ring fell from Aiko's fingers. He stared at the ring that fell on the carpeted floor and then at his fiancee who is as pale as a person seeing a ghost.
Wondering, he approached her quickly, his face frowning when Aiko's eyes grew even bigger at the sight of him coming.
He kneeled down to retrieve the ring, more because of care for his grandmother's legacy than his own curiosity.
"N-no! Don't!" Aiko screamed, confusing him all the more.
Nevertheless, he picked the silver band and raised it up for Aiko to receive. The latter hesitantly moved forward to take it back, her movement causing the sunlight behind her to penetrate through. It radiated on the ring, illuminating its interior part fully.
Daisuke's eyes widened at the sight. His mouth dropped open and his hand trembled.
The initials D.W & H.K flaunted itself ostentatiously in front of his very own eyes.
Aiko fell rooted to her spot. Seeing what she has been dreading for some time now, she couldn't stop herself from whimpering.
Daisuke's eyes stopped blinking and his irises turned blank as if staring at nothingness. His breathing became ragged as scenes from the past flashed by his memory like a fast motion picture.
He saw himself outside a shop, holding his grandmother's ring towards the sky with a giddy smile on his face. He then saw himself answering that call from Hamao, getting heartbroken upon hearing the news, going back to the club latter and drinking his sorrows away. He watched himself get in a car, seeing a blinding light and then darkness. The flashbacks seemed to end until he saw himself again, staring unblinkingly at a beautiful Hamao Kyousuke smiling unconsciously. Finally, he watched ghastly as he pushed the same man forcefully, the latter stumbling backwards because of the impact.
Overwhelmed and disconcerted, Daisuke tried to stand. He felt the room dancing around him, making him nauseous and smothering him.
He felt as Aiko gripped his arm, her alarmed voice ringing through. He pushed her away, not minding even though she is already crying. The other people in the function hall stopped from doing their respective tasks, staring at the couple curiously.
Daisuke's parents saw the commotion finally. They rushed toward their flustered son and their crying future daughter-in-law.
"Daichan! What's this?! What's happening with you? Why is Aiko crying?" Mrs. Watanabe demanded.
Daisuke didn't seem to notice her. He grabbed onto a chair to support his wobbly legs and continued staggering toward the exit like a drunken man. His father tried to catch up to him but upon seeing the look on his face, the older man was stopped dead on his tracks.
Mrs. Watanabe tried to follow him too but she was halted by her own husband.
"Why did you stop me?! He can't leave this engagement party."
Mr. Watanabe shook his head, "You can't stop him. He's determined to leave. I saw in his eyes, the son I lost to that accident."
His wife felt like having a heart attack. "H-he can remember now?" The question fell from her lips like a statement. She glanced back at Aiko.
The younger woman seemed to regain her bearings. She ran past them, intent on following Daisuke by herself.
The air blew lightly when he got out of the hall yet Daisuke felt a prickling sensation on his skin. He stared up the sky but immediately hung his head as it seemed like falling on him.
Inhaling deeply, he reeled towards the other side of the road. The sound of a beeping horn jarred his thoughts and he turned his head sharply sideways only to see an oncoming car. Startled, he felt himself unable to move even as the car careened towards him. Like a deja vu, the memories of his car accident flooded his thoughts once more.
"Daichan!" He heard a woman's voice shout before he felt being hit and rolling over on the pavement.
For some time, the world seemed to revolve around him as people gathered around him. More memories flashed through his eyes but they weren't as prominent as Baba's voice ringing in his ears.
"He's going back to New York. Today is his flight."
He saw Aiko's crying face as she kneeled beside him as well as the worried face of an older man whom he presumed to be the driver of the car that hit him. He also felt hot liquid streaming from the side of his forehead. Aiko's lips were moving as if saying something but he couldn't comprehend what it was.
He ignored the stabbing pain pervading his whole body and dragged himself up. Aiko tried to support him but he pried her hands away, not minding her pleas. He saw a taxi that was parked nearby and hauled himself towards it. The driver, who was one of the onlookers, rushed to the taxi after seeing Daisuke enter it.
"Airport please..." Daisuke breathed out.
The taxi driver who seemed to recognize the actor was baffled, "Watanabe-san, shouldn't we go to the hospital?"
He rested his throbbing head on the headrest of his seat, "No. Airport first. I need to see... someone. And please drive as fast as possible."
The driver gulped but seeing as Daisuke is a passenger whose wishes he should cater to, he started the engine and bolted it past the perplexed bystanders.
"Call us as often as you can, okay?" Takki tapped Mao on the back lightly.
"And study hard! If you graduate with honors, I'll attend your graduation day." Ryousuke declared.
"Aniki..." Mao sighed. "I hope you won't expect too much. I'm not as smart as you are."
"Kyouchan, don't belittle yourself." His mother brushed the wrinkled part of his scarf carefully. "You're talented enough to attain your dreams."
Mao smiled at his mother sweetly. He glanced at Ryoma who has kept looking around since they arrived in the Airport.
"Waiting for someone?" He inquired.
"H-huh? No, why would I? Everybody's here." Ryoma stated matter-of-factly.
"You look like a salted leech." Mao crossed his arms and bored his eyes into Ryoma's.
Ryoma laughed it off nervously. He hid his disappointment at Daisuke's absence, not wanting to sadden Mao anymore.
"Daichan already made his choice," he thought sadly. "This is the last straw. I can't force it anymore."
An announcement rang out asking for the passengers of the New York-bound flight to start checking in.
Mao breathed in deeply. "Well, this is it."
He hugged his parents and friends one after the other. Ryoma was the last one.
"Please try to be happy Mao. If forgetting is the only way, I will not argue against it." Ryoma hugged his friend tightly.
Mao blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes. His eyes caught sight of a commotion nearby. Many people, even those hurrying, seemed to be staring at something.
Mao's eyes grew larger when the object of the commotion materialized vividly.
Ryoma sensed his agitation and let go of him. He followed the trail of his sight and was astonished to see Daisuke staggering towards them.
Mao gasped when he noticed the blood flowing from the older man's forehead. Part of his clothes were also torn and his walking is obviously off-kilter. Not minding the people around, he ran at once towards Daisuke. The older man fell into his arms instantaneously, gripping his arm tightly and breathing jaggedly.
"Daichan! What happened?"
"D-don't g-go..." Daisuke moaned, "Don't l-leave m-me again..."
"Daichan?" Mao couldn't believe what he's hearing. Feeling his knees weakening, he lowered both of them on the tiled floor. Daisuke was mouthing more words but Mao couldn't hear them anymore. Takki and the rest rushed towards them.
"Daichan! Please hold on. We'll bring you to the hospital." Yuuta signalled to the others to carry their wounded friend.
Takki was about to take the older man into his arms but Daisuke recoiled, burying his head deeper into Mao's chest.
"Daichan, you know I can't carry you by myself, right?" Mao whispered softly. "Please let the others help." He pleaded.
Daisuke slowly loosened his grip on Mao's arms but it's still evident that he won't let go of him.
"I'll hold his hand while you carry him." Mao looked Takki in the eyes.
"Kyouchan! Your flight-" Ryousuke chimed in.
"I won't go!" Mao shouted. "I can't leave him like this. Please," he sighed deeply, "take my luggage back with you. I'll call home later."
With finality, Mao nodded towards Takki.
The latter carried Daisuke carefully while Mao held his right hand. Together with the rest of their friends, they ran towards the exit, the aiport security and emergency officers meeting them halfway. They ushered the young men towards a waiting ambulance. Mao was allowed to ride with Daisuke as the latter still won't let go of his hand. The rest rode on their own cars, following the ambulance to the small hospital near the airport.
Mao felt sick as he waited with the others in front of the emergency room. He's here in a hospital again, and deplorably for the same reason.
Daisuke has lost consciousness on the way to the hospital so Mao is very worried. Before losing consciousness, the older man kept mouthing soundless words while clutching Mao's hand. It confuses the younger man greatly as to why Daisuke is wounded and bleeding and why he came to the airport in the first place.
The sound of the door opening jolted him back to the present situation. A doctor came out, his facial expression unreadable.
"The patient is stable. He has wounds and bruises on his body which might have resulted from a strong collision. Nevertheless; he doesn't have other serious injuries. Right now, he is still unconscious since we put him under painkillers."
The group of men breathed out a sigh of relief.
"I wish to talk to any of his relatives for further information. Please have them look for me when they arrive."
As if on cue, Daisuke's parents came bolting towards them. Aiko was with them, her eyes fuming upon seeing Mao.
"I'm the patient's mother!" Mrs. Watanabe announced, "What happened to my son?" When she saw Mao, her face turned darker. "What are you doing here? Is hurting my son's fiancee not enough so you also did it to my son?" She bellowed.
"Excuse me, madam, I don't mean to be rude but," Ryoma interfered. "It was your son who came looking for Mao a while ago."
Mrs. Watanabe was unconvinced. "Oh really? And what did you do again? Why is my son here?" She directed her piercing eyes on Mao.
Mao bit his lip to stop himself from sobbing out. "I would never do anything to Daichan. I love your son more than anything in this world."
Mao's confession angered the old woman more. She sharply turned towards the doctor. "I am the patient's mother and I want my son away from these people. Please make sure not to let any of them near him."
Everyone fell shocked at Mrs. Watanabe's declaration.
"Is that even legal?" Yuuta exclaimed.
The doctor couldn't do anything but nod. "The patient's immediate family will decide for his betterment until he wakes up. You won't be able to do anything but follow their wishes."
Daisuke's father was also dumbfounded.
"You can't do this dear. Just think of how Daichan will react when he finds out." He tried to talk her into changing her decision but her decision is already final.
"Our son's health is the most important for me right now and I will go through any lengths to assure his safety." She turned towards the doctor, "Let's talk about my son's condition somewhere private, shall we?"
The doctor nodded and ushered Daisuke's parents to an office nearby.
"You heard Daichan's mother. I'm sure you don't need to be told twice." Aiko voiced out after a moment of silence.
Ryoma couldn't believe his ears. He stepped forward, towering over the petite woman.
"As far as I know, technically, we aren't near Daichan at this moment. You don't have any right to order us around."
Aiko's features hardened at Ryoma's statement.
"And if I may ask, why did Daichan even go to the Airport on the day of your engagement? Did he finally realize your charade?"
"Bastard!" Aiko growled.
"Baba-chan, this is enough. All this fighting won't do us any good." Mao pulled at his arm, pleading. "Let's just go for now.."
Ryoma inhaled deeply then turned back at Aiko, "This doesn't mean we concede."
Mao turned away first. Upon seeing him departing without saying anything, Aiko got angrier.
"What are you so confident about Hamao Kyousuke?!"
Mao stopped on his tracks but didn't face her.
"You are a despicable person! You're selfish and insensitive. Whatever did he see in you that's even worth wasting his life on?"
Mao looked back at her unfeelingly. "You don't know a single thing about me Aiko-san. Don't pretend you know who I am."
"Hah! I know people like you very well. All you ever do is endanger Daichan's life. Don't you know?! The reason he got so drunk and almost got himself killed months ago is you!"
Mao's eyes widened at what he heard. "What do you mean?"
Ryoma and the rest were also confused."That night, you called him, didn't you? After that call, he got so drunk he couldn't see straight but all he ever talked about was you! You who weren't there when he was on the verge of death! I was the one who took him out of that damned car. I was the one who took care of him." Aiko sobbed as tears fell on her cheeks. "And now, even after being hit by a car, he only thought about chasing after you! Who are you to hurt him again and again?!"
Mao felt like being punched on the stomach at Aiko's statement.
"You don't deserve to be beside him. You'll only hurt and destroy him."
Hearing this all of a sudden, tears threatened to fall from Mao's eyes but he addressed her levelheadedly. "Daichan will decide who he should be with. Not me and definitely not you." With finality, he turned his back on her.
He held on to Ryoma's shoulder as they took their leave. The pain in his heart growing tenfold at the thought that he can't keep his promise to Daisuke that he'd hold his hand until he regains consciousness.
When he opened his eyes, it was his mother's worried face that he saw first. Cocking his head sideways, he saw his father's relieved expression followed by Aiko's crying face.
He tried to sit up but his mother pleaded for him to remain laying.
"Mao..." he moaned. "Where is he? Please call him. I need to see M-mao..."
Mrs. Watanabe's eyes widened at hearing his son's plea. "Daichan, what are you saying?"
"Did he leave? Did he return to the Airport? He promised..." Daisuke sobbed painfully as he thought about the possibility that Mao continued with his flight. His breathing became ragged which worried the people around him.
"Daichan please calm down..." Mrs. Watanabe pleaded.
"How are you still looking for someone who decided to leave you?" Aiko shouted, crying. "He wanted to leave you and go back to New York! Why are you such an idiot? We are here. Your family is here. Why don't you see us? Why don't you see me?" Aiko's voice faded on the last word.
Daisuke stared at her sadly. "You know my answer already, don't you Aiko? I love him. I love only him."
Aiko collapsed on the floor, sobbing.
"Even when I lost my memories, I saw only him, thought only about him. Does that hurt Aiko? Does that break your heart?" Daisuke's voice broke. "But nothing is more heartbreaking than what I feel now, knowing I've hurt the one person I love."
Mrs. Watanabe covered her mouth with her hand, stunned at what Daisuke is revealing. Behind them, Mr. Watanabe just hung his head lowly.
"I want to understand your situation Aiko because I know the feeling of loving someone on the sidelines. But, I just can't forgive you. Not for pretending- but for letting me hurt him knowing that I actually have feelings for him."
"Daichan... I'm so sorry..." Aiko continuously sobbed.
"Please don't expect any forgiveness from me right now Aiko. I'm not a generous man. Maybe... maybe in the future."
Aiko stood limply with the help of Daisuke's father. She grabbed her bag before glancing sadly at Daisuke one last time. When the man didn't even look at her, she bid her goodbye to his parents. Hesitantly, she opened the door and got out, remembering Takeru's words for her before.
When he starts remembering you'll get even more hurt. Are you not worried about him hating you for pretending to be his fiancee?
Weakly, she felt herself sliding down against the door as the sobs she couldn't control anymore ripped out of her mouth, echoing until the end of the corridor.
A/N
Upnext: Fluff, more fluff and rabu-rabu moments :)
Who in their sane minds wouldn't grab any chance to kiss Daichan's perfect lips
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Aiko grew more aggressive as she brought her hands up to cup Daisuke's face to kiss him deeper. She started nipping at his lower lip but Daisuke suddenly pushed her carefully yet with certainty.
"Dai..."
"I can't. I'm sorry." He rubbed his face with his palms. "I'm just not in the mood today. Please don't be mad."
Aiko sighed deeply. "I understand. Just, call me later, will you?"
Daisuke nodded affirmatively.
Aiko kissed him on the cheek before turning towards the front door.
Daisuke plopped down on the sofa when Aiko finally closed the door. His eyes caught sight of Mao's scarf. He reached for it and felt its smooth material. He needs to return it, he thought. But how?
Will he even see him again?
He remembered seeing Mao smile for the first time. He also remembered kissing his soft lips last night. It felt so different from Aiko's kisses. His lips were so inviting that when he went out to clear his head, he considered returning to steal another kiss.
Daisuke felt like being gutted at the realization.
"This can't happen! I can't possibly fall in love with another man!" He cried out as he buried his face Mao's scarf, the younger man's scent drowning his senses away.
"He pushed you like that?!" Mrs. Watanabe couldn't believe her ears. She took Aiko's hands which are covered with silk gloves. Her future daughter-in-law has bruises and scratches in her palms so she had to wear gloves to hide them. She led her to sit on one of the cushioned seats surrounding the long table that will be used later for Daisuke and Aiko's engagement party.
The staff of the function hall they are renting are all busy fixing the venue so Mrs. Watanabe and Aiko opted to steer away from them.
"I never liked that Hamao Kyousuke since he starred with my son in a movie." Mrs. Watanabe continued. "I really don't understand until now why Daichan accepted that gay role. It's so shameful! But I supported him because he said it was for his career. Now, I regret allowing it. He shouldn't have met that despicable boy!"
Aiko nodded strongly. "But Daichan defended me so I'm okay now Mama."
"Awww, my son really loves you Aiko. Speaking of that guy, where did he go? He's supposed to be here early."
"He went outside to check the parking lot reservation Mama. He'll be returning soon." Aiko smiled brightly. Today is her most awaited moment. Once they are formally engaged, they can already start fixing the details of their wedding. She and Daichan can now start building their lives together.
Daisuke is about to return inside the function hall when he felt his phone vibrate inside his pants pocket. Wondering, he fished his phone out to check who could be calling him.
His eyebrows knitted upon seeing Baba Ryoma's caller ID. Hesitantly, he tapped accept and brought the device to his right ear.
"Moshi moshi..."
"Daichan, do you know what day it is today?" Ryoma's voice is unexpectedly morose.
"Huh? Ah... you mean my engagement day?"
There was a momentary silence on the other side.
"Did you know that Mao is leaving today?"
Daisuke's knitted eyebrows wrinkled more. "Leaving? To where?"
"He's going back to New York. Today is his flight."
The older man felt like being punched in the stomach. "W-what? Why?"
"Yes, Daichan, why? That's also my question. What did you do that made him decide to leave?"
Daisuke bit his lip, guilty as charged.
"What will you do now?" Ryoma continued.
"I honestly don't know Baba-kun." Daisuke leaned his head on the nearest wall. "I'm also confused here."
"Well, you still have time to come here. Mao's boarding time is two hours from now. At least fix this unnecessary mess between the two of you." With that, Ryoma hung up on the confused man.
Daisuke sighed heavily. He pocketed his phone and with slumped shoulders, entered the function hall once more.
Aiko fondled with the silver ring in her hand. In a few minutes, Daisuke will slide the ring in her finger as the highlight of the engagement ceremony.
She couldn't help but smile happily at the thought. Beaming to herself, she turned the ring in her hand. Her eyes caught sight of an unusual engraving on the inner part of the ring. Curiously, she raised the ring towards the sunlight coming from the large glass windows to properly check the engraving.
Her eyes almost popped off her head when the sunlight illuminated the engraved letters clearly and intensely.
Instantly, as if being burned, she clutched her hand to her chest, the silver band dropping silently on the heavily carpeted floor.
Upon entering the function hall, Daisuke saw with his own eyes as the ring fell from Aiko's fingers. He stared at the ring that fell on the carpeted floor and then at his fiancee who is as pale as a person seeing a ghost.
Wondering, he approached her quickly, his face frowning when Aiko's eyes grew even bigger at the sight of him coming.
He kneeled down to retrieve the ring, more because of care for his grandmother's legacy than his own curiosity.
"N-no! Don't!" Aiko screamed, confusing him all the more.
Nevertheless, he picked the silver band and raised it up for Aiko to receive. The latter hesitantly moved forward to take it back, her movement causing the sunlight behind her to penetrate through. It radiated on the ring, illuminating its interior part fully.
Daisuke's eyes widened at the sight. His mouth dropped open and his hand trembled.
The initials D.W & H.K flaunted itself ostentatiously in front of his very own eyes.
Aiko fell rooted to her spot. Seeing what she has been dreading for some time now, she couldn't stop herself from whimpering.
Daisuke's eyes stopped blinking and his irises turned blank as if staring at nothingness. His breathing became ragged as scenes from the past flashed by his memory like a fast motion picture.
He saw himself outside a shop, holding his grandmother's ring towards the sky with a giddy smile on his face. He then saw himself answering that call from Hamao, getting heartbroken upon hearing the news, going back to the club latter and drinking his sorrows away. He watched himself get in a car, seeing a blinding light and then darkness. The flashbacks seemed to end until he saw himself again, staring unblinkingly at a beautiful Hamao Kyousuke smiling unconsciously. Finally, he watched ghastly as he pushed the same man forcefully, the latter stumbling backwards because of the impact.
Overwhelmed and disconcerted, Daisuke tried to stand. He felt the room dancing around him, making him nauseous and smothering him.
He felt as Aiko gripped his arm, her alarmed voice ringing through. He pushed her away, not minding even though she is already crying. The other people in the function hall stopped from doing their respective tasks, staring at the couple curiously.
Daisuke's parents saw the commotion finally. They rushed toward their flustered son and their crying future daughter-in-law.
"Daichan! What's this?! What's happening with you? Why is Aiko crying?" Mrs. Watanabe demanded.
Daisuke didn't seem to notice her. He grabbed onto a chair to support his wobbly legs and continued staggering toward the exit like a drunken man. His father tried to catch up to him but upon seeing the look on his face, the older man was stopped dead on his tracks.
Mrs. Watanabe tried to follow him too but she was halted by her own husband.
"Why did you stop me?! He can't leave this engagement party."
Mr. Watanabe shook his head, "You can't stop him. He's determined to leave. I saw in his eyes, the son I lost to that accident."
His wife felt like having a heart attack. "H-he can remember now?" The question fell from her lips like a statement. She glanced back at Aiko.
The younger woman seemed to regain her bearings. She ran past them, intent on following Daisuke by herself.
The air blew lightly when he got out of the hall yet Daisuke felt a prickling sensation on his skin. He stared up the sky but immediately hung his head as it seemed like falling on him.
Inhaling deeply, he reeled towards the other side of the road. The sound of a beeping horn jarred his thoughts and he turned his head sharply sideways only to see an oncoming car. Startled, he felt himself unable to move even as the car careened towards him. Like a deja vu, the memories of his car accident flooded his thoughts once more.
"Daichan!" He heard a woman's voice shout before he felt being hit and rolling over on the pavement.
For some time, the world seemed to revolve around him as people gathered around him. More memories flashed through his eyes but they weren't as prominent as Baba's voice ringing in his ears.
"He's going back to New York. Today is his flight."
He saw Aiko's crying face as she kneeled beside him as well as the worried face of an older man whom he presumed to be the driver of the car that hit him. He also felt hot liquid streaming from the side of his forehead. Aiko's lips were moving as if saying something but he couldn't comprehend what it was.
He ignored the stabbing pain pervading his whole body and dragged himself up. Aiko tried to support him but he pried her hands away, not minding her pleas. He saw a taxi that was parked nearby and hauled himself towards it. The driver, who was one of the onlookers, rushed to the taxi after seeing Daisuke enter it.
"Airport please..." Daisuke breathed out.
The taxi driver who seemed to recognize the actor was baffled, "Watanabe-san, shouldn't we go to the hospital?"
He rested his throbbing head on the headrest of his seat, "No. Airport first. I need to see... someone. And please drive as fast as possible."
The driver gulped but seeing as Daisuke is a passenger whose wishes he should cater to, he started the engine and bolted it past the perplexed bystanders.
"Call us as often as you can, okay?" Takki tapped Mao on the back lightly.
"And study hard! If you graduate with honors, I'll attend your graduation day." Ryousuke declared.
"Aniki..." Mao sighed. "I hope you won't expect too much. I'm not as smart as you are."
"Kyouchan, don't belittle yourself." His mother brushed the wrinkled part of his scarf carefully. "You're talented enough to attain your dreams."
Mao smiled at his mother sweetly. He glanced at Ryoma who has kept looking around since they arrived in the Airport.
"Waiting for someone?" He inquired.
"H-huh? No, why would I? Everybody's here." Ryoma stated matter-of-factly.
"You look like a salted leech." Mao crossed his arms and bored his eyes into Ryoma's.
Ryoma laughed it off nervously. He hid his disappointment at Daisuke's absence, not wanting to sadden Mao anymore.
"Daichan already made his choice," he thought sadly. "This is the last straw. I can't force it anymore."
An announcement rang out asking for the passengers of the New York-bound flight to start checking in.
Mao breathed in deeply. "Well, this is it."
He hugged his parents and friends one after the other. Ryoma was the last one.
"Please try to be happy Mao. If forgetting is the only way, I will not argue against it." Ryoma hugged his friend tightly.
Mao blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes. His eyes caught sight of a commotion nearby. Many people, even those hurrying, seemed to be staring at something.
Mao's eyes grew larger when the object of the commotion materialized vividly.
Ryoma sensed his agitation and let go of him. He followed the trail of his sight and was astonished to see Daisuke staggering towards them.
Mao gasped when he noticed the blood flowing from the older man's forehead. Part of his clothes were also torn and his walking is obviously off-kilter. Not minding the people around, he ran at once towards Daisuke. The older man fell into his arms instantaneously, gripping his arm tightly and breathing jaggedly.
"Daichan! What happened?"
"D-don't g-go..." Daisuke moaned, "Don't l-leave m-me again..."
"Daichan?" Mao couldn't believe what he's hearing. Feeling his knees weakening, he lowered both of them on the tiled floor. Daisuke was mouthing more words but Mao couldn't hear them anymore. Takki and the rest rushed towards them.
"Daichan! Please hold on. We'll bring you to the hospital." Yuuta signalled to the others to carry their wounded friend.
Takki was about to take the older man into his arms but Daisuke recoiled, burying his head deeper into Mao's chest.
"Daichan, you know I can't carry you by myself, right?" Mao whispered softly. "Please let the others help." He pleaded.
Daisuke slowly loosened his grip on Mao's arms but it's still evident that he won't let go of him.
"I'll hold his hand while you carry him." Mao looked Takki in the eyes.
"Kyouchan! Your flight-" Ryousuke chimed in.
"I won't go!" Mao shouted. "I can't leave him like this. Please," he sighed deeply, "take my luggage back with you. I'll call home later."
With finality, Mao nodded towards Takki.
The latter carried Daisuke carefully while Mao held his right hand. Together with the rest of their friends, they ran towards the exit, the aiport security and emergency officers meeting them halfway. They ushered the young men towards a waiting ambulance. Mao was allowed to ride with Daisuke as the latter still won't let go of his hand. The rest rode on their own cars, following the ambulance to the small hospital near the airport.
Mao felt sick as he waited with the others in front of the emergency room. He's here in a hospital again, and deplorably for the same reason.
Daisuke has lost consciousness on the way to the hospital so Mao is very worried. Before losing consciousness, the older man kept mouthing soundless words while clutching Mao's hand. It confuses the younger man greatly as to why Daisuke is wounded and bleeding and why he came to the airport in the first place.
The sound of the door opening jolted him back to the present situation. A doctor came out, his facial expression unreadable.
"The patient is stable. He has wounds and bruises on his body which might have resulted from a strong collision. Nevertheless; he doesn't have other serious injuries. Right now, he is still unconscious since we put him under painkillers."
The group of men breathed out a sigh of relief.
"I wish to talk to any of his relatives for further information. Please have them look for me when they arrive."
As if on cue, Daisuke's parents came bolting towards them. Aiko was with them, her eyes fuming upon seeing Mao.
"I'm the patient's mother!" Mrs. Watanabe announced, "What happened to my son?" When she saw Mao, her face turned darker. "What are you doing here? Is hurting my son's fiancee not enough so you also did it to my son?" She bellowed.
"Excuse me, madam, I don't mean to be rude but," Ryoma interfered. "It was your son who came looking for Mao a while ago."
Mrs. Watanabe was unconvinced. "Oh really? And what did you do again? Why is my son here?" She directed her piercing eyes on Mao.
Mao bit his lip to stop himself from sobbing out. "I would never do anything to Daichan. I love your son more than anything in this world."
Mao's confession angered the old woman more. She sharply turned towards the doctor. "I am the patient's mother and I want my son away from these people. Please make sure not to let any of them near him."
Everyone fell shocked at Mrs. Watanabe's declaration.
"Is that even legal?" Yuuta exclaimed.
The doctor couldn't do anything but nod. "The patient's immediate family will decide for his betterment until he wakes up. You won't be able to do anything but follow their wishes."
Daisuke's father was also dumbfounded.
"You can't do this dear. Just think of how Daichan will react when he finds out." He tried to talk her into changing her decision but her decision is already final.
"Our son's health is the most important for me right now and I will go through any lengths to assure his safety." She turned towards the doctor, "Let's talk about my son's condition somewhere private, shall we?"
The doctor nodded and ushered Daisuke's parents to an office nearby.
"You heard Daichan's mother. I'm sure you don't need to be told twice." Aiko voiced out after a moment of silence.
Ryoma couldn't believe his ears. He stepped forward, towering over the petite woman.
"As far as I know, technically, we aren't near Daichan at this moment. You don't have any right to order us around."
Aiko's features hardened at Ryoma's statement.
"And if I may ask, why did Daichan even go to the Airport on the day of your engagement? Did he finally realize your charade?"
"Bastard!" Aiko growled.
"Baba-chan, this is enough. All this fighting won't do us any good." Mao pulled at his arm, pleading. "Let's just go for now.."
Ryoma inhaled deeply then turned back at Aiko, "This doesn't mean we concede."
Mao turned away first. Upon seeing him departing without saying anything, Aiko got angrier.
"What are you so confident about Hamao Kyousuke?!"
Mao stopped on his tracks but didn't face her.
"You are a despicable person! You're selfish and insensitive. Whatever did he see in you that's even worth wasting his life on?"
Mao looked back at her unfeelingly. "You don't know a single thing about me Aiko-san. Don't pretend you know who I am."
"Hah! I know people like you very well. All you ever do is endanger Daichan's life. Don't you know?! The reason he got so drunk and almost got himself killed months ago is you!"
Mao's eyes widened at what he heard. "What do you mean?"
Ryoma and the rest were also confused."That night, you called him, didn't you? After that call, he got so drunk he couldn't see straight but all he ever talked about was you! You who weren't there when he was on the verge of death! I was the one who took him out of that damned car. I was the one who took care of him." Aiko sobbed as tears fell on her cheeks. "And now, even after being hit by a car, he only thought about chasing after you! Who are you to hurt him again and again?!"
Mao felt like being punched on the stomach at Aiko's statement.
"You don't deserve to be beside him. You'll only hurt and destroy him."
Hearing this all of a sudden, tears threatened to fall from Mao's eyes but he addressed her levelheadedly. "Daichan will decide who he should be with. Not me and definitely not you." With finality, he turned his back on her.
He held on to Ryoma's shoulder as they took their leave. The pain in his heart growing tenfold at the thought that he can't keep his promise to Daisuke that he'd hold his hand until he regains consciousness.
When he opened his eyes, it was his mother's worried face that he saw first. Cocking his head sideways, he saw his father's relieved expression followed by Aiko's crying face.
He tried to sit up but his mother pleaded for him to remain laying.
"Mao..." he moaned. "Where is he? Please call him. I need to see M-mao..."
Mrs. Watanabe's eyes widened at hearing his son's plea. "Daichan, what are you saying?"
"Did he leave? Did he return to the Airport? He promised..." Daisuke sobbed painfully as he thought about the possibility that Mao continued with his flight. His breathing became ragged which worried the people around him.
"Daichan please calm down..." Mrs. Watanabe pleaded.
"How are you still looking for someone who decided to leave you?" Aiko shouted, crying. "He wanted to leave you and go back to New York! Why are you such an idiot? We are here. Your family is here. Why don't you see us? Why don't you see me?" Aiko's voice faded on the last word.
Daisuke stared at her sadly. "You know my answer already, don't you Aiko? I love him. I love only him."
Aiko collapsed on the floor, sobbing.
"Even when I lost my memories, I saw only him, thought only about him. Does that hurt Aiko? Does that break your heart?" Daisuke's voice broke. "But nothing is more heartbreaking than what I feel now, knowing I've hurt the one person I love."
Mrs. Watanabe covered her mouth with her hand, stunned at what Daisuke is revealing. Behind them, Mr. Watanabe just hung his head lowly.
"I want to understand your situation Aiko because I know the feeling of loving someone on the sidelines. But, I just can't forgive you. Not for pretending- but for letting me hurt him knowing that I actually have feelings for him."
"Daichan... I'm so sorry..." Aiko continuously sobbed.
"Please don't expect any forgiveness from me right now Aiko. I'm not a generous man. Maybe... maybe in the future."
Aiko stood limply with the help of Daisuke's father. She grabbed her bag before glancing sadly at Daisuke one last time. When the man didn't even look at her, she bid her goodbye to his parents. Hesitantly, she opened the door and got out, remembering Takeru's words for her before.
When he starts remembering you'll get even more hurt. Are you not worried about him hating you for pretending to be his fiancee?
Weakly, she felt herself sliding down against the door as the sobs she couldn't control anymore ripped out of her mouth, echoing until the end of the corridor.
A/N
Upnext: Fluff, more fluff and rabu-rabu moments :)
