The entire night I was thinking about that incident. I still could not get that out of my head. The image of Itsuki crying. He was like a 16 year old boy weeping like a 5 year old who just lost something valuable to him. Also I realized that me meeting Itsuki was not coincidence. It was all setup by Haruka-sensei. I really need to talk to her.
"I am on my way."
"Take care."
With that I stepped out of my house and rang the bell of Itsuki's door. Since the time I met him I started waking up early so I can go to school with him. Asuka-chan opened the door in half sleepy eyes.
"Oh Asuka-chan good morning."
"Huh? Ine-san good morning. Why are you here today?"
"I came to pick Itsuki so that we can go to school."
"Oni-chan will be missing school today. Go to school without him today. He told me to tell this to you."
Itsuki is skipping school today? That's strange it was only three days for our summer break to start so why is he skipping school? Is it because of tomorrow's incident? Anyways first thing first. I need to talk to Haruka-sensei.
I met sensei near the school gate as she was walking. She looked as pretty as usual. I called her out.
"Sensei."
"Yes, Isogai-san what is it?"
"I have something to ask to you."
"So you figured it out?"
Looks like she knew what I wanted to talk about. She told me to follow her and I did. After sometime when there was no one around us she turned around and spoke up.
"You want to ask if it was me who made you meet Takana isn't it? The answer is yes."
"But why did you do that sensei."
"Just a little experiment I wanted to try. I tried it once in the first year too."
"Really?"
"Yes, with Sato-san."
So that explains Yui-chan's interest in Itsuki. Wait but that does not make one thing clear.
"Sensei why did you do it? I want the reason."
"I told you Takana is different. He never interacted with any of his classmates. So I wanted to see what will happen if he does."
So all this that has happened up till now is all because of sensei. We were manipulated by her to act like this. No not manipulated, she is just an observer who just hit the trigger. What we did was our own choice. I was sure about that.
"Thank you sensei."
I said that while bowing down. I really meant that thanks.
"Why are you thanking me and not being angry?"
"Because of this I got to meet Itsuki. I am deeply thankful to you for that. Just overserve and see what we will do. I will not let you down."
"Looks like this time my choice was correct."
She said that with a big smile.
After that I went to the classroom. Sitting down my eyes were scanning the classroom. Really even if he is absent after all that that has happened in the past few days, no one notices it. I was thinking that when Yui-chan approached me.
"Umm, Ine-chan. Did you not come with Takana-kun?"
"Oh yeah he is taking off today."
Now that we are at it.
"Yui-chan. You know Takana-kun from before right?"
"Yes, I was his classmate."
"But you actually talked to him didn't you. In first year."
She went silent. Her eyes said, "How do you know that?"
"Because it was Haruka-sensei who made you do this. Don't worry it's all right."
"Oh, okay. She told me interact with Takana-kun. She said if I did manage to do that, I will never regret knowing him."
Sensei really knows how to persuade people. Why is she not a business woman? Well, who am I to judge her? As we were talking about to Itsuki, Daichi-kun entered the conversation.
"Looks like that Takana is taking off today. Isn't it weird that he is doing that? I bet it is about yesterday."
Daichi-kun, for the first time in my life I felt like ignoring someone but I cannot do that. Can I? He really does resent him, even after what he has done for him. Seeing the outcome made me happy and sad both. I hope... wait I have an idea.
"Yui-chan do you, Daichi-kun and Aika-chan want to come to my house? We can also pay a visit to Itsuki's house. He lives next door."
"Okay we will."
They all agreed to it immediately. Looks like Itsuki has more guests now. The school went as normal as always. Nothing really happened thanks to Itsuki not being here. On our way home something unexpected happened. While we were just in front of Itsuki's house even though Daichi-kun didn't want to "disturb" him, as I was about to ring the bell a voice called us from behind.
"Wow, now I have more stalkers. Really, Ine did your disease spread to them too?"
Itsuki was standing behind us with a carry bag in his hands. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black pajama. His black hear were not properly combed but them still looked okay.
"Wow, Takana that is quite a look. What, did your mother send you to buy groceries on your day off? That sucks."
"My mom is abroad and I live alone. Anyway, I think you all were paying me a visit. Ine you really come up with some interesting ideas don't you?"
How did he know that? Well he is right on the spot as always. His deduction abilities are really good.
"It's rude for me to keep you outside so please come in."
He was not rude today. What happened to him? Did he hit his head or something?
"I did not hit my head Ine."
"How did you know I was thinking that?"
"I have psychic abilities."
"Wait Takana really?"
"Who knows?"
We entered his house and it was very clean. As we were taking of our shoes Asuka-chan came running at us. He jumped and hugged Itsuki. He smiled kindly at her. Seeing that smile in first person the others were really in awe.
"Oni-chan you have many guests today don't you."
"Yes, I do. Why are you guys standing? Come in."
We were happy that Itsuki was okay and were also in confusion as he did not act like he normally did. He was kinder, friendlier and on top of everything nicer than normal.
"Hey Takana. I really think you have a fever."
"And your explanation to that statement Fumihiro."
"You are acting different than normal."
"Well I am. Today is a special day. Leave all that come in. I will get you guys something to drink what do you want? I have juice, tea and coffee."
He said that showing his bag. Did he just buy it?
"Yes, I did."
"How do you know what I was thinking?"
"Oni-chan can easily tell what the other person is thinking if he get to know them."
"Yes, but I do not know you too well so it takes a little more effort than normal."
It really is strange. Itsuki acting like this even though he was crying yesterday like anything. What is going on? We entered the living room and sat on the couch. We all told what we wanted and Itsuki went to prepare it.
Asuka-chan sat in front of us smiling. She then looked at us and spoke in a serious voice.
"Listen all of you. Please do not make oni-chan upset today or make him say anything he normally says?"
"Why is that? And I forgot to ask you are Takana-kun's little sister right? What is your name?"
Yui-chan asked in a friendly manner.
"Oh, my name is Takana Asuka. Call me Asuka. I currently am in my third year of middle school."
"So Asuka-chan why did you ask us that?"
"Today is the only day oni-chan acts as he used to do so please to not turn him back to his usual self today. This is why he skipped school."
"Huh, such a lame reason to skip school."
Daichi-kun said in a mocking tone. But why is that he acted like that today? Firstly I need to talk to Daichi-kun.
"Daichi-kun please do not comment unless you understand the entire situation."
"Huh? What is there to understand? It's just a lame excuse for not coming to school. He really like doing such things."
Bam! Asuka-chan hits the table with her fist. She looks at Daichi-kun with bloodshot eyes.
"Don't badmouth my oni-chan or I will make you regret it."
"Asuka. They are our guest. Don't be rude with them. See you are scaring them all."
Itsuki come in the room with a tray with our drink. He now properly combed his hair and was smiling brightly. Please smile like this more Itsuki. You will have many more friends. But I guess it is all for today. Realizing that I became a bit sad.
Unable to control her thought Yui-chan and Aika-chan spoke up.
"Wow, Takana-kun why don't you smile like that? You look really good with that."
"Yes, Aika-chan is right. Takana-kun if I had seen your smile an year before I would have been dead set to know you more."
"Well we cannot cry over spilled milk can we? Here are your drinks. Need something to eat?"
We all denied and with our drinks in hand started drinking. I asked for a cup of tea and it was really good. Aika-chan asked for coffee and Yui-chan and Daichi-kun had juice.
"Takana-kun this coffee is really good."
"It's nothing special."
He said that and sat in front of us smiling the entire time. I was a bit ticked off about how he was acting. It was not bad but it was not the usual Itsuki.
"Itsuki why don't you act like before. It's not like you. It feels like a fake you"
"What do you mean? My past self and my current self. None of them are fake. They are or were a different version of me. Think as if you are meeting for the first time."
That is something really unreasonable and selfish to ask from a friend. All of us liked this version of Itsuki but we were not comfortable around this version. I soon decided to leave but I wanted one thing.
"Hey Itsuki. Would you like to come to my house? We all are going there. Asuka-chan should also come. Mom really wants to meet you."
I did not lie there at all. Even mom wanted to meet Itsuki.
"Okay, let's go."
We left for my house and as we entered mom was standing right in front of us with a big smile. We all sat in the living room and started talking. Itsuki had nothing to talk but he did listen to us as if showing interest. His behavior got on Daichi-kun's nerves as he shouted out.
"How long are you going to keep up this stupid act of yours Takana?"
There was silence in the room for the next few seconds. Looks like Itsuki decided to turn back. But before doing that he looked at the time. He stared at Daichi-kun with cold eyes. Thank god the old Itsuki is back. But why am I so happy about it?
He stood up and walked out of the room. Asuka-chan followed him and then we heard the door open and close. He really just left. We all even mom looked at Daichi-kun with annoyed look on our faces. Not just the look we actually were annoyed about it.
"Why did you have to do that?"
"Because his act was getting on my nerves. It was stupid and lame."
"Don't throw accusations on other if you don't know the full reason."
Wait. Aika-chan just talked back to Daichi-kun while protecting Itsuki? She never was that kind of girl as long as I remember. But her words also made sense. Yui-chan also entered the conversation.
"Really Daichi-kun. You shouldn't have said that."
The happy and peaceful atmosphere was now filled with silence. Soon everyone left and it was only me and mom in the house. She looked a bit down seeing all that happen. The rest of the day was very gloomy.
The next day Itsuki attended the classes and was also back to his usual self. We tried to approach him but he gave but he gave us all a cold shoulder. Yep, the old Itsuki is back. I really know him for like a week and I thought I actually knew him. But now that I think about it. I don't know the first thing about him. All I knew was about how he acted in front of us. We don't know the person called Takana Itsuki.
During lunch we all decided to head to the music room. Itsuki was sitting there quietly eating his lunch. He bought yakisoba bread and milk form the cafeteria. Can't say anything. He does have to cook for two of the three people in the house. We quietly sat there and greeted him. He nodded his head as a reply.
The room was filled only with the pieces played in the speaker. Soon it changed to La campanella by Liszt. It's this the piece that Itsuki was playing the day before and stopped mid-way. I don't want to remember that scene. It still makes me sad seeing my friend cry. As it was at the point till Itsuki played he stood up and walked out of the room. We got a glance at his face and could see tears welling up in his eyes. Don't tell me.
We soon chased after Itsuki as we watched him go. He didn't notice us, I think and went to the back of the school building. There was no one there. Then he cried his heart out there again.
"Takana-kun."
Aika-chan and Yui-chan could not bear the sight and called him out. Bad mood guys, bad mood, but he did not hear us he just cried the entire time. We finally decided to approach him. He saw us, eyes still filled with tears. It hurts seeing my friend in this way. He wiped his eyes and came back to his normal self. That was quick, wow. Wait this is no time to be surprised.
"Ine, your disease of stalking me really spread to the rest of the girls."
"Are you sure about that? That I did not drag them along"
What am I saying? Why am...
"There is no way you would do that. You are not like that. Also no need to worry about me, I am all right. It is legal for boys to cry."
"..."
"But Takana-kun can we know the reason to it?"
"And what will you do after that?"
"..."
"But Takana-kun we want to help you."
"Sakura-san how can you help me regarding something that is not related to you?"
"..."
Shutting us all down he started walking away, but then Yui-chan grabbed his sleeve. He was also surprised by that. He turned around and the surprise could be seen on his face.
"Takana-kun you won't know that we can help you unless we do."
"Wow, you-"
"There is no need to run away from all this. We are all worried about you. Even Haruka-sensei was. That is why she set up your meeting me and Ine-chan."
"..."
For the first time Itsuki went silent. He did not utter another word just looking at Yui-chan. Don't forget we also exist here Itsuki.
"You really did change didn't you Yui? I never expected this."
Wait did he call her by her given name? What is going on? I cannot understand at all. He looks at me and chuckles to himself.
"Can't help it. Looks like I have no other choice."
He pats on Yui-chan's head and then started walking.
"Come to the music room after school. I will come out all clear. No more lies. I think I need to change my perspective. Sakura-san you are also invited. Even Fumihiro if he wants to."
He walked away as we just stood there. I saw Yui-chan smiling and is she blushing? Wow, Itsuki is really a smooth criminal. I asked her because if I didn't I felt like I would just explode with curiosity.
"Hey Yui-chan? Do you know Itsuki really well?"
"Well, yes. When I met him I also tried really hard to know him and we became friends but then due to some reason I stopped meeting him."
Hmm, so that means Haruka-sensei's first experiment would become a success. Now that this is taken care of I think now we need to go to the music room after school. Itsuki really being your friend is really tiring not that I am complaining.
Before we knew it, the school bell rang and school ended. Itsuki went early and soon after I, Yui-chan and Aika-chan went to the music room, Daichi-kun could not come as he had practice.
We entered the room and saw 4 seats set there. Looks like he knew Daichi-kun wouldn't come. Itsuki was sitting in one of the seat and told us to sit down. He took a deep breath and started.
"Two years ago, both my grandpa and grandma died on June 17."
The entire room was filled with silence. We all had the same question in our mind. What happened?
"Due to some reasons I ran away in the middle of the school. When my grandparents got the news they started looking for me in the car all around. When I came back I... I... I was told they dies in a car accident."
So that's what happened. Itsuki's eyes were starting to fill with water. He was about to cry but Yui-chan tightly held his hand. They knew each other quite well seeing how they were interacting right now.
"But that does not explain why were you crying when you heard that piece by Liszt?"
"That is... because that... piece always reminds me of them. My grandpa once said that every music piece ever written can be a personification of a personality. I did not believe him until this happened. He said that he and grandma's personality could depicted in La campanella. I was playing it the other day and I realized he was true. The guilt, regret, sadness and all came to me and then you all know what happened."
We all went silent hearing that. I had many questions in my mind. Why did he run from school? Was this why he was like this? And so on. But right now I decided to not touch on that topic as the current Itsuki was very frail. He will break if you even touch those topics. All we did was look at him and feel sad.
I finally spoke up.
"Its' okay Itsuki. We are really sorry we made you say such things."
"It's okay. Sooner or later I had to get over it. It's been two years and I still cannot forget about that. That incident was all my fault if I hadn't run away, if..."
Yes that feeling of "if". If I had done that, if I hadn't done that. It all makes us regret the decisions we make in our life. That is why there was a saying, "Don't cry over spilled milk." That if is one of the most hurting word created in the world.
After some silence Itsuki went back to his usual self. How does he do that? I have no idea. I had to make one thing clear.
"Itsuki from now on even Yui-chan and Aika-chan are your friends."
"And I have no say in it? Well can't help it. Looks like even I was deep inside hoping for someone to save me. I'll be in your care."
He says that bowing down. Itsuki don't be so kind, I will start feeling bad for what I have done. He sits up from his seat and sits at the piano.
"I have permission today. Don't worry."
He started playing a sonata by Beethoven as we became captive to its soothing sound. We all listened to it quietly as he played it. When it ended he stood and started heading out.
"Planning to stay here forever?"
"No, let's go Ine-chan, Aika-chan."
"Okay."
Looks like part of the mystery is solved and Itsuki is changing for the better. I hope nothing stops this now. Really god. Please have a little mercy on us.
Conclusion- I need to know more about Yui-chan and Itsuki.