After what Miku mentioned, I didn't dig deep any further. In fact, the atmosphere around us got awkward once again, so we called quits for the day. I stayed in the hospital for a few more days until I was fully cleared. I had a test to check my concussions in order to know whether I had a chance of any recurring injuries.
Meanwhile, I was kept in good company with the young nurse taking care of me. Man, I wish I was a little bit older. If I were to even confess to her, she would brush it off like a compliment or treat me as a young kid. Looks like you always don't get what you want. That's reassuring, in some regard, I guess?
I was finally ready to get discharged, and surprise, surprise, there was no one to take me home. Unlike the last time, this time I had no business with Rinko-san. That's a dead end.
Miku also seemed to be quite taken aback after what she had mentioned, and the look on my face. She seemed to blame herself upon inflicting some salt on my wounds. Even if she said that she'd stay by my side, still it's not easy to be alongside a criminal. Even if not one anymore, that doesn't mean I ain't one.
I at least, for a moment that Sakura would have at least showed up. Maybe I wished. I felt uncomfortable now. Thinking about that. About the fact that I'd have to return home, and meet her. Living in the same home alongside me. This wasn't what she signed up for. Even if she knew I had a few screws loose, she never would have thought my moral compass was this fucked up. Or the fact I had the guts to pull off such a move.
But I guess I had it coming. I deserved it. And maybe, just maybe, with this, those girls would stay away from me. It's one less thing for me to worry about now. And that's a win if I must add. Why? Isn't it obvious?
Sooner or later, I'll have to send my regards to the person that put me through this misery. With that being said, how was I supposed to go home now? The thought of there being a chance of meeting Sakura somehow made me uncomfortable. But all my valuables seem to be at home. And Uncle, I mean, Doctor Harumi gave me enough change to get back home in a cab.
I don't think the subway or walking would be the right choice. So, my options were limited. Fine, fine! I get it! I'll go back home. And since when have I started to worry about small details? It's not like...It's not like she had any feelings for me that I utterly shattered. Nor she ever did care about my feelings.
I waited for the ride and guided the driver to my address. It was a peaceful commuter. Nothing of the ordinary. Cab drivers were really something else.
They seemed to be the most chill person on the planet. This driver, in particular, was playing out some good English songs and driving around in a smooth manner. We spoke around for a bit. That's the typical norm, right? It was, right? Don't tell me I had actually suffered a concussion and started to be more friendly than I was my whole life combined.
Finally, a tune that was to my liking started playing around just when the car came to a halt. And to my surprise, and dismay, we had arrived at my house. I paid the required fare for the drive and tried offering a tip. But the cab driver, was polite and honest to his profession, that he had instantaneously declined my tip. I bowed down in response, and he just smiled back and left in search of his next ride.
I had very little interest in going back home. Ok! Let's think about this. I'll just open the door, slowly tiptoe, and just head to my room. Since the whole house has been soundproofed, it's time to bring forth my assassin skills. No, with the current reputation, that would be misinterpreted. Ninja Skills! That's better!
Ok! Now, it's time to execute the plan!
I opened the door, and to my surprise, Sakura was properly dressed up and was about to head out. I seemed to have caught her off-guard. This was awkward.
"Um, Yo! Going out?"
She was surprised. I think I caught her at the wrong time. I was quiet. For a moment, time stood still. The silence was eating me up. Ok, I take it back, I want to run away from here, as soon as possible.
She dropped her bag, all of a sudden. Yikes! This is going to get worse. She charged in my direction. All right, she's either going high and slapping me hard, or going low, and hitting me in the guts. That's what I hoped for. Please, spare my crown jewels! No sooner had my stupid thoughts prepared me for whatever was about to happen, what happened was completely unexpected.
By the time I opened my eyes, she was hugging me tight! And then, she started letting out her tears. This was the first time I saw her cry in a long while.
"Um, Sakura..."
I thought of apologizing to her but...
We kissed! And this wasn't the regular type we had done before. This time, it was the passionate kind She caught me tight, and let out her feelings. I was at the receiving end of those hidden feelings.
All this while, I was refraining from having a misunderstanding about her actions. I was persuading myself from misinterpreting and making the situation even more awkward. For now, I just took her feelings head-on. That's the only thing I could do.
We were in a deadlock for a while, before coming back to her senses. And when we stepped back, the Sakura I had seen was completely different. I didn't know what it was. But this feeling, it's very hard to explain. I think I was mesmerized!
Wiping her tears out, she said
WELCOME HOME!
AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, THIS HOUSE FELT LIKE MY HOME!