It’s  1030 am. Aki reached the library, Yuto texted her the address for the library. The size is much smaller than the district library Aki often went to, and the location is very calm, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Surprisingly, the small library have loads of reference books, and it is not ancient one as Aki often found when she visits few libraries before. Taking few books that she thought might be helpful, she went back to her desk. Few minutes later Yuto came. Both of them immediately immersed themselves with the books, and discussions. Yuto gave Aki tips on most of all the topics in Maths. He tutored Aki on few difficult questions. After struggling with 2,3 questions, Aki finally got the hang of it. She’s not that bad actually. Aki on the other hand help Yuto with English and History. Yuto can’t believe he actually have a spark of interest toward history when Aki tutoring him. She narrate the stories in a simpler way for him. As for english, he don’t hate it, but the fact that they’ll not going to use it as much make him neglected the subject. He have no motivation to like english.

They continued with the discussion until Aki’s stomach growling fiercely. Hungry. She hold her stomach, while Yuto chuckeled.

“Seems like someone in need of lunch here..” Yuto said while arranging the books they’ve used.

“Let’s go before hungry Amano eat you Nakajima Yuto..” Aki rolled her eyes, surprisingly finished packing her things.

“ Wow, that’s scary, let’s go, i know a nice place around here..” He chuckled and casually pull Aki’s wrist and walked out of the building. Aki feels awkward by his action.  She even blushed a bit.

Yuto finally notice of this and let go of Aki’s hand. He himself surprised by his action. His face feels hot, embarrassed by his action, also, his heart is racing yet calmed down after a while. They walk silently until they reach the said place. It’s a small and cute cafe. Both of them went in, and were greeted by a cute guy.  Yes, cute.

“Konnichiwa Chii~” Yuto greeted the cute guy and he replied,

“Irasshaimase Yutti~” while giving a very cute smile. Aki can’t help but grinning seeing him. He’s so cute, she mentally flail over this Chii.

Chinen give a questioning look to Yuto, asking who is  Aki. He introduced her to him. They bowed to each other before taking a place to each. Chii is the same age as both of them, but he owned the cafe. Chii's cafe is very relaxing, with calming background music, the leafy ginko trees outside the windows. Interior image of the cafe looks like a log cabin with big windows. There's counter seat, and there's also secluded seats she thought is perfect for those who want to be alone, or for study purpose. Chii's cafe named Saboten Cafe. Means cactus cafe. Explained why there's quite a number of beautiful cacti as cafe decorations. Yuto told her that Chii loves cactus.

While she was busy admiring the small cafe, Yuto asked her what she want for her lunch.Aki look at the menu, but eventually let Yuto order the food for her, since he knows the place better. The menu does not look very different than any cafe she ever went to before. But Yuto said Chii's Hayashi rice is exceptionally delicious, he ordered that and chocolate avocado mint smoothie for Aki. What a weird combination, she thought. But turn out very delicious. Yuto got himself a plate of omurice, a slice of lemon cake and a slice of tiramisu for their dessert. Omurice is always and forever Aki’s favorite. She keep staring at Yuto’s omurice, and beamed after Yuto offered his. She didn’t hold back, she can't hold back if it’s her favourite food. She’s a big eater. They shared their foods. In a glance, people would say that they’re a sweet couple on a date.

Yuto excuse himself to washroom. They finished eating, only Aki still finishing few last bite on her lemon cake. Minute later Yuto came back. Both of them ready to leave. Aki went to the cashier to pay, but Yuto stopped her saying he already did. Aki want to pay Yuto her share. But Yuto insisting that the lunch would be on him.

“ But i will only accept one thing, and considered that you paid me.” Yuto said with mischievious smile.

Aki innocently asked “ What?”

“Hmm.. can you please don call me by my full name? It’s either Yuto or Nakajima, just pick one.” He almost pouted, but then braced himself so he won’t look childish.

“Hai Nakajima okay?” Aki smiled and motioned Yuto to keep walking.

Since that day, they keep going to the library for discussion whenever Yuto’s free. Aki who is completely free from all the council works have more time and she will still go there even Yuto is not.

Aki aimed to further her studies at Sophia University. They have English course, and she always wanted to study literature too.  Yuto didn’t plan to get into any university. At least not at the moment. He just want to graduate from high school fast, and then he’ll pay all attention to his work, building his career. Both of them are not in the same boat. The deal they made to pretend as couple is no longer an issue. They’re now enjoying each other's company and  people still see them as couple. Yuto saved from having to deal with his fans, admirers all those never ending confession. His life is more peaceful since Aki played her role, a fake girlfriend. He’s so thankful for her. His life is peaceful from the girls, but an uninvited feeling kind of messing with him now. He didn’t know since when, but he realize that he has a thing on her. It's too early to say love, maybe not yet. But one of a kind. Brainy Yuto cannot comprehend his own feeling.

***

Before they realize, the finals are long over, the graduation is tomorrow. Been a while since Aki see Yuto. They texted to one another few times after the finals, but none since Yuto was busy with his stage shows. Aki never want to disturb Yuto, she knows how annoying it can be to have extra disturbance during the busy days. She's been busy before, so she want to spare Yuto for having the annoyance because of that, at least from her. Little did she know that the boy is anticipating words from her.

Aki  prepared her school uniform before going to bed. The next day she wake up really early . After breakfast, she take her sweet time walking to school. It’ll be her last day wearing school uniform and walking like this. It’s already spring, sakura was blooming beautifully. When she passed by Shima-san’s house, the grumpy cat is there. Aki stopped, she saw a sakura petal landing on its head. Aki took it away while saying, “ohayou Kuro, the sakura is so beautiful isn’t it?”. To her surprise, Kuro meowing at her, he got up from his lazy posture, streching his body and meowing at Aki. Aki feels like she’s finally able to communicate with Kuro. As if Kuro congratulate her for her graduation. A year and half since Shima san took stray Kuro under her care, since then also she's been trying to befriend him, she's so happy her effort finally paid. She patted Kuro for few seconds then she continued her way to school.

After the ceremony. She was pulled away by Yamada, her best friend, her evil bestfriend. Yamada forced her for photos. He  said, “ You must want a memorable picture with a valedictorian don’t you, i know i know..” while pulling her close to him. Aki just wear a smug face, and later smile for the camera. Yamada's mom reminded her to come celebrating their graduation with the Yamadas since Aki's parents were away for some bussiness. Aki's parents already leave her with presents and a card in advance for her graduation. They will only come back after 2 days and she was very sure they will asked her to go to photo studio with them for graduation photo.

Yamada still pulling her and tried to forced her into some more photo shooting. But she refused saying there’s something she need to do. Aki promised she’ll show up at Yamada’s party that night to celebrate his success, or their success. She went searching for Yuto. Since they’re from different class, she can’t find him during the ceremony. She spot Yuto was swarmed by his fans near the garden. She waited until the girls calm down and leave. Then she approached him.

Yuto noticed Aki is approaching him, he welcome her with a big smile on his face.  “Congratulation Aki..” . Aki was surprised by the way he addressing her. He call her by her name. It is the first time he called her by her name.

“ You too Nakajima, congratulation.. “ Aki replied. But Nakajima give her disapproving face, “No fair, i was hoping you to call me Yuto..” he said, a bit pouty. Aki only returned with a smile. Aki told Yuto  she was accepted for Sophia University.

“I don’t know if this is goodluck or what, but my first year will be in UK, after that only I’ll be continue the second year onward here. They said it was a special program that just been introduced for this year’s intake”, Aki explained.

“ Wow that’s great, then later you must have the british accent with you..it’s a good opportunity.” Yuto encouraging her. At the same time, Yuto also sigh in his heart, going to the other side of the world means he will never see her for one year".

Both of them spending their last day as high school student at the school garden, sitting under the ginko big tree. Watching sakura petals dancing as they chit-chatting about their past, and future. Deep inside Aki’s heart, she is sad. She can’t see or talk to Yuto like she used to. Their deal is over. There’s no more reason for them to see each other. It’ll be impossible for her to see the famous Nakajima Yuto anymore. By that time, she knew, she fell for him. But also aware that she must hold it back. It’s impossible for them to be together. It’s impossible for her to attached to someone when she is leaving, and he is progressing foward in his career. It’ll be a hindrance, not only to herself, but also to him. She’s fully aware of that, and she decide to take the wisest decision. Keep the feeling to herself.

After having lunch at Chii’s cafe, they parted. They parted with smile. A sincere smile from the bottom of their heart. Yuto know he could be reckless and saying his heart out. He likes her, more than friend, more than bestfriend. But, being rational as always, he bid good bye to her, with a sincerest wish that she’ll succeed her new path. Both went on their own way. Their own designated path. Different path. That was the end of their stories..or at least they thought as so.

###

to be continue~

(21st March 2014)

Chapter 4. Next chapter will be the last chapter. I was thinking to end it here. But I think that another ending would be good. 

=) kuroneko