1 Prologue

Things that I never knew happened, and when those things happen they're just things that you need to deal with, you never know what will happen to you or what will happen to those people that surround you. The only thing that you can think of is what life can give. One moment is all that we all need, maybe a second chance. And that chance will be the only thing that can bring anybody together.

My Story begins on the very first day of the year; in the new term of school and this all started in April. You may be asking what's is so important to me that properly have prepared for this day. Actually no, nothing can prepare you for something that might or might not happen. This is just the beginning of my life changing from one point, okay, so let's.

It was about 6:30 a.m. I Was preparing myself to go to school. I was a new student entering a new high school. And by chance, was transferring from my old high school from America to this new one in Japan. The name of my new high school is Hokkaido Wakkanai High School.

Only hearing the name you know where my high school is from It's located in Hokkaido, Japan and the city of Wakkanai that is near to the capital of Soya.

I live by myself. You can say that sounds like a good thing, but it gets boring when you're living in a house where you're the only person that lives in it. Sometimes the only thing that is good would be always being next to the girl that you love. For me for the girl that I have a crush on ever since in the last month I've come back from America.

Her name is Ueno Aoko, she's the girl of my dreams since in elementary school. She was my neighbor next door. The first time I saw her was still living in Japan with my parents. Since then her beautiful smile and face are still on my mind. And her hair is so long that she looked like one of those princesses of those fairy tales. Back then most of the boys fought to just dreamed to be with her. It's been five years since the last time I ever had a conversation together. Actually, I've never had one. I just wanted to sound confident. Where are my parents you may be asking? well, they went back to America to work on an excavation in Arizona. Their both archaeologist and they left me In Japan to keep on my studies. So today is the moment that I'm going to confess my emotion towered her. I was shaken by the thought of just doing this. I started to practice my words of confession on a piece of paper. I was walking downtown saying hello to everyone that I knew. I gave my solicitations to the fish handler Mr. Ikeda Naoki. He's a great man. Also, my next door neighbor.

Since I came to Hokkaido ever since my parents and I moved to Hakodate for five years when I was nine years old. He and his family has greeted us with kindness ever since. His son is my best friend ever since pre-school. His name is Hikaru. The last conversation we had was about three weeks ago online when I announce my indication of arrival . "hmm! maybe I'll ask him to come by and to have some dinner. And invite his family." smiling looking so joyful. I wonder, how things are with Mr. Ikeda? "Good morning Sugawara," Mr. Ikeda called me while waving. So I answered back. "Good morning for you as well." As being coy. "So, I heard that you are transferring to a new school? Is that right." Mr. Ikeda being nosy as ever. "Yap!" Only Having one word to say. I looked at the time on my watch and saw that I was going to be late for my very first day at my new school. I started to get alarmed. I was a bit panicky at the situation that was unfolding today. I just to leave the conversation I was having with Mr. Ikeda. So I left in a hurry and turning and walking around to say bye to Mr. Ikeda. I started babbling about how to say my feeling and how to find the properly say the words I want them to be a part core and my being. In the meantime, I've been practicing the turning of my phrases to a scale that I have to clime. I know very well that If I didn't get this correct I would be heartbroken. " Aoko, there's something that I want convey to you. Ever since we were kids I had press emotions bottled up that they need to come out. Aoko, will... you... go out with me." Then out the sudden, a bike came towards me. " Waa!~" A lady was having problems controlling her bicycle and asking me to move out of the way. " Whaaah"!!~ WATCH OUT KID!! Get out the way. So at that moment, I knew that this would be my last day in this world and that nothing would save me. I saw a light and heard a voice calling to me saying, "my boy, stay with me and let us enjoy those forgotten times." I knew that voice. Grandfather! Is that you?" Asking myself confusingly. "Yes, It is me. Come and join me in this sunset so both gaze of the wonder after-life." I answered back to him like I've been suddenly God; given a chance to be with a dear family that I love. " "I'll be there." I started smiling, laughing while running joyfully In the garden that they call Eden. But out of nowhere, a woman began to show up inside my head calling me. All that could understand was a bit of what she was saying. "Wake up, Wake up, " "somebody, call the ambulance." I heard her being worried about me. It was the same lady that ran me on her bicycle. I started to groan because of the pain of the grousing hit on my back. At the same time, I got up and at the same time, The lady jumped back believing that I came back to life just like a zombie coming out from the grave. The lady started to cry but also smiling. It seemed that I was in an ambulance and she was next to me too. Ha, ha! I almost, guffaw out loud. One little chuckle would actually hurt me even more. Well; It seems that my confession won't work if I die. so, I'd just sleep it off.

I woke-up hearing somebody voice. First, I looked around to see my surroundings. That lady of the bike was sitting next to my bead. She was peeling an apple with a knife. I saw the time and It was 8:30 pm; " Ah, late. I miss an entire day of school, That can't be." I started to be a bit frustrated by this situation so I put the covers over my head. Just screaming for a moment. I forgot that the bike lady was watching me. I started to feel flustered in front of her. She began to laugh at me. I got mad so I asked why she was laughing at me. " nothing... you look cute with that face your showing." while holding her hands and mine together. My face turned red like a tomato. My hands started to sweat, my mind was telling me that I hoped that she doesn't notice? All at ones, my body started to heat up I didn't know what to do I couldn't control my self. Everything, every part of my being just wanted to touch this woman. " Hold on... what I'm I thinking, I love someone I can't betray my heart. My feelings are to Ueno. But, this woman is so luxurious. So different but why? I looked at her eyes with mine I got closer and closer and I wanted to kiss those lips. She pushes me aside and started to say, " what are you doing? What are you trying to do?" Still, holding our hands. I myself had no clue. Not a clue why; but, the only thing that was forcing me was me. She looks like a goddess that came down from the sky. And her face is like she's been in magazines. I told her. " I myself don't know why. But you look... ah ouch" An unknown pain in my left leg. Suddenly, a knock at the door. It was the doctor, and she had a clipboard and papers. Her name was Akamine Rikku. She entered with a look of delight in her grin that seemed a sign of good gratification in her part but, also was a bit of an embarrassing scenario. She starts walking away on this embarrassing situation. I start telling her the distance from seeming the situation in what she might be thinking is going on. The only thing she starts to say is. " Sorry for the inconvenience. I-I didn't mean to trouble both of you." Her voice with the sound of a stutter and a giggle. I asked her to hold on for a bit and try to explain what is going on inside the room. And what exactly was going on with me and the lady? Well, I started to say that I was eating a piece of apple and then I almost fell down from the bed. Then, she holds me with her arms around me to not fall down But, In my mind, I was telling myself that it wouldn't work. That she would not believe that at all. "Oh, that makes sense." Dow- founded I looked That I couldn't believe that something like this was working. "so, you do believe that nothing is going on right?" I asked her a bit scared face on me; if she was playing with us, Or not. but it seems that she's just Pretending that she Is Ignoring what she's seeing right now. Mabey it is for the best I would say.

"OK, Mr. Sugawara. It seems that you'll be staying the night. Your analyses have shown that you have a broken leg. And the X- rays have found damaged ligaments. You need to be in recovery for about Four mouths. There's nothing too worrying about, but you'll still have to go to school." Dr. Akamine was ensuring me that everything would be ok. but I was still uneasy.

the doctor left saying. " Nurse if you may, can you help the patient to go to the recovery center"? Dr. Akamine ordered.

"Of course doctor." Politely the nurse answered. The nurse told me that in about an hour or two that she would come by and make a common check on me; and also to pick me up to go to the physic Center for Recovery. slowly she shut the door and left. And now that lady and I are together in one room; stuck in this situation. My face got so red. And hers as well. suddenly, I heard some noises it was coming from the lady of the bicycle.

"Mmmm; umm... should if possible, have an introduction on who we are?" she tells me with a cute and a bashful look. And also sliding her hands up and down while having the tips of her fingers downward. Then I answer. "Sur- sure! That sound okay with me. But is it fine?" While scratching my head. "So, who will be the first to say their names?" She tells me. all of her getting closer and closer. I'm moving aside because her presences were making me feel a bit pell-mell.

I tried to say some words. but nothing came out. The Only thing was jibberish.

Suddenly, she started to speak and she started to say. "First of all, I just want to say I'm very sorry that I ran you over with my bike. I didn't mean for this to happen. I hope you can forgive me." Having feelings of concern on her face. I told her there's nothing to be worrying about. That it was just an accident. What I could see that she was still thinking that she was at fault. So I told her my name. "Hello, let me introduce myself so we can not have this weird moment. My name is Sugawara Kou. Well, you Heard The doctor and the nurse says it. Anyway, and you are?" I asked her calmly.

"My name is Miss Ishikawa." On a voice that was smooth and gentle to the ear.

"I just moved from Tokyo. I worked there as a teacher and now I'm here as a new principle. Well, I don't know a lot about this town so...

... I'll be waiting for any of the time until I get settled on my new home." She conveys this to me.

" Oh, that's nice. I also I'm slightly new myself. I came back to Japan from America. My Father and my mother met each other in University a long time ago. My mother is from America while my father is Japanese. So you could say I'm a half breed." It seemed that she was interested in my background. And how my family is. I also implement that there are both archaeologists. She seems really intrigued. We heard a knock on the door and it was the nurse from earlier saying that it was time for me to go to the physical Center.

I was having a good conversation with Miss Ishikawa that I completely forgot I'm about having' my physical checked. So I was feeling a bit down in the dumps.

I started to sigh for a bit and stand up until. "excuse me." The nurse shouts not to force my movements so harshly. "You'll damage your legs joints. It's better if you sit in this wheelchair for the meantime." Giving me some advice. So I told miss Ishikawa that it was nice to meet her and that our conversation was lovely. And I hoped that someday we would bump to each our in the near future. Then I turn around and smiled. And she said the same back to me. I did want to see her someday. I hoped the future is possible.

For some reason, something like this is the beginning of my story.

Night has amidst for some time. Luckily my parents did make some plans for scenarios in case if there was a problem. They asked Mr. Ikeda if his family can take care of me for a while. I don't live with them I'm only the neighbor next door. But It's fine. Well, okay, not so. I did break my right leg. That's what the doctor told me. And how did Mr. Ikeda knows, you may be asking your self? I made a phone call and told him how all this happened. First, I started explaining I was walking down the street and I wasn't paying attention. That out of the blue this lady was riding down-hill on her bicycle. And for some reason, I'd forget what I was doing In the meantime. He started to Yell but also sounding concerned and he is an emotional guy. But Mostly because of my father and Mr.Ikeda where friends since Highschool.

So, I went to sleep thinking about me being in the hospital having a dream. Strangely, I've never had one of these dreams before. One of those.

I'm in the hospital sleeping in my bed without care. Then, I hear the door opening slowly. I open one of my eyes to see a nurse. She had chestnut colored hair; long and wavy. She walks straight at me. I cannot see her face but I can see her mouth smiling at me. The lights were turned off so I couldn't see anything. Luckily the switch was next to my bead. I tried to turn on the lights but no luck. It wasn't working. Suddenly, she climbs up to my bed as well. And then she started to whisper something in my ear." We will meet soon enough."

I'm seeing myself holding some kind of object. Round but small. It seemed that could be held by a finger. I that I'm wearing a suit and tie. In the meantime, people that did and didn't know were sitting outside and church bells rang and flowers falling down until to reveal women holding a big bouquet. I started to wake and seems self back at my home. I'm looking at the window saying " morning already." Looking all tired and a mess. Luckily I was sleeping on my sofa couch It was two days since the accident.

Out of a sudden, a knock on my door. Wondering who might it be at this hour. I graved some crutches. They were given to me in the hospital. Moving slowly getting up for the couch. Trying to stan up, I moved to the door saying "I'm coming" looking worn- out. A young man about 6' ft and 2in. Skinny, long legs. Eyes of colored blue and hairstyle of an updo wrap- up and womanly figures. Was Holding a plate with food covered with plastic. It was smelling wonderful. The time was 7:15 Am. On a Saturday. "Morning. How are you feeling?" He asked me worried like I know him? "Um, fine." I discussed. Funny, I didn't recognize his face until he told me, "my mom asked me to bring you some food". smiling and telling me that I've had a hard week. I was confused about what was going on. I asked. " Who are". And he replied saying. "You do not recognize your own friend?"

It took me some time to comprehend. Until I saw his necklace. A necklace shaped of a butterfly. Four colored gems; red, yellow, brown, and light blue on top in the center of each wing. The same that I have to...

...him. My friend.

"You... Are you?" Being confused but happy as well. " long time no see." Giving me a smile and laughter too. With pep, I hug him. At the same time, I cried. "Long time no see. That's my line you fool." I asked him to come in and have some food with me. But he tells me that he already ate. That didn't bother me at all. What was important; that we can meet each other and talk about what has happened since we were apart for so long. We converse on things that had happened since I moved to America. I told him that I had made a lot of friends ever since I moved there. Then he told me he also made new ones as well. Or conversation kept on going for a while until; his phone started to ring. "Hello." He asked. "Huh? Oh, um...Ok. Sure that's fine, nothing to worry. I'll be there in no time." I was eager about his conversation, and the more intrigued I was.

"Who was that?" ask him.

"A friend." He tells me. At the same time putting away his phone. But something was telling me that he was hiding something. It got Undetermined for a while. still, it was a trapdoor that got me curious. In the meantime, I'd asked if he wanted some tea. And he expressed a sense of confirmation and with rejoicing. Our conversation kept going Then He told me he needed to go to help at the fish market his father owns. It seemed that he only has to do this today because one of the workers got hurt in an assident yesterday. "Hmm, that sounds weird? Yesterday." I ask.

"Yes! Yesterday last night." His voice sounding lax. More rigid.

"Last night? wait, what do you mean by that?" My head started to have a twisted sensation that I was missing something; A something that I forgot on my own. My conscious is trapped with no memories of what else had happened on yesterdays accident. I wonder what Hikaru was telling me. Hikaru is the son of Mr. Ikeda. So his full name is Ikeda Hikaru. His the same age as me. 17 years old. And I wonder, what goes on in his mind. And is he hiding something from me? Sometimes we kept on talking, Then, we said our goodbyes. So I started Jumping upstairs to get ready for the day. I struggled to change my clothes. It was hard for me to move. I need help but, I knew that I could do it. Still,  It was getting late. Because I had to go to the street market and make a run. This might be the first day of coming to Japan, but  I know that I've been here before with my family. You may wonder about my grandparents? well, they are not alive anymore. There was an accident In the town's bank. some people came to rob every yen inside This happened in around 2007 and I was young. On the age of seven. what was happening and I didn't understand what was death I only wanted to see them and hug them while seeing a smile on our faces so um... that's not going to happen, is it? suddenly, at the time I was walking I had the chance to have a conversation with the people on the market. they had a get attitude and they seemed happy. They were smiling and the people around here they seemed as joyful as they are. Having some days living in Hokkaido it's wonderful. suddenly, A voice that was remembered called to me. "Sugawara? Sugawara Kou is that you. It is you right?" she sounded happy.  Did I know this person? so I turned around and see it was a girl. With long hair and a beauty that is uncanny; so familiar, I've might in my heart just giving small glam on her I knew that she was... "um, you're...?" Looking astonished.   "OH MY GOD!" Being so jumpy and speechless. I couldn't believe my eyes, it was her. What was this? She started to walk closer to me. Is this happening or it was a dream? And maybe I was still sleeping.

I start to pinch myself to see if this was actually happening "ouch!" I yelled. " that hurt. Hah, wait it's not a dream it's real. This is happening."  Whispering underneath my breath. Now seeing this is not a dream I was starting to ask myself what I would do next.  I knew that I should have started with a hello but something else happened and it went badly. At the moment she was coming towards me I ran from her. I've couldn't believe that the first thing I do is run away. This was a bad idea because at the moment I turned around I forgot that I was badly injured.

You can say, I was clumsy but in reality, I was just a moron. A moron that was in love with a girl. Then the only thing I remember was yet again falling and fainting. what's this my only reason to exist? Maybe, maybe not?

­