-Back to Part I-
-------------
We part ways after our reunion, with her staying in the tea room while I make my way back to the ‘Haunted House’ set. Lilly mention how Akira will come pick her up later and not to worry, as well as apologizing for keeping her company longer than expected—despite it being something that doesn’t even bother in the first place and in fact, enjoyed. Lilly has been a great friend to me and—perhaps—something greater; just thinking about it makes my heart race and my face blush that will most likely cause others to distinguish me as another ‘love-struck idiot with that creepy smile for no apparent reason’. At least, that’s what I think I look like right now. Lilly’s a good friend, though sometimes I wish we are more than ‘just friends’; such thoughts are troublesome as Shizune is still a part of my life right up to this point.
But is it the same, though? Is the affection and feeling I have for her when she was alive still hold true, unspoiled and strong? Or is it simple infatuation?
“Hey, Prez…!”
Miyazaki’s sudden intervention interrupts me, to which I quickly regain my focus and look straight into his weary eyes. His breathing is heavy and erratic, but even so he still holds considerable amount of energy to quickly jump to his feet, straightens up, and lands his left hand on my shoulder while pointing to the general direction where he came from with his right. I know in an instant that it is the general direction of their attraction.
“Where the hell have you been?”
I shrug his hand off my shoulder and clear my throat, “I was in the tea room with Lilly earlier. Sorry for skipping it out, but I’m heading back there right now.”
“Screw that, skip that part; that caveman that tried to crack your skull yesterday came back and he’s out for blood—
yours.”
Shizune’s father’s back? Why is the school still…?
Shit.
In a second's notice my brain sends a clear message of ‘danger’ that resonates throughout every corner of my body, restricting my movement from heading to that particular direction. I can sense it; that dark, oppressive aura that emanates from the hall that leads towards the ‘Haunted House’, a strong murderous killing intent that feels like a sharpened knife before my throat. I should run, avoid any and all contact with him if I value my life—I know I
should.
But I can’t.
Shizune’s old man’s killing intent came from the loss of his daughter, a fault that legitimately rests on my shoulders. Even if it was an accident, there’s a considerable amount of responsibility that hovers around my negligence which made me a legitimate suspect—not a spectator. Jigoro’s vie for my head is a natural response and so will others if their daughter is taken from them by the hands of death, more so if her partner was at the crime scene. I didn’t do anything but cried that day, now I have to face him and clear this up which—hopefully—will bring peace to both of us. There is no choice but to confront him; I have to.
“Just out of curiosity, Prez,” Miyazaki asks. “What exactly did you do? He’s branding you as a ‘murderer’, that’s quite a conviction.”
In an almost similar fashion to the Nurse, this particular member of the Paranormal Research Club locks his attention on me and questions the viability of Jigoro’s claim on my ‘status’—a murderer. It’s not much of a surprise for strangers to have a misconception of the situation after yesterday’s incident; it was rowdy to begin with, not to mention a student ended up having to struggle between life and death, much to the horror of the school. Still, the issue is downplayed for the most part and everything is resolved in a civil manner—everything except the lingering grudge that remains in Jigoro Hakamichi and his thirst for my blood. This is my problem to begin with,
my issue, and
my responsibility. I was Shizune’s boyfriend and on that day, I stood on the sideline and watched everything happen before me where I could’ve been there and made a difference.
This is my responsibility. There is no escape from it, only salvation.
I will have to face it.
“Miyazaki,” I start. “Could you keep what I’m about to tell you a secret?”
He nods silently.
“Then, please listen. I also have a favor to ask from you.”
-------------
If the Nurse is the embodiment of a ‘death god’, then Jigoro is its messenger. There’s nothing in this world that can describe how terrifying it is, how much
fear dictates every step I take and every move I make; if any, it’s like walking to the gallows under the intense scrutiny of crows waiting to pick your carcass for whatever’s left. Just near the end of this hall is the talked about ‘haunted house’, the station that is under the supervision of the ‘Paranormal Research Club’, Shizune’s haunting spot for the duration of this festival, and also where I am heading for. Heeding Miyazaki’s warning, I have been forewarned of the presence of Jigoro, Shizune’s father who now stands guard by the entrance of the attraction, awaiting my arrival—
delivering what I believe to be ‘judgment’. Earlier I asked Miyazaki to go on ahead, to clear out the last of the guests so as not to create further disturbances while I confront the demon himself inside the classroom as the Student Council office is locked and its keys in the hands of the staffs.
But that isn’t the only reason—well, partially, maybe.
When I arrive at the scene, Misha quickly approaches me and warns me of the impending danger that I may face in the next few minutes, opting for a ‘quick escape’ as the better solution than confronting what could possibly lead to my certain death. I kindly decline, instead asking her not to worry and enjoy the remaining hours left in the festival. She initially refuses the offer, but relents nonetheless after realizing that I will not be swayed from confronting Jigoro any later.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” she advises as she walk pass me with Hanako not far behind her. “We’ll be at the courtyard.”
What’s left after is Shizune herself. True to a ghost, she watches her family from a distance as they wait restlessly for my arrival, biting her thumbnail with utmost irritation and stress over their well-being. It is as if she’d burst at any moment, to rush them with all her might, grab them, and tell them with any means necessary that ‘I am here’—
Shizune is here. Immediately she recognizes the danger her father have towards me and quickly takes my presence into consideration, rushing to my side and stopping me from going any further—or attempts to, at least. Gently I shove her to the side which she responds with a protest, but nonetheless complies after a brief explanation. It needs to end; the misunderstanding, the suffering, the sorrow—everything has to go, for the Hakamichis, Shizune, and myself.
[Wait inside the classroom,] I tell her discreetly, so as not to gain attention from the slow but dying crowd that is still present all around us. [I’ll reason with him.]
[You understand the risk you’re taking, right?]
[Yes, I understand.]
For a minute or two, Shizune returns with the longest stare that pierces right into my soul. With a sigh she takes a step back, straightens her spectacles, and finally complies. [I guess nothing will sway you from your decision.]
I nod in silence.
[Then go do what you must,] she clenches her fist tightly then relaxes. [I trust your decision, Hisao.]
Quietly she backs away and, just as what she’s been told, enters the now-vacated ‘haunted house’. Miyazaki walks out seconds later, nods at my general direction, and then signals me with body language to go confront Jigoro—who, by now, is clouded with irritation—before leaving the scene. With no obstacle left between us, I take the slow steady step towards Shizune’s father and Hideaki. I am not expecting a warm welcome, but what I wish to achieve in this is clarity for myself and the Hakamichis.
“So you’ve come, boy,” greet Jigoro…or at least, as much as I can call it a ‘greeting’. “I thought you’d be hiding.”
“I have no intentions to do so, Mr. Hakamichi.” Though, it did cross my mind considering how much damage your fist can inflict.
“Then I shall get down to business, you second-rate murderer.”
I led him into the ‘Haunted House’ to discuss the matter. With the guests vacated, the entire classroom feels cold and eerie—perfect, nonetheless. Jigoro isn’t exactly friendly for obvious reasons, and that I can understand. Hideaki, on the other hand, isn’t being that much of a help at all by keeping quiet the entire time. He didn’t mutter a word when Jigoro states his purpose and trash my name like a drill sergeant, or when he raise his fist in a fit of sudden rage that engulfs him each time he mentions his daughter’s name and how she died. He rant on and on, saying how much he wish it’s legal for him to draw his sword and cut me in two right in the spot or how he used to deal with ‘punks of your kind who gets near my daughter’ with ‘extreme prejudice’. But for now, a court hearing that is arranged to be held in due time is enough to satisfy his lust for ‘justice’.
‘Justice’ that runs by his own definition.
“I know how it feels, Mr. Hakamichi,” I reply at the end of his lengthy threats and provocation. “But there is nothing I can do right now to make it right, except…”
Jigoro’s eyes is soaked with pure-concentrated hatred as he locks his eyes unto me, watching as I willingly fall on my knees and bow before him with a face that nearly kiss the floor. For a moment I feel the tension grinds to a halt, as if the air freezes over and the world stops spinning. Jigoro didn’t say a word and nothing echoes in the air. With a mustered courage, I try the best I can to convey what I have to say to him.
“If it takes me to throw away my pride, then I will do all it takes for you to approve me. I’m terribly sorry!”
Jigoro grunts dismissively. “You think an apology is enough? You don’t understand how much she meant to me.”
Without raising my head from the floor, I listen to the man as he tells his side of the story. Unlike previously, it’s…different—tragic, more or less. The man tells the side of Shizune I never knew, from the moment she was conceived by her mother, the time when the family learned her disability, up to the events that shaped Jigoro into the character he is. When his wife died, the man was left to care for Shizune who—as much as he can tell—resembles her uncannily, from facial features up to its rather competitive and overbearing personality. He sees Shizune more than just his daughter, but also as his wife’s legacy, the last remnant of a previous life.
And now she’s gone, taken by fate. Taken by
me.
“You’re the worst
creature that has ever crossed my path.”
I keep my lips shut and my face to the floor. “All I wanted is to watch her grow up, graduate, live a good life, and get married like any other normal girl. I want to see her smile once more…but
you took her away from me.”
“You took
everything away from me,” he continues. “And you expect me to spare forgiveness for someone like you? Don’t fuck around…”
I can’t feel any further malicious intention from him, despite his insults and provocation; but even that is slowly toned down the longer we talk. It may have been my imagination, but as I remain in the position I hear a stifled cry from the man that it almost feels…misplaced, but nonetheless appropriate for the situation. Slowly I raise my head with anxiety and curiosity, fully expecting to see a—so to say—‘different’ side of him, only to meet his ferocious predatory glare and that unchanging hatred of his. Was it all just my imagination? Surely, I heard that…well, never mind.
“It’s been four months since, but still I longed to see her again,” Jigoro continues, but a lot softer this time. “It may have been my mistake to treat her that way in the past, but is it really necessary for god to take away my eldest child, just to make me realize this?”
“Father…”
“I’m sorry, Hideaki,” he sighs with remorse. “I’m sorry to have showed you this disgraceful side of mine.”
“Stand up. I’ll be honest with you, boy,” he turns to me once again, to which I now see him eye to eye. “I do not wish to forgive you, nor do I have any intention to. If any, it will take my daughter herself to convince me that you are innocent in this matter.”
“I just…” he pauses, taking a deep haul of air. “I just want to see her smile once more.”
I knew by this point of time how much pain he’s been through. The details of Shizune’s family is shady at best; what I know are based of what Shizune told me before and that’s about it. What I know about Jigoro himself is purely based from what Shizune described—a stubborn, uncompromising, and vehemently in denial of the reality that surrounds him. Always calling the shots, in control, and in charge of whatever it is that came to face him—even if it is reality itself. Now after what he’s been through, I don’t think it’s fair to judge him the way I used to—if any, I can see him as a tragic character; though that doesn’t mean I actually feel complete sympathy for him. I do, but not to that great extent.
Hah, this is funny.
No matter how you try to deny it, you can’t help but realize that he’s quite similar to you, Shizune. Just as they say, ‘apples never fall far from its tree’.
“I believe she feels the same way about you, sir.”
Jigoro sucks his teeth and glares at me with discuss. “What do you know about it, boy?”
I turn around towards the darkness behind me that is cluttered with decorations and setups for the ‘haunted house’ and slowly raise my hand, garnering both Hideaki and Jigoro’s bewildered attention. I stop my hand in mid-air, sighing one last time as I look forward to the conclusion of this chapter between Jigoro and I; now, there is one last thing to do.
“Mr. Hakamichi,” I said to him with my hand still up in the air. “How do you remember Shizune?”
“What is this, some kind of trivia?” he sighs in irritation. “Boy, she is my first child and only daughter. Are you telling me that I don’t know how she looks?”
I smile in relief, “Then I can be at ease.”
-------------
I walk out of the haunted house, feeling exhausted and relief nonetheless. Immediately, Miyazaki greets me with a wave and a rather malicious smile before taking a step forward to confront me, arms crossed over his chest. “That’s smart of you, Hisao.”
I chuckle in return, “I’m just doing what has to be done. Thanks, Miyazaki.”
“Still, I can’t believe it,” Miyazaki remarks as he glances at the dark interior of the ‘haunted house’. Satisfied, he shrugs and sighs. “To think that
the ghost of the ex-Student Council President is actually haunting you. That’s quite something.”
I give a light chuckle in return, “Yeah, I guess it is.”
About an hour earlier, I told Miyazaki everything—about the accident, Shizune’s haunting, and why the man wanted my head in the first place. He was surprised at first—cynical, even—but decided to follow through in good nature and curiosity of the paranormal. He inquired about everything; the circumstances, possibility, outcomes, even to the point in which he began to question the theories the Paranormal Research Club came up with followed with an eagerness to prove its validity. I was bombarded with questions after questions, but he soon realized that he was keeping the inevitable and asked what I am going to do with Jigoro Hakamichi—or how I would confront him without having to lose my life in the process. It was then that I remembered what Shizune said to me the night before.
[I would be lying if I told you that I am not concerned at the slightest about my family. At least I want to know how they are doing.]
I want to help Shizune, to repay her kindness and patience when she was alive; part of that feeling also came with a considerable amount of respect towards her and her efficiency, despite how many disagreed upon it. So first I told Miyazaki to ‘paste’ a note for Shizune near the exit in a place she can visibly see, telling her of my decision to confront her father directly and to wait inside the set until everything was settled. Next, I asked him to clear the guests—for now—and relieve both the volunteers and rest of the Paranormal Research Club; the tapes, too, were to stop recording. I wanted it to be a private moment between us without any disturbances and although Miyazaki objected about the tape for the first few minutes, my insistency and stubbornness finally swayed him into favor.
“Here’s the recording,” he said as he hands me the memory card of all video recorders that was set. “The chief would kill me if she knew I delete them, and I can’t hold on to them either—you keep it instead.”
I open my palm and receive the SD cards that contain the data. Now her privacy is safe with me. “Thanks, Miyazaki.”
“You better return the favor,” he replies with a chuckle. “I heard there’s a good ramen shop near the station, you should treat me there sometime.”
When it was all carried out, I took Jigoro inside the ‘haunted house’ and confronted him directly—all with the intention to clear my name, paired with a slight optimism in hoping to reunite both Shizune and her family. It was a longshot—a far-fetch attempt that may fail. But when I remembered how Shizune’s father was stopped dead in his tracks from beating me to death the first time from seeing her, I was convinced of the possibility of fulfilling one of her concerns. It was a gamble, but nonetheless one that pays off handsomely.
I glance one last time into the haunted house. Right now, Shizune is with her family probably catching up with things they’ve missed—I even gave Hideaki a notebook and a pen to help in the occasion. I decide to leave them be and allow them some privacy. When I saw Shizune reunited with her family, I can’t help but notice a faint ‘glow’ that surrounded her the moment she embrace her father and brother lovingly before it disappear. Was it just my imagination or…?
“I guess now you’ve freed her from one of the shackles that stops her from passing on to the afterlife,” Miyazaki said before sighing lightly. “I can’t see her, but if she returns as a ghost in the first place then there must be some unfinished business that’s keeping her, right?”
…
Of course, why didn’t I think of it? I saw that glow before when she first appeared before me on that night, and again today when she was reunited with her father and brother; it doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots. As of now, Shizune is a spirit—a ghost that is shackled to the school grounds due to unfinished business, one of which is the issue with her family. Now that it’s over, she’s ‘freed’ from one of the issue that binds her to this world in the first place. She’s currently ‘living’ in borrowed time, and if I help her clear all of her unfinished business then…
…then that means she’ll vanish.
…
Will I be able to accept that…?
“So Prez,” interrupts Miyazaki. “Are you going to the folk dance later?”
I nod. “Lilly invited me.”
Miyazaki chuckles lightly. “Really…? Well, wow! Good for you.”
“Are you going?”
“Me? Well, I have someone I plan to ask so we’ll see about it,” he grins and places his hand on my shoulder. “In the meantime, take care. If you need anything just find me in the Paranormal Research Club’s clubroom. We owe you for the success of our attraction in this festival, so it’s natural for us to pay you back…somehow.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
With a grin that stretches as wide as the south-pacific and posture that is as sharp as servicemen, Miyazaki salutes, pivots, and walk towards the empty hall. With his back turned on me, he raises his hand for a wave of goodbye before saying, “The chief sends her thanks as well, see you around Prez!”
…
Speaking of which, we never have the opportunity to meet their club’s president. All this time Miyazaki always act as the de facto leader of the group, so who is she?
Before I have the chance to ask him, Miyazaki has vanished from my sight.
…sometimes, the Paranormal Research Club is as mysterious as they claim to be.
-------------
The crowd of students and onlookers now gather at the field where the last part of the festival is to be held. At the center of it, a towering organized pile of wood soaked with gasoline stands tall as it waits to receive the torch that will light up the night sky, brightening up its surrounding and initiating the final part of the festival—the bonfire dance. It is a tradition of Yamaku High and although the dance itself isn’t entirely of Japanese origin and more of a western influence, it is said to be one of the most memorable points of the festival to both the student and the teachers. When I arrive at the scene, I can’t help but be amazed at the spectacle that lies before me, seeing the crowd as they form a pair of man and women—couples—that are joined hand in hand. This may be the first time I attend the festival, but I can see why both the students and the teachers are looking forward to it.
I look onward into the crowd, searching for my promised date before finally locating her standing close near the proximity of the bonfire.
Yes, I can’t be mistaken. That golden locks tied in a ponytail, her pristine figure that is comparable to a porcelain doll, her gentle aura, and that
cane she’s always carrying is indeed a dead giveaway. I head into the sea of couples, wade through the crowd, and greet her with a light tap on her shoulder. She turns to my general direction and smiles. “May I help you?”
“I was invited here by a particularly gentle young lady who offered me for a dance. If I may, I would like to accept that offer.”
Acting like a sir...that sounds rather silly if I think about it.
Nonetheless, Lilly responds kindly with a smile and an open palm. “I’d love to, Hisao.”
When I take a hold of her hand, I can feel the increasing tempo of my heartbeat that refuses to rest as I pull her close and wait for the music to start. The crowd of couples increases at each passing minute as they gather around the bonfire, holding hands and cuddling together in search for warmth under this cold night. I wonder, will it be the same today if Shizune is still alive? Will I be dancing with her instead of with Lilly?
What is she up to now?
I constrict my hand a little tighter, causing Lilly to turn for a moment and wonder. I reassure her that everything is fine—or so I want to believe. Deep in my stomach I feel as if thousands of butterflies decide to flap its wings, yet at the same time my heart ache to search for the answer, the missing piece to my question—and no, it isn’t because of my heart condition. Last summer during my first festival, I spent the finale up on the roof of Yamaku High with eyes directed at the sky as fireworks explode in a magnificent show of performance. I was led there by Shizune, who guide me like a lost child through a hedge maze of confusion, irritation, and grief that came with me when I first enrolled. It is a memory I can never forget—partly because I remember how dumb-struck I was to how compelling she can be that night.
If my memory serves me correctly, it should be relatively close and provide a vantage point to this field. Shouldn’t be too hard to find—I’ve been visiting the roofs of Yamaku High for the past months with Shizune in the first place.
I look up to the roofs of Yamaku High where I believe to be the location where we watched the fireworks last time. I gaze at the spot and reminisce about the time for a moment, the sound around me slowly falls into a complete standstill as I immerse myself in my own little world—it is then that I notice something, a figure—at the edge of the roof. I can tell clearly from this distance and—despite the lighting—it is still relatively easy to make out the shape to be that of a girl. I squint a little and immediately I realize who it is.
“Lilly,” I said while keeping my eyes on the figure. “I’m sorry.”
“For what, Hisao…?”
“I just remembered I have something to do. Is it ok if we…uh…”
“Call it off?”
“Well…do you mind?”
Lilly slowly releases her hold from my hand and folds them before her. She smiles reluctantly, almost sad and disappointed but nonetheless complies with my request. “If it is something important, then go.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll be fine.”
I suck my teeth and take a quick look around. The crowd of people is slightly obstructing my view, but I can never mistake that flashy pink-hair despite how short she cut it to be.
“Misha…!” I call out, hoping she’ll notice right away amidst the sea of couples. I raise my hand and call her once again, this time I receive a response in return and she quickly signals her friend to come over—it’s Hanako, perfect!
“Heya, Hicchan! You need me for something?”
“Yeah, can you accompany Lilly for a moment? I have something to take care of.”
Without waiting for a response, I dash out of the crowd and with haste rush into Yamaku High to leave the group, Lilly, and the dance behind me. Even after I reach the interior of the school, the cheer and the echo of the tune still persists and vibrates across the serenity of the now-empty halls. To my right and left are the booths and attraction of the festival—the now vacant classrooms left by its occupiers, who now has gathered near the bond fire. I navigate through the passage, making my way to reach the roof where I believe to have seen the figure from the field below. With just illumination from the bond fire outside and the moon, the abandoned hallway feels strangely welcoming and assuring—it’s quiet, a contrast to what it was throughout the entire day.
I navigate through the all-too-familiar corridor and eventually end up near the hallway that leads to class 3-3, just by this corner. By this hour, there shouldn’t be anyone here—or at least I believe it to be so, until the moment I turn a corner and meet Jigoro and Hideaki Hakamichi.
It has been drilled into me to avoid Jigoro at almost all cost after his recent outrage—it took most of my courage to confront him previously, but even then I was half expecting another punch to land and kill me. Thank God it didn’t. Confronting them one more time, I take a ready position and give a light bow as a greeting before slowly and cautiously, meet them eye to eye. There’s a different aura that surrounds him, unlike the usual—a serene, peaceful, and content air that envelopes both Jigoro and Hideaki. When he walk pass me, no words are muttered between us as if we shared a common bond…as weird as it is.
“Boy,” he said in a deep voice. I turn around towards him, finding his back before me. “Thank you for what you’ve done.”
I nod silently, “I’m just doing what I think is necessary, sir.”
“I see.”
He turns around and faces me—almost ceremoniously—and takes a few steps forward, keeping approximately a one meter distance in between us. He reaches for his sword and instinctively I take a step back, pulling my guard in instinct but lowers them the next after he takes them in his hand—sheath and all—and presents them to me, like a gift. In a manner that is what I can best describe as a display of formality and military-like discipline, he holds his katana with its sheath horizontally as he extends his hand and his body in a half-bow and present the token to me. Reluctantly I refuse, but his persistent insistence eventually won him over. By standards, such display of formality is rare—even amongst the adults. The only time I’ve seen similar formality is from textbooks or historical reenactment.
I extend my arm and receive the token, pulling it close to my chest. Now I have to start thinking where I should put this thing—or at least, somewhere where Kenji won’t find or see.
“I have taught her everything I believe she needs to know,” She…? It must be about Shizune. “My job is done.”
To my surprise and the shock of Hideaki, Jigoro continues with a great bow and barks his words, “Until that time, take care of her for me…!”
I nod silently, not knowing what to say or do as I clench the katana he gave and hold it close to my chest. After a while, he raises his head and turn towards the corridor before walking away in stride. Hideaki smiles politely and takes a short bow as thanks and appreciation.
“We’ll come in a few days’ time to retrieve her belongings.”
“Call me if you need anything else, Hideaki.”
After a quick and solemn bow, Hideaki returns beside Jigoro’s side and walk away into the abyss that is Yamaku’s hallways. As for me, I return towards my initial direction—to the roof—and seek the figure that I saw earlier from below.
I have to say, this katana is actually pretty heavy.
-------------
I reach the top of the building and clear through the door that remains as my last obstacle and is greeted with a vast expanse of the night sky and a chilly autumn air. Immediately I feel the cold air rushes back into my nose and lungs as I take a deep breath, while my eyes wander the solemn field of concrete and search for that mysterious figure I saw previously before. The light from the bonfire below bleed into the night, providing some illumination while the moon quietly passes across the sky and light the area before me; there, leaning by the low fence with her arm over by her chest is the figure I’m looking for. Just as how I saw her before, she keeps her eyes on the festival below and is entirely oblivious of the sounds around her. I smile in thought, knowing full well that she’s still here in Yamaku High.
Slowly I creep up behind her and place my coat on her shoulders. Swiftly she turns around and smiles in relief the moment our eyes meet, extending her hand to communicate.
[I’m a ghost, silly,] she signs lightheartedly. [I don’t think I’d catch any.]
[You’ll never know.]
The mood slowly settles itself as I draw myself a little closer towards Shizune, accompanying her as she watch the festival’s final hour unfolds below. She notices the katana I’m carrying for a moment and I swear I notice a tint of blush that builds up around her cheeks—though probably, it is something that came with the cold. I rest the weapon to my side and sighs with satisfaction towards the festival—if I think about it, everything up until this hour has been a great success. Am I proud to be the person in charge of all this? The one who made it all possible? Yes, I am; but it’s more than just that. When I watch as the crowds starts to form in pairs and dances following the rhythm of the song, I smile knowing that everyone could share the same amount of joy and satisfaction as I.
Huh, maybe this is what Shizune has been feeling all this time when she was the Student Council president.
I feel a slight tug to my left, followed with Shizune’s mildly excited face that points at the crowd below. She extends her left arm and points at one of the couple who—by now—is going through ‘practice runs’ before the dance itself. The couple—much to my surprise—is none other than Miyazaki himself who bashfully confronts a girl with long, dark hair. Unfortunately, she has her back against us, so it isn’t clear who this girl is—could it be Yuuko, the leader of the Paranormal Research Club? Whoever she is, I may never figure out who she is or what she looks like—the Paranormal Research Club, as mysterious as it is, is run by a similarly shady female character, so let’s leave it at that.
I feel a tug on my shoulder once again, this time she prepares herself for a conversation.
[Why are you up here?]
I shrug. [I don’t know. I just feel like it.]
[Aren’t you going to dance with someone?]
[Well, yes.] I reply bashfully. I want to iterate about Lilly and how she invited me for the dance, but I decide not to. [But I just don’t feel like it.]
[That’s not right,] she responds immediately. [This is a festival; you’re supposed to have fun! Go down there and dance!]
[Then why are you up here?]
Shizune’s expression changes almost instantly the moment I ask the question, as if mocking and telling me that I already knew the answer—which indeed I do. Quickly I reassert the situation and clear my throat out of embarrassment; it’s obvious why she’s up here in the first place. Being a ghost means she’s isolated from the eyes of the rest of the world except to a select few, which bars her from properly participating and left her in the sideline as a spectator. When I glimpse at her, there is a barely noticeable hint of envy and excitement as she watches the crowd morphs into small group of couples who by now are readying themselves for the finale; it doesn’t take a genius to see where this is heading for the moment she turns to me with eyes filled with expectations.
[You want to dance?] I ask curiously. With a smile that radiates akin to a child and an unmatched excitement, Shizune adjusts herself by pushing the rim of her glasses in part due to her reddening face.
[Do you know the lore that surrounds this dance?] She asks. I shrug nonchalantly and watch as she reasserts herself for an answer. [They say that couples who dance at the end of this festival will never be separated.]
….
Ah…I see…
So that’s what Miyazaki’s grinning about.
[I appreciate your invite, Hisao,] she continues. [Do you know how to dance?]
Quickly I assert myself and offer her my right hand. She raises an eyebrow in amusement and mutely giggles with glee before taking my offer, to which now we position ourselves adjacent to one another. It may have been short, but I’m relieved to know that I’ve practiced before with Lilly—even if originally, it was for her in the first place. Without being able to say a word, our only means of communication relies heavily on eye contact, expressions, and understanding of one another as the song from below starts to play its familiar, soft melody; for now, Shizune wants me to take the lead which I will gladly comply to.
The melody starts softly as the sound picks up from below. Her eyes impatiently demands for me to move, to lead the dance and sweep her off her feet. I wait a little longer, letting the song and the melody seeps in before I start to move.
Just as what I practiced with Lilly, we start off adjacent to one another with our left hand acting as a central pivot point as we take three light steps forward followed with a short half-bow. I raise my hand as I see fit and let her spin around it before pulling her close, just as practiced. With her small body against me, I can feel the strange warmth of the living from her soul that struggles to ‘live’ day by day; her heartbeat also resonates lively. We take three steps forward, my right hand on her shoulder and my left extended far to our left as we follow the rhythm of the song—or at least we are, as long as I am leading. But Shizune isn’t one to be contained for long.
Whereas Lilly familiarizes the dance with slow three-four step backs, Shizune follows through with a faster and bolder move; one that undeniably accentuates the beauty of the partner. We take quick step backs as our arms extend to the sides. One, two, and on the third step she leaps and twists before landing in a position to face me; her left hand connected to mine and her right at her side. It isn’t anything new at all; it’s similar to what Lilly taught me but much more fluent, faster, and bolder. She then takes a loop in and around the arc under our arms once, twice, and thrice before she lets go and joins both of them (her hands) with mine in its respective adjacent position; her right on my left, and her left on my right. She pulls down lightly, letting go once more before my cue to clap which is followed closely with her circling me once.
Just like before, her movement is faster—in fact, she
dances and
glides around me gracefully before ending the cycle at our original position. My eyes opens wide and my lips are left speechless, stunned and mesmerized by a beauty that is bold and aggressive, a direct contrast to Lilly’s soft and charming move. Different as they may be, both are equally captivating. The cycle ends and we repeat the steps before, once again with me taking the lead to keep her in-check with the tune.
I can say, I can say…
…I can never say it...
I raise her arm high once more, forming an arc and allow her to loop once, twice, and thrice.
There’s really nothing else I wanted.
We finish another cycle, but the song continues and so do we. I turn towards the door for a moment, feeling as if being watched but turn the thoughts away as my focus is occupied by the ghost I am now dancing with. I hold her close once more, feeling the ever present warmth and comfort.
I can say, I can say…
…I can never say it…
I raise my arm again and she loops once again, following the same pattern. I notice her smile and the growing tint of crimson red that builds around her cheek.
I’m fine with just having you…
She follows the pattern precisely, parting our hands and joins them once again in its respective adjacent position, lightly pulls down and…
…!
…and she kisses me.
Let me love you…
For a brief moment I feel her soft, moist lips brushing mine, her sweet scent tickling my nose, and a taste I have never experience that envelopes, overwhelms, and causing my heart to race. It isn’t a dream nor is it my imagination; that feeling, the entire sensation—though brief—still lingers around the area where we touch, where we kissed. I place my fingers on my lips, feeling her warmth that still remains as I watch her do the same. With her eyes locked on mine, Shizune blushes even more than usual but nonetheless still manage to muster her confidence to say her piece.
[It’s my thank you for today,] she signs hastily, persistently maintaining eye contact between us. [Be grateful, that’s my first.]
Please, just a little bit more already…
I smile and take a few steps towards her until we are but ten centimeters apart, where I proceed to embrace her. I use my hand to gently raise her head and look into her dark blue eyes that lies behind her spectacles, inching forward ever slowly. She complies and slowly closes her eyes as I do the same before finally we kiss once more—softly and passionately—under the expanse of the stars and the warm blanket of the festival.
Don’t go away…
End Chapter VIII
Author's Note
This is probably the longest, most problematic chapter I have written. I do apologize for the delay it is simply...long and retarded. This chapter gave me a lot of difficulties, spanning with 2-3 rewrites with some of the more difficult scene--the dance--included that adds further chaos. But this chapter wraps up ACTII, and we'll be going in deep into ACTIII next--stay tuned!
As a recommendation, I advise you to listen to
'Let me Love You' by Haruko Momoi during the dance section *just* to add the feel
Don't forget, leave a review if you feel like it! Tell me what you think, criticize, and speak out! Or if there are questions, ask them and I'll be sure to answer them as best as I can.
Megumeru, signing off for now~
ps. I'm starting to feel like writing an entire light novel out of this, its hilarious
