Promise

Time continued to flow and as the night deepened I cried like a baby, the only comfort I had was the warmth of the woman holding me close to her and the smooth sensation of her hand stroking my hair telling me it's alright.

Such warmth and love was a sensation my body has long forgotten, many years has it been since I last felt a woman's warm embrace. So I continued to cry and bawl like a baby.

Hours later I stopped crying while laying my face down in Iris and her thighs. I thought, Why was she here? How did she find me? Why is she consoling me? questions and thoughts flooded my mind that instant.

When I lifted my head to look at her, she was smiling at me. It was the same gentle and genuine smile she showed me earlier.

"Feeling better? " She asked in a gentle manner

I can only nod in response as my lips were still shaking from crying so much.

"Things haven't been going that well for you hasn't it " She added as she continued to stroke my hair

I couldn't comprehend why she was doing this after what I did to her at school earlier, is this for blackmail? pity? or genuine concern?.

"Why? " I mumbled as my lips was still shaking

"Hm?, Why am I doing this after the stunt you pulled earlier? " She replied

I nodded

"Let's just say I'm not that fond of seeing people in such a manner" She softly replied

While being comforted by Iris, I remembered the way I treated her since I met her. I knew I had to properly apologize to her as I had hurt her feelings too earlier.

"Sorry " I mumbled

"Hm, It's alright, compared to what I felt earlier, you've been through worst right? " She said with a smile on her face

Once again I couldn't bring myself to look at her, I don't deserve such a gentle smile. It's agonizing for me, so please stop looking at me like that.

Pity me,

Despise me,

Hate me,

Those would've been better.

"Why were you crying alone? " She asked

"I- I got into a fight earlier"

"Hmm, So you were crying because your wounds hurt?"

"No it's not like that, Something else hurts...I think "

A nonchalant "I see" was her reply.

Both of us stayed quiet for a while

Then she asked "Why were those men after you back then? "

"H- Huh? "

"Back then, when we first met. Someone was after you right?"

"Oh, that. Well I stole something from them and they wanted it back"

"St- Stole?? How could you do that?"

She asked with a look of disbelief on her face

"Hm, I don't know either"

"What do you mean? People always have a reason for doing what they do right? Aren't you any different?"

"A reason?" I thought to myself

She was right, there might have been a reason why I did that.

After thinking for a while I replied

"I think I did it for the thrill and the feeling of danger I feel whenever I'm being chased. That raw emotion of being scared and excited at the same time"

She looked surprised.

I continued

"I've been looking for something for a while now, the closest I've been to finding it is when I'm being chased. I think to myself as long as I can feel these kinds of emotions like being scared, being hurt, and feeling my blood rush along with the sudden burst of adrenaline and feel a little bit..... I don't know if excited is the right word, But I tell myself if I could still feel those emotions I'm still human"

"What exactly are you looking for? " She said

"What am I looking for? "

She nodded

"I want to-" I stopped as I realized it would've been meaningless to tell her anything anymore, she wouldn't understand it anyway. She looks like them, someone who has a reason to look forward towards the future, someone who has a path to walk on, someone who has people who love her.

"You want to what?" She replied

"It's nothing"

"NO, TELL ME! I WANT TO KNOW!" She shouted as she grabbed my hand

I was startled, why is she that enthusiastic to know something so meaningless and lame.

"Uh, no it's really nothing"

She pouted

"Cute" I whispered

"HUH!?" She replied aggressively

"Ah!, I- I mean why do you want to know?"

"You looked sad when you thought about it"

"Eh!? me sad? No way that it made me sad, I mean I just thought about what I want. How can I feel sad about something so meaningless?" I thought to myself

"Always remember no matter how small and simple your dream might be it's alright. Everyone craves and searches for something, no dreams and desires are small and meaningless as long as you won't stop until you achieve and attain them. They will always be relevant, and what's wrong with that? dreams, ambitions, and desires are part of human nature. No one can live without even wanting anything" Iris replied

"But it's not really a dream though" I whispered to myself, but she looks really serious and enthusiastic about this so I'll just tell her what I desire.

"I'm looking for the feeling of anticipation, excitement, and love. Those three simple emotions, I want to be able to look forward towards the future, I want to feel excited about doing something, the one that will make me truly happy while doing it, and I- I want to love something so much that it would fuel me to wake up every day. S- something like that" I replied as I turned to look the other way

Iris was silent for a few seconds, she looked lost in her thoughts

"Hmm, I see" She said while she giggled

"Tch, I knew it this bitch is just messing with me" I said to myself

"There I said it happy now? Go on make fun of m-"

"I'll give you what you want" She interrupted me before smiling at me

"Huh?, What did she say " "Give me what " "What is she talking about? "

I thought to myself

"I want to help you attain and find what you are looking for, In order for you to enjoy life and keep on moving towards tomorrow"

She whispered to me as she stroked my hair again

During that time I couldn't comprehend what she meant by that, but she said

It was a promise.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day a beautiful Tuesday morning one pretty French girl was looking at a certain mirror in her room. The thought that passed through her head was,

"WHY DID I DO THAT!! SO EMBARRASSING, I ACTED HIGH AND MIGHTY SAYING I WILL GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS ISN'T THAT LIKE PROPOSING? (It doesn't) ARGH!!, I DON'T WANT TO SEE HIM AGAIN, I JUST WANTED TO COMFORT HIM BECAUSE HE LOOKED SAD BUT NOW I STARTED SOMETHING AND EVEN MADE A PROMISE TO HIM, OH GOD WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME"

At the same time a young Japanese boy was confused in his room

"What did Iris mean yesterday? She said she'll help me attain what I desire, After crying I was sleepy, not to mention my body was beaten up again so I wasn't really thinking straight that time and I couldn't pay that much attention to what she said before we went home. She even saw me cry, also she let me lay on her lap. I mean it was nice and it smelled really good. But still I wonder, maybe I should ask her at school"

The boy was kind of stupid when it comes to things like this.

As they headed towards school both of them still feels the results of yesterday's encounter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iris was already at school, and she was having a battle with herself.

"Calm down Iris, just act natural, yeah that's it be mature about this, yes" She said as she took deep breaths

But she couldn't really calm down.

"Argh!, Maybe I should just skip school today" She thought

Iris suddenly shook her said while repeatedly saying no.

"Skipping class is just too improper, I, a fair and proper maiden would never attempt such thing. Only thugs and rascals would do something like that. Someone like-" Before she could finish Hajime suddenly came to her mind, she screamed and put her hands on her head and laid her head on her desk, "This is the worst" She mumbled

Everyone was looking at her because she looked cute while being flustered, everyone's morale was boosted and they were very motivated to learn today.

Moments later Hajime entered the room,

"Hm, She's already here" Hajime mumbled to himself as he entered the classroom

"Hey Iris, Good morning" Hajime greeted her cheerfully

"Eh!?, Uh H- Hi g- goo- good morning H- Hajime" Iris replied nervously while her face is red

Everyone looked at them and started whispering "Why are they so close now, Even first name basis already, don't tell me the reason why he dragged her outside  yesterday was! " Everyone had a stupid look on their faces Hajime feels another misunderstanding was brewing.

"Uh yeah, so about yesterday?"

"Huh? Uh yesterday, y- yes what about it?"

"So it's true" Everyone exclaimed in unison with shocks on their faces, Hajime was now getting pissed for some reason.

"What do you mea-"

Before Hajime could finish, Chika entered the room and Iris quickly turned to her.

"Good morning Chika! " Iris greeted Chika before Hajime can even finish his sentence

"Hm, Oh Good morning Iris, You seem like you're in high spirits" Chika smiled at her and glanced over Hajime

"Chika and I haven't talked since I ditched her during the weekend and yesterday she only introduced Iris to me" Hajime thought to himself

"In the past everytime we had a fight or misunderstandings it would only last for a day but this time it feels different and I couldn't bring myself to look or say something to her" He added

Time passed by in an instant and the day was about to end already, Hajime couldn't ask Iris about it, she was with Chika every time they weren't doing anything and every time they have classes she was listening so closely so Hajime couldn't bring himself to bother her.

As Hajime went home he realized that maybe she only said that to cheer him up. Maybe he just got his hopes up again.

"I just wish people wouldn't do that to me, I always expect something from a simple act of kindness that others show me. Though every time I expect something it's mainly my fault but at least don't do something that'll make me expect from others if they can't back it up" Hajime thought to himself

While thinking about it Hajime just sighed

While he was walking home alone

He looked at the night sky

The moon shined so bright.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of the train passing by and the march of people walking and running was heard throughout the station. Hajime alone was standing near the gate.

"Why am I waiting at the station again? " He wondered

Today was a Saturday morning and it was only 8:00 am but he's already outside.

The week passed by already before they knew it and shockingly Hajime didn't ditch school even once this time.

But on Friday before he went home Iris confronted him and told him to meet her at the station at 8:00 am sharp.

Finally remembering why he waited there Hajime thought to himself, "8:00 am sharp she said but she's nowhere to be found, if she's still not here at 8:30 I'm going home"

Thirty minutes has passed.

"That girl really has lots of guts to make me look stupid here while waiting huh, screw this I'm going home" As Hajime was about to leave he heard a faint voice coming closer.

"Hajime!, Hey wait Hajime I'm sorry I'm late it's really hard to commute in my situation you know" Said a familiar voice while panting

It was Iris, She was rushing towards Hajime, even though it was hard. But why? he can only stare at her while he wonders.

"Hey what are you ogling at? I know I'm beautiful in casual clothes but that doesn't mean you can look all you want " Iris said furiously

"Tch, shut it why did you even make me come here during my weekend " Hajime replied

"We have important things to do today" Said Iris while catching her breath

Hajime thought that it was really hard to move that wheelchair on her own, but she still rushed here. That was amazing.

"Important things? " Hajime asked

"I'll tell them to you later but first let's grab something to eat " Iris replied while looking around

"Eat?" Hajime asked in a puzzled manner

"Yeah let's eat first I sai-" Iris' stomach grumbled before she could finish and her face turned red

"Did this girl seriously leave their home without eating? Also it's weird I can tell what she's thinking by the way she's looking at me it's probably "Another word and you're dead " this girl sure is scary for someone crippled" Hajime thought to himself

The pair came to an agreement to eat breakfast first.

Hajime took Iris to the usual restaurant he visits

The restaurant was still half empty as it was still early, The radio was playing Tabidachinouta by Ayumikurikamaki

Hajime told Iris to wait outside and let him talk to the owner first.

As Hajime entered he politely greeted the old man inside.

"Good morning gramps"

"Hm, it's been a while since I last saw you it's good you've been going to school"

"Uh, Yeah"

"Hey!?, How long are you going to make me wait here it's hot you know" Iris barged in while the two was still talking

The old man looked shocked as Iris entered the shop, he then looked at Hajime as if he was asking "Girlfriend?"

"She's a friend " Hajime replied in a nervous manner

"Hmm" He replied

"Tch, What is he thinking, he doesn't believe me does he?" Hajime thought

After introducing Iris, the old man gave the pair a table and served them.

"So what are you planning? " Asked Hajime

"Oh!, Uh yes, here"

Iris replied as she took out a planner

Hajime stared at it and asked "What?"

She quickly opened it, There was a lot written inside

"Do you remember what we talked about before?"

"Hm?, before? Hm is it my desire?"

"Uh, Y- yes"

"What about it?"

Iris explained that in order to love something and understand why other people feel an attraction towards something one must first experience and understand it.

"Hm?" Hajime replied in confusion

"In short you need to learn and understand what makes people happy in doing what they like, and find the reason for their anticipation and love towards it, so you must do

it too" Iris again explained

Hajime just looked at her and she continued

Iris let out a sigh, and asked "You have been going to school lately right? Now what do you think about it?"

"Boring" Hajime answered immediately

"B- boring!?" She replied in a surprised manner

"Yeah" Hajime again calmly replied

"Well that's understandable because you're still beginning, so from now on we're going to be doing things other people like in order for you to understand why they like it and maybe you'll be like them too and find attraction and anticipation in doing daily things, Understood?"

"Oh, That's what she meant in her promise" Hajime thought, and it sounds good maybe he'll actually find the feelings that he's looking for this way.

"Sure" He replied

"Yay!, It's settled then" Iris said with a smile while raising both hands before she gobbled down her food

"So much for a fair and well bred maiden" Hajime whispered to himself as he drank his coffee

While Iris was eating Hajime looked at her

She looks pleased.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

After eating Hajime asked Iris if they could take a stroll around town.

"So first off today we'll be doing mundane things okay?, things people like to do in a daily basis even in other country such as my birthplace" Iris stated

"Where is your birthplace exactly?"

Hajime asked

"Of course at the capital Paris" She said with a smug look on her face

"Wait you're not from Japan!?" Hajime replied in shock

"Huh? You didn't know?" Iris asked

"Well, Yeah you never told me anything about you"

"Why should I?, anyway I'm from France" Iris proudly told Hajime

"The one with the big tower? " Hajime replied

"Yeah, but that's not the only thing in France you know. It's really beautiful there once you go there" Explained Iris

Hajime just replied

"Eh, Is that so?"

"Why do you sound uninterested? Hmph!" Iris replied while pouting and sulking

"Oh no, I'm very interested milady" Hajime replied in a sarcastic manner

"Mi- Milady!?, Eh what are you talking about?" Said Iris while looking embarrassed

"What a simpleminded person" Hajime thought

"Here we are" Iris said as she suddenly stopped

Hajime looked up and realized they stopped in front of a convenience store.

"The hell this is just a simple  convenience store" Hajime said to himself

"What the hell are we doing here?" Hajime asked

"Uh, Eh you know we're gonna try some mundane activities like buying onigiri, some melon bread and other Japanese products" Iris replied nervously

"This girl just want to eat Japanese food products" Hajime again thought

"Are you sure you're not just hungry again?" He asked

"Ah!, how disrespectful I'll have you know I'm a simple lady who only eats whenever it's needed " She replied with a guilty look

"Hm, I didn't know there are new types of sandwiches here" Hajime mumbled

"REALLY!? " Iris shouted with an excited look in her eyes

"Jeez lady calm down it's just a sandwich" He thought as she looked at the sandwiches with great interest

"You want some?" Asked Hajime

"Uh, not really but if you're gonna buy some then I guess I'll eat it too" Replied Iris

What a dishonest excuse.

Hajime bought 5 pieces of sandwich, the way Iris looked at it was like telling him to give it all to her.

In the end Hajime gave her four of it and now she's eating four sandwiches all by herself.

"Ah! it's so good!" Iris exclaimed as she took a bite from the sandwich

"A simple lady huh" Hajime whispered

"WHAT?! " Iris asked furiously

"Uh, jeez calm down" Hajime replied

Iris turned around and started pouting

"Why do things like this in the first day of your helping program for me?" Asked Hajime curiously

"Hm? well I told you right? partaking in things that people like doing on a daily basis will help you understand why some people look forward towards tomorrow as this encourages them to wake up again out of love for the mundane activities they experience in life" Iris replied

"Is that so?"

Iris nodded and added "It's also a good experience for me to learn and experience Japanese culture you know"

We spent almost an hour just waiting for her to finish her food.

Suddenly Hajime stood up and walked away

"I'll buy some drinks don't go anywhere"

"Uh, well sure but please return quickly"

While walking Hajime thought

"She's actually a nice person huh?"

I mean she really did prepare for this, Was she that serious with the promise she made? So I didn't just get my hopes up? will she really be able to give me what I want?

"Iris Laurent " I whispered softly with a hint of curiosity

As I returned I saw her surrounded by  three men, and I thought maybe it's her friends so I turned back again.

While walking back I suddenly recalled something from our conversation earlier

"Anyway I'm from France" I remembered her words and realized she has no friends here

Realizing it was a mistake leaving her on her own, I rushed back as fast as I could and without knowing it I punched someone again.

I didn't exactly win, once again I'm lying in the cold concrete beaten up.

But this time I wasn't alone, I can hear someone.

"Hajime!?, Hajime!?, Hey Hajime!? are you okay? say something please"

I looked besides me and saw Iris crawling towards me, did she fall from her wheelchair? Did they push her off? I thought about those assholes and what I'll do to them if they actually pushed her off.

I quickly got up, and I replied "I'm fine don't worry, what about you are you okay?"

She was crying,

But why? was she hurt?

"Why did you do that?!" She said in low tone, "So reckless, what if something bad happened to you!?" She continued

"How selfish" She lastly added

Huh, is she worried about me? Did I make her sad because of what happened?

"You got hurt because of me again" She whispered as she cried

I approached her and lifted her up back to her wheelchair

"Hey, Iris look at me, listen it's not your fault okay? I could've just told them we were together and ask them to leave but I chose to fight them. So it's not your fault okay" I gently told her while wiping her tears and snot filled face

"What a gentle smile" She whispered

Gentle smile?? Huh, wait did I smile at her??

I suddenly felt embarrassed but then as I glanced over her as she was crying I thought to myself

She's cute.

I couldn't believe that was the thought I had during that moment.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

After that incident they decided to call it a day.

On their way back Hajime was now pushing Iris' wheelchair, he realized how tired she must've been moving it on her own.

"Are you okay now? " Hajime asked

"Ask that to yourself, Hmph! " Iris replied furiously

"She sounds angry again" Hajime thought

"Sorry for earlier again" Hajime told Iris

"Tch, You better be my branded clothes got dirty because of you"

"Earlier she was crying out of concern for me now she like this again, this girl really switches gear that fast huh?" Hajime again thought to himself

He escorted her all the way to their condominium.

As they reached their place, Hajime took a look, it was a really big condominium and he looked really amazed with it.

"Damn, You live in this place" Hajime asked

"So? You got a problem with that?" Iris replied

"Hm, Fancy" Hajime mumbled

Iris was silent for a bit and suddenly asked

"Eh, Uh you wanna come inside for a bit?"

"Huh?" Hajime replied in confusion

"I'll treat your wounds" Iris explained

"Eh? But you know-" Hajime was about to refuse

"Just so you know I wouldn't even dare think about doing something to a brute like you" Iris stated emphatically

"B- brute?" Hajime replied

"You coming in or what?" Iris again asked

In the end Hajime just gave in and replied

"Eh, Well if you say so"

The unit in which Iris stayed really looked expensive like one of those VIP rooms in hotels, Hajime looked stupid while looking around saying "whoa".

"Sit there and wait for me I'm going to change"

Iris told Hajime as she pointed at the sofa

"Uh, Yeah sure I will"

Hajime kept looking around, there were some pictures here mainly photos of Iris and some family pictures.

After a while, Iris came out of her room newly dressed with a first aid kit.

"Let's start now shall we?" She said as she tied up her hair

"What a beautiful silver hair" Hajime thought to himself

"Tell me if it hurts"

"Uh, Sure"

Iris was really good, the way she patched Hajime up and cleaned his wounds it felt like she was a pro.

Iris suddenly said

"I used to be part of the medical team in my past school, I can tell you're amazed"

"Eh, Is that so" Hajime replied

"There all done, let it rest and don't do anything stupid anymore okay" Iris told him as she finished putting bandages on Hajime's wounds

"Uh, Yes thank you"

Iris offered Hajime some coffee afterwards, and after they shared a drink, Hajime went home.

It was already 7:30 pm

Before they got separated Hajime said

"Today was fun"

Iris nodded in response

Iris was good at making coffee.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

During this time, Chika, alone in her room was lost in thought.

"What is wrong with me I haven't talked to Hajime even once this week" Chika thought to herself

"I wonder if he hates me"

As I uttered those words I fell asleep.

I had a short dream, it was from the past, About Hajime and I.

"Chika look what I found, It's a big beetle"

"Eh?, a beetle and it's a big one"

"Pretty cool right?"

"You want to keep it?"

"Nope, let's release it maybe it's parents are looking for him"

"Eh, you're so nice Chika"

"Eh, really?"

"Yeah, I bet you'll be a great wife someday"

"Then, will you take me as your wife Hajime?"

I couldn't remember his answer and the rest of the conversation anymore, it's been so long already.

I wonder if Hajime even remembers.

By the time I woke up, it was already 8:00 pm, I saw Hajime walking outside and so I rushed downstairs and confronted him.

"What happened to you?"

"Hm, uh you know just the usual"

"Tch, I told you to stop it already"

"Yeah yeah I'm sorry"

Chika was silent for a while, and she suddenly asked "Wanna go to the park?"

"Hm, Sure"

This was nostalgic it's been a while since they visited this park even though this was a very important place during their childhood.

It was very chilly, both stayed quiet, while swinging Chika looked like she had something to say.

Suddenly Hajime told Chika

"Hey I'm sorry for what happened last week"

"Hm, It's alright don't worry about it" Chika replied

"Are you sure?" Asked Hajime

"Yeah, Sorry for ignoring you too" Chika again replied

After a short second of silence, Chika suddenly laughed

"Eh, Why what's so funny?" Hajime asked

"Nothing this was our longest fight ever" Chika replied while giggling

"Yeah"

Both of them shared a brief laugh.

"I'm really glad we made up" Chika mumbled as she looked at the night sky

"Thanks for forgiving me Chika"

As the night sky shined above them, they enjoyed the chilly breeze while swinging.

Chika looked so happy.

While sitting down on the swings Chika suddenly said something.

"Hey, Hajime" I called out to him

"Yeah?"

"Do you still remember our promise back then?" I asked

"Promise?, yeah"

"Don't ever forget okay?"

"If I'm troubled and I need help always come to you?"

"Uh, Hmm yeah" I said that but that wasn't actually the promise I was talking about

"Don't worry I'll never forget you or that promise" Hajime replied while also looking up the night sky

"Hm, lies, I don't even think you still remember that" I thought to myself

Promises are nothing but words exchanged with no actual commitment it's something you can take seriously or just ignore.

That was the truth

And I hated that truth

Surely promises are meant to be broken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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For a really long time I've always wanted to write a story and finally I had the determination to do so. I really hope you would like this story and I hope you'll be interested in what's to come.

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-Ecclair