Chapter 29: if you will mix white with red then the color would be pink

"Kazuuuuumiiiii", Fuyumi said while approaching him in the corridor on their way to their classroom. "Today is white day and Hitoshi said he will treat me to meal this lunch, wanna come?" "Huh, it is white day already. Time flies really fast, I didn't notice that it was today" "I noticed that you are so blank these days, you keep on staring from nowhere. Do you still can't get over from what happened on valentines? That girl, didn't showed up in front of you again, I wonder what happened to her" "I still remember what she said, if it is her blood is not enough then maybe her body will satisfy me. Whenever I think of that, it still give me chills and I am even afraid to accept chocolates now from anyone" "If the chocolate is not red then it is safe. And if she said that she's willing to give her body then she really like you that much that she will give you everything but why did she suddenly disappeared? I didn't see her even at school. Well, maybe I don't care anymore what she's up to, as long as she's not bothering you anymore then that is okay"

Kazumi still didn't join the two in lunch, he ended up in the school terrace sitting comfortably while reading a book. "You didn't change a bit", a voice came from the door that opens slowly caught his attention to stop from reading. The door vomited a guy that is tall and thin, his eyes are blue and his hair is blond. He is wearing a white polo shirt with a dark blue necktie and black pants. His uniform is not from this school that makes him an intruder from other school. "Yumi?" "It is me Kazumi", the guy said as he flashed his brightest smile. Kazumi excitedly stand to approach and hug the guy. Both of them is smiling on its brightest with a little giggle. "I didn't see you for ages, how did you know that I am here?" "Hitoshi contacted me" Kazumi get off from the hug and face him with a question marked on it. "Hitoshi? Do you know him?" "What? You don't know him?" "Well, I do know him. He's a classmate and a neighbor" "Oh so you two are that close now" "How did you know him?" "So you don't remember him" "Do I have to know something that I don't know?" "So, he is just a classmate and a neighbor to you" "You still not answered my question. How did you know him?" "He is a friend" "A friend?! Why do you let him be your friend. Hitoshi is not a good influencer, he will just give you trouble" "Did he do that to you? Did he give you a trouble?" "No…uhm…I just can feel it" "I know him for too long and I know that he is a good guy, trust me"

'This time, they already met", Hitoshi whispered to himself. "Huh?! Are you saying something?", Fuyumi asked while holding the menu to order. "Nothing. You can order anything you want since it is white today and I also want to return the favor' "What favor?" "The chocolate, I really enjoyed eating your chocolate last valentine not to think that it was your first time doing it" "You are making me embarrass", she said while hiding her face that is bit pinkish in the menu. "Huh, did I? I'm sorry" "I am ready to order now", she said as she raise her head having a serious face. Hitoshi called the waiter to take their order. "Do you think something is going on with Kazumi?" "Why do you think?" "Can't you notice? He's not his usual self lately" "Maybe he got traumatized on what happened last valentines. Even lot of girls are approaching him, he never encountered a girl like that. Even I is also scared when I stayed at his place for a week. And don't worry, I already delivered someone to make his mood lighter" "Delivered someone? Who?" "You will meet that person soon" "Why do you act like you know Kazumi for a long time?" "Because I do" "That is another puzzle, how come that you know Kurumi and she also know you since you were kids but Kazumi don't" "Something happened and that is why" "Huh?!" "By the way, my friend invited Kazumi and I to a hot spring this weekend, even Kurumi will come. Do you want to tag?" "Huh?! I…I don't think so, maybe your friend will not like it if someone he didn't know will come" "Yumi is a good guy, you will get along with him. Kazumi really loves him" "So Yumi is his name" "Yeah, will going to like him" "I'll think about it"

Yumi went to visit Kazumi's place after school. "So this is your place, it is cute. Do you live her alone?" "Mhm, Kurumi also visit me sometimes" "It must be good and comfortable that you can do whatever you want since you are alone and no one is dictating what you must do" "It is fun sometimes, I feel so independent but I also miss my family" "Are you not going back to that town?" "I spend my new year there and the whole winter break" "Hmmm, I thought you don't want to go there anymore after what happened" "At first, as much as possible I don't want to go back because the whole place will just remind me of the past. I even visit their graves when I was there" "So what changed your mind?" "The principal" "The principal?!" "I don't plan on going to the closing ceremony and Christmas party at school, I just heard what happened. The school principal was murdered on his office during that day, the exact date of Christmas and until now they don't have a lead who did the crime" 'So you are afraid that the killer might do the same and you went home to escape?" "No, I am afraid to be alone, I never spent the holiday alone and I am afraid not because of the killer might come after me or anyone else. I already suffered enough. The only thing I am afraid of right now is to be left, I don't want to be alone anymore but I don't want someone to die anymore also" "I don't know what you are going through right now but I know that you are a strong person and you can overcome those obstacles. You are a fighter and a survivor" "Why do you talk like Hitoshi now?" "Do I?" "His voice is like that also when he gave me an advice" "Oh so he's giving you an advice, it means you are close already to each other" "It just happens that he is the present during that time" "Hitoshi might be a kind of a guy who likes hitting on girls but he is a good man and a friend. Why don't you asked Kurumi, she knows him too" "That's the other thing I don't get man. Why does the two feel so close to each other when we just met that guy" "Did you asked her?" "Yeah I did and also to Hitoshi but the two are too stubborn avoiding my questions. Do you also know something Yumi?" Yumi stand from sitting on the bed beside Kazumi and faced him. "Today is white day, so I thought of treating everybody into a hot spring" "Huh?!" "Hitoshi and Kurumi will come and oh… Hitoshi said that there is another girl coming. He said that his your friend, what was her name again? Fuya? Fuyi? Fuji? Huh I forgot, I know her name sounds like Kurumi" "Fuyumi, her name is Fuyumi", Kazumi said without looking at him but on the floor. Yumi kneeled in front of him and try to stare on his eyes. "Are you nervous?" "I'm…I'm just worried" "You are worrying too many things and that is why you can't enjoy the moment, the present. I heard what happened last valentines and now you are scared of eating chocolates" "Why do everyone is making a big deal of it, I am okay. The girl is not bothering me anymore and that is better" "Okay fine, if you say so. But don't forget the trip on Saturday okay", he said as he went to the door and wear his shoes. Kazumi stand to stop him for he have something supposed to say but before he finished, Yumi already leaved so he just sigh.

When Yumi went out of Kazumi's place, he found Hitoshi standing in front of it. "I know you are there", he said with cross arms. "Why didn't you came also, it is been so long when the tree of us hang out together" "I know Kazumi doesn't want me to be there" "It happened few years ago so why is he like that?" "I don't know, he progress so slow but whatever happens I will still be there" "You are still the same, you only care for Kazumi. Is that the reason why you also transferred here?" Hitoshi flashed a smile and nod and with that Yumi also smiled. Hitoshi walked Yumi until to the bus station. "So, this Fuyumi girl will be coming on Saturday?" "I don't know, she's a bit shy when I said that you are coming, How about Kazumi?" "I don't know also, he didn't answered when I said about the trip" "Kurumi really likes Fuyumi, they are now BFFs so it would be fun if she's in there and also so that Kurumi is not the only girl" "Those two, Kazumi and Fuyumi, they look think alike" "They are the top two students in our batch and also the face of the school and that is why" "Oh I see, this Fuyumi girl is smart and pretty, a complete package. Kazumi might fall for her" "Actually, it is the other way around. Kazumi can't move on to the girl he first met when he transferred here who is now also dead. I didn't get a chance to meet the girl and Fuyumi says that this girl is a delinquent so I wonder how did Kazumi end up liking that kind of woman" "And Kazumi don't said anything about it?" "He's silent whenever we ask about her" "Let's let him be. Maybe he is still perplexed on the things that is happening. Let us give him sometimes" When they reached the bus station, Yumi hike on and waved goodbye to Hitoshi. When the bus leaved, Hitoshi start his journey home.

"I am so excited, I thought that I am the only girl coming. Thank goodness that you also came Nagisa!!", she said in her very energetic voice as she hugged Nagisa who sits next to her on a train. The seating arrangement is: Nagisa and Kurumi, in their front are Yumi and Hitoshi, while on the other side is Kazumi alone who is quiet the entire time looking outside the window. Yumi stand on his seat and kneel on it while facing Nagisa. "By the way, I didn't introduce myself yet. It was rude of me, I'm sorry" "Huh…Huh It is okay. I didn't introduce myself also. I'm sorry. I am Fuyumi Nagisa, Kazumi and Hitoshi's classmate and friend" "I already know you, Hitoshi talked to me about you coming along. My name is Hajime Yumi, I'm friend with these three" "Nice to meet you Yumi" "You too Nagisa, ah is it okay if I will call you Nagisa. I feel awkward that your family name sounds like my name" "Ah, it is okay, you can call me whatever you want" "Huh, by the way Yumi, when did you arrived?", asked Kurumi joining the conversation. "Just the day before the white day" "When are you going to leave?" "Monday I guess. I just came here because I want how things have changed about the three of you" "Nothing changed, I am still beautiful" "Huh?! Beautiful?! Which part?!", said Hitoshi who also joined the conversation and now Fuyumi is out of place. "I am always beautiful since birth" "Huh?! As far as I know, you are a snotty nose cry baby when we were kids" "You look like a monkey way back then" The two stop arguing when Yumi laughed. "You two are still get together, you always argue" "Oh by the way Yumi, did you bring it?", asked Kurumi. "Huh?! Bring what?!", asked Hitoshi. "The branded shoes she want", answered Fuyumi. "Huh?! You asked something like that to Yumi?! He went overseas to study and not to work and buy you a shoes" "But I want…" "It is okay, I don't have hard feelings about it. She also call me every day just to remind me about that shoes. So in order to make her stop, I bought it. It is in the bag, I will give it to you when we arrived" "You really are something", said Hitoshi staring at Kurumi who is glaring at him. That time when everyone is noisy, Fuyumi envied their friendship a little looking how close they are to each other that they don't feel shy to show who really they are then her gaze went to Kazumi. She wonder if what is wrong with the guy that he is so quiet and didn't join in the fun.

Finally, they are arrived in a place where they will stay for a night, and of course, the room of the girls are separated from the boys. After resting a bit and unpacking their things, the girls went to the hot spring together. "Haa. It is warm and relaxing. I can't remember when was the last time I went in a hot spring" "I know you will like it. It is not bad that you joined us after all, isn't it" Fuyumi smiled and nod. "By the way, what is the name of your younger brother?" "You are still thinking of that?!" "Hmm, I can't forget. You should invited him also to come with us today, I know he will enjoy it" "He has basketball" "Oh so he plays basketball" "Yeah, he likes playing since we were kids and now he is already part of the team" "Next, school year I will ask my parents if I can transfer in your school so that I can watch him play" "Kurumi, do you like my brother?" "Huh?! Where did that came from? I just want to be his friend, he's your brother after all. It is unfair that you know me and my brother then I don't know yours" "Okay okay, if you said so"

Yumi went to the hot spring first then Hitoshi followed and lastly is Kazumi. "I missed the hot spring here and hanging out with you guys. It's been so long since the three of us spent time together like this" "Us?! The three of us?! When?!" "Uh… it must be my imagination. I am dreaming of this day and I mixed it with reality", said Yumi then looked at Hitoshi that is also looking at him. "Uh Yumi!!", even Yumi got startled when Hitoshi suddenly called his name in a loud voice. "Huh! What" The two is really doing their best to avoid Kazumi from being curious and asking anything just like what happened a while ago. Thank goodness that he quickly thought of a reason. "How's the study overseas? Are there any cute girls there?" "There are lots, I also make new friends but I still have a problem in communicating and interacting with the others due to language differences so I always carry a translation book and a dictionary with me" "You still have more things to learn, I also want to study outside the country if given a chance" "Why not! There is a scholarship in my school and you can also apply on a part time job where I am working. It is tiring but it is fun, you are going to discover new things and meet a lot of people" "I might find a girl there that I can marry", then the two laugh together. "When the two of you become so close like that?", asked Kazumi who is in the center of them looking at the water the whole time. Yumi and Hitoshi exchanged gazes and give a sign to each other through their eyes who will give Kazumi an answer. The two don't know what they will respond so in the end, Kazumi didn't receive an answer. "It is okay if you don't want to give me an answer now. I will go first", he said as he stand and leave the place. As soon as the door closes, the two take a deep breath like they were holding it since a while ago. "Woah, what a hard core" "That stop my heartbeat for a while" "Why didn't you answer him. I think we make him jealous" "I don't know what to say. I am scared that I might slip my tongue" "Huh anyways, let's think of an answer and talk to him later.

That evening, the group went to play ping pong. The first game is Kazumi vs. Hitoshi, Kazumi wins. Then Kazumi vs. Yumi, Kazumi still wins. "Kazumi is still good in everything, how did he beat the two of us?", Yumi said in a tired tone of voice while sitting beside Hitoshi. "Kazumi excels in everything he do since we were young so you shouldn't be shocked about it. I know that I can't beat him in anything. But even he is good in everything, I still think of him as the kid I used to carry at my back going home when we were kids while he is crying having bruises in his knees" "You are correct, he is not Kazumi if he don't excel and he is not our friend if he is not a crybaby we know"

"Uhm, Kurumi…I am not good in sports so be good to me okay, take it easy" "Worry not Nagisa, I also never tried playing ping pong in my whole life" Even Kurumi said that, Nagisa is still nervous for Kurumi doesn't show any sign of nervousness. Nagisa is afraid that she might get herself embarrassed in front of the boys losing to a younger person especially that Kazumi just won two times in a row. In the end, Nagisa and Kurumi tied. Both of them are exhausted in the game that they never played before.

"They are quite good for a person who never played ping pong before" "Even Fuyumi says it was her first time. She still ending up doing a good job and she didn't know how good she is until you will tell her" "Looks like you also know her well" "Huh?! I just realized when she make us chocolate last valentines and she says that it was her first time making one but it is very delicious for a beginner. And guess what, Kurumi is the one who teaches her how to do it and she already make a good one in that little time given" "Hmm I see"

"The owner said that they also had a karaoke in here. Do you guys want to come?", said Kurumi. "Are you still not tired? Did you changed your battery?", asked Hitoshi. "I don't get tired easily, you should know that" Hitoshi was about to answer back when Fuyumi interrupted him. "Uhmm… I think I need to go first sorry. I am already tired and I want to rest", she said then leave the three in the room.

Yumi, Hitoshi and Kurumi went to the karaoke. "Stop it, will you? Your voice will break my eardrums in no time", said Kurumi to Hitoshi. "Then why did you invite me here if you don't want me to sing" "Because I want to", she said then blink at him. This time, Kurumi is the one singing.

Meanwhile, Fuyumi didn't go back to their room. She noticed that Kazumi disappeared after playing so she want to find him when she heard a loud scream near where she is.