Chapter 2: Those ocean-blue eyes

"Is my eyes really that good? I never even noticed," I commented, and my brother wasn't sure of the appropriate answer to my question.

I faced the side where I could hear the raindrops loudly. My brother and I always sit beside the windows so I know where to meet. I wish I could see the sky, colors, incredible views, and everything around me, but all I can see is darkness embracing me tightly.

My mother said I wasn't blind when I was a kid; I played and played in the park and enjoyed the great view. However, it all started when I was eight when the surroundings became blurry and eventually turned white, gray, and black. The doctor cannot diagnose what specific disease it is, but he said it was rare. We can account for a transplant; however, it was expensive, and we cannot find a perfect match for my eyes.

My family earned a lot of money and saved up as much as possible, but we could not find any donors. We became wealthy, but they only spent it on valuable things. We were living in a usual way.

I always get the comment, "You have pretty eyes." As much as I think about it, I cannot find this comment suitable; it is offensive. What's the use of having pretty eyes when I cannot see anything?

Every time I ask what makes them think I have pretty eyes, I always get a reply, "The color is not Asian-like. It makes them think that I am a foreigner." 

At first, I thought my eyes could see again when the time came, but how many years have passed? That comment, I wouldn't say I liked it because I could feel the emotions in their words; I felt pity and sympathy.

Then I met someone who said the same comment: "You have pretty eyes," and it feels light and refreshing. I cannot feel his sympathy towards me; is it because he doesn't know I am blind?

I can feel my cheeks hotter, and I can still feel his warm hands surrounding mine when he gives me the umbrella. I am curious about his face, name, hair, and everything. If I meet you again, then when is that? It was an encounter I might never forget.

"Aki~ are you sick?" my brother asked worriedly.

"No~ what makes you think that I am sick?" I asked him, and he said I was suddenly turning into a tomato.

I hope these ocean-blue eyes can let me see you again soon.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

I waited for that guy again at the entrance in the afternoon but was not lucky; I needed help finding him anywhere in the school. 

Then, it became a habit of waiting for someone. I always had two umbrellas with me, and everyone found it weird carrying two umbrellas. 

I waited for him every day at the entrance and never guessed I completed the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Hana always stayed beside me for 1 hour at most, then left me because she had a curfew at home. Ren (Yamazaki) was always by my side because our houses were near each other, and it was pretty comforting to have someone with whom I didn't need to count steps and time.

"Are you sure you are not imagining things?" she asked me again today.

"Yeah~ I am sure there was this guy, but I can't find him anywhere after that," I replied

"He was a lucky guy, you know? You waited a whole year for him, but you don't even know his name," She commented, and I could hear her putting on her bag.

"You going?" I asked, and she said yes.

"Let's go, Aki~," Ren said, but I told him to wait for 30 minutes again

I didn't think that my waiting for a day turned into weeks, then months, and now I waited for years.

That mystery guy sure made me wait until I graduated high school. Hana, Ren, and I took pictures of each other. Ren gave me a bouquet and a gift; I don't know what it is, but I did not open it. Hana gave me a friendship keychain; she said it was her design.

As for our college school, we decided to go to Waseda University; my brother eventually went to Hosei University, and before leaving the school, I waited at the entrance one last time with his umbrella in my hand. 

"Waiting for the one who owns that umbrella again?" Ren said while he stood beside me, and I nodded at him.

"I am curious about that guy that made you wait. Well, I am a bit jealous, to be exact. We were with each other at the age of six, yet you were fixated on a guy you met just for a day," he replied while laughing. I didn't understand what he meant, but I am thankful because he stayed with me for many years.

"What course did you apply in Waseda?" I asked him as I changed the topic.

"I went for Computer Science and Communications Engineering. How about you?" he replied

"Hana went for a fashion-related course, and I just took anything that comes to mind. I won't tell you that because I know you will mock me," I told him while smiling.

We stood there for an hour; this time, my family came to take us to a restaurant.

"Ren-chan~ You should invite your family, and let's go out and have lunch," my mother invited him, and he gladly accepted it.

"Such a nice boy," she murmured

"Let's go, Aki~" my father called, and I slowly walked to him.

Someone took my hand and again placed it on his arm; it was indeed my brother. He said something about "Your loyal stick is here," which made us all laugh. 

"You're still holding a grudge against me," I commented 

To whoever you are, I might not see you or know your name, but I will still be waiting. Maybe not now, but I will still come here during my long vacations. I want to catch your spring smell again, your deep, relaxing voice, and the warmest hand I felt. See you soon!