Harumi

“Tegoshi Yuya!” Linda yelled as she stormed into the kitchen.

Yuya and Yuki looked up from their breakfast. Linda was red-faced with
anger. Yuya grew scared seeing his sister’s angry expression. “Hai?” he
stammered.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? I’m late!” she complained as rushed to the
bathroom.

Within ten minutes, Linda had taken a shower and put on her clothes and
ready for work. She ran towards the door in a flurry. Before she left, she turned to face Yuya. “Yu-chan! Take this!” she grinned and threw an apple.

Yuya caught the apple that he bought for his sister. He grinned and waved at her. Yuki looked thoughtful. “Ten, nine, eight,” Yuki counted loudly.

“Ne, Yuki-chan, what are you counting for?” he asked, puzzled.

Yuki smiled. Just wait and see. Three, two, one,” she counted and
suddenly, the door burst opened.

Arghh!!! Today is my day off! How can I forget?” Linda grumbled loudly.

Yuki looked at Yuya giving a this-is what-happens- look. Yuya stifled a
laugh when he realized what was happening. Linda glared at them and stormed off to her bedroom. Yuya got up to console his sister but Yuki shook her head. It’s no use for you to console her. She’s already fast asleep,” she replied knowingly.

Yuya looked at her in surprised. “Asleep? But she just stepped into her
room for three minutes!” Yuya exclaimed.

Yuki laughed. “Well, if you don’t believe me, go ahead and check it out.
I’ve lived with her for so many years, I know all her habits and trends by heart. For your information, Yuya-kun, you can read your sister’s
expression and feelings through her face. She wears them on her face,” Yuki told him.

Yuya went to check it out. True enough, he saw his sister curled up on bed with her work clothes. He shook his head. “Your sister seriously needs a boyfriend,” Yuki commented, trying to hint to Yuya.

“Boyfriend?” Yuya echoed.

“Yup, what do you think? I feel that Yamashita-san is prefect for her.
Besides, he’s your idol and respected senpai. I’m sure he will take good care of your sister,” Yuki said, trying to persuade Yuya to let his sister have a bit of freedom.

I’ll think of it,” he answered, his tone as if dismissing the topic.

Linda woke up and looked at the calendar. “Harumi! Hmm..I need to plan what to wear that day,” she replied cheerfully and dug up her closet for a suitable outfit for that occasion.

On the day of the Sakura festival, Linda was the most excited person in the house. Yuya and Yuki had gone out early in the morning, leaving Linda all to herself in the house. Linda had chosen a sakura-colored blouse and a long, cream billowing skirt. She tied her hair up and took a great deal in wearing make-up. After a few hours, she was satisfied with what she saw in the mirror and got ready to go out.

Every year, ever since middle school, Linda and her best friend would meet in a special place which had the best view of the sakura trees. They would spend the day talking and chatting and having a picnic. This festival was the highlight of Linda’s life every year. This was the only time that she had to spend a romantic day with the person she loved secretly and she treasured the moments she had with him.

Linda was walking towards their usual spot, bringing a small picnic basket with her. She had gone all out to prepare his favorite foods ever since early this morning. She had a silly grin on her face and felt like dancing throughout the whole way there.

As she was nearing, she saw his car was parked at the usual spot. He’s
here!” she thought excitedly.

She broke into a slow jog. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks when she saw the scene before her. Her grip on the basket tightened. She closed her eyes tightly, refusing her tears from falling out. She turned around and ran away from the spot, never looking back.

She sat down on a bench when her legs were too tired to run anymore. She hugged the basket tightly, feeling tight in her chest. Suddenly, someone sat next to her. “Linda-chan?” a familiar voice asked.

Linda looked up. “Yamashita-kun,” she smiled weakly.

“What are you doing here? Waiting for someone?” he asked.

“I used to. Now, I’m not waiting for anyone anymore. How about you?” she
asked.

“I’ve just finished some filming over there. Some CM. I was on the way home when I saw you here,” he grinned.Linda nodded. They sat in silence. “Yamashita-kun?” she broke the silence.

He looked at her. He could sense something was bothering her but he did not know what and he did not want to force her to tell. “Can I borrow your shoulders?” she asked.

He nodded. Linda leaned against his shoulders and cried her heart out.
Yamapi sat quietly. He hugged her tightly against his chest, stroking her hair.

They were in that position for quite some time. Linda pulled away.
“Arigato. Hmm..I brought some food. Let’s eat,” Linda grinned, totally a different person since a few moments ago.

Yamapi smiled back and nodded. He saw that the food she prepared was
specially prepared for someone. It was then he realized that someone had broke her heart. “I’ll mend your heart,” he said his thoughts loudly.

“Eh?” Linda asked, staring at him.

He just smiled. “You will never cry again,” he answered.

Linda nodded. “I’ll take your words for it,” she laughed, not knowing that Yamapi really meant it.