Another Time, Another Kiss - Chapter 10 (Completed)

Silence draped the atmosphere for a moment after Kotoko had finished a brief revelation of an event during the past.

Kinnosuke looked at Kotoko, “So, that explained why your eyes were red!” He exclaimed out loud upon the realization and slapped his forehead hard with his palm, “To think I’ve actually bought your ‘dust-in-eyes’ story!”

Kinnosuke sucked in his breath and looked away, his face scarlet. Kotoko was totally astounded by Kinnosuke’s emotional outburst. Tears were forming in his eyes; he pressed his hand over his mouth and shook his head.

“You can be cruel at times, Kotoko.” Kinnosuke finally spoke out again. Kotoko was unable to respond while he locked his gaze so intently on her.

“Kin…” Kotoko tried to reach for Kinnosuke’s hand but he kept them away from hers, feeling a little deceived.

“You’d rather choose to run away with some doctor whom you didn’t even bother to introduce us than to give me a chance! WHY?” There was pain in his already swollen eyes.

For a moment, it was as if thunder had clapped and Kotoko’s ears started ringing with the aftermath of Kinnosuke’s accusation. Kotoko’s mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out.

“It’s not true.” Kotoko said softly.

“It’s true; it’s true!” Kinnosuke said quickly. “Your actions were louder than your words!”

“NO! IT’S NOT TRUE!” Kotoko rebuked, her eyes burning with exasperation and fury.

“And I’m not apologizing for not giving you the chance.” Kotoko said defiantly.

“Despite what I say, you know anyone I choose will always be the second best.” Kotoko reminded him and it made Kinnosuke gone dead inside. He felt like a small bird left behind with winter rushing down over the hills.

“Yes, you are right.” Kinnosuke nodded, “But to me…you are not other people, Kotoko. You will never be other people to me.”

***************

Breakfast during the following morning was an ordeal for the two friends. Both looked apologetic and hurt, but neither would want to be the first to break the awkward silent between them.

Seconds were like minutes and minutes seemed like hours. “Kin…” Kotoko said, her voice surprisingly weak. Kinnosuke lifted his head.

“We need to apologize...” Kotoko said more firmly this time. “...for the things that we’ve said last night.”

“I am sorry…” Kinnosuke apologized quickly. “I am sorry if I seemed abrupt. I just can’t help getting furious…”

“No…” Kotoko interrupted, “…not to each other.”

“Huh? Then, to whom?” Kinnosuke asked and couldn’t help but getting puzzled over Kotoko’s words.

“You, to Chris.” Kotoko replied. “And I, to Takashi.”

“It must have been hearts-tearing for them to hear us…must have…” Kotoko took a deep breath. “Their love for us is not something that can be so easily diminished even when they are not with us anymore. Their devotion is not much lesser than ours.” Kotoko said, restoring a note of happiness to her voice, a bitter kind of happiness.

~Ring ~ Ring~

“I will get it.” Kinnosuke volunteered without hesitation, he needed to get away from the table for it was way too much for him to bear. Minutes later, Kinnosuke returned with one drastically paled expression pinned on his face.

“Kotoko…” Kinnosuke called out, growing a little frantic.

“What happened? Who called?” Kotoko asked.

“A boy named Kinrou called and wants you back immediately.”

“Kinrou?” Kotoko looked up quickly.

“Kyoko has fainted inside the house last night and she is still in a coma.”

To be continued…