REACHING YOU~

“From where you are…”

“…let’s keep ourselves connected.”

By: KazehayaXSawako (a.k.a. K`no)

Encounter
 "It was her hair that struck me in silence at first, her deep black and long
hair. Swaying with the rhythm of the wind, I can barely gaze at her eagerly.
Before I could take the first step towards her I realized that I could not muster the
strength within me. That left my heart rest uneasily. It was like moving my feet
would actually stop my world from turning. That momentary feeling, that very
second, I am lost to a place beyond imagination. I hoped it would last forever,
and before I knew, forever was in front of me."
Like what I believed, flowers bloom at the right time, with proper disposition
of its needs it will prosper and blossom. The same with these emotions, I cannot
really call this love or any romantic attraction for someone, but it may be a sort of
special yearning. I don't know. Perhaps she was too intimate who almost blanked
out my thoughts, and left me wanting to gaze at her for hours... to gaze at her,
nobody else but her.
It was during the eve of Christmas, a white Christmas. The fair white snow
fell from the heavens, almost covering the empty land with chilling yet soothing
atmosphere. I was walking along the street from a very problematic school,
thinking over about the thing that I should have done. Though it was a usual
matter I kept troubling myself, I cannot just stop thinking about it, about how I
became. From this moment on, I am quite used to it, so it does not bother me
anymore. I surely pray it'll never ever bother me anymore.
While walking home and before I turn myself into a sudden weakness. I
realized myself staring at an angel. My heart even managed to skip not only a
single beat, I was mesmerized that I could not turn my head away from her.
She was across the street waiting for the green light. Obviously, I was also
waiting. With pure black hair dancing with the wind as if it was part of it. The
movement of her cute little eyes made a smile on my face. The way she carries
herself is just too much and too attractive for me to bare. But her smile, I know it
is almost honest and pure.
Several seconds passed and the light turned green. There was a tension in
my heart, a tension which held me back from making my first step. Unfortunately,
it's getting stronger and stronger. I thought, I might be ensnared with this sudden
encounter or perhaps I am afraid to cross paths with her. Time went by but I am
still standing at the same point, as if time stopped. For some reason, I doubted
myself if I'm still breathing. But in the end I launched my first step, the next, and
there it goes. I started walking. I was dreamy, always thinking if I could ever face
and make a smile to her. How would she possibly react? Would she smile back
at me? The thought itself embarrassed even me. Nevertheless, I managed to
walk forward. I thought, I am not obliged to smile or face her to begin with, we are
complete strangers. So why would I? In contrary, I cannot let this chance slip
away, perhaps what I felt was rather special that I wanted to smile at her. The
reasons for this "special feeling", I haven't found yet.

"Time, all people believe that time is irreversible and endless. There is no
way you can stop time. Yet from this very moment, I found myself locked within
my own dimension where time had already died."

Time became stationary the second we advanced towards each other, it

was only few meters apart 'till we cross paths. The unusual tension I felt earlier
came again and completely devoured my whole ability to a step forward.
Knowing this, I hated myself. So, I decided to clear out my mind as if nothing
happened, there was nothing I saw, nothing. I cannot deny the fact that she was
still there. I closed my eyes and continued to walk forward. I only imagined inside
my head how far we are right now and how close we will be in the next
minute. Less than a minute, I guess. I made two successive steps with my hands
squeezing the straps of my empty light bag. My head gazing the low clouds.

I was whistling, whistling inside my head. Yes, I always do this and it

became a weird habit. A foot next to the other. It's close. Another crucial step,
now I locked each of my hand inside my pockets. After another step, I almost
swallowed my breath... deep enough rendering me speechless. I realized from
that moment, this may be the first and probably the last time I get to see her face.
She is cute and pretty. I began imagining things. I cannot just end this day
without a single smile from her. Later on, a started murmuring, hesitantly, "Just
this once, after this it will be over." I made the deepest breath in my entire life.
Sounds funny. Lowered my head a little, took my hands from my pockets. Still
with fingertips playing wildly. I finally mustered my remaining courage. Opened
my eyes and glanced at her.

Before I landed my foot to the ground, before I made a quite happy

expression, she was there beside me. One step away. Fate, right from the
beginning, guided me. In a blink of an eye she was there. With her divine
manners, she courteously released an elegant smile upon me which made a
blush on my face. That caught me off guard.

I know it is always selfish to think that the smile I saw from her was only
intended for me. Selfish I may be, I wished I was the only one to witness such
great and exquisite beauty. Being so eager, I smiled back and even raised my
hand to wave her. I only embarrassed myself yet. Before I knew, we already
crossed paths and I was actually waving at somebody else. I did.

After that, I suddenly felt a rubbing sensation inside my chest. I do not even
know why, I'm not actually sure. I felt a further quench of this irresistible yearning
within me. I tried to turn my back and take a look at her for the very last moment
but my senses weren't responding to my impulses at all.

I was thinking how long the day had been. I got so many problems piling up.
Perhaps I should head home quickly and get over it. They usually say a troubled
mind should take a long rest. For me, that's ultimately impossible. Unbelievable,
it is Christmas yet things aren't likely the same. When I think about what
happened earlier, things will never be the same.

Something different happened. And hundredths of thoughts came inside my

head.
I continued to cross the street crowded with distinct and different faces,
when I reached the end of my long walk. All I remember is her. I surely hope she
did notice me too.

I was happy and satisfied at the same time.

Though it left my heart with such yearning, that momentary feeling, I always
thought would last forever.
Right now I know one thing for sure, I left my heart somewhere else.And I will
find it, sooner or later.

A Beautiful Maiden
Just after the light turned green, she crossed the street carrying a cute little
shoulder bag around her arms. Her manners, composed and quiet. The first thing
you’d notice about her is her astounding black eyes, deep and solid that portrays
her firm yet sweet characteristic. Her charm provided average teenage boys
limitless imaginations.

“I hope the train arrives early.” I’m chilling.

She may have a weak and vulnerable body, but her mind surpasses any
other normal individual. She conceals her weakness by not letting it get into her.
Sometimes she talks to herself, and seldom converse with other people. Every
person she comes across, she sends them a wave of warm smile.
…
Friday, 24th of December
4:51 p.m.
“I arrived at the train station. It’s almost a year since I came here with Mom
and Dad.” I surely wish they’re doing fine right now.
“I came across with an old lady, she seemed sick. I hope she’ll do just fine
this Christmas --“
“Also, I saw a boy. I think we are on the same age. He’s quite cute, and
funny.” Yes, funny :)
4:58 p.m.
“The train arrived exactly as I expected.”
...
The moment the train reached a full stop, she stood up, snapped in her
notes and placed it inside her bag. Her cheerful manner of walking even drew
more attention from the busy crowd. After a minute or two, she tightened her bag
around her shoulder, swept her long hair at the back of her ears and loosened
her breath. Those people around her might have thought how maidenly she was
for a normal high school girl.

Few second later, she climbed up the short rusty ladder of the robust train.
Her sweet fragrance left an enchanting scent amongst the by-passers.
 “Oh my…” With a trifling smile on her face. “Perhaps I should’ve taken the
bus.” For no reason at all?
...
5:02 p.m.
“Mom, you were right. This place never did change at all: the train, the
conductors and mostly the atmosphere, not a single speck of change.” Yet I feel
better.
“Dad, I am coming home at last! I will visit you and Mom soon. Transferring
schools isn’t much of a hassle like you always think.”
...
A minute later, the train echoed a deep boisterous roar. It started moving
and embarked another journey once again.
…
5:07 p.m.
“I should take a rest here for sure.” Yes, a rest, a nap.
…

She leaned both of her arms slowly above her seat. Then, rested her head
gently, closed her eyes.

She whispered silently to herself, “This will be a long one…”

 Perhaps, Fate…

"One year more and my high school life is over. I have to make some
memories, probably will not." He talked to himself as if he wasn't aware of the
burning heat of the sun, scorching over the defenseless environment around
him. As he strode slowly into the scenery of a busy crowd, he felt tired by the
thought of going to school again.
"Everything will be fine." I really hope so. As he sighed, his face began
crumbling. He desperately want to end school. Although he always have
satisfactory grades enough to get chosen by any university, he wouldn't care
much. He's the boring type of person.

While walking slowly along a small yet fascinating park, he was humming
another cheerful but distracting melody. He came across the slides and swings
he used to play with his friends. He also saw an old couple walking joyfully under
huge column of trees, careless of the world around them. A feeling of loneliness
intruded his mind, and his heart. "I will meet her someday. Maybe not now, not
this year, but I definitely will." He felt a sudden yelp of relief as he mouthed the
words. He was confident. Not for long, he continued his walk and felt a little
nostalgic after reminiscing his childhood years. At the same time, with no
particular reason, the sight of a stray blue tulip catches his attention. He walked
voluntarily across the road to just pick the flower beside the long horizontal flower
compartments.

Out of randomness and after he picked up the flower, he uttered words

aimlessly, "Come with me, I will bring you to my school." We are not alone
anymore, but I think not for long. He carried the flower carefully into his left hand
along with his light school bag swaying sideways on the other. The sight of
college girls in short skirts fascinated and infatuated his innocent thoughts as he
waited for the traffic signals. The same time he was enjoying the spectacle,
another thought came and invaded his head.
I think I'm forgetting something. Something...
What is was, never did he remembered and he ceased himself from
remembering it any longer
By the second he crossed the street, a cheerful and pretty voice rang his
ears.
 "Riko! Riko!!" The girl shouted, femininely. He always knew who it was, he
always did. Her voice, her childhood friend, and his best friend. Her name is May.

Ever since Riko's parents left and worked off-shore, May had been there
always beside him. Although Riko only see her as a friend, nothing more, she still
supported Riko morally all the way. They sometimes shop together, eat snacks
and chit-chat together, he has done almost everything with May more than any
other person.
"Are you alone?" She said care-freely the moment she drawn herself near
Riko.
"Of course, I am. You don't need to ask." With a slight trace of annoyance.
"Mean as always. I was expecting for a more considerate reply." It's alright
anyway. She kept a steady smile as she grabbed Riko's arm, and crossed hers
with his. "I haven't seen you for ages." Her face turned to sadness.
He held her arms lightly, only to suggest for her to let go. "We haven't seen each
other for only a summer. Besides, we call each other once in a while, right?" He
assured May that there is nothing to worry about.
She nodded, "That's true." Perhaps, no.
After a minute of chatting, they continued walking to school. With a distance,
not of lovers.
"Riko, we will be in the same class again. Like always." Like always. She
faced Riko with a gentle face. "Don't you think it's fate?" As if she was joking
intentionally, she was waiting an answer.
He raised his left hand, pointed above the blinding sphere of light with his
finger and grasped his hand tightly.
"I don't know what fate is. If you know, please tell me now." He answered
with a serious tone, unexpected to May.
"I can't put it into words. Time will tell you. I suppose." She replied with
uncertainty.
"Maybe you're right. Let's get going." He said.
Later, they reached school. St. Louise Academy, an average high school
academy populated with almost equal number of male and female students. The
school is most likely renowned for its independent student council operating
most of the school functions. The academy is also one of the prestigious
academies with complete equipment and facilities. The academy is divided with
two areas, the west and east wing, specifically the boy and girl dormitories. So to
speak, the academy stands in between these two separate dorms to function as
a wall separating them.
And a moment later, they entered the academy, both swarmed through the
crowd, to the information board.
"Have you seen it?" He asked May reluctantly.
"No, not yet." She replied as she studied the roll of students.
"Please hurry, May." He answered.
"There, I'm in class 4-B. And you're in class ---" May attempted to confuse
Riko.
"Class?" He looked at May and answered in a sudden displeased voice.
"You are in class 4-B, Riko. We're in the same class like always. Do you
believe in fate now?" A mark of satisfaction grew in her face together with a
discreet smile.
"Like I said, I do not know what fate is. Let's hurry to our homeroom. The
opening ceremony will start soon." He was also satisfied. He wouldn't know
what'll happen to him if ever May was in a different class. Not because he wants
to depend on her at times but rather he always feel secure whenever May is
near.

They hurried back to their homeroom. May went in first, later, Riko.
"Alright, this is Class 4-B and starting this very day, I will be your homeroom
teacher. My name is Niña Laurent. Please remember that." Her real name is
Santa Clara Laurent, her father was an intelligent university professor and her
mother was a famous Spanish dressmaker and designer. Her parents both died
in a car accident when she was sixteen and lived life all by herself. She accepted
her parents' death and used her savings to support her studies. She possessed
an arresting deep brown eyes and a tanned skin, also, a smooth and delicate
chest and legs. That of her parents'.
...
What a horrible class, she thought.
The moment of clamor surrounding the whole class began to disengage.
Silence covered the entire rowdy class. She entered the class, slowly with cute
little steps. She stood there in silence as she smiled in front the unfamiliar faces
of her new classmates, except for one.
Ms. Laurent was quite amused by the fact the she almost stripped the entire
class their ability to speak. "I forgot to mention, a new transfer student will be
spending her time with us. The good news is, she's obviously a girl. Please do
take care of her." The silence even grew deeper the very second she introduced
herself. "Good morning everyone. My name is Andrea Cortez. Since we will be
spending a whole year together, i will leave myself to your care."
When she finished her introduction, the whole class, mostly boys, swarmed
near her asking random questions.
"Hello, Andrea!"...
"How old are you?"...
"Can I have your mobile number?"
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
The questions were endless.
Meanwhile, Riko just sat there, struck in greater surprise. He stared at the
new transfer student for so long, thinking if she's the same girl he saw few
months earlier. His thoughts kept circling around his head with nowhere to go. At
the same time, May stared at Riko in slight distraught.
"Settle down!" Ms. Laurent knocked her table forcefully and the students
returned to their seats instinctively.
"Ms. Andrea, feel free to seat wherever you like." She offered Andrea with
such thoughtfulness.
"Thank you." She answered yet with another charming smile on her face.
She walked along the column of desks and looked for an empty seat. She strode
a little longer until she reached an empty desk beside the window. She pulled the
chair, fixed her uniform, and sat in discretion.
The boy sitting beside her, was there, motionless. Out of curiosity, she
turned her face around this familiar classmate sitting awkwardly. She tangled her
face with tenderness and curiosity.
"Hello, we will be seat mates for this whole year. I hope we do get along
with each other." She tried to start a conversation with him but he just sat there
steady and still. Since he hadn't uttered a single word, Andrea find this as a
challenge. She turned her whole body facing him and said, "My name is Andrea,
please talk to me." I don't really know if you wanted to talk.
Sitting there in great confusion, he started moving, he faced Andrea with a
mark of shyness. He squeezed his pocket looking for something, he found it.
Then later he replied with a remarkable sign of friendship. "Do you like
flowers?" What am I thinking?!
 Andrea, in confusion, did not even understand what he's talking about. She
just laughed there carelessly, that the whole class turned all their attention to her.
"Yes, I like them so much!" She's beautiful. With a smile, she's even more
beautiful.
"Perhaps, fate." Riko whispered to himself.
 Andrea’s Memo Book

It was really a cold evening; the rain poured heavily and troubled the restless
crowd in the street. She was rushing towards the coffee shop to wait for the rain
to settle down. Her clothes weren’t really soaked wet, unlike any other students
running hastily under the lively rain.
She removed a cute little pin attached to her hair, and then placed it inside
her school bag. The dampness of her hair attracted several customers of the
coffee shop. Some of them thought her wet-look made her sexier, some thought
she was real beauty. As she stared the crowd outside the shop, she felt lacking.
She grabbed a thick notebook out of her bag, together with a writing pen. She
smiled, asked for a glass of water and gazed at her notes for a long time. Later,
she started writing, with a happy mood.

Friday, 8 of June
6:08 p.m.
“I walked slowly along the surface of my empty story book.”
“The story hasn’t started yet, not until he appeared in front of me…”
“…now the story has begun, ready to be drawn with the kaleidoscope of
my heart.”
...
“Back then, I remembered, he was totally freezing when I was sitting next
to him. His eyes were completely reflecting the movement of uneasiness, I don’t
know why. My heart kept thumping; it was beating really fast, like never before. I
don’t want to show this side of me. I will keep this inside. As long as I can…”
"I tried to relax myself, took a deep breath, and cleared my mind. The
sluggish movement of the clouds, the idle image of a cherry tree, and the
aimless journey of birds above the sky, pleased me. Unluckily, as I struggled to
conquer my weakness, the wind suddenly wrapped itself around me, and
heightened my consciousness even more. I felt bizarre; I knocked myself out of
this strange and overwhelming vulnerability. Talking to someone so intimate was
never easy. It was like a “bittersweet” affection, you always want to talk to him
but the second you start talking, your conscious heart saps your inner strength.
Nevertheless, since I lived my whole life the same way as it is right now, come
what may. Whatever will happen, will happen.”
 “Yet for a moment, his smile gave me warmth even from a distance .I feel
like I was held closer to him, so close that I could barely mouth a single word. I
felt so happy and so weak at the same time. So happy that I reluctantly
discovered how pretty he was, so weak that I cannot continue to face him. Is this
the feeling of liking someone? I don’t know since this is the first time I felt such
intimacy. Now I realized, I can’t see a brighter day than him smiling at me. In this
very night, I started wishing, that my feelings will reach him someday. ”

Just after she finished writing, she placed her pen aside and grabbed the
glass of water.
She said to her self humorously, “I hope I’m not drinking rainwater.” And
convinced her self it was just another boring statement she made.