You Were Always By My Side - Chapter Two

After classes, Ryo went straight to Keii’s home to visit her and make amends on their latest fight.  He doesn’t know why his heart was pounding so hard on the way there.  Maybe he just can’t stand being in bad situation like this with the other.  And the fact that he is not used to Keii being angry at him this long makes him a little worried.  Well he was already worried that the other was sick and all, but he is still much concerned that they are not in good terms when she got sick. 

He was already in front of the Koyama residence when he felt his stomach twists into a knot.  Why?  He can’t think about it right now.  Can’t he? 

The large door of the main house entrance was already being pulled open by their butler, expecting his arrival.  He immediately sprinted up the stairs, straight to his best friends’ room.  He was about to knock at the door when it flew open revealing Keii’s mom.

“Good afternoon auntie.”  He greeted with a little heavy breathing and a bow.

“Ah Ryo, I’m so glad that you came.”  Smiling at him, while closing the door behind her.

“Of course, I was so worried when you told me about her condition.”

“I see.  Well, I wanted to talk to you for a while before you go in.  Is that alright?”

“Of course.  What is it?”

“Well, Keii had really been sad these past few days.  And I don’t know why?  All that she mentioned was your little argument.  And then she told me and her father that Junnosuke Taguchi is her boy friend.  And well… she seems sad still, even though she said she loved him.”

“I don’t know who Junno is.  And I was kinda surprised when she told me about him.  And that’s what caused our misunderstanding.  I’m sorry.”

She smiled a knowing smile that made Ryo confused.  “Can I know how you felt about it?”

“Well…”  he looked down at his shoes before continuing.  “… I was hurt. And… and…”  sighed dejectedly. “… and I feel betrayed that she didn’t let me meet him before she dated the guy.  I know I don’t have any right or say about it, but she promised me that she will date a guy that… well..”

“What?”

He peeked through his bangs to look into her eyes.  “That I will…approve.”  Almost a whisper, but enough for the other to hear.

She smiled again. “I see.  Well then, you can go inside now.  She’s expecting you.  I’m leaving tonight with her father, so take care of her for us will you?”

“Of course, it will be my pleasure.  Thanks auntie.”  He bowed a little before entering the said room.

 

His stomach made another u-turn.  He can’t figure out why, but he had to be strong.  He can’t get sick.  He entered the room and found a sleeping Keii on her bed.  She looks pale, her face was white.  She looks sad. 

He approached the bed quietly as possible.  He kneeled in front of the bed and took her hand.  He held it in his cheek and sighed.

‘Why are you making me so worried over you?  And why the hell is your boyfriend not here to take care of you?  What kind of idiot do you have as a lover?’  He thought.

Keii stirred and faintly called a name. “Ryo.”

He was surprised that even after they fought, he is still the one she called.

“I’m here Keii.  I’m here.”

She called his name again.  This time a little louder, and somewhat desperate. “Ryo.”

“Keii I’m here.”  He held her hand a little tighter, and kissing it. “I’m here.”

She turned a little, and a tear dropped from her closed eye.  She was dreaming.  Dreaming that Ryo left her for good with Tatsuya.  She see them walking further away, not hearing her call him.  She tried calling him, but they still kept walking further away.  She sank on the ground and cried.

Ryo, seeing the tear ran down, he shook Keii a little to wake up.  Whatever dream she was having is making her cry. 

Another tear fell.  And called his name much louder this time.  “Ryo!”

This time he shook her hard to wake her up.  “Keii!! Wake up!!!”

She opened her eyes and saw Ryo.  She immediately hugged him hard.  “Ryo!  I thought you left me.”  They she started to cry.

“Why would I leave you?  I’m here, don’t worry.” He hugged her back.

When she calmed down a little, she pulled him on her bed and hugged him again.  “Please don’t leave me for Tatsuya.  Please.”

He was in total shock.  He didn’t expect it from her.  And yet, he agreed.  “I won’t, don’t worry.”

He held her close like they always did when they were younger.  But he can feel that she was still hot from her fever.  She was the clingy type when she is sick.  So he let it pass.  Thinking that her high temperature was making her this way.

 

They both fell asleep hugging each other.  When morning came, Keii was the first to wake up, but still he eyes were close.  She smelled the familiar scent.  The cologne she always loved.  She felt she is still in a dream.  A dream where Ryo was with her instead of Tatsuya.  But that couldn’t be right.  She knows that Ryo was, and will always be Tatsuya’s.

She opened her eyes and saw the said man hugging her.  She was shocked to say the least that he stayed by her side.  She inched her way out of the man’s arms slowly not to wake him up.  But she failed.  He woke up and pulled her back into his arms again.

“Go back to sleep Keii.  You still need to rest.”  His eyes was still closed shut.

“I’m sorry for making you stay here.  I’ll just go to the bathroom.”  Still trying to move away.

“I’m not living you, until you get well.”  He sat up and looked at her with sleepy eyes. “Morning.”

“Moring.  I need to go to the bathroom now.”

“Ok, I’ll take you there.”

“No!  I’m old enough to walk you know.”

“But you always liked me to carry you to the bathroom door.”

“No!”

“Fine… just don’t stumble or fall.”  With that, he lay back down and slept.

She just smiled and stood up.

 

As he promised, he took care of her till she recuperated.  It took her almost a week before she got better.  But it was ok for Ryo.  And he would never abandon her, no matter what.

 

He went back to school when Keii was able too.  And what a surprise he had on their lunch break.

 

“Wow!  And I thought Keii was the one who was sick.”  Sarcasm laced very well.

“What!  I called you everyday to say that I will be staying with her till she can come back to school.”

“She has her own boyfriend to do that.  Why do you have to stay with her that long?”

“Because, I promised her parents that I would.  Is there a problem with that?”

“Yes!  And may I remind you that I am your girlfriend and not her, you stupid ass!”

“I know I’m your boyfriend.  And you said you understood.  What are you complaining about anyway?  You did that to Yuichi a couple of months ago, and you didn’t hear me complain.”

Tatsuya was dumbfounded at the statement.  He did not complain when she did it.  So why was she complaining now.

“Look sweetheart, we love our best friend.  Just because we are together, doesn’t mean we can’t be with them when they need us.”

“You’re right.  I’m sorry.”

They kissed and made up and everything feels that same again.  Except seeing Keii hugging Junno, who he still haven’t met properly, were catching up.  And the unsteady feeling in his stomach has returned.

You Were Always By My Side - Chapter One

Ryo Nishikido, the heir to the Nishikido Corporation and the only son.  He has the brain and face to match.  He is gorgeous, but his temper is something else.  But then again, so is the whole Nishikido clan. 

But there is one thing that separates the Nishikido’s from other wealthy people, they let their family to choose who will make them happy the most.  They believe that having someone you love by your side will make everything alright.  And that is the aim of the only heir.

He got everything in life, and a beautiful girl to match. 

Tatsuya Ueda.  The daughter of one of his father’s most trusted employee.  She is the eldest among the siblings of three, and the only daughter.  She is kind, beautiful and smart.  Thus, have the worst temper, just like Ryo. 

Nobody knows why the two are together in the first place.  But when they are not fighting, you will see their affection for each other.  Then that one conflict that they always fight over is…SEX.

“Fuck Tatsuya!  Why did you bit me?”  An angry Ryo was shouting, while holding his bleeding lips.

“I told you, I don’t want to do it.  You know I don’t want to have sex with you until we graduate college first.  Is that so hard to understand?”  An equally angry Tatsuya retorted.

“Ok guys, break it up.  And can you please stop fighting over sex.  Everybody is listening.”

“Shut Up Koyama!”  Both shouted in unison.

The other just sighed and stared at the couple fighting.  Her name is Keiichiro Koyama.  Best friend of Ryo and a close friend of Tatsuya.  She is the youngest daughter of the Koyama Corporation.  Their business is not as big as the Nishikido, but a middle class kind.  The Koyama’s and Nishikido’s are family friends.  She is beautiful, even if she has tanned skin.  She is over all shy and optimistic.  She fights for what she believes in, and a very kind heart.  She is also intelligent in her own way.  And why are the two best friends, simple, Keii knows which buttons to push for Ryo to do her biding.  She is a little spoiled, so she can make Ryo follow her.  But they are good friends.  They listen to each other, and give encouragements.  All are platonic, all are just plain friendship.

Ten minutes had past, and the couple is still bickering.  A guy approached Keii and patted her shoulders.  Pitying her for just being there to witness a fight. 

“So… how long do you plan on watching them?”  Yuichi came into view.

“I will just sit here and wait for my own boyfriend to arrive, and then leave ASAP, since they won’t listen to me.  And don’t start meddling, you can’t do anything about it either.”

Both just sat and chatted with each other.  Waiting for Keii’s boyfriend to arrive, and the latter was also waiting for his own girlfriend.

Yuichi Nakamaru, a close friend of Ryo and Keii, and the best friend of Tatsuya.  The Nakamaru’s are from the same stature with the Nishikido.  Yuichi is the second child and only son among his siblings.  He has three sisters.  And he looks after them with his own busy life.  He is tall and handsome in his own special way.  He looks at things from the outside.  Like Keii, he is very optimistic and has a kind heart.

These four individuals are all connected with each other.  One way or another, they all became friends.

 

Keii and Yui kept chatting away when her boyfriend arrived.  Junnosuke Taguchi.  

He came from a family friend.  Average life style.  Tall, handsome, smart, open hearted, peaceful, cheerful, and good with computers.  The only child.  He doesn’t like complications in life, but things can’t be controlled, and he is good at that.

 

“Hey Honey..”  Kisses her cheeks, making the other blush.

“Hi..”

“Hi Yuichi.”

“Hey there.”

“So they’re at it again.”

“Yeah, about a couple of minutes…”

“Ok… aren’t you gonna do something about it?”

“Nope.”  Stood up and took his hand.

Both smiled. “Let’s go… bye Yui.” Waving at her friend.

“Bye guys. Later.”  Waving back.

“Bye.”

Yuichi was left alone with the fighting couple, when his phone suddenly rang.  It was his girlfriend Jin Akanishi.

Jin came from an average family stature, like Junno.  She is beautiful, smart, talkative when nervous, has a beautiful smile, and simple.  The only child in the family.  A little spoiled, but has a generous heart.

“Hey Sweetie.  Where are you?”

“I’m by the restaurant outside school grounds.  You said to meet you here.”

“Aahh!  I totally forgot.”

She giggled a little. “It’s ok.  I’ll wait for you here, ok?’

“Ok… see you soon.”  And pocketed his phone.

He shouted at the two to get noticed.  “Hey!”  Both turned to him. “I’m leaving.  Hope you two won’t kill each other.” He smirked.

“Wait… where’s Keii?”  Ryo asked.

“Oh…she was picked up by Junno.”

“Junno?  Who’s he?”

“Her boyfriend…”

“What?!  When did this happen?”  Ryo was confused.  He never heard that she had a boyfriend before, nor a suitor for that matter.

“Huh?  I remember her bringing him last Friday at the billiard hall we hang out.”

“…”

“Just call her.  I gotta go.  My girfriend is waiting.”

Now it was Tatsuya’s turn to be shocked.  “Since when?”

“Uh…since last week.”  Staring at her questioningly.  “You know guys, you are not the only ones who has a love life here.  Bye.”

And with that, Yuichi left the two stunned.  When they recovered they just looked at each other and started laughing.

“I’m sorry Tatsuya.”  And hugged her.

“I’m sorry too.”  She hugged him back.

 

That night, after taking Tatsuya home, he immediately took out his phone and called a very familiar number on his speed dial.  The other line just kept ringing for a while before being answered.

“What do you want?  I was already sleeping!”  The other groaned.

“Who the hell is Junno?!”  The other shouted back.

“Can we talk about this tomorrow, and just torment your girlfriend instead of me.”

“What the hell Koyama!”

“Look…”  She sighed before answering. “… Junno is my boyfriend since last week.  I’ve been telling you about him, but obviously you weren’t listening.  My parents knows his parents, so we actually don’t have a problem.”

“I don’t care about that, what I’m asking is why I didn’t know anything about him?”  He was getting impatient.

“Because you were not even listening to me when I tell you about him!”

“…”  Surprised that she shouted at him.

She gave out a heavy sigh.  “You and Tatsuya are always in each other’s throats or you would always complain her to me and so on.  When I was telling you about Junno courting me, asking me out and stuff, you weren’t actually listening.  You kept talking about her and stuff, that you forgot that I have my own life too.  And I want to have someone by my side when I’m lonely, sad or happy.  You have Tatsuya and I have no one.”

“How could that be, I’m always here for you and you know that.  We’ve been friends since we were in diapers.”

“And now that you have Tatsuya…” She trailed off.

“So what, she has her own best friend and that’s Yuichi, just like you.” 

“And we both have to have lives too.  Since you two got together, we were left behind.  You two just needed us when you are fighting or someone to carry your ‘other stuff.’  We are not your servants.  We are your friends, best friends, but we have to have someone too.  Goodnight.”  With that she hanged up.

‘Was that loneliness?’  He thought.  Then he went straight to his room to sleep.  But sleep never bothered to come, he was twisting and turning on his bed.  He just can’t think why he felt a little guilty at the words his best friend said.  ‘I’ll talk to her tomorrow and apologize.’  And with that he fell asleep.

 

Things weren’t going as he planned.  All day, Keii kept her distance from him.  Always sticking to another guy he had classes with, but can’t remember his name.  He came back to reality when Tatsuya gave him a peck on his cheeks.

“Hey babe, what’s with the long face?”

“Oh… sorry, it’s just that, I feel guilty.”

“Why?  What’s wrong?”

“Well, last night when I came home, I spoke to Keii and she told me that she and Yuichi felt left behind since we got together.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, we always make them tag along on our dates or shopping.  I think they feel we take them for granted.”

“Yui said the same thing to me last night when I asked him about his girl friend.  I guess we forgot they needed someone to love them.  I know we love them ‘coz they are our best friends and all, but I guess they needed someone who appreciated them like how we appreciate each other.”

“Yeah, and she’s been avoiding me since these morning too.”

“Yuichi’s the same.  I guess, our temper got the best of us again.”

“How are we gonna make it up to them?  I know they don’t hate us, just…”

“I know what you mean.  We’ll think of something.  They’re not the kind to stay mad at us, but I guess they feel that we forgot our friendship with them.”

“I know.”

“Well, we could ask them to join us later and bring their friends along so we all could meet.  Properly this time.  It was pointed out that we didn’t even look at their dates the last time we were together.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Ok, let’s talk about it later.  We need to get back to class.  It’s almost bell time.”

 

“Keii, Junno… hello.”

“Hi Yuichi, hi…ahm…”

Yuichi laughed and forgot to introduce her.  “She’s Jin Akanishi.  My girlfriend.  Jin, this is Keiichiro Koyama and her boyfriend Junnosuke Taguchi.”

“How do you do?”

“Yuichi, she is so beautiful.  Isn’t she Junno?”  She squeaked.

Junno laughed are her bluntness.  “Yes she is.  Hello.”

Yuichi beamed with pride.  And Jin blushed at the compliment.

“Anyway, Keii did Ryo call you last night?”

“Yeah, we got into a huge argument.  How about you?”

“Yeah, same thing.”

“So that’s why you were avoiding him.”  Junno said in surprise.

“Yeah.  It’s nothing really, just a little misunderstanding.  Like I’ve told you before, we’ve known each other for a long time and know every reaction they will do.”

“Yui, you also had a fight with Tatsuya?”  Jin asked.

“Yeah, but don’t worry.  We’re just letting them think some things over and we’ll talk to them.  They just get into their own worlds’ most of the time and forgot we existed.”

“Oh sweetie, I’m sorry to hear that.  Hope you guys be in good terms soon.  I know how much you love your friends.”

“Yeah… we do.”

Junno pitched in. “Honey, Ryo will come to his senses soon.  I don’t like seeing you sad.”

“Thanks.  My parents doesn’t like the idea of him and me having arguments too much.  His dad and mine are best friends just like Tatsuya and Yuichi’s.  So if we all end up being angry and estrange, we will certainly see each other still, or forced to for that matter right Yuichi?”

“Uhm… we have get-to-together with them.  And it’s a shame to throw a lifelong friendship with just some stupid misunderstandings.”

 

When school was finished, Ryo caught up to a fast walking Keiichiro.  She obviously saw him and trying to get away.  While he was running after her, he was thinking why.  It actually doesn’t make sense at all. He was now really getting confused about his friend’s reaction.  Just then, the students flooded the hallways all eager to get out of class.  Ryo lost sight of Keii and decided to go to her place later.  He has to pick up Tatsuya.

Yuichi on the other hand stopped and talked to Tatsuya in one of the vacant classrooms.

“Yuichi Nakamaru…”

“Tatsuya Ueda… a pleasure of seeing you today.”

“Stop with the sarcasm, it doesn’t suit you.  Look, I’m truly sorry about last night.  And I kinda thought about everything that you said.  I’m sorry for being such an ass hole of a friend for the past how many months.  Sorry about that.  Ryo and I wanna make it up to you and Keii.  We’d like to meet your girlfriend and her boyfriend.  Please…” Pouting at him.  Which she knew he can’t deny her request.

“Ok… I’ll tell Keii.  But, I can’t promise to make her say yes.  She was really sad during lunch break we were with her.  You know how emotional she could get sometimes.”

“Thank you.”  She couldn’t admit to him that she felt lonely when they got into a fight, and not be able to have his shoulder to cry on, or even have a happy time with him.  Now she could breathe easily again that she knew Yuichi had accepted her apology.

 

That night went by a pain ever so slowly for Ryo.  Even though Tatsuya was by his side, he can’t help but think about his bestfriend.  This was the first time they fought and she really avoided him for the whole day.  Friends do get into fights, but it wasn’t normal for Keii to be mad at him for the whole day.  Usually it just took her a goodnights rest then they say sorry to each other, and be like usual.  But today was kinda different.  And it’s making him worry that Keii’s anger was really that much.  He was afraid that she might not talk to her for a while, which he can’t afford.  He makes sure that the other never gets mad at him for so long. 

He was staring into space when he heard Tatsuya call his name.

“Ryo, why are you looking like you’re lost?”

“Sorry, it’s just, she ran from me this afternoon.  And I’ve been calling her since then, but she’s not answering.”

“I’m sorry.  Why don’t I try talking to her?  Maybe she’ll listen to me.”

“Thank you.”

She took her phone out and called her.  And she answered.

“Keii, hi.  I heard from Ryo about your…uumm…misunderstanding.  And he wanted to talk to you.  Can you please talk to him?  He kinda looks sad.  And you know, I don’t like him like that.”

“Look, I don’t have time for this.  I’ll just talk to him when I can.  I’m kinda busy right now.”

“Keii, I don’t want to get involve with you guys, but he’s not good company if he is worried about your friendship.”

“Just tell him I’ll talk to him tomorrow.  I gotta go, my mom’s calling me. Bye.”

“What the… she hung up on me.”

Ryo laughed at her.  He knew she would do that, but didn’t say.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Sorry, I guess she’s still mad to hang up on you.”

“Yeah, whatever.  She said she will talk to you tomorrow though.”

“Thank you.” And gave her a peck on the lips.

He felt a little at peace from the information.  He didn’t need to go to her house that night.

 

The following day, Ryo waited by Keii class.  Hoping they will be able to talk for a while before classes start.  She never arrived.  He tried to call her, but the bell rang.  So he left heavily for his own class.  During lunch, he called her again.  And there was an answer.

“Hey Keii, why aren’t you at school?”

“Sorry Ryo, this is her mom.  She won’t be coming to class for a few days, she’s sick.”

“Auntie is she alright.  Do you need to take her to the hospital?  Is she drinking her medicine?”  He asked panicking.

She laughed a little.  “She’s fine Ryo.  You don’t have to worry.  Just stop by later so you guys can talk.  She told me about your little argument though.”

“Ah…sorry about that auntie.  And I will definitely come by later.”

“Ok.  She will be happy to hear that.  She’s been crying last night during the peak of her fever, she’s looking for you.”

“Really?  I thought she was mad at me.”

“You know how she is, but she loves you.”  She smiled even though he can’t see her.

“I love her too, she’s just stubborn sometimes.”

“Yes, just like you.”

He blushed, “I gotta go auntie.  I’ll be there after class.”

“Ok, see you later.”

He kept his phone and told Tatsuya their date that afternoon is cancelled and has to go to Keii.  She understood and gave her regards to Keii.  She didn’t get mad, for on her part, she knew she will be by her best friend’s side too if Yuichi gets sick.

 

With these incidents, something was really wrong.  Both have these weird feelings, but put’s it aside.  They don’t think more into it.  But is it really just that?  Maybe.  They have been friends with these individuals for so long, that having a sudden change seems to be making them think otherwise.  But, maybe they are just in the stage of just accepting the fact that they are all growing.  And having other people in their lives was inevitable.