Shiko looks at her wrist and points to a cut, looking to be the oldest, she starts speaking with a slightly shaky tone.
Shiko: This... was my oldest one... About a month after my little sister was born.... she takes a breather
I was 13... when she was first born. My mother said something like
"Wow, Shiko doesn't look as precious anymore..." she lightly moves one of her thumbs over the scar
My father giggled and said
"Nahh, She is precious too. But I can see why you'd think that after creating such a beautiful diamond darling..." she gulps and sighs
I couldn't say anything at the time but it hurt.. she closes her eyes which makes a single tear fall down. Kuro is simply watching with silence, looking at Shiko's wrist.
A month later, my mom and dad would just keep pushing me away, telling me I'm just wasting their time... Unless it wasn't an emergency, I wouldn't be important at all for a few months they said... she opens her eyes, slightly mad
So I just lost it... locked myself in my room and did this with a blade without hesitation... I was used to not being believed in... but finding out all that "love" they gave me was fake broke me... she sniffles a little and smiles slightly
When I showed them, saying it hurt... they looked at me with disgust... 1 month old Hikari looked at me and stopped crying... she just looked sad... My mom looked at her and pushed me back into my room saying I was a bad influence... she slightly giggles
I was bleeding then yes, but they didn't know that when I said "It hurt..." I meant how they were acting... not how I was bleeding... she falls silent for a bit.
Kuro takes a breather and just before he's about to talk, Shiko starts speaking again and points at a different scar, also looking fairly old.
Shiko: This one was my second I believe. It had been half a year since Hikari was born and My parents were acting the same. The time limit had started between me and Hikari. I didn't need to see her for 2 hours anyway though... I'd just go up to her and say... "Thank you... and I'm sorry" every day... I didn't blame I'm her for changing my life but blamed myself for not being someone who my mom could be proud of. At school; they'd always bully me and my mom would just say; "you probably did something and deserved it"Â she sighs and wipes her teary eyes a little with the back of one of her hands. She sniffles
So the day I did this; a bully was verbally abusing me, saying I was a spoiled brat from a wealthy family and I should cling to their feet to make them feel better. I couldn't take it that day... so when I said no; they said I was weak and they'd hurt me more and more if I didn't do it... she takes a breather
I carried a small blade with me every day; resisting my urges to cut... she forces a smile
I just remember screaming at them in tears and doing this... asking them if they were gonna harm me more then myself... she giggles slightly with pity at herself
They looked disgusted and ran away...
She falls silent
Kuro: Shiko... This is hurting you... maybe we should stop for now... he says with a slightly sad tone and puts his hand on Shiko's shoulder. Shiko looks at him with teary eyes
Shiko: Are you... disgusted of me..? She asks hesitantly. Kuro quickly shakes his head no
Kuro: Of course not... he lightly and kinda hesitantly wipes Shiko's tears with one finger and takes her hand away. Shiko looks at her wrist and takes a deep breath
Shiko: Unless you are disgusted I'm gonna continue... she says very silently
There is about a minute of silence until they both sigh and Kuro nods. Shiko points to a few more scars, explaining their stories one by one. They all have sadness, fear and the feeling of uselessness behind them. Kuro points at one
Kuro: You didn't talk about this one..? He says hesitantly, Shiko has stopped crying and calmed down a bit after talking about so many different small, big, thin, deep or light scars. She smiles slightly, still seeming kinda sad
Shiko: Oh... that one doesn't have much of a story... It was a typical day full of bullying and stress. When I got home and saw the blade I hadn't touched in a while on my table; I felt light headed and attracted to it... she rubs the small scar very slightly with her thumb.
Just as I was sitting on the floor, with this scar slowly being made... Hikari came in the room... I hadn't seen her yet that day... she was around 2,5 years old.. she takes a breather
when our eyes met... I couldn't put the blade away. She saw but didn't say anything of course. What could she have known..? She looked first at the blade, then at me and smiled slightly... she giggles very slightly
She put a small purple flower in my newly white colored hair that she picked for me... she said "I love you big sis!~" with a big smile and ran out the room... I haven't really cut since then but have scratched or tightly squeezed my skin... she falls silent once more. For a while this time. She takes a deep breath and puts her hands down. She looks at Kuro but can't read his expression at All. He looks reaaaally in thought. She opens her eyes wide.
O-Oh... Oh dear... W-Why did I just explain all of them!? Y-You won't remember anyway and I just wasted your time...! She puts both her hands on the two sides of her head.
Kuro gets up and looks at Shiko, as if telling her to get up. So she hesitantly does. When she gets up, Kuro holds Shiko from her arm, pulls her close and tightly hugs her. Shiko's eyes open wide, her head coming at about Kuro's chest. Kuro starts petting her head.
Kuro: I'm not disgusted at all... I can see why they all mean so much to you and to be honest... I doubt I'll forget any of their stories. Shiko's eyes get kinda teary once again, still wide open. She hesitantly hugs Kuro back.
I don't know if hugging you like this is okay... or if I'm violating private space. But I felt like this is what you need now... Shiko hesitantly nods her head, slightly shaking, her face completely red
I understand what you mean by saying you don't regret your scars. You can see them all as a lesson right now but answer me when I ask this; did they really help your case when you made them..? Shiko hesitantly shakes her head no
That's right. They don't help. You don't deserve something like this... you aren't useless or broken... You are simply hurt from the heart... he lightly let's go and looks at her face
Not that I know too much about feelings; but I know this world wasn't kind to either of us. Especially in the family department... they both stop for a second and giggle slightly. They let go of eachother. Shiko takes a deep breath and lightly wipes her tears away.
Shiko: Hey... I know you said you might be busy during the weekend... but today is Friday... so... she says kinda silently and averts her eyes. Kuro smiles and pats both of her sides
Kuro: Speak up!~ You are stronger than ever now! You just reviewed your past, and you are ready to step into your future! He giggles slightly and puts his hands in his pockets. Shiko takes a deep breath and smiles genuinly
Shiko: Heh, thanks... she fake coughs lightly
Ehem-, as i was saying... she takes a step back and looks in his eyes
If I asked my family and they agreed, Would you like to join us for dinner tonight? I-I'm sure Hikari would be happy... She says with a slightly pinkish face, Kuro lightly smiles and looks at what he's wearing
Kuro: Heh, I'd be delighted. He holds his Shirt
You sure I wouldn't look too out of place though? He giggles slightly, Shiko quickly shakes her head
Shiko: N-No no! My mother saw you before anyway... You are fine the way you are... just be you.. she smiles lightly, Kuro lets go of his shirt and roles his eyes a little
Kuro: Then again, if they ask about my relationship with my family, I can't really say I was an accident now can I..? He giggles slightly while averting his eyes, Shiko puffs her cheeks a little
Shiko: I said you shouldn't think like that.... she says hesitantly, kinda silent, Kuro looks straight into her eyes and sighs
Kuro: I may have not explained myself well before... a couple of seconds pass in silence as his expression falls kinda blank
My father accidentally got my mother pregnant. He didn't make her get an abortion because he hoped he could have a daughter and could molest her later. His eyes seem slightly empty, Shiko's expression also seems to have faded away
Shiko: I...I- Kuro cuts her sentence
Kuro: So are you disgusted of me? They fall silent for a couple more seconds, Shiko takes a deep breath and looks down
My father really was a monster. He wanted to make me like himself after I was born but let go of that "dream" of his. he sighs
Shiko slowly leans her back against the fence around the park, Kuro takes a step closer and puts his hand on the fence, as if cornering Shiko. Shiko keeps looking down.
Kuro: Look into my eyes and tell me; what could you say to me now if I did end up like that..? If I was more like him. He says in a serious tone, Shiko finds it hard to breath for a bit before slowly lifting her head and looking into his eyes
Shiko: I....I..... her voice doesn't really come out and is very silent
Kuro: Would you be scared?. He says with the same expression and tone, not looking away from Shiko's eyes. Shiko takes a deep breath and puts one of his hands on Kuro's heart
Shiko: I... wouldn't know... she says kinda silently and very slowly smiles, Kuro lifts up one brow slightly, confused
I don't really think I'd meet you if you were that type of person. She takes another breather and speaks slightly louder
We became friends because of your kindness and empathy... she slowly moves her hand a little on Kuro's shirt, where his heart is.
You aren't your father... you have a big heart and it doesn't matter what they had planned for you before you were even born.. she smiles warmly, looking in his eyes
You are you and nobody could have changed that if you ask me... I don't know how you did it... but you got to be such a great person through that kind of family... she slowly takes her hand away. Kuro also puts down his arm which is cornering Shiko on the fence
I'm really happy you trusted me enough to tell me a bit about your past... a big smile falls on her face as a wind blows past them
Thank you... Kuro... she giggles and looks up at the wind
Kuro's eyes widen a bit as he takes a step back and gulp. For a split second, he feels like he's gonna pass out or like he's just ran a marathon. It's like he can hear his heartbeat. He averts his eyes which are still wide open after such a response. Shiko looks at him confused
Shiko: Ku...ro..? She tries to look at him from the side but he turns his back
Kuro: K! We gotta go, Lunch break is already over and we are 5 minute late... Shiko looks at the time and opens her eyes wide
Shiko: O-Oh no!! We lost track of time!! She gets in front of Kuro quickly, her eyes widen slightly more when she sees; Kuro is veeeery lightly blushing
Kuro: I-I'm heading off early. Our teacher hates me more than most of the students I think... see ya.. he waves and very quickly runs off. Shiko looks from behind him and lightly smiles
Shiko: "Looks like I touched a soft spot..." she giggles a little and looks at her phone. After a deep breath, she hesitantly sends her mother a text
"Hello Mother. I was wondering if perhaps Kurosaki-Kun could come over for dinner tomorrow evening? I do trust him and believe Hikari-Chan would be delighted. He's really kind and wouldn't disrespect you. I'm sure."
She looks at her text and feels her stomach tie in nots. After all, she's never asked such a thing before and couldn't know what to expect.
After sending the messages, she very quickly runs to her own class and gets in before the late teacher shows up. It's history so she ends up falling asleep pretty quickly. Followed by geography which means more Z's for Shiko. At that moment, Kuro is in Math class and time flies fairly quickly. After 4 lessons pass, the school bell rings. It's finally the end of the school week. Practically the entire school takes a deep breath. After all; during weekends, they are allowed to leave school grounds to go home.
Shiko Checks her messages, no response from her mother, she sighs and after a few second, feels a tap on her head. She looks up to see...
Kuro: Yo! He smiles a little, Shiko gets a little startled which makes him giggle
You were dosed off, Ya okay? Shiko nods and looks at her phone, she sighs
Shiko: My mother didn't respo- just then there is a message
Lisa: "Call me." And that is it, Shiko gulps, Kuro looks at her phone from Shiko's Shoulder and presses the call button, phone starts ringing and Shiko's body slowly fills with stress, she opens her eyes wide
Kuro: Stay calm... Kuro whispers and slowly pets Shiko's head. Lisa picks up. Shiko takes a deep breath and holds the phone to her ear
Shiko: Y-Yes Mother..? She says, kinda hesitantly
Lisa: "You've known that boy for such a short amount of time. Don't you think it would be inappropriate to bring him home? You say Hikari would be delighted but did you even think about how that would influence her? She might want to bring a boy herself! I suggest you stop being so unthoughtful, selfish, foolish and come to your senses." Her voice sounds serious and calm yet her words feel like they pierce through Shiko. Kuro looks at her as she looks down.
Kuro: "Looks like the scars in her heart are deeper than the ones on her body..." Shiko opens her mouth to say something but nothing comes out. Kuro sighs and takes Shiko's phone from her, he puts in near his ear as Shiko looks at him with wide eyes and stands up
Kuro: Lisa-San, Hello... I sincerely apologize for cutting into your private conversation. I'm Kurosaki Kaito again... May I also state my opinion on this matter if you'd be so kind to give me a chance? He says calmly and smirks slightly at Shiko, Shiko sits down in shock, not taking her eyes off of him, holding her breath for her mother's answers. A sigh is heard from another side of the phone.
Lisa: "Of course Kurosaki-Kun. I thank you for the apology. You may speak." She says, still sounding calm yet more at ease than talking to Shiko
Kuro: I very highly respect your opinion and do think that you are right. But then again, if you and your husband got to know me; I'd assume you'd be more at ease with having me as a friend of your daughters. I could also talk to Hikari-Chan myself about how important it is to be aware of who you surround yourself with. She's a very smart and strong girl but due to her age, I'm aware you'd want to protect her. That's very respectable of you as a mother indeed. Shiko's jaw drops a little at how much of a change Kuro can have when speaking formally. He winks at Shiko. Lisa takes a breather and giggles very lightly. After a few seconds pass, Lisa answers
Lisa: "Very well then. It does seem like you are a person with great manners after all. You may come to our home tomorrow evening. We expect you at around 18:00. Shiko will send you our location this evening. I assume you've told your family?" She really does seem to be more at ease now but of course keeping her manners in check.
After hearing the word "Family", Shiko gulps and looks in Kuro's eyes to see it affected him. Kuro's smirk forms into a light smile.
Kuro: I first wanted to get confirmation from you Lisa-San. I sincerely thank you for your kindness and your time for listening to me. I will now pass over the phone to your daughter. May you have a great day. He slowly gives the phone back to Shiko, she gulps and puts it besides her ear
Shiko: Y-Yes... Really, thank you mother... she says hesitantly, Lisa takes a breather
Lisa: "I was wrong perhaps. He seems to be someone that could even effect Hikari positively. For once; you've made an admirable friend. I do expect of you to send him an address of our home this evening and of course, I expect you home by an hour?" She really does sound more serious when speaking to Shiko...
Shiko: Y-Yes Mother! I'll be coming in a bit... for sure...
Lisa: "Oh and, you're a lady. Remember to speak properly. No Stuttering or hesitance. Otherwise you'll just be used. Stand your ground by knowing your place. You are from the Kagome Family after all. Act that way." She hangs up, Shiko looks at the phone and sighs. She takes her bag and looks at Kuro
Shiko: You really are something... Your whole attitude changed when speaking to my mother... she giggles slightly, Kuro smirks
Kuro: I have my ways, always, as Haru says. He winks with a small smirk as they walk away from Shiko's classroom, Shiko giggles
Shiko: That rhymed!~ she smiles like a child, Kuro looks at her as his smirk turns back into a smile. He takes a breather
Kuro: I know your mom always tries to make you lady-like and more mature but you shouldn't let the child in yourself disappear. He ruffles her hair and giggles a little
See, smile like that. That mood of yours is like a special aspect of you. Shiko looks down a little as they walk, she blushes lightly
Shiko: "I have so much to show and talk about with Hikari... I can't wait to tell her more about you Kuro..." she smiles a little and slowly lifts up her head.
Kuro takes his hand away as they walk towards Shiko's room but as they walk, they become more and more aware that students close by are staring at them. That is expected of course. After all, the school still knows Shiko as a cruel tomboyish girl who betrayed and is using Kuro. Kuro doesn't look bothered but the stares on them clearly makes Shiko uncomfortable. When they get in front of Shiko's room, they wait until the corridor is empty before she opens the door. She looks at Kuro.
Shiko: Well then, I'll see you tomorrow evening and text you some time tonight then..? She says with a light smile, Kuro slightly smiles and nods
Kuro: I'll be at school tonight and won't leave until you contact me tomorrow. If you need anything from around here, you can ask he waves and walks away after giving Shiko one last smile. Shiko sighs and gets in her room. She takes a look around.
Shiko: Here we go...
she takes off Kuro's black shirt she's been wearing for almost the whole week and puts on her favorite dress that Kuro had to fix up for her. Then, she takes out a small bag and puts in her phone, charger, almost empty small purse, her dorm room key, her diary and a book from her favorite series, "The History of the the Night" which she has in common with Kuro. She puts on her coat and swiftly gets out of her room, locking with her spare key.
She rushes down stairs, the students to take a glance at her still looking with disgust. She gets outside and heads towards the gate. There is a black, fancy looking car waiting for her. She gets in the back seat and as soon as she soes, the car speeds away.
At that moment Kuro has left his stuff in his room, took his laptop and left. He goes another floor up and enters the Student Council room. The lights are off and it's completely silent until the door closes behind Kuro. Three figures seem to be sitting around the council table and one figure seems to be standing next to the back wall.
1??: Hiya Kurosaki! The figure looks at Kuro and waves
2??: You were a little late so we thought you weren't coming for a sec there.. this figure doesn't move but looks to be reading a book
3???: Just sit. This figures voice is very familiar and deep
The figure next to the wall comes towards Kuro, it's President Zero.
Zero: Keep the lights on. Eyes on him. I'm heading out for a bit. He opens the lights and gets out of the room, Kuro sits down on the table the other three are sitting besides.
Kuro: Let's begin.. he says steadily and opens his computer.
About half an hour later, Shiko comes home and gets by her small gate. It's a very nice looking, mini mansion like two story Japanese home. She knocks, gets her keys from her coat pocket and gets in. She takes a deep breath.
Shiko: I'm home... she says in a regular speaking tone
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢