How You Remind Me [Haraiki]

[Faye]

It had felt like forever since he had left Haruka, but he only felt as if it was for the best. She did so much better on her own. Over those few days, he had spotted Haruka with Kyerin, they had been spending so much time together ever since they split. It pained him to see the man he hated so much and the girl he loved together like that.

What if they were dating?

Out of spite of that, Rai had asked Miki to be with him. It was a bold move, but he was sure it would make Haruka even more jealous than she was before. Little did he know, that Haruka wasn't having any type of romantic relations with Kyerin and it was all a complete misunderstanding.

However, he'd just have to find out the hard way.

Today, he was in the book cafe with Miki Azuma, the girl the school had requested her look after for a few months until she got used to the island and could find her own way around. She had tagged along when he mentioned going to find a few books to study on. He couldn't be bothered going to the library and he wanted to see what new manga were there for him to add to his collection.

He wore dark grey jeans and a white t-shirt with black grunge looking text across the chest area. On his feet were black sneakers. He flipped his dark hair out of his eyes, he had dyed it recently to an all over colour of navy blue as he had grown tired of his fading red streaks. His pale grey blue eyes scanned the books, looking for familiar titles.

He was unsure of what Miki was up to, but he knew she wouldn't go too far without him.

[Nicolette]

She had been absolutely ecstatic about being able to go out with her new boyfriend. She didn't think she would have gotten so lucky to get such a cute boy to be her boyfriend within the first few weeks of her transferring to the institution. She went into the bookstore with him and then got distracted by the signs that showed a new selection of romance novels that had come in. She tugged on Rai's sleeve before she told him that she'd be right back.

Unbeknown to Miki Azuma, Haruka Amagi wasn't very far away. The young Japanese woman of the Student Freedom Force was standing in a nearby aisle, her eyes scanning the newest book releases. They needed prizes for the games they'd be playing at the festival at their Karaoke area. Better prizes would guarantee people would stay longer, which was their goal. They needed to keep people distracted for as long as possible.

The two girls just happened to reach for the same book at the same time, and bumped hands. Both turned to apologize, before recognition hit them.

"Amagi-san!"

"Ah, Azuma-san. It is nice to see you."

"Oh my gosh, Amagi-san! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!"

"I apologize for not being around so often. Some... things came up."

"It's great to see you! What brings you to Trestella's?"

"Ah, I'm doing some shopping for a group of mine back at the school. We're running a booth for the festival and we need prizes."

"Oh? How exciting! I'll be sure to drop by for sure!"

"That'd be great. Invite all of your friends, if you can."

"Definitely! Maybe Rai-kun will come~!"

"Ah? He's actually helping to run it....."

"Even more reason to visit!" Miki giggled, her pink glossed lips curling into a happy grin and her beautiful brown eyes closing in a happy smile. Haruka could barely muster up a weak smile in return before turning to the books in front of her.

[Faye]

Rai scanned the titles, he hadn't found anything new yet. Maybe he was just checking too early? They usually came out a little later than the ones over in Japan, but still, they should be there for him to buy and add to his growing collection!

Finally, he found something. He carefully pulled the book from its place on the shelf and began reading the back (in Western terms, the front) of the book to see what would be happening. A smiled crept onto his lips, he would be buying this one.

Then he heard some familiar voices not too far away. He kept the book in his hand, peering around to see Miki had found Haruka, or Haruka had found Miki. Most likely the first one. Or they found each other. Oh..

Haruka...

His heart sped up in his chest, why were they conversing? Had Miki told her? Would she find out? He didn't know if he wanted her to know now. He took a deep breath, he may as well go over there.

Slowly, he approached to the two females, anxious to find out what would happen.

[Nicolette]

"Azuma-san... Do you know what's popular today?"

"Popular? What do you mean?"

"Like, as in media and books and such. If you were playing a game for prizes, what kind of things would you like to win?"

"Hm... Well, books are always cool. New DVDs and CDs as well... Oh! Maybe some gender-specific items, like some cute accessories for girls and some... stuff for guys? I dunno what guys would like."

Haruka nodded. "Understandable. Thanks for your help, though. Your insight brings relief to know that I'm on the right track."

"No problem, Amagi-chan!"

Haruka felt her cheeks tinge pink at the affectionate suffix. Would Miki think of her as a friend, even after Haruka had been jealous of her? Maybe it wasn't right for her to think such things.

She saw someone come around the corner and her breath caught. Her eyes widened fractionally and she turned her head away just as Miki looked behind her. The brunette girl squealed as she ran over to hug her boyfriend's arm, dragging him over to Haruka.

"Rai-kun, I found Amagi-chan!"


Haruka glanced over at Rai and the girl attached to his arm. She gave a small nod at Rai in greeting.

"Aikaryu-kun." Her voice held little warmth, hidden behind the mask that disguised her feelings of hurt and pain. Why was Miki hanging so close to him?

[Faye]

Rai stiffened at Miki's hold of his arm, he tried his best to relax but he couldn't. Haruka was in plain sight and she was looking at the two of them, he knew she was wondering why they were so close. At least.. Miki hadn't told her yet, and he hoped she would keep it that way. However, if he knew her at all, he knew that she probably wouldn't be able to stay quiet.

He brought his free hand up to brush some dark, navy locks from his eyes, exposing his grey blue eyes more. His breath caught in his throat as she spoke to him, "Ha.. Amagi-chan," He couldn't do it, he couldn't call her Haru-chan and be in this position. It didn't feel right. Why couldn't it be Haruka clinging to his arm right now? Then again, that was asking a lot, she would never do that. It wasn't in her nature.

"How's.. What are you in here for...?" He was at a loss for words. He didn't think he'd be meeting up with Haruka so soon after their break up.

[Nicolette]

Haruka lifted the books in her hands to show. "I am running some errands for Kyerin-san. We're getting prizes for the karaoke contest coming up. Speaking of which... Kyerin-san wishes to speak with you soon, to see which part of the... operation... you wish to participate in. He'll let you know more details as the date approaches."

"Operation?"

"Ah, just something our group is doing is all."

"Sounds like you guys have a lot on your plate."

"A little." Haruka offered a wry smile.

A small noise came from Miki's stomach and she whined a little. "Uwah, Honey... I'm hungry. Can we pay for our books and go get something to eat?"[/i] The girl asked, looking up at the boy with her lower lip jutted out cutely.

Haruka felt the nickname tear into her chest. Had she just called him "Honey"? Had he really moved on so quickly? She didn't let it show on her face.

"Ah, don't let me keep you... Please, enjoy your date."

[Faye]

Rai simply nodded. Did he have to go see him? He didn't think he would be able to keep his cool if he saw the man. He had such an irrational hatred towards the leader of the organisation they were in.

"I'll make sure I see him.. soon," He lied, he didn't know if he wanted to participate in the festival now. The clairaudient swallowed the lump in his throat, daring to look at Haruka but didn't have the courage or the strength to look her in the eye.

And then Miki spoke. Honey. Of all things she could have called him, she chose honey. He froze, his gaze locked on Haruka, watching the pain in her eyes. Despite his want to lash out at Miki for blowing his cover, he exhaled and swallowed that want. He turned to his.. girlfriend, forcing his expression to soften.

"S-sure, Miki-chan," He replied, nodding to Haruka. "I.. apologise, Amagi-...chan" He whispered, it was so difficult to stand in front of her like this, to have the tables turned. Slowly, he shifted his gaze to his new girlfriend, forcing himself to smile at her. "Is there somewhere you'd like to go.. in particular...?" He asked her, trying to keep his words clear.

[Nicolette]

Miki brought her finger up to tap at her mouth as she thought. It took her a moment, but she finally came up with something, as she reached her free hand to take Rai's hand, lacing their fingers together. "Let's go to that one place you took me last week... Oh, what was it called... Oh yeah, Cafe Allegri! There!"

Cafe Allegri...? Really...? Haruka turned her gaze away from the couple and picked up a few more copies of books, cradling them against her chest. It seemed that he really had moved on, to the point where he could take Miki to where they'd had their dates so long ago...?

She deemed that she had enough books, and turned to disappear to another aisle, going to look for DVDs and CDs next. She had a list that Kyerin had made of more popular titles and albums, so it wouldn't take her too long to finish up and leave. Yes, leave, and get far, FAR away from Rai and his new love interest...


~*~*~*~*~

That night, Haruka received an important phone call, that changed everything for her.

"I'll be on the first flight I can possibly make."

Because it was so close to exams, the school was left unlocked. She would be able to get to the SFF office and use her spare key. She packed everything she would need for a return trip back to Japan and kept everything by the front door as she left the dormitories. She would return for them soon.

She made her way to the school and made her way to the SFF office, unlocking the door and making her way inside. She had bags hanging from her arms, from when she'd gone shopping after school that day and ran into Rai and Miki. She placed the bags with some similar bags that held items for the karaoke festival and she took a piece of paper.

She wore in neat katakana, deciding to use the simpler version of their written language to make things a little faster.

'Kyerin and Rai,

By the time you receive this letter, I will already be in Japan. I received a phone call that requires me to return home as soon as possible, and there is a very good chance I will not be returning to the T'zenshin Institute.

Kyerin, I have already placed the order for the karaoke machine under your name, so all you need to do when it arrives is sign the paper work. I bought a lot of various prizes for us to use, which are currently sitting with the other bags we got the other day. In a separate bag, there are ten burned CDs. Seven of those CDs are karaoke music, and there is a large book of lyrics for that sitting on your desk. The other three CDs are for the 'Guess That Song!' contest, and the song names are on the back of the cases. I deeply apologize for being unable to see the outcome of this operation, and I am very sorry that I will not be able to do my job and lead the operation. However, I am very confident in saying that I believe Rai Aikaryu can successfully lead this mission. I believe in his ability and I'm sure everything will go smoothly with him in charge. And besides that, I have also left a second set of letters on your desk. These letters have all of my passwords to the files you currently have on the flashdrives I've already given you. I would appreciate if my position as Information Specialist were given to Rai Aikaryu as well. He has amazing potential and I am confident to say you will not be disappointed with his work.

Rai, Thank you for the memories that you have given me. The wounds are still healing from our rather sudden separation, but I do sincerely hope you will be happy with Azuma-san. Please know that I will never forget you and I believe in your ability to become a leader in the SFF. The only thing I regret was not being able to tell you that I love you.

With all of that said, I must depart. Thank you, both, for everything you have done for me and I will miss you both greatly.

Yours,
Haruka Amagi


~*~*~*~

Haruka left on a flight at three in the morning that night.