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Hatori waited outside the hospital room for Isuzu to recover, she had just been admitted from being trapped in the cat’s room. A terrifying trauma Hatori thought, the poor girl had suffered enough and now had so deal with this.
“How’s she doing?” Shigure asked, he had just shown up.
“She’s sleeping right now; she hasn’t eaten in days I’m afraid she’ll need a long time for recover from this and I don’t just mean physically.” Hatori explained.
“Poor girl, I imagine the recovery time won’t be fun.” Shigure stated.
“She’ll need a support system.” Hatori said.
“He knows”
“Who knows what?”
“Haru knows, he knows everything Akito did.” Shigure explained
“So, he’ll likely come looking for Isuzu.” Hatori stated.
“Kureno sent him home after his lash out on Akito, we should call him soon, when she wakes up. She won’t be in a good mood to comply to healing methods.” Shigure told the doctor.
“Of course, she won’t, when has she ever.” Hatori remarked rolling his eyes.
“Can I go in and see her?” Shigure asked.
“Don’t disturb her.” Hatori warned before opening the door and letting him in.
Shigure looked at the younger girl, she was pale and thinner then he remembered. Hair was chopped terribly and she never looked weaker.
“My my, Akito did quite the job on her.” Shigure commented.
“How is Akito?” Hatori asked.
“She feels betrayed by Kureno for rescuing Rin.” Shigure explained.
“Hmm, you gonna help her?” Hatori asked
“Why would I do that, she did this herself. I didn’t put Rin in that place nor did I have any idea of it happening.”
“Fair enough, but Akito’s fragile she shouldn’t feel like everyone’s betrayed her because of Kureno and Hatsuharu.”
Shigure and Hatori continued the conversation softly, unaware of the patient stirring.
Rin looked around, where was she? Was she still there: trapped and alone? No, this was a…. Hospital room?
‘No, Haru I have to go, he’ll get hurt. I have to go.’ Rin thought.
She shifted her position to try get out, catching Hatori and Shigures attention.
“Isuzu lay back down, you’re injured.” Hatori told her, trying to ease her back down
“I have to go. Haru I need- I-I-” Rin stumbled.
“We’ll call him, get him on his way, no need to worry.” Shigure told her. Rins eyes flickered in panic.
“NO DONT I DONT NEED HIM!” Rin shouted, she pushed Hatori out the way and got up, she tried walking out the door and collapsed into the floor and hit her head. She grunted and felt Shigure grab her gently. he scooped her up and brought her back to bed. She settled down and felt her pulse getting weaker.
Things then came in blurs and murmurs. Shigure and Hatori talking about something. She couldn’t quite hear.
“Akito isn’t…… what else am…. I’m doing what I’ve always…….” Shigure was mad and she didn’t know why. Hatori was mad too and he was arguing with Shigure.
‘I just want to go; I want to feel safe. Haru, I want to be back in your arms, that’s where I’m safe, no one can hurt me if I’m with you. I love you Haru, please come back.’ she thought, she closed her eyes and slipped into a dream.
The monitor began beeping rapidly, Hatori went over in panic. She had gone into cardiac arrest. Hatori laid her down on her back and started cpr to bring her back. He grabbed the defibrillator, placed the pads on her weak body.
"Charge!" he declared.
Shigure was sent outside to wait. Hatori kept trying and trying, her pulse was weakening and weakening, till it wasn’t there anymore.
It had been at least 17 minutes when Hatori had no other choice, he had to call it. It killed him to see someone so young gone so quickly. He held back his feelings and muttered “Time of death, 2:34am.”
He covered her body with a blanket and told the nurses to call the morgue, he expected her loved ones would want to see her after hearing the news.
He stomped out the room and headed straight to the lobby, ignoring Shigure who was waiting, to the outside of the hospital, he ran to a bush and puked. Death wasn’t fun, not in the slightest.
He had to call the main family to let them know- no if he did that, Haru would find out from them and he couldn’t find out from them, this was someone he loved, he should be treated as any other family member.
He couldn’t do it, not now, he needed something to relief himself. He took out his phone and dialled the number of someone he could trust.
“Is there reason you’re calling me at 2am Hatori?” Mayu’s tired voice came.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I just- I needed to hear from someone that wasn’t a doctor.” Hatori spoke, his voice shaky.
“You sound like hell, is everything alright?” Mayu asked.
“I hate to ask, but is there any way you can come to the Sohma hospital right now?” Hatori asked.
“What’s wrong?” Mayu asked.
“Just- please Shiraki.” Hatori pleaded.
“I’ll be right there.” Mayu promised.
Within a few minutes she came as promised, she found Hatori waiting outside for her. His face drained and lost.
“Hatori, what happened?” She asked.
“I lost- I lost a family member this morning, it was just before I called you.” Hatori explained.
“Oh, Hatori, I'm so sorry.” Mayu apologized, feeling deep sorrow for the man.
Hatori thanked her and asked if she would join him inside, she agreed and followed him in.
Shigure found them instantly and looked Hatori in the face “Is it true? Is she really…” he trailed off with a deep sad expression.
“She coded and I did everything I could.” Hatori told him.
“Oh, dear lord.” Shigure muttered, taking a seat to process the news.
Mayu turned to Hatori and asked “How old was she?”
“She was 19, just finished high school.” Hatori told her. Mayu gasped and tears came to her eyes “Oh my, that young.”
“Yes, we’ve got a few concerned family members we need to upstate.” Hatori told her.
“Her parents I’m assuming?” Mayu asked.
“No, her parents aren’t in the picture. She’s got a foster family, a sister. She’s also got a few friends like Honda.” Hatori told her. Mayu nodded.
“Anyone else we need to tell?” Mayu asked.
“Hatsuharu Sohma, her ex-boyfriend. Their relationship was complicated, they’re young, but they loved each other. That might the hardest news to give.” Hatori explained.
Mayu agreed and nodded.
“Doc, with all that’s just happened. I think we should wait to tell Haru.” Shigure suggested
“What on earth for? He’s the one she loved.” Mayu stated.
“Mayu if you’ll excuse me, this is something I have to discuss with Hatori, alone.” Shigure asked with a stern voice.
“Fine, I’ll leave you too it.” Mayu said before she walked away leaving the men to chat.
“What’s this about?” Hatori asked.
“Haru just found out everything that happened, he knows that Akito pushed Rin from the window and he knows where she was these past few months, we can’t tell him now, he will break under the overwhelming information.” Shigure explained.
“What makes you think leaving the news till later will soften the blow, she’s dead and that’s still hurt him so matter when he finds out, it’s better to do it now, he’ll never forgive us if we left it till later.” Hatori argued.
“He won’t be able to handle it Hatori.” Shigure told him.
Hatori studied Shigure's expression for a moment before answering “You almost had me fooled, you don’t care about Haru; You care about how it’s going to effect Akito, you know he’s most likely going to blame Akito for this and you know that’ll be a mess.” Hatori barked with disgust.
“Can you blame me, she’s already a mess.” Shigure stated.
“Akito isn’t our main priority here Shigure, we can’t withhold information till Akito’s recovered from Haru’s confrontation because you're afraid, it’s cruel and I won’t allow it. You’re not her doctor, you don’t have a right on how I deliver bad news to family members.” Hatori scolded.
“I suppose I should go then, if I’m no longer needed.” Shigure stated, turning away from the doctor.
“Don’t do anything stupid, not today.” Hatori ordered.
“I’ll bring in the children later, does that work?” Shigure asked.
“That’s fine, I’ll be notifying everyone then.” Hatori concluded. Shigure nodded and left.
A little time passed and Hatori found Mayu again “You can go back home, I’m sorry I interrupted your sleep.” Hatori apologized.
“No, it’s fine. This is important, I’m staying, you shouldn’t be alone right now.” Mayu told him.
“I’m about to call the mother of a seventeen-year-old boy and notify him that he’s just lost everything at 3am in the morning, do you really wanna stick around?” Hatori asked.
“Not my cup of tea, but I will stay, like I said; you shouldn’t be alone right now.” Mayu told him. Hatori mentally smiled, she was the only bright thing about this awful day.
“I suppose if you must, you’re not getting in the way.” Hatori responded.
“Did you call her foster family?” Mayu asked.
“Yes, they’re on their way. I’ll do the talking; you don’t have to do anything.” Hatori told her.
“That’s fine, I’ll be your support.” Mayu stated.
“Thank you” Hatori said, Mayu blushed and told him your welcome.
Haru lay half naked in his bed, eyes stuck to the ceiling; unable to sleep. Everything was a mess. Rin, his beloved Rin, the one he loved more than anyone or anything, was being kept in the cat’s room, a prison.
The thought of it boiled his blood and made him so furious he felt himself slip into the darkness again. He tried not too, he needed sleep.
Rin was at the hospital again and he was going to see her tomorrow, he couldn’t be dark or the emotional mess he was now, she would need his support, like Kureno said “Go to Isuzu, she needs you.”
Haru needed her too, she was everything. Sometimes it was a true mystery how he lasted this long without her, he loved her so much, he lost control. He destroyed an entire classroom because of her. Almost punched God because of her.
And it still wasn’t enough, he would never feel better, not till she was safe and back in his arms, where she belonged. He was determined to keep her safe when she returned to him again.
Nothing or no one was ever gonna hurt her ever again. Haru made a promise to himself, he had to protect her more than ever.
A knock came to the door, Haru stepped off his bed and answered his bedroom door, it was his mother.
“Mom, what’s going on?” he asked his mother.
“Get some clothes on, Hatori called, he says he has urgent news on Isuzu.” His mother told him. Haru rushed on a pair of trousers, a T shirt, jacket and boots. He was ready to rush out the door.
He and his mother arrived the Sohma hospital a few minutes later, they found Hatori and his teacher Miss Mayuko Shiraki.
“Hatori, I got your call. Is Isuzu alright?” His mother asked worried.
“We should talk alone, here there’s a room prepared here.” Hatori told the pair, guiding them to a small room with three chairs laid out.
Hatori sat on one opposite the two others. Haru propped himself down on one and his mother did the same.
Haru’s hand started shaking anxiously as he awaited to hear what Hatori had to say, his mother gripped his hand with hers to calm him.
“Isuzu was very weak when we brought her in, she was barely conscious. She was asleep for hours.” Hatori explained.
“But, she’s awake right? That’s why you called, has she asked for me?” Haru asked, every inch of hope he has for that to be true.
“Haru, Isuzu went into cardiac arrest not long ago. I tried to resuscitate her, but her heart was very weak and didn't come back."
“No.” Haru spat, he didn’t want to hear the next sentence Hatori was going to say, he couldn’t.
She couldn’t be gone, no, not now. Haru isn’t finished yet, he needed her back, he needed to hear her voice again, he needed to hold her again. To kiss her, to hug her, to love her. She couldn’t be gone, she couldn’t be dea-
“No, Hatori where is she?” Haru asked harshly. Hatori began speaking again “Her heart gave out; it was too weak. I’m so sorry Haru, Isuzu is de- “
“WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!” Haru cut him off, the anger and fire of grief burned in his eyes.
“She’s in room 244.” Hatori answered. Haru rushed out, slamming the door behind him. He found the room after a moment. He stood outside it, terrified to go in and see his worst nightmare become a reality.
He gripped the door handle, his hand so strong he could damage it if he tried. He opened the door slowly and peered in to see.
She was laying on her back against the bed, no IV's or monitors hanging around. Her face was covered and her body draped with a blanket.
‘Please, please don’t let this be true.’ He silently pleaded.
He went over to the bed softly; he stood above her and moved the blanket covering her face. Her face was paler than he’s ever seen before, he gently cupped her cheek as tears threatened to leave his eyes. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead, his other hand stroking her head.
Her hair was cut and messy. He moved more of the blanket off and found her body thinner than he last remembered, he gripped her hand tightly, begging for any signs of life. He crouched down.
His face was inches away from hers, the tears flowed freely now. His sobs were wracked and broken. He felt himself fall apart.
“I love you. I love you. I love you….” He choked to her, his hands holding her dead hand with everything he had.
“Please don’t go, I’m sorry, just come home to me. I should have found you sooner.” Haru told her sobbing. The pain was unbearable, he didn’t know what to do now.
For so long he yearned for her to come back, for her to return to his side and he promised that if she did, he would do a better job to protect her this time. To never let her down. The past months were hell, he found certain things joyful, but in the end. He lived with a small gap in his heart, one made from the absence of her.
He didn’t want to move forward; he didn’t want to think about living without her. It was simply impossible. The gap turned into a hole, one that will never be healed, now that she was gone.
He stayed like that for a long time, he stayed crouched to the ground holding her hand, refusing to let go and leave her. Whether she was dead or alive, he promised he would be hers forever. He closed his eyes and daydreamed to ease the pain.
She lay against him, sitting on his lap with her head on his shoulder. She woke late in the night to another nightmare. Haru pulled her close and held her till her tears ran dry, promising it would be ok.
And it was, after a little while, she slumped against his body and ran her fingers through his hair, playing with it softly. She hummed in appreciation at it.
“I wish we could stay here forever.” She whispered softly in his ear.
“We can, we could run away and just be together.” Haru told her.
“Don’t say things like that, when you know it’s impossible.” Rin replied.
“It’s not, I’ll whatever it takes to be with you forever.” Haru promised her, leaving sweet kisses against her neck.
Rin hummed in response to his kisses, she kissed his neck in return, leaving her mark on his body.
“I want to marry you someday; I never want to let you go; you’re just that precious to me.” He murmured.
“I-I- want to too,” Rin stuttered in response “We’re so young though.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to wait; I’ll wait for as long as I have too.” Haru told her pressing his lips to hers. She smiled against his lips “I can live with that.”
“I promise Rin, I’ll be yours forever, married or not.”
“If you say so, I believe you.”
“I love you Rin, I love you so much.”
“I love you Haru, I’ll always love you.”
Haru brought himself out of the memory and back to reality, he opened his eyes and looked at her once again, her eyes were closed. He knows he can’t open them, they’re lifeless now; he knows that, still he wants to lose himself in her gorgeous dark eyes, like he used to. The thought of never doing that again overwhelmed him, he cried his eyes out. He couldn’t take this anymore; he needed her back even if it was just for a little bit.
“Please, please, come back Rin. I’ll do anything, anything for you.” Haru cried. He kissed her forehead softly, meaning and bargaining anything for the girl he loved.
Hatori waited outside the hospital room for Haru, he imagined Haru would take some time in the room. Grief was different on everyone and Hatori didn’t want to see it on Haru.
“How’d he take it?” Mayu asked softly from his side.
“As expected, he yelled and immediately asked for her.” Hatori answered.
“What about the foster family?” Mayu asked.
“They were quite devested and went to see her as well. Kagura threw a chair out the window as she cried. Her mother thought best to take her home, they left when Haru arrived so he could be alone. I imagine they’re coping at home.” Hatori explained.
“And you? Were you two close at all?” Mayu asked.
“No, she doesn’t like me because I’m a doctor, she had a bad history with hospitals and injuries.” Hatori told her.
“I’m sorry.” Mayu responded.
“Thank you Shiraki and thank you for sticking around, I know it hasn’t been easy.” Hatori confessed.
“It’s been a lot harder on you, I didn’t want you to be alone.” Mayu told him.
“I appreciate that, thank you.” Hatori told her softly, he gifted a small smile of gratitude.
“What are you going to do now?” She asked.
“I’ll go check on him soon.” Hatori explained.
“I expect the Sohma’s won’t be going to school for the rest of the week.” Mayu stated.
“Yes, them and Honda will be taking the days off.” Hatori concluded. Mayu nodded.
It had been hours when Hatori decided to check on Haru, he went to the door, he opened it softly and slowly entered the dark room. Haru was crouched down by the bed, clutching Isuzu’s lifeless hand. Hatori stood at the edge of the bed.
“Why didn’t you call sooner?” Haru asked, his voice hoarse.
“She needed to recover and so did you after all you did just find out the truth.” Hatori answered.
“I would have been fine, if you called sooner.” Haru told him.
“Haru, there was nothing you could have done.” Hatori told him, trying to help.
“That’s not what I meant.” Haru spoke, his voice was softer now.
Confused Hatori asked “Then what did you mean?”
Haru began tearing at the question, he choked down and sob and answered “I didn’t get to see her,”
His body started shaking lightly as he started crying again “I didn’t get to tell her goodbye.”
Hatori took in a deep breath and exhaled “I am truly sorry Hatsuharu.”
Haru kept weeping, nothing was going to help anymore. She was gone and he couldn’t do anything to help her or bring her back.
‘I never said goodbye, I should have never left her. I should have fought for her that day.” Haru thought remembering how he just let her go in the hospital as he kissed her cold knuckles.
Hatori decided he wasn’t going to much help, he left Haru alone once again. He exited the room and checked the time; 9:16am. It was 3am when he told Haru and here he was 6 hours later, still holding the girl’s hand for dear life.
Shigure then entered, Tohru, Momiji, Kyo and Yuki in tow. “Morning Doc.” Shigure greeted.
“Did you get any sleep last night?” Hatori asked.
“Not much.” Shigure answered
“What’s this about? Why are we suddenly missing school?” Kyo asked.
“It’s a family issue, I’ll need you all to take a seat in the waiting room. I’ve got news to tell you.” Hatori explained. The teenagers obliged and sat down in the waiting room.
Hatori sat opposite them, their faces were all etched with curiosity and little concern.
“Isuzu has admitted to hospital yesterday, she spent most of the day here resting. At 2am she woke again, she went into cardiac arrest.” Hatori explained.
Tohru had already began crying and the boys were all shocked. “Is she ok?”
“Isuzu was very weak when I admitted her, we tried to resuscitate her, but her heart was too weak. I’m so sorry.” Hatori told him.
Tohru began wailing loudly, Kyo put his hand on her back and rubbed it to soothe her as she held her head in her hands.
“She’s…. she died.” Yuki said, slowly with shock.
“Yes, I’m sorry if you two were close.” Hatori concluded.
“Does Haru know?” Yuki asked.
“He does.” Hatori answered, Yuki gasped “How did he take it? Is he ok?” Yuki asked panicked.
“He’s in there with her, has been since we told him six hours ago.” Hatori explained. Yuki sighed ‘Oh god Haru, I’m so sorry.’ He thought.
“Hatori, c-can I s-see her?” Tohru choked through her sobs.
“Of course, follow me.” Hatori answered before he guided Tohru to Isuzu’s room.
Tohru entered the room nervously, her lips were trembling. She immediately saw Hatsuharu crouched down by her body.
Tohru moved to the other side of the bed, she was opposite Haru who was clutching Isuzu’s hand.
“Hatsuharu, I’m so sorry.” Tohru told him.
“Thanks Honda, I heard you and Rin became friends recently, I’m sorry for you too.” Haru spoke.
“She was really great.” Tohru said with a sad smile as her eyes flowed tears.
“She was… she was perfect.” Haru remarked, leaning over and kissing her forehead.
Tohru and Haru fell into silence as they grieved the loss.
“Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?” Momiji asked Kyo as they waited outside Isuzu’s room, peering in to check on Haru and Tohru.
“Uhm what?” Kyo asked puzzled at the question.
“Seeing someone lose who they love, makes you wonder how much you love that special person in your life. When you see something like this, all you want is to go to that special person and show them how much you love them, because you’re watching someone else lose that gift.” Momiji explained, looking at Tohru.
Kyo stayed silent, his drifted to Tohru just like Momiji. Then he and Momiji looked at one another.
“I mean, you know right?” Momiji asked, a sob bubbling from his throat.
“Why are you- why are you talking about this?” Kyo asked.
“You should go to her, Tohru will want your support and she shouldn’t deal with this alone.” Momiji told him before he walked away.
Kyo was left wondering what he meant, deep down he knew, but he didn’t want to think about that right now.
Hiro was told to come to the hospital early morning, he was curious what was happening, but he heard Rin was hospitalized again and he hoped she was ok.
Kisa was walking with him, she was also curious. “Hiro-chan, if you’re nervous. You can hold my hand?” she offered.
Hiro smiled and took her hand gently “Thank you.”
Hatori met them instantly, he asked them to sit down.
“I called you here to tell you what’s happening.” Hatori explained.
“I heard Rin’s here, how is she?” Hiro asked.
“She went into cardiac arrest at 2am this morning, I tried to resuscitate her, but she was too weak and she didn’t make it.” Hatori explained. This was killing him, he’d told too many the bad news and now it was kids.
Kisa began crying immediately like Tohru, Hiro looked at Hatori shocked, tears spilling from his eyes.
“But I don’t understand. I told Haru, he was supposed to save her.” Hiro stumbled.
“I am truly sorry for the loss Hiro; I know you two became fond of each other since her last accident.” Hatori apologized.
Hiro broke down in tears at Hatori words, Hatori took a breath and left the two. Hiro was brought into a hug by Kisa.
“Where is Shiraki?” Hatori asked Shigure.
“She went to work, she told me to tell you, she’d see you after and that she’s notifying the school on the children’s absence.” Shigure explained.
“If I have to tell one more person, I’m going to quit my job.” Hatori told Shigure.
“I don’t think I can ever relate, is there anything I can do?” Shigure offered.
“A cup of coffee would be helpful.” Hatori suggested.
“Sure, I’ll be telling Aya and Rit-chan. I can take that bullet for you.” Shigure explained.
“I’ll be telling Akito, I know it won’t be easy, but someone has too.” Hatori explained.
“I see,” Shigure responded “And Kureno?”
“I’ll let him know too.” Hatori answered. Shigure nodded and passed Hatori the coffee he just made.
“Take a break Doc, we still have time. At least wait till the children feel better enough to leave.” Shigure told him.
Hatori thanked him and Shigure nodded and left the doctor alone.
Hiro entered the hospital room anxiously; he was scared to see what he had been told. He didn’t want to accept the fact that Rin was dead.
He walked to the bed and saw the body; it was pale and lifeless. No surprise to Hiro; Haru was still beside her. He looked so heartbroken.
It brought Hiro to tears, again.
“Haru.” Hiro choked out.
Haru looked up and faced the younger boy “Oh, Hiro.” Haru said.
“I-I I’m so sorry.” Hiro apologized in shame.
“Me too.” Haru replied.
“No, you don’t understand, I’m really sorry, this was my fault. I should have told you sooner, you could have rescued her.” Hiro sobbed.
“Hiro, it’s ok. Don’t blame yourself for this, Rin- she wouldn’t want that.” Haru told him.
Hiro was shocked, Haru was speaking so calmly, he just lost the girl he loved and he was reassuring Hiro to not blame himself. Why? He should be blaming Hiro not consoling him.
“Thank you Haru, you don’t have to be strong for me.” Hiro spoke.
“I’m not being strong, I’m being honest.” Haru stated.
“I understand. Haru, will you…… be, ok?” Hiro asked worryingly.
Haru turned and faced Rin again “I don’t know.” He answered honestly, he knew himself too well. He wouldn’t be able to live without her. But now, he had no choice.
The funeral was held three days later. Haru could barely remember it. Everything was a blur to him now. He remembers them lowering Rin’s coffin into the grave and silently saying goodbye in his mind.
“You’re so funny Hatsuharu!” young Rin yelled happily as she laughed at one of Haru’s jokes.
The children were outside and Rin was with a skipping rope, Haru watched her with awe, she was so pretty.
“Erm Isu-uzu?” Haru asked.
“Yeah? What?” she asked curiously.
“Do you think I’m stupid? Like everyone else?” Haru asked sheepishly.
“Why would I think that?” she asked.
“Everyone else says it, and they don’t like my hair. I’m just the stupid ox, you probably don’t even really wanna play with me.” Haru said with some anger.
Rin put her down her rope and went over to the young boy “I don’t think you stupid Hatsuharu, you make me laugh and you are kind.” Rin told him smiling. Haru broke into a smile at her words.
She patted her hand on his head and ruffled the white ruffs “I really like your hair, it’s soft and white like pretty clouds.” She giggled. Haru smiled softly again, her laugh was adorable.
‘I love you, so much. Since this is goodbye, I want you to know; I’ll never stop loving you and I’ll tell you that one day, when I’m finally in your arms again.’ Haru prayed. He inhaled deeply and looked to the sky ‘I promise, I’ll return to your side.’
Things changed from then on, Akito eventually broke the curse, everyone was free. Thanks to Tohru who helped Akito on her way to becoming a better person.
Haru was barely a person after Rin died, he was quiet and didn’t talk to anyone much. He did begin talking to his friends again after a couple weeks.
He was trying to move forward, even when it felt impossible. He pushed himself to be better, to be the person who made her smile.
The curse broke a few weeks after the funeral, Haru was visiting Rin’s grave when he felt it happen. It was terrible, she tried so hard to end it for him. And in the end, it was her downfall and now it was broken and she was gone.
Haru cried out of the frustration of it all, he wanted her back, so badly it was torture to be without her.
It took Haru three weeks to face Akito after the curse broke, she burst into tears and told him how sorry she was, she blames herself for Rin’s passing. Haru tried to convince her it wasn’t. He didn’t want the guilt to consume Akito, she was trying to be better and she didn’t deserve to have this weighing on her.
Haru watched as people moved away and on with their lives. As the years passed, his friends and family got married and settled with children and were happy.
Hajime Sohma walked down the street to his house by his high school; Kaibara High school.
Beside him is his cousin Mutsuki Sohma, he’s just started and has already created trouble, he’s living with Hajime in an old house.
Their older cousin Kinu Sohma lives with them, being the resident of the house.
They walk home together and Mutsuki just told Hajime about his antics in science class.
“Honestly, can’t you be a good student for once your life?” Hajime asked irritated.
“No way, that’s being boring.” Mutsuki answered.
As they walked, they noticed a familiar figure as they walked by the local Sohma gravesite.
“Woah, it’s Uncle Haru.” Mutsuki stated as they watched Haru sit by a grave with flowers in his hand.
“What’s he doing in a grave?” Hajima asked.
“Who knows, maybe we should say hi?” Mutsuki asked.
“What? No. Don’t be ridiculous, he’s visiting a grave he probably wants to be alone.” Hajime told him.
“But we can cheer him up.” Mutsuki whimpered.
“No, you’ll just annoy him.” Hajime told him. Mutsuki whined and called Hajime an ungrateful papa.
Hajime rolled his eyes and kept walking.
“Hajime! Mutsuki!” A cheerful voice squealed. The teenagers looked to where the voice came from, it was their young cousin. She had brown hair and light eyes. Her hair was long and she was wearing a flowy yellow dress.
“Suzu!” Mutsuki greeted as a small girl jumped into his arms.
“I’ve missed you, how are you?” Mutsuki asked.
“I’m good, I heard you started high school with Hajime!” the girl remarked.
“Yes, poor me.” Hajime stated causing the girl to giggle.
“What are you doing out here in the street?” Hajime asked.
“I snuck out of the house to see uncle Hatsuharu!” the girl answered happily after she left Mutsuki’s embrace.
“Awesome.” Mutsuki told her.
“I bet Uncle Hiro will love that.” Hajime stated sarcastically.
“Daddy will understand, he’s coming to the gravesite after work anyway.” The girl replied.
“Why?” the two teenagers asked.
The girl looked at them puzzled “You two don’t know yet? I thought for sure Auntie Tohru would have told you Hajime.” She stated.
“Tell me what?” Hajime asked.
“Today’s an anniversary.” The girl answered.
“For who?” Mutsuki asked.
“My namesake, Daddy told me she was a good friend of his and he was the love of uncle Hatsuharu’s life.” The girl, Isuzu replied.
Hajime was shocked, he didn’t know his uncle had someone he loved. He was always told by Haru that he was better off single and never found the right person. But it was a lie, he had found the right person, but she was just.... no longer around.
“Today just a really depressing turn.” Mutsuki stated.
“I should be going in; I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” Isuzu replied sweetly.
They waved goodbye as Isuzu went into the gravesite on her way to Haru.
“How did she know and we didn’t? She’s seven.” Mutsuki asked.
“Who knows, I guess we’ll have some phone calls to make tonight to find out.” Hajime replied.
“Do you think Kinu knows?” Mutsuki asked.
“I don’t know, go ask her yourself.” Hajime answered.
“Sourpuss.” Mutsuki commented. Hajime rolled his eyes and gave him a shove.
Isuzu sat herself down on the bench beside her uncle, he was staring endlessly at the grave in front of him
“You’re here early, does your dad know you’re here?” Haru asked.
“I snuck out; he’s working late.” Isuzu said pouting.
Haru chuckled “You’re too young to be sneaking out.”
“I don’t care, I wanted to come and see you today!” Isuzu exclaimed.
“But you were gonna come later today anyway, with your parents and brother.” Haru pointed out.
“Why are you complaining so much, I’m your favourite godchild.” Isuzu whined.
Haru put an arm around her and pulled her close “Shh, don’t tell Mutsuki or he’ll demand a challenge.” He whispered jokingly.
Isuzu giggled “I would never, it’s our secret.” Isuzu promised holding out her pinkie finger.
Haru intertwined his pinkie finger with her small one and smiled “Of course, Isuzu.”
Isuzu smiled again “How is she today?” she asked standing up and standing closer to the grave.
“Very good, she likes it when you visit.” Haru answered.
“I wonder what she thinks about Mutsuki starting high school?” Isuzu wondered.
“Knowing Mutsuki, she knows how much trouble he’s gonna cause.” Haru replied.
Isuzu giggled “Oh, uncle Hatsuharu can you tell me another story about her please!” she begged.
“But you cried last time I told you one and Hiro wasn’t happy.” Haru told her.
“I promise I won’t get upset this time; I swear!” Isuzu pleaded.
Haru sighed “Ok fine, come here.” He gave in, Isuzu brightened and propped herself down on Haru’s lap.
“Tell me a good one.” Isuzu asked as she felt Haru arms wrapped around her in an embrace.
“Alright, one time Rin and I found this weird tree outside the Sohma estate….” He began telling his godchild another story of his beloved Rin.
Haru found this tree, he was playing catch with Rin and she was on. He ran, but she was faster so he ran outside the estate. He wasn’t looking where he was going so he banged his head against a tree.
Rin rushed to his side “Haru! Are you alright?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m ok Rin. I’m way strong than a tree.” He said showing off.
“Your head, there’s a bump.” Rin told him; she rubbed her hand over the bump.
“I’m ok, really.” Haru reassured her. Rin looked unconvinced so Haru decided to distract her.
“This is a pretty tree, right Rin?” Haru asked, tracing his fingers over the bark.
“You always find the strangest things pretty.” Rin giggled.
“Here,” Haru passed her a stick and held another “Let’s put our names on it.”
“Haru, that sounds fun.” Rin exclaimed.
Haru smiled, he and Rin etched the bark with scrapes that spelled H+R.
Rin smiled and sat down, Haru sat by her side and leaned on her shoulder, she was still taller than him.
“This was fun, but are you sure your head doesn’t hurt?” Rin asked.
“It’s fine I promise.” Haru told her, Rin then turned and faced him “I don’t think so, it needs something to make it better.” She told him.
“And what is that?” Haru asked. Rin smiled and placed a kiss on his forehead, she pulled away a moment to see Haru’s red face.
“Better?” she asked giggling, her cheeks also tinted red.
“Y-yeah.” Haru answered.
Haru finished the story and found Isuzu in tears. “What did I tell you?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I just really liked the story.” Isuzu sobbed. Haru sighed and took out a flower from his bouquet.
He put the flower behind her ear and wiped her tears. “There a present.”
Isuzu smiled and lightly touched the flower sitting on her earlobe “Thank you so much Uncle Hatsuharu.”
“Of course, Isuzu.” He replied as she cuddled close against him. Haru looked to the sky again, thinking how much Rin would have loved to be here for their interactions.
He smiled as he thought of her, the years without her have been the hardest in his life, but he is so glad to share the memories with his godchild. He would protect the little girl in his arms with everything he had and love her just as much, just like he did her namesake.
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End.