It‘s more like a preview from one of my stories (I think...), so Rose and David are yet to be introduced. ((*coughcoughDoctor Whocoughcough*))

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Ayame‘s POV

I skipped to the door leading to Takeo‘s room like a child. Ever since Rose came by, I could hardly even spend time with Takeo, let alone even see him. It‘s like I was anonymous, like he didn‘t know me, like I was no one. I wouldn‘t admit it out loud, but it makes my heart wrench. No no no, I don‘t like him like that. I mean, he‘s my best friend for years, then how can he ignore me just so he could impress Rose; the girl he likes?

I don‘t think I could even say he likes Rose. According to her brother David, they hypnotize their ‘prey‘ so that they can feed on their souls afterwards. Oh, I did forget to mention that they‘re not humans, didn‘t I? At least David‘s nice. He even admitted that he hated taking someone else‘s life away; and for a good reason, too.

Anyways, I knocked a certain rhythm on the door. “Takeo?“ I said quietly. I closed my eyes and inhaled before singing softly:

“Do you wanna practice Nen with me?

Come on let‘s go and train!

I barely see you anymore,

Now you‘re with that girl,

You hardly even know!“

I pressed my back against the door, sliding down to a sitting position. I hushed my voice, because I was on the verge of crying on the spot.

“We used to have great bondings,

And now, it‘s gone.

How could you be so blind?“

I stood up again and faced the door, placing my palms on the surface. “Do you wanna practice Nen with me?“ I sang in my normal voice. “We can also do some biking~“ I added through the keyhole. Takeo‘s response made my heart drop. “Sorry, maybe next time.“ I closed my eyes and walked away from the door. “Ok, bye...“ I mumbled.
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It‘s been three months since Takeo started hanging out with Rose, and I felt even more distant from him. He‘s my best friend, I should be happy for him, right? Right, if ONLY Rose wasn‘t an immortal woman who can basically kill my friend at any moment. I suddenly felt lonely, but at least David was still there. Takeo‘s alone in his room again, and I wanted to try to let him know I‘m still here, close as ever. I knocked the same rhythm as before and said:

“Do you wanna practice Nen with me?

Or play with my tiger, Spike?

The need for friendship is overdue,

I started talking to another guy from school.“

I turned around to face David, flashing a smile. “Hang in there, David!“ I told him, who gave a thumbs up in return. I then proceeded to face back to the door. My smile faded away, resting the side of my head on the door.

“It gets a little lonely,

Losing your best friend.

Watching as months passed by...“

I looked to the calender beside an antique clock, which was ticking slowly in the quiet house. I closed my eyes, waiting for Takeo‘s response. Nothing. I sighed, pushing myself from the door. I guess... there‘s no hope left for him...

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I shook Takeo‘s limp form, my hands on his shoulders. The gleam in his amber eyes cannot be seen, no reaction to be found; the undeniable proof that he is indeed under control. “No no no...“ I chanted softly. I could hear David fighting and yelling at his younger sister Rose from a distance, forcing her to release Takeo. Tears flowed out freely from my eyes, my own voice caught in my throat. Of all times, why now...?

“Takeo,

Please, I know you‘re still there...

My heart‘s been looking where you‘ve gone.

David says to have courage, and I‘m trying to,

I‘m still right here for you,

Please come back...

We already have each other,

It‘s been always you and me.

Is hope even here for you?

D-do you wanna practice Nen with me-?“

My voice faltered as more tears came out, my own being shaking. His body remained numb, his lips never moving. Out of instinct, I hugged his stiff figure by the neck, resting my face on his shoulder. I... failed. I was useless, garbage! I closed my eyes tightly; I lost him, of everyone else...

...or I think I did.

A hands laid on my shoulders, pushing me off. I opened my eyes but my vision was blurred with tears. I quickly rubbed my teary eyes with my sleeves in attempts of clearing my vision. One hand has been removed from my shoulder and cupped my cheek, wiping off some tears with a thumb.

“That‘s probably the cheesiest song I‘ve ever heard.“

I quickly looked up with wide eyes; that voice. Could it be...?

“T-Takeo?“ I whispered.

He grinned toothily at me, his eyes shining with joy. Wait... shining, it‘s shining! I gasped, my mouth formed to an open smile. I... I couldn‘t believe it! He‘s back, right there... standing in front of me. I was to overjoyed to say anything, so I ended up throwing myself at him, covering my face in his clothes.

Takeo was shocked for a second before relaxing and patting my back, letting a hearty laugh fill my ears. I miss him; I miss him a lot.

And he‘s right here, for me.