Love's Sorrow "Our Anniversary"

They understand the situation quickly and Naoko leads the way to the VIP guest room.

***

While going up stairs the nurses quickly get in to the operation room

and while chatting with Baron with the squad, his smile loses its shine and begins to run off to the room but the nurses block him.

" Getaway we will inform you later! "

And shuts the door meanwhile, her mom was under pressure she cannot make any mistakes on the surgery however her heart is not beating. Her heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body, including the brain and lungs. Death is near to her so they'd use chest compressions to mimic how the heart pumps. However, nothing happened and the operation failed.

[ beep beep ] " one! two! three! pump! "

" One more time! "

" Doc... there's no use... "

"No! Once more! "

"Doc... look... "

She turned around and the seismograph just showed a clean line. She's already passed away.. her mom throws her gloves and slam the door and steps outside.

Naoko was just standing there with Baron and she glared at him and walked straight to him.

As she turns to him Anastasia embraces him with a heavy heart.

"... mom... was it successful? "

They screw up...

She couldn't even take a look with a straight face however she needs to admit and let him know that the operation failed. Naoko felt a heavy vibe from her and embraced her too with a warm hug.

[ glanced ] " Naoko-kun... she's..t-the operation failed.."

His mind went blank and fuzzy, Naoko's jaw dropped, like a television blurry, he didn't know what to do right now, his tears went throughout his face and kept sniffing silently and got down on his knees while her mom was crying.

[ sniffing ] " T.. the.. nurses and others are arranging there.. I don't wanna see my daughter right now... ahh..! "

" Mom.. you have to.. go.. " [ sniffing ]

" I can..not.. ho.. how... I'm such a failure doctor..I FAILED AS A MOTHER! "

[ loudly sniff ]

As they tried to get up on their knees, both of their bodies could not move and their bones on the body got weaker and weaker but they had to move. Baron and the squad cried along and helped them both get up and fix themselves.

" Doc... Naoko... c'mon you need to get up or else Kaiyo-chan will... "

He cannot say furthermore about Kaiyou, so he just stays silent and glances at his friends to help them up.

***

At the moment of arranging things at the hospital Ivan and Noah came through with a furious and pale looking face. They came because they wanted to help their mother from being depressed and bought their mother a medicine. Currently, Naoko was there, they were both in despair, Anastasia blaming herself because of a job she failed.

Ivan walked straight to them and got to the point. Unfortunately, the nurse let the patient Kaiyou out of the operation room with a blanket all over her body including her face and moved to another room.

Noah grabbed Naoko's collar and said

" Why didn't you save her? IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT...!

I won't... I won't fucking forgive you! Remember this day Miyazono Naoko! " He cannot bear it and sulks inside.

" IT'S NO ONES AT FAULT NOAH!, " Ivan said and added " I'm sorry Nao, we're mentally prepared for this but.. in this early age.. "

Noah at the side " I'm sorry... Sorry Nao-nao "

And he held him tightly and Naoko said..

" It's okay brother Noah.. it's okay "

" Mother.. let's go to Kaiyo's room..don't just cry and stand up now.." Ivan said with a pale face.

" I... cannot... " [ sniff ]

" Mom.. Brother Ivan said is true let's go now.. "

" Naoko-kun!" [ pats ] Noah pats him although it hurts him too, he was known for being jumpy and a happy person but when Naoko saw him at the hospital his body shivers and trembles also because of crying.

" Doc here she is... " [ opens ]

As soon as they entered the room

The moment when the Nurse opened the door they saw such a gloomy atmosphere. Naoko and her mom paused and suddenly couldn't move their legs to walk at the moment, Ivan and Noah walked straight to Kaiyo's bed. A thin blanket covering her full body including her head, Noah touches her head gently and pats softly he opened the blanket slightly until to her eyebrows and when he peek at her, he placed his right hand palm to Kaiyo's forehead and when he successfully touches it, his palm felt stone-cold on her forehead and it is true that she is now gone and Noah boldly removed the blanket to her neck and shoulders and he couldn't speak because of his point of view while looking at her, Kaiyo's beautiful - elegant face turned paleness and fair-skinned.

Ivan who was stepping to the side room he wanted to reach her hand below alike Noah who touched Kaiyo's forehead, notwithstanding Noah puts back the blanket and turned around with sorrowful and pitiful looking on his face while leaving her to Ivan, he looks back with his head vaguely and said to his mind as a message.

" My beloved sister Malishka..Kaiyo.. brother Ivan and I will be missing you so much thank you for being so lovable as ever despite the fact you have Nao-kun in your arms you still stick with us.....clinging to me and we keep teasing Ivan....I wish I could hug you tightly before all of these happened....however....you're not here anymore....so all I can say thank you for all of these years for supporting me in my studies until I get my diploma and having a better life....but I don't know if..this is a what you call 'better life' anymore....but I'll try to be a better brother for you and Nao-kun.. ".

His last message for her and while putting his head back in front he cried with a frown sullen look on his face. While walking away Naoko looked at him sorrowfully and face was as long as a fiddle.

[ glance ] " Wait Noah....! " He chased Noah to the elevator and Noah looked back crying in despair. He understands what he feels but he just wanted to embrace him and not let him cry alone so as soon as he chased him he held his hand and stopped him.

" Noah don't cry you're not alone you have Ivan and mom...and me..."

" H-how....I heard this a million times already! I have....to perform next week and...and" [ mumbled ]

" I know you can do it without her...I know she's watching you from heaven and proud of you Noah" [ pats ] he doesn't know what to say furthermore but he knows it will be alright like he can but couldn't perhaps.

"....but..how about you you're gonna be in France after this week.." [ sniffing ]

" I canceled my flight because I know that she still wants me here by her side along with you guys..."

Precisely, he cannot leave Japan yet until all is settle he is even a college student and it needs more focus on that, thereupon, since the classes will begin on September he stays there for two months and in-a-half so everyday he could visit or stop by to her to at the cemetery.

During the interval Ivan was just standing there and their mother walked straight and pats his back and a sudden hug, she hugs him so tightly that she's more relieved and felt pity at the same time because her two sons are healthy she doesn't know anymore if something more will happen in the near future.

She tried to smile a little bit so Kaiyo must think that she will do fine, so she talked while she put her head on Ivan's shoulders.

" Malishka my daughter...your brother and I really missed you.....Noah went out for a while because....he was sad you're now here...but your soul is now in heaven.."

Ivan could not say anything with his mouth just talking in his mind sending a message to her.

" Kaiyo.....I hope you didn't regret dying for real...you ask God for several years to live just to be loved by Naoko.. now that you've overcome this for four years... your time has come to end.. "

Since Kaiyo's goal is to have been Naoko's girlfriend then graduate high school and senior high, she predicted this far and accepted the fact of her death today. She must be so happy of what happened to her life all these past years of living. She has no regrets or unfinished tasks to do except for her beloved Naoko will be in despair after her death.

Soon as Noah and Naoko came back to the third floor where the side room of Kaiyo was in, they talked about everything will happen tomorrow and the funeral, Their mom wants Naoko to go home since he didn't sleep the whole two days so he can explain to his parents of all what happened to Kaiyo's disease and failed operation.

****

~ The day of Funeral ~

In the beginning, the eulogist gives speeches to family members and friends including Naoko, Nobuyuki and his parents.

" I would like to say...today, we gather together to remember the Young Lady of Shinomiya Kaiyo, the light she brought into our lives. Like me, I know you all will continue keeping her in your hearts today and always, the woman who is a loving child,educated, tough lady and a hardworking woman.. She shows determination at all times..

she never disappoints us and we would like to thank her right now.. "

[ round of applause ]

Everyone claps and shreds in tears, only three members left in the Shinomiya ; Anastasia, Ivan, and Noah. As for Naoko the wedding is now officially canceled, he's now called a widower because Kaiyo died.

As for the next family member, just as Naoko's fiancé, he went up to the stage and spoke up.

" Shinomiya Kaiyo... I don't even know how to say it right now... since you're not in this world starting now...I'm sorry for your loss. you will be missed by everyone including me... You are my lovely woman.I thought that you and I would soon get married... it's too early for you to leave us like this... yet you have your own reasons since I kept a promise..

I'll do that for your sake... and I'll keep praying for you...thank you so much for the good times and memorable moments with you I'll never forget that... " [ bows ]

When Naoko stopped talking, he bows and leaves the stage immediately because he was about to shed tears.

After one by one sharing their speech, the interment is about to begin with the deceased person Kaiyo in the ground.

After the burial, they all went home but to the Shinomiya residence all of them went there and the atmosphere is so quiet to add all up the aura is gloomy and heavy feeling.

Anastasia and Kazue were in the kitchen preparing dinner carrying a heavy heart.

While the three; Ivan, Noah, and Naoko in the dining room in a serene atmosphere it's not a peaceful quiet yet a boisterous aura.

***

" Naoko-kun.... I remember your anniversary with... " a sudden reminisce and quickly made his voice silent.

" I already know that I'll come visit her on that day.. " [ mumble ]

He hasn't eaten or taken a bath so Kazue her mother told him to take a bath so he can eat afterwards.

Ivan and Nobuyuki went outside to talk as both elder brothers.

" Naoko.. Naoko will be going to France soon.. "

" mm.. yeah.. all what happened here.. I don't think he'll go.. " [ walk away ]

" It's quite hard even for us because she's my sister... Yet she is Naoko's fiancé. I have nothing to say about that.. "

"... after he graduates college he'll come back here.. and be the next successor of our family, you? "

" Since Dad and Kaiyou left, the company gave it to me and said I'll be handling it as the President.. "

The Shinomiya successor is truly for Ivan and as for Noah, he wanted to be a doctor, then Kaiyou will be a professor in Music both her and Naoko.

"Well...we will see you after years man". [pats]

" Yeah.. let's keep in touch.. "

***

After they talked, Naoko finished taking a bath in Kaiyo's room. He wanted to at least take in her scent or the atmosphere of her room and even hugged her clothes and viewed their pictures together.

When he gets down Anastasia called him then handed over to him the small box made by Kaiyo and placed the scraped book full of her pictures she took while he's sleeping. It's way more cringy because Naoko wakes up earlier than her. Together with their fun memories and hidden anime crushes which she was obviously known for. Her mom gave to him not as a souvenirs but for him to reminisce everything if he's feeling

pessimistic and sorrowful.

" Keep this... as a keepsake from her she made it when she knew that she's going to leave this world soon and now this is it... " [ shows ]

" She did this back then? "

" Yes.. I've always known what she's doing for the future and while doing this.. her eyes beam but tears drop..then she's smiling.."

"...." When he heard her saying 'smiling' it predicts to never regret anything. She loved him so much with powerful deep affection. Love's sorrow he will overcome one day and find love again if ever he will find a woman but for the meantime he only thinks about her and nothing more.

" Thank.... sniff.. you... mother... for bringing this up.. " began to cry once again.

" She never once regretted in her life that she married you even though the wedding was canceled.. Naoko-kun Darling Thank you for taking so much care for Malishka! "

They embraced and cried together

At the same time, meanwhile ; Ivan, Noah along with; Tomio,Kazue, and Nobuyuki cried too, yet a miserable smile on their faces.

Afterwards, the day of their Anniversary came to an end, Naoko visited Kaiyo and bring blue flowers

and white-yellow chrysanthemums to say goodbye. During that time Naoko talked to her but he felt the bitterness inside his heart, he was just talking to the wind. He brought up the topic when she saved his life from Baron many years ago and a sudden reminisce came to his mind that they've spent so much together, what more if they had children. Over the years, Kaiyo's role is done; she's now resting in heaven and that much he could think.

" I hope you can hear me well.. I'll be leaving this country and coming back thereafter... I will visit you always before I go to work, don't worry... I'll study hard and work hard so I can leave France and stay here forever... I'll be in your care now... please look for me whenever I'm in a miserable situation... and I know you could even I don't say it.. you've always come for me whenever I went.. and you notice it earlier than I do... "

[ smirked ]

" Such a smart woman is my lady... I'm no longer the young master of Shinomiya.. yet your family treats me very well... rest assured I'll keep in touch with them I promise.. we made so many promises but I'm going to keep it..."

Then he stood up and smiled at her grave. He wished that she was only sick but alive without her disease but it would never happen since it's too late.

"Then I'll be going to my beloved Kaiyo.. I might be late for my flight. Wish me luck...perhaps.."

As he turns around and not looking back he wind with leaves goes through his ears and glance to her grave and heard critical voice of hers saying

" I will always love you Naoko-kun... my soul is always with you..be on your way now..." [ swoosh ]

And her voice was fading away like a blurry imagery and suddenly woke him up and grinned all the way to the exit.

[ walks ]

"I will always love you too, my wife.."

As his last words to her even it feels hurt to leave her grave and go to another country to study.

It is time to say goodbye to them when Naoko looked back at them and glance he terribly looked pale because his point of view only three family members left in Shinomiya the important Father and the youngest lady of Shinomiya died just how are they gonna be okay with this situation he must have stayed there for a bit longer he cannot bear with the miserable point of view he wants fly away or scream louder but he cannot because he knows it will not work.

Naoko is finally now leaving Japan going back to France along with Nobuyuki, but Ivan and Noah visit them before they go in, they are using a Shinomiya Jet plane to be much safer for the brothers.

Noah was crying because he will see him in six years.

" Naoko-kun ~~~~! do you really need to leave just for France-"

"He's going to study there time flies so fast you know"

"But... but... Naoko-kun!" [pleased]

" Let's call together when I get there. What do you say? " He brought a miserable smile on him for Noah, he's still a little bit happy because the bond between Kaito's brothers still remains the same. It didn't change to the fact he feels pity and gratefulness because he shouted at her before she fainted. But it doesn't matter anymore she's now dead but he knows that Kaiyo forgave him at once because he didn't mean it to be mad at her.

" Goodbye brother Naoko see you in

six years " [wave] Ivan carried a smile to him and

whispered.. " Take care Brother Naoko.. ".

****

~ At France time.. ~

Five years had past and he just focused on studying and keep on touch with Kaiyo's family yet he'd still cry every night and always had a nightmare, when he's in a deep ocean cannot breath and he saw a light above him and it was an angel but suddenly that angel became dark and vanished in front of him and wakes up in the middle of the night it happens to him most of his five years of living in France. He was finally graduating there so he plans to call his parents in Japan and tell Kaiyo's family about the exciting news. Yet, a letter came to his house in France and said it was from Shinomiya Residence, Naoko doesn't wanna take a look because he tried to study for midterms yet it may be look rude to him if he ignored the letter, the reason why they send a letter it's because Naoko didn't touch his phone for a month since the midterms are soon, Yuki was the one who eager him to touch his phone but it was useless he wants to study rather than holding his phone, Nobuyuki came to France with him so he can take care of him well because if Naoko stays alone they don't know what will happen even though they knew Naoko will still come to his senses.

" Yo.. I received a letter from Japan."

"... who is it? mom?" He's referring to his mom Kazue.

[shows] "From Shinomiya residence"

"Why a letter? She should have call-" [interrupt]

" It's because I told you to use your phone for a minute.. " [blabber]

When Naoko opens the letter, his hands are trembling again while reading it. The letter was made by Kaiyou. Her mom forgot to give it to him before leaving Japan so when he reads it, he again feels the despair he thought he'd moved on because of being busy studying . His only purpose of coming to France is to study and come back home.

The letter was too personal for the two of them because there was a hidden room in Kaiyo's bedroom made for him. Whenever he's sad and lonely he will come over and relax.

And a paper sheet drop off

[lift] When he gets it he sees a piece of Rachmaninoff music scores. It reminds him of the time they practiced together for Lyon International Chamber Music, a duo for Violin and Piano.

And remind him of nagging each other because one of them is out of tune or not in line.

So his tears began to drop again

his shredding tears like the other day when he had a nightmare.

" Naoko... What's wrong in the letter? "

".... no it's nothing... After I graduate, let's quickly leave this country.."

" I... I get it now... I see where you're coming from.. I'll go set a schedule right away.. "

Ivan had a business trip to France so he'd like to visit them to kill time.

He knocked at the door and Yuki greeted him.

" Hey Yuki! How are you doing? "

" hm.. I'm doing great... Naoko was studying.. " [points]

" I just drop by I wanna see him and talk"

When he came in, Naoko didn't know anything.

" Yahoo! Naoko-kun~"

" I-Ivan!?" [turn around]

" Why are you so busy with studies? "

" Uh.... " He looked at his worksheet and blinks his eye, his eyebags are

full of tiredness.

" Better take a rest Kaiyo will be mad to you if you don't rest.. " [smirk]

"....I will"

The Graduation day, time flies so fast after the ceremony and giving diplomas Naoko changed his clothes at home and grabbed his stuff along with Yuki who helped him overcome this day.

Naoko keeps hearing the hallucination of Kaiyou, it's increasing every time and makes him feel more lonely.

"Don't you wanna spend time with your friends tonight?"

"No... we are going back to Japan now.."

He has no choice but to listen. Naoko changed his personality ever since he left Japan but that change didn't let him do any sort of bad things and not affect other people. His heart has still not recovered all these six years.

To be continued...