The End of Akira
Chapter 22: He's my Friend

"Sou! Sou wait, where are you going?" Akira chases Sou. 

"Sou, listen to me. Where you going? Your leg hasn't healed yet. Please." said Akira holding Sou's hand.

Sou then stopped his steps. "You should stay away from him" Sou said coldly without looking at Akira.

"I know Ayano was a little weird today, but-"

"Didn't you listen to me?" Said cold. "Right, I'm nobody to you and it's your right to be friends with everyone" Sou smiled faintly. "Now let go of my hand" Sou said, forcibly releasing Akira's grip.

(Why is it like this?) Akira looked at Sou.

"Sou, wait for Sou! Alright, I'll listen to you but stop first" Akira said worriedly but Sou still did not listen to Akira. He kept walking towards the stairs. 

(Why is Sou so fast?)

"Sou, Sou please, I will listen to you so stop now" Akira said trying to grab Sou's hand.

"Don't follow me!" Sou's successful snap makes Akira stay in place. (Damn!) "Don't follow me" he said coldly.

"What happened to him, what happened to him? Does he hate me?" Akira said looking at Sou's back which had already disappeared from his sight. "No! That's not important now. I have to follow him" murmured Akira back after Sou.

Although Sou was wearing a cane but he came down the stairs quickly. Perhaps due to still being annoyed or avoiding Akira, Sou continued to accelerate his pace until the stick Sou placed was too front and made his body unbalanced and staggered forward.

"Sou, danger!" Shouted Akira catching Sou's body, and..

THE DUGH!! 

Then they fell. Akira's body hit the wall quite hard while still hugging Sou's body.

(Akkhh!!)

"A!!!" Said Sou surprised. "What are you doing? Do you want to die, huh?" Said Sou staring at Akira worriedly "Wake up Akira, Akira!" Said Sou patting Akira's cheek.

"I should have told you. What are you doing?" Akira closed his eyes.

"about.."

"Do you want to die, huh?! I'm worried about you!" Akira said slightly shouting with teary eyes.

Sou quickly hugged Akira's body. He looks so sorry. (Again I did something stupid!) "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry Akira" Sou said.

"Don't do something stupid like that Sou, you worry me" Akira said, letting go of Sou's embrace. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm doing fine. Come to the UKS now!" Said Sou to stand up.

"I'm fine" said Akira holding Sou's hand with a smile.

"I'm sorry Akira, really" Sou said worriedly. 

"It's okay, but don't repeat it again" Akira said looking at Sou with his worried face. 

(You really are a coward Sou! You even harmed Akira and made him fall like this) Sorry" Sou said regretfully.

"I'm doing fine. No need to apologize" Akira smiled. "Let's talk" Akira said again, approved by Sou.

In garden...

"What's wrong with you today? This is not the Sou I know" Akira said lowered his head.

...

"Sou, why are you angry like that? Is it because of cooking? If yes ma-"

"Do you consider him a friend?" Sou asked without seeing Akira.

Akira nodded. "He's my friend, Sou is my friend, everyone in the class is my friend" Akira explained.

"Do you believe him?"

"Isn't that normal in a friendship?"

"But you don't know anything" Sou said coldly.

"You're right. I don't know anything about him, so all I can do is trust him. The bullying he did was the wrong thing but.." said Akira still lowered his head.

"You already know it. But that's just part of him. He's even worse than that!" Said Sou annoyed. "Why weren't you angry? To me it was an insult. Do you not care if your mother is insulted like that? If I were you, I'd slap him just now"

"Of course I'm also very upset, but I can't do it" Akira said, biting his lower lip.

(about.)

Sou then turned Akira's body to face him. (I'm guessing.) "Don't cry, Akira" said Sou wiping away Akira's tears. (How dare he make Akira like this, I really don't like that person) Sou stared inside Akira.

"Ah, sorry Sou. You see my weak side" Akira said, turning his eyes away. Akira then wiped his tears.

"You don't have to apologize, you're innocent" Sou said. "You knew? As long as you know someone there is something you don't know about that person. As close as you are to someone there must be a side of them that you do not know especially you and Ayano just know when entering High School, right? So do I. Don't expect him too much, because I know what he really is. Therefore I want you to stay away from him, not only because of his behavior towards others but you also feel what he just did just now right?"

"But-"

"It's your right to continue to be friends with him or not. Do you still want to be friends with him?"

Akira then looked at Sou. (How is this? Ayano did it because she didn't know that Mama was gone but her words really stuck me out. And Sou.)

"Hm" Akira nodded his head. (Ayano remains my friend, what is different is how Akira responds).

Sou then looked at Akira. They exchanged looks for a few seconds. 

"Then let me take care of you from him" Sou said, placing his hand on Akira's head.

"Sou.." 

"I'm serious, I can't let you cry like that. I'll take care of you from her, so forgive me if I go back to being the person you don't know" Sou stroked Akira's head. "I have no right to forbid you from being friends with anyone, therefore let me take care of you" Sou smiled.

(How is this. It feels like Akira wants to cry right now) Akira looked at Sou as she held back her tears from coming out.

"Sorry Sou" said Akira bowing his head.

"Don't apologize for things you didn't do, is that what you told me earlier?" Said Sou smiling. "Instead, I'm sorry I hurt you. Now come to the UKS" Sou said again.

"I'm fine, I'm not hurt. How about sou himself? Your leg must have hurt a lot from the fall, right?" Akira said worriedly.

"No, my leg is healed. See right?" Said Sou walking in front of Akira without his cane.

"Don't lie! Your body is shaking Sou" Akira said annoyedly.

"I can't keep you worrying about me" Sou smiled.

"It is precisely like this that makes me more worried, let's go to the UKS" said Akira gave Sou's wand and helped him walk towards the UKS.

Of UKS...

"Excuse me" Akira said, opening the doors of the UKS.

"Oh? What's with Sou?" Ask the Teacher.

"Sou's leg sprained Bu, Sou also fell" explained Akira.

"That's dangerous. Let's lay him on the bed" Bu Guru said, helping Akira finish Sou.

"It must be sick" said Master.

"No ma'am, it's not that painful" Sou smiled.

Mother Master then opened Sou's bandage and touched her.

"Akh!" sou rintih.

"It has not been pressed. Wait a minute, I take the medicine first" said Teacher and then left.

"You're lying" Akira said worriedly and Sou only smiled. 

"Don't I just say that? I can't always worry you, it's my fault" Sou smiled.

"Sorry Sou, if only I were faster and stronger, Sou wouldn't have fallen earlier" Akira said regretfully.

"What did you say? Wouldn't it be more terrifying if it were like that?" Said Sou chuckling. "I'm a reckless one so it's not your fault"

"But-"

"About the hours of study have begun. You better go to class first let Mother take care of Sou" explained Teacher.

"Okay, ma'am, I'm going to class. See you, Sou, get well soon" said Akira, who is called Sou.

As Akira was about to open the door, the Master again called out to Akira.

"about! Come here a minute"

"Yes ma'am, what's wrong?"

"Open your clothes" said flat Master Ma'am.

"I'm sorry?" Akira was surprised.

"Sou said you also fell while helping her. He said your back hit the wall earlier" explained Teacher.

"But Akira is fine Ma'am, no one is sick" Akira smiled.

"Just open it, if you don't get hurt, you won't treat it either" explained Master smiling

"But-"

"Just calm down, I won't peek" said Sou closing the curtain that separates the mattresses.

"Come" take Master again.

Akira then undressed. (So very.) 

"What hurts?" Said Master pressing on Akira's back area.

"Not too ma'am, but it hurts" explained Akira smiling.

Master then applied the ointment on Akira's back.

"It's just a minor wound and nobody is bleeding, but the pain will probably be felt 1-2 days ahead"

"Okay, thank you. Then Akira's permission to go to class" said Akira smiling.

"Yes, thank you for bringing Sou here"

"Yes ma'am, excuse me" said Akira leaving the room.

In class...

"Sorry sir, Akira is late" Akira said.

"Why did you just come in? And where is Sou? Others say that Sou came out with you" asked the Teacher introgating.

"True sir, Sou was being treated in the UKS because he had fallen. It made her sprained leg even more painful" explained Akira who made everyone in the class worried.

"Alright, you can sit down" said the Master.

"Thank you very much sir" said Akira bowed respectfully and sat on his stool.

There Ayano was, she stood up so Akira could enter but did not say anything. As time goes on, Akira and Ayano do not greet each other, talk, even smile at each other. Fear, anger, anger, guilt, all those feelings were mixed up in each of them. As a result of the incident, both are enveloped by awkwardness and confusion to do something. Even on returning home from school, Ayano and Akira remain silent with each other.

(It was very awkward) Akira said staring at Ayano's departure.

"He came down the stairs quickly so he fell down" Akira explained.

"Basic sloppy. Thank you" said Hiro then left with Sou bag.

"We saw Sou briefly training" Akira muttered then left the class.

Of UKS...

"Excuse me" Akira said entering the room.

"You come Akira" said Hiro smiling.

"Yes. How's your leg Sou? Is it getting better?"

"It wasn't that painful" Sou said.

"You're lying" Akira said staring intently at Sou.

"I'm not lying. My legs are better" Sou explained. Akira kept staring at Sou.

"I'm seriously fine. If you don't believe me, I'll show you" Sou said.

"What are you gonna do?" Hiro said holding Sou back.

"I believe, don't do it" said Akira, whipping his lips. "How did you get home? What's picked up?" Ask Akira

"Yes, Dad will pick me up" Sou smiled. "Don't worry Akira, I'm fine"

"Alright, I understand" Akira smiled. "I go first, I have to practice club now. Heals Sou quickly" said Akira smiling.

"Thank you" replied Sou who was also smiling.

"I'm Hiro first, see you" Akira told Hiro. "Bye-bye Sou, bye-bye Hiro."

"Bye-bye?" Hiro said confusedly, but he still waved his hand to Akira.

"Bye-bye, be careful" Sou smiled.

"She said bye-bye?" Hiro asked Sou.

Sou then nodded. "That's his habit, so just follow it" Sou smiled.

"Isn't she adorable?" Hiro asked with a smile but Sou stared intently at him.

"Ah, take it easy Sou, I won't snatch it from you" Hiro said with an awkward smile.

Her night...

The Souma family was gathering in the living room to watch television.

"About borrowing your phone" Shinji smiled.

"What's it for, brother?"

"You want a selfie, Akira's phone is a good camera"

"You're worse than your own brother Shin" Papa smiled.

"About the same Pa, it could be Akira" Shinji said staring at Akira.

"By Kak, this" said Akira gave his phone. "About grab a drink" Akira said, then went to the kitchen.

When you are busy taking pictures, notification goes to the Akira mobile phone.

Sou: "Akira, how's your back? Does it still hurt?

"Back?" Shinji was confused.

Sou: "My legs hurt too, surely your back hurts too, right?"

Seeing the message from Sou, Shinji immediately saved Akira's phone and ran towards the kitchen.

"What's wrong with her?" Papa said surprised because Shinji immediately ran.

"Don't know Pa" Yuki said confusedly.

"Maybe go to Pa's toilet" Naoya said.

The other...

Shinji suddenly pulls Akira's arm after Akira saves his glass.

"What's up, brother?" Akira was surprised.

"Open your clothes" said Shinji flatly.

"Huh? Wait, what did you say?" akira hugged his own body.

"Open your shirt now!" shinji pulls Akira and tries to let go of Akira's hand.

"Father! Brother Shin is weird! Sis-" Shouted Akira.

"Don't yell!" Shinji closed Akira's mouth. "Akira's back is hurt, isn't it? Brother just wanted to check it out" Shinji explained.

Shinji then let go of his hand. "But still not!" Reject Akira.

"Why? You embarrassed? We used to shower together, so there's no shame" Shinji said.

"But that was before, Akira was already a big brother" Akira said, not believing what Shinji said. "No, just don't want to!" 

"Alright, let Brother tell Papa" said Shinji will go.

"Don't you, Akira is fine" Akira said pulling Shinji's arm.

"Then show Brother if you don't want Papa to intervene" Shinji said again.

"But Akira is ashamed Brother" whined Akira. "I think I feel like I'm being harassed right now" Akira said.

"Sister don't harass you, don't talk weird!" said Shinji hitting Akira softly on the head.

Akira then unbuttoned some of the top buttons of his nightshirt and lowered his shirt to the shoulder so Shinji could see it from behind.

"It's okay, isn't it?" Ask Akira.

"It's red, does it hurt?" Shinji's voice pressed down on Akira's red back area.

"No Brother"

"Awhile, you grab the ointment first" he said then went to look for the P3K box.

(Sister really! Even though we're brothers, isn't this weird enough? Besides why did Sou send a message when Akira's phone was borrowed by Brother?)

"Let her clothes down" Shinji said.

Akira complies with his wishes. Shinji then applied the ointment on Akira's back.

"Wear the shirt back" Shinji said. "What have you been doing at school? Is not enough of your wounded hand?" Shinji looked at Akira. "Don't get hurt again, hasn't Brother told you? Why not listen?"

"Sorry, it just happened" Akira said, bowing his head.

"This is the last time you're hurt, okay?" Shinji looked at Akira.

"Understanding Brother" Akira said in a small voice.

"I can't do anything if Akira gets hurt, so don't get hurt" Shinji said, hugging Akira's body.

"Yes, thank you" said Akira returning Shinji's embrace.

"Yosh, let's go back. Your lover is noisy" said Shinji smiling.

"He's not Akira's lover, sister" Akira smiled. They then returned to the middle room.

"What's up Shin? Why run like that?" Ask Papa.

"Shin wanted to go to the toilet, he couldn't stand it" Shinji smiled.

"Remain, Nao is right" Naoya said.

"Sir Shin is just there. Akira's phone continues to vibrate from earlier" said Yuki gave the phone to Akira.

"Sorry Brother, thank you" said Akira taking his phone. "Don't you borrow it?" Akira asked Shinji.

"Already, thank you" said Shinji ruffling Akira's hair.

"Sama-sama" said Akira smiling. He then read the message from Sou.

Sou: "Akira, how's your back? Does it still hurt?

Sou: "My legs hurt too, surely your back hurts too, right?"

Akira: "No Sou, my back is fine. Doesn't hurt"

Sou: "Thank God. Looks like I'll be clearance for tomorrow, my leg really hurts now:)"

Akira: "I told you Sou should have permission earlier. Should I be seriously injured first, I see?"

Sou: "I think I'm being scolded right now"

Sou: "I'm sorry for not listening to you"

Akira: "Let me tell the teacher tomorrow. Rest Sou"

Sou: "Thank you Akira"

Sou: "Good night"

Akira: "Good night"

The next day...

At school...

The awkward atmosphere between Akira and Ayano still continued. They both bowed their heads and did not speak even though they were sitting side by side.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. I casually said that when I didn't know anything about your mother, sorry" Ayano said. He looks sorry.

"It's okay Ayano, I get it too. Sorry for making such a fuss yesterday" Akira smiled.

"You are very good. Thank you" Ayano smiled. "Where's Sou? It's almost in but I don't see where it is" asked Ayano.

"Sou's permission for today, his leg was more severely injured as a result of a fall yesterday" Akira explained.

"I want to apologize to him. Hopefully he will recover soon" said Ayano again.

"We just pray that Sou will get well soon" Akira smiled.

...-------------------------------------------...

...️WARNING!!!!! ⁇ ️...

...AFTER READING THIS EPISODE, PLEASE READ EPISODE 23.0 THEN TO EPISODE 23....

...There was an error while uploading episode 23 which turned out not to pass the selection. Sorry for the negligence and inconvenience🙏🙏...