The S.T.I.C.K.Y. Blog

Chapter 2: Chasing Rainbows

At recess time…

“Say Michiko, what would be the menu this year huh?” Misato asked.
“What menu?”
“Hey don’t fool around, its your Birthday tomorrow silly!”
“Um… oh that! … hehe… heh…” Michiko was a bit embarrassed. Michiko’s mom habitually treats the whole class every year on Michiko’s birthday at recess time and mostly, the menu writes donuts. But of course, it might be different this year… Misato hoped so. Teachers had always been considerate about these kinds of occasions and sometimes they would adjust class hours for the students to enjoy the treats at recess time. The teachers would sometimes reorganize the seats as they would when there are certain occasions like the feast day or foundation day. Seats were lined up at the corners to give a wide space at the center to act like a stage of some sort. Students were seated 2 rows at all four sides of the classroom and the room would instantly look like a party room.

“Yeepee! It’s your birthday tomorrow Michiko! Whoohoo… can’t wait for the donuts!” Ritsuki mentioned overhearing the two.
“Um… I’m not really sure if mom’s gonna come visit tomorrow… she’s quite busy lately”
“Of course she is, and even if she would actually come, she won’t tell you cause it’s a surprise right? Ahehe, were in for some treats tomorrow, this is exciting.”
“Oh c’mon Ritsuki, those are just donuts! Hehe.”
“Anything free is worth the excitement Michiko. Ahehe. advance happy birthday to ya.”
“hehe, thanks Ritsuki.”

“Hey, do I hear a birthday party coming up?” Banjo enters the scene with Jin and Eiji coming from the canteen.
“Its Michiko’s birthday you dummy.” Jin added.
“Really? So what? What’s so special about Michiko’s birthday?”
“how mean…” Eiji exclaimed.
“I was just kidding!”
“Don’t eat when Michiko’s mom pay a visit tomorrow. The likes of you do not deserve those goodies.” Misato added.
“Hey! I WAS kidding! mmm… goodies eh?” Banjo replied.
“Just be absent tomorrow Banjo! Everything will be just great without you!”
“Argh! Now THAT is mean. You old hag!”
“Don’t push it 4 eyes!”
“Oh yeah!? Wanna piece of me ‘Octopus lady’?”
“Why you…”

Banjo calls Misato octopus lady simply because her hands seem like mollusk tentacles moving all over the place. Misato also pinches so hard that Banjo sometimes calls her Mrs. Crabs. It was always raining cats and dogs when Misato and Banjo is around but they get along pretty well. At least that was what the people around them knew. But Misato had been like that ever since, she was a snob to everyone. Except for Michiko though.

Misato and Michiko had been the best of friends back then. They were one seat apart with Banjo at the middle. Misato was a snob to many but with Michiko, she was alright. It was like Michiko has this innate ability to tame a wild beast unknowingly. It might have been her calmness or that soft spoken persona but she gets along with anybody pretty well.

Michiko’s birthday came at last, a lot were expecting something but most of the class were surprised. Michiko’s mom came hours before recess time and talked to their teacher about something, the Teacher called upon Michiko and discussed some matters, and as she went back to her seat, she was smiling.

“huh? Whats going on?” Ryu was curious.
“Michiko is celebrating her birthday at class, her mom’s gonna treat us with food!” Marina replied.
“Wow, really Michiko?”
“Yep, hehehe… ”
“So what’s it gonna be then? Is it the donuts?” Ritsuki followed
“Wow donuts! This is gonna be great!” Ryu added.
“Oh! I really don’t know, she said she’s gonna be back at recess but she didn’t mention what she was bringing with her.” Michiko answered.
“Cool! I just love surprises…” Banjo mentioned with a really enthusiastic grin.
“Hey! You are not suppose to be eating any, remember? Hehe” Misato reminded Banjo of what he said the other day.
“Shut Up Octo-Misato! Hahaha.”

Moments Later, Michiko’s Mom Arrived! She had with her food from the nearby fast food chain Jollibee™ and it was great. The class had spaghetti and fried chicken.

“Would it be nice if it was Michiko’s birthday everyday? I really wish it were… hahaha” Jin said.

“They were asking if… um…”

Maya’s eyes were searching for Ritsuki’s, Ritsuki was caught in the spur of the moment. and it seems as though he was having trouble speaking his mind.

“Hey! What’s the matter? cat got your tongue? Hehe, don’t be afraid Ritsuki, tell me…”

“Actually… um… they asked me if… I… er…”

“If… what?”

“They asked me if… I like you.” Ritsuki told Maya as his face turned red.

“… and what was your… answer?” Maya’s face turned red as well.

More giggles were heard from the background, and to avoid getting noticed, Nuriko and Mai would quickly hide beneath the chairs as they giggle to death.

“I told them… what if I did like you… would you care?” Maya was smiling, yet she was silent.

“… I think I like you Maya…” Maya then had a quick sigh smilingly, and the two barged in like crazy.

Mai and Nuriko were the ones who had been extremely excited. They entered the scene and asked more annoying questions but Ritsuki and Maya were still at shock, they were silent. Mai was telling something about what to do next.

“Hey you know what? I think Ritsuki would have to court Maya now. I mean, c’mon, don’t you think that it would be the right thing to do? now that Ritsuki confessed to Maya, he needs to prove his love for her by courtship. This is what guys do to girls they like, right?”

At that moment, the concept of courtship was new to Ritsuki. he didn’t even know that it was the next step. But does he really want to be Maya’s suitor? he told Maya that he has feelings for her, but is it for real? At that moment, he was convinced. He does like Maya after all.

The afternoon went on happily as the four continue on chatting on the churchyard. There still weren’t much people around so they were thinking on what step Ritsuki needed to do next. They were giving hints to Ritsuki for him to learn new things. Ritsuki was fond of liking girls but the thought of courtship never crossed is mind. he didn’t had interest on having a girlfriend. At that time they were all at 12 years of age. They were still so young at heart. Ritsuki knew that it was too early for him to have a girlfriend and to think that at such a young age, he was close to having one.

Ritsuki’s excitement came about the next day. It was a different day, he felt more at ease upon coming to class. Michiko and the rest of the group noticed the big change.

“Hey Ritsuki, you seem to be a bit more inspired today… whats up?” Jin asked.

“Nothing much, I feel like I could do something good today…”

Ritsuki’s day started with a smile and out of the blue he figured he could write a poem. Ritsuki was a writer at heart. he had writen extensive short stories, and poems but nobody other than himself had been able to read them. most of his work was written on recycled notebooks. Left-over pages from several used notebooks bound together to form a new one. His stories were composed of epics, adventure novels and fantasy short stories. But mostly, he had never finished a story a single time. He was used to write on a series format in which he figured out to be never-ending. Ritsuki had written quite a handful of recycled notebooks, however, Ritsuki had rarely written a poem for a girl… and so he wanted to write Maya one. He spent much time thinking of rhythmic words to form into lyric poetry. His vocabulary might have been elementary that time but his eagerness to write something for Maya had made him all the more inspired to write something good.

“Hmm… what’s making you serious today Ritsuki? must be that thing that happened yesterday eh? with Maya and all…” Marina began to lure Ritsuki into telling her what happened the day before.

“Huh? how the hell did you know?”

“I heard it from a reliable source Ritsuki, and you don’t need to worry. Your secret is safe with me. hehe”

“Er… that’s what I’m afraid of. A secret can never be safe with you Marina.”

“and what does that suppose to mean?”

Michiko was just at the background listening to the conversation. She was hearing stuff regarding Maya and Ritsuki too but she remained silent. what business does she have with Ritsuki? They were just seatmates to begin with, but Jin was all silent too. She was acting strangely that time.

“So… what really happened yesterday Ritsuki? what is Marina talking about?” Jin asked curiously

“Nothing really, Maya and I talked. that’s all…”

“Hey, c’mon, there’s gotta be something more than that! tell me, you know that I’m better at keeping secrets than Marina… hihi.”

“its not that I really want to keep it for myself but I just dont want to make any ruckus about it. I don’t want people talking about us all the time. I do trust you Jin but I think this is rather too personal to tell you. I think you would just have to figure it out for yourself.”

“Um… okay…” Jin was dejected at a moment.

Ritsuki finished the poem well and had planned on giving it to Maya after class. it was written in English, 6 4-liner stanzas written on yellow paper. his spontaneous composition had impressed Maya and had requested another version. She wanted to have one in Japanese and so he did. After much planning and writing Ritsuki managed to accomplish Maya’s request the day after. And so, It had been Ritsuki’s habit to write poetry for Maya in Japanese and he had been inspired for days. Banjo however knew what was happening to Ritsuki but he could never keep his mouth shut. Ritsuki was mocked in a regular basis that time. Banjo was the initiator. Michiko, as always, would be seen smiling at Banjos right. Michiko was a softspoken girl, she never told nonsense just to make a conversation. And though her 6th grade life revolved around that 2 half rows of elementary students, she was happy.

… end of Chapter 1

Ritsuki had been close to Jin not only because they were seatmates but Ritsuki has this habit of teasing anybody worth teasing. Banjo was a great target, since he had bluntly confessed his affection for Jin, he was vulnerable. Banjo was an intelligently loud person, he may be tactless most of the time but he was sensible. and though he may say ruthless things, he often looks at the mirror first. Those were the things that Rituski and Michiko had grown fond of Banjo. Jin however was just as vulnerable as Banjo was, Jin easily gets embarrassed when Banjo does his teasing, and her milky white complexion was rapidly turning red.

“C’mon admit it!” Banjo says, slightly bending the scenario, making people think that he was just teasing, and that he doesn’t really mean saying it.

“What the hell am I suppose to admit!” Jin replies with utter rejection for Banjo.

“I don’t like loud guys, it’s so unmanly.” Jin continues, as she sees Banjos face get crumpled up.

“Huh? am I loud? tell me, do I act unmanly?”

“Yup, you’re such a girly man, Banjo! haha!” Misato followed.

“Hey! will you guys quit it! so what if Banjo really is a girly man? at least he can still be a man!” Ritsuki added.

This kind of conversation goes about from day to day as classes are about to start, when the teachers take a break, at recess time and before dismissal. and every single time, laughter was present. Ritsuki would always notice Michiko’s smile at the background, as her eyes narrows down giving away a meaningful smile, Ritsuki had been at close watch. He knew that Michiko was cute. and that he liked her that way. but there was no special feeling that time. they were both assuming that they were at a different wavelength. they talk from time to time, but it was just a friendly conversation, a chat between seatmates. but what goes on that time was not at all surprising. Ritsuki was used to hide his feelings, unlike Banjo, he doesn’t even give away a single clue. for him, there was no reason for anybody to know. if the girl he liked would have to figure it out, it has to be special. something unforgettable. this is why Ritsuki had always been holding back. he knows for a fact that he likes Michiko, but he was not sure how deep, he also know that he likes Jin too, but it might have been just friendship. he didn’t exactly know the difference between crushes and love interests. all he ever knew was that he liked the way Michiko smiles.

This is where Maya gets into the picture. Maya is also a fellow classmate of Michiko and Ritsuki, only she was seated farther to the right edge of the room on the 3rd row. Maya had long hair and almond eyes, just the way Ritsuki had ever liked in a girl. she was also as perky as he had liked her to be. but he was still confused. Young hearts are naive, they often tend to do foolish things at a young age. They may have convinced themselves on what they were feeling but in truth, they were as innocent as a child. At some time after dismissal, Ritsuki was confronted by Maya’s friends Nuriko and Mai, Nuriko asked the unsuspecting Ritsuki with personal questions that Ritsuki himself couldn’t answer. He was cornered between 2 girls with one objective, to find out if Ritsuki does have something going on with their friend Maya.

Nuriko whispered, “So… is it true? you do like Maya, don’t you?”

“What!? what makes you say that?” Ritsuki answered.

“C’mon Ritsuki, its written all over our face. C’mon admit it! there’s nothing wrong with telling the truth.” Mai’s enthusiasm was growing. her eyes was shimmering.

“Yep, c’mon tell us! it would be our little secret!” Nuriko Added.

“So what if I do? would it matter? she wont give a damn anyways.” as Ritsuki said this, he was a bit hessitant, honestly, Maya was not the only one he liked. there was Jin who had been his closest friend in class of the opposite sex and there was this sweet girl at the back row named Michiko, who has the cutest smile there is.

“So its settled then!” Mai’s excitement had reached its extremety, as Ritsuki had seemed to confess to them his true feelings for Maya.

“Huh!? what’s settled?” Ritsuki was startled.

With small pitches of giggles, Nuriko and Mai held Ritsuki’s hands and dragged him towards St. Mathew Church. what Ritsuki didn’t know was that Maya was waiting there. as if she had been expecting the right answer from Ritsuki.

“haha, you’re hands are cold Ritsuki!” Mai said with significant giggles.

Ritsuki was hesitant, he figured something was going on and he can’t escape it.

“Hey c’mon, what are you guys doing? where are you taking me? … hey… you guys what’s going on!? Hey!!!” Ritsuki was worried, though he knew what was going on, he figured that it was not the right time to confess if ever he was to confess, and does he really like Maya anyways?

“Dont be so jumpy Ritsuki, we’re not gonna murder you or anything, we just want you to meet someone… and believe us, you are gonna thank us later! haha!” Nuriko was just as excited as Mai is now.

“What! Hey!” Ritsuki had been a lot more worried this time. but for some strange reason, he didn’t ever tried to escape. It was like his body was moving on its own. As he went further inside St. Mathew Church, his heart was pounding heavily, Nuriko and Mai felt it. Ritsuki was dead nervous.

Nuriko then called upon Maya who was actually hiding on a pillar on the far edge of the church. she was just as nervous as Ritsuki was. She had a happy face. She was smiling so greatly and both Nuriko and Mai was enjoying the moment. As Ritsuki and Maya’s eyes met, they became silent. Giggles were still echoing inside the empty church. Nuriko and Mai distanced themselves to give the two a chance to talk… but Ritsuki was still silent.

“What did those lunatics tell you? you seem nervous.” Maya said trying to break the ice.

“Um… n-nothing actually, t-they were asking if… er…” Ritsuki’s heart was pounding harder now. “Is this what they call love confession?” he asked himself as he gave a shy glance at Maya’s face.

… to be continued.

And so… it ended. or maybe not. What began on October 6 would end at the 7th of December. Michiko decided to take the 2 month exile that she wanted. Exile, in the sense that she will move farther away from the 2 hopefuls who desperately wanted to be with her. She needed that 2 months to finally make up her mind. She couldn’t be trapped in a concealed place of unearthly confusion for the rest of her life. She needed to know something… She needed to know how she was feeling, and if the feeling is right. What path she really wanted to take… she needed 2 months to decide.

The Story began 15 years ago, when both Michiko and Ritsuki was in 3rd grade at St. Mathew Parochial School. They were both lively at their age, both were innocent. Ritsuki was 3 months older and was born under zodiac Gemini. Michiko on the other hand was a Virgo. They don’t normally talk that much to each other back then, they only knew each other as a classmate to another… but the memories they had were all good ones. Michiko was transferred to St. Mathew from another Elementary school and haven’t got much friends at the moment. Michiko was an introvert, a shy and silent young girl who would rather smile most of the time. It was that smile of hers that was most memorable to Ritsuki, a smile that had created an anchor for Michiko on Ritsuki’s mind, an anchor point that had brought Ritsuki in the past 15 years later.

Ritsuki and Michiko had been classmates for 4 years and eventually became close friends at 6th grade. They were seated 1 row apart. Ritsuki was in front while Michiko was at his back. They were a lively group as the seating arrangement were not changed throughout the school year. Ritsuki was in fact an introvert too. Yet he was more adventurous, he was adaptable to any company quickly and at a small amount of time, He can make friends. There may be a time where he was silent but most of the time he would just go with the flow. Ritsuki never had a great time grooming himself at childhood. He would just wander about the day not worrying how his hair would look like as he goes against the wind of the 5 story corridor of their classroom. On the other hand, Michiko was the opposite. She wears cute random hair bands on her shoulder-length hair with bangs covering the forehead. This is what she looks like for every single day of her 6th grade school year, that when she doesn’t, people would really notice something different from her. Michiko and Ritsuki weren’t that much of a high profiler at school, but they were good students… fun loving 6th graders at that.

Ritsuki was seated with the class president Jin at his left. Jin was a lively young girl and a responsible class leader. Though she might be as strict as a preschool teacher, she was quite a looker, with a deep dimple up her cheeks and a milky white complexion. And just as most guys from the other classes would say, St. Vincent Ferrer, Ritsuki and Michiko’s class, had the prettiest girls throughout St. Mathew, and Jin was one of the reason why. At Michiko’s left was Banjo, the one who had secretly admired Jin from behind her seat. Banjo was a naturally loud mouthed comedian, with his height, surprisingly thick glasses and an annoying mole, he was a laughing stock. Yet he was the one making the jokes on himself. On Banjo’s left was the snobbish Misato, she was a kind and gentle person in the inside and would gladly have a chat with you about anything under the sun. But most of the time, she’s on a bad mood, and does serious physical damage when provoked. On Michiko’s right was the goodie-goodie Eiji the smart and soft-spoken guy but a really dependable classmate when it comes to cheating. On Ritsuki’s right was Marina, the girl with really unpredictable mood swings that is pretty much dangerous at times. On her right was Ryu, Ritsuki’s buddy up front row. Ryu was as loud as Banjo but a more dependable comrade when it comes to cheating, Banjo is all the more serious when it comes to academics. It was enough reason for him to become the cream of the crop. That certain area of the class, 1st and 2nd row on the left panel, was a carnival of maroons. But it was where the fun starts at Ritsuki and Michiko’s Elementary school life…

… to be continued.

Once there was this love triangle. A complicated three sided love affair that was getting worse. Ritsuki was a hopeless romantic in constant search for the right girl to become his partner. Michiko was a loner seeking attention from whom she had known to be the love of her life. And Masaru was Michiko’s boyfriend for 5 years who had always been looking for something Michiko wasn’t able to give. All three had been tediously looking for contentment, until Ritsuki came into Michiko’s life.

Ritsuki and Michiko had been Elementary school classmates and had known each other way back 15 years ago. It was like fate had brought the two together again for a decade and a half. Michiko was in search for a friend, a confidant. And she found one at Ritsuki. They met online from the popular community website called Friendster, and worked their way to becoming good friends as the days go by. A lot has changed in 11 years since they last met, but instantaneously they had become the best of friends. It was the time that Masaru had been giving less attention for Michiko that he had concentrated on becoming more of a workaholic than a soon to be husband. Though the engagement has not taken place, Michiko and Masaru had been planning to tie the knot in about a year or so. But the excitement had faded dramatically with some changes of hearts. Ironically Ritsuki came into the picture without malicious intentions. He had plenty of room for a new friend, and had accepted Michiko openhandedly.

Months came to pass. Michiko and Ritsuki had been spending an awful lot of time together. from Friendster messages, to Yahoo Messenger IM’s (instant messages), to emails, to sms, (text messages via cellular phones), to phone calls, to constant meetings, to dinners, to becoming really close friends. For months Michiko had been spending more time with Ritsuki than she would have been with Masaru. And it had endangered Michiko and Masaru’s 5 year relationship.

Eventually, things have gotten off hand and Masaru had noticed something different from Michiko. She was starting to fall in love with Ritsuki. Ritsuki on the other hand had been hiding his feelings for Michiko and was actually in love with her for that short period of time. But it was all so wrong, Michiko and Masaru soon had arguments concerning Ritsuki, and Masaru’s jealousy was getting more and more intense. Masaru haven’t been this jealous about any other guy before. Ritsuki’s case was different. Masaru has forbidden Michiko to contact Ritsuki in any way possible. By then Michiko has to make a choice. But the concept of what’s right and wrong had been bothering her. her mind chooses Masaru and yet her heart was telling her not to let go of Ritsuki. But as a result, Ritsuki moved away, he knew Michiko was never going to leave Masaru and had convinced himself that it was indeed a one sided love. Michiko was in a complications, she had confusions on what love really meant. Was it really love she’s feeling for Ritsuki? As Ritsuki left Michiko he confessed his true emotions, but when Ritsuki asked if she feels the same, she replied with, “I don’t really know…” They parted ways and hoped that they would never see each other again. It’s true what they say that if you get too close to the fire, you will get burned. But it can’t be helped. Ritsuki and Michiko had been alike in so many ways that they could never imagine. Sparks fly when they were together, in everything that they do, they feel good about each other. In Ritsuki’s eyes, they were soul mates. And Michiko agreed.

Almost 3 months has passed. Ritsuki and Michiko was in deep depression but most people around them did not notice. Michiko was thinking about Ritsuki all the time, just as much as Ritsuki does every single day. Until one day, they met each other again, when they both knew they had been able to recover from the incident. When they knew that they could still be friends and enjoy each others company more. But Ritsuki was hesitant, he wanted Michiko back but he was afraid that his love for her might complicate things once again. In fact, Ritsuki’s love for Michiko didn’t ever fade. But in his mind, it was not his fault to meet with Michiko again, Michiko didn’t have anything to do with it either, it was fate.

Ritsuki told himself that if ever Michiko would ever come back to him, he wont ever let go again. Michiko was happy with Ritsuki as a friend, so he decided to accept what ever Michiko could offer, he accepted the friendship but assured that he can never give up his feelings for Michiko, but for as long as Michiko would be happy, Ritsuki stayed. More problems arise as Masaru still has no idea what was going on. He knew that Ritsuki was out of Michiko’s life forever. But it seems as though fate really wanted Ritsuki and Michiko to be together. It is what Masaru was gravely afraid of.

For months, Ritsuki and Masaru has hidden their friendship from Masaru. But it was just friendship. Though Ritsuki was sure about how he feels about Michiko, he must try not to get too deeply involved again. He limited himself through things concerning Michiko and Masaru… until a shocking discovery led into much complication… Hikaru came into the picture. Hikaru bothered Michiko with shocking revelations that Hikaru and Masaru had been together for months, even before Michiko and Ritsuki ever met. Hikaru wanted Michiko to leave Masaru for Masaru was cheating on her. And though Michiko did not believe a single word that Hikaru had spoken, it made the confusion a bit more intense. Why wont she get jealous?

Hikaru kept on Bugging Michiko with unwanted information. Of course, Masaru denied everything. But the worst came about as Ritsuki found out about Masaru’s actions. He was furious, he wanted to know the truth. Michiko then opened up to Ritsuki about the matter, yet she was not taking action. This led Ritsuki into more aggression. Though he wasn’t showing Michiko how he was feeling about the issue, he wanted to dig deeper. Until he had managed to talk to Hikaru herself, and it was a lot more shocking. Ritsuki kept his discovery for himself. He figured it would be wrong for Michiko to know about Masaru’s actions from him, she has to figure these things out for herself, but she didn’t make a single move. She just let it be.

Ritsuki endured the pain of knowing that the one person he had truly loved is being hurt, he wanted to take action but he is just at a wrong place at the wrong time. But he had managed to dig deeper inside Michiko’s confused heart. Michiko really had feelings for Ritsuki, but she said that it was complicated. She can’t disregard her 5 year relationship with Masaru. 5 years of hardships and happy memories that she knew she had to take into consideration. She also confessed that even before Hikaru came into their lives, Michiko’s love for Masaru had faded away.

Michiko and Ritsuki was in love with each other, but Michiko was holding back because of Masaru who she knew she had loved for 5 long years. She knew that it was so wrong to fall in love with Ritsuki while being with Masaru. The guilt had strongly held her aback. But on the other hand, Masaru couldn’t ever let go of Michiko. He wanted to fight back. Hikaru’s existence was an eye opener, but still it hasn’t been the issue. What is much worse than being with someone that you don’t love and leaving that one person you truly love behind. Michiko was lying to Masaru, this is why guilt gushes in strongly.

But the worst thing happened one midnight. Masaru confronted Ritsuki over the phone… both men fought for Michiko, exchanging harsh words, and Michiko was deeply worried. Masaru and Ritsuki’s fight lasted for long. It opened up many issues concerning the three. One must really move away. One must accept the truth that he can never be with Michiko forever. It’s a choice between 2 hopefuls fighting over a girl. Michiko’s choice would be the only thing that can stop this turmoil. But she was still undecided.

And so she planned on taking a break. She decided to be the one to move out. She didn’t want to hear anything about the two for two months. Two months is what she had requested to spend alone and rethink about the situation. Two months of thinking would be enough for her to make up her mind. In two months she would weigh her feelings about the two and figure out who she really wanted to be with for the rest of her life. It was inevitable. This story needed an ending.

For 2 months Ritsuki and Masaru would have to wait for Michiko to come back and decide. No communications, no connections whatsoever. Michiko needed space, and so this 2 months was the best solution. What comes about in the next two months will conclude this long and disturbing love triangle… 2 months in oblivion… would everything be worth the wait?