Van and I are watching the beautiful fireworks show at the beach.
Meanwhile, Ren and Mika were laughing from afar, as they watch the impressive fireworks show.
"Nao?" Van called for my attention.
"Hmm?" I said.
"Thank you for going out with me." Van said.
"I said yes because I want to." I said in return.
"I'm glad to know that." Van wistfully spoke.
I held my breath when I felt his warm hand into my hand.
We don't need to say anything. But we're already aware of our feelings with each other.
Now I truly believe that "Action speaks louder than words..."
==========================
Many days have passed.
Reiko is now talking with Nao and Van at the snackhouse.
They are discussing things about their planned summer trip.
"Well, I think you won't be having any problems with Mama. But when it come to
my brother Ken, it's a different story." I said, while looking thoughtful.
"Exactly what I thought." Van piped in.
"Okay, I'll try to convince him. I'll do my very best to make him agree." Reiko seriously suggested.
"Well, you can try. But don't tell me afterwards that I didn't warn you." I replied.
"Don't worry, just leave it to me." Reiko confidently responded.
======================
The next day at Nishikawa's house...
Van nervously squirmed on his seat. Nao and Mika's oldest sibling, Ken is sitting infront of them, while eyeing them like a lion waiting for its prey.
"It's been a long time since I last saw you, Reiko. How have you been? How's the swimming club now?" Ken asked Reiko, while smiling widely.
"It's going well. We are stronger than before.In fact, we just won the National Competition a week ago." Reiko informed him.
"Really? Wow, that's great! It's been years since we won the Championships, right?" he excitedly said.
"If I remember it correctly, it was the year when you were still the captain of the swimming team." Reiko nodded in return.
"Those were the good times... Anyway, why do you want to talk to me today?" Ken suddenly changed the topic.
"Well, since it's already summer vacation, and I really want to spend more time with Nao, I was actually planning on going on a trip with her and Van... And since this is our last summer together before our graduation, we want to spend it together as friends..." Reiko began, while looking so sad...
Van and I exchanged knowing glances,and I know we're thinking the same thing...
We never thought Reiko could be a good actress.
I can also see my brother nodding as he listened to Reiko's sentiments.
"--So before we could go on our separate ways, I wanted to have good memories with
my friends. You knew the feeling too, right?" Reiko pleaded.
Ken seemed to have believed everything.
"My sister is very lucky to have a friend like you,Reiko. I don't mind her going on a trip, but--is this pervert also coming with you?" Ken asked, while giving Van a deathly glare.
"Don't worry about him. I'll make sure to protect Nao at all cost!" Reiko firmly promised.
"Hmm... If that's the case, sure why not? Go ahead and have lots fun on your trip." my brother finally agreed.
I wanted to shout for joy, but I decided to restrain myself.
I am now looking forward on going on a summer trip with my real friends...
===================
The day of our summer trip arrived.
I was waiting at the front gate with the other members of my family. I was all geared up for the trip. I couldn't sleep a wink last night, and I ended up checking
my luggage again and again, until morning finally came.
I was just waiting for Reiko and Van to arrive, and then we will head to the local airport to go to our summer destination. We will be staying at one of Reiko's family resthouse in Karuizawa for the whole duration of our vacation.
One shiny car suddenly stopped infront of our house. We were admiring the vehicle
when the door opened and Reiko stepped out from the car. Van is walking beside her.
"Good morning!" Reiko and Van greeted us, in a excited manner.
"Take care of our Nao, okay?" my brother said, as he playfully ruffled my hair.
"Please don't worry. We're safe at our vacation house." reassures Reiko.
"You'd better hurry, kids.You might be late for your flight." informed my mother.
Before we could get inside the car, I just had this feeling that I have to say something to my family.
"Mama, thank you for giving me a new life." my voice trembled, after that, I turned my attention to Mika.
"Mika, I know you're such a pain sometimes. But you made me feel how wonderful it is to be alive.Thank you." those words easily slipped from my lips.
And lastly,I turned to face my brother.
"My dear brother... Thank you for trying to protect me in any way that you can." I tried to stifle a sob.
My brother was clearly surprised, but he smiled in return.
"It's my responsibility to protect all of you. I promised that to our father before he passed away."
My mother and Mika nodded in agreement.
"Let's go, Nao! The plane will be leaving us!" said Reiko,while waving her summer straw hat.
"I'm leaving my sister to you, idiot!" my brother yelled at Van.
"Stop it, Ken!" I reprimanded him.
My brother just winked at me while grinning from ear to ear.
I finally went inside the vehicle and before Reiko's driver could start the engine, I waved at my family once more from the car window. I only stopped looking at them when the car finally made its turn to another block.
And then they were out of sight.
"This is what you call freedom!" Reiko sighed, as she leaned contentedly on the passenger's seat.
"You miss them already?" Van suddenly whispered to me.
"A little." I admitted.
"We'll be away for only 3 days...For the meantime, let's have some fun, okay?" Van
was trying to cheer me up.
"Van's right,Nao! Look, the summer breeze feels refreshing, right?" Reiko smilingly said, as she lowered down the car window and thrusts her hand outside.
Van did the same as well. He stuck out his head on the window.
"SUMMER IS THE BEST!!!" he shouted.
I smilingly opened the window on my side as well. I closed my eyes as the summer wind touched my face.
It feels great to be reborn...