Chapter 9: Hugs From A Stranger
Nana, despite waking up early tomorrow, agreed to swap schedules with her colleague. She felt his genuine concern for Sakura even though they just met yesterday. Haru's a silent type of man and apart from his good looks, what made him more attractive was that he's very kind-hearted. She instantly admired him since he was the one who helped her the most on her first few days as a part-timer. He also went to work just to teach her even if it was his day off.
She recounted the good deeds she had witnessed, and she couldn't forget the time when Haru ditched work to help a lost child. He even helped a senior-high student with her homework. Most of their female customers were enthralled by him, and she wouldn't be surprised if the woman they're currently taking care of would also fall for his charms.
"It's already past two," Haru said before finishing the panini he bought early that day. Cafe Ai's first work shift would start at 7 in the morning, while the 2nd shift would start at 3 in the afternoon.
"Oh right! I lost track of time," Nana quickly finished her panini and caffe mocha, too. She glanced at Sakura, who was still sleeping, before standing up from the floor, "Man, I really hope she wakes up soon."
"I hope so, too," Haru got up as well and put all the trash in the paper bag. He then led the way to the front door, opening it afterward.
"Let me know if you still need something. I'll drop by if ever," she smiled and bid him goodbye.
A few more hours had passed, and the sun had already settled down. The bedroom door was slightly open and only the light in the living room was switched on. Haru was sitting next to the mattress, his back leaning on the wall. He was checking his notifications when...
"Ruki…" Sakura called faintly, still feeling feverish and dizzy, and tugged the hem of his knitted vest.
He placed his phone on the floor and turned to his side as Sakura slowly propped herself on the bed, unable to distinguish the man in front of her.
"Hey," he spoke softly, leaning closer and reaching for her arms to assist her, "you should lay down and rest more. You haven't eaten-"
But as soon as she felt Haru's touch, Sakura wrapped her arms around him and fell on the crook of his neck. His eyes widened as she embraced him tightly; her tears started to roll down her cheeks.
"I know you'd come for me... I know you'd change your mind..." she wept. She was still expecting Ruki to come and make it up to her, and she thought that her expectations didn't fail her this time.
"Sakura-"
"Please don't leave me... You know how much I love you, Ruki," her embrace became tighter. "Let's talk about this first. Let's give this another chance, please?"
Haru was at loss for words. She had just woken up from a deep sleep and the fact that there was no light in the room made it harder for her to distinguish him.
"You still love me, right?" she looked up at him and planted a soft kiss on his jaw. "Please tell me you still love me..."
He patted her back gently before pulling away, "Sakura, it's me…. Haru. I'm sorry-"
"Ha… Haru….?" She finally recognized the different voice and stared at the silhouette of the man she had hugged and pecked, the streaks of his long hair were noticeable even in the dark.
"You were asleep the whole day," he wanted to dry her tears, but he prevented himself from doing so. For him, he was just a mere stranger who just wanted to lend a helping hand. "You're still feverish. You should eat now and drink meds already."
"Why am I so embarrassing…" Sakura who's now sitting on the bed, burst into tears and covered her face with both of her hands. Her hopes of getting back with Ruki were shattered and she was nothing, but a victim of her high expectations. "Why am I so stupid…"
Haru has never experienced comforting someone who was crying this hard. What more was that he had only seen this in movies or series. He looked at the sobbing figure with a perplexed expression as the silent cries, which were turning into sobs, pulled his heartstrings even more, unconsciously pulling her into a hug.
Sakura cried her eyes out the moment he held her closely into his body with his arms. There was a pang in her chest as she continued sobbing. "Why… Why did I even think that things will still work out?" she hiccupped. "Why did I... keep on hoping… Why did I still wait for him?" she wiped her tears with the back of her hands, hiccupping once more. "I… I just want to know… Why is it so hard… to tell me personally… He's my first love... and I couldn't understand how he ended our relationship just like this... "
'Ah... first love', he thought. Something he couldn't relate to. He was patting her back the entire time but was now stroking her long pink hair.
"And now... I'm alone again..." she murmured.
There was a moment of silence. Haru clearly understood what it meant to be 'alone' and how hard it was to be by himself after his parent's death. Thankfully, he was found by Junichi and took care of him. He's unsure as to what she meant with 'alone again' though. However, what matters more was for Sakura to have her first meal of the day and drink her meds.
Sakura heaved a deep breath and finally pulled herself together before glancing at him, not worrying about how messed up she was.
"I'm… sorry," she sniffed and wiped her tears. "That's enough of me being an embarrassment for today... I guess…'' she started searching for something on her bed, thinking of what to tell him next, but she suddenly felt lightheaded from all the crying, her body collapsing right onto his chest.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone