[Fiction] H2 - The Words We Can Never Say

First off, I must say it's my love of Takayuki Yamada that made me get into H2. I have heard of the manga before, but really had no interest in it, until I watched the live-action drama. One word can just about sum the entire experience for me.

WOW.

Of course, I had to download the manga and I've finished the 25 volumes scanlated so far. Written by Adachi Mitsuru, H2 chronicles the lives of four young teens, Hiro Kunimi (an ace pitcher), Hideo Tachibana (a fantastic ball striker), Hikari Amamiya (Hiro's childhood friend and Hideo's girl), Haruka Koga (Manager to Hiro's baseball club and in love with Hiro). Already see the romantic fourway (actually it's a triangle) bound to happen?

Besides the great action baseball scenes that make up about 80% of the manga, the romantic aspect is the key and most important part of the story. There's no doubt that Hiro and Hikari are my OTP (for use of a better word) and it's because they have such a connection with each other and yet they will not (I won't say 'never') be together because of the situation that faces them.

Not to go into too much detail, but after searching through websites for anything remotely close to H2 fanfiction, it's sad to know that there isn't much out there. Gah!

Anyway, I made a little picture tribute for those two poor souls. *sniffles* It's a combination of manga and pictures from the live drama - a particular episode that had me sniffling and almost crying along with the characters when they were doing that scene. It was too damn emotional.

Anyhoo, hope you enjoy and even if you haven't seen the manga or watched the anime/live action, you should still be able to understand what's happening in here. ^____^

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H2
Hiro Kunimi and Hikari Amamiya

Memories of you and me, drift through my mind like the sands of time.
We were neighbors – still neighbors - growing up in homes that could rival a circus.
So close we were, many thought we were siblings.
You the big sister, I your troublesome shorter brother.
How were they to know we were the same age, when you mothered me like no one ever has?
You were always there for me when I felt down and out. You wiped my nose when I had a cold, buttoned my shirt and straightened my collar when it was out of place. You helped me with my homework when I did not understand. Only you could know that I hide my pain in silence and scream when there’s nothing wrong. Only to get your attention you see.
But most importantly, you understood my love for baseball.
That empty lot with the circle on the wall, where I used to practice everyday. Do you remember how you’d watch me for hours? Do you remember how we used to play catch together? How happy you were when you finally threw hard enough to make me strikeout?
Do you remember my birthday presents to you? My winning balls from any game played on that day.
I swore I’d never lose on those days. August 16th. Forever etched into my memory. I vowed to pitch my best – to make you proud of me. It was the only thing I could do to show you how much I cared. How much I appreciated you.

That was until he came.

He was my best friend. Tachibana Hideo. Tall for his age – just about your height you see. He was shy and goofy but a deadly opponent on the baseball field.
When you asked me about him at first, I thought it was just plain curiosity and willingly obliged, telling you everything I knew about him.
But then your questions became insistent. You wanted to know more and more and more about Hideo.
I could see it already. Your interest in him. That glint in your eye as he walked past or you watched him practice.
And even though I went ahead and introduced you to him, I knew I was dying inside. That I was too late to be with you.
I always was too slow to notice things anyway, and by the time I finally realized just how wonderful, great and incredibly beautiful you were, you had become Hideo’s Girl.

As for me, I was still your short best friend who was like a brother to you.

How I burned inside as I watched you two. My heart breaking each time he’d come running to me to tell me of your moments together. I think I almost died of jealousy when he finally told me about your first kiss. I should have congratulated him…should have said something to encourage him…and yet I couldn’t do it.

Ah, Hikari, if only you knew how many times I wished he never existed. How many times I cursed myself for introducing you to him.

And even when I eventually grew to be as tall as you…there was little joy in that, for I knew that your heart and mind was with Hideo. Always.

So please tell me one last time before you turn away from me. Let me hear you say those words that always make me feel like I can do anything. Please Hikari-chan…for the sake of our long friendship…just one more time…

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When did I notice this change?
When did I finally realize that you were more than just a friend to me?
Was it when I saw you washing up after that game? Seeing your broad back glistening beneath the sunlight?
Was it the way you looked at me when you finally noticed me, your teasing words as you measured us and said ‘Now, we’re the same height. Sucks to be you!’



Why did my heart skip a beat with the smile you gave me? But most importantly, why does it hurt each time I see you with her?

I should be happy for you, Hiro. I should be glad that there’s a girl who really cares for you now. Haruka seems really excited to be your girlfriend, but sometimes I think you don’t really show her as much attention as she’d like. Why? Isn’t she all you wanted her to be?

She’ll eventually take my place in your heart. I’ll no longer be able to do the things we used to do as children. Nowadays, I can’t stay in the same space with you without the fear of breaking down in tears or wanting to hold you.

That’s so very bad.

For years you’ve always thought I was the strong one, but how wrong you are, Hiro. I’m really not as strong as you think. I come close to crying every time I watch you pitch – whether you win or lose. It’s a sensation that threatens to rip me apart inside, seeing the concentration and yet joy on your features as you stand on that mound.

Only you can make me feel that way, Hiro.

Sometimes, I close my eyes and wish things could have been a little different. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Hideo had never come into my life. What would have become of us, Hiro? Would I still feel the same way for you? Would I want to keep you all to myself and never let you go?

But we must face reality. I cannot be selfish, Hiro. Even you must understand that.

I love Hideo. I tell myself I do. Everyday as if to affirm my belief in that.

So please forgive me if I cannot support you any longer. Forgive this fickle girl whose heart breaks every time she looks at you. Forgive this girl who is not as strong as she wishes she could be. Forgive me for not seeing how really wonderful and amazing you were until it was too late.

But know this, Hiro. These are the words from the depths of my heart. This love I have for you is something that will never be taken away until my dying day. It is a bond that will never be broken, no matter how far away we are. So here is one final cheer for you before we go our separate ways.

Give it your best, Hiro-chan. Don’t Lose.