Forget me not

chapter 4 - I still want to be with you

Shin's apartment smelled of fresh roses, it was big enough to house more than a million families.

He let Aria have a feel for the place letting her look around as she pleased, she first decided to first look at the pictures on the table and saw Shin as a young child and...her? They were both smiling and holdings hands.

Shin looked so happy like he was King of the world.

But when she shifted over to a photo of him in high school his expression was sad, fiddled with distort and despair. She wondered why and realized that she was not standing as close as she used to when they were of younger age. They were further apart, not within touching distance. It was if the two hate despised each other.

"What's wrong Aria?" Shin smoothly swooped in and looked at the same picture Aria was staring at.
He could already imagine what Aria was thinking. She was probably wondering why they were so far apart but he had a good reason for that.

The real reason was that she hated it when he stood too close to her.

*I just love Shin's flashacks by now*
(Shin pov)
"Aria? Dear, you have stand closer to Shin in order for us to take the photo!" Aria's dad uttered motioning for the two to get closer.

I look at Aria with longing eyes and try to step closer to her. "We need to be closer..."

"Stay away" I pause and look at her

In a hushed voice she whispered in my ear "Just because our families get on good terms doesn't mean we are..."
I was a bit sad when I heard that and I stepped away from her. But not before she grabbed onto me and pulled me to her side holding onto my shoulder. "Is this better?" She asked while flashing her fake smile at her fathetr. At that point I didn't care if she hated me for the warmth in her hands were all my head coud comprehend at the time.

As the pictures were taken I had a single thought.

I love her. I don't want anyone else to have her. She belongs with me and me alone. The warmth in her words and the kindness buried deep in her eyes, that is what draws me to her.

*Flashback end*

Aria decided to keep looking and noticed the lack of pictures of their parents "Um...Where are...?"

"The pictures of father and mother? There aren't many since they are not too fond of photography."

"Oh..."

Shin gave her a small look and proceeded to escort her to her bedroom.
"Now, as you know you must go back to school tomorrow as much as I hate that fact. We are in different classes but if you want me to arrange something I can."

Aria shook her head. She didn't want Shin to do anymore work for her sake. They may be lovers but that didn't mean she had to be so reliant on him. She thanked Shin for his hard work and bid him goodnight.

As soon as Shin left the room he opened up his cell and punched in a number.

"It's me."

"Sir..."

"Aria is coming back to school tomorrow."

"So soon?!"

"She can't afford to waste anymore time. Her education is on the line right now." I say rather harshly.

"Sir, those girls..."

"I don't give a damn about those worthless girls. You are going to deal with them, make sure they don't come near me and her."

"Uh, yes sir."

Beep

That should do it. Shin skipped through the hallway dancing in the fantasy of just him and Aria.

---------------------------------------------

The next day, Shin and Aria took public transport to school. On the way she noticed everyone gave her dirty looks.

"Um, Shin?"

"Yes my sweet?" He replied lovingly with enough affection to make someone sick.

"Did I do something to that girl over there? She looks angry..."

"You did nothing wrong" Shin mutters, remembering her as one of the people who bullied Aria. How dare she show her face in front of Aria? That woman had no shame at all.

After half an hour of glances and glares they had finally arrived at school, Aria was excited to be able to go to school. After all, she could possibly discover new unlocked memories here.

But those happy thoughts shattered when she had entered class and had discovered that everyone was staring at her wait, no, scratch that. Everyone was glaring at her.

"What? She's back already?" A voice whispered across the room

"Geez, the class was so much more better without her." Another voice whispered.

As Aria began to take her seat she began scanning the room. Left and right she saw different people glare at her. What was this? Was she hated?

A girl attempted to walk up to her but the girl next to her stopped her.
"Hey! Shin will....*Whisper*"

And that was the end of the glares. During class everyone ignored her and during breaks Shin would sit with her and do all these cheesy things.

It was strange, like everything was controlled by strange events.

That night when they went home Aria chose to tell Shin of her worries. How no one liked her.

"So you want friends?" Was all Shin said.

The next day a line of girls were talking to her but it wasn't real. Sure they were talking to her but their eyes were cold like they were forced to do this.

At lunch Aria chose to confront Shin.

"Shin! Did you make those girls talk to me?"

"Whatever could you be talking about my dear?" He said still smiling his fake smile.

"Why would you do that? I know I talked to you about them but I never wanted you to force you to...-"

"Why aren't you happy?" He cut in suddenly.

Aria looked at him with a questionable look.

"Why can't you see that I'm trying my best to make you happy? I just want you to love me so why is this so hard?!" He cried out in frustration.

"Shin..."

"Hey, tell me what should I do? What can I do for you to fall in love with me? Tell me!"

Shin had now clutched onto Aria and began hugging her tightly.
He cried onto her shirt.

"What can I do for you to choose me?"
Aria the understood, all this was for her sake. She had forgotten about him, there was no reason for their relationship to continue. She could leave him anytime but if he did things that she liked then she would stay with him.

Not hesitating Aria slowly encased her arms around Shin's trembling body. "Don't worry, you're not alone."

"!" Shin gasped in surprise and looked up to Aria's smiling face.

"I want to stay with you." This was not a lie, it was not an impulse but her true feelings.

"Y-you do?" Shin asked not believing the words that escaped her lips.

"I do, I still haven't decided if I really love you but for now I want to stay with you."

"Even if I'm like this? I'm unsure and get lost easily."

"I still want to be with you?"

"Aria!" Shin cried out once again embracing Aria.

While the two embraced Shin gave a small grin.

"Now you're all mine." He whispered into Aria's chest leaving her clueless to his true self.