Requested by Manwithoutpurpose
Title: One Big Red Face
Character: When Your Friends Cry
Point of View: Naoya's Point of View
Plot Summary: A revised chapter from When Your Friends Cry
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Naoya's POV

"Where is she?" I look around in search of her. Who? Umi Harada.

Honestly, I don't know why my own feet led me here but they say I can definitely find her here. The Beach.

Surprisingly, she was there, barefoot as she held on to her socks and shoes.

As if she knows I was there, she turned around with a smile. "Naoya, you came!"

I simply nod as I rub the back of my neck with a small smile plastered on my face. "Seems like so"

"I wasn't really expecting you to find me here" Umi honestly said.

"Is that so? I just had a hunch you were here." I playfully stick out my tongue.

"Well...for a hopeless idiot. You did great finding me" Umi went closer to me and grin. "Although I bet someone told you where I was. You must have been desperate BAKA"

"What? No!" I shook my head in disapproval. This change of attitude is quite rare to be seen. She is strong and firm, always worried about her friends. That might be one of the reasons I like her. "It's not like that rather it's your name"

"Hmm, well it is a big giveaway," Umi said.

I nod. "True but..."

"Hmm?" Umi turned to me, slightly curious.

"Well...I like..."I started but end up eating my words.

"Like what?" Umi raises her eyebrow. "Don't worry, I won't bite or anything"

Of course, you wouldn't. It's just that...

"The ocean!" I exclaimed. "Yeah, I like the ocean"

Gosh, I look stupid right now. I could feel my face flaring up. Besides it's nothing, I mean sure her name means ocean and I like the ocean or...gosh. Damn, I must have one big red face, choking all my embarrassment in it.

Interrupting my thoughts, Umi suddenly holds onto my hands rather meekly yet bold. I smiled at her, earning a tint of blush on both cheeks.

"Hey, wanna walk together?" Umi suggests. "The water is cold and the breeze feels nice"

"Of course!" I happily replied to her request. Doing so, I remove my shoes and socks and ran straight to the water. Brrr, it really is cold.

"Hehe, oh Naoya" Umi giggled.

Well, she is right about the oceans current position. Thanks to it, I've forgotten the small issue. Now that we're here, this is quite the moment I don't want to leave. The gentle waves splashing until it crashes to our legs, the seagulls cry as if they are communicating and most of all, she was there beside me as we take this silent moment together. God, if you're listening to me. I pray that this will last forever from the depth of my heart.

Did I say I like the ocean? Let me rephrase it. I love the ocean....no I should be true to myself. I love Umi Harada! Realizing right now, I understand why I was called an idiot. I look dense if I haven't taken this route, must have been a secret chapter. Okay, let's not make this a simulator, this is the reality.

"Just the two of us, watching this scene together" Umi began, "I feel like my heart is at peace"

Well to me, as the photographer and her as the focus of the picture with the ocean as the background. My heart races when I stare at her. All her expressions were cute and warm. Someone who I can rely on in times of need, someone who I now know I love and someone who I want to protect.

"Thank you for giving your time to me," Umi said. "I appreciate your company"

"Don't mention it" I smiled.

"You know, I really like the ocean too. Just like this is enough for me." Umi announce. "Although this one has a small difference"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She replied by holding on to my hand a lot tighter than before. I wait for her answer only to end in a silent treatment.

"Umi?" I called out to her.

She snaps back to reality and blinks a few times before staring at me. "Sorry, I must have spaced out"

"It's alright. People tend to get lost in their own world" I assured.

Minutes pass as I let her figure out her words. She then took a deep breath and apologise. "I'm sorry. I never really am a good speaker when it comes to my feelings. Even though I think I had improved."

She sighed. For some reason, I wanted to cheer her up and say that it's fine. After all, Umi is Umi. Yet, she looks to me, conveying that she's alright. "I wonder why? Even though my heart is racing to express this feeling yet I couldn't put it into words. Sometimes, I've wondered if it was because I grew up in a strict family or maybe that boys prefer girls with enthusiasm like Sayaka or someone with confidence like Maki"

I opened my mouth to speak but she places her finger on my lips, stopping me once more. I raise my eyebrow in concern, receiving another smile. "You don't have to tell me. I'm just grateful for this miracle"

I swipe her hand away and hold it. It may have been sudden but I can assure her how this big hand of mine will keep her warm until the end. "Umi...I'll be here beside you always...no forever. I promise!"

Umi giggled at my statement. I suddenly blush from embarrassment, did I say something funny?

Noticing my current state, Umi replied. "Thank you. I'm really glad I met you - no, all of you. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here standing right now"

"That's what friends are for. Always there sticking to each other no matter the fall" I agreed.

"I'm also thankful for this chance that I get to shout everything I wanted to say with you listening as I hold onto your hand" Suddenly, tears flow down to her cheek yet she continues to smile. Taking a deep breath she shouted with all her heart and soul, her voice ringing in my ears as if reaching the other side of the world. "I LOVE YOU NAOYA!!"

She then looks at me, satisfied with her confession with a big red face. I, for myself, am too. After all, I got to hear it at this moment. Yet is it really something I can deserve?

I shook my head. I have to tell her too. I opened my mouth to speak but none came. Assuming, I must have been paralyzing by her confession.

"You'll keep searching for me if I'm gone right?" Umi asked.

I nod.

"Good," she said. "Cause even if you struggle to find me. I'll always be here too, beside you... forevermore. So thank you Naoya!! For making me fall in love with you"

Taken all the courage, I screamed. "I love you too!"

Yet I found myself back to the white room. Have I fallen asleep? Wait? What's that?

I stand up, feeling wobbly. I look around to check on the others. What's with their expressions? Did something happen? Wait, where is she?

Souji, first to notice me. He called out. "Naoya"

"Where is she? What happened? Did I got knock out?" I asked multiple questions. Even the subject that hindered me.

Orie came in front to block my passage. What's wrong? "No, Naoya! You must not look. Please! She doesn't want you to see her like this"

"Damn it! Everything was going alright! Why?! Arrrggghh!" Yoshiki showed his anger.

"It's alright Big sis Orie. It's only -" I assured when I look up.

"Naoya!" Hyuu called out but it was too late.

I woke up with a jolt. It was only a dream...yeah...just a dream...

Hugging me from behind took me in surprise. A strand of blue hair reaches my sight. "It's alright. I'm here for you. It'll be over soon"

I took the chance to feel it's warmth. "Y-yeah..."

"Hang in there Naoya... everyone is here for you and so do they need you. Don't lose hope. Believe" covering my eyes, the figure gave me a peck on the cheek before leaving my side.

Back to reality, I sighed in relief. "Yeah. Thank you...Umi"