A Sad Story of Friendship

It happened when our school had the ‘Annual School Clean-up Day’. Tifa, Cloud, Kadaj, Hitsugaya, Zack, Aerith and a few other students including me were given the job to clean up the school’s attic. By fate, I found a rather old book which had might be ages which looked interesting. So, I decided to bring it home and read it…
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Bye, you guys! See you next week!” I cried as my feet brought me running out of the school gates. I rushed back home with the feeling of passion to read the book I’ve just found. My heart leaped with joy as my house came into view.
Later that night, after I’m done with my homework, I lie down on my stomach, on the bed and started reading. The story wen
t like this…
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
21st March 1973
Hi, there. I’m Kaoru Nakamura. I’ll just call myself Kaoru. To anyone who had found this journal, please spread the story in it to any best friends who are having a conflict right now or then.
I have a best friend. Her name is Kouru Masamoto and I call her Kouru. Our names were almost the same. It is just the spelling which made the difference. I love this friend of mine very much even though we are very different in common. As an example, I’m a perfect girl whereas Kouru was a bit of a tomboy and loves brutality. However, she is still a kind and helpful friend who understands my feelings even though she bullies me a lot.
The both of us were as thick as thieves. There was never a single problem in between the two of us. Not until one day…
A new boy came into our university and eventually, I fell in love with him. We started dating and my dear friend Kouru was deserted. I had never realized how sad she felt even though she has other companions around her. I thought it was okay to do what I’ve done until one day, she asked me a question.
“Say… Kaoru… err… How’s the kid? Umm… I mean the guy you’re dating with… Is he okay?” she asked, stammering.
“Don’t worry, Kouru. He’s okay,” I answered. “Why… this is the first time you asked about him haven’t you?”
“Err… Yeah,” she answered back. “It’s just that… I’m sort of… worried about you.”
“Aww… You don’t have to be that way,” I said. Then, I kissed her cheek. “I’ll be okay as long as I’m with my beloved Shinta (my boyfriend). Okay?”
She nods her head and asked me to hurry before I’m late for my date. On that moment I thought she really doesn’t care about my ignorance towards her but I was wrong. Dead wrong.
3rd July 1973
It is already three months and twenty-one days since I started ignoring my friend, Kouru. The power of passionate love (Writer: Yuck!!) had over powered me. The true love from Shinta made me forgot about the world around me. It even affects my grades where it increases rapidly instead of decreasing. Well, Shinta is not like the other guys which only wanted women for fun. But, he wanted me to pay attention in class and be successful. I think this was what made me attracted to him like crazy. I thought it is okay to leave Kouru all alone until one day…
One day, I received news from one of Kouru’s friends telling that she’s sick. I felt sympathetic and asked Shinta to come together with me to pay her a visit. As I reached into her house, I met up with her adopted mother(Kouru was an orphan) and told her my intentions. I was invited into the house with a friendly manner and was brought to her room. I entered the room alone and it was jet black inside.
“Kouru?” I called out to her. There was no response. I feel about for the switches and found it at last. I saw her, sitting on her bed with a little penknife at her right hand that was directed to her left arm. I was extremely surprised and quickly snatched the penknife before she really cuts herself.
“What the heck are you trying to do!?” I asked, scolding her. “If you cut that part of your arm, you’ll die, you know.”
She kept quiet and stares at me with rebellious eyes. She stood up and pushed me away.
“Who are you!?” she asked hysterically. “I don’t know you!? Get out!!!”
“Kouru!” I cried. “It’s me, Kaoru. Your best friend! Argh! What is wrong with you!?” I asked, trying to dodge away from the things she threw.
“GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, BETRAYER!!!!” she screamed.
I was quite surprised to hear what she had said when suddenly a hand pulls me out of the room. It was Kouru’s mother and she persuades me to go home first as Kouru is not in a very good condition. I forced myself to listen to her and dragged my feet home together with my loyal Shinta by my side.
13th October 1973
Today, I went out on an errand with Shinta. It was a day full of crowds and the streets were full of people as it was Saturday. I tried my best to dodge from the people passing by. I felt lucky as Shinta is holding on to my hand tightly to keep me in guide. I just felt sad as Kouru is not the one who is holding it as usual.
I reached home as usual and went to the kitchen to put down the groceries I had just bought. My mother asked me to go into my room instantly and I wondered why. In my room, I discovered Kouru, lying on my bed. She saw me and stood up quickly. She suddenly hugged me and whispered into my ear, “I don’t wanna be your friend anymore.”
She then walks out of my room towards the house entrance and left. I sat down in the condition of surprised and cried. “Why?” I thought. “Why? What have I done!?”
14th October 1973
I ran into her today. She apparently ignored me. I felt so sad. I don’t know what to do. So, decided to ask an advice from Shinta. He told me that he’s also feeling guilty because he had been the reason of the alienation between me and Kouru. He said that the both of us have to apologize to her. I agreed and we set up a time to meet her…. But, unfortunately, something unexpected happened on that day…
17th October 1973
I was waiting for Kouru to meet up with us on 8.00pm that night. She was ten minutes late and reached us with her body drenched with sweat.
“Quick!” she said. “There’s no time to talk. We’re in danger!”
She dragged me and Shinta to the university’s clock tower. “It’s like this,” she started explaining. “There is a gang of bad guys searching for you and this boy of yours. I bet they might be among the men you had let down and I think that they are jealous about your relationship. They told me that they wanted to kill the both of you!”
“You’ve got to be serious, Kouru,” said Shinta. “This is no fun.”
“Why the heck should I lie to the two of you?” she cried. “By the way, it was you who took Kaoru from me. So, YOU are the evil villain here.”
“Why you…!”
Then, suddenly the gangsters entered the clock tower and without any warning, Kouru attacked them. I gasped in horror, seeing the violence happening in front of me. It was too unbearable to be watched, especially when your own best friend is the victim.
Kouru had defeated almost all of them except one. She seemed to have a little problem fighting with him, maybe because she’s already tired. Shinta and I weren’t able to do anything as she had threat us. But, when she almost falls of the tower, Shinta started to get into action. He hit the gangster at the neck and made him faint but, it was too late for him to grab Kouru’s clinging hand as she had slipped because of the pouring rain. We gasped in horror and rushed down to inspect her condition.
We reached the last flight of stairs and rushed outside into the rain. Then, there I saw her, lying down, lifeless. There was blood everywhere.
“KOURU!!!!” I shout out of grief. I ran to her side and clutched her. “KOURU! KOURU!!!!!”
I looked into her face and saw her eyes slowly opening.
“Kouru!?” I called out to her. She smiled and touched my face.
“Quite a terrible way to commit suicide, huh?” she said, weakly.
“Commit suicide!?” I asked, demandingly. “What do you mean by that!?”
“Hmph… I’m just kidding,” she answered weakly. “Don’t be too naive.”
I felt my eyes watering. “Kouru,” I said. “Both Shinta and I wanted to apologize for our feeling less act. He’s sorry for bringing the alienation between the two of us and I… I’m sorry… for ignoring you. I’m so sorry. We’re so sorry. Please forgive us.”
She smiled again pulled my face slowly to hers. She, then kissed my forehead and said, “It’s okay. I had long forgiven you both. It’s just that…” she reached for Shinta’s hand and attached it to mine’s. She then, continued. “It’s just that I want the both of you to be together… Forever… Shinta, look after her properly, please.”
“Mark my words, Kouru,” Shinta answered. “I’ll never leave her side.”
“I’m glad to hear that…” she said. She looked into the sky and smiled.
“I finally get to meet with you guys again,” she said in a low, almost unheard voice.It seemed like she is not talking to us, but she’s talking to the ‘thing’ she’s seeing in the sky. She held out her hand to the sky and her breath sounded like it’s getting out of her body. She then, died in my clutches, peacefully, smiling.
18th October 1973
After attending Kouru’s funeral, I returned home. However, I still regretted the wrong I had done. I cried as much as I can and in my heart, I prayed for her spirit’s peace.
This is the end of my journal. Hope you people take a lesson in what I’ve written. Thank you…
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I closed the book. My heart felt an intangible sense of sadness overwhelming me. Slowly, two large tears dropped onto the book. I remembered the friendship of Tifa and me which is now in a bad condition. Well, not very, but without any logical reason I felt like I don’t want to be her friend anymore. I thought of our memories together and I think that it is worth an apology.
The very next day, I met up with Tifa at the park. As soon as I saw her, I ran towards her and hugged her.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “…very sorry.”
“Are you saying that you’ll forgive me?” she asked.
I nodded.
“We are going to be friends forever and ever and ever, right?” she asked again.
I smiled and hugged her again. “Yes,” I answered. “Forever and ever and ever…”
The End

best friend forever

Friendships are important. The goal of this site is to help you establish and maintain good friendships.

We want to share the essence of friendship - the benefits that come from having good friends. In each person's life, friends play a vital role. They offer support, keep you in line, help you with your problems, share your secrets and above all else, make you happy. It doesn't matter if you already have a lot of friends, if you are looking to make new friends or if you have a concern about a friend, this is the place to seek information and find encouragement.

Everyone wants to have best friends forever, and many times that happens. However, there are times when friendships don't work out as we would like for them to. We hope to help shed some light on why friendships evolve and how you can improve your current relationships with others. Creating and keeping good friends is work. You have to be willing to invest your time and your heart.

Do you have a best friend - forever? Do you want a best friend to stay by your side through thick and thin? good times and bad? There are many pages on this site devoted to helping you make and keep good friends. We hope you enjoy them and benefit from them.

a story

Long time ago in ancient Greece, there live a man named Socrates, who was highly knowledgeable and an esteemed philosopher. One fine day, a fellow approached him. That person told Socrates that he has some information to tell him about his friend. Before he could even start talking about his friend, Socrates told him to take a test known as the 'Triple Filter Test'.

The first test of the 'Triple Filer Test' was the filter of truth. Socrates asked him if the information he had was the truth. The person said that he had just heard it on the way and was not sure if it was the absolute truth. The second filter was that of goodness. He asked if the information was regarding anything good about his friend. The man said it was actually the opposite. The third filter was that of usefulness. Socrates asked if the information was useful to him in any way. The man replied in the negative.

Socrates then replied that when the information regarding a friend is not true, good or useful, then why it should be conveyed at all. The moral of the story is that you may always participate in loose gossip, but when it comes to your friends ,it is just not worth it. You know your friends better than others. Therefore, you must avoid talking behind the back of your dearest friends. It only leads to strained relations and shows that you are not reliable or trustworthy as a friend.

Be Yourself

I've always been the kind of man
That hid my face
So afraid to tell the world
What I've got to say

But I have this dream
Right inside of me
I'm gonna let it show, it's time
To let you know

This is real, this is me
I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, now
Gonna let the light, shine on me
Now I've found, who I am
There's no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I want to be
This is me

Do you know what it's like
To feel so in the dark
To dream about a life
Where you're the shining star
Even though it seems
Like it's too far away
I have to believe in myself
it's only way

Live Another Day

We were best friends. Remy, Arif, Naz and myself were bonded with strong friendship and brotherhood. We would always stuck together everywhere and every time as we made a promise by the name of our brotherhood. We promised to have each others’ back no matter what may come to us. We promised to love one another more than we love ourselves. Unknown to any of us, the day which was the beginning of the end to our brotherhood came sooner than we expected.

          While we were hanging out like we always did, Remy suddenly collapsed. Lying on the ground motionless, he had blood dripped from his nose and mouth. Relying only on instinct only, we took him to the nearest hospital. He had to undergo an operation for about 2 hours. That 2-hour wait was the longest, it almost felt like forever. Naz couldn’t stand waiting and doing nothing while Remy was fighting for his life. He went to the place to ask for help whenever he needed it. The only place to ask for help, that is Allah The Almighty. To help Remy, Arif and myself followed Naz.

          Later that day, we were consulted by the doctor in charge of Remy. We were given a heart-breaking news. We were told that Remy had Turning-Klinefelter-Sionosis in him. Without a proper operation, Remy could have his last breath in 3 weeks. We profusely insist the doctor to carry out the operation on Remy but it would cost us highly. We need about RM 500 000 for the operation. So big amount of money to get in so little time. Arif told the doctor something to give new hope to Remy. He said that we would gave him the money needed for the operation in 2 weeks even if we had to die to get it. We turn in for the day with Remy admitted in the hospital.

          On the next day, Naz called me and Arif to gather at our usual spot. He said he found a way to save Remy. Without wasting a single second after we regrouped, he laid out his idea to Arif and me. He suggested a plan to rob a bank. I could be in the brink of life and death if I followed on with his plan but having to think about Remy and everything we had been through, to rob a bank was the only reasonable thing to do. Remy would have done the same if I were the one to lie down on the hospital bed.

          Basically, we had only 2 weeks to gather the money. We gambled everything on the plan to rob a bank. Naz accidentally became a mastermind. He laid out the structure of the building to rob. It was the Mayabank. He had his own reason to pick that bank. He gave Arif and me a briefing about our plan. Our mission was simple; to get the money by any means necessary even if we had to pull triggers to get it. We made up our mind and crossed the line of no turning back. That was for Remy, our beloved brother.

          We cracked our head to memorize the plan. Later, we tried to create the situation. We need to know what to do in order to complete our mission. We must experienced the situation first hand. It was like a rehearsal after rehearsal, just to play one ultimate performance. We trained our mind and body. We must not make any mistake or the plan might go breaking apart. We kept practiced the same thing until the day before the 2-week limit ended. In the morning, we went to the hospital to visit our brother.

          We were just standing beside him. None of us said anything. I was pretty sure that Naz and Arif could not open their mouths and said anything. We paid Remy a visit as we would not know if we could come back for him. Everything we had worked for, would be put to play later that night. Before we started our master plan, we left Remy with a letter with our will in case it would be the last day we were with him. Our minds were set and it was the time we had waited for.

            In the evening, we gathered together with our equipment and gears. We put on ski masks, bullet-proof vests, and gloves. We prepared some firearms. We had SMG for each one of us. Arif, who handled all the explosive parts, brought some frag grenades and smoke grenades. At last, we were ready. Before midnight, we gathered at the back alley. We caught some breaths and calm ourselves down. At the moment, I could not think of anything else but the money.

          The eerie silent night ended with explosives and fires in the black sky. Arif threw a grenade in front of the door, blowing the door to million pieces and knocking down a guard near the door. The night had just started. Arif threw another grenade but this time, it was a smoke grenade. Naz, Arif, and myself bolted into the bank using the hole made by the explosion. We were welcomed by 4 guards, heavily armed. We had no choice but to unleash a rain of bullets towards them. we shot till the last bullet were out. All the guards fall down on the ground.

          We immediately made our way to the safe. At last, the hope of saving Remy was right in front of our eyes. What separated us from our hope was a gigantic steel door. As Arif put every last grenades in front of the steel door, the alarm started ringing. We knew we had to be fast as the police had started making their way here. Naz and Arif backed off leaving me with the explosives. As the sharpshooter, I took a safe distance to fire my gun at the grenades. I would not want to be caught within the impact zone of the explosives. I pulled the trigger and lit the most explosive moment in my life. The steel door was destroyed and I could see the money from afar.

We wasted no time. We packed our bag with money and flew from the scene swiftly. Little did we know that the police had already caught our tails. We made our way to the hospital. Before we could enter the hospital, we heard gunshots. It was from the police. Having unpleasant disturbance, Arif and Naz held their arms holding the money to me. I instinctively knew what they had in mind. They wanted to hold the police while I passed the money to the doctor. They each held out both hands holding guns to enter the battlefield with the police.

After a nonstop shooting battle, both Naz and Arif were shot down. Arif, facing the sky, held his arm and pointed upward. I knew that was a sign. He was telling me to finish what we started. From that moment onward, I resumed and completed the plan alone. Leaving my brothers behind my back was something that broke my heart but I ad no choice but to complete my mission. The plan was carried out having Remy was operated and saved.

Facing the death sentence, I could still smile. I could say the same for Naz and Arif. We sacrificed our lives, for Remy to have his. All we could pray was that, Remy would live another day.

    (thanx my frend that always be there for me)

Cornetto Girl

It was raining. Since the morning, the skies had been tearing rains. I would not say that I hate rain, but I would be taken back in my memories when I looked at the rain. Never know why, I was just automatically been taken back in my past. Although, I would smile by myself every time I recalled the incident. That incident taught me the true meaning about love and friendship. That was the incident that turned my life around.

          It all started when I was in my last year of high school. There was one beautiful classmate of mine. With her black-gem eyes, soft angelic voices, and pure innocent smiles, she was the epitome of beauty. She was perfect, except for one flaw in her characters. She was extremely timid. I had never seen her talking to the boys in my class. It would be a miracle to just to have a conversation with her. She, the one who conquered my heart was named May.

          Although many attempts to get to know her better failed, I was given a new hope that might just work. I found out about her favourite food of all. It was Cornetto ice cream. Unknown to me, it was just a Cornetto ice cream that was our token of affection and what bounded us together. It happened when I least expected it.

          On one fine day, I found myself in the canteen, confronting the fridge supposedly containing Cornetto ice cream. Shocked, I felt when all that was left for that day was just 2 more Cornetto ice cream. For some unexplainable reasons, I bought both the Cornetto ice creams. Just a few moments passed and I could feel the presence of the princess of my heart. She was dumbfounded the see there was no more of her favourite ice cream left available.

          I could not turn my head to her as I was too shaken up. I could not think of anything. But somehow I knew she would have made her sad but cute face. Fate had chosen the perfect timing to jump in. Instinctively, I held out my left arm holding a Cornetto ice cream. I could not turn my head to her and could not say anything as I was murmuring prays. I really hoped for her to just take the ice cream. I repeated the same thing all over.

          Suddenly, I could not feel the pressure of holding the ice cream anymore. Miraculously, she took the Cornetto ice cream. I was overjoyed that I felt like jumping around. However, composing a cool attitude, I left her with no words. I left the canteen, heading towards the hallway but with a slow pace. After a few steps, my name was called. It was from May for the first time. I was electrified by the shocking truth. She actually called my name. She walked towards me and held out some money to repay me for the ice cream. Without even thinking, I said something to send her flying.

“It will not be called a treat if you pay me back”

          I could not sense any reaction from her. I turned my back at her and continued my way back to class, with a really slow pace. I was hoping for her to walk with me. Fortunately, she did. I could not be happier that day. Not just I had bought her the Cornetto ice cream, but I walked with the same rhythm as her. Along the way back to class, we spent the entire time talking to each other. It was the first conversation I had with her. At last, I could make her smile. She was so charming that I would love to see her smile every day.

          From that historical moment onwards, we grew up closer. We spent the most time together. I could really felt something different about her. Everyone was envious of me. At first, I took it as nothing big. However, my closeness with Mai had sparked the flare of jealousy in someone’s heart. It was Sarah. Sarah was my childhood friend, who I grew up with. The way we were at that time, I could feel nothing bloomed beyond friendship. Unfortunately, I could say the same thing for her.

          At one fateful night, May called me and asked for my time. Her stuttered voice told me that something was wrong with her. We promised to meet at the park. I immediately dashed to the park knowing the cloudy and windy cloud promised rain. I soon found her sitting by the swings. I was right. She really had some problems. I tried to comfort her and gave her some encouragement. Finally, I could see her face enbrightenned.

          Unintentionally, I looked away just to find someone had been stalking us. Sarah had been watching us. She could have misunderstood the situation. As I was calling her, she turned back and started running. To chase Sarah or to stay with May. It was the hardest decision yet in my life, when suddenly, I was called by May. She nodded. From that, I knew she was telling me to go after Sarah. I wasted no time and started running full speed.

It was the fastest run I had. I only took a short time to catch up to her. I appeared in front of her, holding out my arm and stopping her in her track. The rain fell down. I caught some breaths before I went to explain everything to her.

“Can’t you see? Our friendship is just like the starlight. I know you could not see it,

 neither do I. But I know, even if it is shrouded by cloud, the starlight is still there.

 Because I believe, the starlight will never fade. Just like our friendship”

          I left her speechless. She wiped her face and looked at the sky. And she smiled. She took a few moment and turn her face at me. She then walked passed me. For some reasons, I knew she understood what had and what will happen. After disappearing from sight, May came to me. She asked me what had happened. I just smiled and said,

“All is well”

The Other Half

I hated everything; my mother, my father and mostly my twin brother. I meant nothing to them. I was treated like I did not exist. All my worth was nothing more than just something that can be thrown away. How I suffered from the lack of love given to me.

All my parents’ love and care went to my twin brother, Remy who had serious disease. He had been suffering from Kelthu’zad Disease from the moment he drew his first breath in this world. Ever since, he had a weak body and had to rely on medicines daily to keep on living. He would take 10 pills daily and drink up bitter medicines. But that was not enough of an excuse to treat me like rubbish. His every needs and desires would be fulfilled, the exact opposite thing for me.

One fateful day, everything changed. It all started when Remy destroyed my phone. It was my most precious treasure I had. I was furious. Even though he did not do it on purpose, I could not control myself. All my anger and hatred over the years I kept within me had taken over me. I could not think straight. I pushed him with all my might. I beat the crap out of him. Without even thinking about the consequences, I left him black and blue all over his bodies.

Suddenly, I sensed someone with much greater anger from me. it was my father. He came close to my back. He slapped me on the face from behind. It was the most painful slap I had. It was not like the usual. The pain I felt on my cheek was nothing compared to the pain I felt in my heart to know who I was to him. Not in my wildest dream that I thought that he held that much hatred in me, his own son. As the pain and hatred ruled over me, I came across a decision that I would regret for all my entire life.

I glared at my father with sharp eyes. I stood up on my feet and wiped my face. I grinned and turned my back at him. I declared myself out of this hellish house of misery. As I was leaving the room, I was stopped by my twin brother. Even when lying on the ground, he grabbed firmly onto my leg, refused to let me go. It seemed that he did not want me to leave. However, my mind was made up. Leaving the house was the only thing to make my heart at ease.

Unfortunately, I was dead wrong. Just a few steps out of my house, a catastrophe had been brought upon me. When I was crossing the road, I saw flashy blinding light from behind. I turned my back and saw my world darkened by pitch black darkness.

When I opened my eyes, I saw some lights hanging on the ceilings. From the look of it, I was hospitalized. It was familiar because I had been going to the same hospital like I did to visit my brother. That thought triggered another question in my head. It was about my family. I quickly searched for my family even though I would not be so broken hearted to not find any. I soon noticed the presence of my parent beside me with tears flowing out from their eyes. The pain seemed to be gone by the warmth of love shown by them. But wait, I felt something were wrong.

I looked around and still could not find him, my twin brother. My parent would not leave him by his own just to accompany me considering his current disabilities. As unanswered questions piled up in my head, I began asking them about Remy. Weirdly, they did not answer me. I could tell from their face and they way they avoided from answering my questions, something must have happened to Remy. I remained confused.

A few weeks later, I could finally get back home, which was once I left. I did not know why but I was eager to meet Remy. I quickly dashed to his room but found no one. My father came in after me and handed me a letter. He could not hold back his tears as he handed me the letter. He said that the letter had all the answers I seek. Judging from the handwriting, I knew it was from my twin brother. The letter was entitled “My Other Half”

                                                        Dear brother,

I’m sorry that I can’t be there to greet you home,

I’m sorry that I broke your phone,

I’m sorry that I had been a burden to you,

I’m sorry that I can’t be a good brother,

I’m sorry that this is good bye

For the rest of my life
I`ll be with you
I`ll stay by your side honest and true
Till the end of my time
I`ll be loving you.
Through days and night
Now and forever I I`ll be there for you

I cried my heart out that day. I never had thought that I had lost my other half forever. Tears came down flowing from my eyes. Then, I had learnt the truth from my father. I was hospitalized because I was hit by a car. I was knocked down and loss a massive amount of blood. In order to keep me alive, I needed a new supply of blood. And there was only one person in this world shared the same blood type as me.

Remy told my father that he would donate his blood to me, even if it would kill him. He had his own reasons for the decision he had made. He kept on telling that he wanted to give me something that I had lost. I was not sure what he meant. The operation to save me went well and Remy drew his last breath a few days later.

My knees fell down on the ground learning how stupid I was. The person I despised the most was the person that loved me the most. The end of his life had started my new life. His final words on the back of the letter changed me till I am today.

“Don’t cry, my dear brother”