Dear Kyosei,
All my life, I’ve been searching for a perfect fantasy-like romance. When I was a child, my mother used to read fairy tales to me. As I grew up, I kept on reading romance books. I’ve always clung to the dream of one day finding a prince that will sweep me off my feet and give me a happy ending. It was naïve and childish, but that dream kept me looking forward to the days to come.
As you probably know, I was quite a studious person. I always kept my nose in a book and focused on my studies, so much that I had no time to spend with anyone. My parents had high expectations from me and I wanted to do my best not to fall short of these expectations. But there was a time when I got careless in a test and I had a low score. It wasn’t that low and I could make up for it by studying further, I told myself. Unfortunately, my father didn’t share my optimism and scolded me for being careless.
I found myself on the school rooftop the next day, looking at the vast world outside the school. I removed the ribbon from my hair to enjoy the wind blowing against my hair. It was a liberating feeling. But it hardly made me feel better. I’ve started thinking of how insignificant my existence was. I saw myself as a small petal only noticed on a flower; a petal no one will miss if it falls. The angry voice of my father echoed in my head. I realized that he only saw me for my achievements and not as me. I’ve began wondering if I would be missed if I was gone. If my father will regret scolding me afterwards, then serves him right. I had just finished preparing myself to jump off the rooftop and get everything over with when I was startled by the opening of the door behind me. I met you, and I couldn’t jump anymore as I'm afraid of how witnessing that would affect you.
Day after day, I returned to the rooftop to try again, but you always came before I could even go beyond the handrails. At first, I didn’t come during busy days since I wanted to keep my grades up so my parents wouldn’t suspect anything. But I got careless once again and my father scolded me once more. Thinking you might not have the time to go to the rooftop if we had lots of homework, I tried again during a busy day. But you were still there. You asked me why I was there that day and I quickly came up with an excuse. We spent the rest of the afternoon talking, and I really enjoyed myself. On that day, I found something new to look forward to.
For some reason, I found it really easy to share my stories and fantasies with you. I felt like I could just share anything. There were a few times when I thought you were just nodding away without really listening to my random ramblings, but I didn’t care.
Then came the necklace that you said made me fall for you. Looking back to everything that has happened, I can’t say I don’t believe you entirely. But it would really be funny if that ugly thing really had that ability. But assuming that it was real, thankful as I am that it made me fall for you, I don’t think you should keep it. After all, if love is only held together by something, then it’s hardly love.
I really didn’t understand the reason why you love me. But I know I loved you because I love the me that is with you. You made me feel special. With you, I felt more than just a petal of a flower. That’s why I am sure my love for you is real.
Our story was far from perfect. It was not like the romantic fantasies I had been clinging to all my life. I was not the perfect princess and you were hardly the prince I had imagined would sweep me off my feet. But it was our story and I loved it.
I am really thankful to you, Yumi, and the rest of the class. All of you showed me that I wasn’t as insignificant as I believed. All of you showed me that there are still people who would miss me if I was gone. All of you gave me a reason to cling to life.
My parents didn’t like my spending so much time in the school after classes. Knowing they won’t believe me if I said I had been studying the whole time, I told them the truth, and father didn’t like it. At first, he scolded me every day and mom always tried to calm him down. I don’t even know how many times I’ve been grounded. I ignored his scolding and kept meeting you anyway. Soon, father got tired of scolding me and decided that I have to go study overseas after I graduate. I didn’t like it, but mother convinced me to agree, saying they would only approve of my spending after classes with you if I agreed.
So now, I have to leave you. I’d like to think of this as a beginning of new stories for us, and not the end of one. I can’t ask you to wait for me, as I don’t even know what will happen and I don’t want to keep you from finding your happiness. I really believe someone would love you more than I did. So please don’t wait for me. Live on!
Farewell,
Miya
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day27
Everyone stood there, all lined up, waiting for their names to be called. The event took place in our gymnasium. The usually loud bustling place emitted a quiet formal atmosphere. The chatters from the students were easily drowned out by the voice of our school principal, the speaker.
After her name was called, she proudly approached the stage. Everyone’s eyes were glued to her as she stepped into the stage, accepted the diploma and medal from the principal, bowed to him, and bowed to the audience. A large round of applause filled the room. It didn’t seem like I was looking at the same person I hanged around on the school roof with. The girl I was watching held herself proudly. She seemed so mature at the moment.
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to catch up with her on her way home. Our class was taking pictures with each other and Miya left early. It didn't even occur to me that she was already missing until Ria asked me where she was.
I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t want her to leave just like that. Her words from our conversation this morning, before the ceremony, echoed in my head as I ran. She was ready to accept everything. I saw it from the way she looked earlier. I, on the other hand, wasn’t ready to let her go yet. I loved her so much, and I know she also loved me. As always, she was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for my own. She was ready to keep all the pain to herself.
“What do you think of Yumi?” she asked me.
“She’s a great friend,” was my answer.
“Cute?”
“Very,” I smiled. “What’s this about?”
“You do know that she likes you a lot, right?”
“That’s just because of the necklace,” I shrugged. “There’s no way she would otherwise.”
“Really?” she asked. “I happen to believe her situation’s the same as mine though.”
I couldn’t believe I didn’t realize what she was trying to do earlier. She probably thought pairing me up with Yumi would make me happy even after she’s gone.
“MIIIYAAAAA!!!!” I cried as loud as I could, upon reaching her house.
I heard a door open from behind their gate, soon followed by the opening of the door in front of me.
“Izaki-sama?” a lady in a maid outfit asked.
“Is Miya here?” I asked, not taking the time to care about formality at the moment.
“Rinei-sama has already left for the airport with her father. She asked me to give this to you if you ever come by,” she said as she handed out a few folded pieces of stationery.
As quickly as I could, I unfolded the letters and read the contents. After reading the letter, I knew what I had to do. Noticing a bicycle behind the woman in front of me, I asked to borrow it. She looked behind her and asked me what I plan to do with it.
“I have to go after Miya. I have to at least see her off!” I answered.
“You won’t make it in time. The airplane will depart ten minutes from now and it’ll take at least twenty minutes to go there by bike,” she warned.
“I have to try!” I insisted and forced myself into the gates and to the bike. From what she said, I already knew which airport Miya was in. I rode the bicycle and was ready to go with it.
“Wait here!” she called and went around the house.
I waited impatiently, wondering what it might be she was doing. Soon, she arrived holding a bunny beanie around her arms.
“Here,” she said. “The master told me to get rid of it after you left the last time. I secretly gave it to Rinei-sama, but she asked me to keep it instead as she knows I will get in trouble with her father if he finds this in her room.”
I accepted the beanie and stuffed it into my bag. Nodding to her and thanking her, I sped off to the direction of the airport. Despite going as fast as I could, it felt like I was going so slowly. I felt a few drops from the drizzle before I noticed the dark sky above me. I knew it was going to rain, but I wasn’t about to let anything stop me.
It took me fifteen minutes before I could see the airport, it seemed so far away. I was drenched from the rain and it was getting hard to maneuver the bicycle. Whether it was because of the rain or my fatigue, I didn’t know.
Leaving the bicycle near the guards, I ran inside the building. Looking at the flight schedule, I found out the flight was delayed by a little, but was to depart in three minutes. I knew then that I couldn’t see her anymore as she would already be inside the plane.
I went back outside and took the bike. Not feeling like riding the bike, I just walked with it. The rain spattered on my whole body as I blankly walked to a nearby bus stop. Taking a seat on a chair, I watched a plane depart from the airport.
“Goodbye, Miya…”
After her name was called, she proudly approached the stage. Everyone’s eyes were glued to her as she stepped into the stage, accepted the diploma and medal from the principal, bowed to him, and bowed to the audience. A large round of applause filled the room. It didn’t seem like I was looking at the same person I hanged around on the school roof with. The girl I was watching held herself proudly. She seemed so mature at the moment.
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to catch up with her on her way home. Our class was taking pictures with each other and Miya left early. It didn't even occur to me that she was already missing until Ria asked me where she was.
I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t want her to leave just like that. Her words from our conversation this morning, before the ceremony, echoed in my head as I ran. She was ready to accept everything. I saw it from the way she looked earlier. I, on the other hand, wasn’t ready to let her go yet. I loved her so much, and I know she also loved me. As always, she was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for my own. She was ready to keep all the pain to herself.
“What do you think of Yumi?” she asked me.
“She’s a great friend,” was my answer.
“Cute?”
“Very,” I smiled. “What’s this about?”
“You do know that she likes you a lot, right?”
“That’s just because of the necklace,” I shrugged. “There’s no way she would otherwise.”
“Really?” she asked. “I happen to believe her situation’s the same as mine though.”
I couldn’t believe I didn’t realize what she was trying to do earlier. She probably thought pairing me up with Yumi would make me happy even after she’s gone.
“MIIIYAAAAA!!!!” I cried as loud as I could, upon reaching her house.
I heard a door open from behind their gate, soon followed by the opening of the door in front of me.
“Izaki-sama?” a lady in a maid outfit asked.
“Is Miya here?” I asked, not taking the time to care about formality at the moment.
“Rinei-sama has already left for the airport with her father. She asked me to give this to you if you ever come by,” she said as she handed out a few folded pieces of stationery.
As quickly as I could, I unfolded the letters and read the contents. After reading the letter, I knew what I had to do. Noticing a bicycle behind the woman in front of me, I asked to borrow it. She looked behind her and asked me what I plan to do with it.
“I have to go after Miya. I have to at least see her off!” I answered.
“You won’t make it in time. The airplane will depart ten minutes from now and it’ll take at least twenty minutes to go there by bike,” she warned.
“I have to try!” I insisted and forced myself into the gates and to the bike. From what she said, I already knew which airport Miya was in. I rode the bicycle and was ready to go with it.
“Wait here!” she called and went around the house.
I waited impatiently, wondering what it might be she was doing. Soon, she arrived holding a bunny beanie around her arms.
“Here,” she said. “The master told me to get rid of it after you left the last time. I secretly gave it to Rinei-sama, but she asked me to keep it instead as she knows I will get in trouble with her father if he finds this in her room.”
I accepted the beanie and stuffed it into my bag. Nodding to her and thanking her, I sped off to the direction of the airport. Despite going as fast as I could, it felt like I was going so slowly. I felt a few drops from the drizzle before I noticed the dark sky above me. I knew it was going to rain, but I wasn’t about to let anything stop me.
It took me fifteen minutes before I could see the airport, it seemed so far away. I was drenched from the rain and it was getting hard to maneuver the bicycle. Whether it was because of the rain or my fatigue, I didn’t know.
Leaving the bicycle near the guards, I ran inside the building. Looking at the flight schedule, I found out the flight was delayed by a little, but was to depart in three minutes. I knew then that I couldn’t see her anymore as she would already be inside the plane.
I went back outside and took the bike. Not feeling like riding the bike, I just walked with it. The rain spattered on my whole body as I blankly walked to a nearby bus stop. Taking a seat on a chair, I watched a plane depart from the airport.
“Goodbye, Miya…”
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day26
In a couple of weeks, everything will be over. There will be no more studying for me, our class would graduate, and Miya will be leaving. This day was probably the last day I get to spend with her as she would be too busy afterwards.
She wasn’t exactly playing around when Yumi called her this morning. It took a while for Yumi to convince her to spend the day with us, though Yumi didn’t really tell her that I will be spending the day with them.
Since I was with her, Yumi was fine with Miya meeting her in the park. I hid in the bushes while Yumi was waiting under a lamp post. When Miya arrived, all dolled up, and was near Yumi, I sneaked behind her and grabbed her shoulder. Yumi and I laughed so hard when Miya jolted in surprise.
“Kyosei, you jerk!” she screamed at me when she saw me, whilst hitting me with her bag.
I shielded myself while laughing, unable to say anything in response.
“I forgot to mention that he was coming along, didn’t I?” Yumi asked, still laughing.
“I don’t think you really forgot,” Miya answered, glaring at the two of us.
She didn’t really stay angry at us for long. She knew we were only kidding, and she found it amusing later on. But it didn’t stop her from complaining.
“And here I was, looking forward to an all girls’ outing,” Miya complained, pouting.
“All girls?” I asked. “There’re only two of you…”
“What’s wrong with that? All could consist of a couple too,” Miya answered.
I knew better than to argue, so I remained quiet. We didn’t really aim to go directly anywhere, so we just wandered around the shopping district. Yumi pulled Miya to several clothing and accessories stores. I went with them in the first few, but stopped going into the stores later on, especially when they started entering lingerie stores. I kept myself occupied by looking around other stores like hobby and magic shops.
We went to a restaurant, well known for its desserts, after I received a call, which was around 1:30pm. Upon arriving, I opened and held the door for Miya to enter. When she did, everyone inside welcomed her by shouting, “Surprise!” Everyone from our class was there.
Hitori handled the reservation of the restaurant and was the one who spread the word about the surprise. Yumi and I were the ones to lead Miya to the place after Hitori gives us the signal, which was the call I received earlier. After I told Hitori that Yumi wanted to hold a surprise party for Miya, Hitori was determined to make it successful. He started off by telling some of the girls who usually ate with Miya, then the word was just passed around. I was surprised Miya wasn’t able to find out about it.
“W-what’s this for?” Miya asked, shocked of what she just saw.
I placed my hand on Miya’s head before whispering to her, “Though you always kept a low profile in class, everyone felt that you’re an important piece of the puzzle which is our class. Without you, our class wouldn’t be the same.” Turning to her, I continued, “When they found out you were going to leave after we graduate and we were planning on having a farewell party for you, everyone was willing to help out.”
“How could I be so important?” Miya asked, tears dripping down her cheeks. Everyone looked at her with concern, all silent. “I didn’t talk much. I kept myself in my own world, always refusing to go to outings and class get-togethers.”
“Hey, that’s who you are! We didn’t have to take that against you!” Ria, one of the girls Miya usually had lunch with before, exclaimed.
“That’s right! We love you for who you are!” some guy’s voice added. I didn’t know whom it came from. “Especially Izaki!” he laughed, followed by some others.
“You think you can just leave without a word? We won’t let you!” Hitori shouted.
Miya smiled, wiping away her tears. Yumi approached her and hugged her from behind. “You’re not alone, Miya-san. You might not notice it, but I believe that you’ve touched everyone here in some way. It might be in some little help you offered; maybe it was something you said. Or maybe it’s through a smile you showed them. I, for one, have had my life change by you. I was blessed to have you as my friend.” Yumi whispered, starting to cry herself.
Everything went by great after that. Aside from the great meal, some of our classmates prepared some presentations for everyone. Yumi sang Yuki no Kisetsu’s theme song, which Miya sang on our date before, and everyone praised her great performance afterwards. Yumi looked so happy, having so many friendly people around her. For the first time, I’ve witnessed how close our class has become after our three years together. Whenever we were in the classroom, we only saw each other as friends and classmates, but the scene I saw today portrayed a big family. The party ended with Miya thanking everyone for everything.
“… And finally, I’d like to thank Yumi who, as I was told, set this party up. I didn’t realize it until now. But I really, really, love everyone!” were her final remarks to everyone.
We were all speechless. Some were already in tears. I clapped my hands and everyone followed my lead. It was a grand memory.
After that, everyone went home. Hitori accompanied Yumi to her home. Yumi didn’t seem to mind. I remember the two of them conversing with each other a lot during the party. I offered to walk Miya home and she accepted.
We didn’t get very far from the restaurant when it started raining. Miya and I ran to the nearest shade we found, which was under an awning in a bus stop by the road. We sat down on a couple of seats there.
“Hey,” Miya whispered. “Thank you for doing all this for me.”
“It was my pleasure,” I whispered. “Besides, the credit belongs to Yumi. I hardly did anything.” I added.
Miya shook her head. “It wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there,” she smiled.
Both of us didn’t say anything for a while after that. Miya rested her head on my shoulder and I placed my arms around her. I wished that moment would last forever.
“About the necklace,” Miya suddenly whispered. “You weren’t kidding, were you?”
“You believed it?” I asked, not really wanting her to think about that anymore.
“I can’t imagine you making a joke to me about that. Especially at the moment you said it,” she replied. “I was just too preoccupied with my thoughts then to really think about it.”
After she said that, I didn’t feel like keeping it from her anymore. “Hitori was the one who pointed it out to me. He suspected that you fell for him when you did. He told me everything.”
“So, do you think this relationship is a lie?” Miya asked.
“I really love you,” I whispered. “But your feelings might not be…” I paused to think of the word I wanted.
“…real?” Miya finished for me. “Do you even know why I love you?”
I turned to her, remembering what she said back on Valentines’ Day. “Because you love the you that is with me…” I answered.
“That’s right,” she whispered. “I admit that I was suddenly attracted to you at a time. And I caught myself thinking a lot about you. But it was the times I spent with you that I loved. The times when I really loved being in my shoes.” Looking at me, she asked, “Do you think my love is a lie?”
“No,” I answered, shaking my head.
The rain soon stopped and both of us stood up. “You know, if it really was true… that your necklace ignited my feelings for you, I’m still happy.” She walked outside and turned around to look at me. “It allowed me to fall in love with a person I could love for the rest of my life,” she smiled.
Memories of our past conversations returned to me. I couldn’t help but smile. But then my joy didn’t last very long. “But we can’t be together that long, can we?” I asked.
Miya shook her head and turned away. “If we were really meant to be together, then we’d be together in the end.”
I let out a small sigh. I wanted to believe that we’d end up together again in the future. But not knowing how long it would be before that time comes, it didn’t really seem realistic to me.
She wasn’t exactly playing around when Yumi called her this morning. It took a while for Yumi to convince her to spend the day with us, though Yumi didn’t really tell her that I will be spending the day with them.
Since I was with her, Yumi was fine with Miya meeting her in the park. I hid in the bushes while Yumi was waiting under a lamp post. When Miya arrived, all dolled up, and was near Yumi, I sneaked behind her and grabbed her shoulder. Yumi and I laughed so hard when Miya jolted in surprise.
“Kyosei, you jerk!” she screamed at me when she saw me, whilst hitting me with her bag.
I shielded myself while laughing, unable to say anything in response.
“I forgot to mention that he was coming along, didn’t I?” Yumi asked, still laughing.
“I don’t think you really forgot,” Miya answered, glaring at the two of us.
She didn’t really stay angry at us for long. She knew we were only kidding, and she found it amusing later on. But it didn’t stop her from complaining.
“And here I was, looking forward to an all girls’ outing,” Miya complained, pouting.
“All girls?” I asked. “There’re only two of you…”
“What’s wrong with that? All could consist of a couple too,” Miya answered.
I knew better than to argue, so I remained quiet. We didn’t really aim to go directly anywhere, so we just wandered around the shopping district. Yumi pulled Miya to several clothing and accessories stores. I went with them in the first few, but stopped going into the stores later on, especially when they started entering lingerie stores. I kept myself occupied by looking around other stores like hobby and magic shops.
We went to a restaurant, well known for its desserts, after I received a call, which was around 1:30pm. Upon arriving, I opened and held the door for Miya to enter. When she did, everyone inside welcomed her by shouting, “Surprise!” Everyone from our class was there.
Hitori handled the reservation of the restaurant and was the one who spread the word about the surprise. Yumi and I were the ones to lead Miya to the place after Hitori gives us the signal, which was the call I received earlier. After I told Hitori that Yumi wanted to hold a surprise party for Miya, Hitori was determined to make it successful. He started off by telling some of the girls who usually ate with Miya, then the word was just passed around. I was surprised Miya wasn’t able to find out about it.
“W-what’s this for?” Miya asked, shocked of what she just saw.
I placed my hand on Miya’s head before whispering to her, “Though you always kept a low profile in class, everyone felt that you’re an important piece of the puzzle which is our class. Without you, our class wouldn’t be the same.” Turning to her, I continued, “When they found out you were going to leave after we graduate and we were planning on having a farewell party for you, everyone was willing to help out.”
“How could I be so important?” Miya asked, tears dripping down her cheeks. Everyone looked at her with concern, all silent. “I didn’t talk much. I kept myself in my own world, always refusing to go to outings and class get-togethers.”
“Hey, that’s who you are! We didn’t have to take that against you!” Ria, one of the girls Miya usually had lunch with before, exclaimed.
“That’s right! We love you for who you are!” some guy’s voice added. I didn’t know whom it came from. “Especially Izaki!” he laughed, followed by some others.
“You think you can just leave without a word? We won’t let you!” Hitori shouted.
Miya smiled, wiping away her tears. Yumi approached her and hugged her from behind. “You’re not alone, Miya-san. You might not notice it, but I believe that you’ve touched everyone here in some way. It might be in some little help you offered; maybe it was something you said. Or maybe it’s through a smile you showed them. I, for one, have had my life change by you. I was blessed to have you as my friend.” Yumi whispered, starting to cry herself.
Everything went by great after that. Aside from the great meal, some of our classmates prepared some presentations for everyone. Yumi sang Yuki no Kisetsu’s theme song, which Miya sang on our date before, and everyone praised her great performance afterwards. Yumi looked so happy, having so many friendly people around her. For the first time, I’ve witnessed how close our class has become after our three years together. Whenever we were in the classroom, we only saw each other as friends and classmates, but the scene I saw today portrayed a big family. The party ended with Miya thanking everyone for everything.
“… And finally, I’d like to thank Yumi who, as I was told, set this party up. I didn’t realize it until now. But I really, really, love everyone!” were her final remarks to everyone.
We were all speechless. Some were already in tears. I clapped my hands and everyone followed my lead. It was a grand memory.
After that, everyone went home. Hitori accompanied Yumi to her home. Yumi didn’t seem to mind. I remember the two of them conversing with each other a lot during the party. I offered to walk Miya home and she accepted.
We didn’t get very far from the restaurant when it started raining. Miya and I ran to the nearest shade we found, which was under an awning in a bus stop by the road. We sat down on a couple of seats there.
“Hey,” Miya whispered. “Thank you for doing all this for me.”
“It was my pleasure,” I whispered. “Besides, the credit belongs to Yumi. I hardly did anything.” I added.
Miya shook her head. “It wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there,” she smiled.
Both of us didn’t say anything for a while after that. Miya rested her head on my shoulder and I placed my arms around her. I wished that moment would last forever.
“About the necklace,” Miya suddenly whispered. “You weren’t kidding, were you?”
“You believed it?” I asked, not really wanting her to think about that anymore.
“I can’t imagine you making a joke to me about that. Especially at the moment you said it,” she replied. “I was just too preoccupied with my thoughts then to really think about it.”
After she said that, I didn’t feel like keeping it from her anymore. “Hitori was the one who pointed it out to me. He suspected that you fell for him when you did. He told me everything.”
“So, do you think this relationship is a lie?” Miya asked.
“I really love you,” I whispered. “But your feelings might not be…” I paused to think of the word I wanted.
“…real?” Miya finished for me. “Do you even know why I love you?”
I turned to her, remembering what she said back on Valentines’ Day. “Because you love the you that is with me…” I answered.
“That’s right,” she whispered. “I admit that I was suddenly attracted to you at a time. And I caught myself thinking a lot about you. But it was the times I spent with you that I loved. The times when I really loved being in my shoes.” Looking at me, she asked, “Do you think my love is a lie?”
“No,” I answered, shaking my head.
The rain soon stopped and both of us stood up. “You know, if it really was true… that your necklace ignited my feelings for you, I’m still happy.” She walked outside and turned around to look at me. “It allowed me to fall in love with a person I could love for the rest of my life,” she smiled.
Memories of our past conversations returned to me. I couldn’t help but smile. But then my joy didn’t last very long. “But we can’t be together that long, can we?” I asked.
Miya shook her head and turned away. “If we were really meant to be together, then we’d be together in the end.”
I let out a small sigh. I wanted to believe that we’d end up together again in the future. But not knowing how long it would be before that time comes, it didn’t really seem realistic to me.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day25
Hitori and I had a little discussion about the necklace before classes started. After hearing about Miya’s situation from me, he said it was up to me whether I want to enjoy our remaining days together or tell her the truth about the necklace. Of course, I didn’t really need him to tell me that for me to know.
Everybody was getting very busy, especially the seniors. Aside from the coming exams, those who are planning to attend university have to prepare for the entrance exams. As she was planning on studying in an exclusive college in Europe, Miya was busier than most of us in our class.
Thinking I should enjoy Miya’s remaining days here, I anxiously waited for the dismissal bell to ring. Unfortunately, when it did, Miya informed me that she can’t go to the rooftop anymore as she was simply too busy. I was really saddened by what she said. But knowing I had to support her, I faked a smile and just cheered her on.
We left the room together. I was thinking that I should at least walk Miya home. But upon stepping outside, we found Yumi waiting for us.
“Are you planning on going upstairs today?” Miya asked Yumi.
Yumi nodded and turned to me, “Yup! Why, is there something wrong?” she asked, turning to Miya once again.
“Not really, it’s just that I won’t be able to join you guys anymore,” Miya answered. “Well, you still have Kyosei-kun to accompany you, if you want,” she added, placing her hands on my shoulders from behind me.
Yumi turned to me again, “Well, Izaki-sempai might also be too busy…”
“Don’t worry about me,” I told her. “I can’t study immediately just after class anyway.”
“It’s settled!” Miya exclaimed. “Well, I’ll be going first. See ya!” she said as she left.
“Bye!” Yumi called out as we both waved to her.
Yumi and I proceeded to the rooftop, where I told her that Miya was going to study in Europe. She wasn’t surprised, saying she expected Miya to study abroad.
“What matters is what you’re going to do about it,” Yumi added.
“What’s to do? It was her parents’ decision. I can’t just barge in and tell them that Miya’s not going anywhere. Real life doesn’t work that way,” I replied.
“Not that, silly!” she laughed. Tapping my chest with her fist, she explained, “I meant you should do something special. Like a farewell party!”
“Ooh…” I said, feeling stupid. “You’re right,” I said, after thinking about it a little. “But I wonder if everyone’s going to be too busy to come.”
“Worse comes to worst, we can have it with only the three of us,” she answered.
We spent the rest of the afternoon planning for a farewell celebration for her. Both of us shared a lot of unrealistic ideas. In the end, we decided to just spend a Saturday out.
“Try to invite your friend…” she suggested, “What’s his name?”
“Hitori?” I asked, while feeling sorry for the guy.
“Oh, right!” she said. “He seems quite close to Miya-sempai.”
I assumed she only thought that was true because he joined us to shop for Miya’s gift, but I just kept the truth to myself.
After that, Yumi told me she just remembered that she had something to do. I walked with her outside the school grounds and we parted ways.
Everybody was getting very busy, especially the seniors. Aside from the coming exams, those who are planning to attend university have to prepare for the entrance exams. As she was planning on studying in an exclusive college in Europe, Miya was busier than most of us in our class.
Thinking I should enjoy Miya’s remaining days here, I anxiously waited for the dismissal bell to ring. Unfortunately, when it did, Miya informed me that she can’t go to the rooftop anymore as she was simply too busy. I was really saddened by what she said. But knowing I had to support her, I faked a smile and just cheered her on.
We left the room together. I was thinking that I should at least walk Miya home. But upon stepping outside, we found Yumi waiting for us.
“Are you planning on going upstairs today?” Miya asked Yumi.
Yumi nodded and turned to me, “Yup! Why, is there something wrong?” she asked, turning to Miya once again.
“Not really, it’s just that I won’t be able to join you guys anymore,” Miya answered. “Well, you still have Kyosei-kun to accompany you, if you want,” she added, placing her hands on my shoulders from behind me.
Yumi turned to me again, “Well, Izaki-sempai might also be too busy…”
“Don’t worry about me,” I told her. “I can’t study immediately just after class anyway.”
“It’s settled!” Miya exclaimed. “Well, I’ll be going first. See ya!” she said as she left.
“Bye!” Yumi called out as we both waved to her.
Yumi and I proceeded to the rooftop, where I told her that Miya was going to study in Europe. She wasn’t surprised, saying she expected Miya to study abroad.
“What matters is what you’re going to do about it,” Yumi added.
“What’s to do? It was her parents’ decision. I can’t just barge in and tell them that Miya’s not going anywhere. Real life doesn’t work that way,” I replied.
“Not that, silly!” she laughed. Tapping my chest with her fist, she explained, “I meant you should do something special. Like a farewell party!”
“Ooh…” I said, feeling stupid. “You’re right,” I said, after thinking about it a little. “But I wonder if everyone’s going to be too busy to come.”
“Worse comes to worst, we can have it with only the three of us,” she answered.
We spent the rest of the afternoon planning for a farewell celebration for her. Both of us shared a lot of unrealistic ideas. In the end, we decided to just spend a Saturday out.
“Try to invite your friend…” she suggested, “What’s his name?”
“Hitori?” I asked, while feeling sorry for the guy.
“Oh, right!” she said. “He seems quite close to Miya-sempai.”
I assumed she only thought that was true because he joined us to shop for Miya’s gift, but I just kept the truth to myself.
After that, Yumi told me she just remembered that she had something to do. I walked with her outside the school grounds and we parted ways.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day24
I didn’t know what to do anymore. If the necklace really had some kind of enchantment on it, then Miya should know about it. But if it didn’t, telling her about it would only make things difficult. I tried imagining her reaction if I tell her about it and it didn’t seem like it would end well.
After hours of spacing out, the dismissal bell rang. I decided then that I would tell Miya all about the necklace, thinking that it might be best to get it over with. After all, if I kept it to myself and she finds out about it, it might only become a reason for her to get angry at me.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door to the rooftop. The scene I found reminded me of the first time I met her there. She stood there, looking at the scenery in front of her, her back facing me. Upon noticing my entrance, she turned to me, against the orange skies, her long brown hair, flowing with the wind. A little smile formed on her lips as she greeted me.
“Hi,” I greeted her as I walked to my usual spot.
“My wish was granted,” she giggled. “I was just wishing you would come.”
“Sorry I couldn’t come yesterday. I had something to talk to Hitori about.” I apologized.
“So did you?” she asked, looking at me with a cute smile.
I nodded in reply. “I hope you and Miharu enjoyed yourselves without me yesterday.”
“Of course we did!” she grinned. “She told me about the fun-filled weekend you had, you dog!” she said, giving me a nudge.
“You jealous?” I asked, happy that Miya seemed back to her old self.
Miya shook her head. “Not at all! I’m quite happy that you’re finally getting closer to her.”
“Yeah, I’m happy about that too. Oh, by the way, did you get your gift?” I asked, looking at her.
The happy expression on her face darkened upon hearing my question. Her face showed depression. “I saw it… It was lovely,” she answered.
“Saw it?” I asked.
Miya nodded. “It’s my dad…” Looking at me, she added, “Anyway, I think it might be best if I tell you this now.” She took a deep breath before proceeding. “I’ll be leaving to study in Europe after we graduate.”
What she just said left me speechless. But I realized I also had something to tell her. I quickly snapped out of it and just blurted it out. “I think our relationship was only caused by the necklace!” I realized it was the stupidest time to say that after I already said it.
“I’m not in the mood for jokes, Kyosei!” she replied, upset.
At that moment, I just wanted to repeatedly slam my face against the wall. I wanted to let her know I wasn’t joking, but that certainly was not the best time and conversation to insist on it. “Sorry,” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
“Forget it… It’s not important,” she whispered, burying her face in her arms, which were folded on the hand-rail.
I hated how inconsiderate I’ve been. Miya was just telling me that she couldn’t be with me after we graduate, and I just had to say something to make her mood worse. For me, what I said was important. But, I’m sure that, for her, it only seemed like I was making a joke and not worrying about her situation at all.
I wanted to say something to her. I wanted to comfort her. But I had no idea on how to do it. Yumi wasn’t with us, and at that time, I really wished she was. Maybe Miya wouldn’t be in such a depressed mood if Yumi were there to cheer her up.
In the end, we both silently wasted the day away. Before it got dark, Miya motioned to leave and I left with her. Without words, we walked to the school entrance. Without words, we parted.
After hours of spacing out, the dismissal bell rang. I decided then that I would tell Miya all about the necklace, thinking that it might be best to get it over with. After all, if I kept it to myself and she finds out about it, it might only become a reason for her to get angry at me.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door to the rooftop. The scene I found reminded me of the first time I met her there. She stood there, looking at the scenery in front of her, her back facing me. Upon noticing my entrance, she turned to me, against the orange skies, her long brown hair, flowing with the wind. A little smile formed on her lips as she greeted me.
“Hi,” I greeted her as I walked to my usual spot.
“My wish was granted,” she giggled. “I was just wishing you would come.”
“Sorry I couldn’t come yesterday. I had something to talk to Hitori about.” I apologized.
“So did you?” she asked, looking at me with a cute smile.
I nodded in reply. “I hope you and Miharu enjoyed yourselves without me yesterday.”
“Of course we did!” she grinned. “She told me about the fun-filled weekend you had, you dog!” she said, giving me a nudge.
“You jealous?” I asked, happy that Miya seemed back to her old self.
Miya shook her head. “Not at all! I’m quite happy that you’re finally getting closer to her.”
“Yeah, I’m happy about that too. Oh, by the way, did you get your gift?” I asked, looking at her.
The happy expression on her face darkened upon hearing my question. Her face showed depression. “I saw it… It was lovely,” she answered.
“Saw it?” I asked.
Miya nodded. “It’s my dad…” Looking at me, she added, “Anyway, I think it might be best if I tell you this now.” She took a deep breath before proceeding. “I’ll be leaving to study in Europe after we graduate.”
What she just said left me speechless. But I realized I also had something to tell her. I quickly snapped out of it and just blurted it out. “I think our relationship was only caused by the necklace!” I realized it was the stupidest time to say that after I already said it.
“I’m not in the mood for jokes, Kyosei!” she replied, upset.
At that moment, I just wanted to repeatedly slam my face against the wall. I wanted to let her know I wasn’t joking, but that certainly was not the best time and conversation to insist on it. “Sorry,” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
“Forget it… It’s not important,” she whispered, burying her face in her arms, which were folded on the hand-rail.
I hated how inconsiderate I’ve been. Miya was just telling me that she couldn’t be with me after we graduate, and I just had to say something to make her mood worse. For me, what I said was important. But, I’m sure that, for her, it only seemed like I was making a joke and not worrying about her situation at all.
I wanted to say something to her. I wanted to comfort her. But I had no idea on how to do it. Yumi wasn’t with us, and at that time, I really wished she was. Maybe Miya wouldn’t be in such a depressed mood if Yumi were there to cheer her up.
In the end, we both silently wasted the day away. Before it got dark, Miya motioned to leave and I left with her. Without words, we walked to the school entrance. Without words, we parted.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day23
“Did you happen to lend the necklace to someone?” Hitori randomly asked me this morning during recess.
“What are you talking about?” was my reply. I had no idea what gave him that idea, but if telling him that I have it will make him want to borrow it, I’d rather not do so.
Hitori looked around and sat on the seat next to me. He moved the chair closer, as if he wanted to say something he didn’t want anyone to hear. “You remember that girl I had a crush on?”
“Miharu?” I asked?
“Ssssh!” he shushed, despite the fact that I was already almost whispering. “Yes, her…” he whispered. “Anyway,” he added as he looked around. “There’re too many people here. Let’s talk somewhere else,” he said, standing up.
Thinking that the conversation has entertainment potential, I followed him. He led me to the hallway leading to the school roof. I almost thought he was planning to talk up there, but he stopped midway.
“This place is good enough.” Turning to me, he began, “Has Miharu ever seen you with the necklace on?”
After thinking for a while, I recalled that she did. “Yes, I accidentally bumped into her with it on. Why?”
“Next question! Did she, in any way, give you the impression that she likes you?” he proceeded to ask, ignoring my question.
“Hmm, there was a time I thought that,” I answered, not wanting to tell him the whole truth. I started suspecting what he was coming at that time. Knowing him, he probably really believed that the necklace had the ability to make people fall for a person. I was ready to laugh when he gave me his next question.
“Remember the time, around December, when Rinei seemed down?” he asked me. “Could it be that she had feelings for someone else?”
I didn’t laugh. I couldn’t laugh. Crazy as it seemed, what he wanted to prove started making sense to me. Looking back, I recalled that I used to feel closer to Miya whenever I had the necklace on, which made me believe that the necklace was my lucky charm. It was also after I lent Hitori the necklace when Miya suddenly developed feelings for him. After getting the necklace back, Miya and I became a couple again. Lastly, I remembered that, based on what she said, Yumi felt attracted to me when we bumped into each other, and I had the necklace on that time.
“Based on your serious expression, I guess that’s a yes. I’m guessing you were also just joking when you told me your necklace had some kind of magical power. Well, what do you think?”
I couldn’t answer him. I don’t think he needed an answer. The whole time, he kept his mind open to the idea that the necklace had magical properties, while I already discarded that possibility. But then a thought came over me. I was just about to tell Hitori about it when the bell rang. I just decided to tell him about it some other time. And so, we both went back to the classroom.
Miya ate with us during lunch time, so I didn’t feel like bringing up the topic. Surprisingly, Hitori didn’t bring it up himself. I half-expected him to, but it seemed like he thought that bringing up the topic would break Miya and me up. I guess the fact that Miya also seemed so depressed the whole time didn’t make him feel like talking about it.
It was after classes when I managed to talk to him about it again. When Miya got out of the room, I saw Yumi meet up with her. It made me feel less guilty about going up late.
Hitori waited for me to approach him before talking. “I thought you might want to talk to me about it.”
“I just wanted to tell you that what you thought was wrong,” I told him. “I once walked home, passing by some girls on the way. None of them even gave me a second look.”
“Yeah, it worked similarly for me when I tested it around in school,” he replied.
“Then what did you even bring up the topic for?” I asked him, wondering if he was messing with me for revenge.
“Because I had no feelings for those who didn’t fall for me.”
“Huh?” I looked at him, failing to see his point.
“When Rinei started eating with us, I got envious!” he blurted out. Looking down, he continued in almost a whisper, “I... I noticed she had a cute side.”
I was shocked by what he just admitted. “So… you wore the necklace in front of her?”
Hitori shook his head. “Remember when we were talking about the necklace, and I wore it while saying it looked ridiculous?” he asked.
I tried to think about it, but couldn’t remember anything.
“Well, I noticed Rinei watching us that time. But I didn’t think it would cause anything,” he added.
“So you knew she fell for you?” I asked. Several thoughts ran around in my head. I kept telling myself that the whole thing was ridiculous, but I couldn’t get myself to believe it after everything I just found out.
“I’ve had the suspicion. But I wasn’t really sure until now…” he answered.
After that, both of us remained silent. I couldn’t think of anything to say, not even certain of what to think anymore. Hitori soon decided to leave first, giving me some time alone to think. In the end, I just went home, not even remembering to visit Miya and Yumi in the rooftop.
“What are you talking about?” was my reply. I had no idea what gave him that idea, but if telling him that I have it will make him want to borrow it, I’d rather not do so.
Hitori looked around and sat on the seat next to me. He moved the chair closer, as if he wanted to say something he didn’t want anyone to hear. “You remember that girl I had a crush on?”
“Miharu?” I asked?
“Ssssh!” he shushed, despite the fact that I was already almost whispering. “Yes, her…” he whispered. “Anyway,” he added as he looked around. “There’re too many people here. Let’s talk somewhere else,” he said, standing up.
Thinking that the conversation has entertainment potential, I followed him. He led me to the hallway leading to the school roof. I almost thought he was planning to talk up there, but he stopped midway.
“This place is good enough.” Turning to me, he began, “Has Miharu ever seen you with the necklace on?”
After thinking for a while, I recalled that she did. “Yes, I accidentally bumped into her with it on. Why?”
“Next question! Did she, in any way, give you the impression that she likes you?” he proceeded to ask, ignoring my question.
“Hmm, there was a time I thought that,” I answered, not wanting to tell him the whole truth. I started suspecting what he was coming at that time. Knowing him, he probably really believed that the necklace had the ability to make people fall for a person. I was ready to laugh when he gave me his next question.
“Remember the time, around December, when Rinei seemed down?” he asked me. “Could it be that she had feelings for someone else?”
I didn’t laugh. I couldn’t laugh. Crazy as it seemed, what he wanted to prove started making sense to me. Looking back, I recalled that I used to feel closer to Miya whenever I had the necklace on, which made me believe that the necklace was my lucky charm. It was also after I lent Hitori the necklace when Miya suddenly developed feelings for him. After getting the necklace back, Miya and I became a couple again. Lastly, I remembered that, based on what she said, Yumi felt attracted to me when we bumped into each other, and I had the necklace on that time.
“Based on your serious expression, I guess that’s a yes. I’m guessing you were also just joking when you told me your necklace had some kind of magical power. Well, what do you think?”
I couldn’t answer him. I don’t think he needed an answer. The whole time, he kept his mind open to the idea that the necklace had magical properties, while I already discarded that possibility. But then a thought came over me. I was just about to tell Hitori about it when the bell rang. I just decided to tell him about it some other time. And so, we both went back to the classroom.
Miya ate with us during lunch time, so I didn’t feel like bringing up the topic. Surprisingly, Hitori didn’t bring it up himself. I half-expected him to, but it seemed like he thought that bringing up the topic would break Miya and me up. I guess the fact that Miya also seemed so depressed the whole time didn’t make him feel like talking about it.
It was after classes when I managed to talk to him about it again. When Miya got out of the room, I saw Yumi meet up with her. It made me feel less guilty about going up late.
Hitori waited for me to approach him before talking. “I thought you might want to talk to me about it.”
“I just wanted to tell you that what you thought was wrong,” I told him. “I once walked home, passing by some girls on the way. None of them even gave me a second look.”
“Yeah, it worked similarly for me when I tested it around in school,” he replied.
“Then what did you even bring up the topic for?” I asked him, wondering if he was messing with me for revenge.
“Because I had no feelings for those who didn’t fall for me.”
“Huh?” I looked at him, failing to see his point.
“When Rinei started eating with us, I got envious!” he blurted out. Looking down, he continued in almost a whisper, “I... I noticed she had a cute side.”
I was shocked by what he just admitted. “So… you wore the necklace in front of her?”
Hitori shook his head. “Remember when we were talking about the necklace, and I wore it while saying it looked ridiculous?” he asked.
I tried to think about it, but couldn’t remember anything.
“Well, I noticed Rinei watching us that time. But I didn’t think it would cause anything,” he added.
“So you knew she fell for you?” I asked. Several thoughts ran around in my head. I kept telling myself that the whole thing was ridiculous, but I couldn’t get myself to believe it after everything I just found out.
“I’ve had the suspicion. But I wasn’t really sure until now…” he answered.
After that, both of us remained silent. I couldn’t think of anything to say, not even certain of what to think anymore. Hitori soon decided to leave first, giving me some time alone to think. In the end, I just went home, not even remembering to visit Miya and Yumi in the rooftop.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day22
It rained again…
Miya and I met up on the school roof as often as we could, especially after we became a couple. The only times we didn’t were during rainy days. Not only are we not able to hang out in the school roof when it’s raining, the rain also made it more difficult to go home, especially if some areas get flooded.
Miya had been acting distant again the whole day. Though she still ate with Hitori and I during lunch, she was deep in thought the whole time. I tried snapping her out of it by asking her some things, but after answering, she just went back to her own world.
I’m not that naïve. I have a good idea why she had been acting that way. It probably had something to do with last Saturday, when her father told Yumi and I that Miya wasn’t home when, in fact, she was. The way she looked back then told me there was something wrong. I just can’t imagine what.
I didn’t really plan on going up on the school roof this afternoon, as it was raining. But when I saw Miya walking to the direction of the school roof, I got curious. Reaching the door, I opened it and found no one.
Tiny spears of water bombarded the ground. Darkness surrounded the whole place. I wondered where Miya might have gone. It was when I was about to go back when I heard her voice.
“Over here,” a voice called from my left.
I turned to my left and saw her sitting on the ground, hugging her knees. She was leaning against the wall, trying to use it to shelter herself even for just a little. But she was still drenched.
“Do you believe that I’ve only been here for around a minute?” she looked at the sky. “And yet, I’m already so wet.”
I quickly grabbed my raincoat from my bag and wrapped it around her. The moment I stepped outside, I quickly got soaked from the rain. “What the heck are you doing? You shouldn’t have gone up here today.”
“Well, you’re here,” she replied.
I just realized then that her voice wasn’t the same as before. Though her tone was pretty much normal, I could sense that she was distressed. “I saw you go up, so I just followed,” I said as I sat on her side.
“I guess I should be happy,” she smiled at me. She then opened her bag, took out her raincoat, and wrapped it around me.
“If you brought along a raincoat, you should have worn it earlier,” I scolded.
“Do you like the rain?” she asked.
“Huh?” was my only reply, being caught off guard by the random question.
“It’s strange. But whenever I feel depressed, I feel like taking a walk in the rain.” Looking up, she continued, “Maybe I just like the feeling of walking alone in the rain, having nothing but the raindrops as my company.”
“Are you depressed right now?” I asked her.
“When I’m sad, the rain cries for me. When I’m angry, the rain washed away my evil intentions. When I’m happy, the rain hums a beautiful melody for me,” was her reply, ignoring my question.
“You don’t need the rain for those anymore. I’m here for you,” I whispered, placing my arm around her and pulling her close.
She rested her head against my chest. “I know. But there was a time when I was alone... And there will also come a time when I will be alone once more…”
My heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. I’ve been taking my days with her for granted, feeling that we would be together for a very long time. But she was right. Everything might end when we graduate. There’s no guarantee that we will still be as close when that time comes.
“I’ll always be there for you,” was what I wanted to say. But I could not say those words for some reason. I couldn’t help but remain silent. The rain echoed around us, reverberating against the ground.
“I have to go,” Miya whispered.
I nodded silently. I stood up and helped her up. After changing to something dry, both of us went outside without saying a word. Before separating, I suddenly remembered that it was her birthday two days ago.
“Miya, belated happy birthday!” I called out.
Miya was already walking away when I said that. She turned to my direction for a bit, not enough for me to even see her eyes. “Thank you,” she halfheartedly answered before leaving.
It only made me more worried about her. But not knowing what to do, I walked away.
Miya and I met up on the school roof as often as we could, especially after we became a couple. The only times we didn’t were during rainy days. Not only are we not able to hang out in the school roof when it’s raining, the rain also made it more difficult to go home, especially if some areas get flooded.
Miya had been acting distant again the whole day. Though she still ate with Hitori and I during lunch, she was deep in thought the whole time. I tried snapping her out of it by asking her some things, but after answering, she just went back to her own world.
I’m not that naïve. I have a good idea why she had been acting that way. It probably had something to do with last Saturday, when her father told Yumi and I that Miya wasn’t home when, in fact, she was. The way she looked back then told me there was something wrong. I just can’t imagine what.
I didn’t really plan on going up on the school roof this afternoon, as it was raining. But when I saw Miya walking to the direction of the school roof, I got curious. Reaching the door, I opened it and found no one.
Tiny spears of water bombarded the ground. Darkness surrounded the whole place. I wondered where Miya might have gone. It was when I was about to go back when I heard her voice.
“Over here,” a voice called from my left.
I turned to my left and saw her sitting on the ground, hugging her knees. She was leaning against the wall, trying to use it to shelter herself even for just a little. But she was still drenched.
“Do you believe that I’ve only been here for around a minute?” she looked at the sky. “And yet, I’m already so wet.”
I quickly grabbed my raincoat from my bag and wrapped it around her. The moment I stepped outside, I quickly got soaked from the rain. “What the heck are you doing? You shouldn’t have gone up here today.”
“Well, you’re here,” she replied.
I just realized then that her voice wasn’t the same as before. Though her tone was pretty much normal, I could sense that she was distressed. “I saw you go up, so I just followed,” I said as I sat on her side.
“I guess I should be happy,” she smiled at me. She then opened her bag, took out her raincoat, and wrapped it around me.
“If you brought along a raincoat, you should have worn it earlier,” I scolded.
“Do you like the rain?” she asked.
“Huh?” was my only reply, being caught off guard by the random question.
“It’s strange. But whenever I feel depressed, I feel like taking a walk in the rain.” Looking up, she continued, “Maybe I just like the feeling of walking alone in the rain, having nothing but the raindrops as my company.”
“Are you depressed right now?” I asked her.
“When I’m sad, the rain cries for me. When I’m angry, the rain washed away my evil intentions. When I’m happy, the rain hums a beautiful melody for me,” was her reply, ignoring my question.
“You don’t need the rain for those anymore. I’m here for you,” I whispered, placing my arm around her and pulling her close.
She rested her head against my chest. “I know. But there was a time when I was alone... And there will also come a time when I will be alone once more…”
My heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. I’ve been taking my days with her for granted, feeling that we would be together for a very long time. But she was right. Everything might end when we graduate. There’s no guarantee that we will still be as close when that time comes.
“I’ll always be there for you,” was what I wanted to say. But I could not say those words for some reason. I couldn’t help but remain silent. The rain echoed around us, reverberating against the ground.
“I have to go,” Miya whispered.
I nodded silently. I stood up and helped her up. After changing to something dry, both of us went outside without saying a word. Before separating, I suddenly remembered that it was her birthday two days ago.
“Miya, belated happy birthday!” I called out.
Miya was already walking away when I said that. She turned to my direction for a bit, not enough for me to even see her eyes. “Thank you,” she halfheartedly answered before leaving.
It only made me more worried about her. But not knowing what to do, I walked away.