Unheard Calls: Chapter 03 - Acceptance
Previous
Chapter 3: Acceptance
[Kei’s POV]
I stared blankly at the chair the girl, Yui sat on earlier. While I was mourning over my sister a while ago I saw her crying out of the glass window. From there I felt guilt rushing through me, how can I shout at her? But she really did made my hopes up, it hurts when what I expected to happen is just now impossible to happen. It will never happen…
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yet again her trembling voice ran through my head. Arrg! I can’t stop feeling the guilt, is she really telling the truth? But such thing is impossible my sister is dead. But still her face, her voice, her expressive eyes and her warm touches kept on bothering me. I can’t even understand why I feel such thing towards an unknown girl. I wanted to believe her for what she said but then again it’s just impossible and irrational to do, for now I know after that incident I will never see her again.
I curled up into a ball, trying to stop the guilt and pain, then again I felt someone’s presence and it’s a familiar one, I looked at the door and analyzed the room if anyone entered, but I found no one. I seated up the bed and hugged my knees together. I just can’t understand why I survived while my sister died, it’s her I kept on protecting during the night of that fire.
[End of Kei’s POV]
Sadness sure was in his eyes, and Aki can see right into it. It pained her seeing her brother acting such, and witnessing his sadness because of her. Looking at him continuously feeling the same thing since last night Aki decided.
“I need to tell him, all the things I wasn’t able to tell him...” She exclaimed after letting go of a big sigh, then she was gone.
…..
“Yui I’m going to leave now.” Takaki exclaimed at the other side of the door, yet no replied was heard from his cousin, nothing but sobs. Takaki can feel anger rushed through his vein, he quickly decided to check on her. He grabbed the keys and immediately opened it up. He saw her sitting beside her bed, hugging her knees tightly as she rocks herself. Takaki approached his cousin and hugged her.
“Yui, look stop it will you? I hate to see you like this. You don’t even know this guy.” Takaki whispered trying to lift her up and place her to her bed. But as she stood up she pushed him away.
“I just wanted to help! But I turned out being shouted at and doubted once again! Do you even know how it hurts when you tell all the people around you the truth and yet they just can’t believe you as if it’s impossible to do?! You even doubted me too!?!” Her loud voice was heard through out their house, Takaki just can’t help but to lower his head and felt his heart being pinned by her last words.
“I doubted you because I don’t want you to get involve. I know you wouldn’t understand my point. I’m sorry if I did that to you.” Takaki answered her with his eyes locked on the ground. He just can’t look at her.
“You just can’t understand.” Yui mumbled under her breath but it was clear to Takaki’s ears and yet again it pained him.
“Yeah, maybe I don’t.” Takaki marched out of the house with a loud drop of their main door.
[Yui’s POV]
He’s mad, I can sense it. But what can I do? He can’t understand me, I know he wants to but he just can’t.I really don’t understand why I got so affected by the outrageous things that happened these past few days, but all I wanted is to help. I can’t believe I actually thought I have the strength to help. But just looking at Aki pained me, as well as seeing her brother. I wanted to help that’s all, but I just can’t handle the pain of being rejected and doubted. I promise I won’t get myself involve. AGAIN.
“I’m sorry…” A familiar voice alarmed me. I lifted my head and saw that girl again. She looked at me with yet again her pleading eyes, but this time I won’t fall for it.
“Why are you here?!” I wiped out the tears from my cheeks. She looked at me apologetically but I just looked away from her gaze.
“I’m sorry with my brother’s rude action.” She softly exclaimed,
“Can’t blame him for meeting a freak like me, so now I get it, now leave me alone please.” I exclaimed, asking myself why I am gesturing her out of my room if she can just disappear.
“Please! I need you to tell him everything he needs to know, he’s blaming himself for my death! I need you tell him that! Please! I can’t leave this world with him in pain. You said I need to cross over, right? So please help me!” She yet again argued with me, but I will still not get affected by this.
“You can’t see the point can you? He DOES NOT believe me?! He didn’t even give me the chance to explain, do you know how hard it is for me?”
“He will, soon...”
“Soon? I will not get myself involve with you guys...” I can see tears falling from her eyes, but I still played it hard. As soon as she saw the determination in my eyes to not be bothered by them, she vanished.
…..
He continued staring at the floor blankly, suddenly someone entered the room.
“Here’s your medicine, drink it, you might die.” A nurse exclaimed as he put the tray down.
Kei stared at him and realized that he is the guy from yesterday, the one with the girl he wanted to see.
“Anoo.. Where’s the girl from yesterday? Takaki-san.” He asked, as he read Takaki’s name tag.
“It does not concern you.” Takaki answered coldly, “Now drink your medicine before you get more damage.” Takaki added with a smirk.
“Look, I didn’t mean to hurt her, I was carried away. I don’t even know her.” Kei answered in a fading voice.
“You don’t know her right? So it really does not concern you, wherever she is.”
“I may not know her, but I want to.”
“Yeah, right after you shouted at her.”
“I’m sorry about that but please let me talk to her.” Kei begged.
“She’s not talking to me, now do you expect her to talk to you?” Takaki exclaimed and left the room. But Kei was left determined, seriously wanted to see the girl.
…
“Will you stop bugging me?!” Yui exclaimed from the kitchen while she prepares their dinner.
“I see, your ghost is here again to visit you ne~?” Takaki teased from the leaving room. Yui shot him a glare but he just laughed at her, turning his attention to the television again.
“Look, Takaki and I made up already and that is enough for me. I don’t care if your brother doesn’t believe me.” Yui hissed, really pissed with the girl behind her. But Aki is just too stubborn to let Yui be.
“But you’re the only one who could help me!” Aki exclaimed, stepping in front of her.
“Even if I want to, I don’t know where your brother is, since he left the hospital.”
“I know where he is...”
“I don’t care.” Yui exclaimed coldly.
“Then I’ll do something for him to find you.” This is Aki’s last words, then she was gone again, leaving Yui by the kitchen puzzled by her words.
…
Days passed and now Yui is sitting down the sidewalk, waiting for her cousin to arrive. Yui stared blankly at the street, holding the locket her mother left her.
“If everything happens for a reason, why is it I can’t find the reason for this, mom?” Yui exclaimed, under her breath, hoping her mother would answer it even if she knows it is really impossible.
“Maybe this is just not the right time for you to find it. You need to search for it ne~?” A voice was heard from her left side, she looked at the direction of the voice with wide eyes.
“Why are you here?” Yui exclaimed, as she stood up, getting ready to walk away.
“To talk to you...” Kei answered her calmly, he followed her pace but she just kept on speeding up. “Wait!” But Yui didn’t listen to him, so he decided to pull her by the wrist. The sudden pull made her stumble but he caught her. He then supported her by the waist and turned her to look at him. Yui then again can’t help but to feel all red.
“I told you I will find a way for him to find you.” a familiar voice then again whispered on her left ear, making her face it and shout at her.
“Shut up!! I don’t want to get involve with you guys!!” Yui had her face turned to her left. Aki leaned back but just continued to smile at her. Yui then realized what she was smiling for and it was her position with Kei. She quickly pushed him away from her, but Kei didn’t let go of her wrist.
“Not so fast… So is she here?” Kei asked her with a gentle voice.
“Yeah...She’s been bugging me for these past few days.” Yui exclaimed, as she lowered her head in embarrassment, it is really awkward for her to tell this to him.
“This is really weird but I believe you.” Kei exclaimed, lifting her chin, asking her to look at him.
“Really?” Yui looked at him in disbelief, but Kei just smiled at her.
“Yeah, I can feel her presence all these time and she gave me a sign. Yesterday I am on my way to our old house when suddenly your brother’s calling card flew right in front of me. There I realized, that I need you to explain everything to me. “
“He’s not my brother, he’s my cousin.” Yui murmured, she then turned to look at him in disbelief yet again, waiting for him to tell that this is all a prank. But his innocent, pleading eyes same as his sister’s tells her that he’s telling the truth.
“Come with me...” Yui exclaimed as she pulled him inside their house.
…
As soon as they were inside, Yui let go of his hand and went to the kitchen to get him something. While Kei was left examining the interior of the house, it’s simple yet it feels so warm and cozy. He was tracing the furniture when Yui went back to the living room with a tray of juice in hand.
“Where are your parents?” Kei exclaimed trying to start up a normal conversation, but then for Yui it’s not really a normal topic.
“Ahm… They’re gone, my dad left me for he saw me as a curse, while my mom died on giving birth to me, so now I live here with my cousin Yuya.” said Yui in a normal voice trying not to let him feel her sadness.
“I’m sorry.” replied Kei, looking at her apologetically.
“So where’s your aunt?”
“Ahmmm… She died too in a car accident that had happen last two years with my uncle, so they left Yuya-nii this house and from then on it’s only Yuya and me together.” Yui then again tried her voice to be as normal as possible.
“Oh… Sorry again…” Kei then again apologized and lowered his head in embarrassment. But Yui just chuckled in his actions that made him smile at her.
“You don’t need to apologize every now again. Things just happen.” Yui smiled at him and served him a glass of juice.
“You know, he really looks interested on you. He may turned out to be happy even if without me.” A teasing voice was heard by Yui’s shoulder. Yui almost jump because of the surprise and took Kei’s attention.
“What’s wrong?” Kei asked but Yui just lowered her head to hide the blush and embarrassment she’s feeling.
“Is she here?” Kei then again asked, trying to raise her head to make her look at him. Yui nodded and Kei relaxed as he saw it. He leaned his back to the couch and let go of a big sigh.
“What did she tell you?” Kei exclaimed, that made Yui looked at him and turn to look at the giggling Aki. Yui shot her a glare for she kept on looking Yui teasingly, making her feel more heat on her cheeks. Kei saw where Yui’s pointing out her glare so he followed it.
“So she’s there?” Kei asked Yui and she simply nodded.
Kei doesn’t know how to start up the conversation, while Yui’s having a hard time to control her nervousness so there was a moment of silence. But as soon as Aki’s expression turned serious and Yui was able to compose herself, she started to speak.
“Anoo… You want to clear things up, right?” Kei nodded and was able to turn back to reality…
“I’m the one who told the firemen that you are still inside the burning house, your sister’s spirit was running down the street and of course no one bothered to listen to her, well at that point she still doesn’t know that she’s already dead.”
“I see. Tell her that I am sorry that I was not able to protect her.” Kei exclaimed as he lowered his head.
“You can tell it directly to her, she can hear you...” Yui exclaimed as she sat next to him. Kei continued to stare at the floor as guilt started to rush through his head again.
“I’m sorry, Aki…” His soft voice was heard. Aki then knelt in front of him.
“Tell him that he does not need to apologize.” Aki exclaimed.
“You don’t need to apologize, she said...”
“But! It is my carelessness that caused her to die!” Kei had his voice higher this time. That really alarmed Yui.
“No it is mine! You did everything nii-chan! I now remember how I died! You were left in my room for you did everything to push me out of the house but when I reached the end of the stair I decided to come back for you, but then a wood fell right above me. If I’ve just followed you, both of us should have lived.” Aki exclaimed, as Yui told him the exact words. Kei kept quiet for a while, staring at the floor blankly, with tears rushing down his cheeks. Aki was about to caress him when Yui reached out to wipe his tears. Kei looked up to her and smiled at her weakly. Aki smiled at the two of them and started to speak again,
“But think of it nii-chan, if it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t be able to meet her right?” Aki exclaimed with a smirk, while Yui immediately removed her hands away from his face when she heard such and stared at her with red cheeks. “Tell it to him…” Aki smiled again…
Yui hesitated and looked at her in disbelief but Aki was sure serious about her statement so Yui was force to do it.
“Anooo…” Yui began to speak again, but still battling out to herself whether she will tell him or not, Kei stared at him, anxiously waiting for her to continue. Yui let go of a heavy sigh and stated out in one go.
“She told me that, if it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t able to meet her right?” Kei’s laughter roared the house that made Yui felt relief, it felt good hearing him laugh. It’s so cute and like music to her ears.
“Aki baka~!!! You know me well enough!” He exclaimed, trying to stop his laughter. Aki laughed along while Yui was left smiling at him. As soon as Kei’s laughter lowered down, Yui remembered that she hasn’t introduced herself formally to him yet.
“Ah, I’m Yoshikawa Yui!” Yui exclaimed and offered her hand for him to shake.
“Oh! Right, I never got your whole name. I guess, let’s start a formal introduction ne~?” Kei smiled at her and she nodded.
“I’m Inoo Kei, 21 years old, taking up architecture.” He then shook her hand,
“Ah, again, Yoshikawa Yui desu, 18 years old, incoming freshman.” Yui smiled and relax herself on the couch, staring at the smiling Aki.
“You’re in the same age as Aki.” He stated out,
“Ne, Aki, can you see something bright? A light? Hmm.. a paradise looking place?” Yui asked Aki as she tried to remember the description her mother wrote in her diary…
“No.” Aki worriedly answered and sighed. Yui did the same thing, that then again made Kei looked at her.
“What is it?” He asked,
“She can’t crossover.” Yui let go of a heavy sigh and began to question her again, so they will find out the answer behind it.
“Eh? Why? Hmm… Do you still have anything you forgot to do?” Yui asked her again, but Aki kept quiet trying her best to remember. So the three of them kept quiet, Yui told Kei Aki’s situation so he too was thinking of what could it be. Suddenly Aki’s face lit up and smiled at Yui.
“Ah! Follow me!” She excitingly exclaimed, Yui then pulled Kei along with her.
Aki ran through the street followed by Yui and Kei, Kei then realized where she was taking them so he went ahead, they were back on their burned house. Yui then saw Kei standing up in front of a huge tree in their backyard.
“Sorry… I almost forgot, Aki.” Kei then knelt down by the tree and dug, later on he found an old box with “K&A” engraved on it. He wiped of the dirt and opened it. His eyes twinkled as he saw two necklaces with two hearts intertwined as its pendant.
Yui looked over his shoulder, but she still wasn’t able to see it, for Kei hugged it near his heart.
“Ahmm.. What is it?” Yui asked not being able to handle her curiosity. Kei looked up to stare at her with tears down his cheeks again. Yui knelt down in front of him, not being able to stop herself from wiping his tears away, again.
“Necklaces, these were left by our parents who also suffered from an accident and during the scene of the accident these were found around both of their necks, it’s their promise necklace during their teenage years. So Aki and I promised that we will give this to the person we’ll fall in love with.” Kei answered while looking at Yui, Yui smiled and turned her head to Aki’s direction. Aki was just staring at both of them in amusement.
“Nii-chan, promise me you’ll give that pendant to the person you love. And wear mine, well I didn’t able to experience it, but be sure to experience it ne~?” Aki exclaimed, as Yui repeated the exact words for Kei’s sake.
“Yes, but… don’t leave yet.” Kei gasped for more air, as for now he’s having some difficulties in breathing, while looking to where Aki might be.
“Ne, Yui… I can see it now.” Yui then again repeated it for Kei’s sake and more tears came rushing down his eyes.
“No, don’t leave yet… You’re all I have. Even your presence is fine!!!” Kei begged his sister, but Aki just can’t stop staring at the paradise in front of her, especially when she saw their parents.
“I can see, mom and dad.” Aki exclaimed, admiring her surroundings…
“Inoo-san, let your sister go. She can be with your parents now… She can see them…” Yui tried to convince him, but his eyes kept on pleading her to stop Aki from going…
“Inoo, at least your sister will be with your parents now. Let her go…” Yui kept on going. Finally Kei nodded, but lean his head by the tree next to him.
“You’re not alone, nii-chan… Sayonara, take care ne…” Aki whispered in Kei’s ear, and kissed his forehead, Kei lifted his head in amazement, then turned to Yui…
“I felt her…”
“That’s her farewell kiss. He wanted you to be happy and take care of yourself, she knows you can make it through.” said Yui sincerely and tried to comfort him some more.
“She’s gone now…” Yui whispered to him and he cried some more, hugging the two pendants again. Yui felt like he really needed someone so she didn’t able to stop herself from hugging the person next to her and he continued to cry over her shoulder…
“Everything happens for a reason ne~? Mom, now I’ll turn this from a curse to a talent that others might benefit from...”
................
Next
Chapter 3: Acceptance
[Kei’s POV]
I stared blankly at the chair the girl, Yui sat on earlier. While I was mourning over my sister a while ago I saw her crying out of the glass window. From there I felt guilt rushing through me, how can I shout at her? But she really did made my hopes up, it hurts when what I expected to happen is just now impossible to happen. It will never happen…
“A.. A... Anooo... sh-she di-did...” Yet again her trembling voice ran through my head. Arrg! I can’t stop feeling the guilt, is she really telling the truth? But such thing is impossible my sister is dead. But still her face, her voice, her expressive eyes and her warm touches kept on bothering me. I can’t even understand why I feel such thing towards an unknown girl. I wanted to believe her for what she said but then again it’s just impossible and irrational to do, for now I know after that incident I will never see her again.
I curled up into a ball, trying to stop the guilt and pain, then again I felt someone’s presence and it’s a familiar one, I looked at the door and analyzed the room if anyone entered, but I found no one. I seated up the bed and hugged my knees together. I just can’t understand why I survived while my sister died, it’s her I kept on protecting during the night of that fire.
[End of Kei’s POV]
Sadness sure was in his eyes, and Aki can see right into it. It pained her seeing her brother acting such, and witnessing his sadness because of her. Looking at him continuously feeling the same thing since last night Aki decided.
“I need to tell him, all the things I wasn’t able to tell him...” She exclaimed after letting go of a big sigh, then she was gone.
…..
“Yui I’m going to leave now.” Takaki exclaimed at the other side of the door, yet no replied was heard from his cousin, nothing but sobs. Takaki can feel anger rushed through his vein, he quickly decided to check on her. He grabbed the keys and immediately opened it up. He saw her sitting beside her bed, hugging her knees tightly as she rocks herself. Takaki approached his cousin and hugged her.
“Yui, look stop it will you? I hate to see you like this. You don’t even know this guy.” Takaki whispered trying to lift her up and place her to her bed. But as she stood up she pushed him away.
“I just wanted to help! But I turned out being shouted at and doubted once again! Do you even know how it hurts when you tell all the people around you the truth and yet they just can’t believe you as if it’s impossible to do?! You even doubted me too!?!” Her loud voice was heard through out their house, Takaki just can’t help but to lower his head and felt his heart being pinned by her last words.
“I doubted you because I don’t want you to get involve. I know you wouldn’t understand my point. I’m sorry if I did that to you.” Takaki answered her with his eyes locked on the ground. He just can’t look at her.
“You just can’t understand.” Yui mumbled under her breath but it was clear to Takaki’s ears and yet again it pained him.
“Yeah, maybe I don’t.” Takaki marched out of the house with a loud drop of their main door.
[Yui’s POV]
He’s mad, I can sense it. But what can I do? He can’t understand me, I know he wants to but he just can’t.I really don’t understand why I got so affected by the outrageous things that happened these past few days, but all I wanted is to help. I can’t believe I actually thought I have the strength to help. But just looking at Aki pained me, as well as seeing her brother. I wanted to help that’s all, but I just can’t handle the pain of being rejected and doubted. I promise I won’t get myself involve. AGAIN.
“I’m sorry…” A familiar voice alarmed me. I lifted my head and saw that girl again. She looked at me with yet again her pleading eyes, but this time I won’t fall for it.
“Why are you here?!” I wiped out the tears from my cheeks. She looked at me apologetically but I just looked away from her gaze.
“I’m sorry with my brother’s rude action.” She softly exclaimed,
“Can’t blame him for meeting a freak like me, so now I get it, now leave me alone please.” I exclaimed, asking myself why I am gesturing her out of my room if she can just disappear.
“Please! I need you to tell him everything he needs to know, he’s blaming himself for my death! I need you tell him that! Please! I can’t leave this world with him in pain. You said I need to cross over, right? So please help me!” She yet again argued with me, but I will still not get affected by this.
“You can’t see the point can you? He DOES NOT believe me?! He didn’t even give me the chance to explain, do you know how hard it is for me?”
“He will, soon...”
“Soon? I will not get myself involve with you guys...” I can see tears falling from her eyes, but I still played it hard. As soon as she saw the determination in my eyes to not be bothered by them, she vanished.
…..
He continued staring at the floor blankly, suddenly someone entered the room.
“Here’s your medicine, drink it, you might die.” A nurse exclaimed as he put the tray down.
Kei stared at him and realized that he is the guy from yesterday, the one with the girl he wanted to see.
“Anoo.. Where’s the girl from yesterday? Takaki-san.” He asked, as he read Takaki’s name tag.
“It does not concern you.” Takaki answered coldly, “Now drink your medicine before you get more damage.” Takaki added with a smirk.
“Look, I didn’t mean to hurt her, I was carried away. I don’t even know her.” Kei answered in a fading voice.
“You don’t know her right? So it really does not concern you, wherever she is.”
“I may not know her, but I want to.”
“Yeah, right after you shouted at her.”
“I’m sorry about that but please let me talk to her.” Kei begged.
“She’s not talking to me, now do you expect her to talk to you?” Takaki exclaimed and left the room. But Kei was left determined, seriously wanted to see the girl.
…
“Will you stop bugging me?!” Yui exclaimed from the kitchen while she prepares their dinner.
“I see, your ghost is here again to visit you ne~?” Takaki teased from the leaving room. Yui shot him a glare but he just laughed at her, turning his attention to the television again.
“Look, Takaki and I made up already and that is enough for me. I don’t care if your brother doesn’t believe me.” Yui hissed, really pissed with the girl behind her. But Aki is just too stubborn to let Yui be.
“But you’re the only one who could help me!” Aki exclaimed, stepping in front of her.
“Even if I want to, I don’t know where your brother is, since he left the hospital.”
“I know where he is...”
“I don’t care.” Yui exclaimed coldly.
“Then I’ll do something for him to find you.” This is Aki’s last words, then she was gone again, leaving Yui by the kitchen puzzled by her words.
…
Days passed and now Yui is sitting down the sidewalk, waiting for her cousin to arrive. Yui stared blankly at the street, holding the locket her mother left her.
“If everything happens for a reason, why is it I can’t find the reason for this, mom?” Yui exclaimed, under her breath, hoping her mother would answer it even if she knows it is really impossible.
“Maybe this is just not the right time for you to find it. You need to search for it ne~?” A voice was heard from her left side, she looked at the direction of the voice with wide eyes.
“Why are you here?” Yui exclaimed, as she stood up, getting ready to walk away.
“To talk to you...” Kei answered her calmly, he followed her pace but she just kept on speeding up. “Wait!” But Yui didn’t listen to him, so he decided to pull her by the wrist. The sudden pull made her stumble but he caught her. He then supported her by the waist and turned her to look at him. Yui then again can’t help but to feel all red.
“I told you I will find a way for him to find you.” a familiar voice then again whispered on her left ear, making her face it and shout at her.
“Shut up!! I don’t want to get involve with you guys!!” Yui had her face turned to her left. Aki leaned back but just continued to smile at her. Yui then realized what she was smiling for and it was her position with Kei. She quickly pushed him away from her, but Kei didn’t let go of her wrist.
“Not so fast… So is she here?” Kei asked her with a gentle voice.
“Yeah...She’s been bugging me for these past few days.” Yui exclaimed, as she lowered her head in embarrassment, it is really awkward for her to tell this to him.
“This is really weird but I believe you.” Kei exclaimed, lifting her chin, asking her to look at him.
“Really?” Yui looked at him in disbelief, but Kei just smiled at her.
“Yeah, I can feel her presence all these time and she gave me a sign. Yesterday I am on my way to our old house when suddenly your brother’s calling card flew right in front of me. There I realized, that I need you to explain everything to me. “
“He’s not my brother, he’s my cousin.” Yui murmured, she then turned to look at him in disbelief yet again, waiting for him to tell that this is all a prank. But his innocent, pleading eyes same as his sister’s tells her that he’s telling the truth.
“Come with me...” Yui exclaimed as she pulled him inside their house.
…
As soon as they were inside, Yui let go of his hand and went to the kitchen to get him something. While Kei was left examining the interior of the house, it’s simple yet it feels so warm and cozy. He was tracing the furniture when Yui went back to the living room with a tray of juice in hand.
“Where are your parents?” Kei exclaimed trying to start up a normal conversation, but then for Yui it’s not really a normal topic.
“Ahm… They’re gone, my dad left me for he saw me as a curse, while my mom died on giving birth to me, so now I live here with my cousin Yuya.” said Yui in a normal voice trying not to let him feel her sadness.
“I’m sorry.” replied Kei, looking at her apologetically.
“So where’s your aunt?”
“Ahmmm… She died too in a car accident that had happen last two years with my uncle, so they left Yuya-nii this house and from then on it’s only Yuya and me together.” Yui then again tried her voice to be as normal as possible.
“Oh… Sorry again…” Kei then again apologized and lowered his head in embarrassment. But Yui just chuckled in his actions that made him smile at her.
“You don’t need to apologize every now again. Things just happen.” Yui smiled at him and served him a glass of juice.
“You know, he really looks interested on you. He may turned out to be happy even if without me.” A teasing voice was heard by Yui’s shoulder. Yui almost jump because of the surprise and took Kei’s attention.
“What’s wrong?” Kei asked but Yui just lowered her head to hide the blush and embarrassment she’s feeling.
“Is she here?” Kei then again asked, trying to raise her head to make her look at him. Yui nodded and Kei relaxed as he saw it. He leaned his back to the couch and let go of a big sigh.
“What did she tell you?” Kei exclaimed, that made Yui looked at him and turn to look at the giggling Aki. Yui shot her a glare for she kept on looking Yui teasingly, making her feel more heat on her cheeks. Kei saw where Yui’s pointing out her glare so he followed it.
“So she’s there?” Kei asked Yui and she simply nodded.
Kei doesn’t know how to start up the conversation, while Yui’s having a hard time to control her nervousness so there was a moment of silence. But as soon as Aki’s expression turned serious and Yui was able to compose herself, she started to speak.
“Anoo… You want to clear things up, right?” Kei nodded and was able to turn back to reality…
“I’m the one who told the firemen that you are still inside the burning house, your sister’s spirit was running down the street and of course no one bothered to listen to her, well at that point she still doesn’t know that she’s already dead.”
“I see. Tell her that I am sorry that I was not able to protect her.” Kei exclaimed as he lowered his head.
“You can tell it directly to her, she can hear you...” Yui exclaimed as she sat next to him. Kei continued to stare at the floor as guilt started to rush through his head again.
“I’m sorry, Aki…” His soft voice was heard. Aki then knelt in front of him.
“Tell him that he does not need to apologize.” Aki exclaimed.
“You don’t need to apologize, she said...”
“But! It is my carelessness that caused her to die!” Kei had his voice higher this time. That really alarmed Yui.
“No it is mine! You did everything nii-chan! I now remember how I died! You were left in my room for you did everything to push me out of the house but when I reached the end of the stair I decided to come back for you, but then a wood fell right above me. If I’ve just followed you, both of us should have lived.” Aki exclaimed, as Yui told him the exact words. Kei kept quiet for a while, staring at the floor blankly, with tears rushing down his cheeks. Aki was about to caress him when Yui reached out to wipe his tears. Kei looked up to her and smiled at her weakly. Aki smiled at the two of them and started to speak again,
“But think of it nii-chan, if it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t be able to meet her right?” Aki exclaimed with a smirk, while Yui immediately removed her hands away from his face when she heard such and stared at her with red cheeks. “Tell it to him…” Aki smiled again…
Yui hesitated and looked at her in disbelief but Aki was sure serious about her statement so Yui was force to do it.
“Anooo…” Yui began to speak again, but still battling out to herself whether she will tell him or not, Kei stared at him, anxiously waiting for her to continue. Yui let go of a heavy sigh and stated out in one go.
“She told me that, if it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t able to meet her right?” Kei’s laughter roared the house that made Yui felt relief, it felt good hearing him laugh. It’s so cute and like music to her ears.
“Aki baka~!!! You know me well enough!” He exclaimed, trying to stop his laughter. Aki laughed along while Yui was left smiling at him. As soon as Kei’s laughter lowered down, Yui remembered that she hasn’t introduced herself formally to him yet.
“Ah, I’m Yoshikawa Yui!” Yui exclaimed and offered her hand for him to shake.
“Oh! Right, I never got your whole name. I guess, let’s start a formal introduction ne~?” Kei smiled at her and she nodded.
“I’m Inoo Kei, 21 years old, taking up architecture.” He then shook her hand,
“Ah, again, Yoshikawa Yui desu, 18 years old, incoming freshman.” Yui smiled and relax herself on the couch, staring at the smiling Aki.
“You’re in the same age as Aki.” He stated out,
“Ne, Aki, can you see something bright? A light? Hmm.. a paradise looking place?” Yui asked Aki as she tried to remember the description her mother wrote in her diary…
“No.” Aki worriedly answered and sighed. Yui did the same thing, that then again made Kei looked at her.
“What is it?” He asked,
“She can’t crossover.” Yui let go of a heavy sigh and began to question her again, so they will find out the answer behind it.
“Eh? Why? Hmm… Do you still have anything you forgot to do?” Yui asked her again, but Aki kept quiet trying her best to remember. So the three of them kept quiet, Yui told Kei Aki’s situation so he too was thinking of what could it be. Suddenly Aki’s face lit up and smiled at Yui.
“Ah! Follow me!” She excitingly exclaimed, Yui then pulled Kei along with her.
Aki ran through the street followed by Yui and Kei, Kei then realized where she was taking them so he went ahead, they were back on their burned house. Yui then saw Kei standing up in front of a huge tree in their backyard.
“Sorry… I almost forgot, Aki.” Kei then knelt down by the tree and dug, later on he found an old box with “K&A” engraved on it. He wiped of the dirt and opened it. His eyes twinkled as he saw two necklaces with two hearts intertwined as its pendant.
Yui looked over his shoulder, but she still wasn’t able to see it, for Kei hugged it near his heart.
“Ahmm.. What is it?” Yui asked not being able to handle her curiosity. Kei looked up to stare at her with tears down his cheeks again. Yui knelt down in front of him, not being able to stop herself from wiping his tears away, again.
“Necklaces, these were left by our parents who also suffered from an accident and during the scene of the accident these were found around both of their necks, it’s their promise necklace during their teenage years. So Aki and I promised that we will give this to the person we’ll fall in love with.” Kei answered while looking at Yui, Yui smiled and turned her head to Aki’s direction. Aki was just staring at both of them in amusement.
“Nii-chan, promise me you’ll give that pendant to the person you love. And wear mine, well I didn’t able to experience it, but be sure to experience it ne~?” Aki exclaimed, as Yui repeated the exact words for Kei’s sake.
“Yes, but… don’t leave yet.” Kei gasped for more air, as for now he’s having some difficulties in breathing, while looking to where Aki might be.
“Ne, Yui… I can see it now.” Yui then again repeated it for Kei’s sake and more tears came rushing down his eyes.
“No, don’t leave yet… You’re all I have. Even your presence is fine!!!” Kei begged his sister, but Aki just can’t stop staring at the paradise in front of her, especially when she saw their parents.
“I can see, mom and dad.” Aki exclaimed, admiring her surroundings…
“Inoo-san, let your sister go. She can be with your parents now… She can see them…” Yui tried to convince him, but his eyes kept on pleading her to stop Aki from going…
“Inoo, at least your sister will be with your parents now. Let her go…” Yui kept on going. Finally Kei nodded, but lean his head by the tree next to him.
“You’re not alone, nii-chan… Sayonara, take care ne…” Aki whispered in Kei’s ear, and kissed his forehead, Kei lifted his head in amazement, then turned to Yui…
“I felt her…”
“That’s her farewell kiss. He wanted you to be happy and take care of yourself, she knows you can make it through.” said Yui sincerely and tried to comfort him some more.
“She’s gone now…” Yui whispered to him and he cried some more, hugging the two pendants again. Yui felt like he really needed someone so she didn’t able to stop herself from hugging the person next to her and he continued to cry over her shoulder…
“Everything happens for a reason ne~? Mom, now I’ll turn this from a curse to a talent that others might benefit from...”
................
Next