I was walking around after SSS's apparent last meeting and thinking about what I was going to do now. So, I get to choose what path I want, I thought to myself. But, what do I want? I crossed my left arm over my stomach, resting my right elbow against it, and raised my hand to my chin, grabbing it with my index finger and thumb. Should I do what Otonashi wants us all to do and pass on? I sighed and shook my head. Even if I wanted to, I'm not totally sure how to. I mean, Otonashi said we had to let go of our regrets and fulfill our dreams to move on, but I don't know if I can. I'm not even entirely sure what they are.
As I continued to ponder on my future, I hadn't noticed the case of stone steps in front of me. One misplaced step, plus my uncoordinated feet, and I was sent tumbling down the stairs. Luckily, the case was short and I was flat on my back in no time. "Ouch," I said to myself as I sat up, holding my dizzy head.
"Hey, there's some stairs there."
I turned my head to see where that smartass remark came from and found Fujimaki sitting on the bottom step, his hands resting on his sword between his knees. I smirked at him and responded with, "Yeah, I noticed that after I fell down all ten of them. Stop being such a smartass."
A small smile formed on his face and he let out a short chuckle. "You counted them?"
"Oh yeah," I replied, getting to my feet and turning to him. "I mean, what else is there to do when you're falling down a flight of stairs? Protect yourself? No way, that's for wimps." I folded my arms over my chest and he chortled again.
"Of course."
I giggled and scanned the area around us to see that it was completely deserted. "Uh, should I leave?"
"Huh? Why?" He glanced at me confused.
"Seems like you wanted some privacy," I answered, looking around again for emphasis on how empty it was.
"Oh, um, no," he said, which confused me a bit. "I mean, I was just thinking."
"About what Yuri said?" I questioned, feeling the air become more serious.
"Yeah…" He diverted his eyes to the ground, his mind clearly somewhere else.
I uncrossed my arms and hesitated a bit before asking, "Can I sit?"
"Yeah," he replied, looking at me and then the space next to him.
I sat down and rested my elbows on my knees. We didn't say anything, the only sound being the chirp of crickets. I peeked over at Fujimaki to see his eyes closed and head rested against his hands. He seemed so deep in thought and I tried to think of a time he looked this serious, though nothing came to mind. Not even the day he asked me to join SSS did he look serious.
