As the next day arrives, I was moved in to my bedroom the moment Sayori's parents returned from work. Frankly, it took a little more to convince them I was doing right than I thought. But I guess that's to be expected, the amount of damage I did to their property isn't a laughing matter. Her door, closet, chair and even her window, they all had to be replaced, so of course I had to compensate them fully.
Or so I thought, in the end they were just glad I was there for Sayori when she needed it the most, their smiles and tears said it all. They told me they can turn a blind eye to the damages I did, but I couldn't, so I persuaded them to allow me to at least pay for half. Though my parents in the end intervened themselves and paid for it. As an unemployed high school student, my parents strictly mentioned the funds in my bank account would only be used to get me through University.
...
"Yuki, are you there?"
The time is just a little after school hours as I could already hear Sayori knocking against my door. As it turns out, my parents thought the same thing of passing the spare key to her all those years ago.
"Yeah, come in."
I of course am in no shape to attend school thanks to almost breaking my leg and suffering from a heavy blow to the head. If Natsuki weren't as light as she is, I probably wouldn't be here. Maybe Nastuki's size is a blessing. Though if she were to hear that I'd be on my way to hospital in a coma.
"Sorry for the intrusion."
Sayori enters the room and despite Natsuki saying we'd talk more about the incident today, I didn't think she'd be interested in entering my house, much less my own room.
"Ek, so this is Yuki's room..."
Natsuki scans the room slowly as though danger may be lurking.
"Hmm... It's a lot cleaner than I thought. I was thinkin' there'd be clothes everywhere. I mean even if you do clean Sayori's room, it doesn't mean you clean yours."
I mean I'd rather sleep in a clean environment, not only that but I spend most of my life in this room.
"He's just like that, Natsuki... Umm, are you feeling any better, Yuki?"
It's no surprise that Sayori's still a bit shaken from the incident, with its resolution both Natsuki and I know that the Sayori we know may have been faked, but she still treasures her friends more than she realises. Sayori's still Sayori.
She may be blaming herself for the current state I'm in, but I reassured her that night; that I'd do anything for her, much like what I'd do for my family.
"Yeah, a good night's rest was just what I needed, I feel better already. And frankly, it feels liberating to stay at home on a school day."
"Oh, that's good to hear... But still, if I didn't drag you into my mess, you wouldn't have..."
Sayori averts her gaze as her body trembles, Natsuki could only sigh as she shakes her head. I'm sure she had plenty to deal with during lunch with her today. Sayori may have our support; however that doesn't mean her thoughts would leave her overnight. We humans can never quite conquer our own thoughts.
"Sayori. Come here."
I beckon her to come closer as she accepts my invitation after a short delay. In small steps, she closes the gap between us until she was directly in front of me.
"W-What is it-"
I flick her forehead to drag her back in to reality, away from her consuming thoughts.
"Idiot. You didn't drag me in. I did it because I wanted to."
"Yuki..."
Her forehead already shows a red mark as she places her hand against it. Her eyes were almost wet with tears as I sure hope I didn't flick her too hard.
"Ahem!"
Natsuki clears her throat as she hops onto my chair.
"Yuki, where do you keep your manga? I wanna see what you got."
"Manga? Ah, it's in the t.v cabinet on the left and the right side is for anime if you're interested."
"Anime too? Hm, your parents sure love spoiling you, don't they?"
I could see Natsuki felt slightly irritated as she didn't say it in her usual tone as she hops off my chair towards the cabinet.
"Well in some ways... They do say want me to move away from all of this starting next year."
No one has the right to determine whether or not your harmless hobby is doing you any good. However, I do understand the situation I'm in. The last year of high school determines a lot of important things after all; it's a huge aspect that'd ultimately affect your way out of school.
"W-What, really?"
Natsuki looks at me in shock as she already has one of my manga in her hand. Come to think of it, when the New Year hits, would I lose the only thing I have in common with Natsuki?
"Y-Yeah, but next year's a long way away, aha! I don't think I could give up on what I love anyways, I plan to persuade them further into the year."
Lightening up the mood, there's no point getting gloomy over it. The future's never set in stone and perhaps my parents would be lenient about it when the time does come. In that case, I should show them that I'm doing my best with my studies.
"And here I thought your parents dote on you given the state of this room. How are they like, Sayori?"
"Y-Yuki's parents? Umm... I haven't had the chance really sit down and talk with them in a while."
Trying to think back on it, it's actually been a long time since Sayori paid a visit.
"They're very kindhearted people; they'd always treat me as though I'm their daughter. Whenever I visited, it didn't matter when but they'd ask if I'd like to eat something. Ehe, sometimes it felt a little overbearing, but at the same time, it was very welcoming... and warming..."
With a small smile, she sits against the edge of my bed as Natsuki seems to be having trouble putting her thoughts into words.
"But sometimes, they can be a little scary... especially Yuki's Father."
My old man's been part of the force for a long time, his face is rugged from the things he has seen and he has quite a large build. Sometimes he doesn't come home for days straight as I begin worrying about his safety. However, he'd always return as I meet him by the doorstep. He'd bend his back just a little, look into my eyes and say; "I'm home."
"Hmm... I see. I guess Dads are always like that."
Shrugging it off, she returns to her previous motive; searching through my manga collection, I wonder what she's thinking exactly. I don't have a lot of shoujo manga as my collection is mostly tailored towards guys. Though I guess she'd be interested in the norm slice of life titles I have in there.
"Is your Dad also the same, Natsuki?"
"..."
For some reason, I felt like it was a sensitive subject for Natsuki. She always mentioned that her Dad expects her to be back soon, even if she's currently in the middle of something. I mean the last time we were just reading through parfait girls, if she wanted we could've read for longer.
"...He's just a regular Dad. That's all."
Natsuki speaks whilst rummaging through the cabinet; a short, precise answer with no room for any follow up.
"Oh... ehe, that sounds nice."
As Sayori giggles, Natsuki's body jolts just a little. As I thought she wouldn't speak anymore, she turns to face us.
"He works by day comes home by night, expects dinner to be ready by then, watch t.v, drink and sleep. That's what I mean by regular. He's... a good Dad."
Perhaps Natsuki has a weak spot for Sayori as I'm sure she's the reason why she further explained herself. I wonder how they're like when they're alone; maybe Natsuki smiles more often if she's just with Sayori.
"Kinda sounds like the average Dad of a main character who you never see."
"It does right!? Sometimes he just gets drunk like that and-"
Natsuki's short burst of excitement ends soon after mentioning that as she pulls out three manga to my attention.
"N-Never mind, do you have the fourth volume for this?"
She holds up the; "N*w Game!", series which feature a group of girls working at a company which develops games. I guess cute girls do interest Natsuki after all.
"I was only able to get the three from the bargain bin, they had multiple copies of one to three but four was nowhere to be seen. Same goes for five and six."
"Gek, I see you're as useless as ever."
"H-hey, it's not my fault!"
She puts it back in to the cabinet, closes it and stands up.
"You have a thing for crimson hair, don't you? Or those strong, stereotypical tsundere girls at least; the ones that'd most likely kick your ass."
"...E-Ehh, I beg your pardon..?"
Hitting the nail on the head, I don't know why she brought it up. She knows it'd be an awkward subject!
"Ehee, that's true... you should see his phone wallpaper and his favourite video.~"
Poking fun at me, Sayori also joins in as she hops towards Natsuki.
"Hah, really? Gross... uwa, I'm getting the shivers."
Holding both her arms, she pretends like she's freezing to death as she seeks warmth from Sayori. Embracing each other, they share a long lasting hug as I feel like my promise to Sayori became secondary.
"Y'know, I couldn't really care less if you're getting the shivers. I'm sure you're interested in certain character types or appearance."
"Me? No way, no way. I just like it if they're drawn cute. Hmm, speaking which, how come Sayori doesn't read manga?"
Looking at Sayori, she simply tilts her head. She never quite shown interest in it, though I don't think I've never asked.
"E-Ehh?"
Feeling pressured by Natsuki, Sayori slowly backs away just a bit.
"Well I just thought since you two are close, Yuki's interest in manga would rub off on you somewhat."
"Oh, well umm... I just never felt all that interested in it. I don't think I could ever be as passionate about it as you two, but thanks to it, the two of you are closer, right?"
Smiling sweetly at Natsuki she could only gasp as she looks over to me as I try averting my gaze.
"With that guy? Impossible, no way! I-I was just wasting time with him, that's all! We're not close!"
"R-Right? There's no way we are, I only read manga with her because she's my underclassman..."
Following after Natsuki, I couldn't quite be honest with myself. However, there's no way I can admit that if she's being stubborn.
"Is that what you thought about me, muffin face!?"
"M-Muffin face..."
Natsuki's outraged as though she's the only one offended, I'm hurt too you know!
"Heehee, you may not have noticed but Natsuki rarely smiles the way she did when you were reading together the other day."
"H-Hey, Sayori, zip it you!"
Natsuki waves her arms in front of Sayori to keep her quiet, however she takes measured steps back and continues giggling.
"Hahaha! Natsuki, you don't need to be that way, besides we-"
"Oh shut it you! Or else the crack on your phone screen is not going to be the only problem it has!"
She takes out my phone from her pocket as I could already see a large crack from one corner to the other.
"H-Hey, that's!- ...Wait, where'd you..."
"Sayori said you broke her window with this, gosh, is this like some sort of brick?"
I believe it's the case that makes it appear bulky. But if the screens cracked then I'll be sure to get a refund...
"Yeah... well I had no other choice; it was in the heat of the moment."
Scratching my head, I couldn't look at them directly in the eye as I'm ashamed I skipped past the point of what phones were originally designed for.
"Hmm? Well, here you go. Not like there's any reason for me to hold on to it."
She hands it back to me as I begin checking for any other issues with it, however, Natsuki speaks the truth which is a relief.
"I'm back, Yuki! Is Sayori up there with you right now? Could you ask her to come down, I'd like to speak with her for a moment."
Hearing my Mother's voice, it seems she's back from clothing shopping.
"A-Ah yes she is but..."
I look over to Sayori as she answers with a nod.
"Yes, I'll be right there!"
Wondering what reason she has for Sayori, she gives us a small wave before exiting the room.
"Your Mother?"
Watching her leave, Natsuki asks a simple question as I reply with a simple yes.
"Hmm... It must be nice to have other adults to look up to."
Taking a seat against my chair, she slowly spins around.
"Mm, since we've been together for a long time, sometimes it feels like Sayori's part of the family."
We've been neighbors since we were young and there weren't many other kids around our age in the area.
"Hmm, I see... I grew up not knowing anyone on my street, back then my parents always told me to just stay away from strangers; which ultimately meant not greeting anyone who waved at me."
"...Must've been tough..."
"Yeah... it was. Anyways."
Rolling the chair closer towards me, Natsuki's expression changes.
"Since we're given the opportunity to right now. Have you come up with any ways to prevent another incident like yesterday?"
She calmly looks at me as I could feel her strong emotions behind her words. I don't think I've seen this side to Natsuki before.
"I just think we need to be there for her whenever we can. At least enough to not be a burden to her."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing... but even then, you did such things before, right? All those years you spent together, she hid it from you up until now. What if she tries hiding it again?"
Asking the important question, it's true that she managed to hide such a big secret from me for all these years. However, it's because I was simply blinded from my image of Sayori. The Sayori in my mind was always smiling, cheerful, kind and honest. It's like she had enough joy in her that she could bestow onto others. Such an image stuck with me and I never questioned it. I never took the time to ever think whether or not she was suffering.
"This time's different because we know the truth."
"Hmm... Well I don't know how that'd change things, but if you're content with it. I'll try my best for her... like she did for me."
"...Yeah, the same goes for me. Sayori knows this, she knows that we're here for her, she just needs further reassurance. I'm sure of it."
"Then that's that."
She hops off the chair and extends her arm towards me as though to shake hands.
"Let's do this, for Sayori's sake."
She grins as she leaves me no choice but to accept her gesture.
"Yeah, for our sake as well."
"Heh, well the plan will commence tomorrow then. Come find me behind the school building during lunch time... w-with Sayori of course! Honestly, what were you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking of anything shady...I mean I don't know if I'm fit enough to go tomorrow, but I'll do my best."
"I didn't even mention shady and that was the first thought that popped into your mind. Uwa, you really are a predator, I'mma be sure to let Sayori know."
She obviously chose to not hear my words correctly as she rushes out of my room, but before closing the door, she pokes her head back in.
"Oh and be sure to read parfait girls too, I mean I'm sure you weren't able to concentrate on it thinking about Sayori n' all. Be sure to bring it back tomorrow, because I'm taking this."
She slides out a small novel from her bag as I immediately recognize the cover. A short story of an orphan who found new life with royalty.
"S-Sure I guess..."
Not like I'd have any say in the matter.
"Then I'll see ya tomorrow. You better come."
With a wave, Natsuki exits the room as I hear her exchange greetings with my Mother before saying farewell to them and departing. Come to think of it, she stayed longer than I thought she would.
...
They spoke longer than they would as Sayori eventually returns with packets of chocolate filled marshmallows.
"Yuki, I'm back with some marshmallows, she gave me a whole bag full."
"From the Candy Land I take it."
When we were younger, we used to go to the local shopping mall together and our favourite place was a shop that was filled with hundreds of different candy. One part of the shop displayed a dozen of original creations they change weekly so it was always fun to see what was new.
"Ehe, wanna eat a few? I won't be able to finish these by myself.~"
Sitting against the side of my bed, she opens the bag and hands me one.
"Heh, I'm sure you're just saying that. You can finish the whole bag yourself; I've seen you do much worse."
I snicker as I pop one into my mouth. I'm not a big fan of marshmallows, but I can see the appeal of eating something fluffy and soft, Sayori always loved them that sometimes she'd just roll them between her thumb and index finger even when she was told not to play with her food.
"Oh busted... hehe.~ They're so nice and fluffy, not hard like some you buy at the supermarket."
"They're top quality stuff, which is why they're usually priced above the average bag you get from the markets."
"...Mm."
She nods in silence as she slowly chews the marshmallow.
"...You know what your Mother said to me? ...She said if it was whether or not your fault that I became this way."
"She's not right is she?"
"Of course not... you've been with me for so long... how could it ever be your fault."
"Ahaha, well when there's something wrong with you she'd always thinks I'm to blame. I think it started when you were lost in that forest once."
"Forest..? Oh, that time. When we were having a family picnic, you dragged me in and started running around."
Thinking back to it, I sometimes treated Sayori quite poorly though at that time I was just thinking of playing around. Children don't really know what they're really doing sometimes.
"Y-Yeah... ahaha, when I returned to our parents, you were nowhere to be seen."
"It was really scary you know? All I could hear were bugs and birds chirping. All that was left to guide me were our names we etched into the trees. Hehe, but you were the first to find me; at that time you were sweating through your shirt and looked so happy to see me."
"It was my responsibility after all. I'm surprised you didn't start avoiding me from then on."
"Heehee, I honestly didn't like it and I thought I would start to hate you, but... I didn't; because you were always the first come to me. ...If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. You've saved me many times in the past, and it only took me just yesterday to realise just how much you mean to me."
"..."
I don't think she knows just how much she's saved me which is easily double the times I've been there for her.
"A-Ah s-sorry, this isn't what I wanted to talk about..."
"It's okay, it's better if sat down and talked about this. Get it off our chest, you know?"
"Ehee, thanks, Yuki."
Handing the bag of marshmallows to me, she smiles elegantly.
"I hope we can continue being friends, Yuki. At least, until we graduate."
Accepting her offer, I take one marshmallow and throw it at her.
"Oww, h-hey what are you-"
"You sure an idiot, you know that?"
Graduation's half a year away, there's no way I can accept that.
"H-How cruel! Not only are you insulting me, but you wasted one mashy!"
"The cost of one mashy's enough to snap you out of it. Sayori, until we're old and have children of our own, we'll still be together."
Smiling, I thought I said something clever as Sayori jolts. However, as her cheeks soon flushed, I realised that she may have interpreted it another way.
"Y-Yuki... I-I umm... ehee... I never thought you felt that way..."
Having trouble finding the right words, I immediately turn away from her as my body tenses.
"A-Ahhh! Y-You got it all wrong!"
Trying to correct the misunderstanding, Sayori doesn't need a confession right now, all she needs is someone to be there for me.
"I do..?"
She looks at me and waits for further explanation as I could honestly feel a throat cramping.
"W-What I mean is... we'll grow old together and find someone special, even then we'll still be there for each other... or at least that's what I'd like."
"Oh... heehee... To grow old together..."
"Yeah, I mean we've already been together for most of our lives already, why not continue doing so?"
"...I'd like that... ehee, I know we can't promise to do so... because we don't know what the future will hold, but from now on, I'll do my best... I'll try a little harder."
"That's all I need to hear. But whenever you need a little helping hand, just call me or Natsuki. We're here for you."
"Mm, I will, thank you, Yuki. I wouldn't know what it'd be like if I never met you or Natsuki."
"Aha, well I'm sure my life would've been pretty dull. You gave me confidence and learnt to trust people."
"E-Ehh, I did?"
This is probably the first time I've mentioned it, it was pretty early in our lives in elementary.
"Back in elementary when we were in the same class, remember that hermit crab shell that our teacher brought in and had on display?"
"Hmm..."
She tries remembering, but it seems she can't recall the event that took place.
"Apparently someone bumped into the shelf and then it shattered against the floor. Everyone was pretty down from it since they believed they could hear the ocean in it."
"Oh... s-sorry, Yuki, I can't seem to remember..."
"Nah, it's okay. I remember it because it really made me happy. You at least remember how poorly I was treated in that class, right?"
"Mm, you weren't well liked and some would usually pull pranks on you. I still don't know why though."
It's not like I can brag about my skill as a runner back then which apparently made lots of people jealous. And jealous kids can do bad things.
"They all blamed me for breaking it, even though I was nowhere near the shelf that day. I mean it wasn't like it was staged, it could've been an accident but they were all waiting for something they could blame me for."
"..."
I mean thinking about it now only makes me chuckle, however at that time I honestly felt like everyone was out to get me. The teacher may not have believed them, but it didn't really matter if she did, because I was still made to apologise for it.
"You were the only one who stuck by me... who trusted me, who stayed with me."
If Sayori doesn't remember it only further proves she does thinks not because she wants other people to think she's kind, but because it's in her nature. I don't think she realises all the good things she has done for me.
"Oh... I can't believe I could forget something like that..."
"It's an important memory of mine."
"Heehee, I'm glad it is.~ Thanks for sharing that with me, Yuki."
Putting the marshmallows aside, she moves in for a hug as I was honestly shocked by her initiative. If anything shouldn't this be the other way around?
"S-Sayori..."
"Ehee, sorry... I think I need a hug right now."
"...Then do as you please."
I wrap my arms around her and honestly she's emitting more heat than yesterday, if anything she's the one heating me up. We stay embraced for a while until Sayori speaks up.
"U-Umm, Y-Yuki..?"
"Hmm?"
"I think I've had my fair share of hugs for the day..."
"Oh, then umm... sorry, could we stay like this for a little longer? It seems I've lost my will to move for the time being."
"Ehee... okay, for as long as you'd like, Yuki..."
She slowly pats my back as though I were a sulking child; however I couldn't find the strength to retort. It felt surprisingly comforting, reassuring, that Sayori's emitting this much warmth which is the exact opposite feeling to the vacant eyes I saw yesterday.
...
After that, we proceeded to chat further into the evening as I eventually found the strength to detach myself off of her before my parents walk in. She changed the bandages wrapped around my head and legs as instructed by Natsuki as well. It's still surprising to me that she knows these sorts of things which makes me wonder why she has this skill.
I asked Sayori if she knew, however, it appears yesterday was the first time she ever demonstrated it.
Even though I may not be able to walk at my usual pace, I'd still be able to attend school but probably have to skip P.E and all the heavy thinking topics. I still would like the bandages to stay intact throughout the day as it does both help heal and relieve the pain.
...
"Sayori, are you awake yet!?"
In the early morning, I call for Sayori by her front door.
"..."
"If you don't respond, I'll-"
Before I could finish my sentence, Sayori swings the door open with a smile.
"You will?"
"Come up and-... Wow, Sayori, you're all ready and everything."
"Heehee, yup! Good morning, Yuki.~"
Slipping on her shoes, she steps out and locks the door behind her. It feels like it's been forever since I've seen her like this.
The past Sayori may have been a fake; an image that she wanted to burn into the minds of others. An image so well put together that even those close to her think nothing of it. I was one of them.
But now, the Sayori before me is the real deal. An ever so bright, burning flame which may become exhausted easily, but If we're there for her I'm sure her light will stay lit forever more.
Sayori... I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm sure there are things that you've left out that you're not aware of, your heart may still be entangled, but... I know someday, someone will appear who'll treat you right, someone you can fully commit to, but until then, I'll be here to protect you.
"Yeah, good morning, Sayori. Come on; let's get going before we're late."
