Author's Note: I apologize for the lack of updates. I have become much busier than before, but I will start releasing a chapter a week. If I miss a deadline, then two chapters will be uploaded in the same week. The Aya arc is something I have trouble with, but nonetheless I will continue it.

"The Girl Who Lived"

A few days have passed since my memories of Aya returned. Kyousuke was beyond mad, but he didn't do anything to prevent my getting to know her again. Though, admittedly the idea of Rin being okay with everything was a little much to ask. The two had begun competing for me. I loved Rin, no doubt, but a part of me also felt love for Aya. I was torn. Rin was real, and Aya had apparently been only a figment of Kyousuke's world. But there was no questioning that the girl that appeared was Aya. So did that make her real? Kyousuke wouldn't answer me any time I asked why he had taken my memories of her. Things were confusing for me, now more than ever.

Aya started attending again when the teachers mysteriously found records of her previously attending. Part of me knew that Kyousuke had pulled strings and gotten her accepted into the school again. The day went by quickly and classes were over before I knew it. Aya rushed to me before anyone else had the chance to. She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room. I struggled to keep up with her, and even protested a little. Behind me I could hear Kengo and Masato calming down a furious Rin. I made a mental note to thank them later on.

"Aya where are we going?" I decided to ask.

"It's not fair that Rin gets all of your attention. I want it too! We made a promise didn't we? I still expect you to deliver," her voice grew threatening.

"But Rin-"

"Rin Rin Rin! That's all you ever talk about! Look I get it. You're dating her now. I don't like it, but I can't do anything but try to win you from her. And don't even try to talk me out of it. You know I love you and I know you still love me! You're just too nice of a guy to break up with Rin for me," she was still pulling me along while she ranted.

I knew somewhere deep down she was right. I still loved her, but I also loved Rin. I was stuck choosing between them. Should I choose the girl I asked out, or the girl I made a promise with? And if I really loved either, why am I unable to choose? That was what worried me the most. Something in my stomach told me to avoid choosing, and that they'll work it out themselves. But my heart told me to talk it out with them.

Given that hearts are typically driven by passion instead of logic, I decided to follow my instincts and avoid choosing for now at least. I was content with the way things were now, and I didn't want to mess that up. For now I could split my attention between them evenly until I know who it is I really loved.

"Naoe?" a familiar voice called out to me from behind. "Who is this?"

"Soujiro?" I turned to look at him. "Why are you here?"

"I had some errands to run. Want to explain why you're not with your girlfriend?" he persisted.

"A promise. I uh, I can't break my word. Rin's probably really mad. Can you tell her I'll explain everything tonight?"

"Sure I guess," he shrugged. "Oh right, still haven't gotten your name."

"Aya," she said. "That's all you need to know. Come on Riki~!" she began to pull me along again. I was getting tired of being dragged everyone, but I knew how strong she was, and not just physically. Her courage and passion for what she does is astounding, something we could definitely use in the Little Busters.

When the urge to ask her to join came up, a chill went down my spine. Apparently, she had sensed something as well. We locked eyes for a moment, and then we darted down a narrow alley. I fell slightly behind her, but that wasn't anything new to me. From my memories, I could tell that she always took the lead and I lagged behind. It was annoying, but acceptable.

"Impossible. Why do I sense the Darkness Executive here?" Aya asked. "That was so eerie."

"That shouldn't be possible here...Kyousuke isn't in control of this world," I closed my eyes to think for a little bit. "But...Is it linked to you being here? There wasn't another incident so I know I'm not back in the transient world. So that's the only explanation possible. Urgh! Thinking about it makes my head hurt."

She finally took a break from the running, and turned to face me. Her hair had fallen to hide her eyes, but it was easy enough to tell that she was annoyed. She glanced around to ensure that we had lost them. When she was sure of it, she kicked a wall.

"Aya?"

"It isn't fair! I can't have anything I want! I can't have you and I can't have a single day in the city with you! What's the point of even trying anymore?" she had clearly given up, which was unlike her. She kicked the wall again before leaning on it and sliding to the ground. She hugged her knees against her chest.

I sat next to her silently. I didn't have any words to help her. Or rather I wasn't sure which of the thoughts in my head would benefit her. One thought was that I could promise another time, after we had figured out what was going on. Another, to break up with Rin. The third considered breaking it off with her. And the final thought was to continue with our day out and ignore the danger we felt.

As I pondered which of these paths to take, I could feel eyes watching me. But I noticed that Aya wasn't the one watching me. I couldn't see anyone watching me in fact, but the feeling that someone was watching me wouldn't go away. I stood up just in time to hear a girl screaming nearby.