Cheese!

"Why are you always smiling?

I was stunned by that particular question. It was a breezy afternoon. There were only the 2 of us at the time. Kanzaki was sitting with his legs on top of a table, I was just leaning on the wall, listening to the harmony of the wind.

I smiled, "Because it's funny."

He stared at me with a confused look, his legs were on the floor, and his arms were crossed, "But what's so funny just now?"

"Huh?"

"You said that something was funny"


I looked at my watch, it's half past six, I peeked outside of the window. The sun is almost down.

I put down my bags and rushed over, I leaned on my window frame. Strange. The orange petals seemed to be wrestling with earth, gasping for air, until finally, completely absorbed. I can't seem to resist the urge, my lips automatically flinched and formed a smile

"Hmm, odd"

I've never thought about it until Kanzaki mentioned it earlier. All I can remember is that I'm always like this since I was little. My parents told me that it compliments my looks, but a few of my friends were creeped out by it. But I didn't really care, I just do it, until now.

I try to remember the instances in which I have smiled.

I smiled during a photoshoot in 2nd grade.

I smiled even though I was playing the swing by myself at the park.

I smiled when mom told me that I can't have a strawberry ice cream.

I smiled when a bunch of my classmates took my lunch and threaten me if I spoke.

I smiled when helping customers at the grocery store.

I smiled while beating up the MK5.

I smiled enjoying the sunset.

But did I? Am I wrong to think that those smiles were the fruits of my actions? It is weird to put myself in the infinite nature of the universe, with only a smile to use. I start to remember each and every one of those instances. Those smiles were not the manifestation of my happiness. No, they were something else.

I looked at my reflection. I'm not smiling, instead, it was an upside down one. An expression which I have not put to use for quite a long time. Yes, I remember that day…


I stood there with an umbrella in hand. It was a windy evening. The guests were already leaving, and yet, there I was, standing alone. I looked at grass, the rocks, the dust, the flowers, anything but…

"Here lies, Shintaro Itsuki"

I desperately tried to smile, I looked away. I clenched my fist and my teeth. I twisted my lips, grasping for the bliss that lies in that state.

But it just won't be. No matter how hard I try, the muscles on my jaw just won't budge. I can feel nothing but pain aching inside my chest.

I looked at the mirror once again, but all I see is a reflection of nothingness. Of someone void of life and expression. It was not even darkness, not even black, not even a frown, but a smile.

Author's note:

Thanks for reading! Fell free to write a review! I know that it's not necessarily canon, but it is what it is.

Stay safe!