Kyousuke couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the name displayed on the screen of his cell phone. After the initial rush of joy and excitement, he tried to reason with himself, telling himself it could just have been a misdialed number. That was probably the most likely reason. Right?
Despite his misgivings, he answered the call and held the phone to his ear.
"Hello. Riki, is that really you?"
There was a long moment in which all he could hear was breathing. He hadn't hung up. That was probably a good sign. Kyousuke swallowed, trying to moisten his dry mouth as he waited for Riki to speak.
"Kyousuke?"
It had been so long since he heard that voice. An unbidden rush of tears sprang to his eyes.
"It's been a long time," Kyousuke said, struggling to keep his voice steady.
"Yeah."
An awkward silence followed.
"So, er, what's up?" Kyousuke asked finally. "This isn't just a social call, is it?" He thought back to the last time he had ever spoken to Riki. Riki had made it quite clear at the time that he never wanted to speak to Kyousuke ever again. He had told him in no uncertain terms that he hated him and thought he was sick.
Riki hadn't spoken to Rin since that day either.
Riki drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I miss you."
"Huh?"
"You and Rin, I miss both of you. I said such horrible things on that day. I was hurt and angry. I couldn't believe it, that the two of you had been carrying on behind our backs, keeping it a secret..."
"I know. I would hardly have expected you to accept it."
"To be honest, I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around it. But, in spite of it all, I miss you. I want to talk to you again. Do you think you could forgive me?"
"There's nothing you need to be forgiven for."
"What?" Riki sounded stunned. "But I said all those awful things and I even ended up hitting you. How can you say that?"
"You were hurt, angry, confused... it was understandable."
"Kyousuke." Riki's voice became choked up. "Thank you. I don't deserve this. I was so sure you would hate me. It's all my fault, isn't it? Rin having to drop out of school and everything..."
"It isn't your fault."
"Yes, it is. If I hadn't been yelling like that, the whole school wouldn't have found out, and the way I was treating you guys after that, ignoring you both. I must have hurt Rin so much. I wish I could take it all back." Riki had started to sob in between words. "I felt so guilty after she left, but I couldn't bring myself to apologize for what I did. I wouldn't be surprised if she hated me."
"Riki, neither of us hate you. That's ridiculous. You did nothing wrong." Kyousuke exhaled, feeling a pang. He'd had no idea Riki had been feeling like this the whole time and he felt bad for it. How much suffering had been caused all because of the decision he and Rin had made on that fateful day? "I never thought I would ever hear from you ever again. It would be wonderful if we could be friends again."
"You really mean it?" Riki asked shakily.
"Of course I do. Why don't we meet up sometime, you, me and Rin?" Kyousuke paused. "Maybe even Masato and Kengo could come?"
There was a long pause. "Ah... well, maybe Masato would come, but I don't think Kengo would. He doesn't really approve. I could ask, but..."
"No, it's alright. I can hardly expect everyone to come around at the same time, if at all. I'm just happy that you finally reached out to me." Kyousuke smiled. "Rin is going to be so happy. She's really missed you all."
"Where is she?"
"She's gone for a walk. I'll tell her the good news when she gets back. Or you could call her."
"Hmm, maybe I will do that. Thank you so much, Kyousuke."
Why was Riki even thanking him? If anything, he was the one who should be giving thanks. They exchanged farewells, promising to talk later, and the call came to an end.
Kyousuke sank back into the cushion, joyful tears welling in his eyes. Ever since the day they were caught, everything had looked so bleak but now, finally, things are starting to look up a bit. He couldn't wait to see the look on his little sister's face when she came back.