One moment after another, it seemed things were unexpectedly turning in my favor.

Probably!

And let me explain what I mean by that.

A fellow friend I've known for a couple years through Kisaragi, who I may have deep feelings for, came to me out-of-nowhere with constant attention. When I say "constant", I mean messages were flooding into my inbox through homeroom, after school, and even at home. Calls on the other hand were also being unloaded every time Yuka wasn't around, all ongoing for the last couple days.

I didn't know what it was but regardless, it was refreshing to be talking to her again.

All while making me hopeful and happy for... something more.

With that being said, we were having our call on Friday night. Organizing a "date" you could say!

A date with... Naomi.

(Naomi): "Satoshi, you're stepping out of line!"

(Satoshi): "Am I?"

(Naomi): "Uh-yeah! Like, you're asking me to go out somewhere, heh!"

When those words were unfolded my body went from cold to hot in an instant... with cheeks mostly being burned and the grip on my phone only getting tighter, while I felt somewhat reluctant to keep the speaker near my ear. As if her words were too much for me to handle.

Regardless how I felt, by the sound of her voice she came off as if she enjoyed the idea.

(Satoshi): "Is that a no?"

(Naomi): "I don't see why not? It's been awhile since we've done anything together!"

(Satoshi): "Great! I'm glad to hear that!"

(Naomi): "But um, do you want it to be just us? I wouldn't really mind if you brought Kishinuma or whoever!"

Does she really want company?

Then there I assumed Naomi was going to bring her friend. The friend who spends almost every waking moment with her at Kisaragi, from what me and Kishinuma have seen.

Thinking it over, it would be hard to believe if she didn't come.

(Satoshi): "He has work."

(Naomi): "Aw, that's too bad!"

But once I asked that particular question, it changed the tone of the call.

(Satoshi): "And what about your friend? Will she be a part of it?"

(Naomi): "...Huh, friend?"

And there she sounded very confused.

(Satoshi): "You are joking right? You and her are literally inseparable! She must be joining us!"

(Naomi): "...Oh."

Naomi went silent for a moment but resumed with an answer.

(Naomi): "She's um, busy."

Weird.

(Satoshi): "Oh okay then!"

There I did try to gather more about her, like her name for instance, since me and Kishinuma have never learned what it was.

(Satoshi): "What's her name?"

(Naomi): "Her name...?"

(Satoshi): "Yeah! Your friend. We never got what it was, you know? Remember how that day turned out? Haha!"

(Naomi): "...Oh I do. She's really... something."

Why does she sound quieter all of a sudden?

(Naomi): "But her name is... Shinohara."

(Satoshi): "Shino-hara? Shinohara? That's her last name?"

(Naomi): "Yeah, it's... Seiko Shinohara..."

(Satoshi): "Well uh, she seems like a great person! It shows when you both are together!"

Then something else oddly happened. On the side of her line, her breathing stuttered.

As if... she was trying to hold something back.

(Satoshi): "Naomi, are you alright?"

(Naomi): "Oh umm, sorry. I was holding a yawn...!"

That didn't sound like it...?

I don't think?

Maybe she's just tired?

(Naomi): "But um, about tomorrow, will you make it that early? I wouldn't mind if you moved the time up for whatever reason."

Does that mean she wants to go even later...?

These girls can be tricky from what I have learned!

(Satoshi): "Do you want it to be later?"

(Naomi): "No it's a good time, it's just... I don't know. Maybe it can be changed to an extra hour?"

I thought so!

(Satoshi): "Okay! 8PM then?"

(Naomi): "...Heh, sounds perfect!"

I wanted to ask her if something was bothering her but she called in before I could ask.

(Naomi): "Well um, I'm feeling tired. We should be getting some rest anyway!"

(Satoshi): "Uh yeah! It's gonna be a big day for us!"

(Naomi): "Heh... well goodnight Satoshi!"

(Satoshi): "And goodnight to you too, Naomi."

We then hanged up, and after we did I couldn't stop fascinating that me and Naomi... were actually going on a date.

To a place. A familiar place. With us spending time together. Continuing adventures we've missed out for awhile.

But finally, finally we were going to make up that lost time tomorrow.

(Satoshi): "Hmm!"

The urge of jumping and throwing my arms was incredibly strong, and knowing that if I didn't do so, it would hinder my sleeping attempts...

So that was what I did. I jumped a few times and flailed my arms wildly, then after I screamed into the pillow. Then I left a few jabs into the fluffy sack and threw it a couple times up in the air.

That was how happy I felt. A little shaky too but... mostly happy.

The rest of the entire night continued the same as usual. But before officially going to bed, Yuka came to see me. Seen leaving from her room, and wearing that cherry blossom, black-wooden pattern, nightgown.

The same one I got her this year.

(Yuka): "Hey big bro! I heard you are ah, going out with that girl tomorrow?"

Of course she'd bring that up!

(Satoshi): "Eavesdropping again?"

With the comment I gave, Yuka puffed up her cheeks and raised her fists above her chest.

(Yuka): "You can't blame me! Our rooms are right by each other!"

(Satoshi): "Good point!"

(Yuka): "Soooooo?"

(Satoshi): "Yeah me and her have been talking again. We are going to the arcade."

(Yuka): "Ahhhhh, she's lucky! That sounds so much fun!"

(Satoshi): "If only mom wasn't borrowing you, huh? Haha!"

I sat on the bed, and as I did Yuka came over and sat by my side.

(Yuka): "Tell me about it! She can be so evil! Like why can't she just take dad instead? He needs new clothes too!"

(Satoshi): "He has work tomorrow."

(Yuka): "Mehhhhhhh... so not fair!"

Then immediately that little sister of mine began crossing her arms, rocking back and forth in her little cranky bubble.

The sight of her made me wanna rustle her hair, haha!

(Satoshi): "Okay, how about this! On Tuesday we can go! And perhaps Kishinuma could come along too!"

(Yuka): "Him? Oh no thanks! That guy is such a downer! He's always wanting to be mean!"

(Satoshi): "A lot of people do see him that way. But don't let his attitude fool you, he's a really good guy underneath it all!"

(Yuka): "Until I see it, I'll believe it."

(Satoshi): "Haha!"

(Yuka): "*Yawn* Mmmngh!"

(Satoshi): "Someone's tired!"

(Yuka): "Yeah cuz you mentioned that guy!"

Before we departed Yuka got up and then went in-front of me, climbing over and gave one of her night hugs.

(Yuka): "Well I love you, big bro."

(Satoshi): "Love you too Yuka! Get some rest."

(Yuka): "Mmm, you too. Night-Night!"

(Satoshi): "Goodnight!"

As she returned to her room, my back finally returned down on my comfortable, everyday haven. Taking probably a few minutes before I disappeared into my sleep.

Saturday morning came.

(Satoshi): "Hmmnnngh...!"

Awoken from my slumber, on instinct I stretched myself for a couple minutes. Legs up, arms up, body tilted side-to-side.

I was then ready to get up.

I can't believe it's happening!

A date with... Naomi!

And without any real control... it had to come out. Like every other day.

(Satoshi): "Humph!"

From Yuka's door to her room, her voice resonated through clearly.

(Yuka): "Ah, big bro! I can hear that!"

(Satoshi): "...Haha!"

(Yuka): "Filthy!"

One minute after a familiar noise was heard from her side.

(Satoshi): "Interesting! Do you care explaining to me what that one was?"

(Yuka): "Hey, I learn things from the best!"

(Satoshi): "Hahaha!"

Then the day gradually went by, from eating, chores, texting Naomi. And some playtime with my lil' sis.

An hour before I had to leave, we were playing one of her games.

A classic board game of, Haunted Manor!

The goal was to reach the end first with our own pieces. A dice would be used and whatever number the player gets, they would move their piece the amount of times from that given number. Sometimes landing on a spot would grant the player extra moves, even unlocking other areas of the board that would either be used as shortcuts, and-or sometimes, was a necessity to progress further in the game.

I guess it would be considered as, "in-game quests".

Before landing on the final spot, there was a sneaky catch... as the winning-player needed a certain amount of currency, and if the player doesn't meet the required number, then they would have to restart the entire board until they amass the right amount.

Some spots did have punishments, such as being moved back a few paces, or a loss of in-game currency, or even elimination from the game if the player failed to survive ghost attacks.

And then there were those truth or dare portions, or the trivia. If none are properly answered or done, then the player would have to lose a turn. And sometimes move back a few paces and lose currency.

In the past, our games can go up to an hour-long before one of us wins.

So it was a very convenient option to choose and play in the meantime.

(Yuka): "My turn!"

Within the moment we were already both at the last area, with a few paces left before we were officially done. With each of us having enough currency to exit.

(Satoshi): "It's looking like a tie!"

(Yuka): "Eheheh!"

She rolled a five and landed on a special spot. Granting the player to avoid ghost attacks for two turns.

(Yuka): "Your turn, big bro!"

So I rolled the dice and landed on a four. Moved and found myself the unwanted pace.

(Satoshi): "I guess I'm being truth'ed or dared!"

(Yuka): "Let me see! What can I give you? Hmmmm..."

I hope she doesn't dare me something crazy again!

Last time she did almost have me run naked in her room, and thankfully with a bribe of goodies, it had changed her mind.

But today I wasn't sure my allowance could handle more of her sugary craves, if it came down to that predicament.

I needed it for the date!

(Yuka): "In a world of lies, this house needs more truth!"

(Satoshi): "Aright! Bring it!"

Yuka rubbed her own chin and eventually came up with the question.

Knowing her and our sibling ways, it had to be an embarrassing one.

(Yuka): "So ah, big bro! Do you really, really, really, really... REALLY! Really..."

(Satoshi): "Really what? Haha!"

(Yuka): "Like that GIRL you're going out with?"

I'd expected a bit harder than that.

(Satoshi): "If you're asking, well I do um... somewhat like her?"

(Yuka): "Somewhat? Big bro! You're glowing brighter than every LED at the arcade! And yus, I do mean the same arcade you're going to, with her! And without me!"

She can't let that go, huh?

(Yuka): "Anyway, my turn!"

Yuka rolled a three and wounded up getting an additional roll.

(Yuka): "I'm on a roll!"

(Satoshi): "Literally!"

She rolled again and got a six, and landed on a blank spot. Literally four spaces away from finishing the game.

In my turn I made sure to keep the dice in my hand, firmly shaking it that it seemed to have taken awhile.

If I get a six... I can still be saved!

(Yuka): "Ahhh the suspense! When will you let it go?"

(Satoshi): "Now!"

It landed and it given me a flat one, literally landing on another Truth or Dare section.

How in the world is there another one right by?

Who made this board?

Yuka cleared her throat as she stuck her tongue out.

(Yuka): "Have you kissed her?"

(Satoshi): "Hahaha... no."

(Yuka): "No? Sounds like a lie to me!"

I shook my head as she giggled, but she did continue.

(Yuka): "But you do really want to?"

(Satoshi): "I don't need to answer that one!"

(Yuka): "Well it's okay, it's obvious anyway."

Pshhhh!

Instantly Yuka threw the dice down and it landed on a perfect four, which meant she won the game.

(Satoshi): "I guess you've won Yuka."

(Yuka): "Nope!"

Then Yuka did another usual thing and moved my piece along with hers.

(Yuka): "We won, big bro!"

Aw!

(Yuka): "No sibling gets left behind!"

(Satoshi): "I'm sure that's not how the game works!"

(Yuka): "Well! It's my game! My rules!"

Oh Yuka, heh.

(Yuka): "Huh, that's strange."

(Satoshi): "Hm? What is?"

(Yuka): "I'm missing the key-piece for the game!"

(Satoshi): "Missing?"

(Yuka): "Uh-huh!"

The piece was an in-game item that would prove victory, and bring sentiment that the game was indeed over. But with it being gone, it wouldn't have the same impact.

(Yuka): "Oh well! I'll find it later!"

It finally got to that time that I needed to leave.

Of course I couldn't go just yet.

The little one was tugging at my shoulder right as I was at the door.

(Yuka): "Hey big bro! Along the way could you buy me some of that sweet stuff I like?"

(Satoshi): "Wha... you already finished the ones I gave you?"

(Yuka): "Friends were desperate for sugar and you know, I wanted to be awesome just like you!"

If she says it like that... I can't help but buy her more!

(Satoshi): "Alright, I will! Just don't share the ones I get you tonight, okay?"

(Yuka): "Only with you big bro!"

We hugged each other one last time, then gradually I stepped outside, given a few more words before I left the property completely.

(Yuka): "Be careful out there!"

(Satoshi): "Thanks! You too!"

(Yuka): "See ya!"

With the door shut and locked, I walked off to the distance and head to the arcade. It usually took me 20-mins to pass through the congested roads until I reached the main area. And with every step forward I was greeted with the fresh wind, rustling trees, lights that were radiating from the big buildings and signs, and with an ongoing sight of fellow, everyday people.

All normal I could say.

Eventually I made it at the center, the heart of Tokyo, and moved myself nearby the entranceway of the arcade. Waiting outside as I checked my phone to see if Naomi or anyone else had messaged.

(Satoshi): "Alright."

Naomi replied that she was more than half-way there. I responded back telling her I was already at the destination.

So far, waiting was the objective.

A minute passed, suddenly a known voice reached into my ears.

A voice I didn't expect to hear out of all times and places.

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi...?"

One turn to the side Kishinuma was seen walking across the road, twitching his own eyebrows as I done the same.

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma! Hey! Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

(Yoshiki): "Boss let me off for today."

(Satoshi): "Wow! That's cool!"

(Yoshiki): "Definitely cool as hell. But uh, did your sister drag you over here or something?"

(Satoshi): "Haha! No, not this time! I actually came to spend time with Naomi!"

One glance at Kishinuma he then looked around immediately, fidgeting his hands and legs. Like if he... was caught with his pants down.

(Yoshiki): "...Nakashima?"

Weird, is he that excited to see her?

(Satoshi): "Yeah man! I finally got to ask her out!"

(Yoshiki): "That's great! Is she... inside or...?"

(Satoshi): "No, she hasn't made it yet. And let me guess! You've been craving to play House of the Dead!"

(Yoshiki): "...Hah, well now."

Wow he's fidgeting a lot more...

What's wrong with him?

(Satoshi): "Hey man, it's okay! I can watch while you and Naomi play! If that's what's you're worried about!"

A silly suggestion but I couldn't comprehend what other reason there would be for him to be the way he was.

And if I knew Kishinuma I know how much he loves playing that game.

The guy would always jumped into it first, and practically avoid playing anything else. Not even a single touch on, Time Crisis or those fighter games we got in there.

Heck not even any of the dance-pad ones! And he used to dance on them A LOT!

(Yoshiki): "This is bad..."

(Satoshi): "If that's a problem then we can just leave you alone an-"

(Yoshiki): "Shut up Satoshi! I don't care about the GAME! That's not why I'm freaking out right now!"

(Satoshi): "...Uh, what's going on man? Are you okay?"

Wow he's getting really worked-up...

I have never seen him like this!

But immediately he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me away from the arcade building. Leading me.

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi we need to go somewhere else an-"

(Seiko): "Hey guys!"

Shinohara...?

Then we stopped on our tracks and looked back at us to find Shinohara. Alone in her school uniform, while grabbing onto her own forearm. And then those eyes of hers widen after some kind of realization. Or whatever passed her mind.

(Seiko): "Wait a second! Was I about to get DITCHED?"

(Yoshiki): "Ahh no-no! It's uh, I wanted to um... show Satoshi uh...!"

(Seiko): "Kishinuma! You said you were gonna wait until I was done! This is so unlike you!"

Shinohara was right. Kishinuma wasn't acting like himself, and I couldn't process why he was making such a weird scene.

What stood out to me the most was that they were here together. Because if I last recall, Kishinuma made it abundantly clear he wanted no association with Shinohara after what she pulled on Naomi.

Even whenever I would mention her, he would always seem unphased...

But now, with them standing nearby together, and by their interaction, that wasn't the case.

Kishinuma seemed he was trying to hide something but as for Shinohara, she seemed like if they have been doing this for awhile. Or at least enough time that they've gotten close. And that they had some plan to actually go somewhere.

Is that what Naomi meant when Shinohara is, "busy"...?

I mean... could they be...

No way, are they...?!

(Satoshi): "Hold up! Are you both... going out?"

Kishinuma was in glorified shambles. Like if he was going to get executed. While Shinohara shook her head and started blinking frantically. With both hands down and her digits slightly bent outwards.

(Seiko): "I'm sorry, what? No? Did he SAY that?"

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi! God no! What the hell?!"

(Satoshi): "Oh..."

I guess that's not it...

(Seiko): "Kishinuma seriously! Explain yourself!"

But things couldn't have gotten crazier right?

I thought wrong.

(Yoshiki): "...!"

As I heard the gasp from Kishinuma I faced at him. It seemed he realized something emerged from the distances that was worth his attention.

So seeing his reaction that was when I viewed at the direction he was focusing on, then immediately it clicked.

It was Naomi.

She was walking to the arcade, seen wearing in her casual, long-sleeved, folded up, beige colored, shirt. A shirt that showed parts of her shoulders. Then my eyes went down and there I saw were her in those smooth, black pants, along with her school shoes on, seemingly not wearing any socks.

Admittedly, the sight of her almost made me forget the whacky moment. Mostly made me fall into a dozy loop that had just thoughts of her physical beauty. Which brought my legs to shake and lit my insides with this overbearing heat that seemed to last forever.

I couldn't forget the other feeling. And that one gave me curl-like, squeezing sensations within, or around my stomach.

Was I hungry? Maybe for her.

Still, the look she had was no doubt overpowering me.

Wow, what the hell...

That is a real deal!

In a few meters Naomi stopped every movement. Showing widen eyes and her hands clenched onto the sides of her body.

Shinohara soon followed what we were looking at. And then that was when the entire group went silent.

Everyone awkwardly stood, and seemingly unaware what would go next.

The quiet tension broke once Naomi said something.

(Naomi): "Satoshi... did you... set me up?"

What?

Naomi left her mouth opened, with twitching eyes and then gradually faced her head downwards and to the side until she couldn't see us.

(Seiko): "..."

What's going on?

Wouldn't Shinohara be running up to her already?

They aren't even saying hi or anything to each other...

And why is Naomi saying that I'm setting her up?

What does that mean...

(Yoshiki): "Nakashima, no."

(Satoshi): "...?"

Suddenly Kishinuma spoke up, but with his usual, firm tone. While his body stiffened up and with his fists folded tightly.

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi hasn't done anything. If you're looking to blame someone, let it be me."

Blame?

(Seiko): "...What?"

And from that point it seemed Kishinuma was fighting for my sake.

Even though I wasn't sure why he had to, or why that the situation was being presented the way it was. But I knew Kishinuma was reinforcing his own, honest character. Showing his loyalty aspect.

I couldn't just let him take the fall though.

I had to say something at least...

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma let me-"

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi, no. I got this."

As he said that, I knew I couldn't stop him.

Trust was the only option here.

(Yoshiki): "Nakashima! You and Shinohara had a wonderful relationship, a relationship that anybody would DIE to have."

Oh...

Once he said those words, plenty of people stopped on their tracks, surely confused and curious with what was being transpired.

(Seiko): "*Sigh* Kishinuma..."

(Yoshiki): "You can't just throw it away because you're... AFRAID of the outcomes! Or that there's pain and struggles that come along with it! To have something worthwhile, you must go through everything, and it's not just one person who has to deal with it. It takes two! You know what that means? It means BOTH of you! And you can't forget, Shinohara has been going through it too, just like you!"

Naomi had her eyes covered by the front and sides of her own hair, meanwhile Shinohara was grabbing tightly onto her own wrist.

(Yoshiki): "Nakashima... you have separated yourself from her, and by the time you've been away, you should know already that, it's a big, dumb mistake! We can see it. I sure as hell can, just by looking at you right now!"

(Naomi): "..."

Naomi flinched a couple times. Swaying herself from one side, but recollecting her own balance.

(Yoshiki): "When the day you're truly alone... or that if something happens to her, it's gonna fucking destroy you!"

(Seiko): "...*Sniffles*"

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara hasn't gotten over you. And you're lucky she hasn't! So you better talk to her and fix whatever the hell is causing this problem!"

Silence for a moment, he still continued.

(Yoshiki): "It's not too late Nakashima. We can all still have a great night. All four of us, together! Just talk it out with her!"

Ah Kishinuma...

That's not gonna happen...

And immediately after Kishinuma's powerful speech, sniffling was heard on both sides. Which sounded like both Shinohara and Naomi were trying to hold their own feelings together.

The crowd too was speaking and mumbling within themselves while this went on.

But with Naomi, she started turning around, and said one, and probably, the last thing we would be hearing from her.

(Naomi): "...If only it was that easy."

(Yoshiki): "And you can make it easier if you actually tried! For both of you!"

No response, Naomi began walking away, back through where she came from.

And the people around us then resumed to whatever they were doing.

(Yoshiki): "...Idiot!"

(Seiko): "She has a lot on her mind you know...?"

(Yoshiki): "And you don't? Like how can you be fine with that?"

(Seiko): "*Sigh* I'm not. But we can't force her. She needs... time."

Since the date was cancelled, and since I've learned and had been a witness to this new issue, it was my turn to try and do something.

(Satoshi): "Shinohara, I'm sure you're confused as to why this happened. Kishinuma will explain. As for me, I need to follow Naomi, and make sure she is fine."

(Seiko): "Please do look after her."

A few steps forward Shinohara had more to say, bringing me into a halt.

(Seiko): "Mochida."

(Satoshi): "Yes?"

Shinohara's eyes were sparkling with light from the environment, mostly by the moon. And of course she had some of those shiny tears, rolling down onto her cheeks.

She simply gave a nod, accompanying those words in her overwhelming, soft voice.

(Seiko): "Thank you."

I nodded too then left them, and chased after Naomi.

It didn't take long to find her as she was sitting down on the rim of the big, stoned water fountain. Located right at the open center.

A few other unfamiliar faces were also seen sitting by but not very close to Naomi.

I sat myself right beside her as she still had her head faced downwards.

(Satoshi): "Naomi? Hey?"

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

(Satoshi): "So uh, that happened."

Naomi remained silent. Even if we weren't speaking, the background was alive with sound as other voices were resonating from the distances. Even the fountain had a surge of volume as the waters pushed, letting out those riveting splashes. Splashes, along with the night, that set the calming atmosphere.

But it wasn't enough. The posture on Naomi was slouched, and already she had breathed deeply more than once.

(Satoshi): "From how Kishinuma was, and well, with how you and Shinohara were behaving, there's no denying that something is wrong between you two."

(Naomi): "...And I was hoping for it to stay as a secret."

(Satoshi): "A secret? Maybe not a long-lasting one. Because I'm sure we all would quickly see there's something wrong. Remember, you both are always, always... by each other's side."

(Naomi): "...Heh, that's true."

Then that daunting weight had pulled me physically forward, even brought my legs inwards. All in all that the recent situation could've been avoided if maybe, I had done something different.

(Satoshi): "I had no idea they were going to be there."

(Naomi): "Those two?"

(Satoshi): "Yeah. Kishinuma's boss let him off, and then Shinohara and him... so happen to be spending time together."

Naomi then lifted her head and finally made eye contact with me. Seen with her mouth slightly opened, her eyes appeared wet with a couple drops dripped.

(Naomi): "Are they... a thing?"

Why does that matter?

(Satoshi): "I don't think so? I mean, I did actually ask if they were dating, and they said no."

(Naomi): "Oh, okay..."

Naomi then rubbed those same tears off as soon as she felt them falling.

(Naomi): "*Sniffs* Do you also happen to know how long those two been hanging out?"

Why is she still asking about them?

(Satoshi): "No idea. What I do know is that the coincidence was just terrible..."

Which it was.

Which also connects to why me and Naomi were even talking again.

Even so, I had no issues with it.

In bad times calls for a helping hand.

We've all been there.

(Naomi): "I swear, it looked like you were setting me up."

(Satoshi): "I don't blame you, it did look bad."

Naomi sighed heavily.

(Naomi): "Still, you've been there for me Satoshi. I should have known you're not like that. Yet I let my feelings, get the best of me..."

(Satoshi): "Hey, it happens."

(Naomi): "*Sigh* No. It happens a lot. It's to the point that I don't have... Seiko... by me anymore."

Another silent moment, that was when I tried pushing for some insight over their separation.

(Satoshi): "Then could you tell me what part of your feelings, what thoughts... influenced you to part-ways from Shinohara?"

(Naomi): "It's... really complicated. I can't really just... tell anyone."

(Satoshi): "Even if you told me?"

Silence.

(Naomi): ""Sigh* Even you."

Why?

(Naomi): "It would change a lot."

Then there Naomi grabbed her own hands and faced her head upwards, seemingly watching the stars that unfolded the night sky.

(Naomi): "Trust me Satoshi. If I could just... end this. If it meant nobody would get hurt then I would do it in a heartbeat. But that's impossible. Someone's... gotta suffer. And I have to choose who does..."

(Satoshi): "Choose who does?"

(Naomi): "...I'm really, really selfish and cruel."

Selfish and cruel?

(Satoshi): "What are you... saying? All I see is a troubled person."

(Naomi): "..."

(Satoshi): "I don't mean that you're unstable or crazy. What I'm saying is that you do overthink. And if I can recall, we've been down this road already Naomi."

(Naomi): "We have."

(Satoshi): "And I'm serious, you do think too much."

Naomi then softly sighed, sniffled a few times.

(Satoshi): "I'm sure this can be resolved if you just said what's on your mind. And then you don't need to go through this unnecessary pain you've put yourself in."

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

Followed by a few nods and small squeezes, Naomi seemed to be arguing herself mentally.

After a solid minute she spoke again.

(Naomi): "What if... I don't need to say anything? I could maybe just... show you."

Show me?

(Satoshi): "Show me how?"

A good, long minute, she returned her gaze at me, giving a weak smile. While still worn those glistening eyes.

(Naomi): "Satoshi. Could you look away for a second?"

Look away?

(Satoshi): "Uh, okay?"

So I followed with her request.

And well... something out of my expectations happened.

A feeling of some kind, was being pressed into my cheek.

(Satoshi): "...!"

Did she just...?

Immediately one look at her she then had her eyes covered by her hair, along wearing a large grin, and perhaps... a bit of red traced on what was visible.

I personally felt like falling with my back into the fountain.

...Which I almost did.

(Naomi): "That's the only clue I'm giving you, heh...!"

Clue?

What could that even mean...?

(Naomi): "Satoshi I'll... see you another time, okay?"

(Satoshi): "Uhhh alright then."

Naomi then got up, waved at me as I did the same, and then she began walking through the crowd of people, and soon enough she was gone.

I assumed she was heading back home but now, at that moment, I was even more confused than before.

What did it all mean?

Choosing...

Suffering...

A kiss on the cheek...

Could it really be what I think it is...?

Then again, it always seemed that way...

(Satoshi): "...!"

Wha-Wha?!

As I was pondering those thoughts, someone or... something, had grabbed the collar of my shirt with incredible force that it was breifly choking me, and eventually pulled me down into the fountain. Into the water.

Myself being submerged deep within.

But... when I was underneath, a few seconds of flailing from my limbs, something...

Something in the water turned up, that was covered in some kind of bubble-wrap material.

(Satoshi): "...?!"

A closer sight, through the fabric it seemed there was a...

A...

(Satoshi): "BLOARGH!"

The force that was forcing me in the water, was no longer in control. And with no hesitation, I pulled myself out the fluid and climbed over the fountain's bowl and placed myself away as far as I can, while on all fours, coughing out water and trying to catch my breath and sanity.

Trying to... make sense what the hell just happened there... and with what I saw...

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi! Hey! What the hell are you doing?"

...

(Satoshi): "...!"

(Yoshiki): "Why are you taking a swim when you're supposed to be looking after Naomi?"

...

Shivering in the wetness and cold, Kishinuma went by my side and helped me up.

(Yoshiki): "Yo man, what's wrong with you? Everything alright?"

(Satoshi): "...Oh! ...Oh!"

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi, you're scaring me!"

Next he whispered.

(Yoshiki): "...You're making a huge scene...! People are watching..."

(Satoshi): "T-There's... T-There's something in the..."

(Yoshiki): "Spit it out Satoshi, c'mon, what's up?"

Steadily I went back on my feet, shaked and pointed at the fountain.

(Satoshi): "I-I saw a... a h-head... human head...! W-Wrapped...!"

(Yoshiki): "What...?"

Kishinuma then walked ahead and looked at the water, searching for the description I gave him.

Other people around us began spectating him, while some others heard what I said and did the same by inspecting the fountain.

The reactions came in quick.

(Yoshiki): "...What the fuck!"

"Ohhh god!"

"Someone call the POLICE!"

"Shit he wasn't kiddin'!"

"N-Nobody noticed this?!"

"There's a WHOLE BODY!"

"God did a butcher do this?!"

A few voices began piling one after another, then a few screams, shouts... and with all that ongoing, crowds of more people began surrounding the area, blocking view of the entire background outside the fountain.