Together Forever

Chapter 6

That Missing Thing

Somehow, those words caught my attention. They dragged me out of my trance that I was in.

I need you.

What did that mean?

"You… need me?"

"You have to stop this now. You're hurting. I can tell, and I really want to help you. But I'm hurting just as much as you. I need you with me Kotori."

"You need me?" The question continued to run through my brain and out my mouth. I wasn't following this girl's train of thought.

"You may not care for what I'm about to tell you, but I need someone to hear me out. I've been given the gift of endless talent and success. Everything I do, I succeed at which makes my family proud. This also causes a split with the people I know. They all know me as the girl who can't be beat; the girl who could never understand what it's like to be a normal person. Unfortunately for me, I never realized this. It wasn't until I entered my second year of high school when I realized that I was different. The ones that I knew were placing me on a pedestal and the ones who didn't believed that I was a celebrity of sorts. This prevented me from making friends because they thought they couldn't be friends with me. I tried to narrow the gap between us, but as I did that, everyone else widened the gap. I was unlike anyone else. I was alone. And then when I saw you on the edge, it reminded me of my past self. I thought that it would be best to not be a part of this world. I thought that the world didn't need me, but I quickly realized that it did. If I departed early, my family would be torn apart. I couldn't go on knowing that I caused their pain. So, I put on this façade of being a prince so that everyone could smile and be happy. However, I'm the one who is forced to suffer."

Her words were deep and so full of meaning that they were reaching me on an emotional level. For her to say that I reminded her of herself meant that we were similar. However, at a glance, it just didn't seem possible. This girl was perfect. There was no way that we could ever be similar.

"So why live with all of that suffering? Why go on when you know that no one will ever be equal with you?"

"Because I stayed hopeful. I believed, deep down, that I would meet someone that needed me when they needed it most. That person is you. Yes… I don't know a lot about you and you don't know a lot about me, but that doesn't matter. I can keep on going because I know that there's someone that truly needs my help. Now, I selfishly ask this of you."

At that moment, she pressed her head against mine and closed her eyes.

"Live for my sake. Live on knowing that I need you. Live on, knowing that you're important to someone you know. Can you do that?"

There was so much going on right now that it was hard to process it all. This girl just showed me a totally different side of her that I didn't even know existed. How could I possibly say no to her? she literally just gave me a legitimate reason for continuing on.

"Yes I can."

She suddenly opened her eyes with tears forming on all sides.

"You have no idea how long I've been keeping that inside for. Anyway, I'm going to check why the nurse is taking so long. Keep putting pressure on that."

As she left me alone, I was simply speechless. I had just learned so much about her that I didn't know before all of this. It was amazing that she was able to say that so easily in front of my, but the more amazing thing was that they were very similar. The two of us were going through things that were hard for us. However, she's handling it a lot better than me. I mean, I literally just tried to end it again. This was my second time, but thankfully, I was starting to think that that was going to be the last time. I pressed the towel on my arm as hard as I could until the Sonoda-san came in with the nurse.

When she asked me what happened, Sonoda-san told her that I had an accident while in home cooking class. This made me feel a lot better because I couldn't imagine what the nurse would think of me if I told her I tried to kill myself. This all goes back to me not telling my parents. I've taking my life twice and yet; I haven't told them about it. Was it right for me to do this to them? If I were to be confident to tell them, how would I go about doing it? I don't think any person just goes up to their parents and explains that they almost killed themselves. It's just not normal.

After I got all patched, the nurse told me to stay in her office until school got out. I wasn't opposed to this idea since there was no way I could concentrate in class. Unfortunately, Sonoda-san was forced to return. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways… At least, she did. I was still on the bed. Even though I was alone, it helped me think about everything because the first time in a long time, things were started to become a little clearer.

Humans don't like to be alone. When we are, it makes us feel weak and insignificant. That's why we go out and make friends and start relationships. Meeting Sonoda-san and having her share her heart at me really changed my outlook on things. Before she showed, I was alone which made me feel insignificant. Once she was introduced to me, I started to feel more confident in myself. Unfortunately, it still led me to almost killing myself a second time. with that set aside, I believe that she's the answer to my question. Sometimes, friends are all we need and I really think that she could be a true friend to me.

I want to talk to her. I want her to talk to me. I want to relate with whatever she's done or hasn't done. Deep down, I want to take those first steps at becoming my normal self. I can't do it alone, but I'm sure this girl can help me. She told me that she needed me and that I needed her. What other reason is there for me to live?

…

When school ended for the day, I mustered up the strength to climb out of bed. As I did, the door slid open and in walked Sonoda-san. She asked me how I was feeling and I gave her a big smile, indicating that I was fine. Once I had all my things, the two of us headed down to the shoe lockers.

"Hey Kotori."

"Yeah?"

"I hate myself for doing this to you, but I have archery practice today so I won't be able to walk with you. Are you going to be alright?"

Flashbacks suddenly appeared in my head. They were all revolving around that incident in the bathroom. I didn't want that to happen, but I wanted her to know that I was willing to change. What would be the best thing to say to her?

"Well… Would it be alright if I stayed and watched your practice maybe?" It was the best thing I could come up with, but even I knew that I sounded super hesitant.

"If you want. Sometimes our practices do go pretty late."

"I'll be fine. My teacher didn't tell me anything about homework so I'll be fine."

"Alright then. Follow me."

I followed her to the back of the school where there was an old-style building. That was where the archery club was located. Sonoda-san opened up the door and I saw a group of girls dressed in traditional archery apparel. I couldn't help but smile because those outfits always seemed so cute to me. However, I was visiting so there wasn't much for me to do. There was a bench near the entrance so I took a seat there and watched until their practice ended. It wasn't anything special, but I did find out that Sonoda-san was an ace. She nailed every shot with the highest precision and everyone in the club continuously complimented her on her technique. This made me smile as well. This was truly her talent and success side showing.

When practice was over, they packed everything up and the two of us were allowed to leave. On the way home, I decided to start up a conversation. I simply talked about what I saw and told her how impressed I was. However, there was one thing that was on the tip of my tongue, but just couldn't get out during the moment. After a few minutes, we made it to our first stop which was my house.

"Well, thank you for walking me back."

"No problem. My house is in this direction anyway so there's no hassle," she said with a smile.

"Still. It's generous of you to do this."

"That's what friends do."

There it was again. The idea of being a friend was getting clearer and clearer.

"Well, I'm gonna go. I'll see you tomorrow. Okay?"

Before she could turn and walk away, I blurted out something completely rash and unexpected.

"I would like to be a part of the archery club!"

End of Chapter 6