Together Forever

Chapter 9

The Fairy Tale Continues

The next day started off with a bang. I got ready as quickly as I could and headed to Honoka-chan's house. As expected, she was outside waiting for me. She had such a bright smile on her face that I could never forget it. As we walked to school, we immediately got caught up with everything. I learned all about her high school experience up to this point and it sounded exactly like what I expected. On the other hand, I told her all about me and how I've been waiting to meet her.

During the school day, there wasn't much that went on. We had lunch together and then once school was done, we'd head home together. Unfortunately, because of this, I couldn't go to archery club with Umi-chan. Thankfully, she was fine with this.

After our first week together, we decided to go on a date. School idols were far off the radar since Honoka-chan recently came out of a bad relationship with one. Instead, we decided to go to the movies. For me, it was a great experience because we got to be close without saying a single thing to each other. I knew that deep down that we both understood what each of us were feeling. Once the movie was over, we headed to dinner where we caught up even more. That's when I decided to get a little more serious with our relationship.

"So what do you remember?"

"What do you mean?"

"I've told you about how I've lived multiple lives, right?"

"Oh yeah. That definitely caught me off guard when you told me about. I didn't really think it was true, but after a while, I got comfortable with the fact."

"So are you not the same as me?"

"It's hard to answer that. I definitely don't remember anything before I became conscious, if you know what I mean."

"I get it," I said with a laugh.

"It wasn't really until I broke up with Tsubasa when something in my chest felt off. I was heartbroken at first, but then I realized that it wasn't the end of the world. My mind immediately thought about you. I thought maybe you would be the one to make me happy. I was totally right."

At that moment, she grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes.

"I think I love you. I know we're probably too young to understand what love is, but…"

"No. I feel the same way." I placed my free hand on top of hers and gave her a bright smile. "We can learn what it is together."

"Mm. sounds good."

…

Now, a month went by and I was starting to think of special ways to tell Honoka-chan how much she means to me. It was really difficult though. In my past lives, this was the time that really tested my dedication to her. However, I always came through in the end. I just wasn't sure of what we should do for the special occasion. I even had to ask Umi-chan what she thought would be the best thing for us. Unfortunately, she was unsure of the whole thing so it was kind of a waste of time. That's when I knew to just wing it and see where things would go. I recalled back to my old lives and tried to mash something together.

Once everything was ready, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

"Hello?"

"Hi Honoka-chan."

"Hey Kotori-chan, what's up?"

"Um, I was just wondering if you were busy tomorrow."

"I actually am. We're going to go visit our family on the countryside and it'll be an all-weekend thing. I'm sorry."

"Oh, it's alright. Family's important and I wouldn't want you to miss it so I hope you have fun. We'll just do it next weekend."

"Do what?"

"Nothing. It's going to be a surprise."

"Well alright then. Also, the signal's really bad over there so I probably won't be able to answer my phone. We'll just have to catch up when I come back."

"Okay. Talk to you soon."

"Bye."

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but get a little bummed out. Things have been going so well for us and now, a bump in the road has finally occurred. Of course, I can't get mad since she's doing something with her family. I just wish I wouldn't have to be the same weekend as our first month anniversary.

I looked out my window and saw that it was already nighttime so it meant that there was nothing else I could do today. I was getting tired anyway so heading to bed didn't seem like such a bad idea. However, as I skimmed through my phone, I saw my only other contact and decided to see what was going on with Umi-chan. It's actually been quite some time since we've spoken to each other. I dialed her number and waited for her to respond.

"Hello?"

"Hi Umi-chan."

"Kotori, it's been so long. How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you. How are you? I'm sorry for not keeping in touch with you. I've just had a lot of things going on in my life."

"Oh, it's totally alright. I've been doing a lot of things too so it's fine. Anyway, what's up?"

"Well, I had some plans this weekend, but got ruined so I was wondering if you'd like to stay over at my house instead."

"Really? I'd love to… I'm really proud of you, Kotori."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm sorry. That kind of slipped out. I was just thinking about how much you've changed. You've opened up so much, especially with me and it makes me really happy."

For some reason, my chest got a little tight. Hearing her saying that behavior was making her happy made me feel all happy inside. It was a strange feeling, but it was something that I wasn't against. At the same time, I was getting a little confused. That feeling I used to get when I was with Honoka-chan was now being felt when I was with Umi-chan. It didn't make any sense because I've been spending more time with Honoka-chan than Umi-chan lately and yet, Umi-chan makes me feel special. What did this mean? Why couldn't I figure out what it all meant?

"It… It makes me happy too."

"So when would you like me to come over?"

"You can come over at noon tomorrow."

"Okay, sounds good. Is there anything that I need to bring?"

"Just a change of clothes. We'll provide everything else."

"Okay. I'll see you then."

"Bye."

After that, I hung up the phone and rested it on my chest. Although my original plans of being with Honoka-chan has been postponed, being able to be with Umi-chan made it all the better. But then again… That question popped up in my head again. Even just saying her name puts my mind and body at ease. Why is that? Honoka-chan and I have finally met common ground and yet, another girl seems to be splitting us up. I'm supposed to be with Honoka-chan.

Umi-chan is just a friend… A very close friend… Who's been there for me when I needed it most… Who's cared about me regardless of the situation…

And yet, something inside me keeps telling me that Honoka-chan will be the more loving person in my life.

End of Chapter 9