( This is written in Komori's POV. )
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Two
Not Alone: Komori
Hanegasaki High. As I looked up at the structure that lasted to this day years after I'd stepped through the doors, it brought back that aching in my chest. There'd been so many painful memories here, and I could still hear them, reminding me of their existence as they lurked the hallways.
But when I turned to face the person standing aside me – the one most special to me – a smile crept onto my face before I could tell it to.
As there are bad memories, there are also the good ones. There are memories you forget, and the ones that you will remember long after your death.
I will always remember the memory that came rushing back to me then…
-
"Everyone, this is Komori-kun. Komori-kun, would you like to share some of your interests to the class?" Wakaouji-sensei smiled at me, but even the teacher's warm welcome failed to calm the whirlpool in my stomach.
"Oh, my gosh! He's so cute!"
"Komori-kun, I'll show you around the school!"
"Hey, let's eat lunch together!"
I felt dizzy looking at all my new classmates, so instead, I just stared down at the floor. The hand on my wrist began to grip the skin there tightly, as if it kept me standing… "U-um…" I muttered in a voice so low that even Wakaouji-sensei, who was standing right beside me, had to lean in slightly.
The girls whispering and squealing had shushed.
Trembling, I tried to force sound through my dry lips. "U-uh…" Surely there was something I could say. Anything.
But I couldn't.
"Say something!" one of the boys yelled across the room, and I started to shake. Uncontrollably. Stupidly. Fearfully.
That was how they saw me by now, didn't they? I could tell. The whole classroom started to talk and whisper, but their conversations didn't sound so friendly… "What's up with this guy?" "We have to share a classroom with him?" "What if he's guilty of something, you know, like a murder, and that's why he can't speak?"
I looked over at the door. The exit, my escape… I didn't have to listen to what they were saying… I'd never wanted to come here in the first place!
"It's okay to be nervous on your first day!"
It was silent again. I looked up to see a girl with short light brown hair, friendly eyes that seemed to sparkle at me…and…
The most beautiful smile I'd ever seen…
"Thank you for that, Shiroi-san," Wakaouji-sensei said. I could hear a sly smirk in his words. "I have a feeling you and Komori-kun will get along well. So, Komori-kun, you can go sit over there, next to Shiroi-san."
Biting my lip, I was surprised to find that my legs were capable of taking me over there. The whirlpool had calmed, and she had done it. Taking my seat, I carefully avoided her eyes, but I could still feel her smile on me.
"I'm Megumi Shiroi," she told me as I shyly looked over at her. "You can eat lunch with me today, and I can show you around, too."
"K-Komori Taku," I murmured. I knew she'd heard it, though, because her gaze twinkled brighter. "Thanks… That sounds…nice."
I was still nervous, but it was for a different reason this time…
-
I hadn't known at the time, but Megumi Shiroi would soon become my most special person.
She'd visited my apartment everyday, and when I finally felt comfortable with the aspect, I'd let her inside. We ate some soup and…I opened up to her. Because I could trust her.
I started to wait for her after school, and I even remember that one time I'd foolishly blurted out, "I like spending time with you!" But she didn't think I was stupid for saying that. Instead, she'd blushed and said that she liked being with me, too.
Soon enough, I confessed to her. She told me she felt the same way, and I…I had never felt that kind of happiness before as I heard her words.
We'd kissed, too…
I would never be alone again.
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Thanks for reading! :)
Next shall be…
Either Saeki Teru or Shiba Katsumi. :P