One of the most popular phrases is all good things have an end. And this phrase applies to summer vacation after all, today is the last day of vacation, and tomorrow I have to go back to Sobu High.
It's not that I hate school or anything like that, but during this month I got used to being lazy most of the day. Of course, I was also able to take this opportunity to look for a part-time job and generate some extra income, but currently I'm fine economically.
Since Rumi's birthday is near, I have the money for her gift and other things that come up, so I didn't see the need to look for a job.
Although my schedule doesn't change much due to the holidays, since I also get up at 6 am to do some exercise, after returning, I have breakfast and start reading some novels or watching anime. And so, I spend most of the day.
I guess I'll miss that, but there's nothing I can do about it, even though when I went to university, I missed the simple life of a high school student. And now I just miss my university life. Who'd say.
So, since this is my last day of vacation, I would have to relax as much as possible, or so it should have been, but a call from Yumiko changed my plans.
As every last Sunday of August, a festival is celebrated, and at the end there are some fireworks, the most cliché thing that could be expected from an anime event.
And I didn't have to be a genius to guess because Yumiko asked me to accompany her, fireworks and confession go hand in hand.
Even if I told myself all the time that I were misunderstanding, deep down I was aware of all of Yumiko's approaches, I wouldn't be so stupid not to notice something so obvious.
So, I tried to get Rumi to come with me to avoid this, but she said that she was going to attend but with her friends. Being replaced by your little sister's friends, its something sad.
I could only laugh at my situation; in the end, I can't escape from this.
Putting that matter aside, Yumiko told me to be decent, and, as I understand it, for this type of festivals a Yukata is used. The problem is that I have never been to this type of place, so I do not have a Yukata.
It would be too late to buy one, plus you're not likely to use it again, so it would also be an unnecessary expense.
Maybe my father has one?
I should call him, but knowing him, he will say that he has no idea, so it is better to call my mother since you could say that she is the boss in the relationship.
Take my phone and select her contact.
After a few seconds, she answered.
''Raiden, is it strange that you call me, did something happen?''
Is it really so weird that I call someone? They always tell me that.
''I was just calling to say hello to my beautiful mother.''
''Get to the point, how much do you want?''
''I'm not looking for money. Besides, you're wrong if you think I'll ask you for money.''
''It is normal if your teenager who does not usually call does it.'' You are right about this. But it doesn't apply to me.
''I just wanted to ask you if you know if my father had any yukata when he was young.''
''Now that you mention it, I think he has some, they should be in a box at the bottom of the closet.''
Looks as if I got lucky with this.
''Are you planning to go to the festival? That's weird.''
''Sorry for being weird.'' I answered with an exhausted tone.
''Will you go with some of the girls that Rumi mentioned? If so, remember to use protection, I don't want to be a grandmother so young."
''Of course not! Who do you take me for?''
''For my eldest son who took two girls to the house while his parents were not there.''
I didn't know how to respond to this. Since she had a basis for saying this.
''I'm sorry for having friends.''
''Don't play the victim, Raiden.'' It's impossible to fool a mother. "Hai, hai, but I'm just going to hang out at the festival, nothing more." I said this last seriously.
''I trust you, don't come back too late.''
''Okay.''
With our call over, I went to my parents' room to look for said box.
My mother was right, the box at the bottom of the closet had several men's yukatas.
Pulling out one of the yukatas, I realized that it had no sleeves; besides, it looked as if someone had ripped it out on purpose.
Since that one was useless, I took out another one, but this one only had half of the bottom part. Was that old man really wearing this?
There was only one yukata left in the box, hopefully it's a normal one.
To my surprise, it was a normal one, although the yukata was too old, in addition to the fact that it had several parts quite battered, and above all it had some stains, and surely those stains are not because ketchup has been put on it.
Were you a Yakuza or what?
I had more questions than answers, so I called my mother again.
''Tell me, Raiden. Her tone was happy, as if she knew my reason for calling.''
''I'll be honest, was that old man a Yakuza?'' I asked the first thing that came to mind.
''Of course not, how did you come to that conclusion?'' Her tone was animated.
''Just by looking at those yukatas I can guess.''
She just started laughing.
"Unfortunately, you are wrong."
"So, he liked to do weird cosplay?" I couldn't think of another reason why he would have that.
''Your father at your age belonged to a gang.'' Her words left me blank. Is my father a member of a gang? That kind?
''Are you kidding, right? There's no way that old man was a gang member."
''He was not a member of a gang.'' That relieved me. ''He was the leader.'' Although the next thing she said was worse. I couldn't imagine my father wearing one of those yukatas, let alone hitting other people.
I seem to remember that my mother told me that she met my father in her youth, so she met him when he was a gang leader?
''If I remember correctly, you met him at that time, right?''
"Correct." That only confirmed my suspicions.
''Then there was the typical encounter where the gang leader rescues the defenseless girl from other gang members, and they fall in love, then decide to leave that life to be together and live happily?'' The story of my parents seemed like something out of an anime.
''No.'' From her tone I could tell she was having fun. ''I met your father in a confrontation, that's where I left him almost dead.'' If the information she told me before left me stunned, this time I didn't know how to respond.
''Raiden, are you still there?''
''Yes, I just think I heard it wrong.'' It was not possible for my mother to leave my father almost dead; much less could I imagine her as a gang member.
''You heard right, in her time your mother was known as the leader of one of the strongest gangs in Chiba. You can be proud of that." She said it with an air of superiority.
''I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked about the yukatas.'' My mind already has enough with the problem of the night to find out that my parents were gang members.
''Eh! Don't you want to know how your parents fell in love and how they left that life to have a family?''
''For my emotional good, I prefer not to listen to it.'' Do not hesitate to answer.
''You are a very cruel, Raiden.''
''I'm sure you must be busy with your work; I don't bother you anymore.'' The best thing would be to clear my mind.
''In fact, I am free, I can tell you…''
''Good, see you later.''
''Raiden, don't cut your mo...''
Cut the call.
After a lot of internal debates, I came to a conclusion, I'll go with normal clothes, I don't think I want to wear a yukata for a while.
My watch indicated that it was already 6, so Yumiko should be near the station.
Like any man who has a date with a girl, I made sure to arrive at the indicated time.
Though I had been thinking about it, I hadn't come up with an answer. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding everything, but I knew I wasn't.
"Ra-chan, Ra-chan!"
While I was trapped in my thoughts, I felt something hug my leg. Also, from her words I could guess who she was.
''Kei-chan, what are you doing here alone?''
Keika was wearing a yellow yukata with sunflower flowers printed on it.
I proceeded to load it. Keika seemed to be searching for someone after hearing my words.
''Are you looking for your sister?'
''Yes!''
How irresponsible Kawasaki can be to lose her little sister.
Since I couldn't see her anywhere, I took out my cell phone and called her. Aside from Kawasaki's number, I also have Yuigahama and Ebina number's. At the time I thought it was unnecessary, but it seems to be of some use.
After a few seconds, Kawasaki answered.
"Tsurumi, I'm busy right now." Her tone of voice was worried.
"Not even a hello? How insensitive you are."
''I am going to hang up.''
"It's a shame, Kei-chan, say goodbye to your older sister, she doesn't seem to want to talk to you."
''Goodbye, Sa-chan.'' Keika replied with a cheerful tone, maybe she should be worried, but having someone familiar made her feel calm.
There was a few seconds of silence.
''Keika is with you, thank goodness!'' Her voice sounded relieved.
''That's right, we are in front of the vending machines.''
''I'm on my way, don't move.''
Kawasaki hung up after saying this.
"Seriously, you have a strange older sister."
"Yes!" Keika was in a good mood.
After a few seconds I could see Kawasaki, she was wearing a light-colored yukata with colored flowers printed on it, she looked pretty good.
''Keika.''
''Sa-chan.'' I left Keika for her to run to her sister's side.
"You had me so worried, don't leave my side again!" Kawasaki hugged Keika.
''I'm sorry.'' Keika looked like she was about to cry as she apologized to her sister.
''It's fine, but don't let it happen again.'' Kawasaki patted her sister's head. Keika just smiled at her older sister's words.
"Thank you for finding my sister, Tsurumi." Kawasaki stared at me as she said this.
''In fact, she found me. Maybe she saw me in the distance, and she came towards me.''
"Then it's your fault she left my side!" Her tone was terrifying.
Better change the subject, as there is no way out of this situation.
"By the way, are you going to the fireworks festival?"
''Hanabi.'' (Fireworks) Said Keika
''Keika wanted to go, even though my mother made us wear a matching yukata, I really don't know what she's thinking.'' Kawasaki sighed after saying this.
''But it suits you quite well, you look beautiful.''
''Thank you.'' She averted her eyes upon hearing my words. Kawasaki is so easy to blush, that's why she's quite adorable.
''Me too?'' Keika asked.
''Yes, Kei-chan, you look beautiful too.''
''Yeih.'' I patted Keika's head, she's so adorable.
''Raiden!'' Hearing my name directed my attention to the direction of the voice although I could guess who she was.
Turning around, I could see Yumiko.
She was wearing a light blue yukata with a flower design, and she had also made a ponytail. She looks pretty good.
''Sorry for the delay.''
''Just arrived, so don't worry about it.''
As we exchanged greetings, Yumiko became aware of Kawasaki's presence.
''What are you doing Kawasaki here?''
"I don't think I need your permission to go somewhere, Miura." Her tone was defiant.
''Kawasaki and Keika are also going to the fireworks festival.'' I preferred to intervene since it seemed that they would get into an argument.
"Keika?" Yumiko asked.
''She is my little sister. Keika say hello, she is a classmate from my school.''
"Hello." Keika replied happily.
Unlike when I met her, this time Keika wasn't so shy around other people, of course it's been several months since that day.
''Hello, Keika, I am Yumiko Miura.'' Although her attitude with Kawasaki was somewhat harsh, with Keika it was the opposite.
''Yu-chan!''
"Yu-chan?" I can't blame Yumiko for asking since Keika usually refers to it that way.
"That is Keika's way of referring to other people, isn't it Kei-chan?"
"Yes, Ra-chan!" I had already gotten used to this nickname, plus it's cute when Keika calls me that.
Yumiko walked over to Keika and patted her head, Keika was happy about this. Being pampered is a pleasant experience.
''At least Kei-chan is adorable compared to a certain person.''
"What are you insinuating, Miura!?" Kawasaki's tone was defiant.
''Nothing, but if you thought so, it must be true.'' Yumiko answered in a cheerful way.
Seriously, women are something incomprehensible.
To my good luck, the train had already arrived, so before they started arguing, I made them get on.
After a few minutes of being a bit cramped on the train, we finally reached our destination.
Various food stalls as well as game stalls could be seen everywhere. My parents spent most of my childhood working, so I had never been to a festival before. Of course, I also never had an interest in going to one because the number of people is too many, so it can be a bit tiring.
''Raiden, let's go get something to eat.''
Before I answered Yumiko, Keika interrupted me.
"Ra-chan, games!" Keika grabbed my hand, as if she wanted to drag me to one of the game stalls.
''Keika, Tsurumi already has plans, it would be impolite to interrupt him.'' Kawasaki tried to persuade Keika.
''NO, RA-CHAN, GAMES!'' Keika was holding me as she didn't want to let go, she reminded me of Rumi when she was younger.
''I have no problem with it.'' Also, since it was a festival, the normal thing would be to eat and play until the time of the fireworks. ''And you, Yumiko?''
After asking her this, I could see a disappointed expression on her face for a moment, but she quickly returned to her normal expression.
''No problem.'' Her tone was flat.
''Games!'' As Keika started to pull on my hand, I decided to follow her.
We arrived at a goldfish stall which consisted of taking out a goldfish with a small paper net, of course, this net broke easily. A classic at festivals if I can remember.
Take money out of my wallet and pay for 3 sets for each.
''Do you want to try Keika?''
"Yes!" As always, she replied without hesitation.
I took one of the nets and gave it to Yumiko. By her facial and body expressions I could tell that she also wanted to try it.
''Yumiko, here.''
''I don't think I'm good at it.''
''You won't know until you try.'' After some encouragement, she joined Keika in trying to catch a goldfish.
''Tsurumi, thank you for fulfilling Keika's whim, even though it's interrupting your date with Miura.'' She said this somewhat discouraged.
''I am only fulfilling a whim of Yumiko since, as she took care of my sister for a few days, this was what she asked me for as compensation.'' Right now I could be reading or playing with my pc.
After saying this, I noticed that her expression changed a little.
''Jealous?'' I said with a teasing tone.
''What are you insinuating?'' Her tone was somewhat annoyed.
''If you want a date, you can tell me.'' Teasing Kawasaki is fun.
''Not even in your dreams.'' She is cold with her answers.
At least she was back to being the same Kawasaki I know.
Focusing back on Yumiko and Keika, I realized that they hadn't managed to get the goldfish out.
"This one is quite difficult." Yumiko was downcast.
"Bad fish!" While Keika seemed annoyed with the poor fish.
''If it were easy, it would not make sense.'' This type of business would not be profitable if it were simple.
Since Keika looked kind of sad, I decided to give it a try.
''How many attempts will you want?''
''Only one.''
''You sound very confident, boy.''
''It's just intuition.'' After watching several anime, I still remember how to win these games.
''Good luck, Raiden.''
"Come on, Rachan."
''Don't go to fail.''
With that kind of support, I guess I can't fail. Besides, Kawasaki would have something to annoy me.
I put the net in the water, once I centered on my target, I used the plastic part of the net as a support for the fish. In this way I managed to put it in the small bucket that the owner gave me.
''Looks like you knew what you were doing, eh boy.''
''It was my first time doing this though.''
Once the owner put the fish in a bag, I handed it over to Keika."
''Take, Kei-chan.''
"Thank you, Ra-chan!"
Nothing better than Keika's smile to purify my heart.
Come to think of it, I should have gotten Yumiko one too. I guess I could try it one more time.
"Ra-chan!" Although Keika started dragging me to another stall. I guess she doesn't care.
This game was one of shooting targets, with a rifle with a cork of ammunition you had to shoot the prize you wanted.
If it was with a ball or other object, it would be simple since it only depends on how much force you use, but here it depends on the weapon and how heavy the target is.
"Neko!" Keika pointed to a black cat plush, it was a regular size, but it looked heavy, so knocking it down with a cork was almost impossible.
''Looks like Kuro-kun.''
Now that Yumiko mentions it, the stuffed animal had a certain resemblance to Kuro.
''Don't worry Keika, I'll get it for you.'' Kawasaki was excited, I don't blame her, if my little sister wants something, I'll do anything to get it.
After Kawasaki paid for the game, she received the rifle with 3 shots.
''Let's go, Sa-chan.'' Keika encouraged her older sister, how cute.
Kawasaki's first shot narrowly missed, the second hit the target, but she didn't move it, the last shot also met the same fate, just as I thought, the teddy was almost impossible to knock down with a cork.
''Come on, Kawasaki, I know you can do better.'' I decided to tease her a bit.
''Tch.''
''Give me another try.''
After failing 3 more times, Kawasaki gave up. Of course, she could keep trying all night, but it was likely that she would spend all her money, and still she wouldn't succeed.
''I guess I can get Kuro a friend.''
I decided to try my luck.
Every festival game has a trick, and this one was no exception. Who would have thought that watching anime would do any good?
My first shot hit the stuffed animal's left ear, which moved it a bit, the second hit the right ear, with this the teddy had recoiled, the last shot was in the forehead, with which the teddy was knocked down. Although it would have been easier if instead of corks it was with a ball.
''Congratulations.'' The owner gave me the stuffed animal although he looked somewhat upset. If I were alone, I would take care of getting all the prizes, but I guess that will be for another time.
Since I didn't give something to Yumiko in the previous game, I can give her this award since it's not as if I'm going to need a stuffed Kuro, when I have the original.
So, I handed the stuffed toy over to Yumiko, she seemed happy with it.
"Neko!" Keika exclaimed as she looked at the stuffed animal.
''Sorry, Keika, I couldn't get it for you.'' Kawasaki was a little sad to fail, I guess I can get another one of the stuffed animals for Keika.
''Have, Keika.'' But to my surprise, Yumiko handed the stuffed animal to Keika.
"Thank you!" Keika hugged the stuffed cat tightly. Since Kawasaki is allergic to cats, a stuffed cat shouldn't bother her.
"Thank you, Miura."
''It's nothing, I'm too old to have stuffed animals.'' Yumiko said with a cheerful tone.
I didn't expect Yumiko to give her the stuffed animal, it was a great gesture on her part to give it to Keika.
Yumiko is a gentle person and does not hesitate to come to the defense of the people she cares about. She really is someone amazing.
''Raiden, let's go to the food stalls.''
"Yes!" This time Keika supported the idea of going to eat.
Kawasaki started moving forward together with Keika.
From the time I have known Yumiko, I can say that she is someone beautiful, incredible and above all a great friend, so I would never allow anyone to hurt her, even if that person was me.
''Raiden, is something wrong? You stood in silence.''
"It's nothing." I started stroking her head. ''I was just thinking about how cute you are.''
"What are you saying?" She blushed and lowered her eyes.
Being Yumiko's friend is something I never thought could happen, I don't want our relationship to change, so there is only one answer to the events that will happen later.
"Come on, Yumiko"
As I started to walk, Yumiko took my right arm, her smile a beautiful thing to see.
''Let's go.''
After walking we could see Kawasaki, she was at a Takoyaki stand, although there was a long line.
"This stall seems to be quite popular, huh." If that stall is so full, it must be pretty delicious.
''Keika wanted to eat some, but it's a waiting line.''
''You can wait, I'll line up''. Yumiko was in a good mood as she said this.
''Yu-chan.'' Keika hugged Yumiko's legs.
''Just wait, Kei-chan''.
''Yes!'' Yumiko gets along very well with children; I am sure that she will be a good mother.
Near the stall there were some benches, I guess they could serve as a waiting place.
Kawasaki held Keika's hand, while I gave Yumiko the money for the food, the money is there to be spent.
Once Yumiko was in line, we decided to wait.
''Near there are some places, let's go there since I'm sure Yumiko will take a while.''
"Yes!" Keika was cheerful.
At this moment I can say that I am happy that Yumiko invited me.
As I thought about this, Keika took my hand. So at this point both myself and Kawasaki were holding Keika down.
While walking, I could hear the conversation of an elderly couple.
''Honey, look, what a beautiful family.''
''These young people of today.''
I guess we see each other as a family.
Kawasaki also overheard this conversation as she was somewhat flushed.
"Looks like we look like a young couple, huh."
''Don't even mention it!'' Her tone was terrifying, how scary.
After our little interaction, we sat down to wait for Yumiko.
I started to play with Keika, Kawasaki seemed pleased watching us, like a mother watching her daughter.
It is common for parents not to be around most of the time, which is why older siblings will always be the ones in charge of taking care of the minors, so I understand the feeling of pride when watching your little sister grow up.
After a few minutes, Yumiko brought the Takoyakis.
When we finished eating, we decided to go find a place to watch the fireworks since it was time for the show to start.
The number of people who thought the same as we did was too many. I already remembered because I don't like crowded places.
"Keika, hold on tight, don't get lost." Kawasaki was right to be cautious. Getting lost in this type of place was common, so I also held Keika by the other hand, it would be too difficult to find her if she got lost in a place like this.
After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at a suitable site.
"I guess there will be a great view of the fireworks from here." I said in a cheerful tone. Since I had fun on this day.
''Hanabi!'' Keika shared my joy.
''Don't be in a hurry, it should be a while.'' I stroked her head after saying this.
''Tsurumi, have you seen Miura?''
Now that Kawasaki mentioned it, I couldn't see Yumiko anywhere.
"Most likely, we got separated due to the crowd." That's why I don't like crowded places.
I took out my cell phone and dialed her number, but there was no answer.
It was almost time for the show to start, and Yumiko was lost.
''Are you going to look for her?'' Kawasaki asked.
''It would be ideal, but with this crowd it would be difficult. Besides, I can't communicate with her.''
But I guess I still have to do it.
''RA-CHAN!'' Before I started to move Keika stopped me. ''Hanabi!''
It seemed that Keika wanted him to be with her during the fireworks.
I guess it's inevitable, I carried Keika in my arms.
I'll have another chance to see the fireworks with her.
With these thoughts, I turned my gaze to the sky.
Yumiko POV:
Today is the day I decided to confess to Raiden, but nothing had gone right.
My mother worked today, so I had to manage alone with Yukata, I took too long on it, so I had to leave the house in a hurry, and to top it off, I also forgot my cell phone.
Luckily, I met Raiden at the station with no problem, but I didn't expect Kawasaki to be there too, I thought Raiden had invited her, but it was just a fluke.
Although I won't deny that Kawasaki's younger sister was cute, Of course, I did not miss the opportunity to annoy Kawasaki.
When we got to the festival, I wanted to spend it alone with Raiden, but Keika interfered with that, of course I couldn't be bothered with a little girl.
As Raiden also has a younger sister, it was obvious that he would not hesitate to pamper her, and he did, during the first game he got her a gold fish. I felt jealous of Keika.
The good thing was that in the second game Raiden got me a stuffed animal, this made me quite happy, but when I saw Keika's expression, wanting the stuffed animal, I had no choice but to give it to her.
I didn't want Raiden to think I was somebody too insensitive to the wishes of a child, seeing Keika's smile, I could understand why Kawasaki and Raiden pamper her so much.
To my surprise, Raiden patted me on the head and told me I'm beautiful. This made my heart race, it also increased my nerves by the time of my confession.
Just remembering it makes me blush.
At this moment I should be with Raiden, I would confess, and I would only have to wait for his answer, but this was not likely to happen.
If only I hadn't been so careless as to get lost in the crowd.
Seriously, I'm a fool, I wanted to fix a part of my yukata for a moment, but when I looked at them, I couldn't find them anymore.
I headed to the address of a small temple nearby to have a chance of locating them but was unsuccessful.
''How could I be so careless!''
Today nothing went as expected. It's even possible that Raiden rejected me.
I couldn't help but get discouraged at the thought of this. I'm a fool.
It seems that I have not changed much in the end.
I opted to sit while covering my face with my knees.
I'd just have to watch the fireworks show although I wasn't in the mood for it.
My grandmother had told me that she would find people who would support me, and now I had Yui, Hina and even Kawasaki. But the most special person for me was Raiden, he came at a time when I felt sad and abandoned. I even considered him my prince.
Raiden would always help me or fulfill any whim I told him; he was always attentive to me.
But maybe my mistake was to consider him a prince, since he is not perfect, he has his flaws, such as not being a good singer, it is so much fun to see him trying.
I always knew that Raiden is far from being something close to a prince.
"And among those people there will be someone even more special, who will make your days a thousand times better, but you should also know that this person is ordinary, he may have several flaws, he will not always be a charming prince with blonde hair as they show children's stories''
Remembering the words my grandmother had said to me only reinforced my thoughts.
But even so, Raiden is my prince, he is the person who has always helped me and was with me. And even though it's a childish and immature thought, right now I wish he would show up as he always does when I need help.
But wishing for this is already a girl's fantasy. In the end, even if my appearance changed, my thoughts didn't change.
Thinking about this only makes me feel worse, but it doesn't matter if today I couldn't do it, I can try another day, just because I failed once, I won't give up. I wanted to fill myself with determination, but right now it was hard for me to do so.
''I finally found you, Yumiko.''
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
Some tears welled up in my eyes.
"You were late, Baka."
''I'm sorry, but there is an infinity of people.'' He said nonchalantly.
That little childish wish comes true.
No matter what situation or problem I found myself in; he would always come for me.
After all, he is my prince.
''Can I sit down, or do I also need permission, her majesty?''
"Just sit down, baka." I wiped away the tears that had flowed out.
I could see the beginning of the fireworks, several images formed and took the shape of flowers.
Raiden was concentrating on the beautiful view from here.
Although perhaps because of everything that happened it was not the right time, I wanted to do it.
I tried to pronounce those words, but they wouldn't come out of my mouth.
It's just saying I like you, why can't I do it?
The fireworks would end any minute, and I couldn't even utter a word.
I'm really pathetic. But that didn't matter since he would always be by my side, he would always help me and talk as if nothing had happened.
I am a fool.
I was able to see the last of the fireworks.
"Raiden, I like you."
The explosion took the form of a beautiful flower. With this, the festival ended, but I was able to tell Raiden my feelings.
''Did you say something, yumiko? I couldn't hear you because of the sound of the explosion.''
His face was calm, I know him well, so he's not lying.
I plucked up the courage to tell him and a damn firework dulled my voice? But it doesn't matter, if I told you once, I can do it again.
But before I could speak, he was the one who did it first.
"Yumiko, do you know why fireworks are so popular?"
His question puzzled me.
''Because of how beautiful they are.'' It was obvious.
''50/50.''
''Then what is the answer?''
'''Because of how special they are.'' Raiden looked up at the sky.
''What do you mean by it?'' I could not understand it.
''If you could see fireworks every day, would there be a need to go to a festival to see them?''
"No, since it would be something common." What did he want to get at with this?
''Human beings are strange creatures, we appreciate too much those things that are unusual, but at the same time we do not appreciate the common things that we have in our day to day life. An example could be the train, we use it to move to distant places, but being of such common use, we do not give it importance, but if it were for exclusive use? I am sure that at that moment everyone would take due importance. The point is, sometimes we don't notice what we have in our day-to-day because we focus too much on something special that can happen. This something special cannot always have the same result as what we are used to, so sometimes it is better to settle for the ordinary than to go for what may not give us the same expected result.''
Raiden started scratching the back of his head.
"Don't pay attention to me, I was just saying something that suddenly came to my mind." He looked up at the sky again.
Maybe I was being hasty with my decision to confess to Raiden? It is not that he is going to go somewhere. Besides, as he said, sometimes by going for something special we can lose what we are used to.
Even if there was a great chance that Raiden would accept my confession, as long as there is a small refusal, there is a chance that he would reject me. Also, if we were a couple, there wouldn't be much change in our current relationship.
I think I was too hasty with my decision.
But even so, I will not feel calm if I do not tell him what I feel, even if there is a possibility of rejection.
''Raiden...''
''We go?''
Raiden stood up and extended his hand to me.
''It would be bad if you got lost again, wouldn't it?'' The tone with which he said this was gentle.
So I took his hand.
Although this was not the first time that we were so close, it was the first time that he took the initiative.
I'm sure anyone who saw us would say we're a couple.
''I like you.''
There was no response from Raiden, since I said it quietly.
This was enough, there was no need to rush things, whether we are a couple or not, he will always be there for me.
Raiden Pov.
After I dropped Yumiko off at her house, I went to one of the vending machines and bought a drink.
Now that I remember, I owe Keika an outing to watch the fireworks.
Flash back
I took Keika in my arms and gave her to Kawasaki. Although I would like to stay, I know that Yumiko needs me more right now.
''I'm sorry, Keika, but I can't stay with you.'' Keika was sad to hear my words.
"You know, even though Yumiko looks a bit scary, she usually behaves like a girl, so she must be alone right now. So I can't leave her alone. Also, I promise next time I'll take you to a much more fun place with better fireworks."
''You promise?''
''It's a promise, of course don't tell your sister, she sure won't agree.''
I made a few signs with my hands as if indicating to be quiet.
Keika also imitated me.
''You know I can hear you, don't you, Tsurumi?'' Kawasaki replied, though I could tell from her expression that she was happy.
''Don't be jealous, Kawasaki, next time I'll ask you out on a date.'' I said with a mocking tone.
"It seems you don't appreciate your integrity, huh!?"
I should go or I won't be on time.
''See you, Keika, see you at the Kawasaki school.''
"Bye-bye, Ra-chan."
''See you, Tsurumi, don't take too long since Miura is surely waiting for you.''
With this, I went in search of Miura, but due to the number of people, it would be difficult to locate her.
Knowing Yumiko, I doubt very much that she was standing there doing nothing, so I'm sure she tried to look for us too, but from here there was no place where there was a panoramic view.
But now that I remember, there is a temple near here, I guess I won't lose anything if I search there first.
Going up the stairs, I could see her, she was in the same position as the day we met, what memories. To think that more than half a year has passed since that, how quickly time passes.
''I finally found you, Yumiko.''
End of Flashback.
It can't be helped; I didn't expect Yumiko to get lost in the crowd.
I decided to take a seat next to the vending machine.
In the end, I was right, Yumiko confessed to me. The good thing is that I was able to use a typical excuse as I couldn't hear you because of the fireworks.
Any boy would be extremely happy if a girl like Yumiko confessed to him. Of course, I was no exception, since she is beautiful, she cares about her friends, and although she is somewhat bossy, I consider her someone important to me.
That's why Yumiko deserves to be with a better person, not with trash like me.
Someone who before dying the last thing he hears is his own mother saying I hate you; I'm not someone she can be with.
Also, she only fell in love with me because of my actions, every time I helped or advised her. Yumiko only fell in love with me because she thinks I'm a kind guy who will always help her at any time. Although she is not so wrong about that.
But she only sees that about me, I'm sure if she knew how I really am, she would hate me, someone who doesn't feel compassion for other people, to the point that I can see someone ask for help in front of me, and I couldn't care less. Someone who wouldn't hesitate to use other people to get what they want, or no matter the method, as long as the result is as expected.
Even the times I helped Yumiko and Kawasaki, it was out of sheer remorse, not because I really wanted to.
The time I helped Yumiko was because she reminded me of Rumi the day she got lost, so I did it out of pity.
Whereas with Kawasaki, it was my fault, because if I hadn't hurt her during our training, they wouldn't have attacked her. Also, Sensei asked me to take care of her, so it was my responsibility.
In the end, I'm just a trash that thinks more about himself than other people, someone like that couldn't make Yumiko happy.
And above all, I am someone who once lost everything, so right now I don't want to lose anything I have.
At the time I was disgusted by Hayama's personality to maintain the status quo in his clique, but now I did the same. I'm seriously a shitty person.
Since I indirectly made Yumiko relent on her confession. When the normal thing would have been to give her an answer and not run away like a coward.
But I don't feel guilty about it, I once lost everything, and this time I would make sure not to lose it again. Even if I have to manipulate others to achieve it.
First, I just thought I was fine with being an extra character, but after time passed, this became impossible. I got involved with Yumiko and Kawasaki, and even now I'm friends with Ebina and Yuigahama.
Deep down I knew I'd rather just be someone else in the crowd, so I wouldn't have anyone around, and even if I did get a girlfriend, I'd only use her to distract myself, but not for something as silly as falling in love. And so when these people left my side, I couldn't care less.
But now that everything has changed, I don't want to lose everything.
In the end, I am not better than my past self, I can even say that I am worse. Since now that I know what it means to lose everything, I don't want to relive that feeling of loneliness and fear, that feeling of having family and friends for a moment and then having nothing. If it were to happen again, I doubt I could bear it. That's why I don't care what I have to do to achieve it.
I wonder why I was reborn in this world. Since I arrived, I have only felt fear, sadness and anguish.
After spending most of my childhood trying to hide all this, I was finally able to do it. Acting in a carefree and relaxed way was the best, so no I would have to remember these emotions, but none of this was necessary since I began to relate to others.
That's why now they are part of my stability, depending on others is something I would not have expected, but if it helps me forget those emotions, I don't care.
The bad thing about this is that it is a double-edged sword, as it helps me forget these emotions. Losing this support would only make this worse, to the point that I don't think I can take it anymore. Maybe if I die this time if it is the final one?
In my early years I didn't care, but in the end, I came to the conclusion that I would at least try, and when I found out that this world is that of a novel, it was the hook to leave these thoughts behind.
Fill my mind with any thought that kept me entertained, even training helped me with this.
Now that everything depends on others, I don't know how it will end, but as long as I can do something, I'll make sure I don't lose it.
Looking back, Yumiko was the first person I started to depend on emotionally. All the signs of affection from her alone made this feeling grow, but just as Yumiko fell in love with me because of my actions, I am sure that I also consider her someone important to me because of the time we spent together.
That is why I could also not accept it, be it today or in the future.
I got up and decided to go home, it was getting late, and I didn't want my mother to scold me.
This time I wouldn't make her hate me.
End of Chapter 1: In the end, Raiden is still the same.
I never really thought that an idea that came out of nowhere could go this far.
I appreciate all the people who take their time to read this.
In the next chapter a certain character will make a small appearance.
I hope to be up to the task