Alive
The echo of their laughs still resonates in her ears, the hurt of their insults and mockery still wounds her heart, the bruises of their shoves still paint her skin…
The start of her first year in high school is nothing more than the repetition of the hell she went through at the elementary school, and Yoshiko doesn't have enough strength to keep going through that hell any longer.
She no longer has the energy to keep faking a smile in front of her mother and pretend she's okay to not worry her and see her suffering. She doesn't have the energy to keep being strong…
So one afternoon, she finds herself sighing heavily perched onto the edge of the school's rooftop, gazing down at the courtyard while flirting with the idea of letting herself fall through the abyss and end her suffering right then and there. Flirting with the thin line that separates her from life and death, when the soft breeze brings the gentle and melodious sound of a piano.
The delicacy of the notes being played does nothing but bring peace to her tormented heart and warmth to her soul.
Yoshiko contemplates the sight below her, before she sighs once again and carefully turns her back on it to step onto the solid floor of the rooftop.
She wanders through the hallways of the school, following the sweet piano melody as if it was some kind of spell casted on her, letting her feet carry her to the music room.
The still gentle sound of the piano is heard louder with every step she takes, and soon enough, Yoshiko finds herself reaching her hand out to twist the doorknob entranced, opening the door to find a burgundy haired girl sat on the piano bench playing the magnificent instrument carefree.
Yoshiko stares at her captivated, taking in her beauty, in the delicacy of her slender fingers dancing elegantly over the ivory piano keys as a soft but happy smile is present on the other girl's lips.
The piece comes to an end and Yoshiko can't help but begin applauding, startling and bringing back to reality the beauty in front of her. Her magenta eyes find a pair of golden eyes looking at her widely, with an evident surprise glinting in them as a timid blush adorns the other girl's cheeks and the blue haired girl can't help but think she's the most cute person she ever saw.
- That was amazing! – Yoshiko exclaims, making the other girl blush even more.
- T-thank you.
The shy tone of her voice and the deep blush on her cheeks, makes Yoshiko's heart race quickly, getting captivated by the girl's silent spell casted.
- W-would you want to listen to another piece? – the burgundy haired girl asks her timidly, and Yoshiko can only nod eagerly, approaching her to sit timidly beside her on the piano bench.
Riko smiles at her, placing her fingers on the piano keys with hesitation.
- P-play whatever you want – Yoshiko encourages her, her heart beating faster and louder than ever with the slight touch of the skin of their legs touching.
Riko hums and starts playing a new piece, enchanting Yoshiko with its gentle sound.
And for the first time in many years, Yoshiko feels herself with renewed strength and thrill to keep going and not give up.
She feels alive again thanks to Riko and the sound of her piano.