I mean, I'm...

Epilogue (of sorts)

A haze.... 

I walked in the city, the one I grew up in, the one I loved... but.. it was different. Everything seemed a little blurred, out of focus. I wandered aimlessly, my scarf fluttering in the wind behind me. Until I heard a familiar voice. 

"Why?"

I tried to place the voice.. who was it? I shook my head, then wandered again until I came upon a cemetary. There, I saw three familiar faces. But they too, were out of focus, and I couldn't place them. But they were in front of a grave, crying, holidng flowers. I stood behind them, trying to see the name. But a voice interuppted me. 

"You're... Ayano-chan's siblings, aren't you?"

I turned to see a girl with black pigtails and eyes. "Ayano?"  Who was.... 

My eyes widened, and suddenly, everything cleared, sharpened. I was Ayano. My adorable siblings were here, and so was my senpai....? I had two senpai... right? Just then, Shuuya stood, looking at Takane curiously.

"Oh the Onee-chan from the shooting booth?" Takane nodded, giving a small smile. "Where's the other one?" Shuuya looked around, and Takane's smile fell, her eyes becoming downcast. "He... He was hospitalized... and he disappeared. They say he died, but there's no body, and his family says they haven't cremated him and..!" She buried her face in her hands and Shuuya's eyes became red. 

Shuuya... Always trying to hide your tears...

I walked away from the scene, everything once more becoming a blur. I didn't want to see her tears. I know I was probably running away, but I couldn't bear to see Takane's tears. I don't know how much time had passed, but I once more heard that voice. 

"Ayano.. I love you..." 

It was just a whisper, but I spun, trying to find the source, as the world once more became clear. Shintaro! I raced towards the sound, only to stop in his room. This is... Shintaro's room? I found him on the bed, and I sat next to him.

"Why.. Ayano? Why?" 

I tried to comfort him, to make him happy again. I didn't want Shintaro to be so sad. 

"Why did you die?" 

Those words hit me. I remembered fully now. I knew everything. Why he ignored me, why no one had noticed me, or heard me. 

"I'm sorry Shintaro. I'm sorry I can't help you."

"After all, I'm...."