One And Only Ichi (Yuiitsu Muni No Ichi)

Lingering Memories

Ichi had a hand on Sayuri's back as she weeped to her heart's content. They were sitting on a park bench inside campus with Fumiko and her squad standing watch from a distance.

"Aren't you gonna do anything about this?" Botan asked Fumiko.

Fumiko let out a frustrated sigh. "How could I when she's grieving? My heart's not made of stone, you know."

"Shh! They're talking." Akina whispered and the girls gathered behind her, straining to hear.

"Remember when we bought dango for grandma?" Sayuri started.

Ichi nodded, sending shockwaves to the girls prying behind the bushes.

"Dango?" Akina asked.

"They bought it together?" Botan followed.

"For her grandma?" Fumiko finished the sentence.

Sayuri smiled nostalgically. "That was the first time in a long time that grandma and I bonded again. It's all thanks to you."

But then, she started to cry again. "I was really mean to my grandma because I felt embarrassed about being raised by a widowed grandparent instead of having a mom and dad. I hated how old fashioned she was and how much she deprived herself that she goes around looking like a beggar."

Ichi listened without interrupting her.

"I didn't realize she did that so I can have it much better. It must've been so hard raising me all by herself at her age but all I did was complain. I never even eat the snacks that she buys for me." Sayuri curled her hands into tight fists. "And just when I decided to be a good granddaughter, she kicks the bucket!"

"Sayuri." Ichi pats her on the back as she cried on his shoulder.

"She died from a heart attack while I was in school. She didn't even wait for me!"

"Sayuri, I don't think it's like that." Ichi said in a gentle tone. "I think she felt that her wait was over and she could contently leave this world."

Sayuri pulled away from Ichi. "What do you mean?"

Ichi recalled seeing Sayuri's grandmother basked in a white light. "Having raised you, you must be the most important person in the world for her. Although I'm sure she understood why you felt the way you did, she probably also longed to be close to you again."

"I'm the worst!" Sayuri cried out, burying her face in her palms.

"Don't say that. However small the gesture was, when you brought home dango for the two of you to share, she must've felt like she's realized a dream and couldn't ask for more."

Sayuri looked up. "Y-you really think so?"

"Mm." Ichi nodded. "You know, I had a near death experience not so long ago. That's when I found out that the worst part isn't dying, it's not having any good memories to take with me."

Fumiko started to get emotional while listening to Ichi's recollection of the past.

Ichi looked straight into Sayuri's eyes and said with conviction "That's how I know your grandmother is happy. Because you gave her something to remember."

Tears rolled down Sayuri's cheeks but this time, with a smile on her face. "Thanks for saying that, Ichi."

"Let's go." Fumiko said glumly.

"Huh? But-"

Fumiko was already walking away before Akina could protest. The girls exchanged confused glances but eventually followed.

Fumiko walked briskly ahead of the others but stopped all of a sudden and dropped to the ground.

"Fumi!" Botan hurried towards her. "A-are you crying?"

"Ey, I told you we shouldn't stalk Ichi. You'll just get upset." Akina said while rubbing Fumiko's back.

"That's not it." Fumiko mumbled. "Ichi...he must've had it so hard before coming to us."

"Fumi, don't cry. That's all in the past." Botan tried to console her.

"Exactly. You're his heroine, remember?" Akina added.

"I know but-" Fumiko lifted her face, suddenly looking determined. "I'm sure it still haunts him. I've decided!" She stood up and held out her fists. "I'm going to make so many great memories with Ichi that he would completely forget about his past. I'll be the best wife ever!"