One And Only Ichi (Yuiitsu Muni No Ichi)

Ticking Clock

They were sitting at the back of a cab. It was past eight.

Fumiko glanced over to Ichi who was sweating beads and had labored breathing. Fumiko's face wrinkled with concern. "Ichi, are you sure you can do this?"

Fumiko began to whimper. "Maybe we should go home. I won't forgive myself if something bad happens to you on my watch."

But just like before, Ichi refused. He shook his head stubbornly. "I have...to see Kai...now."

Fumiko grabbed her nape in frustration but didn't protest any further. She stared at Ichi's face under the dim interior light and thought, "I've never seen him like this before."

In a suburban area on the outskirts of town, Kai was quietly sneaking out into a dark alley when Ichi along with Fumiko showed up in front of him, cutting his way.

Kai stopped dead on his tracks, unpleasantly surprised. "Ichi, what're you doing here?"

"I need to...talk to you." Ichi had a hand on his chest as he struggled to breathe.

"You don't look well." Kai observed. "How do you even know where I—" He paused, realizing the answer.

"You and Arata...used to make me carry your things all the way to your house, remember?" Ichi replenished his memory. He wasted no time to get to the point. "Where are you going, Kai? And where's Chiharu?"

"I don't know. And that's none of your business." Kai sneered which agitated Fumiko. She stepped up from behind Ichi.

"Hey! I don't know what's going on but you better tell Ichi what he wants to know! Can't you see he's sick? We need to make this quick and—"

Fumiko felt Ichi's warm hand on her shoulder. Seeing the look on his face, Fumiko resigned in understanding.

"Kai, I know what you're planning." Ichi said. "But please, don't do it."

Kai was taken aback, he looked almost terrified. "How do you—" He started to say but caught himself. "I don't know what you're talking about, Nishimiya."

"You can still start over, Kai. Forget everything and start over with Chiharu!" The adrenaline rushed through Ichi, giving him strength albeit temporarily.

"That's easy for you to say." Kai said through clenched teeth. "Because you're not carrying anything on your conscience!"

Kai averted his gaze, hiding the tears welling up in his eyes. "Everytime I see Arata, everytime I see you, I can't live with myself! Do you have any idea how I felt after Arata pushed you off that building?!"

The color drained from Fumiko's face. "Arata...pushed Ichi?" She muttered.

"Every night, I had nightmares about that moment! I couldn't help but feel like it was all my fault!" Kai clenched his shaking fists. "If only...if only Arata's life wasn't ruined, he wouldn't have done that to you."

"Kai..." Ichi was about to speak but he was interrupted.

"I'm glad you survived, Ichi." Kai said in a more calm tone. "But that's probably because miracles happen to good people. I'm just not one of them." He walked past Ichi and Fumiko who was still in shock.

Ichi turned and saw the scarlet light ablaze. He felt his body weaken and Fumiko instinctively caught him and held him up. Kai was about to disappear into the corner when Ichi cried out, "Don't be a coward!"

Kai drew back. "What?"

"Stop using me as an excuse! I know it's hard." Ichi said, his strength draining from his voice. "But it gets easier when someone's rooting for you. Chiharu...believes in you."

Kai's eyes widened, his face conflicted.

"So much that she'd do anything you say." Ichi continued. "It's not too late, Kai. You can still save yourself. You can still...save Chiharu."

"Chiharu." Kai uttered under his breath. Then he looked down on his wristwatch, a horrified expression came over him.

He turned to Ichi and they exchanged knowing glances before Kai ran off, disappearing into the shadows. As soon as he was gone, Ichi collapsed into Fumiko's arms.

"Ichi!"