Fallen

The friend.

As I surveyed the empty house, anger and despair surged through me. I dropped to the ground, overwhelmed by the realization that everything I owned had been taken from me. Tears streamed down my face as I cried out, "I can't believe this happened! They took everything!"

Ayame, standing nearby, looked at me in shock before composing herself enough to speak. "Shouldn't you go to the police about this? You're only seventeen, and you can't handle this on your own." I let out a defeated sigh, my voice filled with resignation. "No, they own the house, so technically, it's all their stuff. There's nothing I can do."

Suddenly, Ayame's rage ignited. "So, what are you going to do then? Just accept this and move on?" I glanced at her, feeling a mix of gratitude and concern. "I guess I'll have to find a job and rent an apartment. It looks like I'll be sleeping outside for a while." Ayame grabbed my hand, her voice trembling. "You can stay with me!"

I smiled appreciatively but declined her offer. "Thank you, but I don't want to involve you in this mess. Promise me you won't get involved either." Ayame hesitated before resolutely declaring, "You think I'm going to let you face this alone? I overheard everything. They kicked out their own son. I won't let that slide, Hitori. If you won't fight them, I will. Not just for you, but for myself."

Sighing, I assured her, "Don't worry, I have an old friend who knows about these things. He even predicted that something like this would happen. I'm going to go see him." With that, I walked away, determined to seek assistance.

Arriving at Hideki Kazuki's doorstep, I knocked anxiously. To my surprise, he swung the door open, greeting me with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Hitori, what are you doing here? The last time we spoke, you ran away mid-argument. How have you been, man?"

I looked at him, acknowledging his accuracy. "You were right all along. How did you know it would end up like this?" Hideki chuckled, his eyes filled with understanding. "So, I was right? It took you over five years to admit it, but I've always despised them for what they did to you. I'm assuming they took everything away from you."

Nodding in confirmation, I sighed in relief. "Yes, they did. It feels like my whole world has been shattered." Hideki's expression softened, and he gestured for me to enter. "Come in, your old room has been waiting for your return."

Grateful for his unwavering support, I thanked him. "Thank you. Even though we haven't spoken in five years, you still know me better than anyone. That one argument shouldn't have driven me away for so long."

Hideki laughed, dismissing the past. "Bro, it's all in the past. What's done is done. Besides, I tried to push you into a relationship with a girl you barely knew. But let's focus on the present. Have you found yourself a girlfriend yet?" He teased, before quickly adding, "Just kidding. I know the answer to that question. What about school? Are you thinking of returning?"

I considered his words, realizing that returning to my old school might bring back painful memories. However, it seemed like the only option for now. "I guess I have to go back to my old school, with you," I replied, the weight of uncertainty heavy on my shoulders.

Hideki's eyes widened with concern. "You do realize what might happen if you go back, right? Are you prepared to face your past, Hitori?" I met his gaze, my resolve firm. "It's the only choice I have at the moment."

The following morning, as I walked through the school gates, a sense of nostalgia and anticipation washed over me. The teacher's warm smile greeted me, "Welcome back, Hitori! It's been well over five years since we last saw you." The students, too, welcomed me with open arms, their smiles genuine and inviting. Even the popular girls sought to strike up conversations with me. I couldn't help but wonder what version of myself I had been before, to warrant such popularity.

A voice called out my name, and it stirred something within me. I looked up and saw a girl blushing and smiling, her presence triggering a flood of fragmented memories. As my recollections slowly returned, the initial warmth and acceptance faded. I found myself asking her, "Who are you?"

Her smile transformed into one of relief. "My name is Kako Miyu."