Fallen

Reservation

"Um... Are you sure you're asking the right person?" I looked at her, slightly puzzled. "Yes, I'm one hundred percent positive," she replied confidently. Her smile was infectious as she continued, "Okay, let's go to the fireworks festival together, Hitori!"

The next day, Hideki left to see Kako, and Ayame emerged from her room, greeting me cheerfully. "Good morning, Hitori! I'm going to go pick out some things." I smiled back at her and replied, "Alright, have fun! I plan on going out too. I found this cool restaurant and I've already made a reservation for noon." Ayame bid me farewell and hurried out the door.

As Ayame left, I started cooking breakfast for myself. Just then, I heard a knock on the door. Curious, I went to answer it, and a delivery person stood there holding a package. "Package for Hitori!" he announced. I nodded and asked, "Yes?" He confirmed, "Are you Hitori?" I replied affirmatively, and he handed me the package. "I just need you to sign this, please." I quickly signed the paper, and he left me alone.

Excitedly, I opened the package and found a note inside. The note read, "To Hitori Uno, From Rekka Uno. Do not open until you turn eighteen." I carefully slid the note under my bed, saving it for later. Since it was almost noon, I headed towards the restaurant I had reserved.

Arriving at the entrance, I noticed it was packed with people. Despite having a reservation, I was told, "I'm sorry, we can't let you in at this time." Perplexed, I explained that I had a reservation, but they still refused entry. Just as I was about to give up, a woman's voice chimed in, "Let him in, he seems interesting." With relief, I walked in and greeted the woman, saying, "Hello, thanks for having me." She introduced herself as Masumi Yumi and apologized for the confusion.

"It's okay," I assured her, "My name is Hitori Uno. But why didn't they let me in even though I had a reservation?" She chuckled and replied, "You're quite funny. I like you. To answer your question, I'm actually part of a popular group called Alarum. We released a song called 'Doki Doki Underplay' a few years ago, and I'm the main vocalist. Nice to meet you." I looked at her, perplexed. "When did you release that song?" She answered, "Four years ago. Why do you ask?" I smiled nervously and confessed, "Well, I was in a coma five years ago, so I guess that's why I haven't heard of you."

Amused, she laughed, "You're quite unique! So, what was the reason for your year-long coma, if you don't mind me asking?" I glanced around and noticed several cameras filming us. Realizing her intention to continue the conversation privately, I nodded in agreement. She suggested, "I would like to talk to you more. Would you like to come along and chat with me?" Understanding her plan, I nodded and followed her to a waiting limousine.

Once inside, she turned to me and asked, "Now then, can you explain why you were in a coma for a year?" I took a deep breath and shared my story once again. "I was thirteen when it happened. I had fallen in love with a girl named Kako Miyu. I liked her a lot, so I asked her to meet me on the rooftop. I told my sister to go ahead without me and waited for Kako. However, she never showed up. I went home in tears and discovered my house was on fire. I had to save my sister, so I rushed in and ended up collapsing from the smoke. My sister saved me, but in return, she lost her life. I woke up a year later in a mental institution, learning to walk, write, and regain my strength."

Masumi listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. "Was your sister older than you?" she inquired gently. I looked at her and replied, "It felt that way, but she was actually the youngest. She always tried to take care of me, but I ended up taking care of her, doing the cooking and her laundry." Masumi chuckled and said, "You certainly have a unique story. Let's go to your house."

A couple of hours later, we arrived at my house. Before I got out, Masumi asked, "Hey Hitori, can I get your number? I really enjoyed talking to you.". As I handed her my number, she reached into her bag and pulled out some tickets. "These are for you, as a token of appreciation for sharing your story. Come watch us perform," she said with a smile. "And by the way, despite appearances, I'm actually only eighteen and currently available," she added playfully. With that, she drove off, leaving me feeling excited and grateful.

Entering my house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next day. "I can't wait to go to the fireworks festival with Ayame," I thought to myself. Filled with excitement, I started preparing for the day ahead, looking forward to creating more wonderful memories.