Fallen

Tears of a Kiss

I was about to step off the stage when the fireworks suddenly erupted, causing me to stumble and accidentally kiss Yumi. My heart sank as I hurriedly made my way towards Ayame, who had run away in tears. "Wait!" I desperately called out, jumping off the stage and chasing after her. I followed her until we reached a pier overlooking the ocean, where the fireworks continued to illuminate the night sky. Ayame stood there, a picture of sadness and vulnerability.

Driven by the desire to comfort her, I approached her cautiously and enveloped her in a gentle embrace. "I'm sorry," I whispered sincerely, hoping to convey my regret. However, she pushed me away, causing her to twist her ankle and fall into the water with a scream. Panic washed over me as I scanned the tumultuous waves, searching for any sign of her. The rough waters continuously knocked her underwater, threatening to overpower her.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, I knew there was only one option. Without hesitation, I removed my shirt and left my phone on the pier. Taking a deep breath, I jumped into the water after Ayame, fully aware of the risks involved. The waves were relentless, attempting to pull us under, but my determination remained unwavering.

I dove underwater, desperately seeking Ayame's presence, but my efforts proved futile. "Ayame!" I cried out with tears streaming down my face, my voice swallowed by the crashing waves. Desperation gripped me as the water filled my lungs, and I found myself struggling to stay afloat. And then, I saw her.

Grasping Ayame's unconscious form, I fought against the relentless waves, struggling to bring her back to the surface. With my last remaining breath, I pressed my lips against hers, sharing my remaining oxygen. As she regained consciousness, she witnessed the love in my eyes and heard the words I whispered with all the strength I had left: "I love you."

Summoning the last vestiges of my energy, I pushed Ayame above the water's surface, ensuring her safety. Darkness enveloped me as I succumbed to unconsciousness, accepting my fate beneath the depths. But as fate would have it, my body began to float upwards. Eventually, I felt the warmth of sand and heard a tender voice calling my name. Although I couldn't open my eyes or offer her comfort, her words echoed in my ears. "I love you, Hitori. I will always be here for you. I will wait for you to wake up, even if it takes twenty, thirty, or fifty years."

Hideki sat by Ayame's hospital bed, patiently waiting for her to wake up. Months passed, and every day he would visit, bringing flowers for Hitori and exchanging greetings with Ayame. One day, as he sat there on the brink of exhaustion, he heard a weak voice. "Hideki..." Ayame's eyes fluttered open, and he rushed to her side. "I'm here, just as I promised," he reassured her. She whispered weakly, "Hideki... I... love you," before collapsing again.

Tears of joy streamed down Hideki's face. The girl he had loved for years had finally confessed her love to him. Hours passed, and Kako, too, woke up and beckoned him over. He approached her bed, and she pulled him close. Looking into her eyes, he felt a surge of affection and leaned in to kiss her. They sat there, cuddling on the hospital bed, unburdened by thoughts of the uncertain future. In each other's eyes, they saw a love that would endure for a lifetime. Kako smiled and said, "I love you." Hideki smiled back, uttering those three precious words, "I love you too." And together, they drifted off to sleep, knowing that their love would carry them through whatever challenges lay ahead.