Fikush-ON!

Ch. 9: The End of Summer

My summer vacation was spent a bit more lazily than the past ones. Couple of weeks after my visit at the pool, I turned 16. As always, my mom baked me a delicious cake, I got some presents, and I spent the night drinking beer with Tadaaki and Ichiro. I've become to question birthdays. As far as I know, it's just a celebration of one's survival through the past year, and all the gifts and treats are like rewards. Like leveling up your character in some videogame or something.

As the time would go on, it wouldn't be too long until I'd stop receiving those rewards, since birthdays are more of a juveniles' party. A step closer to the adulthood, a step closer to the future. When those milestones are reached, birthdays become just a reminder of how long you've been alive.

Day by day you're closer to your expiration date, and some day you just stop existing. I can't help but to think what it would feel like if I'd know the exact date of my death. What would I do? Would anything even matter at that point? Ugh, I don't know. I don't know a damn thing.

As the summer vacation itself rolled through, I didn't do a thing. I just stayed home, playing videogames, browsing the internet, or just laying on my bed. I didn't feel like doing anything. Sure, Tadaaki and Ichiro tried to invite me outside a couple of times, but I just told them I wasn't in the mood. Soon after, they decided to leave me alone. I don't think this will affect our relationships, since we'd be together at school when the vacation ends.

Only few days until the summer vacation would end. I was laying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my wrist on my forehead. My hair was a mess. The afternoon sun shined through the window, warming my feet. My eyes were sore, my head hurt. My thinking was interrupted by my phone, which started vibrating on the computer table. I turned my head and watched as the phone moved bit by bit due to the vibration. I didn't feel like answering it, I didn't even care who it was. Hopefully, they'll give up soon.

The phone vibrated itself off the table, and fell straight into a trash bin. I chuckled, and turned my gaze back to the ceiling, listening to the vibrating trash bin. As I had hoped, the vibration stopped. It was quiet. However, some moments later the bin vibrated again, this time letting out a message tone. Whoever tried to call me earlier sent me a text message, I reckon. It began to bother me, so I forced myself to stand up, and walked to the trash bin, crouching down. I picked my phone amongst the trash, checking its lid. The message was from someone I knew. From a certain girl.

Hirasawa Ui, 1 unread message, my phone stated. I felt like ignoring it, but, I was a bit curious. I browsed around my phone's menu, trying to decide between messaging and calling. Ugh, maybe I should check her message first. I browsed my way to the messages folder.

Sender: Hirasawa Ui
Hey, Sugimoto-san! I haven't heard of you in a long time. How are you doing? Have you been busy this summer? I tried asking Jun-chan, but she doesn't know. Even my sis is asking about you. I can't help but feel a bit worried. So, call me, just to let me know that you're alright.
- - - - -

I didn't know what to do. I tried to stand up, but it felt difficult. I barely managed to walk back to my bed, crashing on top of it. Why the hell would Hirasawa be worried about me? I thought she didn't want to spend time with me, since she hasn't contacted me after Suzuki's and my visit to the pool. I re-read the message several times, each time more confused. I sighed, opening the contact list, and dialing Hirasawa's number. I sat up, holding the phone to my ear nervously. The dial tone sounded frustratingly long, until it suddenly stopped.

"Hello?" a familiar voice answered.

I opened my mouth to talk, but no words came out.

"...Sugimoto-san?" she continued.