NAYUMI ICHIKO
"I am so happy for you, Kei. After all those years, you've learned to let go and appreciate the world around you," I said with a warm smile, feeling genuinely happy for my friend.
It had been two years since he fell in love with Ashuri, and I couldn't be prouder of him. He'd come so far, learning to cherish the little things in life. He did it. Kei smiled naturally, his eyes reflecting a newfound peace. "I've accepted the truth..."
"Bro, this is insane! This proposal is huge, you freak!" Eito suddenly yelled; his eyes wide with amazement as he took in the half-decorated shore.
"Of course, everything for her..." Kei responded with a tender smile. "I will do anything for her."
"I'm happy!" He chuckled; his joy infectious.
"Oh, I'll just go over there," I said, pointing towards Sakura, who was jumping up and down, trying to reach something just out of her grasp.
Kei and Eito nodded, and I made my way over to Sakura. We were at a private beach, owned by Kairi. A red carpet was laid out, leading to where Ashuri would walk. The place was filled with an array of flowers, candles, and solar lights. Ashuri was so lucky to have Kei.
I reached Sakura and handed her the object she was reaching for. "Oi, Yumi. Why are you here?"
"I just noticed you're too short..." I teased, chuckling. "Just kidding..."
"Let's go then..." She handed me a bunch of flowers and motioned for me to follow her.
We worked together to decorate the gazebo for about an hour when Kei called out, "Girls, let's eat before Ashuri arrives. We can't be late!"
We all returned to the table. "So, who's picking her up at the airport?" I asked.
"Rin and Rika are there to pick her up," Eito replied with a smile. "I bet they arrived a minute ago."
"For sure, they already arrived," Kei added with a smile.
"It's magic," Keyon suddenly spoke.
"What magic?" Noel asked, looking confused.
"I predicted something-"
"Kei, look at this!" Naoya came running towards us, panting and out of breath. He handed his phone to Kei, and we all stood up, looking at the screen.
"Breaking News: This is Kawamura Atsuko reporting that the plane from China to Japan just this afternoon has crash-landed in a field. Sadly, no survivors have been found," the reporter announced. Kei didn't wait for the news to finish and spoke, his voice trembling.
"F-From China...?" He pressed his eyes shut, biting his lower lip to hold back his sobs.
"The plane's passengers, flight attendants, pilots and other crews did not survive the explosion. The authorities suspect foul play..." I quickly turned off the phone, unable to listen any longer.
"No, no, no!" Kei screamed, sweeping everything off the table onto the floor, the glass table shattered as he pushed it over. "No, please, tell me this is just a nightmare!"
My phone suddenly rang, breaking the tense silence. It was Rika. "Hello, Yumi?"
"Wait-" she cut me off with her sobs.
"A-Ashuri... s-she's gone, Nayumi..." Her voice broke completely, the word gone made my knees weak.
She was gone.
