Extraordinary Minds: Road to Hell

Chapter 24: Consoling

"Uhh..You ok?! You look-" Akira was trying to speak before Kentaro spoke.

"Like Complete hell? Yes..It doesn't matter much anyways." Kentaro spoke, before sighing.

"Listen..I'm not entirely sure about how close you and Ayaka were. I really don't, but..Seeing you like this, it just reminds me of how I felt losing Junpei." Akira spoke.

"I get the incentive, Akira..I do. I just.." Kentaro sighed before looking away.

"You..Maybe wanna tell me what's going on?" Akira asked.

"I barely got any sleep last night. I've been..completely shaken up by what I saw, and especially what Ayakas brother did in that video. It..brought back some painful memories." Kentaro spoke. "It..made me remember how I failed my dad."

"Failed your dad? Do you mean.."

Kentaro nodded. "The day he overdosed..My grandparents took full custody of me that day, because they heard of the mistreatment my dad was putting me through. Spending our money for food on Heroine and all, after.."

Akira noticed tears forming in Kentaros eyes.

"After what?" Akira asked.

"After..My mom died of childbirth complications from having me. He..began taking heroine to ease the pain of it all, and even blaming me for her death. He killed himself, Akira. He overdosed..and left himself behind just..As an empty husk of what he could've been if I hadn't been born or-"

Before Kentaro knew it, Akira wrapped his arms around the boy as Kentaro just sobbed.

"It isn't fair..I thought maybe Ayaka and I would get out of here with everyone else, and..and I'd have someone who believes in me again, someone who doesn't..Who doesn't blame me..for wrongdoings, and makes me feel like I have to force a smile just to get around in life.." Kentaro said through his sobs.

Akira felt a sense of dread wash over him. He wanted to know the right words to say to the poor guy, but yet..He couldn't think of the right words. What could he say?

Maybe just..wing it? Maybe words people have given him in dark times like this?

"No..The best and most important thing, as Junpei always taught me. Is to be a friend, and listen. Give your own advice." Akira thought to himself, as he spoke to Kentaro.

"Kentaro, you know you don't have to put on a mask and act happy all the time around us. I get it though, wanting to seem less vulnerable especially in a situation like this. I know that..technically, were all strangers in a killing game. Still, you should at least know that you can trust me, and express yourself however you need to."

Those words, all Akira could think over them was. "Well that could've been worded better."

"I appreciate the kind words, Akira. I do..It's just..It hurts." Kentaro said quietly, as Akira could feel himself sympathize. Speechless for words, yet..understanding almost perfectly.

This was the same despair he had felt when he lost Junpei. Someone who was always there and believed in him, even if he was a little too pushy at times.

"Well, at the very least. Think maybe you'll come to the third floor with us and help us do a little investigating?" Akira offered.

"Id..Rather just stay here if thats alright." Kentaro said, in a sad tone.

"Well, I can't exactly stop you from making that decision." Akira bluntly said. "However, if you need us. We're here for you, just remember that at least. Ok? You don't have to rush yourself to talk about it, but just don't hurt yourself."