Thanks for the Memories

Chance Encounter

It was halfway through the semester now, everything was going fine. Almost like it was back to normal. But the semester being almost over meant that summer break was coming up soon. I had no plans. It didn't bother me though, I kind of just wanted to shut everyone out.

I was walking through a university cafeteria and I heard my name called. I didn't think much of it but when I turned around to see who had said my name, I saw Makoto sitting with Haru at a table, waving me over. I immediately scowled. But I walked over to them anyway.

Makoto spoke as sweetly as ever, "Hey Sousuke! It's been a while."

"Yeah." I had no idea what to say since the last time I had seen either of them was when they came to my apartment. I felt really awkward standing there with both of them but neither of me seemed to notice anything weird.
Makoto smiled, "Did you hear that Rin is coming back for the summer?"

I hadn't heard that. That was actually good news, he was the only person I wanted to see. I half smiled, "That'll be great. Everyone will be back together."

"Yeah..." Makoto stole a quick glance at Haru, he seemed worried. But Haru didn't notice anything. Makoto quickly regathered himself, he said, "I hope Rin is having a better time in Australia this time."

"Yeah," I had run out of things to say. "Well I really should be-" I had started to say before Makoto cut me off.

"We're planning a welcome back party for him, I'm sure he'd love to see you there," Makoto tilted his head to one side, smiling.

"Of course I'll be there," I said pretty flatly. Rin was the one person I'd do almost anything for. What would he say if he knew what I had been doing with Makoto and Haru... I didn't want to think about it. Maybe I could survive those last few weeks of classes since I knew he was coming back. I nodded at Makoto and Haru and started to walk away from them. This wasn't going to be easy.

I heard footsteps behind me and when I was some distance from the table, Makoto put a hand on my arm, stopping me. I turned to look at him. He just smiled angelically like always. "Sousuke, I know you feel uncomfortable about the way we all left things but please know that you helped us. It may not look like it, but Haru and I are happy and I just wanted to thank you."

"You don't have to," I was taken aback by what he was saying, "I really didn't do anything helpful."

Makoto looks at me more seriously, "Oh but you did. You were there when we both needed you. I can't tell you how relieved I was that it was you and not a random stranger." Makoto chuckled nervously, "Well I just wanted to say that we're here for you too, you can always come to me if you need anything."

"Same to you." I didn't think about the gravity of what I was saying but when I saw the look on Makoto's eyes, I knew I just got myself deeper in the mess. I shouldn't have said that. I should not have said that.