The Barrier Between Us

Eve Of Her Day

Sekai 7:34 PM

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the hospital bridge, Toshiro's eyes fell upon Yukino. He quickened his pace, making his way towards her, eager to join her in the tranquility of the moment.

"Oye.. Yukino!" Toshiro called out, his voice carrying through the serene evening air. He approached her with a smile, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "What brings you here?" he asked, genuinely interested in her reasons for seeking solace at the bridge.

Yukino turned towards Toshiro, her expression momentarily surprised before settling into a serene calm. "Well, you know... Just taking in the fresh air here," she replied, her voice carrying a soothing undertone.

"And you didn't invite me?" Toshiro playfully protested, stepping closer to Yukino. Together, they stood on the bridge, allowing the cool breeze to brush against their faces, taking in the freshness that enveloped them. After a moment of silence, Toshiro broke it with a gentle inquiry. "You miss him, don't you?"

Yukino hesitated, caught off guard by Toshiro's perceptiveness. She tried to dismiss the notion, masking her discomfort. "W-What? I don't miss anyone, Toshiro," she said firmly, attempting to suppress the emotions that threatened to surface.

Toshiro, however, saw through her facade. He reached out, his hand finding hers, offering a comforting touch. "Yu-chan, I know Akio is important to you. I can see it in the way you talk about him," he said, his voice gentle and understanding.

A sigh escaped Yukino's lips, betraying her inner conflict. "I don't want to be weak, Toshiro," she admitted quietly, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I don't want to miss him."

Toshiro's grip on her hand tightened, a reassuring gesture. "It's okay to miss him, Yu-chan," he said softly, his voice filled with empathy. "He's an important part of our lives, and it's natural to feel sad when he's gone."

Yukino's gaze shifted downward, her eyes fixated on their intertwined hands, before meeting Toshiro's compassionate gaze. "I just don't want to be a burden to anyone. I've been thinking about what I did to his letter," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, as if confessing a hidden truth.

"You don't have to feel that way," Toshiro reassured her, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "It's a good thing that you feel guilty. Don't worry, I won't say a word to him about it."

"Are you sure?" Yukino asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "He seems to be so invested in whoever Mayu is. I can't help but have a sense of feeling that they're together right now."

Toshiro contemplated her words, his gaze fixed on the moon hanging in the sky above. "So you do believe that Mayu is a real person?" he inquired, seeking to understand the depths of Yukino's thoughts.

Yukino nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and conviction. "I do..." she affirmed, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity.

Toshiro's next question held a subtle gravity, laced with concern. "Then how would you feel if Akio and Mayu ended up together?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing, hoping to unravel Yukino's true emotions.

Yukino stood in silence, her gaze fixated on the radiant moon. Time seemed to stand still as Yukino's thoughts swirled within her, entangled in a complex web of emotions.

Tekan

Akio's POV:

"I never had anyone by my side while growing up. But I don't want that to happen for Mayu. She's turning 18 tomorrow after spending 17 years alone in her own world. I'm glad that this time around I'll be with her. I've always been a loner, preferring to keep to myself. But as time went by, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards Mayu, who I've grown close to over the days. I want to make sure that she is happy and well taken care of, especially on her special day. I know that Mayu had a difficult past, having grown up in a world of isolation. I've seen firsthand the effects of this on her, and from the first time I found her letter, I knew that she needed someone by her side to help her through it. I know that it won't be easy to bring Mayu out of her shell, but I'm determined to try. I want to show her that she doesn't have to be alone anymore, that she has someone in her corner."