A Dazzling Trio

As It Was

Chapter XXVIII: As It Was

"Excuse the mess," Aria tells Sonata and me quietly, unlocking the door to her apartment. She isn't exactly proud of bringing us here, but I can understand that feeling. I remember living in a place like this as well... As soon as we enter, I notice takeout trash as well as some magazines scattered around. This apartment is pretty simple. The main area is a living room with a connected kitchen and a small hallway leading to what I assume is the bathroom and the bedroom. Aria walks over to the couch, cleaning it off and gesturing for us to sit down. "Are you going to stand there the whole time or what?" Aria asks us, still as grumpy as ever.

Sonata and I take her offer, sitting on the couch. Honestly, this place can be seen as comfortable... In a way. Okay, not really. I'm trying my best to see the best in the situation. Aria looks at us as if she doesn't know exactly what to do now.

"Oh, um. Do you want a drink? I have..." Her voice trails off as she walks into the kitchen. The sound of the fridge opening is followed by an audible sigh. "Water. I have water," Aria mentions in an annoyed tone. I understand how she feels embarrassed by this, but this isn't some diplomatic meeting. We're just... old friends meeting again.

"That sounds nice~ We'll take some," Sonata responds with a positive tone, even though this situation is probably more nerve wracking for her than it is for me. Honestly, I am probably the most calm out of all of us. That is really surprising...

Aria walks back into the living room, handing us both a water bottle. Moving a pile of magazines to the opposite side of the table, she uses them as an impromptu seat. She can see both of us from here... It's a little sad that she doesn't have a chair to sit at our height level though. Sonata sinks off the couch, sitting on the floor with a smile. Ah, I see... She's right, of course. It would be better to sit at the same height either way. Unlike the last time we saw each other, we're all equal here. I'm not the leader.

Following Sonata's lead, I sit down on the floor, noticing Aria look at us with a surprised expression.

"What are you doing? The couch is a lot more comfortable," Aria tries to explain with her hands up, once again offering the seat.

"If you sit down here, so do we," I respond quietly, raising my hand to try and reassure her. Aria looks at me as if I am crazy, raising her eyebrow.

"But Adagio. You're usually the one wanting the best of the best. Why would you-"

"I am no leader here, Aria." Taking a deep breath, I look up at her. "Listen. In a lot of ways, I am the same Adagio as four years ago. However, there are a lot of areas I have changed. We all deserve equal treatment here."

"I think we have all changed," Sonata whispers with a sheepish look. She chuckles as if it is a humorous statement, but the truth is that she's right. We've all changed.

"Can I start?" I ask both of them. After a moment, they nod to me, both of their gazes directed towards me. "I've already talked with Sonata, but... still. A little more than four years ago was the last time I saw both of you at the same place. Back then, I... I didn't appreciate you two as friends and I often manipulated you and abused you. You both didn't deserve that." I still remember that night pretty clearly. "For all I've done and said, I'm sorry. You two were my only friends."

Aria lowers her gaze in response. I can tell she's thinking of what to say, but nothing comes out of her mouth. Finally, she places her hands on the table, sighing to herself.

"It wasn't all your fault, Adagio," Aria whispers. "I didn't treat either of you that great either. I... I admit it. I was wrong. I regret that night as well since... I thought you'd never want to see me again." A tear slides down her cheek as she stares down at the table. "I'm a hateful, awful person. I'm sorry, Adagio. And I'm sorry for fighting with you, Sonata... Your restaurant turned out to be a great success, but I... God, I didn't believe in you." Aria presses her head down on the table, trying to hide her shameful tears. Sonata, on the other hand, seems surprised.