Only yours

Seiya Kou's Funeral

My gaze kept drifting between the monitor and the calendar. December 29th. Today was the day of the funeral, and I was still torn about whether to show up or not. Something inside me said I had to pay my respects, even though I hated being exposed to the public in such moments. I took my phone and dialed Haruka's number.

"Boss? Is everything alright?" she asked just seconds later. "Yeah, how is she?" Haruka let out a weary laugh. "You probably don't want the details, but under the circumstances, she's holding up. I'm organizing some support for her."

Haruka being by Usagi's side reassured me a bit. My sense of duty was growing stronger.

"Haruka, do you have a way to get me access and secure a spot where I won't be seen?" There was a moment of silence. "Yes, you can sit upstairs next to the reporters on the balcony. Only those who work for us are invited, so there's nothing to fear from that side. I can let you in once the area for visitors is closed." "Reporters? What reporters?" "Ms. Tsukino was overwhelmed by the fans' outpouring of grief and decided to have the memorial service broadcast live so everyone could have the opportunity to say goodbye to Mr. Kou." I rubbed my temples. "When should I be there?" "I'll call you, but roughly around 3 PM."

Black was definitely not my color. It had taken me quite a while to find my black shirt because I only had one, specifically for such occasions. My gaze lingered on the small suitcase that still held Usagi's things. I just hadn't gotten around to unpacking it yet. Other things had been more important.

With mixed feelings, I got into the car. Massaru glanced in the rearview mirror, waiting for my destination, though he probably already guessed it based on my choice of clothing. "To the cemetery," I said quietly.

Massaru had just parked when I saw Haruka signaling to me. She led me through a small side entrance into the chapel and showed me the stairs to the balcony. The main door was just closing for visitors, and in a few moments, the invited guests would be allowed in.

Haruka had timed it perfectly to let me in. From above, I glanced through the chapel. Usagi had put in a lot of effort. At the front stood the white coffin, adorned with a massive arrangement of red roses and white lilies. The white ribbons bore the golden words "Endless Love" and "Your Sweetheart." Usagi.

It felt like pure self-torture to be here, but it had to be done, I kept telling myself. I took a seat and waited. Slowly, the lower seats filled up, and I felt increasingly uncomfortable in this environment.

I don't know how long I sat there, my gaze fixed on the white coffin, a color symbolizing innocence. Yes, this man was innocent. An innocent man who lost his life in the battle between me and Saphir.

Seiya's brother and Usagi's friend Minako sat in the front row, followed by a young woman with blue hair and a taller man with brown hair, presumably Seiya's other brother.

Suddenly, my breath caught. Usagi entered the aisle, and she looked terrible. Very terrible. She had always been slim, but now she seemed almost emaciated, the black dress at least two sizes too big. Her hair was tied back in a severe ponytail, and even though we were quite far apart, I could see the agonized expression on her face. She nearly stumbled, but then someone rushed to her side. It was Dr. Chiba. But Usagi didn't accept his help; she straightened up and pushed him aside.

She moved almost in slow motion, and all eyes were on her. She paused for a moment in front of the coffin, then sat next to her friend.

As the delicate sounds of a violin began, I instantly knew who was playing the instrument. Michiru Kaio, the woman from the bar. She too walked the same path Usagi had just taken. Michiru briefly placed a hand on the coffin, and her grief was also unmistakable.