Even Death Doesn't Apart Us (English Version)

Chapter 15

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Kenta pressed Aika with questions. About what she said had known Kenta since he was in high school. He also heard Chie's words back then. Aika didn't know what to say. Panic made his brain clogged and unable to provide an explanation. She wanted to hit her mouth that had slipped earlier.

Kenta asked again, "Was it worse when we met before than at the Yakiniku restaurant?" The image of Hinohara's drenched face from being sprayed appeared. That incident still made Aika shiver with embarrassment. Every time Hinohara calls to discuss Tomoe, she still feels reluctant towards the athlete who is now her friend.

Kenta has seen many sides of Aika that not many people know. The side she doesn't want others to know. With his amber gold eyes he had seen her crying, angry, drunk. Even her lowest point, when she faced her stalker. So, there's nothing more embarrassing.

Now Kenta also knows she is one of the loyal viewers. Kenta doesn't mind that Aika is an Ozken fan. Because of that she always watched the man's videos when they weren't in the same room. However, it was different from their very first meeting.

Kenta was not a famous person at that time, it was different when he found out that Aika was an Ozken fan. The reason Aika is reluctant to tell about the events of the thirteen years in Nerima is because she is afraid. Afraid that Kenta's thoughts towards her will change.

Moreover she was embarrassed by her attitude when she was just entering seventh grade. Her childish attitude at that time still astonished her. At that time, Aika didn't know who Kenta was, only after the qualifying match that year. Remembering their first meeting not only made Aika's heart beat fast, but also made her feel embarrassed.

Kenta himself doesn't necessarily remember. That's also what made Aika not want to tell the story. It's quite painful because only Aika remembers and considers that memory important.

"I just..." Aika fiddled with her fingers and her eyes darted back and forth between her finger and Kenta. No words came out, they all got stuck in the base of her throat. Instead, Kenta brought himself closer, making her hands shivering, not because he was afraid. She glanced at the man, Kenta smiled. Aika immediately averted her gaze.

The wind blew gently again, Kenta sneezed again. Aika just realised that the effect of the allergy medicine had disappeared. Since they were sitting on the street bench, he had been trying to hold back his sneeze when Aika told him the story. He should just say it. Aika stood up, "Let's just go to the cafe in front, your allergies are getting worse!" She pulled Kenta's arm and walked quickly forward.

Aika only wanted to tell the story after Kenta took allergy medicine. Because he was taking medicine, Kenta didn't order coffee as usual. They sat at the end table of the newly built cafe at the front of the campus.

The white walls and simple furniture make this cafe suitable for students who are working on assignments. Supported by the distance between tables which is quite far apart. The quiet atmosphere of the cafe allows Aika to freely tell stories.

She took a deep breath before starting to tell the story, "At that time, I had just entered middle school, I still remember it was late spring," Aika brought Kenta to thirteen years ago, when the cherry blossom petals were turning into lush green leaves.

Hirotou's mother asked Aika to help deliver Hirotou's shoes which he had left behind, "It was during golden week, I was bored because it was a hot day and I didn't want to go out."

Aika still lives in Tomoe's apartment. The apartment is occupied by Aika, Tomoe and Ayuka. Her eldest brother already lives alone because he is already at college. Hirotou's apartment and house are quite close, because Hirotou's mother herself helped find a place to live for his best friend.