Just Smile Forever~A Mikaze Ai Fan-Fiction

Shattering Truth

"You sure about this?" Reiji asked for the millionth time, as we sat in the taxi together.

I traced the outline of the card, "I'm sure. I need to.....figure everything out," sneaking a peek at Reiji, I smiled a bit, "but I'm glad that you're here with me."

"I've only went there once myself," Reiji admitted, "I honestly can't seem to find.....the will to come here by myself."

"Do you actually.....see him?" I managed out.

Reiji nodded, a sad smile playing on his lips, "it's sad. Being so close, yet you know you can't do anything about it. If only I had been there for him on that day, then maybe...."

"He had his mind set," I muttered, "and you know just as well as I do. He was stubborn like that."

"Yeah," Reiji managed a dry laugh, "I wonder how he would react to us insulting him like this."

"He wouldn't be happy at all," I laughed, "he didn't like others teasing him."

"He was also never scared of anything," Reiji remembered, "I could never scare him at all."

"Yeah," I whispered in reply, feeling a wave of sadness come over me. Whoever he was to me, I knew that Aine had still been a valuable friend that Reiji and I would never forget.

"We're here," the driver stopped in front of a tall building. Reiji and I both said thanks before getting out. Standing in front of the building, my heartbeat suddenly quickened. I shuddered, even though it was a beautiful day outside.

"You ready?" Reiji asked, taking a deep breath. We wordlessly took each other's hand as we walked up the steps. A symbol of two people that had been united by a single person. It was easier to face it together than alone.

We headed up the elevator to the 4th floor, like it said on the card. As we stepped out, a professor suddenly rushed forward to block our path.

"You're not allowed here! This is a restricted zone," he exclaimed. I glanced helplessly at Reiji, but he didn't seem to know the professor either.

"Please, we know already. About Aine," I tried.

"Who are you? What are you planning to do?" the professor, if anything, looked even more wary.

"We're not-"

"Who's here?" a much nicer voice interrupted my explanation. A rather old man strolled out from behind the wall, wearing a lab coat as well.

"Professor!" Reiji exclaimed in relief.

"Ah, if it isn't young Reiji again! And who might you be?" the man peered at me.

"M-my name's Akiko. Nice to meet you," I bowed.

"She knew him as well. Childhood friends," Reiji instantly explained. The professor let out a little "ah" before strolling towards us.

"Let them enter, they're allowed," at those words, the man blocking us bowed towards the professor, and hurried away.

"Why the heightened security?" Reiji questioned.

"Oh, he was always here. But the last time you came, I had been expecting you so he didn't have to block you," the professor casually explained.

"Sorry for coming without warning," I apologized, "but I just had some...questions."

"I would assume so," the professor chuckled, "and what a coincidence, for you two to visit today! Ai just happens to be here as well right now."

"What?" I blankly looked at him, "you're....joking, right?"