Isnt it amazing that a single drop can cause a ripple effect?
Isnt it also amazing that only one touch of memory can disturb the rest of the history.
Our stories are entangled with one other, that's when our parents decided way back in the past.
Aimi entered the classroom and saw Hayato cleaning the board. "Did they forget to clean it yesterday?", Aimi asked. Hayato forced a laugh and hid some papers behind him. "Are you hiding love letters?", Aimi teased and covered her mouth to laugh. Hayato saw a bruise in Aimi's hand. "Oy, are you being bullied by someone?", Hayato grabbed her arm. "I accidentally dropped a hot pot yesterday and also had a chopping board land on the same arm", Aimi answered. "Bullying? There's no way I would experience that", Aimi said in confidence. "Kisaki-kun, it's nearly end of the month. There would be a fireworks display, are you guys going?", Aimi asked. "I guess so", Hayato answered. "Shou actually invited me", Aimi informed. Hayato was silenced when Hayato heard Aimi calling Shou by his first name. "Saotome-chan? Did you just call Shou by his first name?", Hayato confirmed. "His Dad gave me the permission", Aimi explained. "I see. But then, we're in school... for your sake and Shou, can you not call him that way here?", Hayato asked with a serious tone. Aimi stepped back to see Hayato's facial expression to change. "Good morning", Shou entered the classroom. Hayato greeted him as if nothing happened. The rest of the day, Hayato didnt glance at Aimi nor talk to her.
Aimi didnt join them for lunch and went at the rooftop. She saw Ren reading a book while sitting at the shaded part of the rooftop. "It's been a while since you came here. Plus, the part time job at cafe isnt bad at all. Thanks for having me there", Ren noticed her. "I just want to see the sky clearer", Aimi a few feet away. "You're too far, I cant make my voice louder", Ren looked at her. "I dont know if it's just me...", Aimi hesitated to say something. "Whatever you have to say, I wont tell anyone", Ren assured. "I dont know if its me, but I can feel Kisaki-kun distancing himself to me this day", Aimi opened. "Hayato? He's an extrovert person. I dont think he can do something like that", Ren closed the book he was reading. "Unless there is also something he cannot settle within himself", Ren added. The door flung open. Mayu panted as she approached Ren and Aimi. "Third Ranker! Dont come to school to early", Mayu suddenly commanded. "You punished me once for being late", Aimi sighed. "Ren, what are you doing here alone with Saotome?", Mayu's voice trembled. The door closed on its own. "She's here", Mayu whispered to Ren. The blonde looked at Aimi and looked back to Ren. "Sorry for butting in. Takuma actually invited me for the fireworks display. Are you guys going to wear yukata? I dont want to be the one different", Aimi spoke. "Ohhh. We're not. We're wearing black clothes", Ren informed. "Did Shou forgot to tell? It's his Mom's death anniversary. Every year, we watch the fireworks at the cemetery together", Ren informed. Mayu elbowed Ren as they watch Aimi stood unable to say something.
After few days, they were gathered at the gate of the cemetery. "Shou is a bit late", Ichirou looked at his watch. They saw two figures walking towards them. Shou is dragging Aimi along with him. They are all wearing black clothes. "You're late", Mayu pouted and looked at Aimi. "She's hesitating to come", Shou informed. Aimi looked at Hayato who just stared at her blankly. Aimi gulped and followed them from behind. Ichirou walked beside her. "Did something happen?", he asked. "I dont feel like I am suppose to be here. I acted stupid when I went happily telling them about fireworks when I didnt know that it's a day for Shou's Mom", Aimi slapped her face. "I see, Shou didnt tell you?", Ichirou looked at the rest of the group moving forward. "I am not in the position to say anything. You see, these people are vulnerable", Ichirou pointed at them. "There should be someone to protect them", Ichirou added. They set up a picnic and sat on the mat. They gathered around someone's grave. "Mom, we're here again this year. I know the fireworks will be pretty. We'll be staying until it's done. We also have an accompaniment", Shou called on Aimi. Aimi kneeled in front of the grave. "Her name is Saotome Aimi. She's been messing up with us. I just want you to know, we have another friend", Shou held on the grave. "Dead people can no longer hear", Shou chuckled. "But then, every year... I find myself coming here and talking about random things. It's our defense mechanism after all", Shou sighed. "And you know, Aunt. We went to Yaeyama, Shou finally got a taste of the sea", Ichirou leaned his arms on Shou's head. "We're having a lot of fun this year", Mayu also talked. "Even if this cousin of mine receives most of the praise, he still deserves it", Kumiko humphed. Everyone looked at Ren except Shou. "Its okay Ren, you dont need to", Shou smiled. Aimi stepped in. "Sakura-san, thank you for allowing Shou to exist", Aimi bowed. The sun already set, they already ate their snacks and prepared to watch the fireworks. Shou sat beside Aimi. "You might have a lot of questions in mind, dont you?", Shou asked. "You bet. But right now, if you're still unable to share it, I will respect you", Aimi answered. "Its not that I am unable, Dad really never told me the whole story", Shou explained. "What I just know is that Mom wasnt really married to Dad.The one I am calling Mom right now is the sister of my real mother. Nami-san, she cant stay with us since she also have a family to take care of", Shou informed. "Whatever it is, it doesnt change that fact that Seishirou-san is your father and he will always be", Aimi patted his shoulder.
"Oh, what a wonderful party you are having", a voice made them all look at the direction.
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Name: Harada Seri Age: 18 years old Status: Third Year Student
"Hi there, my name is Harada Seri. I didnt know they call someone like you to join them", Seri held Aimi's hand. "Harada Seri, you're that singer, arent you?", Aimi's eyes brightened. "Woah! You know me?", Seri held on her hand tighter. "Yeah, the cafe where I work usually play your songs", Aimi answered. "Oh, that cafe. Then Ren is also listening to my songs?", Seri asked in glee. "Tanaka is surprisingly attracting a lot of customers and he's also gentle with them", Aimi informed. "The fireworks is starting", Mayu butted in. "Oh, Mayu. I see, you havent yet learned your lessons", Seri had a sly smile. "Seri-chan. Its such a bad thing to come uninvited, isnt it?", Ichirou pulled Aimi and put her behind him. "If you are planning something again, I cant let you do it that easily", Ichirou whispered. "Oh, you're also trying to play with me, Ichirou-san. Just so you know, I know where you are coming from. You know the ugly creature called jealousy?", Seri whispered back. Ichirou's eyes widened. The fireworks started.
