Tracing Memories

28: Q u e s t i o n s

As time passed, our friends soon found out it was you, after all, pretending to be Ishido Shuuji and boy, did they have questions! I had been avoiding them for this very reason up until that moment because you had asked me to stay quiet about all of this and I tried my best not to be a trouble to you. I did not know how would I answer if anybody asked about you; until one day I was left with no choice.

I stepped out of my house that day to take an evening walk in the city. I had been cooped up for too long and my mind was getting foggy because of it. I later regretted the decision greatly as after taking a round of the market, I made my way back home, I saw Natsumi coming into my direction from the opposite side. Normally I would not mind talking to her but at that time I panicked, trying to look to my sides to find a place to hide but I realised it was too late as she waved at me and quickened her pace. I stood there smiling awkwardly as she approached me.

"Hey Kira, how have you been? You totally disappeared." She said.

"I....have just been...busy." I mumbled incoherently.

Her face then suddenly grimaced, "Are you and Gouenji still..." Her voice trailed off into a purposeful look. I glared at her quizzically.

"I mean do you know what he is doing?" She clarified.

"Yes, I heard." I answered after a deep breath.

"I'm sure you must be heartbroken."She said squeezing my hand with reassurance, "I just cannot believe he did this. How can he join those evil people?" She was getting agitated with every word.

"I'm sure it will all make sense in the end." I quietly remarked, carefully choosing my words.

"It's adorable how you still have faith in him." She smiled in a way one smiles at a naive child, "I hope you're right." With that, she said goodbye and went her own way. I stood there for a while confused and flustered as I watched her go and then with a sigh, I started walking too, mentally deciding not to take any more walks until this whole ordeal is over.