To my Dearest Tomodachi.

CH. 11 Should I write a Song?

"Have any plans for winter break, Aiko-senpai?"

Aiko's underclassmen asked curiously while she is polishing her clarinet. Kasumi stood against the window, watching the falling snow covering the courtyard.

"I'm not too sure, but my family wants to visit the shrine for the New Years." Aiko replied.

"I got an idea, we should all go together for the New Years! Before you guys graduate and stuff-you know." Chinatsu asked Aiko.

Kasumi grabbed a chair and sat with the two.

"So-Aiko, what are you going to wish when you head to the shrine?" Kasumi asked.

Aiko had a lost thought of Kasumi's question, then reacted.

"Uhh-um, I haven't though of much...so I don't know specifically." Aiko hesitate saying something reasonable.

"Alright—what about you, Chinatsu?"

"Well...I wish to stay with my upperclassmens a bit longer before they graduate!" Chinatsu replied in a cheery way.

Kasumi looked at her with thoughtfulness.

"That's great to hear! We hope that our friendship will last forever-even after high school, right Aiko? Kasumi asked Aiko.

The word "friendship" echoed in Aiko's head, thinking back of the time she ran away from Misaki.

"Aiko? Hello-Aiko are you okay?" Kasumi placed her hand on Aiko's shoulder.

Quickly-Aiko returned to reality.

"Oh—sorry, of course we will be great friends even after we...graduate." Aiko replied back.

Kasumi felt confused when Aiko went blank moments ago. Chinatsu gave her upperclassmens a big smile.

"Indeed! Let's continue being keeping this friendship alive!" Chinatsu cried out in joy.

The school's dismissal bell rang. Chinatsu packed her clarinet and grabbed her school bag.

"Well I gotta head home for today. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

"Bye Chinatsu! Get home safe!" Kasumi wave goodbye back at her.

"See you later, Chinatsu." Aiko replied.

—The music room went silent after a few minutes. Aiko grabbed out her guitar, and start playing a tone. While Kasumi was sitting in a chair, going through her phone.

"Aiko, your strumming has been interesting lately."

Aiko stopped her strumming and looked at Kasumi.

"What do you mean?" Aiko asked.

"I don't know. Before, you used to play with lots of energy-now it's kinda relaxing."

Aiko still felt confused by Kasumi's words. As-if Aiko hasn't known her own play style before.

"Has there been something on your mind. Like how you reacted earlier-when you went blank all of a sudden?"

Aiko was brought back the events from earlier.

"Well...there has been something I haven't told you about, Kasumi—and I feel bad keeping it from you." Aiko told Kasumi.

"Okay—what is something you want to tell me. Since there is nobody here to hear us."

Aiko took an inhale, and breathed out to relax herself.

"You May have been noticing that I have been flustered lately. But, the truth is—I.."

"Wait!! I think I know what's going on here!"

Aiko was interrupted by Kasumi's sudden curiosity.

"Have you fallen in love with someone-Aiko?!" Kasumi cried out.

Aiko began to blush again.

"Ohh-so sorry to make you red Aiko! It's okay if you don't want to tell me, I understand."

"—No, I have to tell you now." Aiko regaining self confidence.

"You see, I do love someone. That someone is very important to me so—."

"Say what!! Is he a great guy? Tell me-tell me! Is he handsome? Sincere? Oh wait—is he smart?!" Kasumi cried out in excitement. Making Aiko blushed more.

"Actually, she's my best friend." Aiko gave out her answer.

Kasumi looked at her with a baffled face.

"Look Kasumi, I'm in love with—!"

"Misaki." Kasumi gave out her guess.

Aiko's face turned red when she hears her name.

"Am I correct?" Kasumi asked.

"Yes-erm, I am in love with Misaki. But, please don't tell her and Chinatsu yet! I'll tell them eventually!" Aiko said hastily.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything. Since we are good friends anyways, I'll gladly keep this secret. Don't worry Aiko."

"Okay. Like I was saying, there has been a lot of things happening lately. I don't want to say to bore you with it."

"Ahhh, whatever feels comfortable Aiko, you can tell me anytime." Kasumi replied in a calm voice.

The light from outside the window filled half of the music room. The sun has came out from the clouds, the grand piano was shined with light.

"Kasumi—I need your help with something."

"Oooh—is it planning a Christmas party?!"

"Not quite. I was thinking of writing a song to Misaki, before I may not have a chance anymore."

"Huh-? What do you mean by 'before'?"

The atmosphere in the music room went tense.

"Another thing I haven't told you yet is—I'm moving to Tokyo after I graduate."

"What?! Wait—are you moving to Tokyo for real?!" Kasumi cried out in shock.

Aiko's face went wistful.

"My family is moving, and I may not go back to Okayama for a while. I'm hoping to reach out to Misaki before I leave."

"Aiko..."

The sun was covered again by a cloud. Leaving the music room in a warm blue shade. Aiko looked down in despair.

"I will try my best helping you write a song for Misaki! That's what good friends do for each other-am I right?" Kasumi asked Aiko in achievement.

Aiko looked up with a bit of hope, hoping that everything will go as planned.

"I haven't started anything yet, but I'm going to need some help."

"Take your time, Aiko. Just know that we are near the end of our high school years, so continue following your heart!" Kasumi smiled at Aiko with confidence.

Slowly, as weeks past—Aiko has planned out her ideal song for Misaki. Though, she doesn't have the courage to sing it yet. What is next on her calendar—is Christmas.