The One Who Slipped Away

-Account of Hisashi Hitotomi- Part IV

-Account of Hisashi Hitotomi-

Part IV

"Friedrich's ataxia?"

"surprising isn't it? I'm still 15 yet I have this disease already. It's hereditary, so..." Ayase said as she kept looking at the sakura tree.

"So, what's with the rehabilitation for?"

"Oh, this disease kinda affects my motor movement and coordination. It helps me to control my body as much as possible."

"It's curable right?" I asked her.

Ayase kept silent, a gust of wind blows across the horizon.

"There is no cure."

"Then... how about Haru?"

"Haru... doesn't know. I don't want him to know. Not yet..."

"Why hide it now?! It doesn't make sense Ayase-senpai!"

"I... I love Haru. It sounds ridiculous, but still, I love him."

"He loves you too!! More than I could tell! But, if you break it to him now... he'd..."

Ayase steps forward, facing me.

"That's what I'm afraid off. That he'll break down. That he'll change. Because of MY disease."

"Isn't that obvious already Ayase-senpai?! You'll only hurt him more if you tell him later!"

"Hisashi, please... keep it a secret. I'll tell him soon, but please... keep it a secret for now." Ayase said as she bowed at me.

"Fine... but, promise me one thing."

Ayase looked at me with curiosity.

"Break up with him. I don't want him to be hurt because of you."

I walked away after saying those words.

"Hisashi you don't understand! I love Haru! He gave me something that nobody did!" Ayase shouted.

I've heard it, but it never reached my heart.

I clenched my hands along the way home.

I will never let anyone break my friend's heart.

The next morning, I met Haru at the station.

At the train, Haru said something strange.

"We're going out."

"Eh? Where are we going?" I asked him.

"N-no... I mean Katsuri and I... we're going out."

"Oh, where to?"

"Stop playing jokes with me, Hisashi."

Haru was serious.

It looks like what Ayase said was not a lie.

"But seriously speaking, it's only been a few days since you've met and you're already dating her?"

"I know it's been fast, but I think I really love her."

"You think or you feel? Which is it?" I asked him.

Haru seemed confused.

"What's with these questions Hisashi? You're acting strange today."

"It's... nothing. Just don't mind me today." I replied.

I really must be acting really strange.

I cannot let Haru know about Ayase's secret.

I'll keep my end of the bargain if she keeps hers.

As we arrive at the school gates, I saw Ayase in front of us.