Tracing Memories

34: B r i e f

Only one day to finals, everyone was ready and in high spirits. Raimon was ready to face Seidouzan junior high whose team happened to belong to you. On one hand you taught them your best strategies, on the other hand, you had secretly prepared Raimon as well by teaching Tenma and Tsurugi. Of course, no one knew that other than the people involved and accidentally, me.

I looked at the clock, it struck nine. Despite my usual rule of not going outside after dark, I could not stay in my house that night. I was too restless to stay put so I decided to go to our regular spot, the Inazuma steel tower, for some fresh air.

When I reached there I found that the place was already occupied... by you. Of course, I should have predicted this. You sat on the bench facing the fence seemingly in deep thought.

I stood there for a while looking at the sight present in front of me pondering over whether to go back as I came or accompany you. Silence was all that surrounded us and there didn't seem to be another soul near us so I slowly made way towards you. My steps caused some rustling in the grass which made you look. You didn't react when you saw me and I sat down beside you. We stayed quiet for a while looking ahead at the vast spread of the city. After just one more day it was going to be a much better place for everyone.

I looked at you and found you looking ahead pensively. I understood what could be going through your mind at that moment. Even though we had faith in Raimon and none of us doubted them for a second, the anticipation of it all was too much bear calmly. Yet you still were quiet, even now refusing to say a word to me or anyone else and you had been so since the beginning; even when the world stood against you and doubted you. You continued unwavering on your path despite all.

I put my hand on yours that rested on the bench. You got out of your trance and eased up a little.

"It's all going to be okay." I said quietly, fingers clutching onto yours as I carefully rested my head on your shoulder. You only sighed in agreement and we stayed quiet for another couple of minutes. Then as if suddenly waking up from a dream and remembering who you were, you said, "I should leave now."

I remained seated long after you were gone, diving and emerging in and out of my thoughts, most of them circling around you and the day ahead of us before dragging myself back home and trying to get some sleep.