Tracing Memories

41: E i t h e r O r

By the next day, my left feet gained its functionality to some extent as the sprain healed. I immediately took this opportunity to move about and go downstairs. I was tired of being cooped up in my room.

"You should rest some more." You said, "You shouldn't put strain on your feet just yet."

"Either help me or don't interrupt." I said casually as I tried to get up.

"Why don't you ever listen, Kira?" You shook your head as you came forward to support me. With your help and taking support of the handrails, I somehow made way downstairs.

Once I reached, I immediately flopped down on the couch and put my feet up on the table. Going from one room to another did not help at all in making me feel better. I looked around the room in agitation. After doing a complete round of the room with my gaze, my attention finally went on the gaming console that just sat there in dormant state.

"I completely forgot it was there." I thought. I had bought it a couple years ago but after a while I lost interest and forgot all about it.

"Shuuya!Let's play with that!" I said pointing at it, startling you in the process.

"Huh?" You were busy looking at something on your phone and hearing my voice you turned to look at it.

"Oh that!" You smirked, "What games do you have?"

"I have the best racing game and I'm the best at it." I proudly declared.

"Is that so?" You raised your brow and smirked at my declaration.

"Let's make this more interesting," I said smiling somewhat mischievously, "if I win you take me wherever I choose to go to freshen my mind and if I lose..."

"You go back to your room and don't get up until you're completely fine." You cut me off without missing a beat.

"Fair enough." I answered.

And so the game was started. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I still hadn't forgotten the tricks to swerve through narrow streets and sharp turns as my car made way towards the finish line. I glanced at you and found you baffled and struggling. I chuckled and continued on.

I won three out of five races. I put my controller down and crossed my arms smugly as I turned to you.

"Fine." You sighed even though you were amused, "Let's hear it."

"Let's go get ice cream!" I raised my arms up in excitement.

You picked me up and walked over to your car because I still couldn't put on shoes on both feet and therefore was barefooted.

You carefully put me down on the car's seat and I pulled my feet in. However, I accidentally hit my foot against the door. I hissed in pain.

"Geez, Kira are you sure this is a good idea?" You asked worried a little.

"Yes, I'm fine. We're going." I stated with conviction. You sighed again and made your way over to the driver's side.

...

"Don't drop that in my car." You cautioned eyeing the slightly drippy cone I was eating, with worry. You had opted for the much safer plastic cup option.

"Don't worry I'm an expert." I joked as I licked off the drippy side of it. I could still sense you were worried which, I have to admit, I found amusing.

"Where to now?" You asked after I finished the ice cream, without any casualty, and you mentally heaved a sigh of relief.

"To our favourite place." I answered.

"Gotcha." You replied and off we went.

...

We sat on the bench facing the fence beyond which the entire city was visible. The sun was making preparations to set soon and its intensity was lessening by the minute.

I suddenly laughed, "If someone told me someday I'd sit near the Inazuma Tower barefooted I wouldn't believe them."

"It is weird." You began plainly, "But then again, the majority of this year has been weird."

"Your hair looked amazing though." I joked so as to stop you from remembering those tough times, "Too bad you got rid of it." I took a lock of your hair between my index and middle finger.

"Will you ever let it go?" You turned to me, amused.

I slowly shook my head and chuckled.

We sat there for another half an hour before making our way back. We ate dinner together and afterwards you helped me go back to my room. You sat beside me and I held your face between my palms and kissed you good night.

"I hope we never have to face something like that ever again." I said referring our conversation earlier.

"If we do, I won't leave you behind this time." You kissed my forehead,

"I promise."