Tracing Memories

50: W o r d l e s s

Being at my parents' house, away from everything that was haunting me all this time helped me gain my peace again. My mind could rest and I slowly returned to my normal calm self. I had come without informing anyone and I wondered if they were concerned. But I didn't want anyone to know. I wanted to be by myself for a while without having to explain things to anyone.

A week later, I returned to my old life. I was ready to approach things in a brand new way and I felt better now. I wondered what was I missing the time I was gone from the town.

I slowly walked in and the smell of dust hit my face immediately. It was understandable since the place was locked up for a week. With a sigh, I put away my bags and began cleaning the place. Afterward, I was exhausted so I freshened up and flopped down on my bed.

Suddenly I remembered I hadn't turned my phone on for a week. I quickly fished it out of my satchel and turned it on. I was attacked by a barrage of notifications. I picked out the ones from messages sent to me. There were Aki and Haruna asking me why I left early that day, Natsumi asking me where were I and a couple of others from my friends. My eyes scanned through them quickly, nothing that couldn't wait for another hour.

And then my eyes spotted your text panel. '2 unread messages' it read. I sat up immediately and clicked on it.

"Can we talk?" The first message read. The date was of the day after Endou's party.

My eyes darted to the second one, "Kira! Where are you?" this was sent this very day.

I stared at the messages for a while in deep thought. I realised I had been away from you long enough and it was time we faced each other again. After all, this couldn't go on forever. It wasn't meant to.

With fumbling fingers, I dialed your number. My heart sped up as I heard the ring go. Finally, it stopped and after a pause, your voice came,

"Hello, Kira?"

I took a deep breath and replied, "Hey, Shuuya..."

"Where have you been?" You calmly asked.

"At my parents'." I answered in calculated words.

"Can we talk now?" You repeated.

"Come over." I answered in short.

Few minutes later you were at my door. I smiled feebly when I saw you, not knowing what else to do. I invited you in and turned to walk inside but only after a couple of steps, I was suddenly pulled back into a hug. You buried your face in my hair and I closed my eyes, my heart filled with bittersweetness.

"I'm so sorry, Kira. I'm so sorry." I heard your muffled voice next to my ear. My eyes brimmed with tears again but I smiled instead as I turned to face you. Seeing me smile, you held my face between your palms and rested your forehead on mine. You sighed in relief as we both closed our eyes internalizing the moment.

"Do you love me still?" You asked.

"I never stopped." I replied.