Tracing Memories

51: U s e f u l

Once again we found ourselves on my couch with you pulling me close and resting your head on my shoulder.

"I missed you so much." You casually remarked, "I didn't even know where you went. I was so worried."

"Now you know how it feels." I said plainly.

"Is that why you left?" You looked up at me.

"Not really but if it helped you realise then I guess it was useful." I chuckled. In response, you smiled as well.

You intertwined your fingers with mine and kissed my hand, "I'm sorry I made you go through all that."

"Let's put this behind us now." I answered softly.

The calm had returned in the atmosphere of my house again. I really was ready to stop thinking about this and to never remember it. I felt happy and free again, with you by my side, stronger than ever.

My phone rang suddenly and I saw it was Aki. I picked it up only for her to attack me with a series of questions,

"Where have you been? Are you okay? Why was your phone off?"

"I'm fine Aki. I'm sorry, I went to my parents suddenly." I answered lightly.

"Gouenji was asking about you. Didn't you tell him either? Is everything okay with you two? Please talk to him if you haven't." She asked slightly concerned.

Before I could say anything you took the phone from my hand. You could hear our conversation since she was speaking loudly and clearly.

"Everything is fine now Aki." You answered for me.

"Oh, you're there. Then I guess I'll hang up now. I just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong." She concluded.

"So... were you looking for me?" I asked with interest. Your face grew a shade of red as you avoided looking at me.

"Yah...I just... thought one of the girls might know." You mumbled incoherently.

Hearing your answer made my mind slip into a sense of wonderment as I continued to stare at you. I realised even after all those years there was so much I didn't understand about you. How was it that you could sometimes forget to even acknowledge me but at the same time you could also be the person running around making all this effort for me? I never knew what to expect from you, you continued to surprise me still.

And to this day you're just the same, full of surprises.