Harbouring Memories (Moriya Akane centric)

Protection (Sugai Yuuka POV Final Chapter)

As the sky was becoming cloudy, the members all started to leave after lessons had finished, each of them carrying the words Akane had left them. Both figuratively, and literally.

Nijika saw Yurina put her earbuds in and begin to walk to the train station, following after her.

"Techi," she reached out and tapped her shoulder, catching the girl's attention as she took out one of her earbuds.

"Nijika..? What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to ask how you were doing..."

"I'm doing fine. Why're you asking?"

"I was just worried... After everything that's happened, how do you feel about it? How were you coping? I know it's not really any of my business, but we're all grieving, so..."

"Nijika..."

"I just wanted you to know... You aren't alone," Nijika's voice broke as she began to tear up.

Yurina saw how emotional Nijika became, and began to open up on her true feelings.

"Okay.. I can admit, I'm not taking this well either... Seeing what Akane's done for me, I don't feel like I've done enough for her... I haven't been able to do my part as center, either... I just feel like I'm holding everyone back..."

"Techi... that's not true," Nijika hugged Yurina, crying. "You're an important part of Keyakizaka...! We always supported you, no matter what happened!"

"Nijika..."

"You may not have realised this, but Akane really wanted to keep you safe... both physically and mentally. She entrusted that job to me."

"Eh..?"

"That's why, the next time you feel like you aren't doing enough, don't hesitate to come talk to me."

Yurina could only nod in response as Nijika slowly broke their hug.

"Thank you..."

....

Yuuka felt confused at what Nijika told her. She looked at the pieces of paper that the latter had given her, still thinking about what she had said.

"Akane...  what did you want to say..?"

She slowly unfolded the sheets of paper in her hands, to see a very rushed letter.

"Yuuka,

I'm sorry it had to end like this. There's a lot I needed to say to you, but I know I just don't have the time to do it face to face. I knew compared to the other members, there would be a lot to scribble down... so here it goes.

Don't doubt yourself anymore. Please, I know it's hard not to, but if you doubt your own abilities to lead the group, read this letter as much as you need to.

I know you're a very kind-hearted person who's willing to sacrifice everything for those around you and honestly, I commend you for it. If only I was like you, maybe I could've contributed more to the group's morale...

I know I tease you for a lot of different things but that's why I loved being around you. Whenever I or someone else was having trouble or feeling down, you would always reach out to us.

I wish I could have been more honest like you and"

The sentence cut off midway. She then noticed a dried droplet of blood on the paper.

"There must have been so much left she wanted to say..." Yuuka felt a tinge of pain in her chest.

Feeling lonely in her apartment, she decided to go out for a walk. Seeing the clouds gather and darken, she grabbed an umbrella and started to walk through the city, reminiscing on the various times she and Akane had spent time together.