Our Last Moments

9. A Sorrowful Smile pt.2 (Neru's POV)

There was someone sitting alone in corner of the locker room, hiding her face, crying. She was chosen to take the main role for the new recruits' first dance production. All that she felt was worry; she never wished for this role, she never wished to join the academy in the first place. She hated to think about the consequences, the roller coaster ride that awaited her in the future, and the way people around her think of her would change. But there was another girl, Nagahama Neru, who just couldn't ignore the frighten look on the short girl's face. She felt the need to be there for her even though they barely knew each other then.

"Hirate-chan, can I sit next to you?," she offered a kind smile to the lonely girl. "We haven't had a chance to properly talk, right?"

The girl wiped the tears on her face, scooted to the side letting Neru sit next to her, "Un," that was all she said as a response.

"So," Neru tilted her head to face Hirate who was looking down, smiling and said, "Congratulations."

But Hirate shook her head, "Don't..."

After a long pause, Neru asked, "Is something bothering you?" Even though Neru already knew the answer.

"I'm scared. The others.. do they hate me?"

"What? No!", Neru wrapped her arms around the 14 year old's shoulder, "Why would they? Look at me, I don't hate you."

Hirate turned her head to Neru, and was immediately greeted by that warm beam on her face. Just like that, she felt Neru's tenderness, the genuine look she has was inviting. Hirate knew she could trust her right away.

"If anything happens.. just remember me okay? I'll always be there to listen to you, Hirate-chan," which then Hirate answered with a nod. 

~~~

It was summer on their second year. Both Hirate and Neru were busy, but they promised no matter what, they had to go see the fireworks festival that night. They weren't from Tokyo, so it was a new experience for the two to watch the night time fireworks in Disney with a friend.

They arrived at the most perfect spot, the center of the balcony, with the Disney castle right in front of their eyes. Standing side by side, their hands placed on the railing, face looking at the sky, they carelessly let the wind messing their hair up. They waited and waited, until moments later the fireworks started to explode filling the darkness with bright greens and reds, yellows, whites, and blues. The sound of the crowds cheering was mixed with the music. Neru and Hirate were in awe.

Neru then switched her view to the girl who stood beside her. Her heart which was filled with excitement from the fireworks turned warm seeing how adorable the short haired girl looked. There was nothing more else that Neru wanted than seeing Hirate smile. Hirate who had been going through hard times lately, spending her time alone, it was nice to see her in an open space, being carefree, and happy.

Hirate then noticed the pair of eyes who had been staring at her instead of the fireworks. 

She caught Neru dumbfounded, "What is it?", she asked.

"Huh?" Neru startled once realizing she had been staring at Hirate for too long.

"Why are you looking at me? Watch the fireworks, it's beautiful!" 

"Y-yeah.. I am.." She turned back to face the sky but still managed to steal a glance at her friend, "You like it, Techi?"