A Second Lie in April

Chapter 3: Clues

"The Cemetery?" Watari asked, puzzled. "Uh, sure. But why?"

"I'd like to visit the Miyazono's grave again," responded Kousei. It was still a bright evening, as he and Watari walked through the neighborhood.

"Sure," responded Watari, who paused, and smiled. "But... I want to take a different route to the cemetery today. Follow me!" he beckoned as he turned the corner, down a side street. "So, what do you plan to find?" he asked, as they passed by a few local shops.

"Nothing. I need to find nothing."

"Huh?"

"Ever since that TV report, I've been haunted by the thought that Kaori may be out there. I need to face it, that there is nothing, and that my mind is just playing tricks on me."

"Sure, I get it. I know the feeling," mused Watari. "It's hard to let go, hard to tell yourself she's not here, when you can still feel her all around you, so close to your heart."

Kousei looked at his friend. "Wow, when did you get so insightful? Watari, sometimes you really surprise me!"

"Yeah, well, I'm full of surprises you know!" chuckled Watari. "Oh, wait, we're here!" He stopped along a large glass storefront and peered inside.

"What is this...?" Kousei looked up at the sign. "...Fujitsu Judo Institute...?"

"Shh! Look!" Inside was a group of white-clad judo fighters, going through several exercise routines. "There she is!"

Kousei peered inside. "Emi?" Her long black hair in a ponytail, Emi stood in the middle ring, about to face off with an opponent. "Oh boy..." sighed Kousei. "And... you're back to normal..." He nudged his friend. "Come on, Watari, it's getting late!"

"Wait, wait, there they go!" Emi's opponent stepped forward, trying to trip her. But Emi grabbed them, whirling them in the air, smacking their back to the mat. "She's so awesome!" giggled Watari.

Emi was helping her opponent back up on her feet, when she suddenly looked up at the glass front. What the...? thought Emi, confused.

"Oh no, she's looking our way! Run!" cried Watari, as they scrambled out of view.

"Hmph!" scoffed Emi, as she turned to resume her training, with a slight smile, and an air of satisfaction.

"That was amazing!" exclaimed Watari as they walked briskly down the street.

"Do you ever get tired of chasing after girls?"

"Not if I can help it!"

"Anyway, let's go, it's getting late."

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The sun was already setting when they got to the cemetery, casting subtle orange hues across the sky, as the wind rustled the leaves on the nearby trees. The pathway along the rows of stone columns was empty, save for a figure walking away in the distance. How it hurts to be back here so soon, thought Kousei. But I have to prove it to myself. She's not out there. Because she's... here. They reached the Miyazono column, and again, Kousei kneeled in front of the tablet inscribed with Kaori's name. How I miss you! he thought. He caressed the tablet, as Watari sadly looked on. Suddenly Kousei's fingers touched something. "Huh?" He looked down. "What's this?" There was a long lock of blonde hair stuck on top of her name's inscription. He picked it up and slipped it through his fingers. "Oh, God... Watari," he motioned.

"What?" said Watari. Kousei showed him the lock. "A lock of hair? What's that doing here?"

"I don't know," said Kousei.