Little By Little

Ch 20: Little By Little

"Bokuto, you've been so out of it these days, wanna come skip next class and head to that new shake shop?" Haruo plopped himself onto the chair in front of Bokuto who seemed to be in his own world at the moment.

"hellloooo? Bokuto?"

Akaashi forgot everything.

At first I thought it was just a short term thing where he forgot some unimportant details in his life. But he.. He doesn't remember me. He asked me who I was.. As if

He didn't confess his love to me just about 3 months ago.

Akaashi, where did you go..

"So enjoy your weekends and complete all your assignments, goodbye class"

"oi Bokuto! Class finally ended, agh it felt like a whole day! My back hurts like crazy ma-

"oi you're spacing out so much, I don't even think you're hearing what I'm saying right now"

"oh.. I'm sorry Haruo. I'm just.. Really busy these days. Sorry I have to go" Bokuto sprung up from his seat and immediately rushed outside his classroom leaving Haruo in pure confusion.

Got to call.. Akaashi.

"Oh Akaashi, it's Bokuto again! The boy who called you earlier this morning"

"hm? Oh.. Hello" Akaashi said in a low tone. He waved weakly in front of the boy and smiled.

"you really don't remember me Akaashi?"

".. I'm sorry, I don't think I do" Akaashi lowered his head and fidgeted. He felt a little guilty for not knowing someone who was very concerned of his health.

"no no it's okay! Just.. Get better okay? So you can finally get out of the hospital and go back to playing volleyball" Bokuto said, teary-eyed but he continued talking.

"volleyball? I know how to play that?"

...

No.. Don't tell me Akaashi forgot how to play the game we played and built our friendship on. He can't just throw those memories away. They're a huge part of my life!

"a-are you telling me you forgot how to.. Play?"

"mom did say I used to be part of a team but I don't really remember. I'm really sorry Bokuto-San. I think my memory is not that good right now"

".. It's.. It's okay"

But it was not.

"Mrs. Akatani.. Is there any way to bring back Akaashi's memories? He can't just forget those!"

"The doctor did say his memory loss wasn't permanent. And that's why I'm not crying or throwing a tantrum right now. Because he told me there's still a chance that he will regain everything back"

"he will? He.. He really will?"

"mhm. But so far, even after bringing a bunch of scrapbooks that I've made about him and showing him pictures.. It's not really working" Mrs. Akatani wiped a tear. She was hopeful but she couldn't control her tears.

".. Did the doctor say something specific that will make him remember?"

"not really.. All he told me is that the chances are 50/50. It's either he remembers everything or he never remembers at all"

...

Don't worry Akaashi.

I'm going to help you, you will remember me again.

You will slowly fall in love with me again.

Little by little.