He's Gone | Part Four to A Friend's Death |

Nendou Rikki

"Nendou what're you doing?" Hairo asked as he approached the taller teen.

"I'm just waiting for buddy to arrive", Nendou said as he looked expectantly at the classroom's door.

"He's not coming", Hairo muttered bitterly.

"What'd you mean? He's sick?"

"He's...gone, Nendou", Hairo muttered as he made his way to his desk.

Nendou blinked. Buddy is gone?

That's silly! Buddy is probably just sick or on a vacation.

Surely he wouldn't abandon his partner.

——

A day had passed.

A day turned into a week.

A week turned into a month into months.

And then it had been almost a year since Saiki's death.

He's not gone.

——

"Nendou? What're you doing here?" Kurumi asked as she opened the door.

"I was just wondering where my buddy is at".

"Oh dear...".

——

"Hey squirt!"

"Who-oh, it's just you. Been awhile", Kaidou said as the taller approached.

"Wanna go for ramen?"

"Why am I not surprised?"

"Maybe buddy will join us".

——

Here he is.

Nendou Rikki.

Twenty four years old.

Visiting a grave.

He wouldn't have left his partner.

Right?

Of course not.

Buddy cared.

He cared.

He cares.