After school, Yuna and I sat on the roof.
It was quiet there. The wind tugged at the hem of the uniform, and the sun was slowly sinking.
I haven't been up here for a long time. And I forgot how peaceful it is here.
"Well?" Yuna took a sip of her juice. "What's going on with Kurume?"
I was silent for a while, looking at the city in the distance.
"He said he still loves me,— softly.
"And you?"
I nodded, not looking at her.
- of course. I... me too. Simply... I'm scared.
— Is it scary to trust him again?
- yes. I know it's not his fault. But still... there's this picture in my head—she's reaching out to him, and he's standing there as if... letting her.
Yuna put her hand on my shoulder.
"You don't have to be strong all the time, Mi.
Sometimes it's okay to doubt. Even if you love me. Especially then.
I looked at her and smiled weakly.
"I just don't want everything to break down again."
I've just started to believe that... I'm not just "one of" for someone.
At this time, behind the wall
Sayo stood in the shadows at the bottom of the stairs.
She looked up. I listened to every word.
Her fingers were tightly gripping the phone.
"So you're afraid he'll let you…
A soft, almost affectionate smile.
—All right, Miyako. I'll make you see everything you're so afraid of.
And then you will retreat.
She turned around and left.
It's like I've already decided everything.
In the evening
I stared at the screen, waiting for a new message.
He didn't write.
But inside, it was calmer than before.
I felt that he was waiting, not pushing.
And at some point I thought:
"Maybe we really haven't lost everything yet?"