I Woke Up in My Favorite Otome!

by MomokoTuHarumaki

Summary:

After a freak accident, Rei Park woke in a strange world face to face with a familiar boy with horns. She is shocked to discover that she had been reincarnated in the very otome game she was playing before her untimely passing. Now she must get the good endings, piece together not only her in-game, but her own personal memories, and survive everything the game throws at her. Will she succeed, or be forever lost in the game's time loop?

Chapter 1: Prologue

Notes:

This is just a small passion project I wanted to do. Enjoy, or don't. Doesn't matter to me really.

“Where… am I?” And endless sky was all I could see for miles and miles. I had woken up on what I could only assume was the ground after meeting my terrible end from a reckless driver in a keitora. And in front of me, with a worried look on his face, was a little boy with… horns? “Oh! You're awake!” he squeaked. “How do you feel? Does it hurt anywhere? Can you see me?” I nodded slowly. “Thank goodness, you're alive! I was really surprised. I thought maybe I had killed you!”

 

“What are you talking about?” I asked, grabbing my head as I sat up. “You're acting strange.” He jumped at the word “strange”. “Strange? No! I promise I'm not strange or shady at all! Honest! It's not like I hit you with a blunt object or pushed you off a cliff or ran you over with a car…” I snorted a bit. Funny you should mention that…

 

“Um, so, to explain exactly who I am… Well, I'm just a spirit who happened to lodge himself in your consciousness.” I paused for a moment. That sounded familiar. If I didn't know any better, I would say this is the prologue of Amnesia Memories… But there's no way. I was playing that just last night…

 

The only light in the room was my television screen, which was lit up with the image of a young man with cherry cola colored hair and sharp red eyes. In front of him was a textbox dictating his words as his lips flapped, the only movement on the screen for that matter. Surrounding me were empty bottles of cola and takeout boxes, with the one sole thing that wasn't trash was the game case. Amnesia Memories for the Nintendo Switch. My eyes shifted over to the clock on the wall. 8:00 AM. I had stayed up all night playing the game, and now I had to go to work.

 

However, considering where I was now, it was clear I was never going to make it to work. No, reality was finally setting in as I stood face to face with the very mascot of the game, who was panicking when I wasn't answering him. “Nothing? No reaction to who I am… or the situation you're in now?” He fluttered closer to me. “Hey, are you really okay? You can see me, right?” Three options appeared before me: I see a big bug… thing; I see something not human…; and I see a strange-looking kid…

 

“Yes, I see a strange-looking kid,” I said. He jumped back, his eyes widened. “Whoa! Well, first off, thanks for that answer… but I'm not strange-looking or anything, okay? I just have a different existence than you. I am a spirit after all.” Yes, because that explains away your horns, pointy ears and weird clothes. “Anyway, I'm glad you can at least see me. Still, you're really calm. I thought the moment you woke up, you'd be like, ‘Wh-What? Where am I?! Who are you?!’ Or something like that, but… Wait. Your personality didn't fly off with your memories, did it?” I paused again. He's right. I should be panicking. I should be screaming as I checked myself for any visible injuries from being hit by a car. Why am I not panicking?! Orion was panicking in my stead. “This is bad!!! W-Well for now, let me explain things from the beginning.”

 

“I'm Orion, I'm a spirit from a distant world. I was on my way to the human world for some business, and by accident, I sort of… collided… with your mind? I don't understand myself, but for some reason, I'm trapped inside your soul now. It looked like you lost consciousness from the impact.” I lost consciousness from getting hit by a truck. “A-And well… This is kind of hard to say… It kind of looks like your memories skedaddled, too! What a mess! ..Sorry. Go ahead and yell at me. I know I said a lot of things that probably don't make sense to you. But, please say something.”

 

“No, I understood,” I said. I didn't really know what to say otherwise. I was here, standing face to face with a character from my favorite video game, after dying in a freak accident. I could imagine my face was going through every phase of grief. “I guess you did wake up in a weird place, with someone not really human talking to you. You had no choice but to believe me given the circumstances, huh?” I nodded solemnly. “I'm really sorry for my carelessness. I'll do anything to help get your memories back. Besides, if I don't, I'm not sure I'll be able to separate from you. I'm not absolutely sure, but… I think I'm trapped inside the place where your memories used to be. Think about it like, your memories were pushed out by the amount of space I take up. So if your memories were to return, then I would get pushed out instead.”

 

“And I'm guessing there's no other solution, is there?” I asked. Orion shook his head solemnly. “I feel awful that I made you lose your memories. Let's work together and try to get them back.” I held up a pinkie and stuck my hand towards him. “What are you doing?” he asked. I chuckled with a smile. “A pinkie swear, of course. You've never done one?” I asked. He reached his pinkie to mine, only for it to phase through my hand. “I can't really touch you. And neither you or anyone else can touch me. In fact, all you, and only you, can do really is see and hear me. And I can't be more than 10 meters away from you…” he said. "I'm sorry. I know it would help more if I could do something.”

 

“Hey, don't worry about it. I appreciate it, in fact,” I said. The smile returned to his face. “Thanks. I'm happy you would say that. Then let's both do our best! So, is there anything you can remember?” he asked. “Let's start with something simple, like your name. Do you at least remember your name?”

 

“Rei, my name is Rei,” I said. Orion smiled and nodded. “Okay, Rei, that's good! You at least know your name!” he said. “Alright then! There's no point staying here, so let's go back to your world.”

 

“What is this place, anyway?” I asked.

 

“It's hard to explain… The space between dimensions… that's the closest description. This world has many possibilities. And there exist as many parallel worlds as there are possibilities. For example, in one world you may be going to school, and in another, you may just be working. This is the space between those parallel dimensions that isn't connected to any of them. To put it bluntly, right now you're suspended in the rift between worlds. But… I don't know which world you came from. Oh! But… any world is still a world that you were in. There's no such thing as right or wrong with parallel worlds. So let's go back to the world you were in, and recover your memories!”

 

“So how do we start?” I asked.

 

“There are lots of ways to do it, like talking to your friends, or looking at your phone's history!”

 

“So this will be a piece of cake!”

 

“Oh, but just a sec! Be very careful of who you trust, Rei! Humans are brutal and cruel beings. You should only tell people you really trust about your amnesia. Otherwise, they might give you memories you've never had.” He began to flutter around, almost like he was pacing. “Like, ‘you owe me 10,000 yen, so you better pay me back,’ or something like that! There's no way you can tell if what they said is true right? Some horrible jerk might introduce himself as your boyfriend and take you away from your real one. You might be told you don't have a job, and then get fired later on! Or someone with no relation to you convinces you to join a cult or pyramid scheme! Or you get kidnapped and shipped overseas!”

 

“Orion! Easy, easy! You might be overthinking this!” I said.

 

“You think so? Okay, let's think the opposite. You meet a nice person, and you tell them your situation. In that case, what would happen to you then? If you said you had amnesia, wouldn't they take you to a hospital? You would probably be confined to the hospital room until your memories returned. Even if you were allowed outside, for the most part, you would be shut up inside. For other people that might help, but for you, it wouldn't! Your memories didn't disappear because of anything mental or physical!  They're being pushed out by my existence. So staying home or in the hospital won't help! In fact, without any stimulation, you'd just get worse! You might forget how to eat, or drink water or how to breathe!”

 

“Okay, I see the problem, then.” That's one way to get a bad ending… “Gather information! Try to actively meet people and investigate what kind of person you used to be,” he said. “Who you, your family, and your relationships were, and what you were doing. Increase your knowledge and fill up the outer part of your memories! Once you do, I’m sure it'll trigger something, and the rest of your memories should return. As that happens, I'll be pushed out and eventually be able to separate from you. It's a long shot, given our situation, but at the moment, it's the best plan we have. Sorry I keep talking about negative things…”

 

“Don't worry about it. I think I have the main picture. Talk to family, talk to friends,” I said. “Where do we begin? How do we begin?”

 

“The method is simple. Just close your eyes and think. With no memories to influence you, whatever world you recall will be the world you desire. Only, I think there are several worlds like that.  Just choose what feels right to you.” I closed my eyes like Orion instructed. In front of me, four cards representing the different suits flew up in front of me, manifesting doors in their stead. A fifth card, representing the joker, manifested a fifth door that was chained shut. I turned my attention to the door with the heart on it. I took the knob in my hand and turned it. “Are you ready, Orion? Let's go,” I said.

Chapter 2: Heart World 1

When I woke up, I had hoped that what I had seen was just a dream. The smell of lemon scented cleaner and antibacterial sprays filled the air as my eyes darted around. “I'm in the hospital?” I asked as I sat up. I was struck by my entire body aching, causing me to clutch my sides and legs. I caught sight of the paper bracelet on my wrist. “Rei Park, Age: 19… was it all just a dream?” I asked. My answer came when I caught Orion flying around in a panic. “Oh no… this is bad! This is really bad!” he stammered. “Rei, we're already in a hospital!”

 

“Orion, wait. I think I'm here because of whatever injuries I got before I woke up here. Look at my arms, legs and neck. They're bandaged up,” I said. Orion slowed down before looking. “Woah! You're right! So then, how did we get here?” The door opened to a boy in red with piercings in his chest. His deep red eyes locked onto me as he walked across the room silently. I immediately recognized his face as Shin, the LI of the Heart World path in Amnesia. He was a tsundere who beneath his icy, delinquent exterior was a heart of gold. I could feel my face flush as I stared at him. And I flushed harder at what he did next.

 

His lips tasted so sweet. I could hear him moan as he deepened his kiss. For my first time kissing a man, this felt… amazing. Every part of me wanted to return it so badly. But, I could see the panic on Orion's face as I broke the kiss between me and Shin. “Mm, Rei,” Shin sighed. “Hmm? What's gotten into you? You're not getting embarrassed and pushing me away? If you don't resist, I won't know when to stop. Since you're keeping quiet, I'll take that as consent to continue. Is that okay?”

 

“Are you serious?! Give us a break, she doesn't remember you!” Orion shouted. “I know you can't hear me, but listen to meee! Rei, is this really okay?” Shin pulled back, his face in surprise. “You really are half asleep. I'll take care of the discharge papers, so get dressed. I'm not going to knock when I get back. See you soon.” He stood up and walked out the door, leaving a bag with my clothes on the chair by the bed. Using the bed as support, I eased myself up to my feet and hobbled carefully to the chair, grabbing my clothes.

 

“What a surprise! A-anyway, I think that man just now was your boyfriend… maybe?” Orion asked. “If he wasn't… coming in here and kissing you like that is a sueable offense! Assault and battery!”

 

“He wouldn't be kissing me like that if he wasn't,” I said. “I'm going to get dressed now. So if you could, you know…” Orion nodded before disappearing. I started with changing into my dress and stockings. As I slid on my boots and slipped into my sweater, the door to the room opened as Shin returned. “Ready to go?” he asked. I immediately blushed as I put on my hat. “You could at least knock,” I said. He rolled his eyes. “I told you before I'd come in without knocking. You should have said something then.” He then sighed deeply, concern on his face. “You're acting really weird, Rei. Is it really okay for us to leave?” His eyes caught onto the pills still on the bedside table. “Did you forget to take your pain medicine? Aren't you in pain? Just take them already, idiot. I'll pack up your stuff.” I gasped indignantly as he packed my pajamas and purse into a night bag. I didn't take my eyes off him as I took the two pills and drank down the cup of water left for me. He was looking further around the room for anything else to pack. “I didn't expect the room to be cleaned up like this already. Even the shelves are empty. Did you pack last night?” I slowly nodded. “Looks like there's nothing to do, so we should go. Oh, and don't worry, I thanked the nurse on the way back here. It's not that far to your house, but I assume you'd prefer a taxi? Don't really know my way from here, so you would have to provide directions.”

 

---

 

I stepped out of the taxi to the front of what I could only assume was my apartment complex. Shin led the way to my door, stopping me from walking past it. As I searched my purse for my keys, he sighed as he pulled it out. “I have it, remember? How'd you forget that?” We walked inside to reveal a comfortable little studio apartment. I took a breath in and out as Shin set down my night bag by the bed. “Rei, I'll clean up, so make some tea,” he said. “The hospital allowed you to leave today, that means you can take care of simple, everyday stuff by yourself. And if you collapse, I'll carry you to bed. Think of this as a rehabilitation period.” I walked over to the small kitchen and pulled out the electric kettle. “Would black tea be okay?” I asked as I reached for the tea.

 

“I don't really mind, but why would you make that?” he asked. I scoffed, causing him to blush and look away. “It's fine. Sorry.” I started the kettle, allowing it to start boiling. “He had a key to this place, so maybe he's been taking care of you the whole time you were in the hospital?” Orion asked. “What is the meaning of this?! What exactly are your parents doing?!” I watched as Shin unpacked the night bag, taking out get well soon cards, small gifts from what I assumed were from friends and family. He set them up over on the bedside table, a bitter smile on his face. He then took toiletries to the bathroom before coming back out and sitting at the coffee table. “That about does it. I didn't touch your clothes, though, so you can handle that yourself,” he said. “Is the tea ready? Bring it over to the table, I have some sandwiches for us,” he said.

 

I set down two tea cups before bringing over the kettle. As I poured us tea, he set down a fruit sandwich for me before pulling out a sandwich of his own. “I know your favorite is fruit, I hope I got the right kind,” he said. We ate our lunch in silence. As soon as we finished, I put away my clothes as Shin watched silently. “Hey, it's getting late. I'm going to head home. You're probably at your limit. Nobody’ll be here to take care of you, so you should just lie down,” he said. “Oh, and I'll be back tomorrow.”

 

"There's no need to go through any trouble,” I said.

 

“You're acting strange. There's no problem if I take one day off from prep. Anyway, see you tomorrow. Oh, and I left your keys on the kitchen counter. I'll be a guest tomorrow. Don't sleep in.” As soon as he was gone, I took a breath as I sat down on my bed. “It looks like he had a lot of doubts about you, but you avoided being brought back to the hospital!” Orion said. I sighed as I took a look around the room. One thing that caught my eye was a book with a small lock. I flipped through it to discover it was my diary.

 

I started at my diary before flipping it over to the back page and grabbing a pen. “I, Rei Park, being of sound mind and body…” I stopped and sighed for a second before jumping down two lines beneath and started writing again. “If you are reading this, then this means we do not remember anything about our previous life except the moments before our death.” Death was definitely one way to put what happened. “We ended up in our favorite otome game we were playing before we were hit by a truck. Do not panic. You're not in this alone, you have Orion, and you have me. You can do this, Rei. Orion believes in you. I believe in you. And most importantly, you believe in you.” I closed the diary and set it down on my coffee table. “Orion? Are you there?” I asked. He appeared before me, floating upside down. “What's up?” he asked.

 

I walked over to the bed and sat down, grabbing my purse. “Hey… I don't have a phone!” I said. “Orion, come look!” He floated over beside me before jumping in shock. “Don’t you young people these days have cell phones?!” he asked. I sighed as I laid back on the bed, feeling the pain overtake me. “I'll ask tomorrow,” I said. “Right now, I'm exhausted.” I then checked my purse again, finding my wallet. “Rei Park, Myouga University, 1st year, Psychology. So you're a university student!” Orion said. “And he said he had prep school. Is he younger than you? Did he take a gap year? You look like the same age. I feel bad that we didn't even catch his name.” It's Shin, he was my favorite love interest. But, I knew I couldn't say that. My mind went back to the hazy memory of me in that living room. Shin was on the screen, speaking. I could remember his lip flaps, the sound of his voice. And seeing him in person… it was so much better than a static image! He had such a handsome face. I couldn't help but smile as I felt sleep overtake me.

 

---

 

Ding-dong! I woke up to the sound of the doorbell. I yawned as I stood up and hobbled over to the peephole. Shin was waiting outside. “Wait just a moment!” I shouted as I rushed to get dressed. After 10 minutes, I let him in. “Sorry about that,” I said. “I didn't expect you this early!”

 

“Did you oversleep again? Don't slack off because you're at home now. It's better for you to live the same way you were at the hospital,” he scolded. “I'm coming in.” He set down a bag from a convenience store on the table, revealing a fresh breakfast. “There's something I want to ask you, Rei. It's our one year anniversary today right? Are you sure you don't want to do anything?” My heart dropped. “Really? Oh my God, I am so sorry for forgetting! What were you wanting to do?” I asked, panicking. “Will you buy me a cake?”

 

“You'll get fat, so no. Your face is already pretty round. If you gain weight, it'll show right away.” He sighed. “One more question. You haven't called me by my name since yesterday. Why is that? You always call me by my name.” I gasped lightly. “Also, I'm always a jerk to you, but it usually just rolls right off your back. Yesterday, though, it seems like you wanted me gone. So I want to ask you… Do you remember my name?”

 

“W-Why would you ask that?” I asked. He leaned closer to me. “Because I'm suspicious that you don't remember, why else?” He looked closer at me, his eyes darting from my eyes to the rest of my face. “Hm… I see… so you don't remember,” he said. “And by the way, we only started going out three months ago. And you don't even remember that.”

 

“Why that little… he tricked us!!!” Orion shouted.

 

“I don't know why you're hiding it. There's no use playing dumb anymore,” he said. “I tricked you because it was obvious you were hiding something, but you wouldn't admit to it. Your memories are missing, aren't they? You've got to be stupid to think you could hide something like that. Looks like you're still an idiot, memories or not. You couldn't figure out from the start we were dating? And you thought you could hide the fact you've changed?”

 

“You don't have to be so mean,” I said.

 

“You've been acting strange since yesterday morning. I thought it was just temporary and you would be better tomorrow. So why did you hide it?”

 

“I didn't want to go back to the hospital,” I said. He lifted his hand as he took a step back. “Okay, I got it. I won't take you back to the hospital,” he said. “But now you have no reason to hide it. So, what do you remember? Do you know your name? Your age? Your living situation?”

 

“Yes, yes, and I'm pretty sure I figured that out after you left,” I said. “I had my ID card, I had my medical bracelet.”

 

“So you're saying you're so confused, you need those to help remember your name?” he asked. “Fine, then I will explain everything from the beginning. My name is Shin. We've known each other since we were kids. I guess you could say we're childhood friends. We started going out three months ago. I'm a year younger than you and a senior in high school. I'm 18, you're 19. Your parents work overseas. They visited you in the hospital, but they've gone back already. I'm taking care of you in their place. I have your house key and some other stuff. Your parents know me really well.”

 

“Okay, that makes a lot more sense now. That explains why he was going above and beyond for you,” Orion said. “You're childhood friends. No wonder your parents trusted him. He's kind of a mean guy but he's interesting.”

 

“That's all you need to worry about for now. I don't want to overwhelm you. Is there anything else you wanted to know, though?” I lifted my bandaged arms with a frown. “What happened to me?” I asked. “Everything hurts and I have bandages all over me.” He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a sign. “I'm sorry. It was my fault. The reason you're injured and your memories are messed up now.”

 

“Wait a second! Her memories are gone because of me! Don't be rough on yourself!” Orion protested.

 

“You were in a terrible accident ten days ago. You hit your head pretty hard. And, I'm thinking the impact made you lose your memories,” he said. I had a concussion? That can't be right. I was hit by a truck. My spine… my neck… I grabbed my head, causing Shin’s expression to change to worry. “Maybe it's best we leave things there for now. I still haven't managed to think it over. I don't think I can talk about it yet. Especially if it's causing you pain. Regardless, all the blame is on me. Your injuries, your memories… I'm going to take care of you. I promised your parents that I'd look after you, that's why they gave me your key.” I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness hit me as I grabbed my head.

 

“I'm very sorry,” Shin said. “It's all my fault. If I had been more careful, none of this would have happened.” He was sitting across from the man I assumed to be my father, who was stone faced. “I really am sorry. Please let me make up for this. I don't care what I have to do.” Father looked back up at him with sadness in his eyes. “Shin, we aren't blaming you for this,” he said.

 

“What's wrong?” Shin asked, waking me from the memory.

 

“Did you apologize to my dad at the hospital?” His eyes widened in surprise before he began to softly smile. “Yeah. Though it wasn't exactly a great moment. I would have preferred if you remembered something about me where I was cooler.” I thought he looked very cool. The determination in his eyes. Why can't I tell him this? “That's good. It sounds like you can remember a few things again, at least. Are you okay to walk? We should take a walk around here, you might remember something.” I nodded as I stood up, taking his hand. A blush ran across his face as his hand softly squeezed mine.

 

He led me down the street, keeping me as close as he could. “Do you see those two houses over there?” he asked, pointing me to two houses. “That one is my house, the one next to it was your parents' house. If anything happens, come over right away. I'm not far away. Next is your work. It's a 20 minute walk away. Stay close to me, Rei.” I nodded as I kept a firm grip onto his hand.

 

We crossed past the railroad crossing, across a major crossing, beneath an underpass, past a large shopping center, and down a small alley before a quaint little stairwell with a sign that said “Meido to Shitsuji” came into view. I caught my breath when we stopped, my body aching from the strain. “I guess that was too much for you. Let's go into the cafe. This is where you work,” he said.

 

“Welcome back, Master. Madam,” a blonde haired man dressed as a butler said. He walked over to Shin and leaned in, his voice a whisper. “Wait, Shin. She just got out of the hospital yesterday. Why'd you bring her all the way over here? Rei, you look a little pale. Is your head hurting?”

 

“We're here as customers today,” Shin said.

 

“Oh, I see. Fine. How very rude of me. I'll return when you're ready to order,” the butler said before walking away. Shin watched until Toma was gone before leaning towards me. “That was Toma. Do you remember anything about him?” Shin asked. “...I guess not. That's fine then. That's one objective down. I guess all that's left is to buy a cellphone then take a taxi back. Your old one broke during your accident. You were fine in the hospital, but it would be a problem now if you couldn't contact me in an emergency. I don't really know what kind of phones girls like, so you choose.”

 

“Okay, sounds good.”

 

“I was planning to take you back if you didn't seem to be doing well, but… Now that I think about it, you don't complain much anymore. Are you pushing yourself too hard?”

 

“A little bit,” I said.

 

“Idiot. I never told you to overdo it,” he harrumphed. “If you need to complain, tell me. I won't know unless you speak up. I'm not a mind reader. I can't do anything about secret thoughts… And why do I have to tell you this now, after all this time? We've built all these little details into our relationship over the last 10 years. It feels really weird to have to explain things like this for you to understand.”

 

“I-I'm sorry,” I said.

 

“Is the person sitting in front of me really the Rei I know? Or should I treat you like a stranger?” He sighed deeply as his eyes fell towards the table. “Back during the accident… I thought you had died. I really was scared. Yesterday when I noticed your memories were gone, I felt like this relationship and everything we built was crumbling.”

 

“I'm sorry. I wish I could remember, Shin. I want to remember,” I said. I reached my hand towards his, but he pulled away. “Well, it doesn't really matter what happens. It's still all my fault,” he said.

 

---

 

“We're home!” Orion shouted cheerfully as we walked inside my apartment. I looked up at him and smiled before returning to a frown. “What a rough day, right? At least now you have a new phone. It's really helping us gather a lot of information! Today is August 2nd! It's really cool outside for August, though. Humans have been saying the weather's been abnormal for the last few years. I guess they were right,” Orion said. I flopped down onto my bed, only replying, “Uh-huh…”

 

“At least Shin's going to be back tomorrow, right? So maybe he can help us get more contacts outside of his! It's kind of bad you can't move because of your injuries, but you're making good progress.” I sighed as I turned to Orion. “I feel terrible that I can't remember my relationship with Shin at all. I know I need to get my memories back for me, but I also want to do it for Shin too,” I said.

 

"Hey, with the rate we're going, and with Shin to trust, your memories will be back in no time! Let's do our best tomorrow too, okay?” Orion said. I nodded as I turned out the lights for the night.

Chapter 3: Heart World 2

“I actually lied to you yesterday,” Shin flatly said. What? “Your parents aren't overseas, they actually live in the next prefecture over. They just couldn't come pick you up from the hospital because of work. I just wanted to have you all to myself because you had amnesia. Here's their contact info.” He took my phone and punched into two numbers, saving each as “Mom” and “Dad”. He returned my phone to me as I kept staring him dead in the face. “That's a super huge, mega lie! And he said it like it was nothing!” Orion shouted. I looked down at my phone and then at Shin. “Thanks for telling me…” I said.

 

“The info’s real, but what I said was a lie. I figured you'd keep trying to hide the fact you have amnesia. And it looks like you've still got it. Your parents really are working overseas. I lied about having lied yesterday. That contact info is legit. I copied it from home. You can make an international call to check.”

 

“W-Why that little…! If he keeps lying, nobody's going to believe him anymore!” Orion shouted. I crossed my arms indignantly. “I guess I was too naive to think it would fix itself after a day or two. How are you feeling? Are you okay to walk? We can go check out your school.”

 

“Okay, let's go. I think I should be fine with that,” I said. He nodded as he took the lead to the door. He then stopped, sighed and turned back to me. “Rei, you know you're allowed to get mad when someone lies to you,” he said. “I understand things are still hazy, but I did trick you a few times. This whole situation is weird. I guess on some level I'd figured you'd get all pouty with me like you normally do. It makes me uncomfortable that you didn't. Right now, you're still you, but you're different. I guess I can't just assume you'll react to things the same way. Let's get going. And if you don't feel well, let me know right away.” 

 

---

 

We got to the front gate of a large university. The sign for it said, “Myouga University.” Connected to it was what I could only assume was the high school. Shin led me inside. We stopped in front of a room labeled “The Music Room.” I slid the door open to see various instruments scattered about. “You've been in a band since your 2nd year of high school. You were vocals. You were really awful at first, but you practiced a lot, and then you were okay by your 3rd year. I haven't heard you perform since you started college, but you've been pretty enthusiastic about it. They're on hiatus due to your injury, but it'll probably be a while before you play again, anyway. I think you practiced here twice a week after classes and on days off.” I walked past the various instruments, stopping at the keyboard. I played a few small chords on it as Shin watched. “I would drop by often too, and we would talk for a while after you were done. …I really enjoyed seeing you get nervous around me. That doesn't really happen to me. But I confessed to you here… and we had our first kiss here.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and back and pulled me close. My lips connected with his again too. “Even if you don't remember, do you at least remember the sensation? We've kissed so many times, I can't even count anymore. It'd be frustrating if you told me you can't feel anything being here now.”

 

I wanted to remember. I wanted so badly to remember anything. But as I lost my balance, I caught myself with the keyboard, playing a loud, discordant chord. The smile ran away from Shin's face as I blushed and looked away. “Sorry, I won't do it again. I figured if I missed you here, you might remember something, but that was stupid of me. I'm sure it's troubling for you, too. Right now… I'm just a stranger to you.”

 

“No, I-I don't mind,” I said. The smile returned to his face. “Really? Then maybe I won't hold back,” he said. “A lot has happened, but it looks like at least some of your feelings are still there.” I gave him a small smile as I followed him outside again. “I've taken you everywhere I can think of to help, but I guess the rest will just have to fall back into place on its own. You might even remember things when you talk to people we know. And if you go to a memorable place, you might start remembering what happened there. I could arrange for you to meet the people we know in common too, but… hey, are you okay?” I could feel a memory returning to me.

 

“A live event? You want people to hear you sing? Have you ever recorded yourself and listened to it? It's seriously not something to brag about.” I crossed my arms angrily. “I was just nervous!” I said. Shin rolled his eyes. “That's an excuse. It's because you didn't practice enough. Did you practice enough to have absolute confidence in your singing, no matter what? No, right? You slacked off. Making up excuses doesn't mean people will give a shit.” Toma interrupted us, standing in front of me. “That's enough, Shin. There's no need to kick her while she's down,” he said.

 

“Shut up. Who's going to tell her if I don't? I'm sure everyone thought it was a terrible performance. You have to accept that first before you can fix it. If you're frustrated enough to cry, maybe you should practice more next year.”

 

“Rei, don't worry about it too much. He's exaggerating. It wasn't as bad as he said it was.”

 

“Don't baby her, Toma.”

 

I was breathing heavily as I felt terribly dizzy. “What is it?” Shin asked. “Don't tell me you weren't feeling well this whole time.” I shook my head. “You made me cry after my performance?” I asked. Shin sighed deeply. “You sure remember the worst moments. It's because you weren't any good. But, just putting this out there, you were better the second time, and I told you so then.” I smiled. “Thank you for telling me,” I said. “Maybe sometime, once my memories are back, I can sing for you again.”

 

“You've been making good progress in remembering thanks to Shin. It must be because you're with someone you know really well who can talk to you about a bunch of things,” Orion said. Shin blushed with a smile. “Okay, I look forward to that.”

 

We entered the apartment as the sun began to set. “By the way, you're supposed to go back to work starting the day after tomorrow,” he said as I set down my purse and hat. “But, working with 0 memories is a disaster waiting to happen. Maybe I could ask the manager to reconsider?”

 

“Well, I really don't want a lot of people to know,” I said.

 

“I get where you're coming from. So you want to go to work and hide your amnesia? Well, your injuries should keep people from expecting too much from you for a while. If you really want to go, I'll teach you how to do your job. I still remember it from when I used to work there.”

 

“Sounds good! I'll see you tomorrow!” I said.

 

“It's going to be tough training, so you'd better rest up for it tomorrow,” he said.

 

---

 

“I taught you that just a minute ago, idiot. You should learn to use your brain more. You won't go very far in life without being able to do basic math in your head,” Shin scolded. “Okay, let's start from the beginning again. I'll pretend to be the customer, and you are going to serve me.” I took a deep breath. “Welcome back, Master,” I said with a smile on my face as I bowed. Shin immediately began to blush. “...Alright,” he said. “Next, show them to their seat, and give them a menu. After you bring them some water, say, ‘Please call me when you're ready to order.’ Then watch them from a distance until they call you. It shouldn’t take too long.” I sat him at my coffee table and brought him a menu and a glass of water. It all began to feel very familiar. “I'd like to order.”

 

“Have you decided, Master?” I asked. Shin began to blush again. “Alright…” he said. “...What kind of torture is this…” I tilted my head slightly. “N-nothing. Anyway, my order. I'll have a maid coffee set and a banana tart.” I wrote down his order on a tiny pad of paper in my hand. “Yes master. A Maid Coffee Set and a Banana Tart. Will that be all, Master?” Shin's face turned redder as he looked away. “C-cute… Hey… can I just… have my way with you or something?” I immediately began to blush. “This isn't good. Agh, this is torture. Toma, show up already…” he groaned. “Too cute…”

 

The doorbell rang, turning my focus away from Shin as he breathed a sigh of relief. “Toma?” I asked as I answered the door. Toma followed me into the living room. “What took you so long?” Shin asked. Toma turned to me and placed a hand on my cheek. “Rei, are you okay? Your memories are still mixed up, right?” Toma asked.

 

“Just close the damn door. Rei, this is Toma, you saw him at the cafe the other day. I thought it'd be a problem if you didn't have someone at work to rely on, so I explained to him everything going on.”

 

“Explained? I wish. More like you just told me,” Toma said. “So how much have you forgotten? Have you ever forgotten me?”

 

“She doesn't remember any of us. In fact, I don't think she even knows what this place is,” Shin said.

 

“What do you mean, you don't think she knows?! Just tell her.”

 

“She's smart enough to figure that out, Toma. I'm helping her with what she can't.”

 

“Here we go again. Sometimes I wish I could forget about Shin’s terrible attitude,” Toma said. “I'm sure he's put you through a lot. It must be so frustrating. I'm sorry about that.”

 

“Stop coddling her.”

 

“No, you need to treat your girlfriend better.”

 

“For friends, they sure do fight pretty seriously. What's even going on here?” Orion asked. “Rei, do you remember anything?” This entire scene felt familiar. Watching Shin and Toma bicker was familiar. I tried to focus back on the memory of the room I was in. The empty takeout boxes and soda bottles were there, but what was on the television screen. Shin was on screen once again, but… I couldn't read what was in the text box.

 

“Whatever. Just handle any work problems she has.”

 

“That goes without saying, let me introduce myself to you… uh, again. I'm Toma. We've known each other since we were kids. I'm kind of like your older brother. I thought I was an older brother to Shin too, but…”

 

“I'm not a kid. I don't need some pseudo-older brother.”

 

“As you can see, he doesn't prefer it.”

 

“An older brother figure, huh… Maybe that's why Shin decided to have you see Toma the other day!” Orion said.

 

“Feel free to ask me anything, even if it's not about work. You're not alone in this, so don't overspend your energy,” Toma said.

 

“You can trust him. I think he's the type to keep his mouth shut if he's told to, so don't worry. There's one more person, a girl at work named Sawa. I guess you could say she's your best friend. You can trust her, but she'll go blabbing about anything you tell her. Maybe don't tell her about your amnesia. That is about everyone I can think of who you can count on.”

 

“Basically. If anything happens, come to me, Shin, or Sawa. Although Shin should be studying for his exams, you might not want to call on him much. He's got prep school on days you work anywa– Wait a second, don't you have school today?!”

 

“How the hell do you, of all people, know that?”

 

“I heard from Rei you had classes Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and that's why she works those days. Are you seriously in a position to ditch prep school? I'm not saying you're stupid, but you can't afford college unless you're selected for a scholarship, right?”

 

“Rei, you talk too much,” Shin sighed.

 

“Thank you for coming here even though you're busy,” I said.

 

“It's not a big deal. It feels weird hearing you thank me directly. Anyway, I'm counting on Sawa and Toma to fill in during times I can't see you. Thanks in advance.”

 

“I don't mind at all.”

 

“Also, Toma, make sure you get her new number, she has a new cell.”

 

“Right, the old one broke. Sure thing.” Toma took my phone and punched in his number before returning it to me.

 

“Now, let's try and take things from the top again,” Shin said. “Toma, can you play customer for us?”

 

“Sure thing. Rei, when you're ready.”

 

“Welcome back, Masters,” I said, bowing. Both Toma and Shin instantly blushed. “See, doesn't it make you feel strange?” Shin asked. Toma covered his face and nodded.

 

---

 

I walked into the cafe's worker entrance. “Oh, hello, Rei! It's so good to see you back!” a man in an ornate jacket said in a sunny tone. “Are you feeling okay? That accident was so unfortunate. But those bandages are so cute! I know lots of people would love to be served by a maid with a few boo-boos.” Is this… the manager? He seems… really cheerful… “Oh, and don't worry that sweet little head of yours. Your first day back won't be until next week! So today and the day after tomorrow are half days!”

 

The door opened behind me to Toma, who was rushing in. “Good morning! Sorry Rei, I said I'd help you today, but you ended up here first. Did the manager say anything weird to you? Don't worry. He won't bite or anything.” The cheerful face the manager had swapped to a harsh glare. “What was that, Toma?! That sounded a bit rude, if I heard correctly!” Toma jumped as he put up his hands. “Oh! Not at all! I just hadn't seen you put on that kind of pressure in a while, so I figured she might have been taken back a bit!” Toma said.

 

“Of course not! I was only encouraging her.” Another girl entered through the staff entrance. Mine, one of the maids at the cafe. She's sweet, but depending on the route, can be a bit of a bitch. “Rei! Welcome back! Sawa and I were totally worried about you! I was really shocked when the accident happened! I thought you were dead when I saw you!” Mine shouted. “I'm, like, so glad you're okay!”

 

“We'll have more time to talk later. Everyone get dressed,” the manager said.

 

As I worked through everything Shin taught me, I felt muscle memory coming back to me. Every so often, I felt a familiar flash, and rather than the blonde haired, green eyed girl I usually saw, my reflection occasionally had bobbed black hair and amber eyes. I feel like I've done this before… but… how? And where? Who was I before I came here? Orion floated beside me, a little pout on his flushed face. “I-It’s not like I'm enjoying this or anything!” Orion huffed. “Compared to the way Shin treats us, real customers are a lot nicer! Piece of cake! If you have any trouble, I'm sure the others will help you out!” Right… the other maids and butlers. I looked to see Toma and Mine hard at work. My thoughts were interrupted by the manager tapping my shoulder with a smile. “Good work, Rei! You can go ahead and take your break now! You seemed so focused today! You should head home and try to get some rest until the day after tomorrow!”

 

“Thank you, sir,” I said. “I'll see you the day after tomorrow.” Smile through to pain, Rei. We'll be home soon. I hoped we could ask Toma and Mine about the accident. But, I think that can wait. I walked outside to see Shin waiting for me. “Hey,” he said. I walked up to him with surprise on my face. “Are you here to pick me up?” I asked. Shin blushed. “You're looking at me with those puppy dog eyes again. Even with amnesia, you're just the same as before,” he said. “It makes me want to tease you. As much as I want to play around, I just came by to say hi to Waka. I'll be heading back to school after. How was work? Did you do okay?”

 

“Everyone helped me out,” I said. Shin nodded before walking past me, telling me to wait there. I, however, followed him back in. “Why if it isn't Shin! It's been a while, how have you been?” Waka, the manager, asked.

 

“Hello Waka, I've been fine. Also I'm sorry for any trouble she's caused today. I'm sure she's probably been a lot less present than usual due to her injuries, but I'll help her recover as quickly as possible.”

 

“Wow, I didn't expect Shin to be so serious like this,” Orion said. I nodded in agreement. “Don't worry, Shin. I fully understand her injuries haven't healed yet. She was actually quite adorable in those bandages with her uniform on. I wish you could have seen her.” Shin was blushing, probably imagining it. We walked outside, with Shin taking the lead. “You can get yourself home, right?” he asked. “I'll see you later.”

Notes:

Sorry it's been a while! I've been dealing with health issues still and Devil's Way was my main outlet. Here's what I have for chapter 3!

Chapter 4: Heart World 3

Notes:

Sorry it's been so long! If you follow any of my other fics or me on any social media, it's not a secret that I suffer from various health issues. Sometimes I don't feel well enough to write or draw, and sometimes, I just don't have the motivation and I'm otherwise well. I wanted to update this after having the joy of seeing someone else inspired by my work!

“Since today's your day off, what do you want to do today?” Orion asked as he floated around upside down. I was sitting at the table, jotting more down in my diary. “We could take a walk around,” I said. “Get some fresh air.” Ding-dong! My focus turned over to the door as Orion flew through the door to check. “It's Toma! And some other girl I don't recognize,” he said. I stood up and opened the door. “Hiya! It's been a while!” the girl said.

 

“Mind if we come in for a visit? Sawa was saying she wanted to see you, so I brought her along.”

 

“What a crazy ordeal this has been! I'm so glad to see you're doing well!” Sawa said. “The hospital you were in was really far, so I'm sorry I couldn't visit.”

 

“Oh! Sorry, Sawa. I guess you didn't know she was transferred to a nearby hospital the past two days after staying at Shinano for a week.”

 

“Wait, really?! Awww, I could have visited her!”

 

Shinano? Is that where I died? No… I was in Fukuoka. Maybe this is where my body was before I woke up in it. “The last time I saw you, you were covered in blood. I was so relieved when Toma told me you were okay.” Covered in blood?! Was I in a car accident like before? Or something else? “He told me at the time that I was probably still in shock and that we should just leave things to Shin. But waiting for any news of how you were was so hard. I was so scared you were going to die…”

 

“Wait, Rei, are you getting confused too? So not just Mine, but Sawa was at the scene? And it was in Shinano? Maybe we should ask about the accident,” Orion said.

 

“My memory of that night is a bit hazy, do you remember at all what happened?” I asked.

 

“Huh?! You really don't remember?” Sawa asked.

 

“Well, she did hit her head. It's not out of the question for her to not remember,” Toma said. “I think it would be best if we assume she doesn't remember anything from that day.”

 

“Has Shin told you anything?”

 

“She only began forgetting things lately. She remembered it all before,” Toma said. ”And I'm pretty sure Shin doesn't want to talk about the accident. It's a pretty rough memory for him.”

 

“I see. Then you must be super curious about what happened to you…” Sawa said with a frown. “Alright. In that case, I'll tell you about that day. Well, as much as I know, anyhow.”

 

“Let's see… so the three of us, Shin, and Mine all went to Shinano for a little vacation. Do you remember that?” I nodded in return. “On the second night, you and Skin went off somewhere but later on he came back alone, looking all pale! He said you two were goofing around and didn't realize you were right by the edge of a cliff. Then you fell. It was dark, and he couldn't see too far down, so he asked us to help search for you.”

 

“Wait, you fell off a CLIFF? I heard it was an accident, but I assumed it was a car accident… this is unbelievable…”

 

“After that, all the guests at the mountain lodge started searching. Even people who had nothing to do with it. You were found collapsed at the bottom of the cliff a ways away. All of it happened in about a span of an hour… you were covered in injuries and totally unconscious.”

 

My head began to spin. I felt something coming back to me.

 

“Rei! There you are!” Shin’s voice called. “Are you okay? Can you stand up?” My eyes opened to a shadowy figure holding me to his chest. He looked like Shin. “Shin… you came for me…” I said before everything went black.

 

I braced myself against the wall, nearly losing balance. “Rei?! What's wrong?!” Toma asked. I took his hand as I felt the dizziness fade. “I'm sorry. I felt a bit dizzy,” I said. “So Shin came to find me?”

 

“Huh? What do you mean? The people who found you were named Kent and Ikki,” Sawa said. “You must really be confused. Do you remember Ikki and Kent? They were guests at the lodge too. Even though they were just strangers, they ran off into the forest to look for you. Isn't that so cool?!” Toma noticed the confusion on my face. “What's wrong, Rei? Was that too much information at once? Are you feeling confused?” he asked.

 

“Hey, are you okay?! Did I say too much at once? I'm sorry,” Sawa said. “I guess it really is possible to lose your memories well after an event happens… right after the accident, I heard you were desperate to let everyone know it wasn't Shin's fault. The police were suspicious that Shin planned your fall, but you were defending him.”

 

“I wouldn't really say he was their number one suspect, though. It was more like they were questioning him for a while. Shin was saying that it was his fault you fell, after all. But since the victim was insisting it was just an accident, they released him fairly quickly.”

 

“It wasn't that quick, right? I mean, he didn't come back for an entire day!”

 

“Right, that struck me as strange… from what I heard there was a difference in your testimonies that made them suspicious. But that's pretty common. People get confused immediately following an accident. Honestly though, you seem more confused now.” They continued to banter about memory until I finally spoke up. “Is Shin okay?” I asked, interrupting them.

 

“He's fine. Well, as long as you don't tell the police something like ‘Shin really did push me off the cliff!’” Toma said. I created a sigh of relief as Orion floated over to me. “Huh, so I guess that memory was of another time, right? But, now that we have the whole story, I can see why Shin feels responsible for your injuries. Although it wasn't his fault, neither of you knew about the cliff. I'm sure he's still worried about it. The guilt must be really eating away at him, especially if there are people who are thinking terrible things about him, like he caused the accident.” His hands tried to take mine. “It was really an accident, right? You believe in Shin, don't you, Rei? Don't worry, I know he cares for you. He just doesn't act like it.” I nodded slightly. “And I'm confident that the memory you have is even more proof in his favor!’

 

---

 

I sighed in relief as I took a seat on the couch in the employees area. It was another half day, and hopefully next week I could start working full shifts again. “Rei, are you okay?” Orion asked.

 

“Good work! At this rate, you should be able to go back to full-time next week!” Waka said with a smile. “Seriously… when I heard the news from Mine, I was in a complete and total panic. My hands were trembling quite a bit… I ended up dropping plates in front of customers so many times.” He may be exuberant and odd, but Waka really is a sweet man and good boss. “If that pretty face of yours had been injured, this cafe would have lost its poster girl!!! How frightening!” Aaaand the moment passes… “Really, everyone was so shaken up at the time! Toma was especially bad!” Mine said. Toma immediately blushes, covering his mouth and cheeks. “Mine! Don't mention that!” he shouted.

 

“Eh?! But you were! You were shouting at Shin, and then you ran off! Sawa was on the verge of tears!”

 

“That should be expected. For Sawa and me, that was really an incredibly worrying moment.”

 

“And yet Shin was so calm.”

 

“Mine,” Waka softly scolded.

 

“To be honest, I was kind of scared. His girlfriend fell off a cliff right in front of his eyes, but he was super calm. He called the police and explained the situation, and he didn't even make an effort to search for you!”

 

“There's nothing wrong with what he did. He might have looked calm, but I'm sure he was beyond shocked, too.”

 

“...And I heard some scary rumors. About Shin’s dad being a murderer.” Okay, I changed my mind, Mine is a bitch. I tried not to show my annoyance as Toma let out a sigh. “It wasn't a murder. It was involuntary manslaughter,” Toma corrected.

 

“Even if he didn't intend to, he still killed someone. Isn't that the truth? I heard he got drunk and got into a fight with some guy. Couldn’t that personality have been passed down to Shin?” A mega bitch. Orion could feel my annoyance radiating off of me. “I'll seriously get mad if you say anything more, Mine,” Toma warned, interrupting her. “It's true Shin's father got into a fight and killed someone, but… That has literally nothing to do with Shin. And it's not like you know the details about that incident, or do you? Mine, do you really believe rumors over your friends?”

 

“I'm sorry. That was terrible of me to say,” Mine said. I felt my jaw unclench and my hands relax. “Thank you, Toma,” I said. He began to pat my head. “I was just defending Shin. There's no need for you to thank me. Although I understand why you'd be thankful toward anyone who defended Shin.”

 

“Alright, that's enough,” Waka gently said. “Shin might be a lonely kid, but he wouldn't hurt the girl he cherishes so much. There is no reason to doubt him. Anyway, why don't we all have lunch together?” I noticed Orion was deep in thought, a troubled look on his face. “Even though the manager said that… it sounds like there are a lot of people who suspect Shin. That's probably because his attitude is the type to rouse suspicion among people who don't know him. …What do you think, Rei? I'm starting to feel anxious.”

 

---

 

“Got time? Want to go somewhere?” Shin asked. I was standing face to face with Shin, outside my apartment, after not hearing from him about coming over. “He shows up without calling or texting, and that's the first thing he says when he sees you?! He could at least ask about your injuries, or ask how work is going, or how you're feeling or something nice!!!”

 

“Before, we'd go to the park… or to school with Toma… that's all I could think of.”

 

“Oh, he wasn't talking about a date. This is to help recover your memories,” Orion said. “Hey, in that case, wouldn't it be better to talk about the accident than about elementary school? I think it's bad not to ask Shin anything and only hear negative rumors about him. You also need to ask Shin about the memory you have of him finding you that night.”

 

“So I found you, huh?” Shin asked as we sat on a bench at the park. “I don't know what you're remembering, but I never found you. Toma and the others are tight. The people who found you were these two guys, Kent and Ikki, who just happened to be staying at the lodge. I hear Ikki is a college student and Kent is a graduate student. That's all I know.”

 

“So even Shin is saying the others are right,” Orion said.

 

“I waited at the lodge for the ambulance and the police to arrive. I knew the police would want to question me anyway. Someone had to stay at the lodge to relay information to them. I would just make things faster for me to be there, since the police would have wanted to call for me anyway.”

 

“I see… So Shin didn't search for you, so he could explain things to the police. That actually sounds pretty reasonable.”

 

“After you were found, the police car and the ambulance arrived, and I was taken to the station. Our testimonies were different, so the police decided they were going to keep me in hold for a day. But the differences were minor. In fact… I lied about them.”

 

“Wait, why would he even lie about something like that?!”

 

Shin let out a deep sigh. “Now that I think about it, I should have told the truth from the start. I think I was just upset. You said, ‘I ran because he was teasing me,’ in your testimony but… I said, ‘I jumped out at her from behind’ in mine. In reality, what you said was closer to the truth. From your footprints, they determined that you ran away from something before you fell. There wasn't really much reason for me to lie about it. That's just what I happened to tell them.” Shin began to blush a little, his eyes not meeting mine. “At the time, I was actually asking you if I could go to your room that night.”

 

I immediately flushed back. “That was hard to explain, and embarrassing, so I ended up making up a stupid lie, like that I jumped out at you from behind to scare you…” Orion looked between me and Shin, both of us blushing hard enough for steam to rise off our faces. “Well, I guess it's true that it would be hard to tell the police. Not only that, but you ended up running when he asked…”

 

I continued to blush harder. Shin, you dummy! You gorgeously handsome dummy! Wait… Me! Me you dummy! Shin’s eyes returned to meet mine. “I wasn't actually kidding at the time, so what you said was technically a lie too, if we're gonna go down that road.” Correction: I'm a super idiot! “Although it's still a lot closer to the truth than what I said. But it wasn't anything that was super serious. It's just that nobody but us knew what we were talking about before the accident, and the trail of footprints was there. It might be trivial but I still lied. Of course they would suspect me. The only reason I was released was because you cried and defended me. I'm really thankful.”

 

I could only nod in response. But deep down… I felt a tinge in my heart. I lost all those memories of him, of loving him and loving being with him. “You ended up with fairly minor injuries. I guess the police didn't see the need to press further. Anyway, that's my side of the story. Do you believe me?” he asked.

 

“Yes. Of course I do,” I said. “Shin, you've been taking care of me since the accident, and helping me with my memories. Why would I doubt you?” Shin blushed and smiled. “Thank you, Rei. But, I shouldn't be the one being comforted. You're in a way worse situation than I am right now. I'm pretty worried, and I'm totally serious.” He then deeply bowed, his hands hanging in front of him. “I am so sorry. I probably should have told you about all of this sooner. Having you ask others just made things more problematic. When I try to talk about that day, I remember really awful things. Like, your scream when you fell. And how long I had to wait before the people looking for you came back. And then you were brought back covered in blood. And all that time, I was being questioned without knowing how you were. I saw the cuts on your neck when you were brought back. It looked like you were bleeding a lot. It's a miracle you got off so easily. I heard later that if they hadn't found you as soon as they had, you might have died. I was even thinking it was my fault that you almost died.”

 

I felt flashes come back to me, except, not of the accident Shin described. It was that accident. The ambulance screaming in the distance, the driver arguing with the police, and a voice calling my name. “Rei! Stay with me… The ambulance will be here soon…” I pushed it to the back of my mind as I turned my focus back on Shin. “I'm just so weak. I can't forgive myself. I couldn't do anything. Nothing at all…” I wanted to place a hand on his cheek, embrace him tightly and tell him I forgave him, I love him, all of it. A face like his shouldn't cry. “You were right there in front of my eyes… just for a few seconds before, you were in my arms, but then…” He stopped himself, clearly choking back his own tears. “I'm sorry. I still don't want to think about it.”

 

“You know,” Orion said. “I don't think he didn't do anything about it. He said you might have died if you were found later. If Shin had run off by himself and not gotten help, it might have been too late.” He floated over to Shin and tried to place a hand on his shoulder. It slipped through for a second before Orion adjusted it the best he could. “Shin, your quick decision to ask everyone for help is what saved this girl's life. There's no doubt about it.”

 

“Shin,” I said, catching both their attention. “I was saved thanks to you. I wouldn't be here if you didn't ask everyone for help.” Shin smiled, that same smile I loved, that rare soft smile. “Yeah, you said that plenty of times. You say the same thing every time I apologize. Even without your memories.”

 

“And I'll keep saying it until you believe it.”

 

“But, if I had been more careful about our surroundings, you never would have fallen in the first place. This fact won't change. This is my fault.” Orion frowned as he turned to me. “Hey, Rei. Shin is really sorry about this… and he doesn't seem like a person who would try to hurt you. Your injuries were an accident. But then again, what was that mysterious memory” He thought as he spun around, flipping upside-down and right side up, his tassels following him like fairy wings. “It must be some mistake.”

Chapter 5: Heart World 4

Notes:

I hope it's made a little more clear in this chapter that Rei doesn't remember EVERYTHING about the game. And just like how I am still surprised playing along in the game to write this, she is surprised by what happens.

I entered the cafe to see a well dressed, older gentleman in a suit, hat, and sunglasses. “Ah, Rei, hello. First, I would like to personally congratulate you on your recovery,” he said. I could only freeze as I tried to remember him. “Um, thank you… sir…” I said. Orion was floating angrily behind me. “I was going to congratulate her first! Don't steal my lines!” Orion pouted. 

 

“I was really surprised to hear about the incident the other day. And it seems Shin has been released. To be honest, I was always interested in know whether you two were actually dating, but that time was especially…” He was interrupted by Toma running in. “Hey, owner! Good morning!” Toma said. “I'm surprised to see you here today! I wouldn't have thought the owner of the Shinanoji Lodge would come all the way down here! Did you come by today to give Rei some encouragement?”

 

“Yes. I believed it would be quickest to ask the person directly concerned, after all. I've been concerned for quite some time, but Waka insisted I wait until her wounds had recovered.” Thanks Waka… I guess… “Anyway, tell me… just how much water does this theory of a love triangle with you two and Toma hold?” My face immediately flushed. Toma, on the other hand, kept composed. “Mr. Owner, it's completely false,” he said.

 

“But I heard she had proposed to you in the past, Toma. During our chat over tea.” I flushed harder. I wanted to scream in embarrassment, but nothing was coming out. “That was when she was in kindergarten. It's a common childhood thing.” A memory flashed into my mind.

 

“Toma. When we grow up, we should get married,” I said as we made things out of dandelions and clover. A small hand took mine and slid a flower ring onto my ring finger.

 

However, the memory began to fade. No, don't go! I want to see more! I was back at the employees lounge, tears in my eyes. “Wow. You really did propose to Toma back then!” Orion said. “Hey, Rei… I know it was only kindergarten, but do you think you made any promises like that with Shin too?” I had to have had. There was no way I couldn't have. But, the memory was so faint, so long ago, I wasn't sure.

 

“Oh, Mr. Owner! I see you're here!” Waka said.

 

“Hello, Waka. Beautiful as always.” Beautiful? I glanced over at Waka. He gave me a wink, causing me to blush. “Oh, stop that. You really are a charmer. And even more so these days. Anyways, would you mind releasing our employees now? It's about time to open the cafe.” Toma walked ahead with Waka, leaving me alone with the Owner. “Now then, we should be able to talk in peace about the incident.”

 

“It looks like you have no choice but to go along with it. But still, it's not like you know much more about the incident than anyone else,” Orion said. “But wait, this person is the owner of the lodge everyone was staying at, right? Doesn't that mean he was there when it happened? Maybe he knows a lot more than we do! We should be asking him the questions here!”

 

“Mr. Owner, were you searching for me as well?” I asked.

 

“Of course I did. I know the area better than most others, so I figured I'd be the first to find you. But the person who found you first… Kent, I believe… His actions were most impressive. It seemed like he and Ikki were calculating something, then they ran off and brought you back immediately. I'm sure they were checking altitude contours on a map, then made calculations based on the point from which you fell. He even checked your height and weight with Shin.” Thanks a lot, Shin. “If you're interested in the events of that night, why not ask the other guests from that night? I could give you the guest list if you'd like.”

 

“Yes, I would like that very much. Thank you,” I said.

 

“This really is quite intriguing. The victim decides to reinvestigate the case. A true mystery in the making! I've read many stories like this for fun, but I've never encountered a genuine mystery myself before.” He was definitely right about that. This was unusual. And I was about to throw myself right into the middle of it. “Also, what kind of truth did you witness for yourself? Well, you're defending Shin. That I know for certain. But I'd like to know why. Do you have any sort of doubts about this accident? Was it truly an accident, with no suspicions whatsoever?”

 

“I'm glad you seem to be enjoying yourself there. He seems really fixated on this incident, but it was just an accident no matter how you look at it, right Rei?” Orion asked. “Also, you came here to work, but it seems like you're going to be stuck here for a while.”

 

---

 

I woke up aching as I got out of bed and ran water for my bath. “I'm tired, are you? Yesterday was your first straight shift, and then that weird guy showed up and started asking you questions,” Orion said. He kept himself floating around the room as I got into the bath, feeling myself sink into the warm water. “At least today I can relax,” I said. “Haaaaaah, this water feels nice. I wonder if Shin will come by today. I hope he does.” The doorbell rang, prompting me to end my bath quickly and get dressed. I opened the door to see not Shin, but Toma. “Toma!” I said, trying to hide my surprise and mild disappointment.

 

“Hey. Are you free today?” he asked. My eyes darted around as I tried to think of an excuse or answer or anything. “...Toma seems like a really kind and easygoing guy, but he actually acts kind of like Shin sometimes,” Orion remarked.

 

“You can't just say that, Orion!” I hissed under my breath. Behind him was Shin, who was just as surprised as me. “What are you doing here, Toma? Are you guys up to something?”

 

“No real reason. She had a long shift yesterday, so I just came by to see how she's doing. I'll get going now.”

 

“I didn't have any plans with her, and you got here first. I'll leave.” I took the first opportunity to slide over to Shin and grab his arm, surprising them both. “Sorry, Toma. Shin and I were going to go out,” I lied.

 

“Alright, alright, I got it. Have fun, you two,” Toma said, shrugging. I breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he was out of sight. “Anyway, let's go somewhere. Do you mind if it's crowded? We should go out to eat,” Shin asked. My face immediately lit up. “Absolutely!” I said with a huge grin.

 

“I guess that's fine. Just… watch your health,” Orion said.

 

“If you take it easy, your body will get weak before you even know it. And then, you'll have a really hard time,” Shin said. “If you're not feeling well, let me know right away. I'm not trying to push you to your limit or anything.”

 

“I will,” I said. Orion smiled. “I'm pretty worried about you too, but… I think Shin's trying to show you how much he cares about you,” Orion said. My heart was racing a bit. I couldn't stop my smile for a single second.

 

When we returned around sunset, it was both a relief and a sorrow I had to go. “You walked around quite a bit, but you didn't seem to have too much trouble. Maybe it's because you got to take a lot of breaks,” Orion said. I began to unlock my door as Shin shifted uncomfortably. “Anyway, I'll be going home now,” he said. I stopped and turned to look at him, my eyes wide. “What? What's wrong? You're still not recovered. It would be a problem if I came in now. Or are you that sure that I'm not your boyfriend?” My heart panged for a second. “I guess he's right, Rei. Then again, he did use his key to come into your room before,” Orion said. “But I guess that doesn't count?”

 

“I've wanted to ask this for a while now, but… Right now… how do you feel about me? Am I a childhood friend? Family? Or do you actually accept that I'm your boyfriend.” My heart began to race again. “Before I was kind of forceful about getting you to accept me as your boyfriend, but now I'm confused. I did a lot for you to finally see me in that way, to have that sense of something more between us. But now, I feel the need to hold back. I don't want to end up getting treated as a brother again because of it. Since you can't remember… I'm going to say this again. I want us to be together, Rei. I don't just want to be treated like a brother.”

 

My heart was pounding in my ears. My lips were trembling along with my hands. If I could just say how I feel, just this once… “I…” I can't freeze now! “That is kind of how I see you,” I feel myself say. No… why, why can't I tell him? “That's not a problem. I'll make you see me as a man. Wait, you realize I said the same thing to you when I confessed to you before, don't you?” My heart began again, another memory coming back to me.

 

“But I'm older than you, you know,” I scolded slightly. Shin was close to me, his arm resting beside me against the wall behind me. “What does that have to do with it? You just happened to be born half a year before me,” he said. His eyes weren't looking at me. “That's true, but… we've known each other since we were kids. I can't just see you as a normal guy after all this time.” He gave me a smile, a determined look in those beautiful red eyes. “Don't worry, I'll make you see me as a man before you even know it. We should go out.” I looked away from him, my eyes shifting to the floor. “But if we do, and things go bad, we won't be able to go back to the way things were before.”

 

“I already can't go back,” he blurted out. “I can only see you now as the girl I'm interested in. If you absolutely don't like the idea, I'm not going to force you. But I can't just be your childhood friend anymore.” I stomped my foot as I pouted. “That's not fair. That's like a threat!” I pouted. He chuckled. “If you think of that as a threat, then maybe there is still hope? I'm sure you don't like the idea of not being able to talk to me.”

 

“That's… of course I wouldn't like that. We've been together since you were born. Of course I wouldn't like not being able to be with you,” I argued, tears in my eyes.

 

“Then we should be together. If you were to get a boyfriend, we wouldn't be able to see each other anyway. Either way… something would have to change. We can't stay like this forever. Let's date. Don't worry, you'll get used to the idea before you know it.”

 

My heart was racing in my ears, I was flushing, and Shin was staring concerned at me. “Why are you spacing out? Did you remember something?” he asked. “So, what's your answer?”

 

“Just… don't be forceful,” I said, fighting my racing heart.

 

“I'll take that as an agreement. I got it, then for now…” He leaned in, his lips colliding with mine in a deep, passionate kiss. Oh my God! Ohhhh my God! Don't die now, Rei. Stay strong! “I've wanted to do this for a long time,” he whispered in the brief moment he pulled away. “I'm not kidding. It's painful to have the girl you like so close, and being unable to do anything. I was trying to wait until your memories came back, but I can't… I have no idea when that might happen. There's no way I can wait. I don't know what I would do if I just kept waiting, only for you to treat me like a brother again. These past three months would have been for nothing. I'll make sure you remember those feelings again. The feeling of being nervous, never knowing when I might kiss you.”

 

He kissed me once more, this time chastely, before pulling away. “Well, I'll just go home for today. Your next day off is the day after tomorrow, right?” He smiled lightly. “I'll see you then.” As soon as the door closed, I fell to my knees, completely floored. “Wow, that was a surprise!” Orion shouted as he reappeared. “I see, now I finally see why he asked why you weren't nervous that time he kissed you in the hospital. Even though you might have been going out already, he was always teasing you with sudden kisses.” Orion noticed the starstruck look on my face. “I know he wants you to feel excited and all, but this isn't very good for your heart.”

 

“I'm okay…” I said, surprising Orion. “I'm okay with this…” My heart was beating so hard. Have I ever felt like this? Did I feel this way about Shin when he was just a game character? Or… Is this different because I'm really seeing him in person? I turned on my bath and got in, still in a lovestruck daze. As I sank into the water, I took the moment to think about everything: the memories I'm regaining, my previous life, everything. I thought back to that room again.

 

Takeout boxes and empty bottles littered the room. The only light was the glow of my television. On the screen was Shin talking. The background… damnit. I can't recognize it. It could be anywhere outside. Focus, Rei! My vision is fading in and out from staying up.

 

I stopped, breathing heavily for a moment. I played this game dozens of times. Why can't I remember everything about it?! I closed my eyes again and tried to focus. I know the characters. I know the game. Why can't I remember what happens off the top of my head?! “REI!” Orion shouted, waking me. I jolted awake to see I nearly drowned in my own tub.

 

---

 

Most of my injuries were healing well, in fact, pretty much all of my bandages came off pretty quickly. “You know… it's alright for you to keep the bandages on during work. Ever since your return, we've had more customers become regulars,” Waka commented as I was grabbing my uniform. I blushed a bit, thinking about what he meant. “Morning!” Sawa cheerfully said as she walked up to me. “Hey, you're looking pretty lively! That's great! Oh right, manager! I just thought of it, but maybe we could have an employee fireworks show tonight?”

 

“With just the employees? But isn't tonight the big Arakawa fireworks show? I'm sure people would go to that. Why do the employees here need to have one?”

 

“Because of the show in Arakawa! I don't think Rei can go there right now, do you? I'd feel awful going there without her. I figured we could at least have a fireworks show for her here, all nice and local.” I gasped with a smile. “Sawa, aw, thank you!” I said.

 

“A wonderful idea!” Waka agreed. “We should send Toma and Mine a message about this. Oh! Maybe also Shin?” My heart was beginning to race again as Sawa pulled out her phone. “Wait, Rei, isn't Shin at prep school? I think he would get mad if you called him so early– Why are you calling him, Sawa?!”

 

“He picked up. Here, it's for you!” Sawa handed me the phone. “Sawa, why are you calling at a time like this?” Shin asked.

 

“Um… it's me, Rei,” I stammered. “Do… you want to go see some fireworks today?”

 

“Rei… fireworks? With you and Sawa?” I took a breath and a gulp. “The staff wanted to hold a little fireworks show of our own… because I won't be able to make it to Arakawa this year.” Shin was silent for a while. “I got it. I'll head over later. I'll give you a call when you get off work, so tell me where and when. See you.” As soon as he hung up, I nearly felt my legs turn into jelly. “He's coming,” I said.

 

“That's great! I knew he'd accept if you asked!” Sawa said.

 

“Oh, Shin's coming too? I got an answer from Toma and Mine. They'll be there as well. Now, we'll be opening up shop, so get ready. Since we're going to have fun later, let's work extra hard for the customers!”

 

---

 

We met outside the shrine. I waited with my own sparkler by the stairs for Shin as Mine, Sawa and Toma bickered over the fireworks. “Rockets are way more fun and flashier!” Sawa argued. “Oh I know, how about we attach some sparklers to the rockets?”

 

“That's dangerous! You'll set the shrine on fire!” Mine shouted. Toma groaned as he slapped a hand to his face. “I could have sworn I was invited to watch fireworks with my coworkers, not babysit kids,” he sighed.

 

“I don't mind either way, but just make sure not to burn any buildings down,” Waka said. As I watched them, I felt an odd sense of nostalgia. And for a moment, the friends and coworkers in front of me looked much different. Rather than their extreme hair and eye colors, their hair was the usual black and their eyes brown. What am I trying to remember? When I was alive? Or something else? I sat in my thoughts until I heard a familiar voice. “I thought you weren't here for a minute, but then I saw you alone in the corner with your own sparkler. It seems just like you,” he said. He sat down next to me on the rock I was waiting on. “It's easier to sit here than it looks. I guess you can use it as a chair, but be careful not to lean back and fall. Mind if I sit next to you? I'd like a sparkler too.” I gave him one and used my own sparkler to light it.

 

Both sparklers shimmered in the cool night, providing light for both of us. I watched them both with a smile as I leaned slightly against Shin, my shoulder against his. “Are you having fun at all? If you're too tired to stand over there with them, I could call them over for you,” he asked.

 

“Would you be okay with it being so loud?” I asked.

 

“Why not? It's not like I dislike loud and exciting things.” Orion was floating around us, watching us with deep interest. “That's unexpected! He doesn't seem that way at all!” Orion said.

 

“We've talked about it again, haven't we? About my dad?” Shin asked. My eyes couldn't meet his. “A drunk guy picked a fight with him. And when he punched him, he happened to hit a really bad spot and the guy died from it. I'm sure you can imagine… but after that, everyone started avoiding me, too. It wasn't exactly bullying. They were afraid… I guess. Back then, I wasn't as unfriendly and cold with others as I am now, so it was hard to hear. They all looked at me like I was some sort of demon… I understand now why they treated me like that, and I know what we did to the dead guy and his family was terrible. My dad was drunk too, so he wasn't able to hold back. Plenty of blame to go around. But back then, I was just a kid. I couldn't understand why people called him a murderer and alienated me like that. But back then, you and Toma didn't change at all. You defended me and brought me out to places like this. There were a lot of places I wasn't able to go, so it was kind of annoying. But… if you and Toma weren't there, I doubt I would have been able to even be around other people like this… I never told you before the accident, but… I'm grateful.”

 

I leaned against his shoulder, resting my head against him. “It's because you made the effort,” I said. Shin chuckled slightly. “I wasn't trying. I was just going with the flow. But I'm trying now. I thought I couldn't do anything about the way people saw me because of my dad, or skipping college because we have no money. But I was just using my misfortune as an excuse. It didn't matter what my dad did. I just needed to become someone who nobody can criticize.” The sparklers began to die down. “If I can get into a good university, and get good grades, I can make my own future. If I can get a scholarship, it won't matter how little money my family has. And I can get that by studying. I had given up hope and stopped trying. But you made me realize that I could make something of my life. That's why I won't give up again. I never told you about this before, either. Maybe this is something you can think about too, yourself.”

 

Now I want to remember everything. If not for me, then for Shin. “Anyway, how about we call those loud people over here? You sit tight, I'll be right back.” I watched as he walked away. My heart was pounding, thundering in my chest. “Orion… I want to keep trying to remember. For him,” I said.

Chapter 6: Heart World 5

Notes:

I'm really trying to work on finishing Heart World. Especially because I want to take a short hiatus to work on Devil's Way a bit more.

“No work today! And no plans either!” Orion said as he zipped around the room. “I've started to expect Shin to show up on days like this. But now that I think about it… he's studying for exams. Is it really okay for him to take days off?” I slid on my jacket and adjusted my beret. “Maybe he's actually going out of his way to make time for you and help recover your memories… And from what he told us yesterday, it sounds like people aren't scared of him because of his normal coldness.” The doorbell rang. I had a spring to my step as I practically floated to the door. When I opened it, it wasn't Shin.

 

“Sawa? Toma?” I asked. “What's wrong? Where's Shin?” Sawa was completely in a panic, while Toma was trying to keep calm. “Rei, this is really bad!!! Shin's been arrested again!!!” Sawa said panickedly. I felt all the color drain from my face, like I was going to buckle from everything. “Wait a minute, wait a minute! Calm down. It wasn't an arrest. He went along willingly,” Toma said.

 

“It's all the same! He was taken away by the police! They were saying that it was really scary when it happened…”

 

“She's talking about Shin's parents. They called my parents, but I don't know any of the details.”

 

I wanted to scream. I wanted so badly to break down crying and screaming. Everything was spinning, my head was aching. I was hyperventilating until… “REI!” Toma caught me before I could faint. “Sawa, help me get her inside. I'll head over to the police station and try to dig up whatever information I can get about what's going on. Can you stay with her?” I was eased down onto my bed before Toma left, with Sawa beside me. “I'll get you some tea,” she said. “Just try and breathe.”

 

“It'll be okay. Shin hasn't done anything wrong. The police will see that too. You don't need to worry about anything, alright?” I heard a loud crash. “Oh… I broke a cup… I’m sorry. I'll buy you a new one. Let's go shopping together! Oh, I know! Maybe Shin can come along, too? I'm sure he'll be back in no time! You two haven't really done any couple-y things like that yet, have you?”

 

“Are you okay?” I asked as I got up. She grabbed the broom and dustpan. “I'm okay, my hand just slipped a little. Let me get this cleaned up.” The smile ran away from her face. Things were not okay, and we both knew it. “If there really wasn't anything to worry about, Toma wouldn't have been in such a rush,” Orion said. “The accident in Shinano happened a long enough time ago that there is really no need for them to come all the way out here. It seems now their suspicions are really serious.”

 

Toma took hours to come back, and when he did, his disappointment was clear. “To tell you the truth, I wasn't able to figure out much,” Toma said. “People can't exactly demand information in the middle of an ongoing investigation… There's no way to disclose that. There is just one thing, though. And this is just a guess, but I thought of one possible reason. I saw the person who investigated Shin’s father talking to the people investigating the Shinano accident.” My jaw began to clench. A fire was lit inside of me. “We can assume that information about Shin's father has already reached the Shinano investigators.”

 

“That's absolutely ridiculous! They're suspecting Shin just because his dad murdered someone?!” Sawa asked.

 

“Involuntary manslaughter, but yes. That seems to be the case.”

 

“Shin didn't do anything! Rei said so herself!”

 

“Of course, and I doubt that's the only reason behind it. There was a conflict in testimonies that made the police suspicious. They let him off for a while because Rei defended him, but they are having doubts now. Either that, or they found new evidence that shows malicious intent.”

 

“No way… Shin wouldn't do something like that!”

 

“I believe so too… Rei, if the police do question you, deny any wrongdoing on Shin's part.” I nodded. “He went willingly, so combined with that, they should have the sense to release him somewhat soon. Although… they did take away a man who was already brought in once. He may be held for longer.”

 

It had long gotten dark with no word from Shin. “I wonder how the investigation is going,” Orion asked. I was changing into my own pajamas as I listened to him. “Argh! Why did it all have to turn out like this?! Shin isn't that kind of person! I'm starting to believe that now!” I got into bed as I checked my phone one last time. “We don't have much of a choice right now,” I said. “Unless the police contact me for questioning, we just have to wait… and hope…” Orion floated down onto the bed next to me. “Hey, are you okay? Can you go to work tomorrow?” he asked. I had tears in my eyes, I didn't realize it until Orion pointed it out. I shouldn't think about it anymore tonight…

 

---

 

Work the next morning was a disaster. I broke cups and plates, I jumbled orders. I was losing my normal flow. “Rei… come with me,” Waka said. I followed him back into the staffroom, my heart was heavy and I was close to tears. “I heard about your situation from Toma. It sounds like Shin was arrested.” I just nodded quietly. “But as cafe manager, I can't overlook your performance anymore. You've broken seven plates, put in 13 orders incorrectly, and I can't even count how many times you needed to ask for an order again. The most surprising thing was when you put those berries in that latte. Thankfully the customer was happy about that.”

 

“I understand,” I said. “I want to keep working, I have to…”

 

“Rei… I know how you feel. But you should go home for today. Do you understand?”

 

“I'm so sorry.”

 

“I'll let Shin know when he gets back that you were very worried about him. Until then, you should take some time off.”

 

I made the walk back home as my mind swirled with worries and questions and fears. Orion kept close to me, he knew I needed it. As soon as I was home, I crumbled to the ground, trying not to cry. When the doorbell rang, I picked myself up off the ground and answered the intercom.

 

“Detective Osabe from the Shinano Police Department. I'd like to ask you a few more questions about your accident.”

 

“Detective?!” Orion squealed. “What should we do? What should I do?! Is it an interrogation?!” I kept quiet and buzzed him in. “I'm glad you seem well, Ms. Park. Now then, would you mind answering a few questions?”

 

“What's happening with Shin?” I asked. “Is he okay?”

 

“He's willingly cooperating with the investigation. We've experienced no problems with him.” Orion crossed his arms. “Oh really? If he's willingly cooperating, then why can't we even contact him?!”

 

“Orion,” I hissed quietly.

 

“If you don't mind, let's begin. First, I would like to ask you again about the circumstances of your falling from a cliff.”

 

“I was running in the dark and I slipped.”

 

“I see. It seemed like you were trying to flee from the suspect before falling. Why is that?”

 

I blushed as I remembered Shin telling me that he asked to go to my room. “I was a bit embarrassed that he was so close.” The detective kept jotting down my statement. “After the time that you collapsed, do you remember anyone approaching you?” That damned memory from before tried to come back. “No. I don't remember.”

 

“When you regained consciousness, which part of your body felt the most in pain?”

 

“I don't remember.”

 

“You say you are in a relationship with this man. Has he had a history of violence or stalking you?” Violence or stalking?! Shin?! I tried not to scoff at the ridiculous question. “No. Absolutely not,” I said. The detective finished writing before giving me his card. “Thank you for your cooperation. Your answers were most helpful. I'll be taking my leave now, but if there's anything else, my number is on that card.” The second I was inside, I threw the card across the room angrily, watching it swish down on the floor.

 

I eventually did get a text from Shin late in the evening. “I'm home now. It seems they'll let me keep going to school. I'm under observation, and I'm going back to the police station when I have time, so I doubt we can meet up for a while. Toma told me you were really upset. By the way, guess where I saw him? He was sitting right in the front of the police station, waiting. You guys are both more agitated about it than I am. Just calm down, I'll be fine.” I closed my phone and set it on the bedside table. “What a cruel joke.”

 

---

 

“Hey, you're looking a lot better than you did yesterday,” Waka said. “Could it be that… Shin came back? Whatever the case, you don't seem very happy about what has been going on, it seems…” Don't seem very happy was an understatement. I was devastated, frustrated, and missing Shin all the same. “He's been freed at least,” Toma said. “But he said he's under surveillance, and that the investigation hasn't been concluded yet. Apparently there haven't been any changes in their suspicions.” So that questioning, that humiliation, the degradation! All for nothing?! “... I see. But I know Shin would never do something like that to Rei,” Waka said.

 

“Seriously. But their actions make sense. It would be a huge problem if he did do something.” I was clenching my jaw and my fists. But, there was nothing I could do, I had work and I needed to keep it hidden.

 

When Orion and I got home that evening, I was still in a pretty bitter mood deep down. “It looks like you didn't make any major mistakes today. But you seemed pretty down… Tomorrow you have the day off. And the prep school should be off too. Shin would normally be able to visit… If he were here, you could talk about the past, or go visit some more old hangouts like before.”

 

“Yes, if the police weren't out harassing him,” I said. “Orion, what if what we're doing is futile? What if the way we're going about this was all for nothing?”

 

“Don't say that! You're making great progress, and I know there's something we can do,” he said. “I just got an idea! Maybe… we should investigate the accident too! I don't know what kind of new evidence the police claim to have, but we know some facts, at least. Like when you collapsed, you had that memory of Shin finding you! And when the police came to talk to you, they asked if you remembered anyone coming to rescue you. Everyone says that Ikki and Kent were the ones who found you, though… They seem to think you don't remember what happened… but your memories of the time say otherwise. If that memory ties in to the day in question, then Shin was there. It's just nobody knows it. It might be that the police found some evidence to support the fact that Shin was there. Although… If that's the case, it means Shin could be hiding something…”

 

“But, that memory might not be of the accident. Shin had no clue what I was talking about when I asked.”

 

“True… but it might be worth investigating that too, just to be sure… We asked all of your coworkers who were there that day, but there were other guests that helped out in the search as well. Those people might know something that we haven't heard yet. There's no harm in asking them.”

 

I opened my purse and fished out the guest list the owner gave me. “Okay… tomorrow, we're going to be making phone calls,” I said.

 

---

 

I checked my phone to see no missed calls or texts from Shin. I felt my heart sink and pang sullenly. “Okay, we're doing this alone then,” I said. I looked up at Orion, who had a concerned frown. “Nine people were at the Shinanoji lodge that day. You, Shin, Toma, Mine, and Sawa were all together. And then there were the two men who rescued you, Kent and Ikki. The last two… I never even heard these names. One is a lady named Rika who is a college student.”

 

“And the other?”

 

“This one is even more strange. He doesn't even have an address. His name is Ukyo.” I felt a sudden jolt as a memory came back to me.

 

A man was sitting alone at a table at the cafe I worked at. He was dressed in a light coat and wearing a flat cap, hiding his messy black hair. “Have you decided, master?” I asked as I bowed. He looked up from his camera, a bit frazzled and embarrassed. “U-uh… cof-fee… please,” he replied. He stumbled on saying coffee, almost like he hadn't spoken Japanese in a very long time. “Yes, master. A coffee. Would you like cream and sugar, master?” He was blushing intensely, not able to look me in the eye. “Y-yes,” he said. I bowed with a smile. “Right away, Master, I'll have that out right away.”

 

I was breathing heavily as Orion floated over to me. “Are you okay?” he asked. I nodded as I caught my breath. “I'm fine, I'm just a bit nervous,” I lied. “Maybe I should start with Rika.” I moved my finger down the page to her phone number. “I hope she's an honest person,” Orion said.

 

When I called her, we arranged to meet at her college to chat. “We were lucky you were able to arrange a meeting, but it's not like we'd know what she looked like even if we showed up. All she said was, ‘I’m sure you'll remember when you see me’, but I seriously doubt that.” I tried to remember Rika as we waited. Come on, Rei… You've played every route, what did she look like? “Hello there!” a woman called to me. When I saw her, it felt like getting struck by lightning. “My sincere apologies for the wait, Rei!” she said. How could I have forgotten… the loud hat, loud dress and all around loud appearance…

 

“I'm Rika. Enchanted to see you again,” she said gracefully.

 

“A memory! So seeing her again WAS enough!” Orion shouted. I couldn't take my eyes off of the elegant and queenly visage of Rika, another woman who, like Mine, varied between routes. “It appears your injury wasn't too serious. At the time of the accident, I assumed you were going to die,” she said.

 

“Don't assume things like that!” Orion growled.

 

“So then, what was it you needed? I actually have a meeting to attend, so would you mind making it quick?” This was definitely one of her bitchier routes… “And what kind of meeting could that be? Oh, whatever… Fine, let's keep it brief then. I'm worried about the love triangle the owner mentioned, but the most important question is about Shin. If you ask, she might start to suspect Shin, so maybe you should choose your words wisely?”

 

“Who searched for me that day?” I asked. She crossed her arms, or at least tried with the long flamenco style sleeves and the bustier that held her figure tightly. “Who? Why, everyone but Shin. Wouldn't it have been better to ask your friends about something like this?” she hissed. I did, that's why I'm asking you. “I was quite shocked, so I don't remember everything clearly, but I do know that it was a major ordeal!” She then blushed and sighed. “Also, it had crossed my mind that it might have been a unique chance to appeal to Mr. Ikki…” Gag. “I did participate in the search for a while, though. If you hadn't been found in time, I would not have been able to sleep well knowing that I didn't even try to help.”

 

“Oh yeah, I'm sure you would lose sleep over it. But just so you know, normal people would say it was because they were worried about her,” Orion snapped.

 

“Orion,” I hissed under my breath.

 

“What? It's true!”

 

“Anyway, why do you ask? The events of that night are already in the past, are they not?” Rika asked. “It was my impression that the authorities had declared it an accident. Why do you feel the need to bring it up again?” I kept quiet. “It seems there are circumstances. Regardless, that huge idiot Kent would know most about the events that night.”

 

“Huge idiot?!” Orion shouted.

 

“After all, Kent was the one leading the search team. Hmph! That man was monopolizing all of Mr. Ikki’s time. And he was bossing us around!” Her face was dark, with her golden eyes practically shadowed by her hat. She took a breath and composed herself. “If you find the need to question him, you can find him at the math lab here on Wednesdays. That's about all I know. Now then, if you will excuse me,” she said before leaving. “Good day.”

 

“What an intense woman,” Orion said. I crossed my arms. “I have a different five letter word for her,” I said. “But, forget her. If we want the truth, it looks like we'll have to come back on Wednesday.” Orion crossed his arms. “I want to do something about your memories, but… You're making progress. At the same time, I don't feel like I'm separating from you at all. Maybe there's something really important sealed away, and that's what's binding me to you,” he said. “In that case, the only option is to keep learning more, little by little, until we can solve this.”

Chapter 7: Heart World 6

It was another regular work day, with the next day being our chance to talk to Ikki and Kent. “I wonder what Shin is doing? Why hasn't he contacted you once? I wonder if he's okay?!” Orion growled. “This isn't the time to be lavishing attention on strangers, Rei! Argh!”

 

“Hey, good work today” Sawa said as we grabbed our normal clothes out of the lockers. “But you seem really low-energy today. Are you okay? Do you want to go have some tea somewhere? I think it's better than being alone.” I wanted to cry. Sawa! You know exactly how to cheer me up! “That sounds wonderful,” I said. Toma sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “Damn, looks like you got here first, Sawa. I was thinking about walking her home.”

 

“Huh? You too, Toma? Hmm, maybe I'm just getting in the way,” Sawa sighed. Toma was my only way to get more answers as of now. Sorry Sawa… “If it's alright, I would like to walk with Toma today. We can get tea another day,” I said.

 

After we both changed, I walked beside Toma back to my apartment. “What's wrong, you don't want dinner?” Toma asked. “Are you feeling pretty wary of me?” I just kept quiet. “Just so you know, I've known you since you were born. I don't have any feelings like that toward you.” That's strangely specific… “Uh, Shin's known her since he was born too, but he definitely has feelings for her like that,” Orion sassed. I didn't scold him this time. “Alright, I don't really get it, but stop worrying so much. Let's just eat, and try to relax, please.” He smiled slightly. “If you can do that for me, I'll do whatever you say later, even if you ask me to leave.”

 

“Okay, just while we're eating,” I said. Toma blushed slightly, but hid it with his hand. “...So you are feeling really cautious. It's kind of strange, being treated like an ordinary guy by you. I hope your memories come back soon. This is just too weird. Although… special times like these would disappear when they do come back. I feel a little conflicted thinking about that. How much have you remembered?” I stayed quiet and stared at him. “Even though you lost your memories, you haven't just forgotten that you like Shin, have you? Could you forget something like that? I wonder what it feels like losing your memories?” Like hell, next question. Toma grew quiet, weirdly quiet.

 

“Why is he so quiet all of a sudden?” Orion asked.

 

“Sorry, it's nothing, let's eat.”

 

After dinner, Toma left, leaving us alone to pick on the bones of what happened. “Hah… today ended without any sort of progress,” Orion said. “Shin had prep today, right? He said they let him go back to school, but does he even have time to study?” I sighed as I checked my phone. “I just wish he would call me,” I said. “I miss him.”

 

“I know you do, but try not to get too depressed, Rei.” My phone suddenly lit up and rang. It was Shin. My heart flared to life as I answered. “It's me. You doing alright?” Shin asked. “Sorry I couldn't contact you. I messaged you what's been going on. I'm kind of tired.”

 

“It's okay. How are you?” I asked.

 

“I really want to see you, Rei. But… I shouldn't be saying that now.”

 

“Oh… then why–”

 

“Well, you see… the reason I called you is… The thing I said before about us going out. I think I should take that back.” At that moment, I felt my heart breaking. “I'll stop. It'll just cause you trouble. Just like how my dad killed someone and I got persecuted too, if I'm treated like a killer, it'll make things harder on you.” Orion could see the tears running down my face. I was bawling, trying my hardest not to cry on the phone. “You don't remember liking me, right? It's fine. You don't need to force yourself to remember. This might be more convenient. It's okay if you go and fall in love with someone else…” Stop… please…

 

“This isn't like you,” I choked out.

 

“You're right. It's not like him. If he's suspected of this, he just has to show he's innocent,” Orion said. Shin was quiet. “Shin…?”

 

“I see, it's not like me. Yeah, you're right. Sorry for asking something so pathetic. … I always want to look cool in front of you. But, I'm serious when I say it's okay for us to break up. If it gets to be too painful for you, just go ahead. Things have been pretty rough, too. I've been looking into things, and asking questions. Don't worry too much over me. It'll just stress out Toma and Sawa. …See you later.” As soon as he hung up, I just continued to bawl as I held my hand in my hands. “He seemed really tired, didn't he? I wonder what he's been looking into… Rei, it's okay if you want to cry. Just remember, tomorrow we continue our own investigation.”

 

---

 

We returned to Seichi University the very next day. “Kent should be at the math lab here today, right? Apparently he was the one directing everyone on the night of your accident, and was also the one who found you collapsed,” Orion said. I clutched onto the strap of my purse. “If what Rika said was right, then he'll tell us everything we need to know about when I was found,” I said. “I feel… scared. What if… no. I can't freeze now.”

 

When I walked into the math lab, there were two men chatting while they worked. The tallest of the two, the man with glasses, was the first to notice me. “Oh, it's you. I was waiting,” he said. I jumped slightly. “Are you two Kent and Ikki?” I asked. The silver haired pretty boy winked at me as he reached out to me. “How unexpected. A girl in bandages is actually very sexy. I want to unwrap them.” I instantly flushed as Kent bonked him on the head with his hand. “You can't just tell her that, Ikkyu! Honestly, are you only capable of seeing women in that way?” Kent asked.

 

“And what exactly am I supposed to think when such a cutie appears in front of me?” I was at a loss for words. These two men… were the ones who found me?! And Shin gave them every detail about me. “This place might be dangerous. Let's leave,” Orion said as he tried to grab my arm, only for it to pass through. I began to backstep towards the door. “Where are you going? Don't worry about Ikkyu’s ridiculous jokes. He's all talk and no action. In fact, just ignore him,” Kent said. “What's more important is you have some business with us, am I correct?” I nodded.

 

“Oh sorry, did you take that seriously? Don't worry too much about it, I won't bite. Unless, you want me too,” Ikki said. I blushed harder. “So what do you need? We heard from Rika that you were investigating that night.”

 

“Okay, so these two are Kent and Ikki,” Orion said. “The womanizer was being called Ikkyu, so I guess he's Ikki. Which means the smart looking guy is Kent. It sounded like Rika knows them really well, I wonder if they are friends.”

 

“I heard you rescued me,” I said.

 

“Yes. Ikkyu and I went to the place that had the highest probability of you being there,” Kent said.

 

“The others were guy-girl pairs, so we figured it would be best if we found you,” Ikki said.

 

“After receiving the request from Shin to search for you, the first thing we did was illuminate the entire facility,” Kent continued. “I figured if you were conscious, you would walk towards the light. After that, we checked an altitude map and calculated the places you could have fallen. That included both places where you may have landed, and places where you could have moved towards on your own. I had the owner, who knew the facility best, and Rika pair up to look around the lodge. Ukyo and Mine lacked both mobility and strength, so I had them check if you returned to the top of the cliff. Since Ikkyu and I knew your fall trajectory, we started at the bottom and worked our way up for possible landing sites.”

 

“In other words, we took charge of the most possible route, and had the others take less possible areas.” In a way, it all made sense. They gave everyone else good directions and considered every possibility. “Anyway, that's all we know. Anything else you wanted to ask?” Ikki asked.

 

“Was I conscious when you found me?” I asked. Kent grew quiet, Ikki too. “Is this some sort of riddle? Shin asked us the same thing just the other day,” Ikki said.

 

“He did?” I asked.

 

“I think he called Ikkyu and me the day before yesterday. He asked the exact same question you just did. To answer your question, no. You didn't respond, even when we called your name or patted your cheek. If it was just an act, then I highly recommend you become an actress.”

 

“So that really was true,” Orion said. “But I wonder why Shin called to ask the same thing… Shin had fallen out of contact until the day before yesterday. Is he trying to investigate that memory?”

 

“The only people who saw you at the time of discovery was us, so I guess there's the possibility we’re lying.”

 

“Anyway, Kent and I talked it over afterwards… we figured if he was asking a question like this, then someone must have told him you were conscious.” My blood ran cold. “Could it have been you?” Ikki was leaning close to me. I almost wanted to scream. He just chuckled slightly as he leaned back. “Were we any help?”

 

“I don't know what's going on, but it seems like you're bringing up some interesting new developments,” Kent said. “If there's anything else we can help with, feel free to ask. I’d be happy to hear the results of this, too. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future.”

 

“As do I, young lady. Of course.”

 

“At the very least, it seems like nobody so far has said anything contradictory,” Orion said as we left. “You fell off a cliff by accident. Shin asked everyone at the lodge to search for you. Then you were found by Kent and Ikki. What bothers me is that memory you had. Something doesn't make sense.”

 

“I know, but until I remember something else, our breakthrough isn't going to come easily,” I said. I turned back to look towards Ikki and Kent. “And something tells me we'll see them again soon.”

 

---

 

Work ended without much issue, and honestly, I was glad it was done. “Okay, Rei, we should put our thoughts in order first. We've managed to talk to everyone involved. But that Ukyo has been elusive. A self-proclaimed photographer, and no address. What does that even mean? Ugh, Mr. Owner, you shouldn't let such a suspicious person stay here with your employees!” Orion shouted. He flailed as he floated around the room. “His story is what I'm most interested in hearing at that point,” I said. “But, he doesn't have a phone number, home or cell.”

 

“But, I doubt the owner would let someone with no available contact information stay over, so he might be able to contact them himself.”

 

“Orion, you're a genius! I'll contact the owner and see if he can help me contact Ukyo, and–”

 

“Oh, Rei. What's with that serious look on your face in the middle of the cafe?” Waka asked. I jumped slightly. “Mr. Manager! I have one teeny tiny question, and I thought you could help me,” I said. “Is there a way I can contact the owner?”

 

“Hmm? Why do you ask? Do you have business with him? I'm sorry, hon, but I can’t just give regular employees that all willy-nilly. You need a good reason first.”

 

“He has a point, I guess,” Orion said. “This is a pretty easygoing workplace, but they're strict about some things…”

 

“In any case, what's going on? Talk to me. Shin asked me the same thing before. He was trying to find a way to contact the owner too.”

 

“Shin too?”

 

“What are you two doing? You're not planning anything weird, are you? If this is about the incident when you were injured, I think you should leave it to the police, okay? Anyway, I can't just divulge the owner's information. Please, just head home for today.”

 

“Damn it,” I sighed as we walked outside. “I thought we had a good lead on this!”

 

“I know, but if Shin's investigating this too, you should probably contact him instead of the owner,” Orion said. “Maybe he's been able to move more freely than we thought. He just hasn't told you anything yet. If that's the case, you should work together with him. That would be faster and safer.”

 

“I guess you're right,” I said as I pulled out my phone. I punched out a text and sent it. It read: “Shin, I heard you were asking around about the accident too. Maybe we should work on this together. Rei.” I sent it, praying he would answer. “Hey, are you ready to go?” Toma asked as he walked up to me. I immediately hid my phone. “Oh, Toma and I had the same idea again! I was just thinking about walking you home and getting tea on the way!” Sawa said.

 

“I'm sorry, Sawa. Next time. Promise,” I said.

 

“Okay, but we're going for tea the next chance we get!” Sawa said.

 

Toma was quiet again on the way home. It was almost unsettling as we returned to my apartment. “Man, I've been coming into this room pretty often lately. Ever since you and Shin started going out, I stopped coming here because he didn't like it,” Toma said. “I haven't really talked to him much in the past two years.”

 

“That's kind of odd,” Orion said.

 

“Hey, have you remembered why he and I stopped getting along?” Toma asked. No, but I get the feeling you're just going to tell me. “Why?” I asked, my eyes darting to Orion nervously.

 

“Eh, it's not a big deal or anything. It's not something I have to hide, and you know it already anyway. The reason was you, Rei.”

 

“What? Were they fighting over you or something?” Orion asked.

 

“When you were in your 2nd year of high school, you joined a band. And Shin said some pretty harsh things about you.”

 

“Oh, that,” I said. “I remember the argument, and that Shin did later on tell me I improved.”

 

“That argument ended up being the reason why Shin and I stopped getting along.”

 

“Seriously?!” Orion shouted. “That's it?!” I didn't scold him again. “Well, even beforehand, we had our issues and didn't always see eye to eye. Even now, I feel like a guardian over the two of you. But he probably was annoyed by that. Still, I've felt like you two’s older brother for as long as I can remember. That hasn't changed, even now. I can't just be an ordinary friend or feel unrelated to you. That goes for Shin, and for you.” I'm starting to get a sense of deja vu… “Shin and I both want to protect you and look after you. But our ways of doing so are completely different. The event after the performance made us realize that.”

 

“Now that I think about it,” Orion said. “Toma was defending you then. And Shin said he was just spoiling you. They were both arguing for your sake, but… I guess that only ended up driving them apart.” I still didn't fully believe it. Something deep down was bothering me. Screaming at me that something was off. Toma was acting odd, but why I didn't know.

 

---

 

“It's been a week since the police took Shin away,” Orion said. I sighed. “And six days since I had that degrading experience they called ‘questioning,’” I said. “We're at a standstill. Nothing is jogging my memory.” I sat down with my head in my hands. “What do we do, Orion?”

 

“Maybe we should go home for now. Just walking around alone isn't going to accomplish anything,” he said.

 

“I don't want to go home,” I said. “But… if we have to, then… ugh, this is making my head hurt. Maybe I can make some tea.” As soon as I got to my floor, I was shocked to see Shin standing there. He looked relieved for a moment. “Welcome home. Where were you?” he asked. I didn't say another word and ran to him, hugging him tightly. He was shocked for a moment before pulling away. “It seems like the police are tired of calling me down to the station. I have a bit of free time so… is it okay… if I stay here for a while?”

 

I unlocked my door and opened it, allowing us in. As soon as we were inside, he pulled me back in for another hug. “Rei… I'm so tired. When you first hugged me, I'm sorry for pulling away. I was… surprised. But now, just let me hold you,” he said. “I feel like I'm holding bubbles in my hands. You're so delicate, I'm scared I'm going to break you…” He sighed as he tucked his head into the crook of my neck. “This is real, right? I haven't seen you in so long, so I'm kind of confused…” I held him closer. “I missed you so much,” I said. “This entire time, I just wanted to see you more than anything.”

 

“What's this? You learned to say such cute things. Maybe I should leave you alone more… Just kidding. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't say that after all of this.”

 

“Are you okay?” I asked.

 

“Yeah, I'm fine now. Thank you.” He let go of me before closing the door. “There, now we can talk without any interruptions. Rei, while we were apart, there was something I was investigating myself. I overheard the police talking about something too. But before I tell you, I heard you were doing your own investigation from Ikki when I contacted him. What did you find out first?”

 

“I don't think what I found out was much help, but everything pointed to what you told me was correct,” I said.

 

“That's it? I had way more constraints on my time, and I found out a lot more,” he said. “Can I see your phone?” I handed it to him and he entered new numbers. “I got Ukyo, Kent, Ikki and Rika’s phone numbers. I figured I'd ask them for it. Waka also gave me the owner's phone number, but I'm sorry, I promised not to give it out.”

 

“I've been trying to find Ukyo’s this entire time. How did you–”

 

“That's not important. What's important is that I made arrangements with the owner. Something should happen tomorrow that you can look forward to.”

 

“Something I can look forward to?”

 

“The real issue was the police. They wouldn't divulge the information I wanted easily, so it took a lot of effort. Not only am I the son of a killer, but they also brought me in before already. They don't trust me at all. The people there are really sly too, so it was just constant mental warfare. But that's not the point. The point is I know why they were suspicious of me. They found a clue. And a huge one at that.”

 

“What was it?”

 

“I'll show you,” he said. “That's why I said to look forward to tomorrow. Just so you know, I didn't push you or anything, you believe that, don't you?”

 

“Of course I do. Shin, you've been doing all of this for us, why would I doubt you now?”

 

“Thank you. That said, there's a culprit out there who isn't me. And that proof points to it.” I gasped in shock. “So you think someone else found me and wanted to frame you?” I asked. He nodded. “I want to find out who it is. In fact, I have a pretty good idea who it was, we just need that proof that they did it. And, I want you to help me.”

 

“Why me?” I asked.

 

“Because no matter how far off my prediction might be, there's zero chance you're the culprit.”

 

“Well, that's obviously true, but… who could it even be? I thought this was all an accident!” Orion said. “Does that mean there's something else suspicious about that night? Besides just the fact you fell off a cliff? Do you think it has to do with that contradictory memory you have?”

 

“Okay, I'll help you,” I said. I placed a hand on his cheek and leaned my forehead against his. “I promise, this time I'll protect you,” Shin said. “I don't want to see you hurt again, no matter who it is.”

Chapter 8: Heart World 7

“Hello everyone, I'm here to ask if you would like to stay at my mountain lodge again,” the owner said. This must've been what Shin was talking about yesterday. “My good friend, you gathered everyone here to ask that?” Waka asked. “Shin's still suspected, you should show a bit more discretion and tact.”

 

“I ask because he is still a suspect. You must all feel bad your friend is suspected of such a crime. I know it's certainly unpleasant for me. Shin is not the type of young man who could ever do such a thing! That's what I firmly believe. However, it seems that the police are suspecting him because of something at the scene of this unfortunate incident. In that case, wouldn't it be best if we investigated the scene ourselves, and proved him innocent? None of you believe that Shin would purposefully try to harm Rei, would you?”

 

“I know I believe in Shin. But… the police haven't been able to solve this, what could we do?” Sawa asked. The owner laughed with a huge smile. “You can do anything with love, courage, and friendship!” he said. Someone is a Sentai fan… “I'm joking, I'm joking! Let's be honest, the police haven't devoted much effort to this case. It's highly likely that this was all just an unfortunate accident. And even if it wasn't, it wasn't a very big incident. But no matter how minor the offense, it's still a big deal to the person suspected, yes? Which means, there is still a good chance we could discover something in our own investigation, rather than the police who have put in such little effort. So, if everyone goes to the scene of the incident, you might remember further details of that night.”

 

Shin… I was overjoyed, I almost wanted to cry. “I'm not going to say we should go tomorrow. Instead, how about the day after? Do you all have time?” I was first to step forward. “I would like to go,” I said. “I've had nothing but questions about that day.” I turned back to my coworkers, who were all concerned. “Please, I could really use your help.”

 

“It's not a bad idea,” Mine said. “It's not like we're chasing down a criminal or anything. Just searching for clues to prove someone's innocence, right?” I was flabbergasted for a moment. Mine, who was previously accusing Shin, offered help! I misjudged her. “Count me in too!” Sawa said. “I want to help Rei and Shin too!” I looked over at Shin with a huge smile. He was smiling too. “Was this what he talked about? Shin thinks there's a culprit behind this, so does that mean he wants everyone to look for clues to catch the real culprit?” Orion asked. “Maybe he lied again and framed it as a search for evidence to prove his innocence…”

 

“Orion.”

 

“Sorry, I just can't help but wonder.” Toma also stepped forward. “I guess we'll all have to look out for her, just in case something does happen.” For a moment, I almost saw Shin shoot a glare at Toma. “Sheesh, Mr. Owner! If everyone leaves, that means you're leaving me to run the cafe by myself?” Waka asked.

 

“I am so sorry,” Shin said. “We'll leave it to you.”

 

“Well, it is for you and Rei after all…”

 

“If everyone from the Shinano incident gathers in one place… doesn't that mean you'll be in danger again? I'm really worried, Rei,” Orion said. “But, I know I need to trust you and Shin.”

 

---

 

Everyone gathered at the station, ready for the trip back into the mountains. My heart was racing as I had a tight grip on my bag. “What's wrong? Are you afraid?” Shin asked. “Don't worry. I'll be right here with you the whole time.” Sawa ran up to us before catching her breath. “I am so sorry I'm late!” she shouted. She looked around as she panted before jumping. “Ah! Am I the last one?!”

 

“Sawa, we've been waiting here forever!” Mine scolded, wagging her finger. Sawa bowed apologetically. “Everyone is here, then. Okay, let's get going,” Toma said.

 

We took our spots on the bus, with me sitting by the window, with Shin next to me. His hand was holding mine. When we got off the bus, a cold breeze was blowing by. “It's so cold!” Orion shouted as he grabbed his arms and shivered. “I should have worn a jacket!”

 

“Wow, it's chilly up here. And I thought July was cold!” Mine said.

 

“We are on a mountain, after all,” Sawa said.

 

“Everyone, let's hurry in, maybe light the fireplace,” Toma said. “Yeesh! August shouldn't be this cold!”

 

As soon as we walked in, I saw a familiar loud figure gasping dramatically. “Rika! Oh and Ikki and Kent too!” Mine shouted. Ikki took immediate interest in me. “Hello again. Why did I get the feeling we would meet again?” he asked. Kent looked up from his book. “It's exactly as I predicted,” he said.

 

“You predicted?! Why, I wasn't told anything about this!” Rika shouted. “I came because I could stay free of charge as the 10000th guest!” Why am I not surprised? “Ha, I didn't think someone would be stupid enough to believe that!” Shin laughed.

 

“Shin!” I hissed.

 

“Wait, aren't you Shin?! Why would someone suspected of an attempted murder be here?! I demand an explanation! Or better yet, do us all a favor and go back to prison!”

 

“Thank you for your concern,” he sassed back. “For your and everyone's information, I am a material witness. Not a suspect, not a prisoner.” 

 

“And to normal people, you're a suspect!”

 

“This isn't about what so-called normal people think. I didn't do anything, that's the truth.” Orion stayed hidden behind me. “Geez, Rika terrifies me,” he said. Rika harrumphed. “Oh really then? Well, I certainly hope a second attack doesn't take place! For now, stay as far away from me as possible, thank you!”

 

“Fine then. But from my point of view, you could have had an opportunity to commit the crime too.” She turned back to shine, her face red as his shirt. “Me?! Commit the–Of all the absurd… What the devil are you talking about?!”

 

“I'm saying that anyone, besides Rei, is just as likely to have committed the crime as me.”

 

“How dare you!” Toma stepped in between them. “Alright, that's enough! Shin, you didn't come here to argue with Rika, right?” Shin stood down. “I only came here to prove my innocence.”

 

“Then how about we act like civilized adults, okay?”

 

“You… you didn't bring us all here just to dig up the hay incident, did you?! You're insane! I'm going home. Mr. Ikki, let's go!” She began to walk away, but Ikki chose to stay. “I'm not going anywhere. I knew about this ahead of time,” Ikki said. “I can't deny a cutie's request for help, after all.” He gave me a wink, causing me to blush again. “I am as well,” Kent said. “Besides, Rika… why would you assume you would be leaving with Ikkyu? It's not like you two came here together, neither as friends nor a couple. In fact, didn't you say you just happened to be here, hmm?” Rika only sputtered before sitting back down and crossing her arms.

 

“Wow, Kent shut her up completely,” Orion said.

 

“Oh good, everyone's made it safely,” the owner said with a smile. “Our final guest has arrived too!” When I turned to the door, I was struck by the sight of Ukyo. Tall, pretty, messy green hair… and for a moment, he also looked different. He was, for just a second, replaced by a man with long black hair and brown eyes, dressed a bit more realistically. “Um, hello everyone,” he said, in a soft-spoken and humble tone. “I didn't think I'd get to meet you all again. I shall be joining as well.”

 

“He's not very surprised either,” Shin remarked. “But, Ikki and Kent would have figured it out pretty quickly. They were able to find you so quickly. …What a bunch of weirdos.” Hypocrisy isn't a good color on you, Shin. “Would anyone like some coffee? We can all chitchat afterwards.”

 

---

 

“Man, I didn't think we'd be staying here again!” Sawa said. “And what's more, our room arrangement is the same as then too! I feel relieved that we're rooming together again!” She and I both squealed happily. “Although, I thought I would be prepared for this. But being back here with everyone… I start remembering what happened all over again. That night was just a nightmare!”

 

“I know,” I said. “I may not fully remember, but some part of me feels… I don't even think I can describe it!”

 

“Well, if it helps, I know everyone will be more careful this time. And nothing like that will happen again! We just have to find that evidence that was pointing to Shin as the culprit and prove it wrong!”

 

“I see, Sawa nor anyone else knows there's a real culprit,” Orion said. “They might not react like Rika, but, if they knew…”

 

“Thank you for coming with me on this,” I said. There was a knock at the door. “Hey, it's me, can I come in?” Shin asked.

 

“Yeah, come on in!” Sawa said. Shin walked in to see my suitcase still on the bed, closed. “You still haven't unpacked? Geez, how slow can you be?” he asked.

 

“She can't help that! She's still injured, after all! If you keep picking on her, she might start to dislike you, Shin.”

 

“You and Toma spoiled her rotten, that's why she's going so slow.” He sighed as he walked over to me. “Here, let me help you with the heavy stuff.” Sawa began to chuckle. “Well, well, well. Who's spoiling her rotten, now?”

 

“Sawa, if you're done packing your stuff, could you leave us alone?” Sawa sighed as she walked to the door. “Fine, fine. Don't have too much fun, you lovebirds!” As soon as the door was closed, Shin groaned. “Pain in my ass. Have you seen everyone's room assignments? So starting from the back, it's me and Toma, you and Sawa, then Mine.”

 

“Oh ew, is she roomed with Rika? I feel terrible for her,” I said.

 

“Thankfully no. Rika is on the other side of the stairs, and then Ikki and Kent. Ukyo is at the opposite end. I doubt anything will happen. But, if you ever feel unsafe, come to my room, it's on the right.”

 

“So who do you think the culprit is? You said you have someone in mind.”

 

“It's still a secret. I'm sorry, but I can't say until I have exact proof.”

 

“What? But the way you said it, you already know!” Orion snapped.

 

“What do you want me to do while we're here?”

 

“I'll let you know what to do if necessary, but, at the very least, we need to gather evidence. But… if I ask you to do something, I need you to be sure nobody sees you doing it.”

 

“What? Are we going through suitcases or something?” Shin just stared at me. “I was just joking! Seriously!”

 

“Don't trust anyone except me, not even Toma or Sawa. Act natural, unless I say so. And try to stay within eyesight of me. If you can't find me, safety in numbers. If that's not possible, go to Toma. Don't go to Sawa. I don't think she could fight someone off.”

 

“Got it. What kind of person is Ukyo?”

 

“Oh, the photographer? I really don't know. He's really weird. But… I do remember that night, he gave me a warning when we were trying to leave. He said the forest is dangerous at night, so if we were to have an accident, be careful for a second one. It's because of that I immediately thought to return to the lodge when you fell. So in a way, I feel like I owe him your life.”

 

“Huh, so that's why that happened. I guess Ukyo isn't a bad guy, right?” Orion said.

 

“Okay, I understand.”

 

“Alright then. Let's go back downstairs. I think everyone's making dinner together right now. It's already sundown, so going outside would be dangerous. Let's just relax tonight.”

 

I sat and watched as Toma, Shin, Ikki and Kent had an air hockey tournament. “You're not going to join them?” Orion asked as he sat next to me. I shook my head. “It's funny, but for some reason, I remember that I was never one for big events or parties. I personally prefer sitting back and watching,” I said.

 

“Really? I never thought of you as introverted. With how you are at work, being in a band, and your friendships with people like Sawa and Toma, you strike me as being more open and friendly.”

 

“Maybe… I guess, I have some extroverted parts of me too then.” I looked back to see everyone in an argument. “Whoa, what did I miss?” I stood up from the couch and stretched. “Hey, I'm going to get something to drink, anyone else feeling thirsty?” I asked. “Shin?”

 

“Uh sure,” he said, walking over to me. I began to brew a pot of coffee as Shin waited at the doorway. “You don't need to go out of your way to serve everyone coffee,” he said. “Once a maid, always a maid.”

 

“Come on, you can't tell me if you returned to the cafe, you wouldn't go full butler mode too, would you?” Ukyo walked up before stopping and seeing us. “Oh, are you here for drinks?” he asked.

 

“Ukyo. Are you here for one as well?”

 

“I was wanting some coffee,” he said. He spoke slowly when he said coffee. Almost like he had been practicing the word. “Alright, we're bringing enough for everyone once it's done.”

 

“Oh really? I suppose I'll accept that.” He was speaking like he hadn't spoken Japanese in a long time, just like the same man from that memory. “Anyway, see you back over there,” Shin said dismissively. Ukyo, however, didn't leave. “You sure do get along well, don't you?”

 

“That's because we've been together since we were born. We're childhood friends.”

 

“I don't just mean you and Rei. I mean everyone. Toma, Kent, Ikki…”

 

“You're part of the group too, why are you acting like an outsider?”

 

“Think of me as both an enemy and an ally.” Aren't you a bit old for chuunibyou delusions? “But, no matter when and how you all meet, I know you will always get along. I'm kind of jealous…” The coffee maker beeped, interrupting us. “I'm sorry, I just wanted to give you two a bit of trouble. Don't mind me.” Ukyo, without another word, walked away, leaving me and Shin confused. “What a space cadet. He wasn't like that last time.” Shin crossed his arms as he thought. “This was a mistake, maybe I shouldn't have invited him.”

 

---

 

Everyone gathered in the main dining area of the lodge. Shin had texted everyone asking for a favor and to meet up at 8. “If my assumption is correct,” Kent said as he stood up. “Then I know what you're about to ask.”

 

“I'm sure everyone recalls the accident where Rei fell off the cliff,” Shin said. “I would like to first off thank everyone for your aid during that time. Because of you, not only was she saved in time, but begun recovering from the ordeal. And as you may know, I am currently suspected by the police as having pushed her from that ledge.” Shin closed his eyes and took a breath. “To be honest, this is a troublesome misunderstanding. I'm sure you all saw her spending time with me, very closely, the entire time yesterday. Tell me… would she have this attitude towards her attempted murderer?”

 

“What are you doing?!” Orion shouted as he flittered up to him. “You asked her to!” He turned back to me. “Reeeei, why aren't you saying something?”

 

“Well, it's obvious you didn't try to kill her by pushing her off the cliff, at the very least,” Kent said. “In fact, if you had, you also certainly wouldn't have immediately ran back to ask for help. You would have found her yourself and finished her off, or waited for her to die.” Kent then sighed. “Also, that wasn't a cliff, per se. It was more of a steep slope. Why even push her off it in the first place?” His eyes then met with Shin’s in a cold, almost analytical stare. “But, you seem like a rather cool-headed man, Shin. I doubt you wouldn't have realized those particular elements. Which is why I believe we can trust you regarding this matter. So, what is it you want us to do?”

 

“I would like your help in proving my innocence,” Shin said. “It would seem the police have some sort of evidence that points me as the suspect. I would like to find it. And once we find it, I would like to make it clear that whatever it is doesn't show I had any criminal intent. That is why I had this trip arranged. I thought if we could gather all the members who were there, we could retrace the events of that night. And I believe as a group, we won't miss any vital clues along the way.”

Notes:

I decided to split up the last scene as a last minute decision because it was getting too long. Don't worry, I'll pick up where we left off next chapter!

Chapter 9: Heart World 8

“But, what should we actually be doing?” Mine asked. Rika also stood up. “Yes, that's right! I don't mind talking about the events of that day, but I would prefer to not do anything dangerous,” she said.

 

“Simple. You'll pair up the same way you did that day and search the same places you did,” Shin said. “Since it's morning right now, we might be able to see things we couldn't see that night. And since the victim herself wasn't interested in pressing charges, the police haven't done a full-scale investigation yet. I think it's possible we could find new clues.”

 

“And, pray tell, do you intend to just sit around here the same as that day?”

 

“No, Rei and I are going to check the top of the cliff,” Shin said.

 

“Th-that’s dangerous! Have you lost your senses completely?!”

 

“For me?”

 

“For Rei! I don't trust you.”

 

“That’s okay. Ukyo and Mine will come too, right?” Ukyo nodded. “If we're retracing our steps, Mine and I were searching the top of the cliff after the accident.”

 

“And if you think I'm trying anything fishy, feel free to stop me by force. You said it yourself, you're strong.”

 

“Yes, and if I do anything odd, also do the same.”

 

“What?”

 

“You know, just in case.”

 

“Okay, sure. Rei, are you okay with this?” I nodded. “Good. Okay, since Toma and Sawa ran off alone like idiots that night, you two are paired up this time. For safety.” 

 

“Don't call us idiots!” Sawa shouted.

 

“Oh, and this is important. If you find anything, don't touch it, take pictures. Good luck everyone.”

 

“This is starting to get interesting,” Kent said. 

 

“I guess… although it looks like we're doing this search again. I hoped that'd be the end of that,” Ikki said.

 

“Ukyo and I are going to the cliff with you, right? It's going to be great working with you two!” Mine said.

 

“I will try not to get in the way,” Ukyo said. He was still smiling at me, and all the while, he felt too familiar.

 

---

 

“Wow, this forest is dark even during the day,” Orion said as he zipped around, passing through the trees. “You probably couldn't see a thing at night. Slipping from a place like this… must have been scary.”

 

“Hey, Rei,” Shin said. “Are you remembering anything from walking around here? Listen, the thing I want you to do today isn't search for evidence. I want you to try to reclaim your memories of what happened that night.”

 

“What?! I mean, I know you want to reclaim your memories too… but…” Orion shouted.

 

“That's the entire reason why I brought you back here, even though I know it could be dangerous. I want you to remember that it wasn't me who pushed you off that cliff. If you have even a sliver of doubt, what comes next will be even harder to do. I want you to try.”

 

“Shin seems confident, and he's okay with you remembering what happened. How do you feel, Rei? Do you believe him?” Orion asked. Shin came to a stop at a tree, turning to me. “This is the place,” he said. Mine took a step forward and looked around. “Where did you fall off? The edge is nearby, isn't it?” Mine asked. “It's light out, but it's still hard to see.” Ukyo stopped her as he looked around. “You're right. It could have been dangerous for us to look around here too that night,” he said. “Let's look around together.”

 

As soon as they were out of sight, Shin turned back to me. “I was thinking of a way to lose them, but it looks like I didn't have to worry,” he said. He then pinned me to the tree, looking over me. “Why did you pick the same room as Sawa, idiot? Swap with Mine,” he whispered. “I'll leave my room too.”

 

“But–” I began.

 

“But what? You thought we were just coming here with friends? Did you not think ahead at all?”

 

“Was this what you said before?” I asked. He chuckled as he drew closer, his lips inches from mine. How I wanted to kiss them again. “That's right. I don't remember my exact words, but this is close enough. Think, what did you say in response to that? What did you do? And, what did I say after, do you remember? Don't be afraid, I didn't do anything to try and make you feel scared.” I was blushing harder. “I was just playing around, right? If it wasn't for that cliff, nothing would have happened. Rei, I won't let it happen again. Don't be scared, and try to remember.” A memory returned to me.

 

After that… I said… “Why do you always say things like that? Do you enjoy making me embarrassed?!” He leaned in closer. “I'm not making fun of you. I'm asking you seriously. If anything, it's frustrating that you'd ask a question like that.” I turned my face away, my eyes turning back to him. “Why is it frustrating?” I asked.

 

“Come on, does this seem like something I would want to joke about? You realize I'm your boyfriend, right? Besides, you followed me into a dark place such as this. You think this is just some field trip? You know I'm always ready to have my way with you.” I tried to break away from him. “I'm going back now!” I shouted, my face red and hot. “I want to go back now!” His lips were a breath away from mine. “What if I don't let you?” I began to struggle. “Stop it! It's not funny!” That's right… and then, I ran off. “Rei! We didn't come from that way! Don't run off, you'll get lost!” I turned back and stop. “Shut up! You're the worst!” Shin just sighed. “Really? Not that it matters. It's fine, if you're just going to treat me as a friend.” I began to run again. “Hey! Stop, I told you, you're going the wrong–!” I lost my footing, sending me plummeting down the cliff. I could remember my scream. “Rei?! REI?! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

 

I began to gasp, my eyes wide as I was sweating. “Shin… Shin, I remember now.” It wasn't him… yes, he was teasing me, but he didn't try to make me fall or push me. “Rei?” he asked. I hugged him close as tears ran down my face. “Sorry, it's probably still scary, even if you weren't pushed off. I'm so sorry for forcing you to remember this.” I buried my face in the crook of his neck. “It’s okay. I'm okay. Just, please, don't let go of me.” I began to look around. Orion was missing. But then, I suddenly saw a small glimmer. “There you are! I was trying to call you!” he said. “Once you remembered, I suddenly found myself far away. Was that the memory of the accident?” I nodded. “It seems like releasing that memory you sealed away out of fear worked. But, I don't think we're split just yet.”

 

“Hey, are you sure you're okay? You're staring off into space?” Shin asked as he pulled away from me. “I’m okay. I'm just, I'm overjoyed that I remembered.” He smiled as he hugged me again. “Yeah, me too. And back then, even though it was pretty much my fault you fell, you still defended me so desperately. It made me so happy. I already endured being looked at with doubt and fear for so long. Thank you for remembering.”

 

“Rei! Shin! Ukyo and I found something! S-slide marks!” Mine shouted.

 

“Yes! Could you come over and take a look?” Ukyo added.

 

Shin and I ran towards them to see the marks left by my boots left untouched, marking my descent. “Rei, this is going great! Not only does this line up with your memories, but you pretty much solved the mystery of how you fell from the cliff in the first place!” Orion said. “But then, who's the culprit Shin was talking about? And what did they do? If you weren't pushed off the cliff, then did they do something where you landed?” I fell to my knees just from the overwhelming feelings. “Rei! Are you okay?” Mine asked me.

 

“Yes. I'm okay… just overwhelmed…” I looked around at everyone. “Let's head back.”

 

---

 

We reconvened inside the lodge. By the time we returned, it was practically almost sunset. “So, what have we all found?” Shin asked. Kent stood up as Ikki handed him his phone. “Ikkyu and I found markings and traces most likely left by police at the scene where we found her,” Kent said, handing Shin the phone. Shin flipped through the phone gallery before returning it. “They're kind of small, but you can see them from the photos.” Mine accepted the phone and looked. “Is it me or does it look like there are bloodstains too?” she asked.

 

“That's because they are. We are going under the assumption that's where she hit her head. But, there's a problem with that thinking: there are bloodstains in two different places. Both are in a relatively wide area, so there is a chance she could have collapsed in both for a while,” Kent said.

 

“Wait, if they are in two places, you mean Rei could have moved to a different spot without knowing?”

 

“It's possible, but it is a bit of a reach.”

 

“How does this explain any malicious intent, then?”

 

“Simple. Someone moved her.” My blood ran cold as I tried to retrace the memories I regained. Other than that pesky memory of Shin finding me, nothing was explaining that. “Interesting yet is that these bloodstains were on a rock nearby… and they were smeared. She was hit by this rock on the back of the head. The position and angle is just right for her head to have been hit.”

 

“But wait, couldn't she have hit her head on it when she fell? That wouldn't be strange at all!” Rika said.

 

“The problem is that the traces of her sliding down the slope lead to the other bloodstains, not this one.”

 

“So you're saying Rei could have woken up and tried to move to the other spot, but then fell and hit her head?” Mine asked.

 

“Possible, but still a reach. It would explain her concussion.” Something wasn't adding up, I could feel it. My eyes darted to Shin, who was thinking quietly as well. That memory flashed back into my head. “I believe that this is the reason the police suspect malicious intent. If you took a moment to think about it, the blow to the back of her head couldn't have been something like falling onto the rock. There is a possibility that the suspect came to check if she was still alive after her fall. And shocked to see her wake up, they shoved her onto the rock in an attempt to finish her off. At least, that's what I would imagine.”

 

“How terrible!” Kent turned back to Shin. “Well? Were you asked anything like that?” Shin kept quiet. “Yes. They did. Knowing this now explains a lot.”

 

“There's more. Even if someone committed this crime, it doesn't seem like it was deliberate. I couldn't find any effort in trying to hide the bloodstains,” Kent said, accepting his phone from Mine. “I see… Thank you for your detailed analysis, Kent. It's very helpful,” Shin said.

 

“We still haven't proven your innocence,” Ikki said.

 

“I suppose that's true. I just didn't expect this to be so easy, I guess.”

 

“Which reminds me, you went with Rei, Ukyo, and Mine. How did your investigation go?”

 

“Well, Ukyo and I didn't really find much other than the slide marks, and then we compared it to Rei's memories,” Mine said.

 

“What we did see for sure was how well Rei and Shin got along,” Ukyo added.

 

“I'm afraid the owner and I didn't find anything either, so we came back immediately,” Rika said.

 

“Then that leaves Sawa and Toma.” Sawa shifted uncomfortably. “Well, you see…” Sawa began. “We tried our best to retrace our steps that night.”

 

“But, we found something crazy a good ways from the scene,” Toma said, pulling out his phone. The picture was of a bloody handprint on a tree. My blood. I felt my knees start to buckle staring at the picture. “And that wasn't the only one, we found plenty of them. If I had to venture a guess, it's Rei's blood. Otherwise, that means someone else was bleeding badly around here too.” He pressed a button, showing another picture. “There were a bunch of footprints too. I think whoever left those handprints left the footprints too. However, whoever it was walked around in the same place over and over, so it's hard to tell what kind of shoes left them.”

 

I fell to my knees, prompting Sawa to run to my side. “Woah, hey! Here, let me help you sit down. Can someone bring some water?” Mine brought a cup of water to Sawa. “Here, don't drink it all down at once, you'll make yourself sick if you do.” I took careful sips before taking a breath. “Toma, we should submit this to the police,” Shin said.

 

“Wait, all this talk makes it sound like there really was a culprit!” Rika said. Sawa kept her attention on me, making sure I didn't choke on the water. “I thought we were proving your innocence, Shin! What are these handprints and footprints?! It's almost like whoever pushed or hurt Rei was shaken and meandered around confused.”

 

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” Toma said.

 

“And just what about that is evidence enough to prove someone's innocence?!” Rika shouted. “If anything, it incriminates Shin!”

 

“This only shows that there really was a culprit. But it doesn't show that it's me,” Shin said.

 

“Don't make excuses! Who, then, was it if it wasn't you?!”

 

“I don't know. It could be anybody here that isn't Rei, have you considered that?” Rika grew silent, stunned beyond words. “Anyway, this proves with near certainty, there was a culprit. And whoever it was, they had a reason for knocking Rei out, and fled the scene while still upset. And they were shaken enough not to care about leaving hand and footprints. We don't know why they didn't just come forward. They may have just watched the police take me away.”

 

“And with your clear understanding of what happened, it's almost impossible you were the suspect,” Kent said. “I heard an interesting story, in fact. It’s possible she could have been conscious after falling.”

 

“What?! Really?!” Mine shouted.

 

“It's possible, but unless she says otherwise, I cannot say for sure.” Everyone turned to me. “Well? Do you have any memories of the time before you were rescued?” I gave Sawa the cup to set down. “It was really dark, but I remember someone trying to help me…” I said.

 

“Oh? Who?” Ikki asked. I thought for a second before my eyes gazing down to the ground. “I'm sorry. I can't…” Sawa placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don't force yourself if you can't remember. Here, do you need any more water?” I took another sip.

 

“We don't know who, but… it's almost certain that whatever happened, it was enough to upset the culprit,” Shin said.

 

“But she fell and was injured, she was likely calling for help. It wouldn't be very normal for her to say something hurtful to someone who would be trying to do that.”

 

“I'm saying this as a possibility we need to consider. You never know what could cause someone to snap.” Kent grunted in frustration as he continued to think. “This is all too vague. It's possible you pushed her off the cliff intending to harm her, and then noticed she survived and tried to finish her off. That would be an easier explanation, wouldn't you think?”

 

“Yeah, it would be easier, but it wouldn't make sense. Everything we found points to her fall being an accident. Even Rei, the victim, has been saying so from the beginning.”

 

“But still… everything we've talked about makes you, Shin, seem suspicious.”

 

“And I admit, the suspicion kind of is on me.”

 

“Not just kind of! Nobody else had the chance or time to do anything like that to her. You had plenty of time before calling us, but everyone else went off to search for her at the same time!” I froze as my eyes jumped back to Toma. I felt something telling me that he was acting odd. “Except, we didn't all leave at the same time. Sawa and Toma went off on their own,” Kent said.

 

“Are you saying Sawa could have done it?!” Mine shouted. Toma grew angry. “Oh, but it's okay to suspect me?!” he shouted. The look in his eyes… I felt myself shaking. “I am not throwing accusations. I am just noting the possibilities. Just like Shin, Sawa and Toma had their own chances as well. While I was gathering everyone and giving directions, they had plenty of time to themselves. And for the sake of fairness, I will also add that it was possible for Ikkyu and me as well. After all, we were the ones who sent everyone off. Nobody could have seen us commit the crime either.” He was pacing, the light catching his glasses, obscuring his eyes. “Now then, who exactly was it who committed this crime?” Everyone was silent.

 

“Kent, thank you for your fair and unbiased comments. I just sent off the clues we gathered, so let's leave the rest to the police. I doubt we'd get anywhere if we tried to search for and unmask the culprit now.”

 

“Yes, that's true.”

 

“Then in that case, let's head home tomorrow. The sun is starting to set anyway. Kent, Toma, Ukyo, let's send each other copies of the evidence. That way, no matter who the culprit was, it'll reach the police through someone.”

Notes:

I wanted Rei to suspect Toma earlier than in the game. Especially because replaying this, I noticed he let his mask slip earlier in this route.

Chapter 10: Heart World 9

Notes:

Sorry this one took a while. Life stuff I mentioned in my recent chapter of Devil's Way... (Chapter 13)

Sawa had a serious look on her face as she paced around the room. She was still in her normal clothes, not even bothering with changing. “Oh, were you planning on heading to bed? I'm sorry. Go ahead and turn the lights off. I'm not feeling tired right now. In fact, I might go downstairs. Just… there are some things I want to think about.” She left the room, leaving me alone. “Sawa… Orion, I don't think she's the suspect,” I whispered. I laid back in bed, thinking about everything. I tried to close my eyes, tried to sleep. A few hours later, a scream woke me up. I bolted up before looking around for something to defend myself with. “That was Sawa!” Orion shouted. I grabbed one of my boots and walked to the door. I saw Sawa at the bottom of the stairs, with Shin and Toma checking on her. She was in a panic, her eyes wide and hyperventilating.

 

“Sawa, it's okay. Take deep breaths. You're okay now, everyone's here,” Toma said. “What happened?”

 

“Someone… Someone pushed me,” she gasped. Shin and Toma's eyes widened. “Someone pushed you?!” he asked. She nodded as she pulled her feet out from under her. “Yes… I was going to the bathroom, and when I got to the stairs, someone was there. Then they pushed me!” she sobbed. Toma had a hand on her shoulder, comforting her. “There's a criminal here! We are not safe! Someone is here!” Toma growled as he looked around. “You're right…” he growled.

 

“But, why would someone attack you?” Shin asked. “The criminal we talked about would have been aiming for Rei, so why did they attack you?” He turned back to Sawa. “And you were sure you were pushed? Calm down and try your best to remember. We talked about a criminal earlier. Maybe you felt that because of how you were touched by whoever it was? Try to remember.” Sawa took a breath as she began to think. “Now that you mention it… I think you're right,” she said. I lowered the boot as I watched Shin help her up.

 

“It's pretty impressive, though. If someone here really did push her, they are certainly a very good actor,” Kent’s voice echoed. I turned to see him right beside me, with everyone else behind him. “Was everyone in their rooms?” Shin asked.

 

“Of course, I was in bed. Although it seems like the three suspects in question were all up,” Ikki said.

 

“Suspects… wait, you mean me too?!” Sawa shouted.

 

“It is a well established tactic for culprits in many mystery stories to fake being attacked by someone,” Kent said.

 

“I'm not faking! I felt somebody push my shoulder!”

 

“I wasn't accusing you, I'm just saying it's a possibility.” I began to back away, still clutching onto my boot. “What if you were trying to dispose of some evidence, heard someone approaching, and put on this act?”

 

“”I'm trying to tell you, I didn't do anything and I wasn't faking!” Shin stepped in between them. “Yes, it's true that it's a possibility, but right now, we can't say anything for sure and throwing accusations isn't going to solve anything. I think it would be best for everyone to stay inside their rooms for tonight,” he said. “And I'm directing this at whoever is the real culprit too.” He then turned to me. “Rei. Regardless of whether Sawa’s fall was an accident or an act, things have gotten a lot more dangerous for you. I thought at first they didn't intentionally hurt you. But now I'm seeing that I was naive to think so. If the culprit was determined enough to eliminate anyone who dared to interfere, they might attack you directly.”

 

“Because I might remember what happened after I fell?” He nodded. “You should stay in my room tonight. I'll watch over you,” he said. “Toma, you can go sleep somewhere else. Mr. Owner, would you mind lending him a different room?”

 

“Of course. I don't mind,” the owner said.

 

“Sawa, you should go to Mine’s room.” Orion flew over to me, his eyes widened with fear. “Rei, are you okay with this?!” he asked. I turned back to Shin. “What's wrong? If you're worried I'll do something inappropriate, I'm pretty sure now isn't the time to try.”

 

“Shin, she might not just be worried about you doing something 'inappropriate,’” Ikki said.

 

“Are you saying she suspects me of being the culprit?”

 

“Well isn't that true? You are one of the three main suspects. Maybe it'll be safer if she avoids you.”

 

“I don't trust anybody else.”

 

“Ah, so you've finally revealed your true thoughts.”

 

“I don't want her to be with anybody else right now. Not even Toma or Sawa.” Toma stepped forward as well. “I can't trust you either, Shin. I'm not saying you're a culprit, but you might still take advantage of this situation like any man would.”

 

“I'm not some sex-crazed degenerate.”

 

“Then how about this? We let Rei decide where she wants to stay, seeing as she's the most in danger right now,” Kent said. “It should be the person you can most confidently say is not the culprit.” My eyes darted between everyone. Shin, Toma, Sawa, Ikki, Kent, Mine, Rika, Ukyo, or by myself… “I'll go with Shin, but… let me get my clothes moved,” I said.

 

“Very well.” Everyone else dispersed back to their rooms. “I'll get your bed ready for you,” he said.

 

“I'll go to Sawa’s room so she doesn't have to move too far,” Mine said. “And we can keep an eye out while you pack up what you need.”

 

“Mr. Owner, this place has a batting cage right?” Shin asked. He turned back to me. “I don't think a boot is going to be a good way to protect yourself.”

 

“Why a bat? Wouldn't a real weapon be better?” Kent asked.

 

“A real weapon would be dangerous for her and me too. At least a bat would protect her. Plus, I don't want to kill anybody either.”

 

“I'll bring one right away,” the owner said. “Is it alright if you hold onto it, Rei?” I accepted it cautiously before walking back to my old room with Mine and Sawa. As soon as I repacked my day bag, I walked through the quiet hallway upstairs. The only light around was whatever came through the cracks at the bottom of the doors. I had the bat in one hand, my free hand feeling the walls for the door.

 

“You may have gotten away freely this time,” a voice whispered to me. “But you have no idea what you are up against.” I turned around to see Ukyo, who had a sinister smile on his face. “Ukyo…” I said. “What's with that face, you look a bit different…” He almost looked crazed. I lifted the bat and pointed it at him. “Stay back.” Ukyo began to laugh. “Oh don't worry, princess. I wouldn't dream of trying anything now, not while he is merely asleep right now. I suggest you worry about who you're trusting for now,” he said. “Sweet dreams, princess.” He practically faded into the darkness as he returned to his room.

 

“He… what do you think Ukyo meant? Shin? Toma?” Orion asked.

 

“I don't know… but I don't wait to wait out here for him to come back.”

 

I entered Shin’s room to see the spare bed prepared for me. “You're looking a bit pale, you okay?” he asked. “You didn't push yourself again, did you?” I shook my head as I set the bat against the bedside table. “I'm going to keep watch from here,” Shin said. “I think what happened to Sawa was an accident, but I am not taking chances. I was foolish and unprepared for that person to do any harm. If it wasn't an accident and they hurt you, I would never forgive myself. Get some sleep, don't worry about me.”

 

“Shin?” I asked. “Can I sleep next to you?” He shook his head and laughed. “Idiot, if you sleep next to me, you might get hit with the bat. There's a chance I may have to use this, so I need you to stay in your own bed.” I frowned as I got into the bed.

 

Something like this happened before. When we were kids, we were with Toma and we got lost. We couldn't find our way back…

 

I was crying my eyes out as Toma tried to comfort me. “You don't need to worry anymore. I'm sure some adults will help us soon,” Toma said, stroking my head. Shin was quiet and distant. “Shin! Come over here, it's dangerous!”

 

“No, I'll stay here,” he said. “If some weirdo attacks, I'll protect you. I can't fight if I'm holding her hand!” Toma rolled his eyes. “You say that, but you're trembling too!”

 

“Shut up! Don't lie! I'm not scared! I'm going to protect Rei!” Shin was always like that. He was coarse and rude and never comforted me… but he always thought about me first. Shin, are you afraid now too?

 

I sat next to him and leaned against his back. “What?” he asked. I nuzzled in closer. “Are you scared?” I whispered.

 

“Huh? Are you an idiot?” He sighed before moving one of his hands over his shoulder, searching for my cheek. “Yeah, I am. I'm not afraid of risking my life to protect you, but… I am afraid of hurting someone. If someone were to attack, would I be able to swing this bat? That terrifies me to think of. But I have to do this. I'll protect you no matter what, and I've already decided I'd never let anyone hurt you again.” I pressed a kiss to his back. “How long has it been since you've done this? I know this isn't the time, but I feel so happy. I was pushing you away and telling you to be wary of me. But… it's not a bad feeling to be trusted sometimes…”

 

---

 

I woke up alone in the shared bedroom. When I looked over at Shin’s bed, it was already made and his clothes and duffle bag were gone. I let out a lonely sigh as I got out of bed and got changed. As I walked down the stairs, I heard Rika causing a scene downstairs. “I could hardly sleep last night! Look at the condition of my skin!” she huffed and puffed. She looked the same as I remembered. “You know, and don't take this the wrong way, why not have something to eat before you go?” Shin asked.

 

“I would prefer not to stay here another minute!” Shin pinched his nose and groaned before turning to me. “Good morning,” he said. I yawned as I set my bags at my feet and sat down for breakfast. “Good morning everyone,” the owner said. “I'm sorry to ask, but could someone help me carry this pot of stew to the terrace?” Shin hurried over and helped him move the large pot.

 

“Rei, I'm glad you're safe,” Sawa said as she joined me. I couldn't help noticing the brace around her ankle as she hobbled to one of the dining area tables. “Are you okay?” I asked.

 

“Other than my ankle and the nightmare I had, I'm okay. Just a bit tired. I might sleep on the bus,” she said. I heard a loud slosh and thump. I stood up to see Shin awkwardly holding the stew pot and Rika, who hadn't left, yelling at him. Quite a bit had spilled out, with meat and potatoes scattered in the sauce across the floor around the shoes. “I'll grab a mop,” I said. “Sawa, stay right there, I'll be back.”

 

I walked over with the mop and bucket, only to have Shin pull me down close. “Follow my lead,” he whispered. I scoffed as I began to mop up the spilled food. “That should do it,” he said. I turned to him angrily. “Why did you do that?! That's such a waste of food!” I hissed. He handed me a small camera. “Take pictures of every little detail,” he said. “Be sure to take both front and back.” I looked back to see the shoeprints still left in the stew sauce. “Whoever left those shoeprints are probably going to dispose of their shoes the second they get home. If we don't record them now, we won't have another chance.”

 

“Okay, but please… don't waste food like that again.” I began to quickly snap pictures before shoving the camera into my sweater pocket. “Shin, you cleaned my shoes perfectly, right?!” Rika shouted as she grabbed her shoes. She inspected it before shooting a glare at Shin and going outside. “We can probably take one of those pictures with everyone wearing their shoes,” Toma said as he walked up to us. My blood ran slightly cold. “Sure… I guess,” Shin said, trying to hide his surprise.

 

“Should I do it?” Toma asked.

 

“No, I can do it myself.”

 

---

 

The bus was parked right outside, ready for us to board. “Reeeei! We can finally go home!” Orion shouted as he zipped around happily. Mine sighed as well. “This has been the longest weekend ever!” she shouted. “Sawa, are you sure you're going to be okay?” Sawa eased herself down the stairs. “I might not be able to work with my leg like this. I should probably message the Manager and let him know,” she said.

 

“I'll message him too so I can sub for you until you're better. But geez, it feels like we're getting thrown back to reality! Although at this point, I welcome it.”

 

“It seems like everyone was doing Shin's bidding. I wonder if he was able to accomplish his goal,” Orion said. “But it seems like he doesn't plan on telling us who he thinks the culprit is. Do you even know who it is?” I turned back towards Toma. My body stiffened and my hands clenched into fists. For now, we had no choice but to return.

 

---

 

“Tokyooooo! Oh how I missed you!” Orion said. I looked around, surprised by the mention of Tokyo. Huh… I thought this was Fukuoka… It looks like my memories at times… “Looks like we're splitting up here,” Shin said. Ukyo almost looked disappointed. “Splitting up… I can't help but feel a bit sad by that… I hope I'll see all of you later,” he said.

 

“Where are you going anyway, Ukyo?” Ukyo gave a wink and a smile. “My secret. But if you ever need anything, don't be afraid to call. I'll show up whenever.” As I watched Ukyo leave, I felt a part of my heart aching. Like I would never see him again. “Who was that guy anyway?” Shin asked. I felt myself let out a small sigh. “I am grateful he helped,” I said.

 

“See ya, young lady. Remember, I helped you out, so I'm looking forward to hearing the results,” Ikki said. “And maybe, I'll see you around, cutie.” Kent began to push him away from me. “We are going to analyze the information as well. I will update you on anything,” Kent said. “Enough flirting, Ikkyu!”

 

“Toma, wait up,” Shin said, stopping him. “Just to be safe, I want Rei to stay at my place for the night. Could you come too?”

 

“Me? But I thought you hate it when I'm around!”

 

“This is an emergency. Besides, you can't just let her stay alone at my place, right? My mom is working late, so we'll be there by ourselves. Or does ‘big bro’ Toma really think it's okay for me to spend the night alone with her?” Quit egging him on! I was convinced Toma was the culprit at this point. Nothing was going to change my mind. “Oh? Am I her bodyguard now?”

 

“Yeah. You got a problem with that?”

 

“None at all. Fine, I'll go.” I was sweating bullets now. What the hell are you thinking, Shin?! I have a problem with this! “What are you doing? Let's go,” Shin said to me. I sighed as I began to follow them. “Seriously? We came all the way back to Tokyo, and we can't even go home?! Rei, you have saintly patience," Orion said.

 

---

 

We walked into Shin’s room. It was an… interesting room. He had a loft bed with a couch and stereo system underneath, and across the checkered tile floor was his desk with a computer. I took a look around with each step. “You probably don't remember, but this is my room. You can sleep here while Toma and I stay in the living room.”

 

“Yeah, sure. It really doesn't matter to me where,” Toma sighed. I still felt uneasy having Toma around. Is Shin out of his mind inviting him? He's acting super sketchy lately! My eyes caught on the large speaker. “Hey, Shin…were you in the band with me?” I asked. Shin's eyes widened as he blushed. “No. I–”

 

“But you wanted to?” Toma asked, causing him to blush harder. “I've never seen this before! That was around the time you started distancing yourself from me. Did you start playing an instrument after seeing her live performance?”

 

“I… started learning bass around that time,” Shin finally said, covering his face.

 

“Riiight. I remember you saying the bassist wasn't very good,” Toma prodded.

 

“Really? Is that true? Did he really start learning because he wanted to join your band?” Orion asked. “I've never seen Shin so flustered and at a loss of words before!”

 

“That's not important right now! I'm going to make dinner, so help me out, Toma! My mom won't be home until late!” Shin shouted. He's kind of cute when he's mad… “I haven't seen Shin like that in a long time. I guess he really didn't want us to see this,” Toma said. “Or… maybe he's like this when it comes to things related to you?” I couldn't help but smile to myself. “It's hard to tell sometimes, but it looks like he really does love you, Rei,” Orion said.

 

---

 

I couldn't sleep. As I climbed down the ladder, I took notice of the desk. There was sheet music and different reference books. As I looked, I heard a knock at the bedroom door, surprising me. “Rei, you awake?” Shin whispered through the door. “I'm coming in.” He walked in, catching me red-handed. “Don't go through people's desks without permission.”

 

“You’re the one who left all this out! Although, all that's here is sheet music and reference books,” Orion said. “Hey Rei, do you ever think he practiced all the songs you played? Maybe at your apartment, you have the same sheet music.” I couldn't help but smile. “Why are you grinning like that? Don't tell me you remembered something stupid. Anyway, there's something I wanted to ask you when I got the chance.” I sat down with him on the couch. “When we stayed at the lodge, I found the evidence I was looking for. If the police get it, I know they'll arrest the culprit sooner or later. But from my guess… the thing the culprit wanted to hide wasn't the actual crime.”

 

“What does that mean?” I asked.

 

“It will expose everything, but I also know it might cause some painful emotions for you, too. So I want to ask first, Rei… do you know who did it? Can you guess their motive? Are you prepared to hear the answer?”

 

“Yes,” I said.

 

“Good. I intend to have you hear it, regardless. I just feel better knowing if you knew ahead of time. So tell me… do you know who was the person who pushed you?”

 

“It was Toma,” I said. Shin was quiet. He closed his eyes, and sighed. “Just a ‘hmm’? No way… that's… I don't want to think about that,” Orion said.

Chapter 11: Heart World 10

Notes:

Writing this in my drafts got so long, I decided to make it into two chapters. Next chapter will cover August 27 and the ending of Heart World. In other news, I am heading back to work soon, so I'm going to be a bit busier than normal. I have Heart World Final I'm working on as well as two more chapters of Devil's Way, and I might finish or bring back some of my other incomplete fics if I feel up to it.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt an odd sense of disappointment that Shin wasn't next to me. “Good morning, Rei!” Orion said. “Looks like you have work today. Mine was right, it's like stepping back into reality. Are you ready? Do you think you’ll be okay?” I took a breath as I got up. There was a knock at the door. “Are you awake? I’m coming in,” Shin said. “You have work today, right? I have school, so I’ll walk with you and lock up here.”

 

“Hey, are you planning on staying tonight too? If you are, I do need to go home after work for a bit,” Toma said.

 

“No, it’s fine. Nothing happened yesterday, after all. Rei, if anything happens at all on your way home, call me right away,” Shin said. “You have work too, right Toma? Look after her.” I was quiet the entire walk to the cafe with Toma. The only thing out of the ordinary was Mine standing outside of the cafe when we arrived. “Mine, what are you doing out here? Everything alright?” Toma asked.

 

“Hmm? Oh, did you two come here together? You two must be really close,” Mine said slyly.

 

“No, it’s nothing like that. We just stayed over at Shin’s place! More importantly, why is the cafe not open?”

 

“Oh that. The manager isn’t here yet. Didn’t you have a spare key, Toma?” Toma nodded as he pulled it out. “Okay, give me just a sec.” He unlocked the door, letting us inside. “It’s a bit unusual for the manager to be this late,” I said. “I hope he’s okay and didn’t overdo it.” I caught sight of a letter on the center table. It was in Waka’s pretty handwriting. “I’m tired from working for three days straight. I’m taking some time off. Love and Kisses, Waka,” I read. Toma sighed, shaking his head. “Let’s be sure to thank him next time we see him. For now, let’s open up the shop. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything.” Mine let out a loud whine. “Reality’s coming back in full force! I think I preferred the cabin!”

 

“Okay, okay, enough with the whining. Mine, can you check the inventory? Rei, help me set the tables,” Toma said.

 

---

 

I was laying on the breakroom couch as Toma and Mine finished closing up. “Good work today, Rei,” Toma said. “I can walk you at least part of the way home. Wait for me after you get changed.” I sighed as I got up and changed. Toma and I walked out of the back door to see Shin waiting for me. “Hey, are you done for the day?” Shin asked.

 

“What are you doing here?! What about school?!” Toma asked.

 

“Class was cancelled. Want to go somewhere?” I noticed he had a rolled up newspaper in one hand. “What? Why not just go home and study?” Toma asked. Shin let out a grumble. “I’m allowed to take breaks. Besides, I feel like the police could show up at any time when I’m at home. I feel restless.”

 

“Are you really that delicate?” Shin scoffed. “You’re the one who always wants all three of us to go do things. What changed? Are you in a rush to get home or something?”

 

“Not really.”

 

“Then come with us for a while.”

 

We followed Shin until we came to a park. “I recognize this place. We called it Crayfish Park. I haven’t been here in forever,” Toma said. Shin turned to me. “You may not remember, but we used to play here a lot when we were kids. For a while, there were hoards of crayfish in the mud, which is why we called the place Crayfish Park,” Shin said. Toma began to laugh. “Looking back, they were probably released by someone living nearby. I doubt you'd find any crayfish,” he said.

 

“True, but I still remember we would dig in the mud and use sticks to fish them up.”

 

“Yeah, and then our parents would freak out and tell us to release them.” I couldn’t help laughing too. “Maybe I should get us a stick and we could try,” I said. Shin and Toma’s eyes widened before they began to smile. “I was thinking coming here would help you remember, Rei. So, why don’t we try playing some of the games we played then?” He pulled out his newspaper. “How about janken? And whoever loses gets bonked?”

 

“Come on, how old are we? Are we really going to play janken at our age?” Shin led us over to the side. “Ready? JAN! KEN! PON!” BONK! “OW!” Toma shouted. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?!”

 

“It’s no fun if you don’t do it seriously!”

 

“That actually hurt!”

 

“Yeah, I was trying to, idiot!” I just watched as they bickered back and forth. “Okay. JAN! KEN! PON!” BONK! “Owww…” Shin groaned. Toma let out a sinister laugh. “Not so fun on the other end of the newspaper, is it?!” Orion was getting nervous too. “Hey, they’re not going to hit you that hard, are they? They’re acting so immature right now…” Orion said.

 

“JAN! KEN! PON!” I felt a light, gentle bonk on my head. I looked to see both Shin and Toma blushing and averting their gaze from mine. “JAN! KEN! PON!” BONK! This time the bonk was harder. “Owwww…” I whined. Toma glared at Shin. “What? I tried to hold back!” Shin shouted. I looked at him, pouting with tears in my eyes. “I would prefer to just hit you, Toma.”

 

“Yeah? Well right back at you!”

 

“JAN! KEN! PON!” BONK! I opened my eyes to see Shin hitting Toma as hard as he could. “That hurt!” Toma shouted. Shin just rolled his eyes. “Don’t be a baby, Toma.”

 

“JAN! KEN! PON!” BONK! This time Toma hit Shin as hard as he could. It slowly devolved into the two just playing janken and hitting each other as hard as they could. “You’re really pissing me off, Toma!” Shin shouted.

 

“That’s my line!” Toma shouted.

 

“I won’t forgive you for this!”

 

“Neither will I!”

 

“I actually kind of hate you!”

 

“Finally something we agree on!”

 

“Um, guys,” I said. The two finally wore themselves out. “I’ll get us some drinks,” Shin said, walking to the vending machines. “Shit, I didn’t bring any money. You got any, Toma?” Toma pulled out his wallet and tossed it to Shin. “Distract him,” Shin whispered to me. Toma sat next to me on the bench, groaning as he stretched his arms out. “I haven’t done anything that stupid in a long time. I’m getting too old for this,” he groaned. I thought for a second for a way to stall him. “Uh, what kind of kid was Shin when we were little anyway?” I asked.

 

“Well… he was a crybaby, but also really conceited. He thinks he was just a cute little kid until his father’s incident. Ha! As if! He was always an arrogant little brat. So get this, when you were in 3rd grade, the boys in your class…” This was going to be a long conversation…

 

The sun was beginning to set, and Toma was still talking. “You know, Shin is taking a long time. Where is he, anyway?” I looked up to see Shin walking back with a bag of drinks. “I’m back,” Shin said.

 

“And where were you? A damn department store?”

 

“None of the nearby stores had melon soda.”

 

“You’re an addict.”

 

“Then maybe I won’t give you your coffee. Rei, here’s yours.” He handed me a can of Boss Cafe Au Lait before giving Toma back his wallet and his coffee. “What were you two talking about?”

 

“Oh just a cute story about when you were little,” Toma said. Shin blushed and scoffed. “Can you not act like an old man for one day?” Toma began to laugh. “Don’t talk to your grandpa that way. You realize I was trying to help her with her memory, right?”

 

“Gee, thanks a lot. And Rei, thanks for keeping Toma occupied,” Shin said.

 

“Is that a little sarcasm I hear? Where’s this coming from?”

 

“Where it normally does.” Orion just turned to me. “Is that really sarcasm?” he asked. “I doubt it, I think he was thanking you for keeping Toma busy and buying him time. What was he even doing? Is he even going to tell us?”

 

---

 

I looked around my room after waking up. “Coffee,” I groaned, walking to my kitchen. As I got to the kitchen, I heard my doorbell. I wrapped myself with a robe and answered the door. “Morning, can you come with me?” Shin asked. I looked around and nodded. “After I get dressed, uh, yeah. I can,” I said.

 

I adjusted my hat as we walked. “We’re going to Toma’s house. Not his apartment, his parent’s house,” Shin said. “It would be suspicious if I came alone. So our reason is the three of us are going to hang out. Just follow my lead, ask no questions.” He rang the doorbell, prompting Toma’s mom to answer. “Shin! Oh, and is that Rei? You’ve both grown so much! I almost didn’t recognize you! So you’re both still getting along with Toma? That’s good! You just missed Toma. He took the car somewhere just a minute ago.”

 

“Oh, really? I see. We were supposed to go drive somewhere today,” Shin lied.

 

“Oh! He was going with you? He could have at least told me.”

 

“He’s probably embarrassed to talk about his childhood friends. I’m sure you could tease him about that later. Have a good day.” Toma’s mom nodded and closed the door, saying goodbye. “If you’re worried about Toma finding out, he’ll probably just go along with it. Maybe. Anyway, the only thing I wanted to do was check if he borrowed the car, so it’s fine if they have doubts. He did, which confirms my suspicions.”

 

“You mean what I told you the other night?” I asked. Shin was quiet. “Is there anywhere you want to go? I’ll go with you wherever, and I won’t complain. I owe it to you, especially because I think tomorrow, I might break your heart and hurt you. So let’s have fun today, where do you want to go?”

 

“A movie,” I said.

 

“I don’t mind, but… Isn’t that a bit too normal? Is that really what you want?” I shrugged. “Let’s just head to the station. We can browse through some cafes if we have time.” We began to walk towards the station, passing by several cafes and shops. “You have absolutely no idea what movies we used to watch together, do you? I’ll just say this. I don’t like violence or gore. I don’t like seeing people die.”

 

“After what all happened, I don’t blame you,” I said.

 

“But, knowing you, you would just pick some sappy romance movie.” I puffed my cheek angrily. “I mean, don’t you feel awkward too, sitting next to me during kissing scenes and stuff?”

 

“I like those scenes,” I said. Shin leaned over me, his face close to mine. “Oh? So you’re saying you want me to do that to you then? Maybe I should take notes from them, then.” I began to blush. “I really doubt that I’ll learn anything though. Don’t worry, though, I’ll endure whatever you want us to do.”

 

---

 

We returned to Shin’s room afterwards. “That movie was just so romantic,” I sighed as I sat on the couch. “I love how even after Kaoru was gone, Koji still treasured his time with her. He still thought about her. If anything ever happened to me, just knowing that I was treasured and loved by someone… that would make me the happiest.”

 

“Rei… Why don’t you spend the night?” Shin asked.

 

“How about no?” Orion said.

 

“I don’t have any ulterior motives.”

 

“That’s what they all say! Rei, don’t let him play you!”

 

“What’s with that look? I already know. I’m the one who cast doubt upon himself. It’s not like that tonight… I just… I don’t want to be alone. Plus, I intend on meeting up with Toma tomorrow. And we’ll talk about everything. And to be honest with you, I don’t know how he’s going to respond. I have all the evidence I need against him, but that’s not a defense. I just wanted to be sure he couldn’t talk his way out of this. And if he decides to use force, I don’t know what could happen. There was the incident that happened at the lodge, after all. It could have just been an accident, but we can’t say for sure. If he really did want to get rid of Sawa because she interfered with him destroying evidence, then he’s possibly prepared to go all the way.I hope this confrontation doesn’t turn physical, but if so… He hasn’t given up yet. That’s why he took the car, to destroy the evidence. But, the truth has to come out. For your sake, and his. That’s why I’m going to put my emotions aside and expose everything. I need to find the strength to do so, which is why I want you with me tonight.”

 

“He sounds serious,” Orion said. “But, if he does try anything, feel free to kick him in the leg. But, more importantly, you might need some courage for tomorrow too. Can you remember that memory? Are you still afraid too? Do you want to remember it?”

 

“Can I… sit with you?” Shin asked. He sat next to me on the couch, laying his head on my shoulder. “The second time the police took me away, I seriously started thinking I should let you go. You forgot about falling in love with me, and the time we spent together was just… gone. I wondered if I was just causing you nothing but trouble. And I didn’t want to make you worry anymore. So I thought it would have been better if I just let you go… and forget about me. I thought if you could just fall in love with someone else, you would be happier. But it was no good. I can’t let you go. I always thought you and Toma just stayed by my side because we were childhood friends. And it wasn’t because you like me as an individual. It was just natural for you to stay with me, so I thought it would be best to change from family to just being a normal man. But then, your memories were gone, and you forgot me and everything. I was so scared you would just suddenly disappear. But… you stayed with me. You believed in me. It takes a lot of guts to stand by the guy who may have pushed his girlfriend off a cliff. And every time I think about that, I realize how amazing you really are. When I went to see your first live performance, I hate to say this, but I honestly thought you had no talent. That’s why I said such harsh things, to make you quit. And when you refused, I made it clear that you’d better be prepared to work yourself to death. But then the next year, it was like you were a different person. For the first time, I didn’t see you as a childhood friend. I thought you were so beautiful. I knew all of the pathetic and stupid things about you, but I fell in love with you anyway. And I also knew, deep down, you worked so hard to get there. I still remember the smile on your face after that performance. And all I could say was, ‘you did well.’ And even then, you were happy with what I said… you said it was thanks to my criticism and thanked me. I thought I had lost. That was the first time I felt like I could never win against someone, and it was you. To tell you the truth, I knew you were loved by everyone around you, they said you were smart, a hard worker, earnest. But that was just an image you worked hard to maintain. In reality, you do a lot of stupid things. I know the real you. But you don’t have to work so hard to impress me. I already find you so amazing. That’s why I want you to stay that sweet, silly Rei I love around me. I’ll protect that part of you, and the hard working part of you. I will protect all of it. I’ll become a man you are proud to know.”

 

“Shin,” I said. I tilted his face up to me and kissed him. Orion’s eyes were wide, prompting him to vanish, leaving us alone. “No, I made it clear, I didn’t want to do anything tonight. I’ll sleep on the couch, you can stay in my room.” I stopped him by grabbing his wrist. “But I want to. Stay with me tonight, I don’t want anything else right now, Shin,” I said. I pulled him back into me, my lips reuniting with his. And as we continued to kiss, I knew I couldn’t let him go, not for a single second.

Chapter 12: Heart World FINAL

Notes:

At long last, I am finally able to finish this chapter! The convention was fun. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you probably saw the photo of me with Miura Ayme. It was nice meeting him and even some of my online friends! I got some new art books and Ultimanias for my library and even a plush of Raphy from Shield Hero. I know I've been taking hiatuses, but I do want to wait a little while for my schedule to clear enough to write Spade World. Especially because my current free time is taken up by playing Meiji Tokyo Renka. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

I woke up the next morning in bed with Shin. I cuddled closer to his chest, a satisfied smile on my face. If I forgot everything tomorrow, I didn’t want to forget last night. Not for a single second. My eyes felt heavy as I drifted in and out of sleep.

 

“Alright then. Yeah, after work. You know the crossing after you leave the cafe and turn the corner? Under the highway. Yeah, let’s meet there.” My eyes opened to see Shin at the edge of the bed, talking on the phone as he got dressed. “Hold on a sec. Are you up, Rei? I’m going to leave the room, so wait a sec before you get dressed. Sorry, it’s nothing. Anyway, is that okay with you? Okay, see you after work.” As soon as I had my clothes on, Orion appeared before me. “Morning, Rei. I figured I would give you two some privacy. I guess Shin was setting up some sort of meeting? So we’re going to settle this after work.” Shin walked back in. “So I’m guessing you heard. Today after work, head with Toma over to the crossing by the cafe. I doubt anything will happen, but be careful just in case. And Rei… thank you, for last night.”

 

Toma was waiting for me at the cafe. “Oh, good morning, Rei. Did you stay at Shin’s last night by any chance?” he asked. “I thought I heard Shin talking to you this morning. I dropped by your place on the way here and nobody was home, so was I right?” His expression changed to anger. “So even without your memories, you still chose him.” I took a step back. “That wasn’t the case yesterday,” I said. He took a step closer. “But you trusted him enough to spend the night alone with him. Don’t lie to me.” My eyes were wide as I shrunk away from him. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on her, you creep!” Orion shouted as he tried to grab Toma and pull him away. Toma pulled back and turned away from me. “Let’s just get to work.” I was catching my breath as he left to get changed. “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Orion asked. “So what Shin and you suspect is true. Toma did it.”

 

After work ended, I was hesitant to walk with Toma. If Shin wasn’t waiting for us at the crossing, I would have grabbed my purse and ran as fast as I could. But, I held my tongue as we met with Shin. “You know… you were making me wait the other day, too. What happened with prep school? You’re lying about class being cancelled, right?” Toma asked. I kept behind Shin, my eyes wide with terror. “I can make up for that later. This is more important.” Toma let out a harsh laugh. “It’ll be hilarious if you fail because of this,” Toma said.

 

“You won’t be laughing long. Let’s settle this once and for all.”

 

“Alright, where do we begin?” My grip on Shin’s jacket tightened. “On that day, you were the one who hurt her when she collapsed at the bottom of the cliff, weren’t you?”

 

“And what makes you think that?”

 

“Process of elimination, and you yourself. The first thing you said that was suspicious was what you said when she was discharged from the hospital. You asked if her head was hurting. Anybody who saw her would ask about her neck, which looked the most serious. She was bleeding seriously, and the doctors were even concerned the injury could have been fatal. After she was discharged, everyone noticed her neck first. So why would you be concerned about her head, Toma?”

 

“Because I heard her neck wasn’t feeling as painful. I figured a blunt hit to the head would cause more lasting pain,” Toma stammered.

 

“Next was her memories. She never said a single thing about regaining consciousness at the bottom of the cliff before losing her memories. She probably realized I couldn’t have gone to find her, knowing what happened, so she dismissed that memory as nothing. And yet, it was among the first things she remembered after losing her memories, and lost all preconceptions she had. She spoke about it rather candidly that she thought I had gone and found her. But it wasn’t me, meaning someone she could have mistaken as me came and found her, and in her confusion, she mistook them for me.”

 

“Let me ask you this, is there really no possibility you went and found her yourself?”

 

“None. Because I would have had blood on my clothes if I did go and find her and hurt her. That blood pattern? There was blood all over the place. It’s not like she had merely been pushed. That person who found her tried to pick her up and move her. They probably placed their hands on the wound on her neck to stop the bleeding, the most likely reaction. But if they did all that, they wouldn’t have just washed their hands. Their clothes would have been bloody too. And what would have happened if they showed up at the lodge like that? It would have been very damning evidence that they had touched her.”

 

“But I wouldn’t have fit that bill either. Everyone knows that when I couldn’t find her, I came back to the lodge.”

 

“Except you came back when she had already been found, and everyone was in a complete panic. If you immediately rushed to her and touched her, your clothes would have been bloodied instantly, and nobody would have noticed or cared what you looked like prior.”

 

“I see. Then at the very least, we know it wasn’t you then. But that still doesn’t mean it’s me.”

 

“Which leaves the shoeprints. If they’re taken to the police, they can do a comparison.”

 

“I doubt it. The person responsible would have just disposed of the shoes.”

 

“What a suspicious thing to say, Toma. Especially because I took pictures of the shoes before they were thrown away.”

 

“But there’s no guarantee that it would serve as sufficient evidence.”

 

“There were two reasons why we returned to the lodge. First was to bring back Rei’s memories. And the second… was to see the culprit go and search for evidence. If brought back to the scene of the crime, I figured they would go around and check for any remaining evidence.”

 

“Yes, but the people who found evidence were me and Sawa. You don’t know who was in charge of that search,” Toma said. Yeah, and Sawa was pushed down the stairs, most likely by you, Toma. “I do know. I asked Sawa to record your conversation the entire time,” Shin said. Toma’s eyes widened, like a deer in the headlights. We finally caught him in a lie. “In fact, she helped us out a lot. The reason why she argued with you when you tried to dispose of the evidence was because I had her keeping watch. If I was awake in the room, you would have been cautious to try and leave. That’s why I asked her to wait for a while and if anybody tried to leave their rooms to call out to them.” It finally made sense. It all made sense, and I hated the picture it was painting. Sawa was staying up to keep me safe, and then when she caught Toma sneaking out, she got in a fight with him, causing Toma to shove her down the stairs. “How…” I began, catching their attention. “How could you? How could you push her down the stairs with no shame, no regret and then act like you were trying to help her?”

 

“Answer her, Toma.”

 

“It was an accident. I swear, I didn’t mean to hurt her. I wasn’t paying attention, I was worried about you, Shin, and I didn’t pay attention to Sawa’s room,” Toma said. “I saw you finally were asleep, but when I left, she called to me. I panicked and accidentally elbowed her. She must have gotten startled, lost her footing, and fell. I swear on everything that I didn’t shove her.”

 

“I think so too. Even though you hurt her, you panicked and left evidence everywhere,” Shin said. “I doubt you’d ever be so coldblooded to try and cover that up.”

 

“I wanted to come forward and apologize. But I didn’t want her to know what I was trying to do. Now, I can properly apologize to Sawa, thank you for figuring that out for me, Shin.”

 

“And? What about Rei? Why did you do it?”

 

“I swear that was an accident too. I tried to pick her up, but my hand slipped.”

 

“You’re lying,” Shin said.

 

“I’m serious. The reason why I didn’t admit it was I didn’t have a chance. By the time I wanted to, everything was declared an accident. When she woke up in the ambulance, she smiled at me and said ‘thank you.’ I couldn’t do it because if I brought up anything, it would have hurt her! So I made up my mind to take it to my grave. Just so she wouldn’t have to hurt anymore. And when suspicion was cast on you, Shin, I thought about coming forward! But I firmly believed you would be cleared. You were completely innocent after all. And if you had been arrested, I would have come forward immediately!”

 

“I don’t doubt that either. When I was held for questioning, you came by to protest many times. You even helped my mom with writing a petition. I know you never intended to have me pay for your crimes. All you wanted was for this to be passed off as an accident.” He then glared at Toma. “But that’s wrong! Even if it was just for a moment, you had malicious intent. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen.” Finally, the mask was slipping. “I can. Shin, you might have evidence of the crime, but not the motive. I will always say it was an accident. I’m sorry for trying to hide it, but I didn’t hurt her out of malice. There’s no reason for me to hurt her.”

 

“There is. Rei, do you remember? All of it? What did you say? What happened? Think back. Do you really want to turn a blind eye to something you don’t want to see?! You won’t be able to move on! Is your relationship to him now that important?! Remember!” A final memory fell into place.

 

Shin… Back then… What I saw was… “Rei! There you are!” a voice called to me. I was in so much pain. I couldn’t move, and it hurt to speak. My life was slowly bleeding out. “Are you okay? Can you stand up?” I felt someone pick me up and cradle me to his chest. A warm hand pressed on the cut on my neck, trying to stop the bleeding. “Shin… you came for me,” I weakly said. I heard almost a growl or a scoff. “You’re out of it… Damn it, you’re bleeding so much. That glass bottle cut you. This is why it’s bad to litter. Stay still and try not to move. I need to get you to the hospital.” I tried to reach a hand out. “Shin… you’re really kind.” He gasped. “Can you see me?” I shook my head. “Shin, please… help me.” I heard a growl this time. “Why? Shin isn’t kind enough… Don’t you think so, too? So why Shin?” The voice slowly became Toma’s. “Why couldn’t it be me, damn it?!” Last thing I remembered was a blow to the back of my head and being left there to die. “Why… Why would Toma do such a thing? No, I need to forget this… This was just a mistake. I need to forget everything…”

 

“Looks like you finally remembered,” Orion said. “And now, I can finally return home… You don’t remember everything, but now, you no longer have that lock on your memories. It’ll be okay, you have Shin as your reliable knight.”

 

“Orion, you’re leaving?”

 

“Yeah. I need to do my job. But… Rei, I won’t ever forget you. Even if you forget about me. I will always be thinking about you, I promise.”

 

I was gasping as I stared at Shin and Toma. “Rei?! Are you okay?!” Toma asked. I stepped back from him. “Don’t touch me!” I shouted. I hid behind Shin. “You’re always like this, Toma. You think everything is fine as long as you’re protecting her. But enough is enough. Rei, what happened? Did you remember? Can you talk?” I nodded. “Yeah, but Toma…”

 

“I know you don’t want to say it. But if you don’t, we won’t know the truth. Tell us everything, so that these crimes can be atoned for and we can move on.” I took a breath and nodded. “Toma pushed me. I mistook him for you, he got angry, and he pushed me,” I said. “Toma… did you like…”

 

“You misunderstand. I’ve just had my issues with Shin from a long time ago. I got angry when you confused us.” I glared. “Don’t lie to me,” I said. “I’ll hate you if you keep lying to me.”

 

“He had pictures of you, among other things,” Shin said. “I didn’t want to let that cat out of the bag, but you’re still lying, Toma.”

 

“I threw all of that away, how…” Toma began.

 

“I took a few before you did. And I took a photo of them sitting in your room.”

 

“When you took my wallet… You of all people would know I keep my key in my wallet. But, you committed theft and trespassing. You can’t use that as evidence.”

 

“I know, but that’s fine. I intended to return these to you, as well as the other evidence.I only wanted you to admit what you had done. You weren’t afraid of being charged, you were afraid of us finding out. You loved her, and when she confused you for me, you lost your temper and pushed her. You didn’t want us to know, because if you had admitted it, it would have hurt us more than it would you, am I correct?” Toma was quiet. “Then I have done what I planned to do. Your goal is now impossible. I’m not interested in this evidence anymore. Throw it away, take it to the police, whatever you want.” Toma sighed as he accepted the bag of evidence. “Looks like I’ve lost,” Toma said. “This is why I don’t like competing with you, Shin. It can never just stay a game. In the end, she chose you.”

 

“Toma, are you going to tell me the truth now? Did you really…”

 

“Do you mean the fact I pushed you? Or that I loved you? Both are true. You should have just left this an accident, Shin. Then I could have lived the rest of my life with this guilt, alone. All that finding out did was hurt Rei more. And if you found out how much I was hurting, we all would have been living with this guilt forever.”

 

“But if we don’t face the truth, none of us can move on. Me, her, or you.”

 

“It’s just like when we argued after her first performance. I told her what you said was too harsh.”

 

“And I told you that you were just sweeping things under the rug and ignoring what really happened.”

 

“After that, I started desperately praying that she would be even better the next year. So I could see her smile. And the next year was amazing, remember? She was like a different person. I believed the gods heard my prayers and answered them, I thought it was a miracle. But then when the performance ended, and I saw her rush to you, I finally realized everything. I was beyond disappointed, I wanted her to smile at me. But you were the one thinking about her happiness, Shin. In the end, that led to you two dating, so I guess the gods saw through my selfishness. That was what I was thinking the entire time. Also, Rei, how did you not notice any of this until now? Before you and Shin started going out, I asked you so many times before.” Shin raised an eyebrow. I just shrugged. “You probably said it as a joke like you normally do,” Shin said.

 

“Of course I did, I was scared. If she started avoiding me, I didn’t know how I would continue to live my life.” A little overdramatic, personally. “But I did say it so many times, I wonder why you didn’t realize how I felt. And yet, here’s Shin, able to go from your childhood friend to your boyfriend.”

 

“It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy at all. I was risking everything when I asked her. I was prepared to throw everything away. Toma, did you ever confess to her with that level of determination?” Toma shook his head. “The only reason why you could was because you’re impulsive. I had loved her for so long that after being close to her, even as a sort of brother, I couldn’t risk it.”

 

“Yeah, right. If I was in your position, I still would have confessed. The length of time doesn’t matter. Stop making excuses for your cowardice. You lost the moment you decided you weren't going to risk it all for her. I refuse to give her up to a coward like that.” Toma closed his eyes and sighed. “You're right. It's exactly what you said, and for a long time, I wanted to be able to do that the way you did. Do you remember when she started talking about marriage? Back when we were kids? I loved her then too. That's why I was so flustered. But even then, you swooped and snatched her up.”

 

Shin, Toma and I were picking flowers together. “Toma. When we grow up, we should get married!” I said as we made things out of dandelions and clover. Toma dropped the flower crown he was making. “You too, Shin. We'll all be together forever!” Shin smiled and nodded. “Yeah. Sounds good.” Toma continued to sputter. “Wait, you two! You know you can only get married to one person right? The most important person! Three people can't do that!”

 

“Really? But… I like you both the most.”

 

“Uh-uh. You'll have to choose one person someday.” My eyes began to well up with tears. A small hand took mine and slid a flower ring onto my ring finger. “Then, I'll marry you. And then we can be together forever. So please, don't cry, Rei,” Shin said. “After all, I like you the most!”

 

“Let’s be together forever! It’s a promise!”

 

My eyes were filled with tears as I began to wipe my face. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Toma!” I said as I kept trying to wipe away my tears. “I can’t believe I did that!”

 

“It’s not your fault. And… it’s not Shin’s either. Although, you both were just a tad slow.” I kept wiping my tears. “Besides, I should be the one apologizing. I did something unforgivable to you, and I couldn’t stop lying. And for that, I am terribly sorry. I caused so much suffering for Shin too, and for that I also apologize.”

 

“I don’t know how much you’ve had to put up with until now, or even how shocking it must have been for you to be mistaken for me,” Shin said. “But, you still hurt her, and for that, I cannot forgive you.”

 

“And you’re right not to.”

 

“Clench your teeth.” POW! Shin punched Toma, leaving a red mark on his face. He then began to laugh. “Thanks for that, Shin.” Shin was shaking his hand, wincing in pain. “Don’t think that only hurts you, dumbass.” Toma just kept laughing. “Yeah, I won’t forget that. On that note, I think I’m going to head to the police department. Mind if I take that evidence?” Shin handed him the bag of everything. “Why? You don’t have to–” I began. He just smiled at me. “No, I do. Shin, take care of her. Treat her like the little princess she is. And someday… we’ll meet again. I promise,” he said. We watched as Toma began to walk away.

 

“I look forward to that day!” I shouted. Toma only waved before disappearing out of sight. “Let’s get going too,” Shin said, taking my hand. “I feel like going to Crayfish Park.” The sun was beginning to set as we wandered into the park. My hair was blowing in the wind as I sat down on a bench. “Did you not want to remember?” Shin asked me. “Did I go too far and hurt you two? I knew it would be painful for you, but I couldn’t let him keep carrying that burden. I thought being able to confess and apologize would help him feel better and move on. I didn’t want him to keep sacrificing himself and carrying that burden. But, it’s still all my fault. I’ve been monopolizing you since childhood, I stole you away, and it put all that stress on him. And what’s with him wanting to be more like me? Dumbass. If anything, I wanted to be more like him. I could have been kinder to you, if anything he should have been with you. I was still so forceful with you. If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t have fallen off the cliff, and we would all still be together.” I shook my head as he and I began to kiss tearfully. “Shin, it’s okay.” He shook his head. “If i had even taken a moment to consider his feelings before confessing… maybe things would have been different, and you would have been with him. But I couldn’t… I loved you so much, I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone taking you away from me. It’s alright if you blame me or even hate me forever, but I’ll never let you go. Not for a moment. I’ll make you so happy, that even that idiot will be able to laugh about all of this!” I began to kiss him again. “Let’s go home, Shin,” I said. “Let’s go home…”

 

---

 

“It looks like Toma won’t be prosecuted,” Shin said to me. “It’s not 100 percent certain yet, but the detective who was investigating me said that this will probably be the result.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. I hope that means…” I stopped and smiled. “I let Kent, Ikki and Sawa know. I tried messaging Ukyo, but for some reason, my messages don’t go through.” I felt a sinking pit in my heart. “I hope we meet Toma again soon. When he does, we’ll hang out, just the three of us.” Shin shook his head. “I’ll consider it. Why do you like him so much?”

 

“Why? Because he’s like an older brother to me. It’s different, Shin.”

 

“Because he’s kind, unlike me?”

 

“Maybe you should try it out sometime.”

 

“I’ll try, but I don’t know how. He’s better at that stuff. That’s why you’re always smiling around him. It makes me jealous, so I don’t like having him around.” I rolled my eyes. “I’d be happier if you treated me nicely, you know. We could hold hands, like a normal couple.”

 

“Absolutely not. That’s embarrassing.”

 

“That’s not very nice to say to your girlfriend, Shin.”

 

“You call that kindness?”

 

“You should still try it. For me.” He sighed as he grabbed my hand. He instantly blushed and avoided eye contact with me. “This is too embarrassing! I can’t take this!” I tightened my grip on him. “No! You’re not getting away that easily! I’m enjoying this!” He tried to pull away. “Come on, we used to do this in elementary school!” I kept my grip firm. “Well I love it! It’s completely different! Besides, my heart is racing right now just doing this. Isn’t yours?” Shin kept looking away. “You’re going to listen to what I want more often right? After all, didn’t you say you wanted to be nicer?” Shin huffed. “Don’t I usually listen to you?” I shook my head. “You once asked where I wanted to go, and when I said the zoo, you refused!”

 

“That’s where kids go.”

 

“And other than the other night, you never invited me into your room.”

 

“Because the other night would have happened. And I didn’t want you to know I was practicing bass…”

 

“You’ve never said I love you.”

 

“I have!”

 

“Then say it to me now! And without adding anything else!”

 

“You already know how I feel, isn’t that enough?” I began to puff my cheeks. “You also kiss me whenever you want to, but you never ask me when I want to. That’s not very nice, Shin.” Shin sighed. “We’ll go to the zoo after I finish my exams. And I did enjoy the other night and you already know about the bass, so you can come into my room. And… I love you.”

 

“You said and.”

 

“I said it! Give me a break! …I love you. I love you so much. I really love you, Rei. Is that good enough?!” I began to laugh. “I love you too.”