Of course, when I got home that day, I wanted to check on both you and your sister. However, I couldn't muster up the courage to do so. The look you gave me was so sad, and I was confused as to why you were looking at me like that, so I decided to give you space.
However, the next morning when I woke up, you were gone—both you and your sister—without a single trace left behind in the dollhouse. When Haruko found out, she cried the whole day, and I couldn't help but feel responsible. But instead of sulking forever, she took up basketball and started practicing really hard, hoping that one day she would meet you again, even if it meant chasing a dream that wasn't acceptable to our parents.
To be honest, I was really surprised when you told me you overheard me saying those horrible things about you. I know you were hurt, and if you never want to talk to me again, I totally understand. But please, listen to me and allow me to clarify what you heard that day, because you only heard half of it. You can decide what you want to do afterward.
It was really a misunderstanding. I know I said all those awful things, but I was also telling my friends that no matter how much I wanted to scorn and hate you, I couldn't—because you and your sister were genuinely kind to me. Not because of my father's status, but simply because I was me, and nothing more. I actually stopped being friends with them that day because you truly made me happy, and I didn't want to lose you or Usagi. But I ended up losing you both anyway, and I didn't even know why. I was really hurt that you left without saying goodbye," Sachiko said as she started crying.
Now I really feel dumb for ignoring you all this time. On the first day of school, when I was walking with my sister, I saw you. Of course, I instantly recognized you because of your crimson red hair and green eyes. You had really left a scar on me. No, I guess I resented you for what happened after you left my house. Maybe if I hadn't left that day, I would have been a different person. Always happy, always smiling. Maybe if I hadn't thought too much about it, I wouldn't be like this. Maybe my sister would have been happier too.
What I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for ignoring you all this time without fully grasping the situation. That was childish of me. I'm sorry," Tetsuo said in a low tone.
"It's weird that an emotionless robot with no regard for anyone's feelings like you actually knows how to apologize sincerely," Sachiko said, wiping her tears and chuckling.
"That was uncalled for. But yeah, I meant what I said. I'm sorry. I'll try to treat you better and talk to you more," Tetsuo said.
"Yes, that would be great," Sachiko said with a smile.
After about fifteen minutes of silence between them, Sachiko sneezed and blew into her hands.
"It's really getting cold in here, huh?" she said, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth.
Tetsuo then got up, took off his PE jacket, and wrapped it around Sachiko.
"Thank you, but you're cold too, aren't you? Then why not share it together?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about me."
"Come on, quit acting all tough. Let's share it," Sachiko insisted as she pulled the jacket over both of them.
Wait, I wasn't thinking… he's so close, Sachiko thought as she blushed. I can hear my heart beating. If I don't control it, he'll feel it too.
Suddenly, they heard the door open, and a flashlight shone in their faces.
"Hey, kids, are you alright? It's already eleven at night. Why are you guys here so late and… so dangerously close?" said the track coach.
Realizing what the coach meant, Sachiko jumped up, her face burning with embarrassment.
"We accidentally got locked in the storage room," Tetsuo replied.
"Oh, I see. Thank God I was here. Otherwise, you two would have spent the whole night together. I doubt any trains are running this late, so let me drop you off in your neighborhood, okay?"
"Let me grab my bag," Tetsuo said as he walked off.
"Me too! Wait up!" Sachiko called, hurrying after him.
"Thank you so much for dropping us off and saving us, sir. We truly appreciate it," Sachiko said.
"Hey, don't sweat it, kid. Just make sure you two get home safely, alright?" the track coach said as he drove off.
"Come on, let me walk you home," Tetsuo said, shoving his hands in his pockets as he started walking.
After a few minutes of silent walking, Sachiko finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been lingering in her mind.
"Hey, Tetsuo, tell me… what happened to you and your little sister after you left our house?"
Tetsuo remained silent.
"After you disappeared, how did you two survive on your own?" she asked curiously.
"To be honest, it's something I don't want to share. It's all just a big blur, and I'd like to keep it that way. Maybe one day I'll tell you, but for now, I guess I'll have to carry it to my grave," Tetsuo said.
"I see. I understand. Sorry for asking."
"Well, here's my house. Thanks for walking me home. Goodbye," Tetsuo said coldly before turning to leave.
Sachiko pouted. "Jeez… is he really going to keep his word and be nice to me?" she muttered as she entered her house.
Upstairs, Haruko, who had been sitting by her window, spotted the two outside. She sighed, got up, and sat down on her bed, deep in thought.
As morning came, Sachiko walked to school in an unusually positive mood. We finally spoke to each other and connected on an emotional level. I guess we'll be close again… or even closer than we were back then.
As she walked further, she spotted Tetsuo in the distance and decided to run up to him.
"Good morning, Tetsuo!" she said with a bright smile.
However, Tetsuo simply walked straight past her, completely ignoring her presence.
Sachiko's heart sank. Nothing has changed… I thought he would at least greet me back, but…
Just then, Tetsuo stopped. He turned slightly and muttered, "Good morning, Sachiko," before slowly turning back around and continuing on his way.
Sachiko watched him walk off before breaking into a soft smile.
I see. It's not that he's not trying… He's just doing it at his own pace. I'll give you enough space and wait for you, Tetsuo, she thought as she continued walking.