Red Strings

Chapter 9: Breaking point

It is now New Year. Finally, I get a break from other people. Set aside the incidents that happened at the festival, I locked it away.

I took my coat and put it on. I open the door.

"Going out, Nii-san?" I was told behind by my little brother.

"What do you think I'm doing?"

"Hehe, I guess so, by the way, Nii-san!"

I continue to walk out, trying to ignore him.

"I was called by Ushihara-nee"

I paused for a moment. Then turned to him aggressively.

"What did she say?!"

"Woah, there, Nii-san.. Never seen you this quick about finding out about a person"

Gah.. Embarrassing. Why did I let my desires take over and acted on impulse... Desires..? What am I saying?

Anyways, I shouldn't let this concern me, I just wanna go take a walk.

"She said she wanted to meet you at the park." mom joined it. "Ooh, maybe a confession? I'm so proud! My son about to get a girlfriend!"

"Shut up! I have no interests in a lovelife, nor a friend."

"Anyways, that's all she said" Kochi ended.

"Fine. I'm off."

I went to the park, such a pain, why do I need to meet with this person? I know I wanted to walk but not towards a meet-up.

As I walked closer, I see someone, it's Ushihara.

"Hey!" she shouted.

"Uhm.. Why did you need me here?"

She took a second to respond, and said "Miki-kun..."

What is she plotting?

"I said I was worried so.. I asked"

"Asked? Who?"

"Your brother"

My... Brother... Wait... That little shit. He lied to me.. There was more..

I clenched my fist.

"What... Did you ask..!?"

"Miki-kun.. Remember the festival? When I asked about Kayo?"

My heart started beating faster.

"I asked him who she is... So... Miki-kun"

She tried to grab my hand, but I backed away.

"I was worried" she looked at me with a tear at the corner of her eye.

"So... Please forgive me!"

What is she saying... What is she saying?!

"What are you...!"

She grabbed my shoulders.

"I called her. Miki-kun.."

No..

"I'll... I'll leave you be for now"

She walked away for a bit, until I heard someone behind me.

"Mikkun.."

I turned around to see, no one, but... Kayo"

"K-Kayo..."

"It's been a long time, Mikikun" she smiled.

"Why... Kayo? Why did you leave me?"

"Oh.. That... That was a long time ago... Hey Mikkun, look at me.."

"I need an answer... Kayo, I was left there, years ago.. You left me to rot"

"Mikkun, let me explain.."

She explained to me that her parents were going overseas, and was met with a heir of a rich family to marriage.

"Then... Why'd you never call?"

"I tried... But I came back now, so would you like to play again? Just like how we used to"

P... Play...

"So... You're marrying now?"

"Yes, Mikkun... But I want you to be my best friend again!"

Best... Friend... I've never had that role in a long time... Yes... I used to be a best friend, but after that time, I swore friends are a troublesome.

"I get it now... Kayo... It's been a while, since you called me that..."

"Yes, we have been best friends for years, haven't we?"

"Yes... But..."

"Mikkun?"

"I'm sorry... I'm not feeling well, so I'll head home for now.."

"Oh, w-well I understand, I'll call you sometime"

I walked away. This is the first time I've used an excuse to get out, usually I'd be straightforward and say what needs to be said, but... Why did I do it differenly..?

I walked past Ushihara.

"Miki-kun? Are.. Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah... I'm fine" I lied, I actually lied..

"But Miki-kun... Your face..."

"Huh? what's with it?"

I touched my face and felt a warm moist of liquid. I was streaming tears down my cheeks... Why..?

"Crying...?... Why..?"

...

"Ah".. I said aloud.

So this... Is heartbreak..

End of Chapter 9