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The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the cherry blossom trees and the quiet cemetery as I stood alone in front of my parents' graves, reminiscing about a distant memory from my childhood, the echo of the past whispered through my mind. The air was filled with the delicate scent of blossoms and spring, and memories from a time long ago flooded my mind - a time when Keisuke and I were just six years old, a time when life was simpler.
Keisuke Baji, my childhood best friend and eventual love, played a pivotal role in a moment that shaped the bond between us. Back when we were merely six, I was a shy quiet girl in front of strangers, only finding solace in the comforting embrace of familiar faces, and among those many familiar faces was Keisuke Baji. Keisuke embodied wildness, fun, and loyalty; a carefree boy with a heart of gold. Our personalities were as different as day and night, yet somehow, we complemented each other perfectly, a pairing that harmonized quite so well.
The soft petals of cherry blossoms fluttered in the breeze, their delicate dance painting memories of my childhood as I took a mental journey back to a poignant moment that defined the unbreakable bond between me and Keisuke. I stood there, thinking back about the past and a vivid scene flashed before my eyes - the funeral ceremony of my parents, a mournful day that their absence left me alone in the world. My world had shattered, and those heartless relatives from my father's side, the Osaki family, indifferent and cold, debated my fate with little regard for my feelings, whether to take me in and burden themselves with my presence, or discard me at some random orphanage and cast me away like a forgotten memory. The weight of my parents' funeral pressed heavily on my grieving six-year-old shoulders, their passing leaving me alone in a world that suddenly seemed too big and too cruel. I stood there, silent, in the sea of unfamiliar faces, my eyes swollen from the tears I could no longer contain. Hushed conversation and heartless whispers between my father's relatives made me feel abandoned, a tiny ship lost in a storm.
Little did I know that my savior Keisuke would emerge from the shadows of my despair who couldn't stand the callous discussion of my relatives. At the time I was so lost in my sorrow that I was unaware of the storm brewing in the form of a pint-sized Keisuke. His small feet carried him with determination towards those good-for-nothing adults, and with a cutesy voice and a frowning face, he defended my honor against their thoughtless words.
"Nana-chan isn't alone! Nana-chan has me, Mikey, and Shinichiro-kun!" Keisuke huffed and puffed his chubby little cheeks, expressing his opinion on the matter in defense of a grieving me.
His small voice, despite its cuteness, carried a fiery determination like no one else which resonated through the somber atmosphere. Keisuke, even at the tender age of six, couldn't bear those heartless discussions of my relatives. His little self, stamping his little feet, offended by their words on my behalf. But in the midst of my grief, I was oblivious to his protective stance. I was too deep in mourning, too consumed by my own sorrow to notice the little hero defending me. Gasps echoed through the crowd as they were taken aback by Keisuke's unexpected bravery. Ryoko Baji, Keisuke's mother, intervened softly, placing her hands on his little shoulders.
"Stop, Keisuke..." she scolded, but he remained unyielding and resolute, a headstrong defender.
"They are saying bad things about Nana-chan! Nana-chan's not lonely! She has friends! She has me! She can live with me!" he proclaimed with his signature stubbornness, pouty face intact, his words resonated with the boldness only a child could possess.
Although I didn't grasp it then and was too lost in grief to notice his valiant efforts, his words still echoed in my ears and left an indelible mark on my soul. In those vulnerable moments, Keisuke had become my shield, challenging anyone who dared to suggest that I was truly alone. His act of defiance was a testament to the fierce loyalty he held, even as a child. Reflecting on this forgotten memory, I couldn't fathom how I'd forgotten such a memory. I questioned myself - "How could I forget that Keisuke stood up for me? How could I forget that he was always there for me, defending me with all his might and getting offended on my behalf?" It wasn't until later, a few days after the funeral, that I truly grasped the depth of his devotion.
Days later, in the aftermath of the funeral, Keisuke, with his little hand firmly clasped around mine, led me to the cemetery one afternoon. Tears streamed down my face, and he, unable to bear my sadness, whisked me away and dragged me to my parents' graves because his stubborn and hotheaded self wouldn't let me grieve alone. This was his way of expressing just how much he loved and cared about me; a gesture so profound that spoke volumes about his true feelings for me and resonated through the years, etching itself into my soul. Standing before the gravestones, Keisuke, with the innocence and sincerity of a child, addressed my deceased parents with an unwavering commitment that defied his age while still holding my hand tightly in a firm grip and making a promise that echoed in my heart even now.
"Daisuke-san and Junko-san... from now on, I'll take care of Nana-chan for you and keep her safe. I'll protect her from danger. I'll make sure she's never lonely. I'll always be there for her in thick and thin. I promise to stay by her side forever. I want to make her happy, and I'll make sure she's always happy." His words were a solemn promise, cutting through my grief and his presence made my heart skip a beat, leaving me both flustered and comforted.
His heartfelt words resonated in the quiet cemetery were a lifetime promise, a vow made to my parents marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to me that tightened the grip on my heart. A promise of protection, companionship, and eternal happiness. The warmth and fuzziness he left behind were the early signs of the love that would blossom between us. It took me years to fully comprehend the depth of Keisuke's devotion. His actions spoke louder than any words, and that day, with our hands intertwined, he pledged himself to me in a way that transcended mere friendship.
Back then, I failed to recognize the significance of his actions. I couldn't fathom that the one who stood by me, making heartfelt promises, wasn't Shinichiro or Manjiro - it was Keisuke Baji. My heart skipped a beat, but the realization took its time to surface, obscured by the innocence of childhood which made me blind to his love in those early years. I pondered why I hadn't noticed sooner, why I hadn't realized my true feelings for Keisuke back then. The warmth of his promises and the genuine love he showered upon me were irreplaceable. Blinded by my childish infatuation with Shinichiro, I failed to recognize the one who stood beside me, the one who held my hands and made those promises, the one who was truly meant for me – Keisuke Baji. Not Shinichiro, not Manjiro, but Keisuke Baji.
As the years passed, the memory resurfaced, and I found myself wondering, "How could I forget such a moment? How could I overlook the one who stood up for me, defended me, and cared so deeply?" I came to understand that, sure, Shinichiro was my first love, and first love is always special, but Keisuke was my true love. He was not just a childhood best friend; he was my ride-or-die companion, my soulmate, my partner in crime. I cherished the bond we shared and the unspoken promises made in the cemetery. It took time, but I was grateful for the clarity that had finally dawned upon me. The belated realization, long overdue, hit me like a gentle wave and washed over me, but I embraced it with gratitude nonetheless - that Keisuke Baji was the love of my life, my anchor in this unpredictable world.
I was happy that I chose him over anyone else.