6 Years Ago — January 2019
At this time, Akari and Kazuma were in there first year of middle school.
It had already been 4 years since He developed a crush on her.
Ever since the second year of elementary, not a single day went by where he didn't find himself staring at Akari—
whether it was during class, lunch, or when they passed each other in the hallway.
She was always the center of his world.
They didn't spoke much, but whenever they did he used to repeat the thought over and over again and smiled like an idiot in the class,
But what he didn't know back then—
was that something unexpected was about to happen.
Something that would quietly, but deeply…
change his life for upcoming events.
It was a normal day at school.
I was sitting on a bench in the middle of the classroom, my eyes fixed on the first bench to the left—
where Akari always sat.
But today… she wasn't there.
She was taking longer than usual to reach school, and that was starting to make me uneasy.
Where is she?
It's not like her to miss school.
Did something happen?
I kept glancing at the door, unable to stop my mind from spiraling.
Was she sick? Was it something more serious?
She never missed a day—so why now?
The longer time passed, the more I couldn't shake this uneasy feeling building inside me.
And that's when I realized something—
Even though I was surrounded by dozens of students… it felt strangely empty.
Without her here, the place just didn't feel the same.
I was so used to Akari being around, it almost felt like the room itself was off without her.
And to make things worse, I didn't even have anyone to talk to.
The friends I used to hang out with had all been switched to other sections when we were promoted to Middle School.
This sucks.
Suddenly, from a few seats behind me, I heard someone whisper—
— "Yeah, I did hear she's leaving."
My ears perked up instantly.
She?
Who's leaving?
It could be a teacher, maybe.
That's what I assumed or tried to assume.
I brushed the thought off for now.
I figured it didn't concern me.
But Akari still hadn't shown up.
Twenty minutes passed.
Then the teacher walked into the classroom.
Everyone stood up, including me.
— "Good morning, Teacher."
We said it in unison before sitting back down.
So… she really isn't coming today.
The teacher's already here—there's no way Akari's showing up now.
I let out a quiet sigh and looked up at the blackboard, trying to focus.
But I couldn't stop thinking about it.
She wasn't here.
There was nothing to look forward to.
No one to talk to.
The classroom felt colder. Emptier.
Lonelier.
How much worse can this day even get?
But I tried to shake the thoughts away and focus on class—at least, I tried to.
But before anything could begin, the teacher shouted:
— "Silence, everyone!"
The whole classroom fell quiet as the teacher continued:
— "As many of you might already know, a very important student from your class is leaving our school today."
My eyes widened at those words.
Someone from our class? Who?
Everyone was staring at the teacher like they already knew who it was.
Why the hell I don't know anything about this?
But the one thing that made my heart race—
it was a student from our class.
And Akari hadn't come to school today.
That was… too unusual.
I was just praying—please don't let it be her.
The teacher kept going:
— "This student brought immense pride to our school on a national level. A hidden gem. As long as she was with us, she brought nothing but recognition—winning awards, competitions… truly one of a kind.
And so, it saddens me to say that she'll be transferring to another school, effective today."
I scratched my head like I was trying to shake off the panic building inside.
Everything he was describing… it all pointed to only one person.
Then the teacher took a breath and said it:
— "This student is none other than the golden girl of our school… Akari Matsumoto."
That name hit me like a punch straight to the chest.
The one name I didn't want to hear.
At first, I was frozen.
But then it sank in—
she was leaving?
She's transferring?
I won't get to see her anymore?
No. No, no. Tell me this isn't real.
I didn't even know what to feel.
Everything was spiraling.
I looked around—
some girls were tearing up. Some were crying outright.
I was just… stuck.
Wait… I'm not going to see her again?
What the hell is happening?
And then, just as I was drowning in it—
Akari walked into the classroom.
Not in her uniform—
but in her casual clothes.
I stared as she stepped in confidently, smiling softly.
Everyone lit up like the whole room had shifted.
She walked beside the teacher, gave a small respectful nod, and then faced the class.
She looked so calm—so ready.
Like someone about to start a new journey she's been waiting for.
She looked… happy.
And I—I was still shaking.
Still praying this was just a weird dream.
I like her.
I know I like her.
Truth is—I like her a lot.
So this is what it feels like…
to lose someone you care about, without even getting the chance to tell them?
Akari's eyes scanned the room.
She took a deep breath, then spoke:
— "Like the teacher said, I'll be leaving this school.
Recently, my dad got transferred to Tokyo… and he decided to move our whole family there.
So… that's why I'll be transferring."
I was listening.
But my heart was aching.
She continued:
— "These five years in this school felt like a dream. I've gained so much, laughed so much, and made so many memories.
What I'll miss the most is the love I received… from all of you, and from every teacher.
I'll really miss you all."
Her voice was shaking.
She looked like she was about to cry.
Girls from the first, second, and third rows stood up and ran to her.
They hugged her, comforted her.
Some of them were crying just as hard.
Others shouted out:
— "We'll miss you, Akari! You were our number one!"
— "Wishing you the best, Akari! You'll shine anywhere!"
The classroom was heating up with emotions.
I was just sitting there—
my hands clenched into fists under the desk.
I was clutching my hands, gripping the bench tightly. My chest felt heavy.
What the hell? Now everyone loves her? Wishing her the best?
All these fake people, acting like they care now that she's about to leave?
Just yesterday, they were talking crap about her.
And now they're pretending like she meant something to them?
What about me? I liked her. I didn't even get the chance to tell my—
Phew… forget it.
Not like I had a chance anyway. I never had one. I never…
Even when I knew I had no chance… why does it feel like I'm losing something important?
I won't see her again. Not anymore.
Is that why it hurts so much?
I don't even know what I'm feeling anymore.
I'm confused and stuck in my own head. What is this feeling?
I blinked slowly as I looked at her. It felt like I was crying inside, yet my eyes were dry.
And then… her eyes landed on me.
My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened as our gaze met.
She smiled and waved.
Then she turned away, smiling just as gently at the others.
She did it so casually, like it was just a normal thing to do. But that smile—it stuck in my head like glue. My heart was racing.
I didn't want to lose her. Even if she was never mine.
I didn't want a day to come where I couldn't see her.
I didn't want to show up at school if she wasn't there, sitting in the front.
And in that moment, I finally understood.
I like her… way too much.
I was just sitting on the bench, looking down, while everyone else was wishing Akari well.
I couldn't do it. I couldn't even stand.
Because it just hurts to say goodbye to the person who was the center of your universe.
And for me… she was that person.
It stung every time I realized there wouldn't be another day where I'd see Akari sitting on the first bench — smiling, laughing with her friends.
There won't be any more of that.
A few minutes later, Akari said her final goodbye and walked out of the classroom… for the last time.
I was still there — head down, eyes fixed on the floor under the bench.
I still couldn't get up to say goodbye.
And I don't even know why.
It's unexplainable.
Class went on like usual, as if nothing had happened.
Just a few minutes ago, we all said goodbye to someone who brought so much light to this place — and now it's like it never mattered.
Like she never existed.
I looked at the front benches.
The same friends who were crying just moments ago… were now focused on class like everything was normal.
Like nothing had changed.
But something had changed.
And it hurt.
Because I was the only one who felt it.
The only one who noticed something was missing.
I miss her.
She was the reason I came to school every day.
She was my reason.
But in a strange way… it also felt good.
To be the only one remembering her.
Like I was still holding a part of her no one else could.
But what's the point?
Is she thinking about me?
Of course not.
Then why does it hurt this much?
The class went on.
Periods went on.
School days went on.
And just like that… everyone moved on.
Akari's achievements still had her name on them, but since she was no longer a student, they were brushed off like they didn't matter anymore.
The paragraph she had written on the classroom wall — the one filled with her memories, her words — was erased.
It was like they were trying to wipe her from existence.
Like they wanted to delete her from everyone's memory.
No one wanted to talk about her.
Why?
Because she left the school?
Because she wasn't shining anymore?
She said so much things about the memories from this school and that's how they repay her?
What a pitiful environment we live in.
And yet, the only one still remembering her… was me.
But even that didn't last forever.
As the days passed, I graduated from middle school.
I went on to high school.
And eventually… I forgot her too.
The one girl who meant so much to me — erased by time.
Until…
Six years later.
I found out that girl… the same Akari… was going to be my new roommate.
But this time… she was different.
A whole different person.
And not in a good way.
I hated her.
I didn't understand her.
The same girl I once liked for her warmth and kindness — I now hated for her cold attitude, her sharp words, her distant eyes.
She wasn't the Akari I remembered.
But as time went on… as I slowly began to understand her…
I realized something.
Nothing had changed.
This was still Akari.
Still the same girl I fell for.
Just hidden behind a mask.
But one thing I don't understand…
Why did I move on from her so easily? I didn't even say goodbye.
Was I afraid of losing her? Or just scared to lose the moments—the glances across class, the presence, the silence?
I don't know.
I still don't.
I can't even explain it.
But now… she's my roommate. And when I imagine her not being here after six more months,
That same helpless feeling is creeping in.
That same silence.
Back to present day.
As Akaza approached Akari, I sat in my chair, eyes glued to the floor—
Just like six years ago.
I couldn't move. I couldn't stand up.
But this time, something felt different.
Something inside me was screaming.
I didn't know why I should stop him…
But my heart was begging me to.
STAND THE HELL UP.
I stood.
Daiki looked at me, confused.
— "Oi, Akaza," I called out. Blunt. Unfiltered. I didn't even know what I was going to say.
He turned to look at me, raising an eyebrow.
— "What is it?"
I froze. No words. Just panic.
Think. Think. Think.
I took a deep breath.
— "I don't think it's a good idea to do this in the cafeteria," I said. That's all I could manage.
— "It isn't?" Akaza asked, confused.
I shook my head.
— "No… I think we should respect people's privacy, too."
Daiki jumped in.
— "I think he's right."
Akaza rolled his eyes.
— "Ugh. Fine. Then when?"
I quickly replied,
— "After college… when she's alone maybe."
— "Alright. That works for me."
I let out a sigh of relief. He agreed without pushing back.
I sank back into my chair like a weight had been lifted.
I didn't know why I stopped him… but I was glad I did.
If Akaza had proposed right here in front of everyone,
Akari would've been the center of attention.
That's a celebrity proposing.
Everyone would've started hating her for that.
Jealousy of people would've ruined her college life. And Im glad I was able to stop that.
But Was that why I stopped him?
No.
Was it jealousy?
I shook my head.
No. I don't like her anymore. She's just my roommate. That's all.
Daiki and Akaza stared at Kazuma as he kept shaking his head, lost in his own thoughts.
— "Hey, Kazuma?" Daiki called. He didn't respond.
— "What's he doing?" Akaza asked.
— "I don't know. He never does this."
— "Kazuma," Daiki tried again. Nothing.
— "Lazy way of calling someone," Akaza muttered, grabbing a glass of water and splashing it right into Kazumas face.
I jolted up, blinking water out of my eyes.
— "Who the hell—?"
— "Only way to bring you back to this world," Daiki said.
— "You were totally out of it. What were you thinking about?" Akaza said
— "Huh?" I wiped my face, blinking through the water.
— "Nothing… and what's your deal splashing water like that?"
Akaza chuckled.
— "Relax. Just having fun. Class is about to start—let's go."
— "Yeah, let's go," Daiki added.
— "I'll catch up. Give me a minute," I told them.
They left, and I leaned back in my chair again.
I stopped him now.
But he'll try again after class.
Should I care?
No. I shouldn't.
In six months, she'll go live her own life. I'll go live mine.
We got a little closer recently, because I'm living with her, but it's temporary.
Even if it stings watching someone approach her…
I can move on.
Like I did before.
I don't like her anymore.
That's the truth.
So whatever happens after class—
It's none of my business.
I stood up, fully convincing myself, and walked out of the cafeteria.
Meanwhile, on the middle-right bench—
Hana watched as Kazuma walked out.
— "They were getting so friendly, splashing water on each other," she muttered.
— "You're still talking about them?" Akari said, rolling her eyes.
— "My soul left me when I saw Akaza walking toward us," Hana sighed.
— "He was probably just going to the vending machine," Akari replied.
Hana looked at the machine. Then at Akari.
— "Probably…" she smiled weakly.
— "Don't overthink it," Akari said, trying to reassure her.
But then her gaze shifted back to their table.
Sorry, Hana… but he wasn't heading for the vending machine.
What was Akaza trying to do?
And why did Kazuma stop him…?
Something's definitely going on.