Chapter 4: A God Descends
A God Descends
After hearing that shocking conversation, I can barely remember how I made it home. I vaguely recall slipping out of the school building so they would not notice me, then wandering unsteadily along my usual route. Once I got home, I crawled under my blanket and stayed there without even eating.
“Akari…”
I muttered helplessly as my pillow grew wet. I had always liked her. We had always been together. And now Akari was about to reach out for my best friend’s hand. She was about to share her body with him and accept that joy. Not with me, but with Youichi.
I am a guy too, and there were times when I fantasized about doing things like that with Akari. That is why this is so sad and frustrating. Of course my feelings for her were never based only on desire. Even so, pain is pain.
“…”
My head felt hazy. If tomorrow comes like this, Akari and Youichi will go ahead and do it. I do not want to believe a day like that is truly coming.
I love Akari. At the same time, I have always trusted Youichi as my best friend. Youichi, you must have known that I liked her. Even so, you are just going to take her without saying anything. Do you not think that is cruel? What a pathetic thing to be upset about.
“I am tired…”
I closed my eyes and let the sleepiness wash over me. At this point, the rest is up to fate. There is nothing I can do anymore, so I may as well wish Akari and Youichi the best. I hate everything now.
“Cough, cough.”
“Akari, are you okay?”
Akari was coughing painfully in front of me. When I looked around, it seemed we were in the elementary school playground. The Akari standing before me looked like she was in first or second grade. Back then she was weak and would get exhausted just from playing outside for a bit. I placed my hand on her back and rubbed it gently.
“Hehe, thank you Shima-chan.”
“Do not push yourself.”
“I know. But I need to go soon.”
“Go where?”
“I have a hospital appointment today.”
Akari pointed toward a car waiting at the school gate. Her mother was probably inside. It must have been her regular visit to the clinic.
“I see. Be careful, Akari.”
“…”
“Akari?”
“I do not really want to go.”
“What?”
“The hospital scares me…”
Akari hung her head and shook it, saying she did not want to go. She was shy, so she was probably scared of the doctor and nurses.
“But you will not get better if you do not go.”
“I know, but I still do not want to.”
I wanted Akari to get better too, but I did not want to force her to go to the hospital. I hesitated for a moment, then, wanting to look cool, I gently took her hand.
“Shima-chan…?”
“Hey, Akari. When we get older…”
“Yeah?”
“I will definitely protect you.”
“What?”
“So please hang in there until then.”
Akari widened her eyes in surprise, then her cheeks turned pink as she gave me a soft smile.
“Thank you. I am happy.”
“R-really?”
“Yeah. It is a promise, so you have to keep it.”
“I will.”
“Then I will try my best and go to the hospital today.”
“Have a good trip!”
After we linked our fingers and made a pinky promise, Akari walked toward the car. I remained alone on the playground. It felt nostalgic. This really happened. I realized it partway through. This must be a dream.
“Oh troubled youth, you have finally noticed.”
“Huh?”
Before I knew it, I had returned to my high school body and the scenery around me had shifted into my familiar bedroom. As I stared in confusion, a glowing human-shaped figure appeared before me.
“Wh-what is that?”
“Hohoho, do not be so startled.”
“Who are you?”
“Me? I am…”
The figure slowly descended, opened its mouth wide, and declared.
“I am the god of love, and I bring news for you.”