Ai To Shiawase's

Ch. 55: The friend ...

..."A friend is someone who is there when we are difficult or happy. Sometimes, I wonder if I can make all the people in this world my best friend, but I can't. Because I know, not everyone is loyal." - Ai Mizhunashi...

..."If you're in trouble, don't keep it to yourself. Remember, I am still here as a friend." - Nakamura Rin...

...\=•\=•\=...

After school, more precisely after the painting club finished. I walk alone. Actually Rey wants to take me home. But if I accept it, then a new problem will occur. Ah come on, I better get home before the sun goes down. I ran with my right hand holding my bag. Just a few steps, my breath was already breathless. Yeah, maybe I should start exercising tomorrow.

"Dad, wait!" As I was breathing, someone shouted to me. From her voice, she is a woman.

"Yeah!!" He held me in his hands. I looked to the side to see who this guy was. Apparently, he is Rin. "Konnichiwa, Ai-chan!" Rin greeted me while smiling cheerfully as usual.

"Konnichiwa, Rin," I replied while smiling at him as well.

"Ai, why did you come home earlier? Usually, we go home together. Besides, didn't Rey take you home? Ah he's this is really." Yes, as always, Rin will always be angry with others. Even though he doesn't know the truth. But that's what made me like Rin. I mean like him as a friend, not another.

"Can you slow down, Rin? Emm, I want to answer but it's hard because you ask so many questions hahaha ...."

"Well, gomenne, Ai. I asked too many questions, right? Haha ...." This girl chuckled and then continued, "e-em, look at Ai. Why don't you go home with Rey? Is there a problem between you?" I had expected it, it turned out that Rin did want to ask about this matter.

Do I have to answer as I see? No no, Rin must not know about this matter. I don't want to get him involved.

"A-ah, that. Rey told me that she wanted to pick up her little sister, Hikari. So, he can't drive me. Besides, I can go home by myself." I answered her question with the answer that came to my mind right now. Although, I think my answer is dubious.

Rin frowned while looking at me, but not long after, his facial expression immediately changed. "Ooh okay. I'm sure you won't lie to me. Because of Ai, Mizhunashi Ai is a good girl! He will not do evil to others" he said in a shouting voice. He then jumped up against me and brought his face closer to mine. "Remember Ai. If you have a problem, or someone is bothering you, don't be ashamed to call me. Because you are my best friend. I will always take care of you." Again, he smiled in front of me. But, this time he showed a different smile than usual. I mean, Rin's smile was usually a cheerful one, but just now she showed a wistful smile.

Rin, he's really worried about me. Rey, Rin, and Ryu-hmm, I don't think so. Rin is so nice and cheerful, I can't part with her. Rey too. He is a good man, very good. If I choose to stay away from her, then surely everything will change. But .. I can't. I can't leave them both.

"Hello, Ai! Hola! Earth to Mizhunashi Ai!" Rin broke my daydream with her hands waving in front of my eyes.

"Eh? I-yes, Rin. Thank you very much. But I'm fine. Don't worry about me too much, do you?"

Rin sighed. "can't. You are my best friend. Listen to me, as long as I live in this world, I never once spoke in a soft voice to others. Because it's my habit. But, when I met you, I started to learn to respect others. I learned to smile at everyone. Even though we are in a sad state. I learned to see the world from the positive side. I'm trying to be a smart kid like you. And the most important thing is .. You are beautiful. Same as me. Eeh, I don't think that last one is connected. Nothing to do with you hahaha .. Ignore the latter. So, Ai .. I am so dependent on you. Hence ... WHY ARE YOU CRYING?!"

"Thank you ...." My eyes that were initially just glazed over, finally came off as well. My tears are flowing slowly. Rin, she is the second woman to believe in me. "Thank you, Rin hiks ...."

When I was looking down from crying, Rin suddenly approached and hugged me. "alright. But don't cry anymore. I'm also sad to see you cry like this you know. Anyway, if you're sad or have a problem, don't keep it to yourself. Remember, I will always be there for you, as a friend," Rin said.

"Thank you, Rin ...." I repeated the same sentence. Today I am very happy. As it turns out, there are still people who really sincerely trust me. But sorry, Rin .. for this time I want to cover something.

Rin let go of her embrace and then wiped off my tears with her hand. "Here, don't cry anymore. The Ai I know is a cheap smile, you know," she revealed with a smile on her face.

\=•\=•\=

Long story short, I got home. "I'm home!" shouting loudly.

"Nee-chan!" Miku shouted while running towards me.

"Eh, Miku. You look very excited. What's up?" I equated high with Miku.

"Sister, earlier–" When Miku was about to say something, someone came from behind. "Ah it turns out you're home, Ai," pruned mom.

"Y-yes, Mom," I replied.

"Quick change clothes first! Then, help mom buy the ingredients to make dinner later." Mother told me.

Better, I'll stand up soon. "Well, Mom." I stood up and rubbed Miku's hair. "Sister change clothes first, Miku. We'll play after brother gets home."

"Waaah .. yes!" miku said enthusiastically.

"Oh yeah, wait a minute. A high school girl came to the house. He said he was your friend. He wants to talk to you. But since you haven't come home, he's back. The girl left you a gift. It's!" Mother gave me a parcel. The gift is a rose.

"Female friend? What's his name, Mom?" manya curious.

"Why are you even asking mom? He's your friend, you didn't know yourself? Already have. Change clothes over there!"

"Eh yes." In a hurry, I ran into the room with my right hand carrying a rose she said was given by my girlfriend. I don't know who he is. I think I only have one girl friend and she is Rin. In order for me not to be more curious, I must immediately open the packaging of the roses. There must be a name for the sender.

"Who's the girl who gave this flower?" ask me to myself.

After a long time searching for clues, I finally found a handwritten paper. I read that writing too.

Hello Ai, if you find this letter, then you have received my gift. Actually I wanted to give you a direct, but it turns out you haven't come home. Yes already. Keep this flower forever, as it is a rare gift. Maybe, this is the last time I'll give you a present, Ai. Hahaha .. By the way, take good care of yourself. Because I don't want you to die before I act.

If you ask what do I mean? Think yourself. I warned you when we were in the schoolyard. I'll give you a week. If you can't do it, then I'm forced to intervene. Ara Ara, I've written too much. Yes already. Bye Ai, remember this message well huh!

Reina Miyamoto's

"What-what?!" I was surprised to learn that this flower was a gift from Reina. "Reina, what else is this ...?" I held onto the letter with a confused and upset feeling.

A week, what does that mean? Why ...