Chapter Text
Dear Goro Akechi,
It almost feels like my days have been passing slower since you left. I can feel my own soul wither with every memory of you that fades. Your so called “devoted fans” don’t remember you anymore- there was no memorial for your death. It was like you never existed. But I remember.
I dream at night about days when we’d meet up at Jazz Jin’s and just sit, basking in each other’s company without a word spoken. There was never an “awkward moment” with you. There was never a need to say something to fill the void left in the silence. We could just sit and be normal teenagers for a little while, away from the world and its cruelty. And there were those times in the Metaverse, treating each other’s wounds. You let your guard down around me, letting me see you at your most vulnerable. Those are all but distant memories now, but I hold them dear in my heart.
Somedays, I imagine what it’d be like if you were still with us. The rest of the thieves have made such great progress in their journeys, but I find myself left behind; stuck behind a wall I can’t get through. Would you join me behind that wall? Or would you rise up with the others? Somehow, I can’t find an answer to that question. I guess that goes to show just how good you were at pretending. This weakness of mine.. I’ve yet to overcome it. I can almost hear you telling me to stop being foolish or to grow up and get over it. Even if they’re mean, I long to hear you say such things once more, but I know that'll never happen.
You’ve been invading my mind for months, it’s almost annoying how often I think of you. Your saccharine words and honey dipped smiles, to your quick-witted remarks and your sharp tongue. I miss all of it. When you showed up in January, I felt like the pieces of my heart were finally being put back in place after what happened in Shido’s palace, but to then find out that you were only back because of a wish Akira and I had made.. my heart broke just as it did the first time.
For weeks, I wouldn’t leave my bed. It was so tiring, watching everyone give me pitying stares as I laid motionless. I didn’t know how to move on without you. Which is why I was advised to write this letter. You won’t ever see it, but my therapist says getting my feelings out is the best way to get over hardships.
Goodbye, Goro. If there is a god who’s listening, I pray he answers my callings that allow us to have met under better circumstances. Maybe in that universe I would have been able to save you. Until my calls are answered, I will wait with bated breaths.
“Ever, yours..” you say, placing your tongue on the seal of the envelope. You place the letter along with a single forget-me-not down in front of the plaque sitting in Odiba. With one last prayer, you get up from kneeling at the grave of Goro Akechi. You walk away with determination to continue living in his stead.