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Colorfully vibrant carp-shaped kites fluttered in the wind as if there were a sea of fish swimming through the clear blue sky.
There, standing in the center of those countless kites he was.
Despite smiling softly at the one across from him, his eyes seemed to carry just a slight hint of melancholy.
“If only I realized what your words meant back then.”
——
It was the beginning of a fresh new year and the first step into a brand new start: high school.
However, just as time can easily slip through one’s fingers like grains of sand, that fresh new feeling began to taste stale like bread as it was already halfway coming to an end.
Those new experiences began to feel mundane as everything grew familiar with each passing day.
Jonah was sitting at his desk that was far from the window so it was cool and closest to the door which he could leave first.
Since day one, the class had already deemed him as the forgettable one. He was always quiet and reserved making it hard to approach or befriend him.
In reality, he just really wanted friends but had given up the idea once everyone had formed their respective circles.
Leaving him to be the single man out.
The person that stood out the most to him was Mia. She was a classmate known for her headstrong and straightforward personality.
Mia was a bit of a tomboy and was admired by many. Even Jonah admired her. There would always be crowds surrounding her wherever her loud voice echoed.
Her seat was the furthest back and closest to the window where the sun shone brightest, just like her.
In summary, she was the most extroverted person Jonah had ever seen, meaning they would never get along.
The windows were open as the teacher stepped into the classroom. In yesterday’s class, it was announced that there would be a new student.
It appeared that everyone except Jonah was eager to meet this new face today. As they stepped in, many eyes followed.
They stood next to the teacher with a slouched posture with their back to the blackboard.
Teacher: “Please, introduce yourself.”
???: “The name’s Keiichi. Nice to meet-“
The new student was mid-sentence before a gust of wind rudely interrupted him. The windows were still wide open.
Since the classroom was right next to a gigantic ginkgo tree, it caused many leaves to be carried into the classroom with the wind as they were now floating about.
The teacher annoyingly went to forcefully shut the windows.
Keiichi: “-you all. Let’s get along, okay?”
He smiled. A single yellow leaf had happened to land on his head but he didn’t seem to notice.
Jonah was probably the only student who wore his school uniform properly. Meanwhile, the other students would add their touch to it.
That included Mia, who wore sweatpants underneath her skirt, and apparently, this included the new guy too who barely had it on right, his buttons undone and everything.
Upon just the first meeting, Keiichi gave off the impression that he was quite the carefree and aloof sort of guy, at least to Jonah.
It was odd. When the leaves blew in, it felt as if he would be blown away with them, like they would take him elsewhere at that moment and he would disappear if Jonah stopped looking.
The height of excitement for the new student quickly died down as Keiichi was given a seat in the far back.
It was still close to the center of the classroom but it wasn’t too close to the sun nor too shady of a seating position.
Most likely, it was the perfect condition for someone to take a comfy nap since that was exactly what he did. The audacity the guy had to sleep on his first day was something else.
Jonah was only about an arm’s length away from Sleeping Beauty's desk and was worried that he would get an earful on his first day if he were caught.
Keiichi was sleeping so peacefully, not to mention with the leaf still on his head that it felt wrong to wake him up.
Jonah tried poking and tapping Keiichi’s shoulders a few times until he finally woke up.
Jonah: “You have a leaf on your head.”
Jonah whispered as he pointed to his head so Keiichi could understand.
Keiichi quickly understood and took the leaf off his head.
Keiichi: “Thank you. Here, you can have this.”
Then he took Jonah’s hand and placed the leaf into his palm as he went back to pretending that he was paying attention to the lesson.
Jonah first looked at Keiichi and then at the leaf now in his hand. What was he supposed to do with it now? He didn’t know.
For a while, he sat dumbfounded by the unexpected and useless gift he was given until finally putting it away between the pages of his notebook.
——
The following class was a culinary one. Although Jonah didn’t mind the cooking activity, he slowly came to hate the class.
This particular teacher liked to assign groups and the partners would always change each class. Jonah was always unlucky with his partners.
They would always be the ones that didn’t try or he simply could not work well with. Today’s class was no exception.
But who would have thought that his partners would be Mia and the new student? Jonah wanted to cry inside. The dish they had to make was a creme brulee.
It was a simple dish to make with few ingredients but very easy to mess up. Mia and Keiichi had already gone off doing their things.
Jonah was a bit relieved, perhaps he wouldn’t have to worry about them. Sadly, that feeling died about 30 minutes later.
Mia had gotten a hold of a blowtorch and was burning her creme brulee so badly there was smoke rising from it.
If Jonah hadn’t stopped her from further burning it, the fire alarm would have most definitely gone off by now.
Then she proudly presented the black charr of a dish.
Keiichi stepped over to glance at her dish as well.
Keiichi: “Yeah, that’s burnt.”
Mia: “It’s not burnt! It’s just a bit over caramelized.”
Keiichi: “Hate to break it to you, chef but no, that’s just burnt.”
Mia: “I call that flavor! Then what about yours?”
Keiichi: “Mine? Take a look for yourself.”
Keiichi was very confident saying this as he presented his creme brulee to Mia. The small ceramic bowl had yellow liquid in it and that was it.
He hadn’t whisked anything, he didn’t even bother to cook the thing, much less need to grab a blowtorch. The guy didn’t even try.
It was more of a soup rather than a simple dessert.
Mia: “You…at least try to make it…”
Mia had no words as the both of them stared at their tragic creations in silence. Meanwhile, Jonah had just finished taking his creme brulee out of the oven.
It gave off a pleasantly sweet scent as Jonah placed the golden dessert on the counter. Then with a blowtorch, he caramelized it until it was a warm chestnut color.
The two were amazed but more than anything they looked like they desperately wanted to try Jonah’s creme brulee.
Jonah: “Ah, um, you can try some if you’d like.”
Mia: “Really!?”
Keiichi had already gotten a spoon and dug in first.
Keiichi: “Yup, it’s delicious.”
Mia: “It is!”
Keiichi was consuming the entire thing as Mia went over to Jonah and she suddenly put her hands together.
Mia: “I’m not good at making desserts! Please teach me, Jonah!”
Mia then looked over at the guy still eating as she grabbed him by the collar pulling him over to Jonah.
Mia: “Please help teach us, Jonah!”
Jonah: “Sure.”
Mia and Keiichi started celebrating by circling Jonah as a way to thank him perhaps? Either way, it confused him.
Mia: “Yay, we won’t fail!”
Keiichi: “We have a chance!”
Jonah: “You guys are exaggerating. It’s not that hard.”
Mia and Keiichi showed their sad attempts at a creme brulee to Jonah. Now the three of them were standing there in silence staring at these tragedies.
Jonah: “Let’s get started then before class ends.”
Mia & Keiichi: “Jonah!”
Jonah rolled up his sleeves and began the steady process of teaching the two. From how to whisk, bake, and properly use a blowtorch, he guided them each step of the way.
Up until the very last minute they kept making it. When finally they were both done. Although they weren’t the best looking they were definitely an improvement.
The two stood there proudly, covered in stains and flour as the teacher came around to try their creme brulees.
Teacher: “You both pass.”
Mia and Keiichi both looked at each other in relief.
Jonah: “Good job, guys.”
Then they both grabbed each side of Jonah’s hand and started spinning in a circle, celebrating yet again but for their hard work this time.
Mia: “THANK YOU, JONAH!”
Keiichi: “WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU, JONAH!”
Jonah: “Can we please stop spinning, I’m getting dizzy!”
That was Jonah’s first-hand encounter with the two oddballs. And despite it being only Keiichi's first day, he got along quickly with Mia.
He seemed to fit in just fine compared to Jonah.
——
After that event, from then onwards on separate occasions, Keiichi and Mia would go out of their way to call out to Jonah.
Whether it was a simple hello, good morning, or goodbye the two would always find him and say something every day.
Whenever they were in the same class and were able to choose partners, they would both race to Jonah’s desk, pushing their tables and chairs next to his.
It was kind of cute to Jonah that they would go out of their way no matter how far away they were just to call his name and find him.
The school day was coming to an end as Jonah was the last to leave the classroom. He slowly packed his things as he was about to step out of the room.
As he opened the door he noticed there was a bucket of water next to it.
Jonah: “That was close, almost knocked it over. Who left this here…?”
Just as he was left to ponder his thoughts, the sound of screaming and laughing combined echoed from down the hallway.
Running frantically, Keiichi and Mia were heading straight towards Jonah. It seemed as if they were running from something but what?
Jonah: “Huh?”
Keiichi: “JONAH GREAT TIMING, HAND ME THAT BUCKET!”
They were coming at such a fast speed that Jonah reacted instinctively as he did as he was told, handing the bucket to Keiichi.
Then with a heavy swing, Keiichi tossed all the water in the bucket in front of them, making the path forward slippery.
Turns out they were getting chased by a teacher who was angrily getting closer by the minute. Jonah wasn’t sure what they did but it no doubt meant trouble.
Keiichi: “Come on, Jonah! You’re an accomplice now!”
Mia: “Looks like we’ll be partners in crime!”
Jonah: “I didn’t sign up for this! Wait-“
Keiichi: “Yoink.”
Keiichi grabbed Jonah’s hand, pulling him along as the three of them ran straight through the slippery halls. Jonah was always on the verge of toppling over.
But each time Keiichi would pull him back up. They spun, slid, and raced down the halls trying to escape this one teacher.
They were practically dancing until the long trail of water came to a stop by the staircase. The two were already racing down the stairs, leaving Jonah behind.
Hearing the loud yell of the teacher behind him, Jonah panicked, completely missing a step. He expected a crash and a concussion.
However, he was caught in both Mia and Keiichi’s arms.
Mia: “Careful, Jonah!”
Keiichi: “That was close. Let’s go!”
Jonah: “Thank you.”
Perhaps worried, Jonah would trip again, they both took his hands and ran with him, leading him the entire way until they were out the school doors.
By then the teacher had given up chasing them any further but they kept running until they were in the middle of a bustling city.
When they finally let go of Jonah’s hands, he was out of breath, barely gasping for air as he was bent over tired like an old person.
Keiichi was patting Jonah’s back but he also seemed just as tired. Mia however seemed fine as she circled around Jonah, in a worried state.
Mia: “Are you okay? Do you want some water? I can go buy some?”
Jonah: “No, I’m fine. Just let me catch my breath for a second.”
Keiichi: “Haha, Jonah, you’re… so... weak.”
Keiichi spoke slowly, each time he was squeezing his words out after a wheeze.
Mia: “No, you‘re not any better.”
After setting the two elderly people down at a nearby bench, Mia went off to buy something.
The two were left to wait in the hot sun as they both tiredly looked up at the clear blue sky. Soon birds started surrounding them.
The birds flew away when Mia came back as she plopped what felt like rock-hard ice onto their heads. Except it was a popsicle.
Mia already had a popsicle in her mouth.
Jonah: “Thank you!”
Mia: “No problem!”
Keiichi: “My savior, whatever shall I do to repay you for your kindness!”
Mia: “Shut up and eat the popsicle.”
Keiichi: “That I can certainly do.”
Jonah and Keiichi scooted over making space for Mia to sit down in the middle as they watched the crowd move and ate their popsicles.
Jonah wasn’t exactly sure how or why but this was the current situation he found himself in and it was with these two yet again.
Jonah: “So why were you guys getting chased by a teacher?”
Mia: “That’s not important.”
Keiichi: “Yup, yup. What matters is that we made it out alive.”
Mia: “Plus it’s not my problem!”
Jonah: “Uh it kinda is.”
Keiichi: “Then it sounds like a problem for me in the future!”
Jonah: “But we have school tomorrow.”
Mia and Keiichi: “It’ll be fine!”
Jonah: “If you say so...“
Keiichi finished his popsicle first as he tossed it into a nearby trash can. Then he stood in front of the two with his arms around his hips.
Keiichi: “Since it’ll be a waste to just simply part ways now, let’s hang out for a bit.”
Mia: “Sure, I’m down!“
Jonah: “Okay!”
Jonah didn’t have much to do after school. Sometimes he would study or do chores but other than that he lived a boring mundane life.
Hanging out after school seemed like such a foreign concept to Jonah so when he was given the chance he quickly grabbed it.
The three walked around the city, perusing shops and window shopping as they tried on different clothing. They tried a bunch of foods from stands and food trucks too.
Before Jonah knew it, it was already dark and had gotten late. Just like that the three had to part ways. Jonah was having so much fun that time went by so quickly.
He was almost sad that it had to end. He enjoyed the time spent with the two of them. He even began to miss the two despite just seeing them moments ago.
Jonah: “At least I got to experience it once. It was fun.”
Jonah thought humbly as he walked home.
——
The next day Jonah got to witness Mia and Keiichi getting severely scolded by the same teacher from yesterday.
Luckily, Jonah wasn’t in trouble he was seen as a victim who was roped into the mess rather than an accomplice.
After the incident, everything was back to normal that was what Jonah thought but Mia and Keiichi suddenly started waiting for Jonah after school every day.
He didn’t mind at all since it seemed like they just wanted to walk home together but soon simply walking home became hanging out after school daily.
Eventually, the time they spent together in school began to merge and by then Jonah was hanging out with the two even outside of school.
They chilled at arcades, went to karaoke, hung out at cheap-looking diners, and even interesting-looking restaurants that had surprisingly good food.
They watched movies and so much more, each one was a first for Jonah. It was almost every day that he would see them and every day would be fun.
Who would have thought that these random strangers would become the friends that he loved so dearly? Certainly not Jonah.
——
Soon months passed and a school camping trip was on the horizon. Either way, Jonah was excited about it, which was rare. He never liked field trips and such.
But since Mia and Keiichi were going to be there, he was relieved and just happy to go anywhere if it meant it was with them.
Naturally, the day before the trip, Jonah didn’t sleep a wink like a child who was too hopped on energy. When the day arrived he was a bit sleepy but adrenaline seemed to be carrying him.
When he got on the bus naturally, Keiichi and Mia were seated next to him as if it was a given. The ride to the camping site was supposedly long but felt short.
Maybe since he was too busy playing around with Keiichi and Mia to notice they were already there. After getting off the bus they were put into groups.
Mia and Keiichi were supposed to be in different groups but were annoyingly persistent in wanting to be in the same group as Jonah. That they did somehow get their way in the end.
They helped do the usual things from setting up tents, collecting firewood, and cooking. The day went by quickly.
When it was dark enough a test of courage was set up, created just for fun for those who wanted to try it out. Of course, Keiichi and Mia were the first to volunteer to test-run it.
Jonah was a bit curious about it too. He was never really easily spooked since he didn’t believe in ghosts or the supernatural.
The three bravely stepped forward, marching straight into the dark forest. Mia wasn’t scared at all each time someone tried to spook her.
She would laugh. Meanwhile, Keiichi would pretend to act scared and then clap in amusement, only to try and touch the people trying to scare him.
Getting jumpscared suddenly would make anyone jump a bit but overall, Jonah was quiet and was too busy trying to catch up to Keiichi and Mia.
Perhaps the fatigue was getting to him but a certain thing shocked him a bit that he tripped and scraped his knee.
He was still out of it as he was on the ground, looking at the new wound he had just gotten.
Jonah: “Ah, it’s bleeding.”
Keiichi: “Jonah?”
Mia: “Jonah?! Are you alright?!”
Keiichi and Mia quickly noticed Jonah wasn’t with them and ran back to him. When they saw him just sitting there silently, they panicked like worried parents.
Mia: “Should I call an ambulance?”
Keiichi: “No, they won’t come in time. We need a helicopter!”
Jonah: “Pfft no, it’s just a scratch. Calm down, both of you.”
Mia and Keiichi: “WE ARE CALM!”
Jonah: “You guys are like a mom and dad.”
Keiichi: “So true. I would make a great dad.”
Mia: “I am genuinely worried for the person this guy marries.”
Jonah: “Me too.”
Keiichi: “Hey, what is that supposed to mean?”
Mia and Jonah laughed as Keiichi tried to prove himself to them. Jonah was still on the ground though. He honestly didn’t want to get up anymore.
Keiichi bent down in front of him, offering his back to him. It was a piggyback ride that was being offered to Jonah.
Jonah: “What?”
Keiichi: “You don’t wanna get up, right? I’ll carry you back.”
Jonah: “Oh, thank you.”
Jonah took Keiichi’s offer as he was gently carried but Keiichi was walking as fast as a sloth. Mia got annoyed that he was going so slow.
Mia: “At this rate, we’ll be back when the sun is up! I might as well carry both of you!”
Keiichi: “No way. Just leave it to me, the strong person.”
Mia: “That’s it. I’m carrying all.”
Jonah: “Are you sure, Mia? Won’t we be heavy?”
Jonah asked out of concern as Mia stacked the both of them onto her back easily. They were like a tower and Mia even walked a few steps.
She was moving at a faster pace than Keiichi ever could, at least until they all toppled over. They all fell backward and were now lying on the ground.
Keiichi: “What happened to carrying us back?”
Mia: “Maybe if someone wasn’t moving at a snail’s pace and had just let me carry Jonah we wouldn’t be here!”
Keiichi: “You know I’m the strongest one here! And I was moving at least at a turtle’s pace!”
Mia: “What do you mean you’re built like a beanpole!”
Keiichi: “I bet I could carry the both of you easily back!”
Mia: “Yeah and maybe by then I’ll have a college degree!”
Jonah: “Hahahahaha!”
Keiichi and Mia immediately stopped their little banter to look at Jonah who was laughing so wholeheartedly.
Jonah: “Sorry, sorry.”
Mia: “I’ll forgive you, Jonah, only cuz you’re cute!”
Keiichi: “I’ll forgive my cute Jonah too!”
Mia and Keiichi went over to hug Jonah while still on the ground. Jonah was getting smothered on both sides very lovingly.
Jonah: “Have you two stopped arguing?”
Jonah knew they weren’t arguing very seriously but wanted to ask just to make sure.
Mia: “We’ll never fight again if you don’t like it!”
Keiichi: “Yeah! Never again!”
Jonah: “Promise?”
Mia: “We can even do a pinky promise!”
The three somehow managed to intertwine their fingers together as they lifted it to the sky. The night sky was starry and twinkling brightly in the darkness.
The three laughed at the whole stupid situation they got in but surprisingly ever since that day, Mia and Keiichi never argued again.
Mia and Keiichi both helped in supporting Jonah back to the camping area where his knee was treated.
The three shared a large tent. Jonah was out cold and still as a statue. Mia turned and kicked a lot in her sleep.
Keiichi would curl into a small ball like a hamster and roll to wherever was warmest. Jonah had become a personal punching bag and heater but for some reason that night Jonah slept well.
——
Ever since the camping trip came to an end, the days were back to being peaceful but one day Keiichi randomly suggested they take a trip to the beach.
It wasn’t odd that Keiichi had suggested this he was always the one finding where they would go next.
Though the closest beach was about half a day away and that would mean it would take up an entire day just to go there and back.
Usually when Keiichi suggests something it’s spontaneous and never really lasts longer than a day. He really is the kind of guy to go with the flow.
And each time Mia and Jonah would never say no.
They all picked a day when they were off school and set off on their little beach trip. They sat together on the subway eating snacks and watching the view.
When they arrived at the beach the sun was close to setting but the view was still beautiful. Keiichi stood in the water staring at the sunset.
For a second Jonah wanted to grab his hand and pull him back to where he and Mia were, on the cooled-down sand away from the water.
Then Mia suddenly splashed water onto Keiichi which surprised him a bit and then Jonah joined in doing the same, surprising him further.
He gave in and began splashing them back. The three were soaking wet when they were finished. It wasn’t cold so they decided to walk around to air dry.
Mia had brought fireworks and was running around lighting them up. Keiichi was sitting on the steps not too far away so Jonah sat down next to him.
Keiichi quietly watched as Mia lit up a huge firework and ran away.
Jonah was staring at him, his expression unreadable.
Jonah: “Don’t go…”
For a moment even Jonah was surprised why he even said that and he hoped that the fireworks kept Keiichi from hearing it as well.
Keiichi: “Go where?”
Jonah: “Ah, I mean…”
Jonah panicked; he didn't even know what he was saying. It was just at that moment when he was standing there, he felt like Keiichi was going to go somewhere far away.
Keiichi chuckled a bit and then patted Jonah gently on the head.
Keiichi: “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. I don’t plan to leave you or Mia anytime soon either.”
Jonah was relieved to hear those words and soon Mia came over with two firework sticks in her hands. Keiichi and Jonah joined Mia as they played with fireworks all night.
They were back on the subway back home as the sun was rising. Mia and Jonah were extremely exhausted and fell asleep.
Their heads were resting, leaning against Keiichi’s shoulders since he was the only one still awake, forced to be sandwiched in the middle.
At one point Jonah opened his eyes for a second to see Keiichi was still awake with his phone out. He didn’t mean to see what he was doing but did.
Keiichi was looking at a calendar and each day that had passed had a big red X on it as if he was personally marking them off but why was he doing so?
——
Just like the days on Keiichi’s calendar, days continued to pass. It was already exam season as students focused on studying.
Keiichi and Mia looked as if they had given up on life and were ready to accept their fates of failing test grades.
Mia: “If we fail we have to go to cram school.”
Keiichi: “Cram school is in the summer. It’s hot in the summer.”
Mia: “We’re doomed.”
Keiichi: “So doomed.”
Jonah: “Then let’s study so you won’t have to go to cram school!”
They were so hopeless that even Jonah wondered how bad it could be. But since Jonah was the one that offered to help they put forth their best effort.
Jonah was extremely smart and got the best grades out of the two. Mia was good at everything except math and she was abhorrently bad at it.
Meanwhile, Keiichi was just bad at every subject, mainly because he never really tried or put much effort into things he didn’t care about.
In a way, he was a bit lazy when it came to his own studies but when Jonah was helping him he seemed like he knew a lot when he did try.
Despite all of Jonah’s efforts, they both weren’t able to pass in which they apologized to Jonah since he helped them. They both seemed like they tried their best for him.
Summer was a quiet and slow one as Keiichi and Mia were stuck in a humid building for cram school.
——
Just like that a few years had passed and they were only a bit away from graduating. It was weird how his high school days went by so quickly.
Each new year was spent beside Keiichi and Mia and each year was more fun than the other. It was already that time when they had to decide their future plans.
When it came to Jonah’s future it was an empty canvas. Surely, Mia had a passion she would pursue head-on like usual.
For Keiichi, he would probably go for a career in traveling since he always liked going to new places. Yet when he thought that, he didn’t like that.
The idea of Keiichi going somewhere far away was something he knew he didn’t want. It was weird, the feelings he had for Keiichi weren’t the same as Mia’s.
Although he loved them both, there was a clear difference in the way he felt about the other, a distinct line he couldn't quite name.
It sounds stupid but he wanted to know what these feelings meant to him and he planned on asking Keiichi himself. Maybe he knew the answer or maybe he didn't.
But more than anything he just wanted to see Keiichi.
He searched around the school in hopes of finding wherever Keiichi wandered off to and noticed a familiar figure alone in an empty classroom.
As he quietly entered it was just the two of them as empty desks filled the spaces between them. Keiichi was leaning against the windowsill.
His arms were crossed and his eyes closed tightly so that even his long eyelashes could be seen in the sunlight.
He was basking comfortably in the sun as he slept standing up. An odd place to sleep as the curtains of the open classroom windows swayed.
Leaves would flutter in dancing with the wind that carried it. Such a simple scene felt ethereal. Maybe because it was Keiichi.
For a long time, Jonah stood there lost in a trance, staring at Keiichi who hadn’t noticed his presence.
Then it struck Jonah as if he finally realized something important to him. The reason for this weird distinction he felt between the two.
It wasn’t the same love he held for Mia. It was much more different. He wanted to stay by Keiichi’s side forever.
He wanted to be the one who made him smile, someone he could always depend on. Someone who could take his worries away and make him happy.
He wanted to be the one who grabbed Keiichi’s hand the moment he was about to drift away with the waves in the ocean and never let go.
He was in love with Keiichi.
It explained everything and yet nothing for Jonah. Despite figuring out something so grand, now that he had an answer he felt lost, incredibly so.
Yet his legs carried him over to where Keiichi was, sleeping peacefully. For some reason, he wanted to touch Keiichi, just once.
Jonah reached his hand out slowly as it slightly brushed against Keiichi’s cheek, moving a strand of his hair out of the way.
Keiichi: “Jonah?”
Keiichi’s eyes were still closed when he called his name out. Jonah quickly retracted his hand away from Keiichi’s face.
Jonah: “How… did you know it was me?”
Keiichi: “Hmm. Just a guess?”
Jonah: “What’s with that, haha.”
Keiichi: “I’m not sure why either but I could just tell it was you.”
Keiichi readjusted himself so that he would be leaning as his head peeked out the window. He had left enough space for Jonah right next to him.
Jonah also leaned out the window slightly, the view outside was pretty.
Keiichi: “So, did you need something from me? It’s rare for you to come to find me.”
Jonah: “It’s not big but I haven’t figured out what I’ll do in the future.“
Keiichi: “That seems pretty big to me. Am I the right person to be asking about this though?”
Jonah: “Yeah. I just want to hear your thoughts about what you plan to do.”
Keiichi: “Me? Not a clue. I guess I’ll find out eventually.”
Jonah: “That sounds very like you.”
Keiichi: “But you’re smart. You could probably do anything you want.
Jonah: “You’re giving me too much credit…”
Keiichi: “Nah I believe you can. Plus no matter what you choose I’ll be here to support you.”
Jonah: “…Thanks.”
Keiichi gave a soft big smile and a thumbs up to Jonah as a way to make sure his support was conveyed.
Jonah: “A job that involves traveling the world sounds like something you could do?”
Keiichi: “Traveling the world, huh? That does sound nice.”
The convo ended there and there was a comfortable silence between the two. Jonah felt significantly better.
Jonah: “Thanks, Keiichi.”
Keiichi: “Sure, I didn’t do anything though?”
Jonah: “You did something for me and I got to see you.”
Keiichi: “I didn’t know I had healing properties now.”
Jonah: “I feel better already!”
Jonah left the classroom and left Keiichi. In the end, he didn’t tell Keiichi about his feelings. For some reason, he felt it was best that he didn’t.
After all, even though he was confident he loved Keiichi he was still lost with himself. Did this mean he was gay? Did he like men? He never had experience with love.
But even he knew that this love would be fruitless. Was there even a point in trying? Probably not. He was just happy to be by his side if anything.
As he walked the halls lost in thought, he heard a familiar voice from below. It was Mia’s voice. He wanted to call out to her but stopped.
Mia was outside right below an open window, chatting with her friends and some club members.
Friend 1: “You’re going to confess to Keiichi?!”
Friend 2: “When?”
Mia: “When we graduate. That way I can get my feelings across no matter what. Even if he rejects me I still want to be friends…”
Friend 1: “You’re amazing, Mia”
Friend 2: “I never imagined Keiichi would be your type.”
Jonah: “You are brave, Mia. You’re something else.”
He didn’t mean to eavesdrop on this convo and yet he even admired Mia. The one who could try her best to convey her feelings.
Jonah started to feel bad. He wasn’t supposed to know about Mia’s feelings for Keiichi and yet now he did. He was more distressed about why he couldn’t find himself to support them.
He hated that he couldn’t genuinely feel happy for them because of his clouded feelings. But most of all he was disappointed he couldn’t be like Mia.
Jonah: “They would make a perfect couple.”
He couldn’t deny that they got along well and looked good together. They would surely be happy together and yet he didn’t want that. He didn’t want to see it.
He couldn't support Mia. He wanted to run away and so he did.
Jonah felt like he didn’t deserve to be with them. Once they start going out, how should he face them? What face should he make?
Wouldn’t he just be a bother? Despite saying he was just fine as long as he could be beside Keiichi, the idea of him being with someone else pained him.
Jonah knew he wouldn’t be able to act the same and even if he could it would be a facade. He didn’t want to lie to Mia and Keiichi.
He thought maybe it was best to leave the picture now. That day, Jonah left school and never came back. Of course, Mia and Keiichi instantly noticed.
They didn’t know where Jonah lived but asked around and eventually found that the address was now an empty house being sold.
They texted and called him constantly but each time there was no reply. They kept trying to search for him even after graduation.
——
Years have passed since then. Ever since Jonah decided to leave school that day his life had been hectic.
His mother always cared for only herself and one day on a whim she sold the house. That meant Jonah had to live on his own and make money somehow.
School was no longer a concern to him when he had to juggle a bunch of part-time jobs. Life was a bit lonely but it wasn’t anything new to him.
Jonah: “I wonder what they’re doing now.”
They had long graduated by now even if Jonah didn’t. Mia must have confessed to Keiichi too. He chose this life so he had no right to complain.
The more used to this life he became, the more time he spent learning more about his sexuality. He wanted to know who he was attracted to or not.
He was hoping along the way, while dating and meeting new people he could move on from Keiichi. Yet that never happened.
Jonah was an adult now but he couldn’t help but think if he made a mistake. Now there was nothing fun in his life and every day was repetitive like before.
He wondered how much longer he would continue living like this.
When he got home to his small apartment, there was a letter that had fallen from the mail slot of his door.
Jonah was tired from the long day but it had been a while since he last got a letter outside of advertisements and rent.
With the envelope in his hands, he fell back on his bed as he tore the white enclosed paper open. He lifted it to the small light in his room.
He slowly read and the more he read, the less tired he became and the more distraught he grew. This had to be some kind of sick joke.
Did someone hate him? Was this a threat? Yet, the handwriting looked familiar. It was no doubt Mia’s.
There was no way he could believe what the contents of that letter told. It had to be a lie, a cruel lie. Yet the address and date on there stared back at him.
The next day, Jonah followed the address. The address led him to a funeral home. When he stepped inside there weren't many people.
There were a lot of unknown faces to Jonah and yet the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew immediately who she was.
The woman was beautiful, giving off a mature and capable atmosphere around her. Even now she looked headstrong and admirable.
However right now, as she ran up to hug Jonah, Mia was crying.
When Mia hugged him so tightly and firmly out of nowhere he froze for a bit. He didn’t know what to do but his eyes wandered over to the open casket.
No one said anything, no one had to. He had never feared anything and yet right now he was scared. Scared to see what was in that casket right now.
If he ran away right now, no one would stop him, and yet his legs didn’t listen to him. He wanted to know the truth deep down and maybe it’ll all be just a big lie.
It must have been god punishing him.
In the casket, adorned by nothing but colorful flowers was a face he knew too well. This dead, lifelessly cold body in front of him, he knew exactly who they were.
It was a face that looked too peaceful as if they were just sleeping. He wanted to cry. This must have been his karma for running away.
For not facing him, for leaving him. Jonah stared down at the body in the casket again. Broken-sounding noises left his dry throat.
Jonah: “…Kei…ichi…”
It was like his brain ceased to function as if it was still trying to grasp the idea that he was really gone and was trying so hard to deny it.
There was a storm of mixed emotions the longer he stared at Keiichi’s face. Everything at once welled up in his chest, making it hard to breathe.
Everything became black and white, all the sounds around him no matter how loud turned dull.
He wanted to cry and yet couldn’t because of the overwhelming sight of the corpse in front of him.
Then someone’s hands suddenly grasped his hand gently. The warmth of their hands snapped him out of his daze.
Kind-looking woman: “Could you be, Jonah?”
He wanted to reply and ask how they knew his name, yet nothing came out. Only a lump that stayed stuck in the back of his throat surfaced.
Kind-looking woman: “I’m Keiichi’s mother. You are Jonah! I had a feeling!”
Why was Keiichi’s mother talking to him? Was she here to blame him for not being there for her son? For failing him?
Keiichi’s mother: “Thank you.”
Jonah: “…”
Even now she kept holding Jonah’s hand as she thanked him.
Keiichi’s mother: “I’ve heard a lot about you and Mia from Keiichi.”
After hearing those words, tears began falling on Jonah’s cheeks.
Keiichi’s mother: “That boy never liked staying in one place for too long.
That’s why I let him go wherever he wished. No matter how far it was.
Then one day he told me over the phone he found a place where he wanted to stay.
You and Mia must have been the reason why he always seemed to be having fun.
I’m grateful to both of you.
Thank you for staying by that child’s side. Thank you for being his friend.”
Keiichi’s mother then tightly hugged Jonah. It was strange, they were strangers. This was their first time meeting but she was so kind to him.
She hugged Jonah for a long time and gave him her phone number in case he was ever in trouble, he was free to ask for her help.
He then left the room. He didn’t want to be in there any longer or he felt he would go insane. So, he stepped out into the hall where chairs were lined.
There sitting in one of the rows of chairs by herself was Mia. She was crying her eyes out silently, crouched over, desperately wiping the tears away with her hands.
Jonah walked over and sat next to her offering a tissue. He should have left but the state she was in was horrid if not worse than his.
He didn’t want to leave her alone when she was so emotionally vulnerable so he decided to sit next to her silently.
Mia kept crying for a long time and when she stopped her eyes were all red and swollen.
For some reason Jonah expected Mia to be screaming, punching, and doing anything at all to him. Yet she never blamed him once for leaving them. She didn’t even ask.
Mia: “You know…despite being so close to him I never even noticed.”
Jonah was taken by surprise when she suddenly started talking to him.
Mia: “How was I supposed to notice when he acted so normal? Why didn’t he just tell me?”
When Jonah entered the funeral home relatives were whispering among themselves about Keiichi. Apparently for a long time now, he had an illness.
Jonah wasn’t sure what the illness was exactly but the doctors told Keiichi he didn’t have much longer to live but they didn’t know exactly when he would die.
He was lucky to have even lived as long as he did. They never expected him to make it past his teenage years.
Every day of his life, he didn’t know when it would be his last. The idea of living till he was old enough to see his future wasn’t even an option for him.
He knew he didn’t have much time left in this world and he suffered alone knowing this fact, telling no one. Only his mother knew till now.
Despite being together with Mia for so long, he didn’t even tell her. It hurt that he kept it all to himself but it also seemed exactly like something he would do.
Keiichi was always a mysterious person. Even though Jonah knew him he felt like he never truly understood him.
There were still so many questions he wanted to ask Keiichi but now they would never be answered.
Mia had confessed to Keiichi after graduating and they started dating. They were even living together so naturally she felt the most distressed for not noticing.
Mia took a deep breath.
Mia: “You know….we have a child.”
Jonah: “…!”
Jonah first took a glance at her stomach, there were no signs of a child or at the very least any development. Then he looked straight at her.
Jonah: “But there’s…no ring…”
Jonah checked and there wasn’t a single ring on Mia’s fingers. Did she take it off?
Mia: “That’s because we never got married.”
Mia sighed as she sat back in her chair.
Mia: “That day I was wondering why he hadn’t come home yet. I didn’t think it would be the last time I ever saw him again.”
Mia started crying again into her hands. Jonah didn’t know what to say to comfort her.
Mia: “It’s my fault. He kept having to come back to me when he should have been free to go where he wanted. I was the one who kept him in one place.”
Jonah: “You’re wrong, Mia. He chose to come back to you. He loved you.”
Mia: “I don’t know anymore. Did he love me? Could that guy even love someone else? Did he even understand what love was in the first place? Even now I don’t understand a single thing about him.”
Jonah: “He had to have loved you. Why else would he…”
Mia: “Then why did he leave me and the child behind?”
Jonah: “…”
Jonah had no answer to Mia’s questions but even he could see she was falling apart so he hugged her. Mia kept crying and all he could do was quietly listen.
When Jonah parted with Mia, he had forgotten how he even got home as he fell onto his bed. Jonah fell into a deep depression for a long time.
For hours and days on end, he would stay holed up in his apartment thinking over and over the same thoughts. He couldn’t believe Keiichi wasn’t in this world anymore.
It felt wrong that he was still alive instead. Countless regrets filled his mind. Could he have spent more time with Keiichi if he hadn’t left?
What had happened to wanting to make Keiichi happy? In the end, he was just selfish, running away and only thinking about himself.
Even if Mia and Keiichi never blamed Jonah. He blamed himself constantly.
Despite it all, the world kept moving. Years passed but Jonah didn’t stay in close contact with Mia. However, he would always be the first one there to help her when she needed it.
Mia’s child was growing up healthily but Jonah had never met the child once. It seemed that Mia was handling things fine since she had Keiichi’s mother with her.
At first, Jonah would only ever step outside to go to work and then he would go straight home. This unhealthy way of living went on for a while.
But one day on his way home, he got a text from Mia about her new job. There was also a picture of her and the child the two had adopted, smiling happily.
He realized he couldn’t keep living like this. Not when Mia was trying her hardest.
So Jonah tried to live a somewhat decent life again despite the dark thoughts eating away at him. He struggled for a long time.
Only years later did Jonah finally accept that Keiichi was gone.
For the very first time, Jonah decided to visit Keiichi’s grave.
He was standing in the subway, one hand holding the handlebars and the other holding a fresh bouquet.
When he got off, he walked until arriving at the grave. There were already flowers, Mia must have left them so he placed his flowers down too.
Jonah: “Sorry I’m late but I’m here now, Keiichi.”
The sun was beginning to set as he stared at the grave. Jonah couldn’t help but recall a scene from the past thanks to the sky’s orange hue that reminded him.
Keiichi and Jonah were walking home together from school. Mia had to stay after for her club so it was just the two of them.
The sun was setting as the color orange engulfed the sky.
Keiichi: “Hey, Jonah, what’s today’s date?”
Jonah: “You went through this entire day without knowing? It’s the 20th of November.”
Keiichi: “Oh! Today’s that day!”
Jonah: “What day? Hey! Keiichi, where are you going?!”
Keiichi suddenly remembered something and started running.
Keiichi: “Come on, Jonah! We’re gonna miss it if it gets any later!”
Jonah: “At least explain where we’re going!!”
Jonah ran after Keiichi who told him nothing. They kept running until they reached an open field near a river. Not too far was a bridge.
Yet the open field was filled with countless fish-shaped kites in various assorted colors. It was quite the view from above the hill.
But Jonah was trying to find Keiichi among the countless flying fishes swimming in the wind. Jonah didn’t get why there were so many fish kites out today.
When he finally found Keiichi, he was standing there from afar staring into the distance as the fish kites looked as if they were swimming past him.
Jonah didn’t say anything but Keiichi had noticed he was found as he turned to look at him with a soft smile.
Keiichi: “Jonah, did you know November 20th is National Children’s Day?”
Jonah: “No, I didn’t.”
Keiichi: “Isn’t it cool? A day to celebrate being a child.”
Jonah: “Why the fish kites?”
Keiichi: “They’re carp. They swim up currents so they’re pretty strong.”
Jonah: “I guess in a way children have their strengths.”
Keiichi: “If only I could stay as a child. Then nothing would change and I could stay with you guys like this.”
He said those words with a smile on his face but there was just a tinge of melancholy in his eyes.
Jonah: “We can’t stay as children forever. We have to grow up and become adults eventually.”
Keiichi: “I know. Staying as a child and staying carefree is just my wishful thinking.
Jonah: “But even if we aren’t children anymore…”
Jonah walked up to Keiichi facing him straightforwardly with a smile.
Jonah: “I’m sure even then we will stay together just as we are.”
Keiichi paused for a moment and then smiled. The sun setting and the fish swimming in the wind alongside him made the scene extremely mesmerizing.
It was a moment that was easily burned into Jonah’s mind.
Keiichi: “Even if things never stay the same, I’ll still love you and Mia, that won’t ever change even when I die.”
Jonah: “W-What’s this? All of a…sudden?”
Keiichi: “Just felt like saying it but don’t tell Mia I told you this.”
Jonah: “Why not?”
Keiichi: “She’ll tease me till the day I die.”
Jonah: “Haha what’s with that? I’m going to tell her!”
Keiichi: “Jonah! You traitor! Now you know too much I can’t let you go!”
Jonah: “I doubt you can catch me though!”
Keiichi chased Jonah through the endless carp kites as their laughter echoed along with the sun that continued to set on that breezy autumn afternoon.
Jonah was still standing in front of the grave. The sun had set and it had become completely dark without him noticing.
He was glad that in this vast world, he was able to meet someone like Keiichi.
Jonah: “We love you too, Keiichi. I loved you.”
Jonah walked away from the grave with a lighter heart as if all the things weighing on his mind had disappeared and swam away.
Jonah: “Even if tomorrow came, I'm sure it would be fine. I will be fine. Since everything will come to pass.”