The Flower of Memories Part 1

Is happiness found in the nest where there is no hardship?

Or is it in the outer world with the vast sky?

When the time comes,

what would you keep, and what would you abandon?

People expect others to do things, and when things don't turn out the way they thought, they rail at others, saying, 'You betrayed them.

It's better not to get involved from the beginning if you're only going to get disappointed later. That is something she has always thought.

Perhaps it may have something to do with her upbringing; ever since she was younger, she has always believed that to be the case. Despite lacking in emotions, it didn't mean she was ignorant of the world. It didn't mean she didn't understand.

She knew from the start that once others discovered her powers, they would use her as a mere tool. That any chance of her having any emotions at all would disappear completely, and yet regardless, she still went along.

Even if you save someone, even if you help someone, those with powers cannot live a peaceful live. They will always be the ones who others will shun.

It was supposed to remain that way until she met those two.

That's right. It was because of that person; because of that person, something changed. That may be why now; she will even do something reckless like this.

She approaches the flowers covered in a dangerous glow. She wants to see it, the truth. If she does, she will be able to help those she cares about.

The flower of truth.

She heard the sound of footsteps approaching her from the back.

"You followed me, Yuhi?"

"I am supposed to be your bodyguard. I wondered why you wanted to take a detour." Yuhi sighed. "You shouldn't have to work hard for either Ran or Atushi's child."

Sumire laughed softly. "This is the least I can do. Besides, this might help Lila-chan remember too."

"Alright, but," Yuhi grabbed hold of her hand. "Let's pluck it out together. Haruka gave you that medicine, but you still haven't drunk it yet."

His expression and tone showed he was upset.

"The reason I haven't is because if I return to a stable condition, there are some things I won't be able to do."

"Still."

"Mm, I know. But let's show them now, the memories they have forgotten."

.....

In an alternative space.

A certain caramel-colored-haired girl tossed and turned on her bed before she sat up with flushed cheeks. Perhaps it was due to not having much to do, but she often thought of the past.

Wh--what is she doing thinking of those things now? She has to get a grip. But he really was different then. What did he mean by the different expressions he wanted to show her? She thought she knew everything about him already, even when he became a player and abandoned her. Kasumi thought she understood.

But that day, he- Kasumi thought back to the day in the airport. He said he was going to New York to check on Lila and Karashima. She was there to see him off-

….

"I promise. Whatever the distance that separates us, I will come back to you wherever I go. And when we both grow up and become adults, I will marry you. Because I'll always be in love with you."

"L--let me go."

"If you don't believe me, I'll seal my promise with a kiss. "

"Wha--"

"I love you, Kasumi. "

Those were the last words she heard before his lips met hers, and her senses completely melted away. So stupid, this person.

There's no way she's going to wait for such an idiot. But she won't push him away now. This is her gift to him before he leaves.

She panted as she stood before him in the crowded airport. "I've also got something to tell you."

Kasumi looked up to meet his gentle gaze. "Huh?"

A smile graced his lips. "I've already given in. Because I really do love you. Be my wife. "

A blush spread across her astonished face as she realized what he had just said. Did he just propose to her?

"Huh?"

He leaned down towards her face until we were inches away. She froze as she felt his soft lips brush against her cheek.

Kasumi drew back with a red-stained face. "Wha-what did you just- wait, that's not the point here. Just so you know, it's not like I still have feelings for you." She looked away.

He tilted his head to the side as he watched her with amusement. "Hmm. Well then, I'll bet you something, too." He leaned in towards her, meeting her surprised gaze. "I'll make you accept my proposal. So prepare your-self."

She hears the sound of people cheering.

"Alright, dude!"

"Go for it!"

Kasumi looked at them frantically. "Y-y-you've got it all wrong!" she shouted at them. "Hey-Mikami! Be careful—"

He waved at her as he walked away, increasing her frustration.

…

She still couldn't forget it. The sensation of his lips on hers, his toxic scent, and captivating eyes. How come she can still think of him this way after all that's happened with Kasumi? Even though she's resolved already.

Whenever anybody spoke about RAY, it immediately drew her attention. There's something wrong with her.

Usually, she doesn't waver one bit when she declares something with a strong resolve. But it wasn't too long ago that she made her mind up, yet she's already thinking about him again.

Maybe, she still isn't -- of course not. Girls who are in love can't get over someone that quickly. Even if she has steeled her resolve. Kasumi knows full well that it will still take some time.

'I decided to abandon Mikami and go out with Kazuma for real. But for some reason, when I left that message, I left words for Mikami and not Kazuma.'

Kasumi exhaled deeply. Why is the heart so complicated?

Her thoughts broke off when the doors opened, revealing Kumi-senpai. She looked at her with a serious expression. "Guess what I found when I went out?"

"What-"

She presses a flower against the one she had just been given, and there's a huge burst of bright light.

Kasumi saw a black shadow had formed in the center - the clouds slowly dissolving. There was a young boy surrounded by other kids but being kicked about.

'That young boy is Mikami-' Kasumi felt her heartbeat increase. Huh? What is this? When did this happen?

"You're the son of a monster."

"What a frightening child, born from that rotten mother, you do not deserve to live with us. "The boys began to hit the child in the center with rocks.

"Get the hell out of here."

"Get out."

"Hahahaha."

"We, of course, don't want to do this to you."

"Get out of here! Now!"

'It hurts, it hurts somebody…someday help him. '

The scene changes again to a familiar-looking house. A limp young Mikami is entering someone's room. Oh, this is from that day. Kasumi immediately recognized the scene.

"Ah! You're covered in wounds again if you keep getting into fights. How are you supposed to marry me?"