Chapter 48: Moments of peace

I was well aware that something serious was bound to happen sooner or later.

The situation around me had become even more oppressive, and the pressure was literally devouring me.

I had two choices: change myself or abandon everything and run away. The worst part was that I still didn't have a clear objective.

The only thing I knew in that situation was that I wanted to protect Hina, but at the same time, protecting her meant risking my life every day and putting my friends' lives in danger.

I had personally witnessed horrifying scenes, but each image my eyes saw no longer evoked "strong" emotions in me.

Walking towards home, I immediately put on my earphones to separate myself from the noise of the street crowd, entering another world.

Each step felt heavier, as if a weight was tied to my ankle. I walked, keeping a low profile, as if the rest of the world didn't exist.

Not long ago, I was just a normal guy full of dreams who only wanted to have a girlfriend. I never could have imagined finding myself in this situation.

I sighed almost in resignation and continued walking, listening to my favorite songs. Still no news from Hina. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.

During my way home, I tried to send her a few messages, but without success.

She had completely disappeared. In the past, I would have been worried, but a similar event had already occurred, so I could only wait patiently.

The walk home was the only moment of peace I could have.

During that time, no one called or messaged me... I tried to relax my mind, but I couldn't.

I felt the need to do something, as if I were waiting for danger with open arms.

I couldn't clear my head, growing more and more agitated.

My steps quickened without me realizing it. I kept a low profile, not wanting to look people in the eyes. I had a world inside me.

I wanted to ask for help, I needed to ask for help from someone.

I felt the physical need to run away and seek help, wishing someone from the crowd would stop me and notice so suddenly.

It's really sad... We're all human beings, but we're all such strangers at the same time... Anyone could be saved in this world, if only we wanted it...

While I was lost in my thoughts, I accidentally bumped into someone, causing my phone to fall to the ground.

"Ah! I'm so sorry!!" I exclaimed, looking at who I had run into.

"Ouh! Watch where you're goi-" It was a girl's voice, which stopped mid-sentence as soon as she saw me.

"Kai!!" she exclaimed.

At first glance, I didn't immediately recognize who was in front of me, but after a better look, I realized it was the girl I met at the station: Emi Fujimoto.

Her blonde hair and gray eyes were her most distinctive traits; I couldn't be mistaken.

My eyes widened, not expecting such an encounter.

I also realized that she had given me her number... And I never contacted her to protect her... I know I did it for her safety, but... What a bad impression.

"Emi-Chan? Is that you?" I asked, surprised.

She nodded and picked up my phone from the ground, handing it back to me.

"Yes!! Of course, it's me!!" she said with a big smile, which was then replaced by a slight pout. "I thought you would have written to me, Kai..." she said, almost sounding sad.

I sighed and scratched my head.

"Y-Yeah... you're right. But a lot of things happened, and I completely forgot... and now I don't have your number anymore..." I replied, sounding apologetic.

Emi chuckled slightly. "Ah well, I guess you haven't changed from when we were kids. Always forgetful..." she replied.

"Well... at least I haven't changed." I replied playfully.

"Thank goodness." Emi said. "Hey... are you free right now, or do you have something to do?" she asked, moving closer to me with an almost mischievous smile.

Well, I was indeed free and needed to clear my mind from intrusive thoughts... so...

"Well, I was heading home, but I'm free, why?" I asked.

"Hehe~ Then I'll borrow you for a while!" Emi replied cheerfully, taking my arm.

I let out a small sigh of relief.

The cheerfulness of this girl had always been something truly contagious, ever since we were kids. She had also been my childhood "girlfriend" for fun, where we had promised to get married.

At that exact moment, I remembered that scene I saw on TV where Emi was... Oh damn.

The boy she wanted to marry was... me.

I had come close to certain death.

If Hina had seen or known about this, even by accident, I think I would have died on the spot...

Despite this, Emi's presence lifted my spirits.

A small feeling of nostalgia and warmth temporarily enveloped me, replacing the negative feelings I had. Then, Emi led me to a café ten minutes away.

It was a very peculiar place as there were many cats around.

As soon as we entered, I felt like I was in paradise. My eyes started to sparkle. I love cats, and Emi had always known this.

"Well, what do you think?" Emi said, looking me in the eyes with a very wide smile.

"I think I feel very happy. Thank you," I replied with a very cheerful tone.

As I looked around, I felt the soft sensation of cats purring near my legs. It was a very nice feeling.

Emi had always been a very empathetic girl and knew perfectly how to lift everyone's spirits.

She was also friends with Hana and Hiro, and in fact, she was almost always very jealous of Hana and her relationship with me.

Then she moved to another city, completely disappearing, and we lost contact.

Our meeting seemed to have been a stroke of fate.

Emi led me to our table, and we sat down, surrounded by curious cats meowing and approaching us. One of them, a small gray kitten with green eyes, jumped onto my lap and started purring.

Emi chuckled, watching the scene.

"You'll see, Kai. This place has a magical effect on you," she said with a smile.

I smiled and stroked the kitten, feeling my heart lighten a bit. "Yes, it really does seem that way," I replied.

The waiter approached our table, bringing menus.

Emi ordered a cappuccino with a bit of chocolate, and I chose green tea. While we waited for our drinks, Emi started talking about her life after she moved away.

"You know, Kai, moving to another city was tough at first," she began, her gaze becoming a bit distant. "I had to make new friends, adapt to a new school... but eventually, I made it. And now I'm here, and it feels like I never left you."

Her words were filled with sincerity, and I felt a familiar but bitter warmth in my heart. "I'm glad to know you're doing well, Emi. You've always been strong," I said, trying to reassure her.

I had the feeling that she never forgot me... or the feelings she had for me.

I felt guilty because I... moved on with Hina.

"Thank you, Kai. You've been strong too. I can see it in your eyes. What exactly happened?" she asked, lowering her voice as if not to disturb the café's tranquility.

I took a deep breath.

I wasn't sure how much I could tell her, but I felt the need to open up.

"It's a long story, Emi. Let's just say I've had to deal with some dangerous people, and now I'm trying to protect someone I care about a lot. It's complicated."

I knew that telling her something like this wasn't the best choice, but i felt like I could literally telle her anything.

She always knew when was the right moment to ask further questions.

Emi nodded understandingly. "I get it. If you need to talk, I'm here for you, Kai. Always."

Our drinks arrived, and we began sipping them while continuing to talk about childhood memories, laughter, and happy moments.

It was as if no time had passed. Emi always had a way of making me feel at ease, as if my problems disappeared, even if just for a little while.

After a while, Emi changed the subject, perhaps sensing I needed a diversion.

"You know, I'm thinking of signing up for a painting class. I've always loved drawing, and I've finally decided to dedicate myself to this passion." She said, while drinking.

"That sounds fantastic, Emi. I'm sure you'll be great. I still remember those drawings you did at school; they were incredible," I said with an encouraging smile.

Emi blushed slightly. "Thanks, Kai. We'll see how it goes. And you? Do you have any plans for the future?"

I paused for a moment to reflect. "I don't know yet. For now, I just want to sort things out and make sure those around me are safe. Then I'll see what to do."

Emi nodded, respecting my decision. "I understand. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will be the right choice... And I'm still trying to figure out what happened to you... but considering your kind nature, you probably done way too much favor to people or lose a game tournament where you have to pay someone, hahahaha!" She giggled, and then she remained silent for some seconds.

After a brief silence, Emi's expression turned more serious.

"There's something I haven't told you about my past, Kai. When I moved away, it wasn't just because of my parents' jobs. Something happened that changed everything for me." She said , with a very sad tone of voice.

I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Emi?"

She took a deep breath before continuing.

"Shortly after we moved, my father got into some trouble with the wrong people. He had borrowed money from some dangerous individuals, and when he couldn't pay it back, things got bad. We had to move again, this time to a place where we could be safe." She said, while "playing" with her hands, sign of her nervousness.

"My father... you remember him with a smile but he was a very horrible man..." She said, while lowering her gaze to the floor.

My eyes widened. "I had no idea, Emi. That sounds terrifying."

"It was," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "For a while, we lived in fear, constantly looking over our shoulders. But eventually, my father managed to find a way to settle things. We moved back to a more stable place, but the experience changed me. I had to grow up fast, and it made me appreciate the value of safety and security." She replied while looking at me again with a smile.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Emi," I said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "You've been through so much, and yet you're still so positive and kind." That was an instinctive-protective reaction of mine.

She smiled weakly.

"Thanks, Kai. It's in the past now, but it taught me to cherish the good moments and the people who make life worth living. That's why I'm so glad we reconnected. You were always one of those people for me." Emi said while squeezing my hand.

Then, other drinks arrived, and we continued our conversation, now with a deeper understanding of each other's struggles. Emi's story added a new layer to our bond, and I felt even more grateful for her presence.

We didn't order them, but the waiter explained that it was a freebie from the cafeteria since Emi was a stable client.

We spent a bit more time together, laughing and talking like we did when we were kids.

Eventually, time flew until I realized I had to go home.

Emi seemed to notice the change in my mood and smiled sweetly at me.

"It's time to go, isn't it?" she asked, with a glimpse of sadness in her voice.

"Yes, but I'm glad I spent time with you, Emi. You've really lifted my spirits," I replied sincerely.

Emi stood up and hugged me. "I'm happy I did. Don't disappear again, okay?"

"It will be hard, but I'll try," I replied with a smile.

We said our goodbyes, and I headed home.

The walk, which had felt burdensome before, was now lighter. The time spent with Emi had given me a new perspective and a bit of hope.

When I arrived home, I found the door slightly open.

My heart started pounding.

Cautiously, I entered, ready for anything with the telephone in my hands, ready to call the police.

As soon as I crossed the threshold, I heard a familiar voice.

"Kai, you're finally home..." It was Hina.

My eyes widened.

She came to greet me and I saw her wearing a very cute apron.

"What the..."