Miyazono remained silent. Our eyes met and we gazed into each other for what seemed like eternity until she broke our gaze. Her eyes shifted to the ground, "So you knew. How though? I was so sure you won't find it out, Arima-kun." The corner of her lips curved slightly upwards.
"So why do you lie?"
Her eyes moved to meet mine, her head tilted slightly to her right, "That's obvious. I don't want anyone to fall for me." She bluntly stated. Her face was nonchalant that it made me mad.
"Huh, are you sure it wasn't because you don't want me to fall for you?!" At the sudden outburst, I realized I wasn't myself and I immediately covered my mouth with my hand. I didn't mean to raise my voice. I noticed her flinch but she already put on a facade, steady and strong. A sense of guilt washed over me in an instant and I wanted to apologize but not before she interrupted me.
"Yes, so what?" She replied. "Because your traumatic event is pathetic. As a musician myself, I found it a disgrace. That's the reason I lie."
My eyes widened in surprise. "What? What does that have to do with what I asked?"
Her eyes revealed determination, she clenched her fist against her chest, "I want to make everyone happy. Happy to listen to my music. And.." She paused, her feet took a few steps closer to me until we were only a few inches closer, "I want everyone to remember me. And it also applies to you. I can't leave someone like you alone can I?" A frown was shown on her face.
"So Arima-kun, play the piano for me. And forget the past. Even if you don't, I will make it so you will only remember me."
Her words were not that uncommon. I've heard it a few times already and I realized it.
"Arima-kun?"
I tilted my head low, trapping it in between my hand as I gasped for air. 'What am I doing? I shouldn't' have asked the question.' I steadied my breath, sighing.
"So you're saying that, you don't want me to fall for you because i'm a disgrace?"
She blinked her eyes a few times, "I did?"
****
"You almost crossed the line."
"But I didn't, did I?"
The black cat walked, circling around me, "Hmm, you're taking this very lightly Arima-kun. Maybe i should give you a hint for the price you have to pay."
I didn't give it a reply when it came to a halt. In front of me, it tilted its head up. It's eyes pierced through my soul.
"Your wish. Do you remember it?"
"Yes, to remain by her side-"
"Wrong." It interrupted.
"What do you mean?"
"Your wish was to confess. Did you already forget?"
I didn't answer.
"And if there's a wish, there's a price. I didn't grant your wish fully. I only gave you a chance to make your wish granted. The one to complete it is you."
"Is that why I.."
"Yes, that is why you don't have to pay anything for now, not until you've tell her what you've been wanting to."
"If that.. What will happen then?"
"Her existence, in both your mind and heart. Cease to exist."
The cat laughed.
"You're so naive Arima-kun. Tell me, how do you feel now? Scared?"
My eyes widened, heart pounded faster and I gasped the air to breathe.
"What now? Will you tell her and face the consequences. Or remain silent and remember her forever? But then.."
The cat chuckled and broke into a laughter. It echoed and sent shivers to my spine.
*****
I snapped my eyes opened. Sweat ran down past my cheeks as I panted.
No.
I lifted both of my hands as they trembled, I embraced myself in fear.
No, please.
Don't take away her only wish just to grant mine.