Akira and Himari's relationship grew as they spent more time together. They always had lunch together, played together, and even studied together.
They were so inseparable that their classmates thought they were dating. But they quickly denied it when they were asked.
One day, Akira asked an odd question.
"Hey, Hima1."
"Yes, Aki2."
"If I were to cure my blindness, would you be my girlfriend?"
Himari blushed slightly then stuttered "W-Why that question all of sudden?"
"I was just saying my thoughts out loud. But..." He smiles then continues "I want to see your beautiful face."
Himari's cheeks turned red at his comment.
Akira was not wrong when he said she was beautiful. She had long glossy white hair that reached her lower back, with blue pupils. The glasses she wore also gave her an adorable nerd vibe.
Even though she was this beautiful, everyone ignored her because of her lowly background.
Himari pursed her lips and then replied.
"You're handsome too Aki."
Akira, on the other hand, had silky black hair with his green eyes peeking through his short bangs. His overall appearance was just too cute.
"Oh really? Thank you. So what's your reply to my question?"
"I can't date anyone now because my loyalty must be to Miss Rin only. But if you get cured, I'll make a special exception for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah really."
"You must promise me. The day I can see, you'll go out with me."
"Okay, I promise."
☀️
A week after Akira's unusual question, Himari was in class waiting for Akira to join her so that they could play.
Himari was happy as the door opened. She was expecting to see Akira's cute face but was greeted by someone worse.
It was Rin!! And she was up to no good.
Himari immediately stood up and arched her head "Welcome, Miss Rin."
Rin grins "Where's Watanabe san3?"
Cold sweat dripped from Himari's forehead. What does she want with Aki?
"He's not here."
Rin immediately noticed that she was lying but did not dwell on that matter. She only said a soft "hm" and then continued.
"So Himari, I want you to end your friendship with Watanabe san."
Himari froze when she heard Rin's words.
"What do you mean, Miss Rin?"
"You should stop being his friend. And when you're breaking the news to him, tell him he's blind and useless."
Himari bit her lip and tried to reason with Rin.
"Please, you must understand Miss Rin. Aki is my best friend, I can't just end our friendship."
"So you won't do it?"
Himari nods her head. Rin rolls her eyes then she spots one of her friends outside signalling that someone is coming. She grinned and then said.
"I knew you had a thing for Watanabe san. I've been keeping it a secret from my parents because I wasn't sure. But now that I'm sure, I have no choice but to tell them."
"Wait!"
"Huh?"
Himari did a 90° bow and said. "I beg you, please don't tell them. I'll do anything, so please!"
"Then, deny your love for Watanabe san right now."
Himari only bit her lip and didn't say anything.
"Deny it now, or I'll have your parents fired!"
Himari had no choice but to surrender. "Okay."
"Good, now, do you like Watanabe san?"
"No, I don't."
"And why is that?"
Himari bit her lips and said bitterly. "Because he's blind and useless. So no one will ever like him."
"Good."
"May I leave now?"
Rin glanced at the window and saw a thumbs-up.
"Yes, you can go."
As Himari opened the door, her expression turned grim. There was someone at the back of the door.
It was Akira and he didn't look so happy.
"A-Aki, h-how much of that d-did you hear?" Himari stuttered those few words in shame.
After a period of silence, Akira turned to his side and said.
"Enough to know that our friendship was fake."
"No! Wait! Aki, I can explain."
Suddenly, Akira stared directly at Himari's eyes.
"You know we made a promise! Did that mean anything to you?"
Himari could see the tears flowing like a torrential river from Akira's eyes. To her, it was the most despairing thing to behold. His watery eyes alone broke her heart let alone his tears.
"Aki..." She was completely speechless.
Akira looked away from Himari and said. "I'm heading overseas to fix my eyes and I'm not coming back."
"What!?" Himari was shocked by his statement. He's leaving!?
"Originally, I thought we'd be together after my treatment. But, I guess it was only me who was thinking that."
Himari bit her lip bitterly and couldn't utter a single word.
"Goodbye, Miss Fujioka."
As Akira tried to leave, Himari held his hand and pleaded.
"Please, don't go Akira. I'm sorry for what I said. So please don't go." Himari held on to his hand desperately, not willing to let him leave.
But Akira shrugged her hand off and walked away not looking back.
Wait! Is he leaving?
"Aki! Aki!! Aki!!!" Himari screamed desperately hoping that Akira would listen to her.
But Akira didn't waver at all as continued walking down the corridor. The only thing Himari could do was gaze at his back with tears in her eyes as he left the school.
He's leaving and he's not coming back.
Ever!
1. Hima is a cute nickname Akira gave Himari
2. Aki is a cute nickname Himari gave Akira.
3. San (さん), is the most common honorific, equivalent to "Mr." or "Mrs."