At first it was hard to accept the fact that I went back to the past, more precisely to a few months before my death.
I was also so afraid to meet Risa, because I remembered the incident that night when Risa killed Erika. I can still remember Risa's cold gaze.
But of course I can't keep going like this. I have to find out who the murderer is and why Risa killed Erika.
Therefore, I intend to continue today as usual.
Kringgg--
"Okay, that's it for the lesson, we'll continue after break, okay?"
"Okay, Ma'am!"
It was time for break, the students started chatting while eating together. So did I.
"Vivi, let's go to the canteen!" said Erika, the orange-haired girl.
"Yes, let's go."
***
- In the Canteen -
"Ah that's right, I haven't seen Eden today, is he not at school today?" I asked while looking around.
"Yes, he said he had urgent business," Erika answered.
"Haha, is it possible that he skipped school on purpose?" said Risa, the brown-haired girl, laughing.
Eden, my childhood friend, just like Erika, the three of us have been best friends since birth.
Because our parents are friends, we have been best friends since birth.
And... That night... He was also killed...
To be honest, I don't know who killed my mother and Eden. I wouldn't even know that they were killed if the robbed person hadn't told me. But it seems like the one who killed them was the same person who killed me that night, the black-robbed person.
Unfortunately, I couldn't see the robbed person's face. All I can remember are that glowing red eyes.
---
Before I knew it, it was finally time to go home from school.
"Eri, Vivi, let's go home~ I miss my bed at home~~" Risa invited.
"Haha, yeah, I want to lie down too," I answered.
My house and Erika's are close and in the same direction, while Risa's house is not in the same direction as our house. So at the three way junction later we will separate. Risa will turn left towards her house. Then Erika and I will walk straight towards our houses, because our houses are close.
.
.
I have behaved as usual today, so if nothing changes, at this moment Erika should tell me to stay away from Risa.
This is the moment I'm looking for-
"Vivi?"
"Why do you keep looking at me? Is there something on my face?" asked Erika.
Ah, without realizing it I kept watching her.
Erika.
Sometimes I get annoyed with her innocence. I feel that she is too... I don't know, I don't know how to say it. But she always puts others first. Whether because she is stupid or what... she always... always.... always keeps everything to herself.
That night, she was the one who told me to run first. As if she has already known everything.
But even so, Erika... you didn't run, but told me to run first... You intended to protect me. I who didn't know anything just kept quiet. And when Risa suddenly wanted to attack me with her dagger, you protected me. That's what caused you to be killed. I... feel very guilty about it. But still, why did you protect me? Shouldn't you consider your life much more valuable? Shouldn't you protect yourself? But why did you choose to protect me? Why were you willing to die just like that for me? Why have you been worrying about me all this time? I'm not your family. We are indeed best friends, but why did you want to protect me so much that you sacrificed your life?
At first I thought that Erika was too naive. But in the end, I was the naive one. I was the stupid one. I was the one who didn't know anything all this time.
"I-is there really something on my face...??" Erika asked while confused seeing me continue to stare at her with an unusual face.
"No, nothing," I answered with a smile.
Actually, what are you hiding, Eri?
.
.
"Hey, Vivi, you know? I want to tell you something..."
"What?"
After looking around to make sure there was no one, Erika grabbed my shoulder. "Vivi... From now on... Stay away from Risa..."
Ah this is what I've been waiting for... Erika... What's your reason for saying that...? Did you actually know everything from the start?
"Eri... Why did you say that?" I asked while holding her hand.
"...Vivi, I... can't explain it now... I just want to protect you. If you stay with Risa, you'll be in danger..." Erika replied with a depressed face.
Ah, you said that again.
I don't understand... Why does she always want to protect me? She acts as if she knows what I don't know and doesn't want me to know.
In the past, I was very naive... I always saw the world as white, without knowing the dark side of this world.
And I don't want that to happen again, so...
"If you don't explain it, how can I understand, Eri?"
I have to find out the root of all this.
Erika was silent for a moment. It was apparent on her face that she was thinking.
"... You're right... I can't keep hiding it from you... Let's go to the park, I'll explain it to you."
***
- In the Park -
Our childhood playground. This park is close to our house. Only a few meters away. When we were little, we often played in this park together. This park not only has a place to play, but also has a comfortable place to chat.
After arriving at the park, Erika and I sat on a wooden park bench. We sat side by side.
"So, now tell me everything, the reason you said that, and why you've been so worried and wanted to protect me," I said.
Whether it was because it was getting late, or because this was a topic of discussion that we shouldn't have discussed, I felt a bit nervous and scared, plus, Erika's expression suddenly turned very serious. I felt the atmosphere around me feel a bit tense.
"Before that, I want to ask you. Do you really want to know? Even though after knowing all this you can no longer return to your normal life?" Erika asked with a very serious face.
Ha, my normal life? Too bad Erika, since the incident 'that night', I have indeed not been able to return to my normal life.
"Yes, even so, I still want to know. Tell me everything you know," I answered to convince Erika.
For a few moments Erika looked at me hesitantly, whether she would tell me or not. Even so, I continued to convince her to tell me.
Erika sighed knowing my stubbornness that didn't want to hear her advice and still wanted to know all of it.
"Okay... You might not believe it. But, what I'm saying is the truth," Erika said with a serious face.
---