Kira's POV
I can feel my tears flowing down my cheeks as I stare at the bench we often go to. I took a deep breath and let the wind slap my face consecutive times. I would be lying if I said I am not emotional at this moment. After six years, we are now about to embark on a new journey towards our dreams. It gives me a weird feeling, maybe a nostalgic one, and it's overwhelming me. I know a few years from now, I will look back and see this school as a part of my memory, and not a part of my present anymore.
Thinking about it makes me want to tear up, considering how this school molded me into my love for art and studying.
"Oh, you're here!" When I looked back, I saw Mizu, wearing his toga. I can hear the medals on his neck, clanking as he runs toward where I am. As I stare at him, I can't help but smile. He has always been the most attractive one in my eyes, but now that he is all dressed up, with his hair curled up, I can't deny that he has become even more attractive.
High school didn't only make me realize what I love to do, but also what kind of person I am. I thought it would be just a phase, but why do my feelings never leave for 10 years?
"Your mom is looking for you," he told me and patted my shoulder. I smiled a little and looked down. I am not sure if this would be the perfect time, and I know I am burying our friendship alive if this fails, but keeping this for years might not be good for me.
"Hey Mizu, got a second?"
"Sure, why?"
I grabbed his arm and started running. In Japanese, Mizu means water, and just like water, Mizu has always been clear about his thoughts. He never second-guesses himself and never takes back whatever he utters. Perhaps, that is the main reason why I fell for him. Other people may find it odd, considering how tactful he is, but he is the only one who has always been upfront about it. I feel like people often lie in front of me, just to make me feel good and be fine. Unlike them, Mizu tells me all sorts of things, no matter if it makes me happy or sad.
"Why? Why do we need to go to here?" Mizu asked as soon as we reached the bench near the highway. "I know we both often go here, but…why are we here?"
I smiled at him and tightened my grasp on his arm. The smile on his face disappeared, which made me bawl my eyes out. I looked down and began crying. I've always been worried and scared about the future, and having my classmates as well as Mizu gives me comfort that I could do well in school. Now that we are about to enter college, fear overtakes me.
"Is there something wrong?" Mizu asked and hugged me tightly. We are just neighbors, but I admit that things might change after this. He will go to a different place to pursue architecture while I stay here and enter my local college to study Fine Arts. I buried my face in his neck, and just like the usual, his perfume smells fresh, like a citrus one. It suits the youthful image of him I've always adored.
"I need to tell you something.." my voice cracked, the reason why Mizu immediately moved away. He cupped my face and removed the tears on my cheeks.
"Hey, don't cry. Mimi might see you!" he teased me and patted my head. He has always shipped me to our classmate named Mimi. She is a shy and innocent one, and like me, she likes art. I try to force myself to like her since she is a genuine one, but I can't.
"I like you, Mizu."
"I like you too, Kira."
"Shut up, you know what I am talking about!" I shouted. Mizu moved since I pushed him away. Suddenly, a deafening silence was heard. I can't decipher what Mizu feels, but his eyes are becoming filled with tears. Vehicles pass by, and no one still dared to talk. He looked down and laughed.
"Stop fooling around, Kira. How can you like a guy?"
"I don't know…"
"What the hell? What's gotten into you?"
I glanced at him and started tearing up again.
"I thought you were okay with people no matter what their gender is?" I whispered.
"Yeah, but I can't expect that my only best friend would be one!" he shouted and looked back. "I am so disappointed."
"I am sorry…"
He turned to me, with his eyes full of tears.
"You are a traitor!" he screamed. "Remember this day since this would be the last time I will be talking to you!"
Each word pierced a knife through my heart. I found myself even more hurt after hearing his thoughts.
"You are lucky, we are now graduates! We cannot see each other from now on," he added, starting to walk towards the pedestrian lane. However, when I saw a vehicle that was about to come, I immediately called his name.
"Mizu!"
He looked back, and when our eyes met, I saw how his eyes turned red and his eyebrows furrowed. I immediately pushed him toward the other side of the lane, and in a second, I could feel the impact of the vehicle, making me roll down the street. I started chasing my breath, and as I stared at the sky, I felt a sense of contentment. Perhaps, my life ends here. At least, I died for the one I love.
As I slowly lose consciousness, and my vision gets blurry, I can feel a faint sound coming from afar. I closed my eyes and smiled.
I didn't know I would get reunited with my brother this early.