People only see what they are shown, which leads to people forming their opinions. If someone thinks they have seen everything about something they aren’t going to look for the truth of the situation instead they’ll spread their version. Most times that outsider’s version becomes far more popular than the truth.

Even after knowing that, I believed a fictionalized version of the relationship that was between Akane and Watari. The version that was more satisfying to hear, Akane and Watari were closer in the eyes of people who heard that version, it was a truly perfect relationship between two perfect people. The people who were in that fantasy relationship don’t exist.

When someone is fed these fantasies and then forced to see the reality they lose the sense of the person they have come to accept. They refuse to see the truth, only wanting to live in the world where their fantasies were true.

Akane and Watari were never as close as the whole school thinks, there are things neither of them knows about each other. There are so many little things that they should know about each other. Akane doesn’t know about Watari’s friends outside of school, she doesn’t know what career path he’s choosing and Watari doesn’t realize how he is affecting Akane. While everyone thinks they are perfect for each other, in reality they are nothing more than acquaintances.

“We need to find out where he’ll be for the workplace tour. Can you just ask him?” Even if she hadn’t asked him, Akane has a better chance to get an answer than anyone else.

“I do not think it will work. We… We have not talked about careers before.” She said, looking down on the courtyard where a bunch of students were running around. Some performing their club duties other playing around with their friends and some doing chores no one else would do like watering the flower beds.

“Just what kind of relationship do you two have?”

Akane grips the roof railing firmly and looks at me with a murderous glance, “I have warned you about speaking about things you do not know.”

“I know. But it’s hard to help you if you keep on refusing to talk about it.”

“I did not ask you to help me, I told you to not get involved. You can walk away anytime you like.”

It’s true that she didn’t ask me to help her, I forced my help on her. However, being not involved wouldn’t solve anything for me, especially when I’m already this deep. I need to see this through and fade away from her life quietly.

“Fine. I’ll find a way to know what career Watari will be choosing. Just be sure to choose the same.”

“You can count me out of this plan. I have already chosen a career.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“What do you mean you’ve chosen a career? Do you even wanna find out who Airi is?”

“A stranger is not more important than my career.” Akane turns her head away to hide her expressions.

It's not important? Then why have I been doing all this? Not just me, why did you look so bothered by Watari talking to someone? How can you say that it’s not important after being so disturbed by it?

“Fine, I'll talk to him myself.” I’ve always done things on my own. Everything I’ve done so far was for myself anyway.

Akane opens her mouth to say something but no words come out, she nods her head down and walks past me towards the door that leads back into the school.

I can’t say I was surprised by her choosing her career. After the time I’ve spent with her I know Watari and Akane aren’t as close as everyone thinks they are. I haven’t even seen them talk to each other alone. But if this relationship means nothing then why keep it going? Akane isn’t the type of person to put her efforts into something she doesn’t care about. Her reactions to everything makes it clear that there is something bothering her when it comes to Watari. I know questioning all of this won’t help me get my previous life back but I… I want to understand Akane. I know there’s no point in understanding her, I will fade out of her life like I’ve always done, we’ll go our different ways, never seeing each other.

I have to talk to someone who has known Akane for longer than I have. Ann. I have to talk to Ann.

***

As the final bell of the school rings, I start stuffing my stationary in my bag. I try to not look at Akane who’s gaze could be felt watching my back. If she had asked me why I’m in such a hurry I would have told her I have some plan I need to work on but Akane said nothing. I walked out of the class without looking back.

I have to catch up to Ann before she leaves for home.

Fortunately, as I reach closer to her classroom I can see Ann leaving the classroom. I increase my pace, Ann turns towards me probably because she heard me coming, I wasn’t trying to be silent anyway. She stops, before I could reach her, however, Miyuki comes out of the class after her. It seems they were going to go home together, that won’t work today, I need to talk to Ann about Akane or I won’t be able to do anything, for Akane or for myself.

As I keep walking toward Ann, Miyuki notices me and waves to me. I keep walking towards Miyuki and Ann, who seems to wonder why I would be approaching her. When I get close to them Miyuki walks up to me and asks, “Arima-san, are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine. Are you two going home?”

“We were going to spend some time practicing in the drama club room.” Ann speaks up, looking at me with suspicious eyes, “Is something wrong?”

“Can I talk to you, Amamiya-san?”

“Right now?” Ann was surprised, expectedly so. It wasn’t like we knew each other well enough to be having conversations alone. “But I promised Kai I will help him practice today.”

“It’s okay Ann,” Miyuki exclaims, “it seems Arima-san wants to talk about something important. And today’s club activities aren’t compulsory so you can head home for today.” Miyuki says with a smile, but I could tell he was disappointed.

“But Kai–”

“Don’t worry about it. We can practice later.” Miyuki cuts Ann off.

“I’m sorry Miyuki-san, I didn’t mean to interrupt your plans but I really do need to talk to Amamiya-san.” It feels really bad to ruin Miyuki’s plan, I hadn’t felt this bad before.

“It’s Kai. Please don’t worry about it. I can see how serious you are. Ann, I’ll be fine. Just go home for today.” Miyuki nods his head, still smiling, “But I do have one condition for Arima-san.”

“Anything you say, Miyuki-san.”

“It’s Kai. If you are not going to call me by my first name… at least drop the ‘-san’,” Miyuki blushes, “It feels so formal when you talk to me, we are friends now.”

I could feel myself blushing, for a moment I spaced out. After composing myself I bow my head, “Thank you, Miyuki-sa–.... Miyuki.”

A warm smile takes over his face, a genuine smile. He seems happy just when people are friendly towards him, he will one day make a perfect partner for someone lucky.

Miyuki shakes her head, “No, Thank you, Arima.” turning towards Ann, “I’ll be going to the club room, see you later Ann, Arima.”

“I’ll see you later Kai, Thanks.” Ann turns towards me, “Is everything okay? What do you wanna talk about?”

“Can we go outside?”