The Words That Can’t Be Said

That was supposed to be the same dream as always, but it felt different. Not that Ayumu could really put into words what was really different, after all, he wouldn't remember anything when he wake up.

Even so, this was still the same indescribable and ephemeral place where a girl was always present.

As usual, Ayumu approached the girl who unlike the previous times, seemed to be sad. She looked into Ayumu's eyes, but the words she repeated so many times before were not said this time.

The sun was rising, slowly brightening that street where two girls faced each other a few steps apart from one another. A girl with long white hair and the other with long black hair.

"Now you understand? Any attempt or even intention to tell him will end up that way.”

The black haired girl who wore a black gothic dress had a tone of dissatisfaction in her voice.

"But now that thing is dead, so…"

Akemi was quickly interrupted.

"Dead? Of course! Someone new around here like you wouldn't be able to feel that."

"What are you talking about?"

“That thing has already revived.”

“It revived?!”

"Yes. I can feel its presence.”

“Hearing that, the expression on Akemi's face became more serious. The other girl gave a sneer and continued.”

“That thing might even be immortal, dying for a moment, but always coming back to life a short time later.”

“Did you already know that?”

"Of course not. So I thank you for revealing this to me. But…"

Her dissatisfaction turned into anger.

“I don't need an ally, so could you disappear? I've already invested an awful lot of time here and I don't want to share the prize with someone who appeared at the very end.”

“And who said I wanted to be your ally?”

"I can't do much against you right now, but you'll regret it in the end if you keep butting in."

As if she didn't care about that, Akemi turned her back on the girl and started walking.

Well, it doesn't matter what that girl does, as the result will be the same. In the end, I'll get rid of her and take my prize.

A smile appeared on the black haired girl's face and then, she disappeared.

The alarm rang, causing Ayumu to wake up slowly, but he soon remembered what had happened the day before and got up at once.

"Akemi!"

He looked around and saw that he was in his room.

How did I get here?

The alarm was still ringing and annoyed by that, Ayumu turned it off. At that moment, the door opened, revealing a girl with a long white hair.

“Ayumu, did you wake up?”

“Akemi!?”

“Get ready for school and let’s eat, I made breakfast. And then we'll go to school together.”

"What did you say?"

The door closed without an answer.

What's going on here?

Without any other option, Ayumu did as Akemi said and got ready for school. After that, he met with Akemi who was sitting at the table.

“I hope you like what I did! And sorry! I used some stuff from your fridge without asking.”

Akemi said with a smile while Ayumu went to the table. He sat down and grabbed something to eat, but his doubts wouldn't go away.

"Akemi, about yesterday…"

“Oh, of course you would be confused. But yeah, it did happen, or maybe it was just a nightmare.”

"What do you mean?"

“Some parts of the street were destroyed, right? But the TV didn’t mention anything.”

Akemi pointed to the TV that was on.

“Just a nightmare? But that…!”

Ayumu remembered when he received the blow that broke his ribs and when he beat the monster to death.

“Yes, we certainly experienced something very strange, but how could all that destruction not be mentioned by the news? Maybe just like your wounds, everything disappeared.”

“My wounds…”

Ayumu had already checked when changing clothes and saw nothing wrong with his body, but even so, he placed his left hand on his chest.

“Don't worry, you're completely healed. So… I can't find any explanation for what happened!”

Akemi looked as lost as Ayumu.

We were attacked by something that looked like a demon, something completely unreal. Trying to protect Akemi I almost died, but not only did I heal completely but I managed to defeat that thing. And after that…

“Akemi, how did you know where I lived?”

“Oh, you told me before you passed out. I asked because your house was closer than mine.”

"Really? My memories are kind fuzzy.”

"Yes. I saw that your wounds were gone and I didn't know how I could explain the situation to the police or to the doctors at the hospital.”

It's really something hard to explain, but I feel like there's still something wrong with this story… Well, Akemi is my friend, so the problem is the monster that appeared.

“How about we eat in peace now and worry about it later when we get back to the place where it all happened? We'll have to go there anyway.”

Akemi suggested with a smile.

"You're right, we need more information."

The two ended up eating in silence and stayed that way until they arrived at the scene of yesterday's battle.

"What's going on here?"

It was impossible for Ayumu to hide his surprise, after all the place was completely normal, with cars passing along the street and even students heading to the same school as him.

"If you weren't with me, I'd think I was getting crazy."

Akemi commented as she placed her left hand on her forehead.

"If we mention anything to anyone, they’ll surely think we've gone mad."

Ayumu was now making a serious expression, while trying to draw some conclusion that would make sense.

“Let's go, Ayumu. People are looking at us.”

"Sure."

The two finished their way to school and when class started, Ayumu couldn't do anything but think about what happened. And during the lunch break, the two went to eat together in the schoolyard after buying something in the cafeteria.

“Ayumu, are you feeling anything different? After all, not only did you move extremely fast, you also showed superhuman strength.”

"I don't feel anything different, in fact, I don't think I can repeat what I did yesterday."

Ayumu looked at his right hand, opening and closing it several times.

"I really don't know what to say about that, but what matters is that you saved me." Akemi took Ayumu's right hand. “Thank you so much for saving me!”

"It was nothing…"

Ayumu's face turned red. Akemi released his hand and spoke again.

“I have an idea. Thinking about what happened will not help us at all, because it was something completely unreal! So let's try to forget about that and get on with our lives. If something weird happens again, then we’ll think of something.”

In other words, she wants to run away from this matter. Well, it was a traumatic event and it was something really absurd, so I understand her perspective, but is this the right thing to do? Wouldn't it be better to try to understand everything now?

Ayumu was thinking really hard, but then he noticed Akemi's gaze. Her eyes begging to him to go along with that idea.

Ah, there's no way I can deny it with her looking at me like that!

"Alright, let's do this."

“Thank you, Ayumu!”

She hugged him.

“Huh!? Akemi!?”

And the lunch break ended without them touching the subject further.

The summer days passed without much happening and that strange event seemed more and more just like a bad dream.

Summer break arrived and Ayumu arranged with some friends to go to a festival that would take place near his house. Everyone would go to his house and then head to the festival.

On the night of the festival, Ayumu was looking at the clock in the living room. He was already ready to go.

They’re late. How has no one arrived yet?

And as if to answer him, the doorbell rang.

"I am going."

Ayumu opened the door and immediately turned red upon seeing Akemi.

"Sorry! I’m late!"

She was wearing a yukata and in her hair was a red flower.

"How I am?"

“Oh, the yukata suits you very much!”

"Really?"

Akemi smiled while Ayumu tried to act normally.

“The others are really late! Maybe something happened...”

Ayumu got his phone to send a message to the others, but it was obvious that he did it so he could look away from Akemi.

“Huh? You mean I was the first one to arrive?”

"Yes. I don’t know what is… Hmm?”

Ryou quickly replied to the message.

We won't go with you. Actually, everything was just to create a moment for you to be alone with Akemi. So, good luck!

“Those bastards!”

“What happened, Ayumu?”

"Ah, it's just that something unexpected happened and they told us to go alone."

“Something unexpected? With everyone?"

“That's what they said...”

Akemi didn't seem to believe in that excuse.

"Let's not let this bother us and let's go!"

Ayumu closed the door of the house and walked away. Akemi watched for a moment and then followed him.

A summer festival. Ayumu had no memories of ever being in one. Maybe he'd even gone with his parents once, but his mind chose to forget it. But now he was in one and was even accompanied by a friend.

That festive and cheerful atmosphere plus Akemi who was always smiling taking him from stall to stall, quickly filled him with positive feelings.

"Ayumu, let's go over there!"

Akemi held his hand and started to walk, Ayumu letting himself be carried away by that girl.

During all these years that have passed, I've missed countless moments like this one, haven't I?

What happened, happened. There was no way to go back and redo it.

The parties he didn't go to. The trips he didn't take. The school activities he ignored. The friendships he never had.

Regrets.

The lonely boy would exist forever in his memories.

“Ayumu, what happened?”

The two had sat down to eat something when Akemi noticed a tear running down Ayumu's face.

"Hmm?"

Ayumu used his left hand to wipe the tear.

"It’s nothing... I just remembered a few things."

"Sad things?"

“To be honest, I've never been to a festival like this one before. Until last year I was isolating myself from the world.” Ayumu looked up to the sky. “I lost my parents when I was very young and that made me close myself. I ended up wasting my life and this year I wanted to change, make friends, have fun...”

“Oh, that's why there was no one else in your house. I'm sorry."

"Forget it. What really matters is that I am here with you now.”

A short moment of silence and then Akemi took Ayumu’s left hand, the one not holding his food.

“Unfortunately, we can't do anything about the past, but it's like you said, Ayumu! You are here! You managed to change, you managed to break the barrier that was between you and the world! Many who are in the same situation as you fail to do so, so be proud of yourself! It's never too late to create a new starting point! So, let's welcome the future with a smile, together!”

At that moment, fireworks began to rise to the sky and explode. Ayumu stared at that girl who was smiling to him, his heart racing. A few moments passed until he finally managed to speak.

"That’s right! Enough of being depressed! Thank you, Akemi!”

A big smile appeared on Ayumu's face and the two continued there eating and watching the fireworks in the sky.

At the end of the festival, the two walked back home. The city was silent and only the moon seemed to be watching them.

What do I really want to do? Why did I approach him?

Lost in thought, Akemi stopped.

“Huh? Did something happen, Akemi?”

Ayumu also stopped and faced the girl.

After that attack, did I lose sight of my objective? Or is this what I wanted to do? I could have just waited for this to be over, but I came here anyway…

Still thinking, Akemi didn't notice the demon that appeared behind her.

“Akemi, watch out!”

Ayumu's body moved in an instant, faster than any human could move. A response to the absolute urge of wanting to protect that girl. However, his punch was blocked by the demon and Ayumu backed off slightly.

“Why is this monster still alive!? I'm sure I killed it!"

Why is this thing here? Did it react just because I thought about that? I wasn't even going to say anything to Ayumu!

While the two were confused, a girl in a black gothic dress watched everything from the roof of a house.

“Oh! Its appearance has changed a bit! It's even more monstrous! Good to see that my action is showing results.”

The girl in black was right, although it was the same demon as before, its horns were much bigger.

“Ayumu, can you fight this thing?”

Akemi's voice had a panicked tone.

“It doesn't matter if I can do it or not! I will protect you anyway!”

As if it responded to his will, his strength increased.

The demon didn't wait for Ayumu and attacked, its target was Akemi.

"I won’t let you!"

Ayumu lunged forward with a punch and the demon blocked it by putting its arms in front of it. The impact was so strong that a bang echoed through the empty street.

“No effect!?”

To Ayumu's dismay, his absurd strength that was enough to easily defeat the demon last time now seemed to be ineffective.

"Let's try again!"

Ayumu threw an extremely fast sequence of punches, but the demon managed to keep up with the attacks, parrying some and dodging others, until it did a small leap backwards to gain distance.

“This thing got stronger! And my attacks…"

“They are working!”

"Hmm?"

"Look! The demon is panting!”

"You're right! So if I manage to land a few attacks…!”

The demon moved forward again, but now trying to hit Ayumu with its left hand. Ayumu reacted quickly and dodged, but the demon followed that attack with its claw, forcing him to do a small leap backwards. A leap that was insufficient to completely avoid the attack and the claw tore his clothes in the belly region, leaving also a superficial cut on his body.

“Ayumu!”

That claw is a problem! I need to end this fast!

The two continued exchanging attacks, without anyone actually hitting the target directly and that meant the demon had the upper hand. A cut on Ayumu's cheek, another on his arm, another on his chest. His body was getting covered with wounds.

Akemi continued to watch in despair, while the girl in black watched everything with a smile on her face.

There's no way I can win like this, so…!

Blood fell to the floor.

“Ayumu!!!”

The claw pierced his belly.

"I got you!"

With the claw still there, Ayumu grabbed the demon's right arm with his left hand. The demon tried to pull the claw back, but couldn't do it. Ayumu responded to that with a strong punch to its face. And quickly another punch hit it. Another punch was already coming, but the demon used its other arm to defend itself, preventing any further attacks from hitting its face.

Ayumu roared and continued attacking. The demon still defending itself as it tried to break free.

Stronger! Faster! I need to win!

A reality where a monster exists can easily be distorted to accommodate such wish.

I’ll win!

The attacks were accelerating, the strenght increasing. The demon’s arm couldn’t take it anymore and broke, making it scream more in anger than in pain. Without something to protect it, its face was hit countless times, until its skull broke too. Ayumu felt that his enemy's strength had completely disappeared and he released the claw that was still in his belly. The demon fell to the ground, disappearing afterwards like it was turning into dust.

"Oh, he won.", the girl in black took a watch from her pocket. "Let's see how long until that thing comes back to life."

“Ayumu! Are you okay?"

Akemi approached him, looking at his belly that had been pierced.

"I am fine…"

“The wound… disappeared.”

Just like last time, Ayumu passed out. Akemi held him again and took him home.

The sun was rising and the girl who was sleeping on the sofa in the living room slowly opened her eyes.

What should I do? What I want to do?

Akemi got up and looked around her.

At first I wanted to tell him so he could make his choice. But now…

Something caught the girl's attention and she went to the frame with the picture of Ayumu and his parents.

This photo… Oh, I see.

Akemi took a deep breath.

"I'll at least make breakfast for him."

About two hours later, Ayumu woke up.

"Akemi!"

He quickly got up as he remembered what had happened the night before. Without even changing his clothes, he went to the living room looking for Akemi and found the table full of food, but there was no one there. Ayumu approached the table and found a note.

“Please eat a lot. Your friend, Akemi.”

Ayumu ran back to his room, got his phone and called Akemi.

The number you dialed…

"Why!?"

Frustrated, Ayumu threw the phone on the bed.

And I don't even know where she lives!

The finals days of the summer break passed without Akemi and Ayumu making any contact.

On the first day of school, Ayumu didn't meet Akemi inside the train, but when he got off at the station, he quickly found her sitting on a bench.

“Good morning, Akemi.”

Ayumu spoke as he approached her.

“Good morning, Ayumu.”

She had her head down, looking at the floor.

“Akemi, about these last few days…”

“I'm sorry!” She finally looked at him. “After that night, I didn't know what to do and ended up cutting off contact with you! You… must hate me now.”

“Why would I hate you just for something like that? I was just worried! And confused too!”

“Ayumu...”

“About what happened...”

"Please, let's not talk about that!"

"Huh? But didn’t we agree that if it happened again...”

“To be honest, as we were walking home that night, I ended up thinking about the first attack and in the exact moment I did that, we were attacked again!”

“That must have been a coincidence!”

"No! You don't understand, Ayumu! I'm the target of that thing! And I don't want to put you in danger!"

"But…!"

"Please! Accept this selfish request of mine! Let’s forget about it once and for all!” I can't tell him the truth! And right now I'm risking making it appear again!

“Akemi...”

Ayumu looked into her pleading eyes.

"Okay, but you must promise you’ll really talk with me if that happens again. I won't accept excuses."

"Yes, I promise."

It was really a strange and confusing situation for Ayumu. They were attacked twice by something that shouldn't exist in this world and these two times Ayumu demonstrated abnormal strength and managed to heal from mortal wounds. Also, the girl he saved seemed to want to close her eyes and pretend that nothing had happened.

Why did the demon want to attack Akemi? What secret was behind all this? These questions would go unanswered with Ayumu wanting to respect the sincere wish of the girl who was now part of his life.

Days, weeks, months passed. The promise was kept and the days of peace reigned. It looked like that the wish of the girl in the dream had been granted and Ayumu was happy. All thanks to a white-haired girl who always seemed to be by his side.

“Ayumu, are you two dating yet?”

“W-W-What are you talking about, Takashi? We're just good friends…"

"But you like her don't you?"

Ayumu turned red and didn't respond.

“Look that face! You should act before someone takes her from you!”

The truth is that Ayumu never thought about that. He just wanted the days to stay the way they were right now forever. But that wouldn’t be allowed.

Autumn was already coming to an end and that was supposed to be a regular day of school.

There was still some time left before class when Ayumu and Akemi entered the classroom. Halfway to their seats, they stopped to chat with Ryou and Takashi.

The classroom was already quite full. Students laughing and talking everywhere. And suddenly, everyone went silent. Ayumu looked at what had captured everyone's attention. Standing on top of the teacher's desk, the girl in the black dress made an announcement.

"It's time to end this farse!"

“W-What are you going to do!?”

Akemi asked desperately.

"This world is already reaching its end anyway, so I'm going to speed things up a bit."

“No… It can't be… You…!”

"Akemi, what's going on?"

Ayumu asked confused.

“That poor thing doesn't know anything and you standing next to him is getting in my way! I had thought about waiting, but watching you two is making me want to throw up! So…"

"No! Stop!"

“This world must...”

She couldn't finish that sentence. Her body had been split in two by the demon that had appeared behind her.

Silence persisted for a moment, with Ayumu and Akemi not believing in what they were seeing. And then, a girl screamed.

"No!!!"

Chaos spread through the classroom, with students trying to get out of there. Near the teacher's desk, a girl was crying as she gently shook a friend in her arms, that friend covered in blood from having been hit too.

“Sakura! Stay with me, Sakura!”

In a moment, that day was destroyed and turned into a nightmare. The demon looked around, clicked its tongue and then, it pointed its claw towards Ayumu who realized what was going to happen.

"You...!"

Ayumu was going to attack but the demon was much faster than him and its claw easily applied its final judgment and Ayumu fell to the floor. With its objective completed, the demon disappeared.

“Ayumu!!!”

Akemi approached him and held his right hand with both of her hands.

“Akemi...”

"Don't say anything, please!"

"That... won't make any difference... I can't feel my legs... it's the end for me…"

He looked into the eyes of the girl who was crying.

"Don’t cry…"

“Ayumu, I… I'm sorry! This is all my fault!"

Ayumu shook his head.

"I'm so... glad to have met you... You've become... my light... I wanted to... spend more time with you…"

“We… We can do this! Next time, I will come to you again! I will be your friend again! We can create happy memories together again! So…!"

"'Next time'? What are you talking about…? There won't be... a next time...”

He looked one last time at the girl next to him.

“I wish… we could have… a next time…”

At that moment, his life came to an end.