ACT II - The Third Reveal I

Days were passing on and on. The busy period of exams was over, and all students were enjoying the excitement of the warm days summer had brought. Everyone had such big smiles on my face, anticipating what summer would offer for them and their friends… Except for me.

Me? I was simply falling down into a depression hole, more and more everyday. I felt pathetic. Despite being surrounded by my amazing friends, their glimmering just brought more self-hatred to me. Of course, I didn't let them know—I didn't want to taint anything with my unnecessary self doubt. I just put on a fake smile, and 'enjoyed' our time together.

I… Felt like a monster for not being fully into these moments. After all, they were supposed to be the most important memories of my Spring of Youth. But in reality… I just felt like nothing would change if I was cut from the picture. My friends would keep on shining in their own special ways, always… With or without me.

Thankfully, there was something even my depression spell couldn't take away from me: My love for moving my body. I looked forward to my club activities, running was my go-to for forgetting about all this negativity I was drowning under.

That day, as usual, I was on my way to my locker to take my training clothes out after class. Suddenly, I felt someone wrap their arms around my waist.

"I captured a wild Yuujin-chaaan~"

Ah, it was Micchan. The ever bright and cheerful Micchan…

"Hey, Micchan! You're on your way to the lockers, too?" The artificial sugar glazed on top of my voice disgusted me.

"Yuuup~ Today we have a mock match, so I'm super thrilled!" She had an excited skip to her walk. It wasn't fake, it could never be. She truly enjoyed life to the fullest… I wished her luck on her match, and made her promise that she'd text me the results. She agreed with utmost enthusiasm.

Right before the lockers, she suddenly skipped to stand in front of me. I got startled, not expecting her purple eyes to meet mine so abruptly. "Hey, Yuujin-chan. Why do you look so tired lately? You aren't overexerting yourself, are you~?"

Huh, she had noticed my mood despite my efforts of hiding everything…? No, I couldn't just surrender yet.

"Huh? No, not at all, Micchan! Just kinda couldn't sleep well lately, that's all. Thank you for the concern, though! I'm fine." She was still staring directly into my eyes. Not wanting her to read my soul, I looked away in a haste. Which… Just made her suspect me more.

"Lying doesn't suit an honest person like you, Yuujin." Woah, she had dropped the chan, and her voice sounded so serious…!

"I… Understand the feeling of hiding your burdens from people, I really do. But, you're my dear friend, and I want you to know that I'm ready to listen to you, no matter what." I got a shiver down my spine from the sincerity of her expression. This wasn't the usual Michiru Sayonaka… And all I could do was to nod and thank her.

Then, in an instant, the usual bubbly and ditzy girl was back. Taking off her school slippers in a hurry, she said "Oops! This wasn't the best time for a chat, I gotta go or else the match will have to begin without a libero! My offer still stands, though, feel free to talk with me anytime! Now… Can you hand me my sneakers, please…?" I opened her locker, rushing to hand over her iconic pair of white volleyball shoes, dirty and worn out from usage.

Just as I was thinking how the size seemed a tad bigger for her small frame, I found myself in the entrance of a house. Judging from the point of view, I was now in a Reveal, triggered by her volleyball shoes…!

There were some urgent-sounding footsteps approaching, and I anticipated what I was about to witness. Sure, I had told myself that I wouldn't risk to see Reveals anymore, but if they happened—I had no choice but to watch the memories unfold!

A young female voice called out "Hey, can you get my shoes ready? At this point, my team will have to start the final match without their captain…!" An even younger girl's voice replied back. "Yeees, onee-chan!" The small owner of the voice ran to pick the shoes up. It was none other than Micchan, in her long-haired childhood version that I was more than familiar with…!

I marveled at the fact that the glasses were able to take me back so many years into the past. While it was true that I was able to pick up information about even the antique items of the shop, I wasn't expecting such a thing from a full-fledged Reveal…!

My childhood friend picked the shoes up and waited for her older sister. I faintly remembered her presence, from the times she'd visit the elementary school to pick up her more timid and shy younger sister, or to support her in a school event. When she entered my field of vision, I fully remembered her: Yachiru, with her mesmerizing light blonde hair, and gentle lilac eyes; she was Micchan's older sister in high school. She put the shoes on and gave a few quick headpats on Micchan's small head.

"I'll be leaving ahead, but I'll be waiting for your cheering when the match begins, alright~?" Micchan smiled, her front tooth missing. "Yeees~ Mommy, Daddy and Michiru will come to support onee-chan when the match begins!" With her younger sister's supportive waves of goodbye, Yachiru went off to practice for seemingly the final match of the season.

Then, the scene faded into another. This time, the shoes were back to their place in the entrance, the setting being nighttime. I was curious about the results of the match, but I had no control over what I'd be seeing next. In an instant, my feeling of positive curiosity changed into terror. There were screams and shouts coming inside the house…!