The Aftermath

Grey clouds corrupted yesterday’s bright, sunny day. As predicted, when the news of Kaede and Ichiro’s breakup spread through the school, people were gossiping about it. Kazuyuki hated the constant questions that were thrown at him and his friends. Even Fuyumi was questioned, which made her feel very uncomfortable. Kazuyuki’s time at school was now comprised of protecting Fuyumi from large crowds and refusing to answer any questions. As a result, his group had to flee their usual spot and move to the roof.

After school, he would head over to Kaede’s house. She had locked herself in her room, and she refused to speak to anyone. He knew that she needed to be alone for a while, but sometimes he had the urge to break down the door and make sure she was okay.

It seemed that Ichiro also took the breakup hard, despite arguably being the cause of it. His friends frowned upon him, disgusted by the way he treated the sweet girl who had devoted herself to him for a year and a half. However, Kazuyuki somewhat pitied the boy. When he bumped into Ichiro, they spoke about the situation.

“How is Kaede doing?”

“Oh, so now you’re worried about her?” Kazuyuki said, annoyed at the fact that it was like Ichiro had forgotten what he did to her.

Ichiro fell silent. It was clear that he knew what he did was wrong.

“How are you doing?”

“Besides feeling guilty, I’m doing okay, I guess.”

“Have you started dating that girl yet?”

“We both thought it would be best to wait until everything dies down.”

“Fair enough. When she returns, keep your distance from her. It’d be best for all of us if you don’t try to make contact with her for a while.”

Kazuyuki walked away. He might not have known Ichiro as long as Kaede, but he had gotten to know him, and he believed he was a good person who had sadly given into his temptations. He would never forget what he did to his friend, but he would try to forgive him.

All that was left of their group was him, Fuyumi, Nori, and Daisuke. But Daisuke had to attend club activities, and Nori would sometimes hang out with her other friends, leaving Kazuyuki and Fuyumi behind.

Kazuyuki also realised that Fuyumi was acting differently, seemingly trying her best to cheer him up. Whenever Daisuke would do something stupid in class, Kazuyuki was the first one Fuyumi would look at. This would lead to both of them laughing because of each other’s reactions. They also began an inside joke: Fuyumi taught him how to say “help” in sign language, and they would use this sign on many occasions, whether they needed serious help or wanted to do the sign for the fun of it. Despite all the darkness, Fuyumi was there to light up Kazuyuki’s day.

One day, Kazuyuki’s mother gave him a bag of her freshly made Gyoza to give to Kaede; this was her favourite dish, and whenever she came over, Kazuyuki’s mother would cook it for her.

At the Hara residence, Kaede’s little sister opened the door and welcomed Kazuyuki back into their home. Like the days before, she hadn’t left her room. Kazuyuki knocked on her door.

“Kaede. My mum made your favourite food.”

There was no reply.

“I’ll just leave it here in front of your door. You should eat it while it’s still warm.”

He placed the bag down in front of the door. He was about to leave, but something compelled him to stay, and so he sank down, cross-legged, in front of her door.

The door creaked open, and out peaked Kaede. She saw the food on the floor and went to grab it, but then she noticed Kazuyuki sitting there, causing her to jump back and scream.

He crawled up to the door to check on her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Can I come in?”

“Sure.”

Kazuyuki entered the room. It had been a while since he last went into Kaede’s bedroom. Its walls were painted a soft, neutral white, which was covered by posters of idols. There was a large glass door that opened up to the balcony. It was opened wide, so there was a cold breeze filling the room. On her bed, there were plushies and pillows that she had collected over the years. The bedding consisted of a simple duvet cover in a subtle pattern. Opposite the bed was a minimalistic wooden desk, perfect for studying or creative endeavours, and beside it was a bookshelf filled with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books.

The two sat down on the bed, its softness easing Kazuyuki’s tension.

“It’s been a while since I’ve gone in your room.”

“Yeah. It hasn’t changed much since you were last in here.”

“How are you doing?”

“I’m feeling better.”

“That’s good.”

The room was engulfed in an awkward silence as all conversation seemed to evaporate into the cold, thin air.

Kaede brought some plates and cutlery up and shared the Gyoza with him. He wanted to say more to her, like “None of this was your fault”, or “Are you sure there’s nothing you want to do about this?” He thought that it would be best if he just comforted her rather than questioning her.

After eating, Kaede brought the dishes downstairs, leaving Kazuyuki in her room. He looked around a little bit and found ripped photos in the trash. The tears in the photos emphasised the anguish Kaede had supposedly been through since the breakup.

When she returned, she found him sitting on her bed. He extended his arms out, and she took the offer and wrapped her arms around him. She gripped tighter, which made them fall onto the bed. Kazuyuki was worried that her parents might see them in this position, but it was evident that Kaede needed the hug, so he continued to hug her. And like a mother comforting her child, Kazuyuki gently caressed her head.

Time passed, and they eventually found themselves sitting next to each other on the bed, sharing his headphones and listening to music.

Kaede laid her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Kazuyuki.”

“Anytime.”

The next day, Kaede, accompanied by Kazuyuki, returned to school. The gossip about her and Ichiro’s breakup had thankfully died down.

Kazuyuki was happy to see their friends welcome her back, and he was glad that Kaede was slowly becoming her old, energetic self again.

During class, he was falling asleep when something hit him in the face. He found a small, handmade purple star on his desk. He looked around to see who had thrown it, but no one seemed suspicious to him.

After class ended, Fuyumi turned around and made eye contact with him. “Do you like it?”

Kazuyuki realised that the star was made by her. “Is it for me?”

“Of course. I want you to have it.”

Her sweet face glowed brightly. It appeared that she was still trying to cheer him up.

“I’ll take it. Thanks.”

Fuyumi let out a small giggle, which made Kazuyuki smile. He would cherish the purple star his entire life.