"Keira, don't worry you're father will be okay."

"Be okay?! Mom, he's on the verge dying and you're here saying he'd be okay? Seriously?"

Mom burst into tears. "You think I'm not in pain here? Of course he's my husband. I'm too scared to admit to that fact honey. So please, let's hope your dad will be okay."

"But mom! Dad is-"

"Honey hope for the best to happen to your dad"

"Yes..." I was silent for a while.

Dad had a heart attack, he just suddenly fell on our kitchen floor when mom was cooking. We hurried him to the hospital. And now he's here lying in the hospital bed unconscious, being attended by different doctors and nurses.

Mom was not showing it but I know she's been going to the restroom crying her heart out just like she got dumped.

I'm Keira Nakamura, a 14 yr old kid. Though my name sounds feminine, I am a male.

"Mrs. Nakamura?"

"Yes? Is there something wrong Doc? Doc, Is there something wrong?!?"

"I'm sorry we did everything we could. Time of death...8:30 pm"

Mom broke down to tears on the floor.

"Actually he gained consciousness a while ago, he said something."

"What is it Doc?"

"Other Side is what he said"

"Other side? Mom do you know something?"

"Hmm...it's awfully familiar, I just don't know where to place it..."

"Thank you Doc, we'll find this out ourselves."

"Well, please excuse me."

It was never a habit of mine to cry in front of others, It just makes me feel weak. I always thought to myself, If I wanna be strong I shouldn't cry in public. With dad saying that in his last breathe, mom and I felt like we've lost everything. Especially when we have no idea what the OTHER SIDE meant...

I headed to the restroom crying myself out just like mom did. Fortunately, no one came in.

"Keira, we'll be holding your dad's funeral in a few days." Mom said frowning her face.

"Sure. I'll be there"

"I know you're sad now your dad's gone, you don't have to hide it. We keep depending on him not knowing we'd be like this. If I'd known, I should've gone to work instead of him."

"It wasn't your fault anyway..."

"We're living with your grandparents from now on, we'll be leaving after your dad's funeral."

"Why? We can just stay here."

"Yes we can but we don't have enough money and I'm not confident I could work without having to worry about you every single minute. Mom and dad will take care of you while I work. I hope you understand honey..."

"I understand, I'll head over to Akio's place first. I'll see you later mom."

"Sure, take care. Get home safely okay?"

"I will."

*Akio's place*

"I'm sorry for you're loss"

"Yeah..."

"You don't show this face to others but you show this to me?"

"Well I'm more comfortable with you."

"Aren't you supposed to be more comfortable around your mom?"

"Nah...I'm more closer to dad than mom."

" *sighs* What do I do with you."

"Mom said we'll be leaving this place for good after dad's funeral."

"What?! Seriously?"

"If it wasn't something serious, I wouldn't have told you right now."

"Damn...Where you guys headin'?"

"To my grandparents"

"Well...can't deny, there're a lot of job opportunities there."

"Yeah, wanna come? Since you live alone..."

"Are you crazy? I won't leave you all by yourself. I'm the best friend in the world you know."

"You're overly confident but yeah you are. You comin' right? Don't go back on your words."

"Of course, my Kei will be sad without me"

"Who will?? Imma beat ya up if you say that again."

"Woah chill chill, I was just kidding HAHAHA."

"You always joke around, when can I see you all serious about stuff?"

"Meh...you'll see it soon."

"Alright sure, I'll wait."

"Ask your mom about it."

"About what?"

"About me coming with you."

"Oh yeah sure."

"Why did you live alone anyways? You're too young"

"That's my decision Kei. 'Sides it's better to live alone when you're still young, that way you won't have to depend on your parents all the time."

"Wow you actually use your head?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothin' big. Well...want me to cook for you?"

"Sure! My Kei's cooking skills are the best."

"What are you? A child? Dude you're 15."

"So what? It's true anyway."

"Whatever."

"Eat up, don't mess up this time, I won't clean for you."

"Aww Kei, you're food's so good for me not to mess up. You know that."

"Ugh you idiot, fine do what you want. This'll be the last time I'll clean for you."

"Sure sure"

"Ahh~ that sure hit the stop"

"You done now? I'm leaving."

"Already? let's drink first."

"We're too young for that"

"No no I didn't mean the adult drinks, soda?"

"I won't be staying for too long though..."

"Yeah that's fine."

"So what was your dad's last words on his death bed?"

"Other side"

"Huh? Is that something you should worry about?"

"It is, after all it was dad's last words. Problem is we don't know what that meant. Although mom said it was familiar, she don't exactly know what it means."

"So...are you investigating this?"

"Should I?"

"Of course dude!"

"But where do I start?"

"Your dad's old stuff?"

"You are actually smart too huh?"

"What? You didn't know?"

"Nah, I never cared"

"My feelings were hurt art thou."

"You sound stupid, are you even sure that's how you say it?"

"Of course!"

"You're hopeless."

"Oh come on, I'll help you investigate okay?"

"That's thoughtful of you, sure"

"You're smile's creeping me out Kei."

"Talk about yourself!"

"Seeya tomorrow!"

"Yeah, bye."

Akio was one year older than me, we met on the School's Sports Day. Ever since then, we became friends. I address him casually because he's more stupid than I am, not brag about it. He helped me in a lot of things since then. I was grateful to him but how I talk to him doesn't sound grateful at all. He's the clingy type, I even mistake his gender sometimes. A part of me wants to stay away from him but a part of me also wants to take care of him, he's living by himself. Who wouldn't want to take care of him when he's like this? He was the only one who can keep up with my temper and the only one who understands me pretty well aside from dad. Though I know sometimes I hurt his feelings, he doesn't hesitate to get close to me. I guess mom, my grandparents and Akio are the most important people left in my life. You could say they're the people that keep me sane in this world, you don't wanna know what I'd do when something happens to them. For dad, I don't why I didn't loose my mind. Well mom was about to loose her mind, good thing I was there. Perhaps I didn't wanna make his last day here on earth a mess. Even all the expressions mom and I had when we're with dad was all gone. Almost like he's the source of all of it.

If Other Side meant something, I hope it's something that'll help me see dad one last time...

The funeral ended. Mom was crying the whole time, on the other hand, I didn't. Well, I think I've lost my ability to express what I feel a long time ago. I still didn't expect dad to leave us this early. Half of what happened to him, was partially my fault. If mom hadn't had me, their lives would've been much easier. Maybe I'd still get to see dad alive...no, I won't be born then. Everything's a mess. I want my dad back but there's nothing I can do. Well, it's not like it'll bring him back to life even if I start crying there. Akio was at the funeral too but instead of mourning over the loss of my only dad, he was more concerned about me. He must've noticed I didn't shed a tear. Akio sat beside me.

"Kei, you okay?"

"Mhm"

"You sure?"

"Yeah"

"You can tell me you know, I might be dumb like you said but I'm still your friend Kei."

"Of course but even if I did tell you, you can't do anything about it."

"Huh? Why? Come on tell me."

" *sighs* I want my dad back"

"Oh..."

"See what I mean"

"But your dad will be watching over you guys, you don't have to hide what you feel Kei, I'm always here for you and aunt."

"Thanks Akio"

"I'm sure your dad will be happy hearing you say all this, he'd be even happier to hear that you were brave enough not to cry even if you're at your limit."

"You're still dumb though but yeah thanks so much Akio." I leaned on Akio's shoulder.

"Now now, you can cry as much as you want Kei." I didn't really feel anything when he said that but tears suddenly rolled down my face. Maybe I've been gathering way too much sadness inside me that it can't help but just show itself. Akio hugged me, comforting me.

"See? Stop keeping everything to yourself, it'll just hurt you know."

"I know...I just didn't want anyone minding my business."

"Even your mother or your grandparents? Even me?"

"Well yeah...but you know you're being excempted here"

"You can't just feel comfortable around me for forever. You know that."

"That's why i'm keeping it all to myself."

"Aww come on! Open up to others Kei!"

"I don't wanna, force me and i'll forget I even invited you."

"Whaat? No, I'm sorry I won't, I promise."

"Good. Did you bring everything you need? We're leaving after this. I'll pick you up later, you must've packed a lot."

"Sure, It's not a lot though"

"Still, I'll help."

"OK well...if you insist."

Dad has things at grandma and grandpa's house too...I wonder if I can find something relating to the other side. I can't find any here at all. I'm exhausted.

"Keira, go fetch Akio we're leaving in a few minutes"

"Mhm"

"You done?"

"Yup"

"Dude learn to button your shirt properly, come here"

"Ahh haha sorry Kei I must've been in a hurry"

"Tsk when will you learn to do things your own?"

"Hey, I know how to cook too~"

"Yeah yeah okay, that's done. Give."

"Give? This is not heavy at a-"

I grabbed his stuff.

"H-hey Kei, that's too heavy for you"

"What? Are you underestimating me now?"

"Ahh no..."

"Then shut up and follow me"

"Ahh y-yes! *sighs* Kei you're too scary when you're this serious all the time. You should laugh and smile more."

"Nah, i'm fine with this."

"Go place everything in the back Keira. Akio help him out."

"Yes aunt"

It was past 8 in the morning and we've been on the road for 3 hours already. Had I known it would take this long I should've charged my phone.

"Akio, let me play on your phone."

"Sure, here."

"By the way what level are you in right now?"

"Oh in the game? I guess...was it 20 or 23?"

"That's a shame, i'm at level 40 already."

"Kei I just started okay?"

"Okay sure, still doesn't change the fact that i'm better than you."

"Wow such a good friend.." Akio said sarcastically.

"Lol I was kidding, keep going and try to surpass me maybe i'll acknowledge you."

"Hah like you're the type to. Okay sure I will."

"We're here. You can come out now boys."

"Here's your phone"

"2%?! What the heck did you do dude??"

"Play"

"And it took this much battery?? I'm impressed. Really"

"Wow, this is your grandparents house Kei?"

"Yeah"

"It's old but aesthetic, I think I'll like it here."

"Sure you will"

"Yeah I just heard about them but you don't talk too much about them."

"That's because I've been talking about my father all the time."

"Hahaha I still remembered."

"This is no time to be nostalgic."

"Come on~ Let's enjoy our stay here Kei~"

"Ugh...and here I thought I'd finally have some peace and quiet."

"Pfft, you're not planning on sleeping the whole time are you."

"Got a problem?"

"Aunt! I'm bringing Kei out!"

"Ok sure, take good care of him for me Akio."

"I will!"

"What the heck are you doing?"

"What? You should enjoooy~ not sleep"

"Uh that's my decision?!"

"I promise this will be fun"

"Fine do what you want"

"Yes!"

Since grandma and grandpa's house is far from the noise, Akio brought me to places I never went as a kid.

Something like the river, discovering stuff near small cave a bit far from home, the top of trees, there were other buildings too and etc. I never thought I'd have fun here. The first time I came here, Akio wasn't here. Maybe that's the reason why I'm enjoying it right now.

Maybe I needed someone to be with me to enjoy places. Specially when it's someone like Akio, he's far more different from other people I've encountered whom I never talk to.

"See I told you, you'd enjoy this."

"Haha I guess."

"Oh? Did you just laugh? Kei did you??"

"Wha- no way. Why the heck would I laugh over something like this?"

"Aww come on, you laughed~ Don't lie to me~ Laugh again I wanna see it."

"You crazy idiot, get off me"

"Haha, this is rare. I should've noticed it earlier, it's a shame I missed it."

"What's so big about me laughing?"

"I dunno? Maybe you'd look more bright and more handsome?"

"You've eaten a bug or somethin'? You're out of your mind dude."

"Whaat?~ You always look so gloomy~"

"Well that's just how I always was thank you."

"Nah we both know you weren't like this before."

"No I wasn't"

"Haha okay okay, let's leave it at that. It's because of your dad is it?"

"Mhm I guess"

"You're really close to him huh...what if there was a way you could see him one last time?"

"That would be great if there was. I'd gladly take it on."

"Have you checked his stuff?"

"Yeah, still no clue."

"Oh yeah, you're dad used to live here right?"

"That's what I thought, that's why I'm searching later."

"Then If you'll need help, i'll be here."

"Sure, I'll call you."

"Oh? You guys are here?"

"Hello grandma, grandpa"

"Oh our little Keira have grown so much"

"Ichika, you should've called us if you were going here anyways."

"Mom, we're staying here from now on, I'm gonna look for a job don't worry. Until then please take care of my Keira."

"Sure, come sit sit, I'm preparing lunch. You guys must've been hungry on the whole trip here."

"Sure was grandma"

"Oh and Akio's here too. You and Keira really are inseparable huh?"

Yes, Akio have met my grandparents. They seem to have taken a liking into him.

"HAHA yes. I can't leave Kei all alone."

"It's good to hear you've been taking care of him."

"Of course, oh and pardon for the intrusion."

"Oh come on, you're welcome anytime."

"Grandma, where's grandpa by the way?" I asked.

"Oh he's over there, call him over Kei, food's almost ready"

"Okay"

"Grandpa? Are you here?"

...

"Grandpa?"

"Who...?"

"It's me, Keira"

"Oh Keira? Boy, you've grown so much HAHAHA"

"You've mistaken me for a robber haven't you?"

"What? Of course not..."

"You're still so bad at lying grandpa, grandma's preparing lunch you better hurry too."

"Ahh yes yes I'll be there let me finish this first."

"What are you making?"

"Oh just a little something?"

"Little? It's too big to be little."

"Oh was that too obvious?"

"Pretty much, so what is it grandpa?"

"Well...I don't really have most of the parts but i'm trying to make a robot"

"A robot? Grandpa aren't you too old for that?"

"H-hey, it's just a habit okay? I'm used to these things, you can ask your grandmother."

"No need, i'll believe you but grandma will really loose it if we don't go there in time"

"Ah right, don't want last time to happen again."

"Yup"

"You're back Kei!"

"Oum"

"He's been making that thing again haven't he?"

"Oum"

" *sighs* Him and his habit. Go and sit beside Akio Kei."

"I'm back...eh? Akio? He's here too?"

"What took you so long? Are you starving them to death?"

"What? No, that's over exaggerated honey."

"Ichika says they're staying here from now on."

"Oh really? That's good news!"

"Yeah good news, so you'll start working seriously and help me clean the house."

"Gah, I forgot..."

"Don't you ever forget that honey~"

"Ahh haha honey I won't, so stop smiling, it's creepy."

These two, they must've forget we were here.

"I'm full~ Kei your family must be the best chefs around the world~"

"Then go ask mom or my grandparents to cook for you."

"Eh? I don't wan to, yours is better~"

"Seriously *sighs"

"I'm bored, wanna go somewhere Kei?"

"Don't you have somewhere to go?"

"I don't..."

"Then go sleep or play by yourself, i'm busy."

"What? We've just arrived here and your busy"

"Do you have a problem with that?"

"N-no..."

" *sighs* Fine\, what is it?"

"Eh? Really? You're fine with hanging out with me?"

"Since when have I not hang out with you? Plus, I don't have that much of a choice. You keep dragging me to places without even listening to my answer."

"Ahh HAHA gomen Kei, It's just really fun hanging out with you."

"Bruh, you've been too clingy these days."

"Have I? I didn't notice."

"That's because you're not paying attention to your surroundings"

"Is that so? HAHA but haven't I been like this all the time?"

"All the time my ***\, you just noticed now?? *sighs* Whatever just do what you want so that we will finish early."

"Mhm! Let's go look for friends!"

"So having me as a friend isn't enough?"

"Of course it's enough, it's you who needs a lot of 'em not me."

"And why is that?"

"Well I just said... Ahh nevermind let's not go, you might not wanna talk to me anymore if we did get you more friends."

"Maybe next time Akio, not now"

"Ehh? Seriously? You' re really gonna allow me to look for new friends for you??"

"Oum"

"I'm calling my friends, hold on"

"I said next time you moron. What, you letting them befriend me?"

"W-well yeah...is it not allowed?"

I glared at him. "Alright fine"

Akio called all his friends. They had a group chat for it. If they mistake our relationship, I'm really punching that idiot in the face. Unfortunately, everyone in that group chat entered the call. Today must not be my lucky day...

"Akio! How are you?? You didn't tell us you were transferring" One said.

"Yeah sorry this one's urgent" What's so urgent with coming with me to my grandparents house?

"So how's the new place? Are you enjoying it?"

Wow talking to you guys is so fun too. Of course, I was being sarcastic. "Of course! I'm with my best friend here"

"Oh the silent one?"

I spoke way too soon=, =

"Ahh haha yes the silent one, come here Kei~"

"Mhm, hi"

"Wait, you guys are living together?!"

"Yeah I had to come, I mean no one would want to be friends with Kei right?" Okay thank you? Well it's not my fault I don't have friends.

"Haha you're right, hi Kei. We wanted to talk to you when you guys were here but I guess it was too late. You weren't really approachable that time."

"Haha can't blame my Kei~"

"Seriously stop calling me that Akio" I said. They all laughed. What's so funny about it? *sighs* this is why I don't like having friends.

"It's a good thing you have Akio as your friend Kei"

"Oum"

"Guys, you know what, Kei's cooking skills are amazing. The food he makes is exceptional."

"Wha~ you're so lucky Akio, Kei cook some for us too next time. We'd like to try some"

"Okay"

"Ehh?? He agreed guys! We're eating Kei's food soon!"

"HAHAHA"

"That was nice, see I told you, there are still people out there willing to keep up with your temper and befriend you but you turn them down in an instant."

"That's not my problem"

" *sighs* It's a good thing I called the guys."

"Oum"

"How was the call?"

"It was boring and annoying but i'm fine with it"

"Really?? Hahaha thank goodness"

"Why're you so happy about that?"

"Because~ You're having new friends"

"Mhm okay"

"That's how you really feel right?"

"How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

"Ahh nevermind"

"Let's go."

"Go? Where?"

"Where else? Of course to the store."

"For what? We have tons of food here."

"Is it wrong to crave for ice cream?"

"Ahh so you wanna buy ice cream, HAHA you still like them huh Kei."

"Yeah, so you coming or not?"

"Ahh i'm coming, i'm coming"

"Do you still like vanilla Kei?"

"Mhm"

"Okay let's buy that"

"How 'bout you?"

"Nah, I just accompanied you."

"Pick one i'm paying"

"What? No i'll pay for these."

"PICK ONE"

"A-ahh okay, r-really your serious face always gives me the creeps."

"Hurry"

"Ahh here"

Thank you, please come again." The woman said.

Wah~ This ice cream really taste good. I hope they don't run out of it. I'm buying here everyday.

"Kei is smiling~"

"W-was I?"

"Yup, is it that good?"

"Mhm, it's delicious"

"Haha this is the only time I see you smile"

"Then I won't smile"

"Aww come on~ That's unfair"

"What's unfair?"

"Just smile when your eating ice cream, it makes me feel less worried."

"Less worried?"

"Yeah worried of your gloomy face"

"I'm going to hit you if you don't shut up.

"HAHAHA"