Chapter 2

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"

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