Before My Memories With You Melt Away in Tears - Episode 63

The day after the swimming competition, Ayaka came to school as usual. Her mother had told her she could rest for another day or two, but she wasn’t feeling particularly unwell. More than that, being alone at home would only make her think of unpleasant things, and she wanted to distract herself.

There was something she needed to do, too.

Arriving at school earlier than usual, the halls were still quiet, and no one was at the entrance. The sports field was busy, so the athletic clubs must have been having their morning practice.

After changing into her indoor shoes, Ayaka made her way to an empty classroom, not her own.

“…You’re already here.”

Inside the classroom, a student was pacing nervously, not sitting in a chair.

“You’re the one who’s late.”

“I didn’t expect you to actually come… Senpai Kanna.”

When Ayaka called her name, Kanna’s shoulder shook slightly.

Last night, through Fujino, Ayaka had contacted Kanna.

“I want to talk about what happened at the pool.”

“It’s nothing.” Kanna laughed, but the sound was fake, and it was clear to anyone who heard it that the laughter wasn’t genuine. It was forced, like a smile painted on her face.

“…You know Kyoya-kun left early yesterday, right?”

“…Well, of course, we’re in the same class. They said he jumped in to save you at the pool, so they’re just doing a checkup. Ugh, what a hassle. You must have screamed and made a big fuss—”

“Kyoya-kun hasn’t woken up.”

“Huh…?”

At Ayaka’s words, Kanna’s eyes widened. But she quickly twisted her expression into a smile, as if trying to laugh it off.

“That’s impossible. You’re just making things up…”

“Afterwards, he collapsed at the poolside. They took him away in an ambulance, and he’s still asleep, without waking up.”

“No way…”

Kanna staggered and reached for a nearby desk to steady herself, but then sank to the floor, sitting down. It was clear she was in shock, but Ayaka didn’t feel any sympathy for her.

“Senpai Kanna, how about making a deal?”

“A deal?”

Kanna looked up at Ayaka, her face confused. It made sense—after all, no one would expect a deal from someone they had threatened.

“Yes. Kanna-senpai, you told me that if I didn’t reveal the truth about Kyoya-kun’s parents, I had to break up with him. Right?”

“So what?”

“I’m just confirming the facts. By the way, about what happened at the swimming competition yesterday—kicking me when I was swimming, grabbing my foot—do you think I should report this to the teacher?”

“Wha…?”

Kanna’s face changed color. She had understood the terms of the deal.

“I wasn’t in a good place yesterday, but today, when I arrive at school, they’ve asked me to come to the staff room. I’m pretty sure they’ll ask about the swimming competition. What you say there will depend on you, Kanna-senpai.”

“…Are you threatening me?”

“I’m doing exactly what you did. I don’t mind either way. I just want to protect Kyoya-kun.”

That was all she cared about—protecting Kyoya. Even if Kanna didn’t agree to the deal, if she reported what happened yesterday, the teachers would have to take action.

“How cowardly.”

“Call it what you want. I just want to protect Kyoya-kun. That’s all.”

“Why go so far?”

Kanna couldn’t possibly understand how much Kyoya meant to Ayaka, how irreplaceable he was.

If only Kanna was the reason Kyoya hadn’t woken up, Ayaka might have been able to hate her.

“It’s none of your business, Kanna-senpai. So, what will you do? Will you keep your promise?”

“…I don’t really have a choice, do I? Fine. I’ll have nothing to do with you or Kyoya-kun anymore. I won’t talk about the past, either. So…”

“I understand. If I’m asked about it, I’ll just say my leg cramped up. But if you break your promise, remember what happens next.”

“Fine, fine!”

Kanna spat the words out, then stormed out of the classroom, as if the conversation was over.

Left behind, Ayaka let out a sigh in the empty classroom.

The issue with Kanna was settled now.

Now, all that was left was for Kyoya to wake up.

“Kyoya-kun…”

The nurse at the health room had spoken to Ayaka after hearing from the doctor. Kyoya was still just sleeping. His breathing and brainwaves were normal, but he had fallen into a deep sleep that he couldn’t seem to wake from.

“I have so much I want to say to you…”

She wanted to apologize. She wanted to thank him.

But more than anything, she wanted to tell him she loved him.

That she hadn’t stopped loving him, not for a single moment, and that she still loved him deeply.

“Kyoya-kun…”

Tears fell silently, each drop staining the wooden floor beneath her.