Fireworks Under the Night Sky
I want to remember... for his sake, too
August 11
Another day at the café.
Sawa stopped by during work and suggested that all of us employees have our own little fireworks gathering instead of going to the big public festival.
She said she wanted to do something smaller for me.
...
She's really sweet.
Then she suddenly called Shin.
And...
Handed the phone to me.
...
Seriously, Sawa?
I don't even know why I felt so nervous.
This was my first time talking to Shin over the phone.
Ironically, even though I have my own cellphone now, he's always visiting me in person, so I've barely had any reason to use it.
After talking for a bit, Shin agreed to come.
Toma and Mine would be joining us too.
Later that evening, while everyone was enjoying themselves, I found myself standing off to the side.
Shin noticed.
He walked over, lit a sparkler, and stood beside me.
He asked if I was tired.
He also asked if I wanted everyone to gather around.
I shook my head.
I told him that having him here was enough.
...
To be honest, I wasn't trying to be romantic.
I just wanted to talk to him.
After everything that happened yesterday, I felt like we still had things left unsaid.
Apparently, though...
He took it as something much more cliché than I intended.
Maybe I really do sound more romantic than I realize.
As we watched the fireworks, Shin started talking about his father.
He admitted that after everything that happened, people began avoiding him.
Except...
Me.
And Toma.
...
I'm glad.
At least...
He wasn't completely alone.
He smiled and said he was grateful for that.
But I don't think that was the only reason.
I told him that the person he'd become today was also because of his own efforts.
Everything he'd worked for...
Was his achievement.
He only smiled.
Then quietly said...
That he hadn't really been trying.
...
What does he mean by that?
He said he'd been using his misfortune as an excuse.
Honestly...
I think that's a very human thing to do.
I don't think it makes him weak.
Now he's trying to build his own future.
Studying hard.
Aiming for a scholarship.
Moving forward.
...
And...
He said part of the reason was because of me.
...
I wasn't expecting that.
Honestly...
I didn't know how to respond.
It made me feel a little embarrassed.
Not because it was cheesy...
It was just...
Unexpected.
...
He's really serious about all of this.
Well, I'm sure he'll pass.
He's smart.
Logical.
And he's worked incredibly hard for it.
I believe he can do it.
...
So...
Orion and I will keep doing our best to recover my memories.
Not just for me.
But so I can stand beside Shin again.
So the old me can return.
...
And maybe...
He can finally smile without carrying all this guilt.