Info abt the story: At the very beginning and end, Riku, Ayama and Itsuki are in 8th grade, and in the middle parts (where Hikari was there...) they were in 4th grade.
enjoy the story thingy *-* I remember. It was years ago. But it’s nailed in my brain, the memories threatening to drown me. But it hurts. It was only a game right? It hurts so much. I remember. —— “Itsuki!” My head turned to her cry of delight. I had smiled. As I usually did. Who didnt? She stopped in front of me, panting and grinning. “Look! Ayama is there! And Riku! Come on let’s play Itsuki!” “Hello Hikari,” I had said calmly but warmly, “Ok, let’s go”. “Yay!” she cheered. Hikari immediately took off, shrieking something to Ayama and Riku. That was us. The team. The unstoppable force. We stuck together. Forever. That”s what I thought. I walked up to them. “Hello guys” Ayana smiled a teasing smile. “Wow always so formal, right Riku?” Riku nodded “Yeah, lighten up dude!” Hikari giggled “Don”t worry Itsuki! I like you exactly the way you are!” My face turned a deep shade of crimson. “Th-thanks H-Hikari,” I stuttered. Ayama gave Riku a knowing look, one that clearly said “Yep, he’s totally whipped!” It was true. I was. “Come on guys, let’s go to the fountain!” Riku yelled already sprinting. “Yeah!” Hikari cheered, and she ran after him. Ayama smiled at me, “Shall we go, Mr. Formal?” “Y-yeah…” I said. A small smile broke through my blush. I wish I could go back to those days. —— “Kids, line up!” Drills. Hikari had always been scared of them, ever since we were in preschool, so my older brother told me to turn it into a game. Thats what we did, me, Riku, and Ayama. We made it a game. It grew onto us. I remember, I had looked closely on the teachers face, and it was panicked. I remember the spark of fear that had kindled in my heart. Then, I remember the haunting sound, of a gun shooting. Kids screamed. Hikari started crying hysterically. I didn’t know what to do. It was only a game right? Suddenly all the kids dispersed. I looked around wildly, but no Hikari. Tears brimmed in my eyes. Poor, innocent Hikari, she didn’t know-she didnt know! She thought it was a game! Suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder and pulled me into a corner. “Itsuki!” It was Ayama, crying and shaking. “Ayama! Where’s Riku?! Where’s Hikari?! Ayama shook her head, “I-I dont know!” The spark of fear had turned into a roaring fire. —— It was quiet, except for the sounds of our distress. Me, Riku, and Ayama were running through the school, screaming Hikari’s name. Finally, I stopped running. I looked around, my eyes overflowing with tears. “Hikari!” I screamed, my voice raw. “It’s not real! It’s not real okay? It’s-it’s only a game!” My voice cracked on that last sentence. Ayama burst into sobs while Riku punched the wall. I was just standing there. “Hikari,” I whispered, “I-I love you.” I had told her. I had finally confessed. But now she wasn’t by my side to hear it. —— That was the day. The day my life became dull. I still keep in touch with Riku and Ayama, and we were there for each other, but it was never the same. We weren't whole without her. But, I'd always feel, that she was watching over us. Watching over me. But it could never wash away the feelings of guilt and grief. I guess it wasn't a game. I'm sorry Hikari. The End mwahaha I know terrible ending but oh well
