5 Fourth Lie

"What's wrong with being worried? Kao-chan is a precious friend and being worried is normal. There is no need to apologize for something that even we, cannot stop." Tsubaki smiled. "We were just glad that you decided to contact and let us know what happened though."

"Sorry that we were not by your side to support you. I hope that you would lean to us more. We're friends aren't we?" Watari added.

Kaori was surprised at those words as she felt the sincerity from Tsubaki and Watari. Kosei who's been looking at her was confused as to why she seems so surprise by Tsubaki and Watari's words. Did she still doubt her place next to them?

Kosei and Kaori was usually together for club activities time or sometimes, if the two of their friends are busy to come with them, they usually go out together, somewhere. They like watching the stars at night and they will sing "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" like a kid. Maybe because of the overwhelming feeling that day, Kaori mentioned that she was conscious about being their friend as the three of them were already together since they were still kids, however, for her, her only memory of Kosei before was the first time she saw him play the piano. That's it. Kosei told her not to think such trivial things as they do not mind that and they all treat her as their dear friend and her value is no less than each one of them.

Kaori just laughed it off before but knowing that she still harbor such feeling makes Kosei feel so disappointed. Not to her but to himself as he did not manage to convince her that she's their friend and no one can change that. But he did not press the matter any longer as he know that Kaori must be feeling down because of what happened to her family. They can address this later.

"I-I.. Of course. I know that you are all my friends and ready to help me when needed. It just that, I was just being silly." Kaori smiled sheepishly.

Kosei would like to hear her say that she's okay. But asking her to see if she's okay, it's like he is purposely being blind. He know that she's not okay. Hell, her parents just died, she must be devastated. Kosei pinch himself to wake himself up. He needs to be awake into reality in order to help her.

"Silly. You should know better that we care." Kosei smiled to her as she chuckled. He wants her smile to remain, his heart aches seeing her so down. "If you get it, tell us how we can make you feel okay. I know it is not that easy but we can test our patience and help you at the same time."

"That's right! Just to let you know, I am a person with a big heart. I've been dragging Kosei's depressed butt since we were a kid!" Tsubaki laughed. Yes, she's been with him when Kosei was like an emo kid ever since his Mom died. It is guaranteed that Tsubaki will be able to support Kaori as well.

Watari shrugged, "Well yeah. I guess I'm okay since I've been patiently watching Tsubaki being denial to her true feelings  since she was a kid." On that comment, Kosei and Tsubaki flustered and Kaori laughed. They just knew that he was talking about the romantic feelings she have for Kosei. Watari let out a yelp as Tsubaki kicked him on his knees.

Once they have all calmed down, they all look to Kaori who nodded. She's ready to tell them what happened.

"We were going to our relatives in Akita, my parents told me that it was a reunion. But while we are on the road, there was a person who's riding on a bicycle who suddenly crossed even though it is still a red light. There was another car on the other side  who was about to collide with him. The driver of the car must be trying to avoid that but the driver did not notice us and collided on our car instead. I don't know what happened after that, I just felt the force impact and being in a pain." Kaori hugged her body as she shuddered, suddenly remembering that day. Her voice are trembling but she refuse to cry. She will not cry.

Kaori can't cry.

"I woke up learning that my parents died while I just receive few minor wounds and bruises. They held the funeral at Akita. I wasn't able to let you know since it was a busy week. We went home last night and just saw the missed calls and emails today."