Third Lie
They all froze. Parents? Funeral? Why? Her parents was not sick right? This is not something to joke about. Kaori love her parents so much so she wouldn't dare to make a joke about this matter. But this is just too much. They cannot comprehend what happened and what will happen. They wanted to know if Kaori was okay and what was the cause of your absences. And now that they knew, what will they do? What can they do?
It was hard to utter even a single word and maybe Kaori knew that hence she decided to break the silence instead of letting them continue this terrible atmosphere.
"Hey, if it is fine, would you all come here today? I missed you guys so see me today? Okay? I will wait for you." Her cheerful voice brought them back. Her usual voice. The voice that is full of life. They never knew that hearing her voice will bring them an unknown pain right now.
The three of them indeed went to Miyazono's manor. They did not even talk while walking. It was unusual to see them walk so quietly. They are all thinking of what to say when they meet Kaori. Will they hug her? Offer some comfort words? But none of those happened when they saw Kaori outside her house with a smile plastered on her face. They swallow all the comfort words that they wish to convey.
Kaori looks so pale, the dark bags under her eyes indicates the sleepless nights she experienced. For a week that they were unable to see Kaori, she got thinner, but her smile is still there. A smile with reservation. They also noticed that she have some bruises, some are already fading and some are still fresh. They did their best to keep themselves from asking what happened but their worries keep growing as time goes by.
"Are you really okay?" It was Kosei who spoke first. He is looking into her eyes, finding the answer but he can't read her. Like always. Kosei grows frustrated, feeling hopeless. "If it is not an inconvenience, please let us pay respects to your parents." He muttered.
Kaori who was surprised at the question, smiled at him sweetly and asked them to go inside. She quietly lead them to the altar of her parents. When they saw the altar, everything feel surreal. They were hoping that at least everything was just a joke. Maybe they are being denial but the altar confirms it all, as if they got slap and force them to face the reality. They all sat down and pray while Kaori looks at them at the side. No one saw the emptiness in her eyes.
'Please protect Kaori from above' they all prayed.
As soon as they stood up, Kaori is already smiling. Afterwards, they went in the living room where Kaori offer them snacks and tea. A few minutes later, a middle-age man enter the room serving them tea. He smiled at them gently.
"Kao-chan, can you please help me bring the remaining snacks over here? Akane is guarding the shop and can't leave there." The man informed Kaori who smiled and nodded then left to help. As soon as Kaori left the room, the man turned to them.
"Are you all Kao-chan's friends? I am Miyazono Hiromi, her cousin and guardian." The man introduced, still smiling. He is a charming young man, with a neat brown hair and aqua blue eyes. His smile resembles Kaori's the only difference is Kaori's smile is more carefree than her cousin. "Thank you for taking care of my cousin, please continue to be a good friends with her." He continued.
"O-oh… I-I am Sawabe Tsubaki. This is Watari Ryota and Arima Kosei. We are in Kaori's care." Tsubaki managed to introduced and they all bowed their head for the greeting. "Sorry for the sudden visit! We were just worried about her." She explained.
"It's fine. We were glad to meet you and see that Kao-chan does have friends who cares for her. My wife, Akane, would like to meet you all too but she's managing the shop right now so we are expecting you to come again next time if you have time." He smiled.
'Oh God. Is he the male version of Kaori? The gentle-male version of Kaori?'
Hiromi then noticed the look in Watari and Kosei's eyes. They are really worried but he knows that they also felt something more about his cousin. Of course, he knows that look. It was how he always look to his wife when she's sick. It was mix of worry and affection. Noticing their feelings, Hiromi chuckled.
"Please do not confused my cousin so much." he smiled to them knowingly and the two looks flustered.
'Crap. They were discovered by an expert and more importantly, by Kaori's guardian.'
Tsubaki laughed and the two was about to retort when Kaori came back carrying a tray of pastries. Watari and Kosei immediately stood up to helped her, Kaori who's oblivious smiled to them and thank them. She sat down beside Tsubaki and Kosei went back on his seat, looks like Watari won as he got to place the tray on the table. Well, it's not like they are showing off. They just want to help Kaori. Really.
"Well it seems that you do not need my assistance anymore, Kao-chan. But in case you need something else, just call me. Let the boys do it though, it seems that they are eager to be at your disposal." Hiromi teased as Watari and Kosei laughed nervously.
Finally, Hiromi already left, Tsubaki would like to laugh out loud but decided against it. Kaori who's confused, ask them to enjoy the treats.
"Sorry if I asked you to come so sudden." She started while playing the cup of tea, "I know that you are all so worried and I am sorry about that. But, I am okay now. My relatives are helping me. They are all kind.. so there is need to worry about me." Her smile was so sincere yet Kosei sense that something is wrong. He can't pin-point what it is but there is just something wrong.