Too many heart-breaks

<1 year time skip>

Life was probably at its peak right now, my relationship with Shouko improving ever so slightly each day- we walk to school together, eat lunch together and I drop by her place during the week-ends. Her younger sister Yuzuru treats me like an older brother, and I sometimes pick her up from the daycare centre with Shouko. Also, Raku has improved on his cooking and is currently in his first year of elementary, but he doesn't attend the same school as me... sadly.

This happiness was ruined however today; I woke up earlier than usual, caused by a sudden *ding* sound in my head..*Pretty unusual time to receive a quest* I thought to myself.

<Mission title: Be there for her>

<Mission description: comfort Shouko and help her with her grandmothers passing>

<Mission Rewards: 2 lottery tickets>

Rei: "What.... this is too sudden.... why the fuck now" I muttered to myself, the words barely leaving my lips.

Of course I would be sad...Granny Ito became quite close to me, I even see her as my own grandma. After all,she always treated me as family every time I dropped by, and my own grandparents were dead so she took their place.

"Didn't think I'll encounter death again so soon..." I spoke quite bitterly.

*But I need to be strong. For Shouko.* I resolved myself, gritting my teeth and making my way towards her house.

(A/N- guys I know that in the manga she dies a lot later... but... why the fuck do I need to stick to that... I mould events the way that it would fit my story. Sorry I guess, if you don't like it.)

By the time I got there, it was 8 in the morning and the sounds of sobbing could be heard from inside the house. I knock on the door, only to be greeted by Yaeko, her face looking quite hopeless.

Rei: "Is this a bad time to drop by? I mean... is there something wrong? What happened?" I ask with a lot of worry in my voice.

Yaeko: "Well... it's complicated, and I know you won't be happy because of what I want to ask of you... but... can you...go to Shouko?..she really needs you right now" practically pleading me, her eyes filled with moisture, but not crying. I guessed that she doesn't want her children to see this as a sign of weakness, she wants them to see their mother as a headstrong woman.

I nod my head slightly and made my way through their apartment and reach Shouko's room, she was sitting with her back against the wall and head between her legs. When I called out to her, she lifted her head, turned her view towards me and as she realised it was me her eyes started tearing. She sprang to her feet, surprising me slightly, and threw herself in my arms letting out a flood of tears on my chest. Since she couldn't control the volume of her voice so well, she let out loud cries and shouts, squeezing the back of my shirt, bringing herself as close as she can in my embrace. I put my arms around her back as well, hugging her very tightly and trying to comfort her.

We stood trapped in that position for hours, but she got tired and fell asleep with her face in quite the mess. I carry her to the bathroom and wipe the snot and tears, before setting her on her bed. I called my dad and explained the situation, telling him I'll stay overnight, and then grabbed a chair to sleep by Shouko's side.

That night I was woken multiple times by Shouko's cries, but every time I was there and managed to calm her down. Since everyone in the house was in great turmoil, I decided to cook a light breakfast for everyone... but a lot was left over as Shouko, Yaeko and Yuzuru have completely lost their appetite. A week later, Granny Ito's funeral was held, as Yaeko couldn't pay for it I decided to convince my dad to organise it. He didn't mind at all, and was even there for the funeral right beside me. Shouko was in my arms the entire time, and broke into tears from time to time, making my chest soaked but the end of the day.

*ding*<Mission comple>

<Currently Issuing rewards..... 2 lottery tickets gained>

*Fuck I hate that voice sometimes* I think with a little resentment shown on my face.

-1 month later-

It's currently the end of a school day, and I have just dropped off at her house. She's a lot better now, but she seems to rely on me a tad bit too much... not that I mind.

*Oh yeah... I have those 2 tickets right?* I reminded myself. *Ok, use the lottery tickets* my thoughts were followed by the monotonous robotic voice.

<Using 2 gacha tickets...loading.... 27%....74%.....*ding*

Following rewards gained: Proficiency in 3 languages of your choosing, Grand-Master Muay Thai skills.>

* Another martial arts one huh... and 3 languages of my choosing... guess that I'll pick English, Mandarin and... always did like French.*

<Confirmed language choices: English, Mandarin and French>

A flood of information filled my head as per usual, and I felt that I could speak as if I was a native from those countries. Deciding that I would test out the Muay Thai proficiency later, I rushed back home. It was just as I expected... I turned into a complete beast at fighting, I realised as I sent perfect elbow and knee hits towards the punching bag.

The rest of the day went as usual, and soon came tomorrow with the school day going by in a breeze(of course it would if I would sleep the entire time). The only thing that I noticed was Shouko kept glancing at me, more than usual this time.... *she's got something to tell me...* I thought to myself.

She didn't say anything however... till comes the end of the day, during our usual walk home she stops in her tracks.

Shouko: [Rei, I've got to tell you something] her body was trembling.

Rei: "Sure... go on." I replied softly.

Shouko: [Well... my mother got a better job... she said it pays a lot better.... but....it's far away, and...and..] she stops her hands mid sentence.

Rei: "It's ok... I'll always be here for you whenever you need me..." I walked towards her and gave her a light hug, which she reciprocated but a lot tighter.

Before I could open my mouth again, she suddenly pulled herself away from me. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave me a light peck on the lips and ran as fast as her legs could carry her; tears flowing from her eyes. She gets her notepad out, writes something on it with her back still turned towards me. After she finished, she rips out the piece of paper and lays it on the ground before continuing to run.

-Don't forget about me Rei! And I want you to know, that I love you Rei!- the paper was full of wet patches, from her tears and snot I guessed.

I held the paper tightly in my arms, but I was careful not to scrunch up the paper. It took me a while to get home, as I had to drag my legs back. Ryu and the guys saw I was in a bad mood, I trusted them like family and I told them what happened; they had melancholic looks on their faces and let me have some time to myself.*Life fucks everyone....guess I just wasn't ready this time for my turn....* I thought with bitterness, as tears made their way down my cheeks.