Over time, the most vivid memories sink in the quicksands of new events, facts and feelings. Fumi was personally convinced of this when she ran into Akira nose to nose and did not recognize her. However, A-chan was also surprised that evening when Fumi and her mother came to Okudaira's house.
Time can hide memories with a thick blanket of snow, but not destroy them. Fumi was personally convinced of this, with shock and tears meeting every little fact that suddenly gained volume and burst into consciousness with fireworks. And then Fumi found the answer to the sampai's question, and life immediately changed. Everything fell into place, and tears flowed down her cheeks. Finally, for the first time in months! - happiness.
- Fumi-chan, I am not angry at all! - Akira shouted frightened.
- That's not why. I remembered something dear to my heart,- Fumi said.
She didn't need a hug, but she didn't need air to live, she had A-chan. Fumi was ready to stand in the snow by the old school, look at the bright night sky and not breathe.
- Shall we go? - Akira suggested it and extended her hand.
Fingers touched, intertwined, hands tied the girls in one piece. White Christmas took a silent vow of Fumi and bound it with a starry sky.
- I didn't see it, I didn't realize that I really only liked you?
- Fumi asked, enjoying the warmth of her hand and the tranquility of her heart.
- Did you say something?
- No, A-chan. No.
My cheeks were burned with the paint of shame. And scared. It was as if the thoughts could sound like a crystal chime in the cold air. Fumi was sure she hadn't said a word, but she was afraid to make a mistake. I was afraid Akira would find out what she was thinking and... Escape? Will she turn her back? Take away the heat from her palm?
Akira is not like that. In all senses. She doesn't like girls, but she supported Fumi. And she doesn't like girls.
Fumi tripped when she realized what a problem she was facing. She flew into the snow and pulled Akira with her, persuading herself not to cry, but tears still flowed on her cheeks.
- You are such a crybaby, Fumi-chan,- Akira said with laughter.
- I... It's cold, painful and hurtful. I'm so clumsy,- Fumi answered quietly, shaking off my coat.
- She waved above me, but never learned how to use her legs.
Akira laughed and did not understand at all. She just couldn't understand. Her life was much easier. She was right. And beautiful. She was so beautiful, it hurt to breathe, but every breath of air spread her wings behind her back.
Fumi smiled shyly and extended her hand to Akira:
- Shall we go? - she suggested. - Until they froze and got cold. It will be a shame to lie with the temperature while everyone is celebrating.
- What a long speech!
Fumi was embarrassed, and Akira laughed again. She grabbed her by the hand and pulled her home, constantly talking and telling all sorts of nonsense. Long speeches are her profile. Long and informative, in which Akira accidentally tells about other people's secrets.
At home, Fumi warmed her hands for a long time in hot water, which she gained in the sink, and looked at her reflection with surprise. She clung to other people for so long that she did not notice jealousy for Ko-san and happiness from the presence of A-chan. How could she be so blind? All you had to do was look into yourself and listen to yourself.
- Just,- Fumi smiled and pulled her hands out of the water.
She decided not to tell Akira anything. At least that night. But you don't have to tell her at all. What if A-chan stops talking to her? Of course, she is not like that. She is a strong, honest and true friend, but Fumi did not want to take any chances. She was lying on a futon, looking up at the bed Akira was sleeping on - bright, red and alive like the sun of May. Fumi smiled even though she hadn't seen her nose upside down or her thin fingers.
- Fumi-chan, sleep with me,- Akira asked.
- Aren't you too old for that? - Fumi asked, hoping her voice wouldn't embarrass her.
A-chan laughed, grabbed her friend by the hand, and dragged her into her bed. She looked into Fumi's eyes, drove her thumb in her palm and smiled.
- You know, actually, I was the only one who liked you,- Akira said.
Tears flowed again. Fumi thought she was wrong, misheard, deceived herself, A-chan was actually asleep and couldn't say anything like that. But the smile and gentle movement of her thumb convinced her that she was awake.
- Good night,- said Akira and kissed Fumi's palm.
- Good night,- said Akira, kissing Fumi's palm. I have always loved you.
When the memories drop off the onion husks and become reality, tears come out of your eyes. If you're lucky, you're happy. Fumi is lucky.
