Another year had passed, and they were already in 6th grade.
Over the past few weeks, Zul had noticed small changes in Arisa. She would sometimes pause mid-sentence, rubbing her temples. During PE class, she'd been sitting out more often, claiming she felt dizzy. When he asked about it, she'd just smile and say she was fine.
On one sunny day at school, Arisa sat with Miku and Zul, eating lunch together. Her bento was only half-eaten.
Miku glanced at the bento. "Not hungry today?"
Arisa pushed the food around with her chopsticks. "I'm okay, just not feeling like eating much lately."
Miku smiled.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreRgKlRBg6
"Wow, both of you got the same recommendation for your junior high school. I'm so envious of you guys."
"Why don't you join us too, Miku?"
Miku laughed. "If only my grades were as good as yours."
"Arisa-chan, you've been quiet since we came back from meeting the teacher. Are you worried about something?"
Arisa forced a smile. "Ah, it’s not a big deal." But her face looked pale and tired.
As they sat and continued eating their lunch, Arisa suddenly gripped the edge of the table, her breathing becoming shallow.
The room is spinning, she wondered.
Miku leaned forward. "Arisa-chan, what's wrong?"
Before anyone could react, Arisa collapsed forward, her lunch tray scattering across the floor.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3IV4UV3Dx
"Arisa!"
Zul caught her before she hit the ground.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpxJMqsXU0
The classroom erupted in panic as Arisa lay unconscious in his arms.
Meanwhile, in Eri’s class, she was chatting with her classmates when someone from Arisa’s class rushed in. "Eri, "your sister—your big sister—has collapsed"
Eri froze. "What?"
She ran to Arisa's classroom, pushing through the crowd.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE0Kb8ljo4
"Onee-chan!" She dropped to her knees beside Zul, who was still holding Arisa.
Teachers hurried over.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcodKrguN9v
"Sakamoto-san, open your eyes, Sakamoto-san!"
The teacher turned to a colleague.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWkf0qsu7p
"This is bad. Someone please call for an ambulance now."
The ambulance came within minutes, and Zul and Eri rode with Arisa to the hospital. Eri held Arisa’s hand tightly, feeling terrified. Arisa had always been the strong one. It was hard to believe something was wrong with her.
Miku watched her friend being taken away.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UT37yAx9u
"Arisa-chan."
At the hospital, they waited in the sterile hallway while doctors examined Arisa. Mrs. Sakamoto arrived thirty minutes later, her face filled with worry.
Mrs. Sakamoto approached the nurse. How is she? What happened?"
"The doctor will speak with you shortly."
When the doctor finally emerged, his expression was serious. He asked Mrs. Sakamoto to step into a private room. Through the glass window, Eri and Zul watched as the doctor spoke quietly. They saw Mrs. Sakamoto's face change, her hand covering her mouth in shock.
"We need to run more tests. But the preliminary blood work suggests leukemia. It's a serious condition, but we caught it early enough that treatment is possible."
Mrs. Sakamoto felt dizzy with shock. "Treatment? What kind of treatment?"
"Chemotherapy, possibly radiation. It will be difficult, but many children respond well to treatment."
Mrs. Sakamoto started to sob.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ0pRCygB5
"Why? Why is this happening to my beloved daughter? She was always so healthy."
When Mrs. Sakamoto returned to the waiting area, she tried to compose herself, but Eri noticed her red eyes immediately.
Eri’s voice trembled.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1muhiBfkeu
"Mom, what happened to Onee-chan?"
Mrs. Sakamoto wiped her tears.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqBJViOvDV
"It’s okay, my dear. Your sister is going to be fine. Everything will be alright."
She didn’t want Eri to know the full truth about Arisa’s illness.
"Then let’s return home, honey. You too, Zul-kun. Arisa will stay in the hospital from now on until she recovers."
"No, I don’t want to leave onee-chan here alone. Just let me stay with her until she recovers."
Arisa smiled gently.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EyFjYCv1l
"Eri-chan, please just go home for now. I’ll be okay."
Arisa reached for her hand.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGYqtDrZ1u
"You can still visit me every day until I’m well again."
Eri’s eyes filled with tears. "Onee-chan…"
"If you say so, alright, I’ll return home now, but please take care of yourself, okay?"
Mrs. Sakamoto, Eri, and Zul returned home.
Since then, Arisa had been in the hospital for two months. The chemotherapy made her tired and nauseous, but she tried to stay positive during visits.
Eri visited every day after school, sometimes with Zul and Miku. They would do homework together, with Arisa helping from her hospital bed. Some days were better than others. On good days, Arisa would laugh and joke like before. On bad days, she would sleep through most of the visit.
Mrs. Sakamoto looked down.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrewKeSMstf
"The doctors say the first round of treatment isn't working as well as they hoped."
"What does that mean?"
"They want to try a more aggressive treatment. But..." She couldn't finish the sentence.
A month later, Arisa's condition had worsened despite the treatments. She had lost significant weight and spent most of her time sleeping. When she was awake, she spoke in whispers.
"What? My daughter has no chance of recovery?"
"Yes, sorry to say. She probably only has a few weeks left to live."
Mrs. Sakamoto began to cry. "It can’t be… my daughter…"
She left the doctor’s office in tears. Eri noticed her mother crying and wondered what had happened.
Two weeks later, on a Tuesday afternoon, while Eri was in math class, she felt a strange uneasiness. She couldn't concentrate on the lesson and kept looking at the clock.
Zul, in his own classroom, felt the same restlessness.
The school secretary appeared at Eri's classroom door and whispered to the teacher.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSjxZNKr0Q
"Eri Sakamoto, please come to the office. Your father is here to pick you up."
Then they stopped at Zul's classroom too, to pick him up.
As they arrived at the office, they saw Mr. Sakamoto waiting for them. Both of them were confused about what had actually happened.
As they arrived at the office, they saw Mr. Sakamoto waiting for them.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJGZ18gI74
"Dad…" "Uncle…"
Her father took their hands.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuKS06u8yB
"Both of you, we need to go to the hospital now."
On the way to the hospital, no one spoke during the car ride.
While waiting for Eri and Zul to arrive, Mrs. Sakamoto stayed with her sick daughter. Arisa, worried to see her mother crying.
She reached for her mother’s hand.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoNlZV3yHU
"Why are you crying so much, Mom? I’m going to be okay. Please, cheer up."
Mrs. Sakamoto knew her daughter wouldn't survive the day. She remained silent, crying while stroking Arisa's head. Even in this condition, she doesn't want to see me crying and asks me to cheer up, Mrs. Sakamoto thought.
"Yes, my dear, you’re going to be okay. Just rest for now."
Arisa whispered.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjg4LzOeEd
"Mom, when Eri and Zul arrive, can you leave me alone with them? I want to talk to them?"
Her mother wiped her tears.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbUZjHwXsO
"Alright, honey, I will do that."
She knew that Arisa would likely take her last breath after speaking with Eri and Zul.
A few minutes later, Eri and Zul arrived.
"Onee-chan…"
Arisa smiled faintly. "Ah, Eri-chan, Zul, you’ve finally arrived."
Tears streamed down Eri’s face.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAHXvt0Pjt
"Onee-chan, what happened? Why do you look so weak right now? You told me you’d be okay before."
"Sorry, I lied to you. I didn’t want you to worry about me while you were at school."
Arisa reached out her hands.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KFzA0GgtN
"You two, please come here. Hold both my hands. Eri-chan, you sit on my right, and Zul, you on my left."
Arisa looked at them, love in her eyes.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg4sawhS5j
"I don’t have much time left. But before I go, I need to ask you both to promise me something."
Eri choked on her tears.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXLbCDn8X3
"Don't say that, Onee-chan. You'll get better, right? You have to!"
Arisa gently squeezed her hand. "Eri, please. This is really important."
"Eri-chan, you're my precious little sister. Can you promise me something? No more fighting or getting into trouble, okay? Just be kind, gentle, polite, and a good person… okay? As your sister, I know you can be. I want you to carry on for me and bring happiness to Mom.
Can you promise me that, Eri-chan, my dear little sister?" Eri’s tears spilled over as she nodded.
Eri bit her lip and nodded.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIAgbxrTuQ
"I will, Onee-chan. I promise I’ll do it for you."
Then Arisa turned to Zul. "Zul, please look after my little sister for me. Protect her, just like you always protected me."
Zul held her hand tighter.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzdLHzhbpn
"I'll do it, Arisa. I'll look after Eri. You don't have to worry about her."
Arisa closed her eyes briefly. "Thanks, Zul. You are the best boyfriend I’ve ever met."
"I know my wish seems a bit selfish, but promise me you’ll grant it, okay?"
Zul looked into her eyes.
"It’s okay, Arisa. When you were with me, I saw how you never showed selfishness—you always helped others before yourself."
"Both of you, please get along after this. Don’t ever fight with each other or make trouble. I know both of you will do well in the future. Promise me, okay?"
"Understood, we promise!" Eri and Zul said in unison, crying heavily.
Outside the room, Mrs. Sakamoto sobbed into her husband’s shoulder as he held her.
Arisa smiled a little, her face peaceful, and then she closed her eyes and shed a small tear. “Thank you. I love you both…”
Her hands, holding Eri’s and Zul’s, finally went limp. The heart rate monitor showed a flat line. Beep—
"Onee-chan, open your eyes! Onee-chan!"
"Arisa!" Zul cried, both of them weeping loudly in the room as Arisa took her final breath.
Mrs. Sakamoto collapsed into his arms. "Honey, our daughter, our daughter has…"
Her father held her tightly. "Yes, I know, honey."
Arisa passed away after sharing her last wish with Eri and Zul. Her death left a deep wound in those close to her, especially Zul, Eri, and her mother.
Everything felt very quiet after Arisa’s sudden death. The lively and happy girl who had been so important to Eri and Zul was no longer there, leaving a vast emptiness. Arisa’s absence made their home feel desolate, and their mother was especially affected by the grief.
After the funeral, Eri returned to school. She found it difficult to concentrate on lessons and often stared out the window during class. Her teachers were understanding and didn't push her to participate.
Zul, who had been talkative before, became quieter. He was deeply affected by the death of his girlfriend. Zul's laughter had faded with Arisa, replaced by quiet vigilance.
One day, Eri decided to come to school wearing a skirt instead of her usual shorts. Her hair, which she hadn't cut in months, now reached her shoulders. Eri looked at the mirror.
Does wearing this make me look weird? I’m sure they’ll all laugh at me later.
She went to the kitchen and saw her father making her breakfast as usual, taking over her mother’s role, since her mother still wasn’t leaving the room since Arisa passed.
She was too sad and depressed over Arisa being gone.
Eri started eating her breakfast with her dad before speaking. “Dad, how about mom?”
"Well, as you can see, she still hasn’t left her room yet."
"She must be too sad about Onee-chan’s passing, right? After all, onee-chan was her favorite child, compared to me."
"Don’t say that, my dear. Your mother actually loved both of you. I’m sure she’s just too sad because her daughter is gone, that’s all.
"Also, your late sister might be sad if she heard this. Don’t put yourself down so much, okay? Cheer up."
"Yeah, you’re right, Dad. Sorry for saying that."
"Then, let’s finish this breakfast quickly and I’ll take you to school soon, okay?"
As they finished their breakfast, Eri prepared to go to school and as she was about to leaving, she stood in front of her mother’s room and called out, "Mom, I’m going now..."
But she got no response from her mother and left the house. She then went to school, with her father driving her there.
At school, one of her female classmates approached and said, "Eri-chan, you look different today."
"What do you mean?"
"You look more girly, I guess. The skirt looks nice on you."
Eri touched the fabric self-consciously. "Thanks."
"Hey, are you really Eri-chan?"
Eri frowned, her voice softer than usual. "Huh? Why are you guys talking like that? Of course it's me. Is something wrong?"
"You just spoke so softly earlier. You're totally like a different person from usual."
Kudo, who had been watching from across the room, walked over. "What's this? You wearing a skirt? What, are you a girl?"
The girl classmates stood up for Eri. "You're so mean, Kudo-kun! Of course she can wear a skirt—she is a girl! Why are you mocking her like that?"
"But it doesn't suit her, you know? Haha! What is this? Trying to copy your late sister now? So lame!"
The classroom fell silent. Eri's fists clenched under her desk, her nails digging into her palms. She immediately stood up and grabbed Kudo's clothes, raising her hand to punch him in the face.
"What did you say?"
Kudo closed his eyes, bracing for the hit.
Suddenly, Eri remembered her promise to Arisa and stopped her action.
Kudo sneered.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd025ogsBzR
"Hey, why did you stop? I thought you were gonna hit me like usual. What's wrong with you?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgH5CVZEMf
His smirk faltered as Eri's tears spilled over.
Eri released Kudo's clothes and pushed him away. "I’m sorry... I won’t hit you anymore. For anything. It was my fault."
Kudo stepped back.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF68qUl6UB
"Wait, why are you suddenly crying now?"
"Hey, look! Kudo-kun made her cry!" said the girl classmates.
"Wait, I didn't do anything!" He backed away as the class turned on him.
Zul, passing by the doorway, froze at the sight of Eri's tears.
"Eri..."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLycaQE31eG
Zul stepped into the classroom.
Kudo raised his hands.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZz69IkuSK
"Hey, please calm down, okay? It's not my fault!"
Zul approached and pushed Kudo aside.
"You're in my way. Step aside."
"Hey, what are you doing, suddenly pushing me?!"
Zul gave him a scary glare. "You got something to say?"
"Tch. Whatever. I'm out." Kudo walked away.
Zul turned to the girls. "Hey, can you guys leave us alone? Just leave her to me. I'll calm her down."
The girls nodded. "Alright, we’ll leave it to you, Zul-kun!"
Zul gently guided Eri back to her seat.
"It's okay to cry, Eri. I know how you feel. You're still thinking about her, right? Please calm down, okay? Arisa would be proud of you."
Eri wiped her tears. "You're right. When I wanted to hit Kudo earlier, I stopped because I suddenly remembered my promise."
Zul patted her head gently.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr5mWsc8pe
"But good job not causing trouble this time. I'm proud of you. And I'm sure she would be happy too."
Eri took a breath. "You think so? Thanks, Zul."
Other classmates watched in shock, whispering to each other, "Wow, Zul-kun is amazing. He managed to calm Eri-chan down just like that."
As the bell rang, Zul returned to his classroom. Eri took a deep breath and looked out the window, one hand touching her skirt while the other brushed her slightly longer hair.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0EeR4EBog
Onee-chan, I swear I'll keep your promise!
From that day forward, Eri dedicated herself to changing as Arisa had wished. She stopped getting involved in fights and avoided violence completely. When Kudo and his gang tried to provoke her, she simply smiled, apologized, and said she wasn't interested in fighting anymore. Eventually, they gave up challenging her.
As for Zul, he decided to turn down the prestigious junior high school recommendation he had received along with Arisa earlier. He made this choice to stay with Eri when they entered junior high school the following year, knowing her grades hadn't been good enough to get in.
Six months later, as she and Zul graduated from elementary school,
After the graduation ceremony, Zul went to the rooftop by himself.
"Finally, I’ve graduated, Arisa. It’s already been half a year since you passed away, and I’m still sad that you’re gone. I miss the moments we had together before. I’m not sure if I can keep our promise, but I’ll try my best to fulfill it.
As for Eri, she’s doing her best too. She is no longer involved in fighting anymore. She’s started dressing more girly recently and has begun copying how you did things. But don’t worry, both of us are doing well on our own."
Zul heard a voice inside his head. It was Arisa's voice.
"Understood. I’ll be sure to watch over both of you, wherever you go…"
Zul wiped his shed tear. "Thanks, Arisa…"
Then someone opened the rooftop door and approached him. It was Miku.
"Ah, there you are, Zul... I was looking for you, you know."
“Oh Miku, did you need something?”
"Our classmates are going to take a class picture together. They wondered if you want to join us."
"Understood, I'll join you guys now."
Miku walked slowly toward him and stood beside him.
"Hey Zul, are you still sad and missing Arisa-chan?"
Zul nodded. "Yes, I'm still sad and miss her. Even though I try to make myself not sad, it doesn't work."
"I see. Well, it can't be helped. You two were a couple, right? It's hard to forget the moments with someone you loved so much. We never expected she'd go before us."
"Yes, you're right, Miku."
"How about Eri? Is she still sad about Arisa-chan's passing? It's been a while since I've talked to her. I heard she hasn't been like herself lately because she hasn't been in a single argument or fight since Arisa-chan passed. Is she okay?"
"She's doing okay now. Don't worry about that."
"I see, I'm glad to hear that. Even though Eri and I don't get along, she's still Arisa's little twin sister. So Zul, from now on, please take care of her, okay? I'm making this request as Arisa's best friend."
"Understood. Just leave Eri to me."
"Hehe, I'm counting on you, Zul. Ah, we've wasted our time here. Let's go, Zul. Our friends are waiting."
"Yes, you're right, let's go."
Both Zul and Miku returned to their class to take the class photo with their classmates.
After school ended, Eri made her way out from the school grounds, turned back to face the school building, and reflected, "Goodbye, my old self. I will leave you here forever." She was determined to adopt her sister’s behavior when junior high school started, leaving her boyish and reckless self behind.
Zul waited at the school gate as promised. "Zul, sorry I made you wait so long. I was saying goodbye to my classmates one last time."
Zul froze. "Eri, I’ve noticed you’ve started talking more like her lately."
"You noticed? Yes, I want to keep changing myself to be more like her."
"I see you’re changing, inspired by her."
Eri looked down.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHAu7kdMlK
"Hey Zul, thanks for deciding to go to the same school as me next year. This wouldn’t have happened if my grades weren’t so bad before."
"Oh, that? It’s not important to me. It was just a recommendation, nothing to worry about."
"Hey, do you think I'm able to change myself like she asked? I'm worried that I can't do the things I promised her."
"Don’t worry, Eri. I'm sure you're able to keep your promise to her. I'll stay by your side to support you. And if bad things happen to you, I’ll be there to protect you, okay?”
"That's what I promised to her, remember?"
" Yes, you right. Thanks Zul. "
"Then let’s fulfill her final wish together."
“Yes…”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZECrqsijN
They shared a small laugh.
As they turned to leave, they each felt a hand on their shoulder and looked back.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKcapJf49W
"Eri, did you touch my shoulder?" "No… I thought you touched mine."
It must be her, they both thought, wondering if Arisa’s spirit had touched their shoulders.
Time passed, and by the time Eri was about to enter junior high school, her transformation was complete. Her appearance and behavior had become strikingly similar to Arisa’s. With her long hair, soft pastel clothes, and gentle manner, no one can tell it was her.
The change wasn’t merely physical; she had adopted her sister’s mannerisms and speech patterns, becoming a reflection of her late sister.
Her mother still struggled, overwhelmed by memories of her daughter. The house still felt empty.
As she walked past her mother's room, she thought, she's still not left her room. I think I should talk to her tomorrow morning.
The next morning, Eri decided to comfort her mother.
She knocked on the room door before opening it. "Mom, I'm entering now..."
When she entered the room slowly, her mother sat by the window, lost in thought.
"Mom?" Eri called softly, her voice matching Arisa’s familiar tone.
Her mother turned to her, and seeing Eri looking so much like Arisa, she was left in shock, staring with wide eyes.
Her mother's eyes welled up with tears. "Arisa...?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and heartache. "Arisa, my daughter, is that you?"
Eri stepped closer.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFwni16mvE
"No, Mom. It’s me, Eri. I’m still here, remember? Please stop crying, okay?"
Her mother surprised. "No way. Eri, my dear, is that you? But how… why do you look so much like her? I thought…"
Eri reached out, her voice filled with soothing warmth. "I know, Mom. I’m not Onee-chan, but I'll try to fill her place from now on. This was her final wish—to see me change."
Eri smiled gently.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLLSF1u5Ra
"Please, Mom, don’t cry anymore. Please cheer up, okay?"
Her mother remembered the same words Arisa had said on her last day: "Please, Mom, don’t cry anymore, please cheer up, okay." It made her mother feel as if Arisa’s spirit lived on inside Eri.
Her mother cried as she listened to Eri. The sadness and longing for Arisa remained, but Eri's gesture brought a small measure of comfort.
Eri held her mother’s hand.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9g1VL585H
"I’ll try to fill her place from now on. I know it won’t be the same, but I want to help you heal."
Her mother hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Eri. I don’t know how to explain it, but seeing you like this—it’s both painful and comforting. I’m sorry, my dear. I feel bad for ignoring you after her death. It hurt so much to see her gone like that."
Eri shed her tear. "It’s okay, Mom. It doesn’t hurt me. I know you’ve been so sad about Onee-chan’s death.”
Her mother continued to cry and said, "Thanks, Eri. Thank you for being alive for me."
As time passed, Eri’s transformation began to heal their lives. Her mother started to find peace, and Eri, though still missing her sister deeply, found purpose in embodying the qualities Arisa had loved. The house began to feel more like home again.
One afternoon, Eri was reading a novel in the living room while waiting for her mother to finish cooking lunch.
"Eri, can you help me?" her mother asked.
"Yes, what is it, Mom?"
"I made too much lunch. Can you bring some to Zul's house?"
"Okay, I’ll bring it to them now."
After a pause, she added, "Umm, Mom?"
"Yes, my dear, what is it?"
"After I come back from delivering this, can you teach me how to cook?"
"Sure, but why do you want me to teach you?"
"Because I want to be a good cook like my late sister used to be."
"Eri…" Her mother’s voice softened. "Alright, I will teach you after you get back."
"I’ll bring it to them now."
Her mother smiled, reminded of Arisa asking the same thing.
“Mom, can you teach me to cook? I want to make meals for Eri and Zul," Arisa had said.
When Eri arrived at Zul’s house, Zul's mother answered the door when Eri rang the bell.
Zul’s mother opened the door.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4C7tin96L
"Oh, Eri-chan! What brings you here?"
Eri handed over the lunchbox.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC8JvK6bs4
"I’m here to bring this for you. It’s from my mother."
"Oh, thank you for bringing this. How is your mother? I heard she’s been very depressed since Arisa-chan passed away."
"Oh, she’s back to normal now and isn’t as depressed as she was before. She’s finally accepted that my sister is gone."
"Really? I'm glad to hear that!"
"Is Zul here? I want to see him for a moment?"
"Please wait a moment; I’ll call him now."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk21SJfafi
"Zul, Eri is here to see you. Please come out!"
Huh, Eri is here? Zul wondered.
His mother smiled.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ScOZBkm9S
"Hey, you won’t believe what I just saw—Eri-chan looks so cute today. You have to see her now."
Zul walked up.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUpJJcSUwv
"Thanks for waiting. So, why'd you call me out so suddenly?"
"Nothing big. Haven’t seen you since graduation."
Eri blinked. "Wait, what’s up with that? Why are you wearing glasses now?" She chuckled.
"Hey, don't laugh. I'm wearing them because my eyesight has gotten worse recently, that's all."
"Do they look that bad?"
"No, they really suit you. You look cool with them,"
Zul froze after Eri gave him the same smile as Arisa.
I see... you really resemble her now, Eri.... Zul thought.
"Ah, I should get home now for lunch. My mother is waiting."
"Understood... Oh, Eri, on our first day of school in two days, let's go together, okay? I'll come to get you."
"I’ll be waiting for you, see you later, Zul."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Rw7intuf
She turned and walked home.
Two days passed, and finally, the day they started junior high school had arrived.
Her mom called from the hallway.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl84tXWQPys
"Eri, Zul is already here to take you to school."
"Tell him to wait for me."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHLNBWfCl7
She continued praying at Arisa’s altar.
"Onee-chan, today is my first day of junior high, so please watch over me from up there," she whispered before leaving with Zul to begin her first day.
Eri smiled at her mother.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lYwkSYSPL
"Mom, I’m leaving now."
"Take care, my dear. Please look after her too, okay Zul?"
"Understood. Then, should we go now, Eri?"
"Yeah, okay mom, I'm going now!!!"
"Take care."
As they disappeared from sight, Mrs. Sakamoto murmured to herself,
It's been a while since I've seen her smiling like that. It's the same smile as when both of you were playing together during childhood, right Arisa? Mrs. Sakamoto wiped away tears, recalling the past.
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NylDhYrR2
To be continued...............Futagomonogatari VI
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and then Add to home screen.