Okaeri.
Today was the last day we could perform together, the last time I could be by your side…
”I guess this is it now.”
”I guess it is…”
My fists clenched tightly into a ball as we spoke. You nodded a little as you smiled at me.
”Stay by my side…”
Were the words I desperately wanted to convey, yet they escaped as I swallowed back the objection that welled up inside me.
”Last calling, all doors will close momentarily.”
My feet stepped back involuntarily, as I watched you board the departing train. Through the glass, the dimples on the corners of the smile you wore trembled unevenly.
We both tried to face each other and part with a smile, for each other’s sake.
—————————————————————————————————
It’s getting late, I don’t want to disturb you. Even so, my heart really hurts… I miss the warmth of your hugs and your touch. I remember before I left Japan, you gave me an overwhelming hug, you pressed your body closer to mine.
Trying to fill in the gap as much as you could between us, my body froze. I felt somewhat paralysed from your strength.
“M-Miku?... Is something wrong?”
You looked like you had something important to say but I barely heard you as you mumbled.
“You’re leaving me... “
“Miku, I can’t hear you. Just let me go already, I can’t feel my arms.”
I squirmed a little in your embrace.
“Why are you leaving HKT48?!”
You let your grip loosened and looked deep into my eyes. I hated to see you like this, it honestly made me feel guilty…
“Miku, I’m not leaving… I’m just taking a little break and trying something different.”
“For more than two years!”
Taking a breath, I tried to comfort you. Nonetheless you kept pouting at me.
“You’re going to be fine Miku!”
“I won’t be without you!...”
A brief moment of silence fell between us.
Although I tried to find a way to reassure you, I didn’t see a suitable distance between you and me.
Yet, you didn’t care about our surroundings. I should’ve realised sooner you were never willing to give up… On us. I felt your mouth crash against mine, as you gently cupped my chin.
"Nnnn?!"
My whole body shuddered as I felt your right hand slip down my waist.
"*kiss*... nn... *kiss*"
"Mmmm, hah... nnnnnn..."
Licking the tip of my lips lightly, I was finally going to give in. But then you stepped back and a feeling of frustration overcame me.
“I don’t want anyone to steal your lips before you go to Korea!!!”
Immediately, that feeling of frustration changed to shock from your sudden statement. Searching around the room I sighed with relief as no one really turned their attention towards us.
I noticed you started to create a bridge of distance between us. This time I would be the one to act swiftly. Pulling you in, I smiled sheepishly.
“Miku, you know you’ll always be my partner in crime! When it’s time to go home, we can do it again baka…”
In response, your eyes crinkled at the edges and the corners of your mouth turned upwards. My heart melted, it still does now when you smile at me…
——————————————————————————————————-
It’s been over a year since IZ*ONE debuted, I wondered if you ever missed HKT. And, if you ever missed me…
Suddenly my phone went off and I received a video call.
”Miku… *hic* The votes, they were rigged… *hic*”
It’s unlike you to cry, you’re eyes started becoming puffy and swollen.
“It’s not your fault Nako! You’re not to blame… It’s been tough but I’m still cheering for you! Always!”
”M-Miku… *hic*”
Her voice quivered in the background.
”It’s okay, let it out... I’m not going anywhere.”
…*sobs*…
Finally, all I could hear was a high pitched sigh and whimper. I stared at my phone intently, constantly tying to think if there was any other way to make her feel better. Waiting for her was all that came to mind.
I try not to overstep the boundaries, I try so hard not to intrude myself too much in your life. But when you called me, I realised I‘d miss you, I wish I could see you…
Whenever there’s time, we’d meet up too, we’d talk for as long as we could. Whether it’s long distance or far away, that doesn’t matter in our relationship.
“Thank you for listening to me… I miss you Miku…”
Your words echoed repeatedly in my ears, could you tell I was blushing?
“I miss you too Nako.”
You started to wipe the remaining tears from your red eyes, I wasn’t there to do it for you…
”Hey Nako, do you remember our kiss before you left?”
Swiftly your expression changed from sullen to embarrassment.
I pulled a cheeky grin, in hopes it would rub off on you. In the end, you let out a small chuckle.
”Baka… Of course I remember.”
——————-———————————————————————————
Today is the 15th May 2021. In the audience, I saw fans gasp with surprise and excitement. Nako and Sakura have finally returned.
During the theatre show, every member took the stage to pose in front of the camera’s. I honestly didn’t care… Nako was back. We stood side by side like we used to.
When it was time to pose, the staff told us to crouch down. I wasn’t paying much attention because I could only focus on you. I turned my direction towards you, hoping you’d notice. As you pouted your lips together, I imitated you. You let out a small elated chortle and it was adorable.
Afterwards, the other members called us by our nickname. I haven’t heard it been used for so long, I leaned my head against yours. How long has it been since the last time we did this? I’m so happy I don’t have to wonder anymore…
——————————————————————————————————
The curtains began to close, you whispered in my ear gently.
”Okaeri Nako-chan…~