COTE Year 2 Reimagined

Volume 4.5:Part 14

Even though it was past curfew, I made my way outside the ship and decided to sit on the ground somewhere I could see the ocean.

<Are you awake? If you are, then I could call you now and explain.>

My text was immediately read, and she called me without even replying. Kei was impatient as always.

<I thought you forgot about me.>

I did promise so I had to call her.

<You don't have a very high opinion of me, do you?>

<No not really.>

She admitted it without hesitation.

<My feelings are hurt.>

<Shut up. Now explain to me!!>

I explained to Kei everything I could about the island exam and the situation going forward. I told her there was someone I had to deal with and that it should be resolved once he's gone.

<That's insane. You were seventh? And you fought with Koenji? And Sakayanagi-san fought this other first year girl while Ryuen fought that Hosen guy... wow, I thought my exam was tough, but you were on another level. But still, how did you pass out? I don't believe it's from exhaustion.>

She was still curious, but I couldn't tell her anything about Tsukishiro or the white room.

<I can't tell you.>

<ughhhh>

<Maybe one day.>

I said that so she wouldn't be upset, but I doubt I'd ever tell anyone here about the white room.

<Fine. What about that boy? Will you be fine?>

<Yes. Hopefully.>

I had no idea how skilled he could be, so I couldn't confidently declare victory yet.

<Hopefully?? Do you need my help?>

<No. I don't want you to get involved. I have another plan.>

I had stopped trying to use Kei as a pawn, so I didn't want her to get involved here. I wanted to learn more experiences through Kei, so she was valuable to me in that regard.

<Okay, I trust you.>

<I see that sneaking into my room every night helped you sneak up on Horikita.>

Kei laughed at my statement. She had probably thought the same thing.

<I was so proud of myself! I mean, Horikita-san is like super smart and still didn't notice me!>

I expected Kei to be successful but it was still impressive nonetheless.

<You're right. That was impressive.>

For some reason, when talking to Kei, I couldn't get Tsukishiro's words out of my head.

<Kei.>

<Yes?>

<I have a question.>

<Sure ask me.>

<What do birthdays mean to you?>

I wanted to understand the significance of birthdays from a different perspective. For me it was just a common celebration that people took part it. It wasn't that special in my eyes.

<what?>

She was surprised at my strange question, but I waited for her to answer without interrupting her.

<I don't know. I guess I'm happy if someone remembers my birthday. It means they thought about me and wanted to celebrate me for the day you know?>

<I see.>

I paused for a moment and decided to ask another question as well.

<How many people do you think celebrated your birthday in all your life?>

<What's up with you and birthdays? Just let me think.>

She stopped talking for a second and was muttering numbers in a low voice. She was probably counting on her fingers.

<I don't know! Maybe 30? I mean there's my friends here and my parents. My family from both sides and like my cousins. Sometimes, even my neighbours, so I don't know.>

It was too much for her to count them all. I had the opposite experience of her unsurprisingly.

<I see.>

There was an awkward silence for a bit.

<Kiyotaka...>

She sounded upset for some reason.

<Yes?>

<How many people celebrated your birthday in your life?>

I should've expected that question. I decided to just be honest with her.

<Just you last year.>

She didn't say anything after that. She seemed to be thinking about an answer then...

<Thank you.>

Every action I took in my day had a purpose. Every word and every movement. Whether it was to talk my way out of an uncomfortable situation or to manipulate someone into doing what I wanted. Yet this time, the words just came out of my mouth unexpectedly. I didn't even understand why I had said that.

I ended the call before waiting for her response and stared at her contact information for a few seconds before putting my phone down. I thought she might call me back and get angry that I hung up, but she didn't do so. I decided to stay out here for a while and think while looking towards the ocean.

She was the first person who ever celebrated my existence in this world.

What a ridiculous thought...