After the confrontation with Ryu we all went our separate ways home.

Hitomi decided to walk home with me.

"So, Kouta... Are you okay? "

"Yeah. "

"Okay... "

The awkward silence settled in making things uncomfortable.

I looked to Hitomi.

"Thanks... Hitomi. You were cool back there. " I said.

She blushed.

"Well, I... Just had to make sure my bestie didn't end up in the hospital tonight! It would've been.... Really boring waiting for you to get out! "

"You would've waited there with me until I got discharged? "

She blushed again, even deeper.

"Of course. Friends do that for each other, right? " Hitomi said.

I smiled.

"You know, I used to just think you were a bitch but now I see you're actually pretty nice. " I said.

"I am a bitch. "

"No, you're -

"I am. Always was one, always will be. But that's who I am. I guess the reason I've been a mean bitch lately is because.... "

"Because? "

"Because nobody looked at Hitomi and said she was worth it. Nobody ever looked at me and said "You can do it Hitomi! ". I just wanted people to look at me and say I was there. The reason I can be myself is you, Kouta. "

Me?

"You accepted me for who I was and that's all I ever wanted. "

I just stayed silent.

"At least say something, Kouta. A girl pours her heart out to you and you turn into a brick? " Hitomi said.

"I don't know what to say."

"What do you mean? "

"Hitomi, I've never really been useful for anyone. In reality, half of the time, I just feel like the third wheel in a group. So to have you say, what you just said, is a little jarring. "

"No, you're not !"

"Wait, wha-"

"You're not the third wheel! Didn't you listen to what I just told you! You. Are. Important! " Hitomi shouted.

Then Hitomi hugged me.

I'm.... Important?