I lifted my head up.

She's smiling...

"Well, that's a relief..." she said.

"What? "

"I was starting to believe you were perfect. I'm glad to know you're human. "

Human....

"Let me tell you a secret, Kouta. I've admired you for a long time. I always wanted to be just like you. I loved you. I found myself trying to get you notice that I liked you by dating other guys. Stupid, I know. Sometimes, they were really good guys. I would lie and tell everyone they were horrible just so that I could move on to the next one. I just wanted you to see that I loved you. I wanted you to protect me. I played with people's hearts so that I could have yours... So, don't apologize to me. We're the same. I guess I really did achieve my goal or capturing your heart. At the cost of losing it, of course."

"N-Noriko? " I said, shocked to the core.

"This was my last ditch attempt to get you to say you liked me too... " she said.

She's loved me... No, admired me this whole time?

"Noriko, I... "

"Shussh. I know why you don't love me anymore you know. Go to her, Kouta. Tell her because I know how you feel about her isn't a lie. Whenever you're around her, you shine. So go. "

"What? "

Hitomi.

"Goodbye, Kouta. " Noriko said and then started to walk away.

"Wait, Nori! " I shouted and she turned around.

She blew me a kiss and smiled then turned back around and walked off.

I didn't follow her.

Goodbye, Noriko.

Thank you.