I made it back to the hotel quick as I could, as promised. Much to my relief, there was a portion of sushi saved for me. I did my best to put on a brave face and make it look like this wasn’t a big deal, but I could tell how much everyone was concerned for me. Futaba and Ryuji digging through my things certainly made it easier to laugh it off at the very least and Makoto hasn’t left my side since I got back. Eventually, the festivities for the evening died down and the others went back to their own rooms, leaving the two of us alone together.
It’s hardly a moment after Haru shuts the door behind her that I collapse, leaning into the crook of Makoto’s neck. The tears start falling, my whole body shuddering from a sob before I force myself to regain some degree of composure. Her arms anchor me to reality and the soft look in her eye reminds me of just how much I’m cared for. Taking off my now tear-stained glasses, I hold one of her hands tightly in mine, my eyes glued to the floor.
“...I just- ...I didn’t think it was going to hit me as hard as it did, y’know? They threw me away and I hate them for it. I should be happy, finally getting away from them. So why does it- ...Why does it still hurt so much?!” The waterworks start up again and I can’t do more than cry against her shoulder for a solid minute.
Her hand combing through my frizzy mop of hair, I eventually manage to recover. It takes a few deep breaths and wiping off my face to get me back to conversational. I give her an appreciative smile as I squeeze her hand I’m still not ready to let go of.
“S-Sorry about this. I’m being an ass, complaining to you about my folks after you lost yours. ...But I appreciate you being here for me anyway. I love you, Makoto. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”