I could see her. I could feel her presence, and yet, I found myself alone.

It's almost as if she is still with me, but in reality, she is not. It's as if her soul follows mine, just out of reach.

I can feel my heart ache whenever she reveals herself, I always tend to push away people I got too close to, especially girls.

I couldn't allow myself to love another, that would be a betrayal of Konna's trust. I had barriers I could not let down.

But I remembered Konna's words, I need to move on.

For her.

...

I found myself walking beside a new classmate I had recently met. We walked beside one another as the cool autumn breeze blew against us. She was taking me somewhere, I don't know where, she claimed it to be a surprise.

I had a small smile on my face, I hadn't known this girl for very long, but she was slowly becoming a big part of my life, it was like she was filling a wound I hadn't recovered from.

After some walking, we found ourselves going uphill, down a sidewalk, dimly illuminated by lampposts that dot the streets.

"Where are you taking me, Saiko?"

I'd ask, my eyes looking into hers, her deep blue eyes looking back into mine.

She wouldn't reply, instead giggling and continuing to walk faster. My eyes widened a little as I kept pace, eventually, we ended up running in the forest. The exact forest Konna and I met all those years ago.

Saiko stopped running suddenly, I slowed down to a stop and stood beside her, my eyes never leaving her figure.

"Why are we here?"

"..."

She didn't respond, instead motioning towards the view in front of us. I turned to face in front of me, and my eyes couldn't help but expand at the sight of it. It was a familiar view, one Konna had taken me to see long ago.

Dotted lights filled my vision, the small town we lived in on display in front of me, the ocean in the distance was illuminated by the moon, moonlight reflecting off of the water. I turned to face Saiko, her eyes looking into mine, their deep blue color matching the night sky.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

She'd comment, smiling before her gaze returned to the view in front of us.

"..."

I couldn't find words, my eyes still lingering on Saiko. I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to her, despite our relatively limited time together.

"It is."

I'd reply, my eyes returning to the view of the town.

I thought of Konna, the familiar scene of her taking me to this exact spot causing my heart to ache. I did not want to replace her, but I also wanted to respect her wishes. Her already outspoken desire for me to move on, of course, I'd never forget her, never stop loving her, she was a part of me that was gone, and I suppose she wanted me to fill in that void that she knew she left in my heart.

I turned my head to face Saiko, who to my surprise, was already looking at me, her eyes looking into mine.

...

We shared a moment of silence, not an awkward one, but one of comfort. Her mere presence allowed my being to feel at peace.

I saw Saiko move closer to me, her figure approaching mine.

"..."

She smiled, putting her small hands on my shoulders. Before pushing herself up, I wanted to revolt, something in me told me to not allow her to get so close, to do what she was about to do.

But before I could decide I felt her smooth lips connect with mine, and my eyes widened in surprise.

Saiko had her eyes closed, and I could sense the passion behind her actions.

I was too caught up in the moment to notice the presence behind Saiko.

...

Konna's stood there, silent, her facial expression blank and her mouth shut.

'...'

'I knew I wanted him to move on, but yet...'

'I feel as if I need him to myself.'

'Even if I am gone.'

The cynical expression on her face turned into a smile, but it wasn't the sweet or loving smile she was known for, no, it was more deranged in nature. 

'He's mine.'

Her concerning behavior would go unnoticed as she was blown away with the leaves. Leaving embers behind as a signal of her visitation.