Chapter 46: Our Path of Ringing:Birth's Anthem

                                    

                                          
Author's Notes
                          
This chapter was once again co-written with TrueChampionSR. Once again, a really big thanks to them for helping me out with this chapter (they practically did everything). Their ideas never fail to amaze me. I hope you enjoy the chapter.
                          
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I'm busy cleaning one of the studios after Afterglow just finished using it. A looming presence was standing over me that I was very well aware was there, and I knew what she wanted to talk about. I don't know why I'm hesitating, I'll have to speak eventually. Thankfully, she initiates the conversation, not wanting to wait for me any longer.
                          
"You got anything you want to say to me?" Tomoe says.
                          
"What can I say? You said you saw us... and... that means..." I say.
                          
"You basically let her tackle you." Tomoe says and I blush a deep crimson, remembering what happened at the Udagawa residence that night.
                          
"Is it bad for me to say that I was... really into it?" I admit.
                          
"No, you looked like you were really enjoying it. But your behavior don't seem to have changed, and that's what troubles me." Tomoe says.
                          
"Why's that?" I ask.
                          
"You're still having thoughts about hurting yourself, aren't you?" Tomoe says in a concerned tone.
                          
"So that's what this is about..." I say in a depressed tone and Tomoe sighs as she begins to walk away, stopping as she opens the door.
                          
"Remember, you're no longer on this planet just for yourself." Tomoe says just as she leaves, leaving me to think about what she said.
                          
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Nighttime [Rinko's POV]
                          
Ako: It was absolutely amazing Rin-rin! (Y/N) is such a good kisser, and even then I was still all over him.
                          
Rinko: Ako-chan, I don't think we should be talking about this right now.
                          
Ako: You should really try it. I was gonna go back for more, but my parents got home. Thankfully we scrambled and made it look unsuspicious.
                          
Rinko: M-m-m-me? I-I-I-I don't know if he would even w-w-w-want to do s-something l-l-like that with me...
                          
Ako: Come on Rin-rin, I know you can do it! He's very likely to be willing, you just need to take aim and fire! Then he's all ours.
                          
Rinko: Take... aim? An arrow shot correctly will always hit its target...
                          
Ako: That sounds so cool Rin-rin! Did Sayo-san teach you that?
                          
Rinko: Yes, she did... I'll... think about it...
                          
Ako: Well, I have to log out tonight. It was nice seeing you, bye.
                          
Ako-chan logged out.
                          
Kiss... with... (Y/N)... My memory floats back to when we met at the park... his hair is soft... but... his soul... it felt immensely burdened... I log off of NFO and head to bed, allowing the embrace of sleep to encapsulate me.
                          
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A few days later
                          
I'm walking around with (Y/N)-san through the park and talking about piano tournaments as we approach my home, upon arriving, something stopped me... a... feeling?