After a fifteen-minute bus ride, I arrived at the bustling downtown area of Chester. As I strolled along the busy streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, I soon found myself approaching the liquor store. I quickly made my way towards the entrance. 

I was right back where it all began — the very place that sealed my fate with Ray’s. I stood outside the store, my heart pounding with anxiety. I hesitated to take a step forward. Clutching my bag tightly, I tugged on the straps with an almost frantic determination, hoping to release some of the discomfort that was weighing heavily on me. 

I simply need to hand the phone over to the person working at the counter and ask them to pass it on to Ray. And now, off I go.

One more minute ticked by, and I found myself completely motionless.

”Let's go, Kichi. It's a piece of cake. Super simple,” I encouraged myself.

Another three minutes had passed and I was still rooted to the spot. I frantically shook off my nerves. With a sudden burst of bravery, I grabbed hold of the door handle and tugged with all my might. However, to my dismay, it remained firmly shut.

Locked?

Despite multiple attempts, my efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Frustrated, I pressed my face against the door, hoping to catch a glimpse through the tinted glass. As I stepped back, I scanned the door for any signs of a buzzer or intercom. 

"You should go around the back." When the words were spoken, my body swiftly turned. There, at the building next door, stood a bald man. 

“Excuse me?”

“Around this time, they typically close for an hour," he stated in a crisp tone. “Go around the back and find buzzer number three. Once you ring it, someone should answer," he instructed.

Behind the complex, there was a basketball court, as well as some barbeque grills, scattered white chairs, and a big inflatable oval pool. It appeared to be a lively and enjoyable place. 

I pressed the buzzer and waited. Despite my repeated attempts, there was still no answer. Growing frustrated, I pressed the buzzer again. 

“Can I help you?" A voice sounded through the speaker. 

My chest constricted at the sound of Ray's voice. There was no escaping her presence now. 

“Ray.”

“Kichi?”

"Your phone is with me. Rias told me of your location and requested that I return it to you. You are welcome to come downstairs and get it.” 

“No.”

“No?” I asked with confusion.

"I must see you," she uttered. 

There was a hint of desperation in her tone, or maybe it was just my wishful thinking.

"Alright, I am letting you in.”

In an attempt to postpone the inevitable encounter with Ray, I opted to take the stairs instead of riding the elevator. The sound of my footsteps echoed through the empty stairwell as I ascended the steps, each one feeling heavier than the last. 

The door was opened, so I immediately removed my shoes out of respect and entered a surprisingly large and tastefully decorated apartment. As I walked further into the apartment, I felt a sense of warmth and comfort, making me feel slightly at ease. 

“Kichi!”

My eyes were immediately drawn to Ray's slim figure, clad in a pair of light grey boy shorts and a simple T-shirt. I couldn't help but notice that she had just showered, as her hair was still damp and radiating a fresh, clean scent. The yellow strands were beautifully highlighted with chartreuse green, giving her a vibrant and youthful appearance. She looked as if she were ready to shoot a shampoo commercial. 

Each step Ray took towards me caused my heart to beat faster and faster, the racing rhythm becoming almost overwhelming. It was as though my heart was trying to escape from my chest, its frantic pounding echoing in my ears. 

Out of nowhere, Ray abruptly said, “As I reflect on our initial encounter, I can't help but remember the distinct image of you wearing glasses.”

“Huh?”

"I believe that they prevented me from kissing you the way I truly desired to at that time. You are not wearing them now, so…”

Typically, my glasses were reserved for school and studying purposes.

"Do I seem strange without my glasses?" I asked with a jittery movement. My hand unconsciously reached up to my face. The absence of my glasses didn't bother me, but having it brought to my attention suddenly made me feel exposed.

"You seem to be missing my point,” Ray pointed out.

"Could you enlighten me then? What exactly is the point?"

Ray let out a gentle sigh as she took another step towards me. With a few graceful movements, she leaned down and placed a soft and tender kiss on my lips, sending a wave of warmth and tingling through my body. She wrapped her arms around me, pressing her body against mine. The warmth from our contact spread through my body, igniting a passionate flame between us.  

"The point is, you goofball. This time, I finally have the chance to kiss you the way I have wanted to back then.” As soon as those words escaped her lips, my mouth opened in response. Ray gently tilted my chin upwards and claimed my lips with hers.

I opened my mouth to Ray's advances, and a deep growl escaped from my throat, much to my surprise. Every part of her mouth felt like pure bliss, causing me to lose control. Despite my lungs screaming for air, I couldn't bring myself to stop her, too consumed by the pleasure. Ray's grip on my face loosened and she grabbed onto my waist tightly, causing me to wince. I struggled to catch my breath, but Ray would just take my mouth again and again. My legs went weak and I had to hold onto her for support. To my dismay, our intense kiss came to an end. Ray pulled away, leaving me panting and flushed from head to toe. I felt dizzy and disoriented.

"I have to do it one final time," Ray calmly stated.  

"Is this truly our final moment?" I murmured, my throat constricting. A sense of hopelessness drenched me in an instant, like a torrential storm.

"This will be the last time we will see each other.”

I involuntarily flenched. “You are returning to Bridgeport.” 

“Yes.” 

As much as I knew that her departure was inevitable, I could not suppress the desire to keep her close to me, even if for a brief period. The thought of her leaving filled me with a sense of melancholic longing. I could barely muster up the strength to retrieve her phone from its designated spot in my bag.

"I am sorry for the trouble I may have caused," I said to her. "Safe journey." My words were barely audible as I struggled to hold back my sobs.

Ray cautiously retrieved her phone from my grasp, making sure to avoid any additional physical contact. 

“Goodbye, Kichi.”

The final words she spoke had a profound impact on me. Tears streamed down my face as I turned away, overcome with indescribable emotions. I wished with all my heart that I could stay by her side indefinitely and earn a special place in her heart. My mind was consumed with these thoughts as I aimlessly walked away, unable to bring myself to look back. The tears in my eyes clouded my vision, and I felt completely drained of energy. Without warning, my body gave out and I collapsed to the ground.

“Kichi!”