(A/N: Woooooow, I haven't written anything in a long time. I just finished the last episode of Your Lie in April this evening, and started thinking about how Tsubaki might feel after the aftermath of everything. I wrote this in a few short minutes, but I hope you'll enjoy!)

The Truth Among the Lies

"Are you sad she's gone?"

A single question Nao asked me. A question that shouldn't have even been asked. A question where the answer should have seemed obvious.

"Of course."

Aren't most people sad when somebody dies? Don't they usually miss the person who has parted from this world? Why even ask?

After all, Kaori Miyazono was my friend. She's was everyone's friend. She was the kind of girl that it was hard not to be friends with. Even if we were both interested in Kousei, we still got along. She was a good person. She was perfect.

"Tsubaki, I know your feelings better than you know them yourself."

She walked away.

So, maybe she does. After all, she helped me to realize my true feelings towards Kousei.

What are you saying then? Is that one-liner supposed to be you calling me out as a liar?

My chest tightens with the feeling of guilt. Is it wrong that my heart has been filled with hope since her passing? That maybe, just maybe, he'll acknowledge my feelings someday?

It's been at least half a year since her funeral. We are all moving on with our lives. Kousei seems like he's doing okay, but he always has this bittersweet, nostalgic look in his eyes, and a somewhat melancholy smile. I guess I worry about him a lot, and I guess in my own weird ways I try to be there for him. After all, the sooner he gets over this, the sooner he'll maybe want to open his heart again.

It was all too convenient.

I would never wish the fate of Kaori Miyazono on anyone. But I won't deny the sigh of relief that escaped my lips once I fully realized that the object of Kousei's desire was no longer among us. I feel so many opportunities ahead.

The school bell rings. Most students are on their way home now. As I exit my own classroom, I see him there. Short ebony hair, light skin, and bright sapphire eyes behind a pair of dark glasses.

"Oh, hey Tsubaki. I was just getting ready to leave school. Let's walk home together."

Cheerfully, I nodded.

"Sure."

We walk the same familiar road that we always have. I'm walking closer to Kousei than usual, but I'm quiet. Eyes focused on the path ahead of me as thoughts about her traverse through my mind.

Such an unexpected turn of events. Who'd have thought that things would end up this way? You appeared before all our eyes in a sudden flash, turned all our lives upside down, and then left almost as quickly as you had appeared, leaving memories of your bright smile behind.

You turned my life upside down. You, who came out of nowhere, captured the loving gaze of the boy before me, the girl who had been by his side his whole life.

Kaori Miyazono, you were selfish.

But maybe, I am too. Selfish for wanting to use your death as an opportunity to win Kousei's love. You were my only competition, and with you gone, who will Kousei look at now? It has to be me. Someday he'll realize too, just like I did, that he's meant to be with me all along.

I wonder, did you feel that you were the right one for Kousei?

Did you leave this world perhaps, to give me this chance, I wonder?

"Are you sad she's gone?"

Nao's words echo in my mind.

Of course not.