...
"... Tomoki-san, what do you think about Edomae-san?"
I froze.
I could only listen—silently.
This was it. I might finally understand how he truly sees me.
"She's my friend. She's always helped me, and I hope I can return the favor someday." - Tomoki-kun replied.
I don't know if I should be happy hearing that.
He sees me as a friend—and I appreciate that. I really do. But... I want more. I want to be someone special to him.
"I see... Tomoki-san, do you have a girlfriend? Or someone you like?"
I want to know too.
"No, I don't... haha. But what about you? Do you like someone?"
Wait... Why is he asking her that?
Why does he want to know if she has someone she likes?
"Yeah... I do. I just don't know if I'll be accepted."
"If someone rejected you, then he's wasting a chance. You're cute, cheerful, and seriously talented at drawing. Be confident!"
Please... stop.
"Tomoki-san... let's say I confessed to you. Would you accept?"
My vision blurred. My legs were giving out.
I'm afraid to hear his answer, because I'm starting to figure out how Tomoki-kun views all the girls.
He actually sees girls the same way we see boys. He is interested in girls.
If I had known it sooner... I would have confessed to him.
But isn't it too soon? They've only greeted each other from time to time. Did something happen when I wasn't watching? I mean... he would definitely feel pressured by a sudden confession.
"Maybe... After all, you're an incredible person, Tachibana-san."
It felt like the world shattered.
My hands, my feet—I couldn't feel them. All I could hear was my heartbeat, pounding louder than ever.
Why... You said that you would be at my side if needed. Even if you wouldn't accept me.
You asked me what I liked, so I desperately searched for the book suitable for you, just to let you know a little about me.
You invited me to have lunch together just to listen to what I wanted to ask you.
You chose me out of all the girls in the cooking club, even though there were others more experienced than me.
We laughed together about all the hardships we went through.
So... in the end... am I the only one who sees you in a special way?
I think so... I should've known better.
But even if I was lost in my thoughts, I couldn't ignore his voice.
"Tachibana-san, can I talk about myself? This is the first time I've said this to someone."
First... time...? I think I'll pass out.
"Me—the first time!? I mean, yeah, of course!"
"To tell the truth, I had someone I loved. It was my childhood friend. But when I confessed to her, I was rejected."
"I see... Wait, WHAT!?"
He's been... REJECTED!? I think I'll have a stroke.
"Yeah, but it's kind of embarrassing to say, though. The thing is... it'd be rude to you if I dated you while still thinking about another girl. After all, you said you wouldn't like it if the guy you're dating doesn't treat you well, right?"
"Well, it's true I said that... but I don't mind, you know. That girl wasted such an opportunity, so I'd gladly take it!"
"The girl that comes to mind isn't her—but the one who helped me move on."
"Is that girl... I see. So that's how it is."
"Yeah."
"..."
"Are you okay?"
" sob ...oops! It seems something got in my eye... hehe... sob "
"I see... It's really tough when something gets in your eyes. I know that too."
"Tomoki-san... can I ask you one last thing?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"I've always wondered. Why do you treat all the girls with such kindness?"
"I think I treat everyone the way anyone should. But let me see... if I had to say, it's because that's how I was taught."
"I see... It seems you have wonderful parents."
"... You're right... I do."
"It's already late. Thank you for listening to me. Well... until tomorrow."
"Yeah... until tomorrow."
Tachibana-san left the place while Tomoki-kun stood there. Maybe seeing her off.
...
Even after she was already gone, he was still standing there. I'm worried.
"Sigh~... Is this how you felt? Better get going." - Tomoki-kun said to himself.
Is he concerned about Tachibana-san?
No... it would be strange if he weren't.
But then... who is the girl who made him move on?
Is it... me? I've never seen him close to any other girls besides me or Tachibana-san.
But I'd better not get ahead of myself. I don't know what he does outside of school.
Besides, I think I lost a few years of my life just listening here quietly.
Let's go home.
♦♦♦
"At least he doesn´t accepted her confession. I think you have a good chance with him, Ayame-sama."
"But I´m afraid that I´ll got rejected and make our current relationship akward."
"I don´t see a reason to rush things. Take your time to know him better and build his trust in you."
"I thought about that too. But it wouldn't be surprising if he got a girlfriend before I even noticed. If he hadn't been rejected by his childhood friend… I don't even want to imagine it."
"I wonder why someone would reject such a boy. Sure he´s look kind plain but he has other qualities to overwhelm this fact. It´s really a mistery."
"I´m actually want to meet this person personally."
"Either way, I don´t think you need to stress over so much about him now. You should just enjoy talking to him."
"Maybe you´re right. Thank you for always listen to me, Sasaki-san."
"It´s my pleasure, my lady."
Today I thought I would end up losing him to someone else. The moment he rejected her, I felt so relieved... No, more than that, I caught myself smiling.
When he mentioned about the girl who made him move on from his past rejection. I couldn´t stop imagining being me the one he mentioned.
If he knew this part of me... I wonder if he feel respulsive. After all, even I know this is not a good way to think.
Tomoki-kun, you said that you would help me to find my way even if i lost myself right? So that you can accept me.
That's why I can't stop grinning right now. I'm having high hopes that I'm the one in your heart.
♦♦♦Present day♦♦♦
"Ayame-sama, you should stop this. Before it becomes too late."
"Fufu~ Sasaki-san, why are you worried? I'm just making sure we have enough time to get to know each other much better—without any interference."
"I beg you, my lady. I know how kind you are. I know he love—"
"NO!"
"Ayame...chan."
"You don't know... sob ...the moment he encountered her... sob ...I could see it... I understood right away... sob ...he never showed that face to me... never... sob ...he loves her."