Even Though I Loved You First

Getting closer to the store in which the painting was showcased, Sachi couldn’t help but notice the small sparkles forming on Riku’s blue eyes, to which she giggled.

“What ‘s up?” (Riku)

“Nothing at all~ You just look really excited that’s all.” (Sachi)

Somehow, Sachi started speaking in a less formal tone as to what Riku was accustomed to and started to interact with him as if there was no distance between them.

“Oh! Look! Damn, the details are really good!”  (Riku)

With sparkling eyes, Riku looked excitedly at the painting he mentioned beforehand. However, after a few seconds, he jumped as if a realization crossed his mind.

“S-sorry about that… F-for having you see a childish part of me…” (Riku)

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I don’t mind. Rather, it suits the Riku I see at school everyday.” (Sachi)

“I see…” (Riku)

Sachi reassured him with a smile, to which Riku’s face started to turn bright red and in a corner of his mind, he thought. What a relief, she really is different from ‘those guys’.

⧫

Some time passed and before they knew it, it was already twelve-o-clock. Currently, they were both inside a rustic-looking restaurant as they flipped through their menus.

“Denver Omelet.” (Riku)

“L.A. Galbi.” (Sachi)

“Certainly.”

After collecting both of their menus, the waiter retired and headed to the main counter to place their orders. Due to this, it was now the two of them.

“Number Two: If you want to initiate a conversation, either ook around the place for something that may catch her attention or use the current situation, I learned that from Kei.”

Recalling another one of Hayato’s pieces of advice, Riku decided to attempt and break the ice.

“Have you ever come here before?” (Riku)

Using the restaurant they were in, Riku asked Sachi in a casual tone.

“It’s actually my first time here and I have to say, the place really looks nice.” (Sachi)

She said, as she glanced around the place.

“I see. I’ve seen this place once. Of course, I never actually bought anything, I only saw the place from outside.” (Riku)

“I see. Oh, the food is here.” (Sachi)

Cutting their conversation short, both of them received the plates containing their respective meals. After they said their thanks, both of them grabbed their utensils and dug in.

⧫

~Main Plaza [6:20 P.M.]

“That tree really looks beautiful…” (Sachi)

“Such a sight.” (Riku)

When they finished their meals, both of them resumed their date with a significant change. The change mentioned was none other than the image of the both of them tightly holding hands. They no longer looked like ‘friends’ nor ‘best friends’, to the human eye, they both looked like nothing less than a loving young couple.

Of course, due to the two of them being so into the date, neither of them noticed this.

“It’s been a while since the last time I had so much fun…” (Sachi)

“Is that so?” (Riku)

“Unn. To be honest, before I met you three, the only thing I ever did was go to school and help around the house. However, ever since that day, life’s been more fun, you know?” (Sachi)

Kei Ichinose

Shizuka Sakurajima

Riku Ryouzaki

For Sachi, these three people were irreplaceable existences to her. Kei was the person that reached out to her, when she was all alone. Sachi was the person she trusted the most, she was not only friendly, but understanding as well. As for Riku, even if he denies it, he has helped Sachi so much just by being himself, thanks to him, she was able to little by little grow out of her shell.

That was everything it took for Sachi to fall in love with that boy.

“I think it’s time for our presents, don’t ya think?” (Riku)

“Great minds think alike.” (Sachi)

Both of them turned and faced each other, As both of them felt the cold breeze and as they immersed themselves in their own words, Sachi spoke up.

“Here. Happy Christmas, Riku.” (Sachi)

“Thanks, may I open it?” (Riku)

“Go ahead.” As she gave him the go-ahead, Riku gently unwrapped the present which was delicately wrapped in brown paper and with a blue ribbon, clearly something meant for him.

“It’s a bracelet… huh?” (Riku)

The present itself was a bracelet that utilized all shades of blue, each and every pearl used seemed delicate and precious at first sight. A sight that seemed as clear as the purest water forms.

“Does it suit me?” (Riku)

“It does.” (Sachi)

She giggled gracefully.

“Now then, it’s my turn. Here, Merry Christmas, Sachi.” (Riku)

“Thank you. I assume I can open it?” (Sachi)

“Unn.” (Riku)

She gently and gracefully opened the box wrapped on black paper. The box itself was a little larger than Sachi’s gift, but there was a reason.

“Huh?” (Sachi)

Sachi couldn’t hide her surprise as she blinked twice.

“So you see… I never actually gave a present to a girl before… so I thought that a little portrait would do it… sorry, it’s weird isn’t it?” (Riku)

“N-no! Not at all… It’s… really gorgeous…” (Sachi)

She said honestly. The present itself, was a photo frame made out of black and gray ceramic that holded a portrait of Sachi. Well, the illustration itself reflected a girl gracefully sitting on a chair while holding a paperback gracefully, the ambience was set in an empty classroom. The ambience in detail had a window in which a vermillion-colored sky could be seen as the rays further amplified the girl’s natural beauty. However, on top of a nearby table, a flower vase with three daisies and one rose, could be seen.

“I see, I’m glad. Then, at the count of three, okay?” (Riku)

“Unn.” (Sachi)

Probably knowing what Riku meant, she went along with him and waited for his countdown.

“One.” (Riku)

Going out to all sorts of places.

“Two.” (Riku)

Getting to know more about each other, little by little.

“Three!” (Riku)

Was an experience Riku always wanted to feel, the experience of sharing memories with the one you hold dear.

““Merry Christmas!”” (Riku & Sachi)

It wouldn’t be long until he realized this was love.