Even Though I Loved You First

Episode Three – Greed

Not too long ago

“So, what are we looking for again?”

“A box full of documents, according to Kotone, should have some past budget reports from the clubs in the athletic department.” (Sei)

Adjacent to the student council office, there was a small storage area, the storage itself was quite dusty, Ichirou realized that he should probably clean it up together with Kei when the two were free.

“Wonder how long it’s been since this was last cleaned up…?” He covered his face with a piece of cloth, carefully wiping the dust, as he did so he stumbled upon a box labeled “spendings”. “Hm, this must be it—” (Ichirou)

He carefully lowered the box to the floor, he motioned Seichiiro to confirm if the box was the one they were looking for. “Alright, this one seems like it… I’ll contact Kotone real quick,” As he played with his phone, Seichiiro coughed a little due to the dust gathered around the small room, “Sh*t, there’s really too much dust here…” (Sei)

“Yeah, I should ask Kei to help me clean up the mess, it’s surprising he hasn’t done it yet.” (Ichirou)

“Well, we all have been busy, Kei also took it upon himself to guide some of the first years this time around.” (Sei)

“I swear… that guy was born a natural…” (Ichirou)

“Haha, maybe so— Hm… Now that we’re on topic, it’s been a year since he joined the council, what do you think about him as a member?” (Sei)

“Hmm, well… He’s good at what he does, I can clearly see that he has a really good sense of organization. He’s able to fluently communicate with the other members and doesn’t really think for himself when it comes to important matters. He has done a better job than me at that…” (Ichirou)

“What was that last part?” (Sei)
“Nothing you should worry about, all in all, he’s a decent guy.” (Ichirou)

“Well, when he’s Kotone’s brother no wonder you’ll think of him as a decent guy.” Seichiiro said with an evil smirk, clearly trying to provoke him. “This again? I told you many times, didn’t I? Hah~ Nevermind, let’s deliver this box quickly.” Ichirou said as he left the room. Seichiiro, who had a wry smile at his pouting, quickly followed behind him, not before sneezing because of the dust gathered in the gray room.

✦•✦•✦

Present

“…gawa… wa…”

“…”

“……ga……..wa….”

“…”

Smack

“?!” Jolted awake, Ichirou placed his hands on his head, which was throbbing for some reason. Looking up with a disgusted face, he saw two people. One of them was his Chemistry teacher Haru Shirayuki, who was holding her textbook with one hand… the other one was his classmate and friend Sachi Sadataka who was exasperated looking at Haru. “Just why would you do that?” (Sachi)

“Better question, why WOULDN’T I do that?” (Haru)

“…urt…” (Ichirou)

“Hm?” (Haru)

“That hurt!” Ichirou cried in annoyance. Haru only cast a quick glance full of disgustment towards him as if she was looking down on nothing but an ant. “A teacher shouldn’t be looking at their students that way!” Contrary to his words, his tone carried a joyful and teasing tone.

“Well, anyhow, class has already ended so get out already. If you are late you could get in big trouble.” Haru said, turning her back and walking away. Ichurou, still laying on his desk, turned and asked Sachi.

“What’s our next class?” (Ichirou)

“Calculus.” (Sachi)

“Oh sh*t, I don’t want Mr. Sakuta to scold me!” (Ichirou)

✦•✦•✦

Meanwhile, not too far away from Naoko High School

“Alright, we’ll go over the proposal and get back to you as soon as possible.” Said the lady, giving the two a slight bow.

“That’ll be much appreciated, well then, we’ll be leaving now, please excuse us.” The couple bowed before leaving the building. They walked towards their ride and sat side by side.

“So, what no?” Asked the woman.

“Lunch?”

“Lunch.”

The two quickly agreed. They drove to a nearby restaurant and ordered their food. Once the order was in place, Sumire Segawa dozed off as she looked through the window. “Is something on your mind, Sumire?” Her husband Issei asked with a hint of concern.

“It’s just… Do you remember Ichirou’s expression yesterday?”

“W-what are you guys doing here?! What about your business trip?” Were the words of Ichirou, who was dumbfounded by the unexpected arrival of his parents. Such a reaction caused a sense of worry in his mother Sumire. “I know we’ve left him on his own for almost a year now, but I can’t help but remember that face of his.” (Sumire)

It was an expression hard to describe. I felt like he stared at nothing but a strange presence, his obsidian eyes that seem to be aloof at the identity of the entity in front of them, that gaze directed at the couple, betrayed Ichirou’s inner feelings.

The two of them knew that Ichirou’s expression were analytical. Something he really inherited from the couple, he didn’t act based on personal feelings nor let his guard down around others so easily, his way of doing this was all based on benefit and critical thinking.

“Maybe it was just the shock? I mean, we haven’t seen him for a long time, so I think it was unexpected… Granted that we never informed him beforehand, that is.” (Issei)

“Hmm, I hope you’re right on the money.” (Sumire)

The food arrived, and they discussed that matter a little further.

✦•✦•✦

Student Council Office

Current Time [4:29 p.m.]

“—And for our last point of today’s meeting, we’ll be collaborating along with the art and photography club in the preparations and decorations for the main stage. Not only that, but we’ll be electing someone from the council to give the opening words for the festival. Naturally, we’re thinking of giving the current president Kotone this position.” Ichirou said solemnly as he stood in front of the discussion table. “Any doubts? Or suggestions?” (Ichirou)

“Oh, me! Me!” Kei Ichinose raised his hand, “I propose we choose Ichirou for the starting words,” (Kei)

“Pardon?” (Ichirou)

“Hmm, good idea.” (Kotone)

“Kotone?!” (Ichirou)

Then, one by one the other members of the council started agreeing to Kei’s suggestion. “N-no, like I said, if possible this position needs to have the council president as the issuer…” (Ichirou)

“I think Kotone might prefer the closing words instead. Plus, I can see why the purple guy suggested such an option.” With a gentle smile, Seichiiro spoke up after placing his hand on Ichirou’s shoulder.

“Hah?!” (Ichirou)

“Why did it end like this…?” After the meeting, Ichirou and Kei were walking home together. “I mean… Why me of all people…?” (Ichirou)

“Don’t be so depressed, shouldn’t you be happy that you get an opportunity to make yourself known~?” (Kei)

“I guess that’s true… still I don’t want to be greedy… Also… it’s not like I deserve it…” (Ichirou)

Kei glanced beside him for a moment, a quick three or four seconds, he then averted his gaze forward. “Don’t think of it like being greedy, think of it as a new opportunity. Every twist and turn in life is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself, your interests, your talents, and how to set and then achieve goals. Pretty nice quote, don’t you think?”

“Why do I feel like you intentionally caused this just so that you can say a quote…?” (Ichirou)

“Heh? No way! Who will you take me for?!” (Kei)

“An airheaded playboy? A love exhibitionist? Oh, better yet— what about—” (Ichirou)

“Ok! Ok! I get it… please stop.” Kei said with his hands on his head. “Do we really flirt much in public?” (Kei)

“Do you want to know…?” (Ichirou)

“Ugh…” (Kei)