Even Though I Loved You First

~Friday

1:47 P.M.

After a long and eventful week, Friday arrived. I had no prior appointments nor I would be hanging out with both Sachi & Riku today. 

Arisa also seemed to be busy, which was quite rare, so I decided to use this opportunity to head over to the Department Store and buy my Christmas present for her.

I would be returning home later than usual, of course. That’s why I first contacted my sisters.

Kei: I need a few things, so I will be heading to the Department Store today.

Kei: That’s why I may be returning later than usual.

Kotone: That’s so? That’s strange. Anyway, Karane is beside me right now, so I’ll tell her. I will also tell mom and dad once we get home.

Kotone: Be careful when you come back though.

Kei: Thanks sis.

Don’t be lured by evil women~ That was the last message Kotone sent me before going offline.

I wonder what she meant by ‘lured’. She was probably talking about being picked up, granted it happened once when I was with them.

I finished packing up my things and left the classroom.

Not long after, a teacher suddenly called me.

“Kei. There you are.”

“Hm? Ah. Ms. Haru, do you need anything from me?” (Kei)

Long black hair, and a pair of beautiful jade-green eyes. My HR teacher, Haru Shirayuki, called out to me.

“Yes. Actually, the Student Council was supposed to summon you and tell you this, but they are busy at the moment.” (Haru)

She sighed, as she said that. Then she continued.

“They wanted to ask you if you were willing to do the speech for the closing ceremony next week.” (Haru)

“The closing ceremony? I mean… it isn’t that hard for me to do it… but, isn’t that the job of the Student Council president?” (Kei)

“Well you see—” (Haru)

After that Ms. Haru told me that the student council president was going on a trip the same day of our final test, and wouldn’t make it to the speech on the day after the test was done, which was also the end of the semester and closing ceremony.

After she told me everything, I nodded and accepted her proposal, since giving a speech wasn’t anything major and since my father was a lawyer, I was good at speeches, all because of dad’s teachings.

After that, I parted ways with her, and headed to the Department Store.

➹

~Department Store

1:50 P.M.

Arisa’s POV~

Due to our final exams being next week, I will naturally be busy and I doubted that I would find time for me to look for Kei’s Christmas present.

One week after the closing ceremony ends, will be the day I will head out with Kei, to see the Christmas tree that the main plaza would have starting December 18th.

“Hah~ this is troublesome~” (Arisa)

I sighed as I thought about what to do for the present. I had never given anything to a guy before, if we exclude my older brother, even though me and my older sister usually choose it together. So it is kind of troublesome…

Making up my mind, I decided I will think about the present while window shopping.

So, I entered the Department Store, and got right to work.

➹

2:00 P.M.

Kei’s POV~

After arriving at the Department Store, I looked around and suddenly a thought came to mind.

Areh? What was I going to buy…?

Wait, thinking about it, I actually haven’t thought of a present yet… oh crap.

Even though I came all the way here, I had no plan on what to buy. It wasn’t my first time buying a present for a woman by any means, granted I usually bought something for Shizuka on her special days.

However, the one I will be giving a gift to was Arisa. She wasn’t by any means a ‘materials’ person, so I wasn’t concerned about that.

What I was concerned about was the gift itself. Arisa has been of huge help to me, that’s why I wanted to thank her accordingly. Meaning that there wasn’t room for a half-a**ed gift.

I started walking as I headed towards a certain shop, where I needed to pick up some items I ordered.

➹

“I came to pick up an order under the name ‘Kei Ichinose’.” (Kei)

“Let’s see… Kei Ichinose, was it? Ah, here it is. A pair of dark-violet scarves, correct?” 

“Yes.” (Kei)

I was currently in the Accessory Department. As I stood on the front desk inquiring about the set I ordered.

The two dark-violet scarves that the cashier mentioned were a set of scarves I found a week ago that I thought would look good on my sisters. 

The cost wasn’t too much, and it was an amount a highschool student could pay. 

Of course, I didn’t want mom and dad to buy them the same thing, so I told them beforehand. 

So as a bonus, I asked the store to please embroider their names on the scarves, and came to pick them up today, as I had free time.

“Here they are, before anything. Please sign here.”

“Certainly.” (Kei)

After being handed a paper pad holder, which had a layout made for signatures, and a pen, I wrote my name.

Feeling the cashier’s gaze on me, I decided to ignore it and leave the store once I was done.

➹

Arisa’s POV~

As I was window shopping, I came across many possible presents, but none where of my liking.

I took into consideration Kei’s preferences (at least those which I know) and his overall appearance.

Since I went with an accessory, it must be something that suits its owner.

However—

“This is harder than I thought…” (Arisa)

—I still had no clue what to get for him.

Watches, handkerchiefs, bracelets… I couldn’t wrap my head around all the options I had.

I wanted something Kei could see as practical, something he could wear outside. As I was thinking that even a coat could do I realized—

“Wait… it’s getting really cold and it’s already December so… a scarf should do it right?” (Arisa)

—that a scarf was a viable option.

I got up from the bench I was sitting in and decided to head towards the Accessory Department, to look for a scarf suitable for Kei.

➹

Kei’s POV~

As I was strolling near some cloth shops, I noticed a familiar figure in the distance.

As I closed my distance more and more, it seemed like I was correct, because the person who I saw was—

“Areh~? Sachi? Fancy meeting you here.” (Kei)

“Kei?” (Sachi)

—one of my best friends, Sachi Sadataka.

“It is indeed. Shopping?” (Sachi)

She looked over at the bag I had on my hand, which contained Karane and Kotone’s presents.

“Unn. I came to pick up a present for my sisters. I also came to buy a present for a friend I will be exchanging presents with. What about you?” (Kei)

“I see. W-well I…” (Sachi)

Sachi seemed to be squirming a little, I was a bit concerned about her.

However, when I asked her what’s wrong, her response was:

“I’m fine, really! The matter is, I’m going out with Riku on Christmas, so I was looking for a present…” (Sachi)

“I see. You two seem to really get along, huh?” (Kei)

It may seem I was calm, however somewhere in my mind—

WAIT WHAT!? RIKU AND SACHI!? I mean they seem to be complete opposites at first… but thinking about it, they quite complement each other. No… better than that… WHEN THE HELL DID THAT HAPPENED!?

—I wasn’t calm at all.

Deciding to put these thoughts of mine aside, I decided to ask Sachi for some advice.

“Sachi, are you free? Can I invite you to a drink? In exchange, could you hear me out? I need some help, you see…” (Kei)

“Help? Now that’s odd. Sure, I shall see what I can do.” (Sachi)

Like that, Sachi and I moved to the food court.

➹

~Department Store (Food Court)

2:45 P.M.

Currently, Sachi and I were sitting facing each other, we went and looked for something to nibble on first, and then when we received our orders, looked for a table available.

“So? What is it that you need my help for?” (Sachi)

Sachi inquired, as she nibbled on the set of sandwiches I bought for her.

“Actually, I’m exchanging gifts with a friend on the 23rd you see. However, I still don’t know what to get her. I’ve been going on and on inside my head but I have no idea~” (Kei)

I said, as I leaned on the table, sipping the soda I bought.

“‘Her’? Kei, is it okay to ask who this friend of yours is?” (Sachi)

She tilted her head in curiosity, to which I honestly replied.

“She’s a 2nd Year student, Arisa Kamihate, she is my sisters’ best friend. Also a good friend of mine, since a while back.” (Kei)

“Heh~ I see~” (Sachi)

“Sachi?” (Kei)

“No it isn’t something of great importance, don’t mind me.” (Sachi)

Sachi said as she finished her sandwich and then told me.

“Well since it’s a girl we’re talking about. How about something practical? Or cute for a change? Well, at the end it heavily depends on the receiver. Many people may suggest something like ‘skin care products’ or something along those lines, however it isn’t really necessary. Such gifts are usually predictable enough.” (Sachi)

Sachi took a sip of her iced tea and continued.

“Well, in my case as long as it is something small, not too pricey and as long as it comes with good intentions, I’m good.” (Sachi)

“…I see… and… sent!” (Kei)

I said, as I wrote a message to a certain someone.

You better call me ‘Messiah’ after this.

“Uhm… Kei? What did you just send…?” (Sachi)

“Hm? Ah, it’s nothing you should worry about~” (Kei)

“No… I feel like it is something I should actually worry about…” (Sachi)

She said, with a slightly concerned voice.

After that, we chatted for quite a while and then broke up.

➹

3:45 P.M.

After breaking up with Sachi, I decided to search again the Accessory Department, as I felt I gained some ideas from our conversation.

What I decided to do for my gift was simple.

First, I won’t go overboard with the price. 

As I said before, Arisa isn’t really someone materialistic, so a gift that costs too much might make her uncomfortable.

Also… I am a highschooler, so naturally I don’t have a big amount at my disposal.

Second. A bracelet and a necklace are a no-go.

A bracelet is too simple, and some come in poor quality, a necklace can be a good option. 

However, it was still jewelry, and even though Arisa is a beautiful girl, she doesn’t use jewelry except for a watch, nor does she use make-up.

As I was thinking this, a thought came to mind.

Well, it was more of a ‘flashback’ than a thought. To be specific, the same day Arisa found me in the park, during the moment Arisa wiped my tears with her handkerchief.

“I see… Now that’s something I can work with… If I order the store to embroider Arisa’s name into one, it works as the perfect gift to show my appreciation with!” (Kei)

With the gift in mind, I headed back to the store, to make one last order.

➹

~Ichinose Residence

4:55 P.M.

“I’m home.” (Kei)

As I entered through the front door, two voices greeted me back.

“Kei. Welcome back.” (Kotone)

“Welcome~ What did you buy~?” (Karane)

Long raven hair and two pairs of beautiful dark-violet eyes, my older sisters, Karane and Kotone Ichinose, greeted me.

“Just some things I needed for the winter. Along with study supplies.” (Kei)

I replied nonchalantly at Karane’s interrogation.

“Anyways, is dad here? I need to speak with him for a bit.” (Kei)

“Dad? He is probably in the study room, you could go and take a look.” (Karane)

“I see. Well then, thanks.” (Kei)

After greeting my mother, and hiding the presents in my room, I headed towards our house’s study room.

The reason being, I needed a favor from him.

➹

~Ichinose Residence (Study Room)

I was currently in front of the study room. Before entering the room. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Well-groomed raven hair, a pair of purple eyes, and a face that made him look younger than his actual age. My dad, Touya Ichinose, was currently revising some documents on his desk.

“Dad, can I talk to you for a second?” (Kei)

“Hm? Kei? Sure, is something the matter son?” (Touya)

After receiving the go-ahead, I took a deep breath and opened my mouth.

“Actually… Can I ask for a favor?” (Kei)

“As long as it is something within my reach, sure. Go ahead.” (Touya)

“Great. Actually, what I wanted to ask you was—” (Kei)

They deserved to know, all this time they deserved to know…

But I just kept running away.

However, there was no need right? I got scared of what they might’ve thought of me.

Thinking back, I was such a sh*tty brother, hiding it from my sisters, who supported me.

Such a sh*tty son, hiding it from my parents, which advised me and encouraged me.

There’s no need to be afraid anymore, because well—

“—Can you organize a family meeting? There is something all of you have to know.” (Kei)

—having an unrequited love is normal, isn’t it?

At least, that’s what I forced myself to believe.

“Sure. I can do that.” (Touya)

My father gave me a soft smile, as he replied.

“Then, can you and mom keep your schedules open tomorrow?” (Kei)

“As you wish, my son.” (Touya)

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his words.

It was finally time for the result of such support, given by my family—

—to be announced.

Days Until Family Meeting:

1 Day