Even Though I Loved You First

~1 Week Later

Friday (11:00 A.M.)

“…so as the second semester reaches its end, so does another year. Thank you everyone for your efforts, students, teachers, and staff. My name is Kei Ichinose, and we wish you a happy New Year. And a blessed winter break. Thanks for your attention.” (Kei)

*clap* 

*clap* 

*clap*

 *clap*

As I finished my closing speech, the auditorium was enveloped in claps and cheers. It was finally Friday, and after 4 whole days filled with complex tests, the week finally ended.

As I finished making my speech, I went down the podium and looked for somewhere to rest, before heading home.

➹

“Hah~ It’s cold~” (Kei)

I was sitting on a bench, while rubbing my hands together. Most people went home, and I was also going to, until I felt a warm touch on my cheek.

“Hm?” (Kei)

“Great work out there~ Surprised?” (Arisa)

“Arisa?” (Kei)

Long brown hair and a pair of rose beige eyes, one of my best friends, Arisa Kamihate, looked at me with a soft smile.

“Are you still here?” (Kei)

I asked her, as I received the hot coffee can with my hands. Then, she sat down beside me and stretched out.

“I was with Kokoro & Your sisters a while ago, but we split up. After that, I noticed you and here we are~” (Arisa)

“I see.” (Kei)

“Anyway, you gave quite the speech earlier. Even some of my classmates where agitated by it~” (Arisa)

“Pfffft… what’s with that?” (Kei)

I laughed at Arisa’s comment. My speech wasn’t grand at all, you know?

“Anyways, are you going home already?” (Kei)

“Hm? Nope, not at all~ I was planning on taking a detour! That’s right! Kei, wanna join~?” (Arisa)

“Hm? Me? Let me see…” (Kei)

I played with my phone for a while, and after checking my schedule, I turned to Arisa again.

“Yup, I’m basically free! Where are we going?” (Kei)

“I’m thinking of grabbing something to bite. Come on!” (Arisa)

“W-wait Arisa! Don’t pull me!” (Kei)

I retorted as I was being pulled away by Arisa.

She’s so stubborn…

➹

~Family Restaurant

12:45 P.M.

“Why do I have to pay!?” (Kei)

I suddenly said, as I watched Arisa eating pasta, in a carefree manner.

“You. Don’t. Get. It~ Food tastes better when it comes from someone else’s wall— Ouch!?” (Arisa)

“You bastard!” (Kei)

“Hehe~” (Arisa)

“What do you mean ‘hehe’!?” (Kei)

I was currently in a family restaurant eating with Arisa. She ordered a medium portion of pasta, while I ordered some sandwiches.

“The semester’s over already~” (Arisa)

“It sure passed fast…” (Kei)

“I know what you mean, it feels as if the new students came yesterday~” (Arisa)

“Haha.” (Kei)

“Anyway~ Let’s have a toast! Great work on the tests!” (Arisa)

Arisa raised her glass of soda, as she said in an energetic voice.

“Cheers…?” (Kei)

*cling*

After bumping our glasses together, we started eating.

➹

1:20 P.M.

“Hah~ That was good~” (Arisa)

“It sure was. Anyways, where are we going next?” (Kei)

We started conversing again after we finished eating. During the course of our meal, there existed only complete silence, however it didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. Rather, it felt pleasant.

“Hm~ Dunno. I usually just let the flow take me, you know?” (Arisa)

“Just say you have no idea how to have fun.” (Kei)

“First! You are one to talk! Second! What’s with that pitiful gaze!?” (Arisa)

“Haha.” (Kei)

“Don’t just laugh!” (Arisa)

She retorted, she seemed to be in quite the mood, given by her pout.

“Actually… there is a place we can go… is another one I found back in middle school. Come on!” (Arisa)

Arisa stood up, and hurriedly tried to leave.

“Wait, we have to pay first! Hey Arisa!?” (Kei)

Needless to say, I was the one that paid.

➹

~Somewhere

2:00 P.M.

It took quite a while to reach our destination. Nevertheless, the view I saw when my eyes landed upon such scenery, was needless to say, gorgeous.

It was a different location from the place Arisa invited me on one of our first outings, and it was even more beautiful. Due to the sun, which was setting on the background, and as the sky took a vermillion color, Arisa spoke.

“I think I found this one when I looked for a quiet place to think, even though this bench is here, no one seems to come. Back then, I was done with all this ‘persona’ thing.” (Arisa)

She slowly took a deep breath and continued.

“It was thanks to Kotone, for reaching out to me, and Karane for helping me blend in by being myself.” (Arisa)

I stared quietly at the sunset, which didn’t seem to end.

However—

“W-w-wait Arisa!?” (Kei)

“Sorry, I just felt like it… and well, you need a reward for working so hard in moving on right?” (Arisa)

—I suddenly found myself laying on Arisa’s lap.

“You must be tired so rest for a while, it’s still early to go home, is it not?” (Arisa)

Arisa gently stroked my head, which felt refreshing and seemed to dissipate any kind of thoughts.

“Then… I’ll take you… up… on that… off…er…” (Kei)

Before I knew it, I found my consciousness fading away.

➹

Arisa’s POV~

“He fell asleep… fufu.” (Arisa)

I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of Kei, peacefully resting on my lap.

“I wonder what’s wrong with me…” (Arisa)

I wondered why I was this way. Before I knew it, I found myself reaching out to Kei, who was heartbroken.

I didn’t do such a thing out of pity, I wanted to truly help him, but a part of me couldn’t help but feel I had ulterior motives.

As I thought that, I remembered the phone call I had with Kotone last Saturday.

➹

~Last Saturday

12:00 P.M.

“Hm? Areh? Kotone, what ‘s up?” (Arisa)

I remember that as I was munching on some pudding I stole from my older brother, I received a call from Kotone.

“Do you have a minute, Arisa?” (Kotone)

“I sure do. Anything you need?” (Arisa)

Kotone felt silent for a while, and then, she finally opened her mouth.

“I heard everything from Kei. Well Karane also knows, he told us that you knew before us so…” (Kotone)

“Ah right, I certainly did. Sorry I didn’t tell you girls, it’s just that Kei wanted to tell you himself, so he asked me to keep quiet.” (Arisa)

“It’s okay. I just wanted to thank you for what you did for my brother, the mere fact that there is someone he trusts mitigates me.” (Kotone)

“Kotone?” (Arisa)

I didn’t know what Kotone was getting at, that’s why I decided to ask.

“You see. You could say Kei is one of the reasons as to why I work hard, and is probably the same for Karane too. He looks up to us, even though he doesn’t admit it. That’s why we try to be a better version of ourselves, Kei probably did the same thing, even though he claims he only did it for Shizu, I can’t help but think that isn’t the sole reason.” (Kotone)

Kotone probably did many things for the sake of her younger brother, and that was something I admired from her.

“I see… You really love Kei, huh?” (Arisa)

I teasingly said, as Kotone answered.

“Fufu. Of course I do, he supported me ever since we were little, so I wanted to do the same and dote on him~” (Kotone)

“I’m the youngest of three siblings so it’s not like I can relate.” (Arisa)

“You will see eventually~” (Kotone)

Then—

“Arisa, can I ask you for a favor?” (Kotone)

—Kotone spoke.

“Sure.” (Arisa)

“Please. Continue on taking care of him, by the sound of it you two hung out much lately~” (Kotone)

“Haha. You could say that! Sure, leave it to me!” (Arisa)

Not too long after, the call ended.

➹

3:30 P.M.

As I finished recalling the conversation—

“Hnn…” (Kei)

—Kei seem to be waking up.

“A…ri…sa?” (Kei)

“Mornin’ or is it good afternoon? Anyways, slept well?” (Arisa)

“Kinda… ah crap it’s getting late!” (Kei)

Kei suddenly stood, as he flusteredly looked at his watch. It is indeed, huh?

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

I still wonder, why am I feeling this way? Why is it that I feel comfortable and safe when I’m around him?

Is it because he’s Kotone and Karane’s younger brother?

Or is it because…

Hah~ I don’t know anymore.

However, I hope that eventually, I will come up with the answer.

And I will do my best to find the answer by myself…

Just—

—Wait for me okay?

  After chatting a little we split off.