Even Though I Loved You First

Story Arc 3: Kei & Realization

Somehow… Everything seems to be changing.

The people from yesterday are no longer the ones they are today.

The places from yesterday, even though they stay the same. The memories that are engraved in those, also change.

And you… who was once broken, and maybe even lost, you are no longer alone.

Well…

You were never alone.

Your body is changing, your surroundings are changing, and most importantly—

—your feelings are changing.

➹

~January

It was January, and it has been a week since we came back to school. Many people were discussing their winter break, and many people came to me and asked me how I was doing.

To which I responded accordingly, and wished them well.

However, there was something that intrigued me, and that something had to do with my friend Riku.

“So~ How was your ‘Christmas Date’ with Sachi, huh~?” (Kei)

Currently, I was in a coffee shop with some friends, and I started interrogating Riku, who was sitting next to me.

“I’m starting to think you’re getting more annoying as of late.” (Riku)

‘Also, it wasn’t a date…’ What he said after, little by little their relationship was changing. However, that wasn’t the only change.

“Sounds like a date to me.” (Hayato)

“Hayato!?” (Riku)

“Right!” (Kei)

“Oi. Kei.” (Riku)

My relationship with Shizuka stayed the same, we were still friends and we also talked often. It was still awkward from my side but I managed.

Not only that, but Hayato also decided to properly introduce himself to Riku and Sachi. It was odd at first, but they warmed up to each other.

“I mean, going out on Christmas and exchanging presents, sounds pretty much like a date. Added to the fact that it was only the two of you, was it not?” (Hayato)

“!” (Kei)

In Hayato’s words, something flew through my mind, it reminded me of my time with Arisa on the 23rd.

“Shut up! Seriously… guys with girlfriends can get annoying…” (Riku)

“I second that.” (Kei)

“Oi.” (Hayato)

Hayato looked annoyed as if the veins on his head were about to pop.

“Anyway~ What about Hayato~? Enjoyed your Christmas with Shizuka?” (Kei)

“Absolutely.” (Hayato)

“An immediate answer!?” (Kei)

“Go explode…” (Riku)

“You are just jealous.” (Hayato)

“…” (Riku)

Bullseye, huh? I couldn’t help but wryly smile at the two of them as they argued. I was relieved they were getting along well.

“Enough about us.” (Hayato)

“What about you, Kei? Knowing you, you probably could land a date with ease.” (Riku)

*staaaaaareeee~* They curiously stared at me, waiting for my answer. To which I said.

“First. What kind of person do you take me for!?” (Kei)

“”Airheaded playboy?”” (Hayato & Riku)

“Hah!?” (Kei)

What’s with that scary image!? I composed myself and cleared my throat, then I turned to the two of them.

“A-anyway, I actually kind of did go out with someone on Christmas…” (Kei)

“”Oh?”” (Hayato & Riku)

This a**holes…

“With who~?” (Riku)

“My senior…” (Kei)

I awkwardly looked away. Still, I could see their shocked expressions.

“Hm? Senior?” (Hayato)

“Oh! Is that ‘Arisa’ girl you told me about?” (Riku)

“You know her?” (Hayato)

“Not really. I only heard of her from Kei. She’s Kei’s older sisters’ friend.” (Riku)

‘I see.’ Said Hayato as he sipped his drink, which rested on the table. Both Riku and Sachi never met Arisa before, I only told them about how I became close friends with someone from my sisters’ circle.

“So he’s unconsciously into older girls, huh?” (Riku)

“What?” (Kei)

“No, nothing.” (Riku)

I thought I heard a small mutter leave Riku’s lips, but it seems I was… wrong?

“Anyway! It’s good that all of us enjoyed our holidays! Now, let’s change places! How about we go bowling?” (Riku)

“Sounds good.” (Kei)

“I never went bowling before.” (Hayato)

“Then it’s settled!” (Riku)

With that; we got up, split the bill, and headed to a bowling alley.

➹

~Kamihate Household

Arisa’s POV~

“Why are we in my room?” (Arisa)

“We had something to discuss! And what better place than the main character’s bedroom!” (Karane)

My best friend, Karane, looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Still… You barged in quite suddenly, you know!?

“Still… I’m surprised Hiyori tagged along.” (Arisa)

“I was… promised snacks so *yawn* …I came…” (Hiyori)

Long gray hair, as well as two eyes of the same color, my friend Hiyori Tsugumi, was lazily lying on my bed with the same tired expression she always wore.

Just how much sleep do you get…?

“Anyways!” (Karane)

Karane cleared her throat and then said.

“How was your date with my brother!?” (Karane)

“I want to know as well.” (Kotone)

Kotone suddenly spoke up, looking excited for some reason. She always wore this dignified aura around her, so seeing her acting this excited was a welcome sight.

“…now that I remember… I have some homework to fi—” (Arisa)

“Give up.” (Karane)

“—tch.” (Arisa)

With no opening for me to exploit, I had no choice but to thoroughly tell the three that were in my room, about my ‘date’ with Kei. 

At first, I was a bit hesitant, granted I was telling this to his older sisters, who were also my friends. However, I remembered how Kokoro told me how they knew about my feelings already.

By the way, Kokoro was probably flirting with Seichiiro somewhere.

➹

~About 15 Minutes Later

Well, this is awkward…

I thought as I sat on the chair at my desk, without getting up.

I told them relatively everything, there was no way I could hide some parts of the information.

Karane and Kotone were sharp, they would eventually know if there was something I was keeping from them.

Then after some minutes of silence, someone spoke up.

“The f*ck? What’s with that ‘Rom-Com’ like progress?” (Hiyori)

Hiyori you were listening!? I thought you were going to be asleep!

“My thoughts exactly… nevertheless, congrats Arisa! You finally know how you feel!” (Karane)

“Wha– Karane!?” (Arisa)

Before I knew it, Karane was hugging me quite tightly, while resting her head on my shoulder. Judging from her tone of voice, she seemed elated.

“It took surprisingly long. About one year, maybe?” (Kotone)

“I agree. It was really annoying seeing that confused face.” (Hiyori)

“Wait what!?” (Arisa)

“Yup. Everyone had an idea and then confirmed it. You are quite slow, you know?” (Karane)

“…huh…?” (Arisa)

Areh…? Aren’t they making fun of me too much!?

Both Ichinose sisters were getting excited and started asking me even more questions, eventually, it died down, but it was unbearable for a while.

And Hiyori was… well… being Hiyori, looking as tired as ever.

But it made me think, I want to try my best and have Kei by my side, these were no longer half-baked feelings.

A way to improve myself, and have Kei as well. Unn… everything I needed to do was find the perfect ‘balance’.