Even Though I Loved You First

Since we’ve known each other for a while, you’ve helped me feel a little more confident in myself.

You were genuinely willing to be my friend, in contrast to other people who thought I was weird because of how polite I was.

Still… I don’t get you. Just as how we relied on you, why can’t you rely on us?

No matter how great people may believe you are, you are just another regular guy, aren’t you? So I’m not asking you to immediately share the burden your shoulders bear.

Despite your anxieties, you have the capacity to fall in love and the ability to go on even if it doesn’t work out for you.

That’s why I’m sure that… you’ll be able to organize your feelings and see for yourself—

—what true love is like.

Everything happens ultimately for a purpose, and if it doesn’t, it still isn’t the end. 

~Sachi Sadataka

➹

~February 1st

Kei’s POV~

Without warning, February arrived, signaling the conclusion of the first month of the year and the beginning of the second. Not only that but today is also the day that Arisa and my sisters return from their vacation. Knowing my sisters well, I ended up where I was now—at the grocery store.

“Curry, should I make it? The most flexible choice I have is that. However, it is difficult because I want to make both of their favorites.” (Kei)

I was currently pondering what to make for my sisters’ return. Normally, you would think that they would come with no desire to eat, granted trips are usually exhausting and one will go straight to bed. However, my sisters weren’t like that.

One, because they were quite energetic.

Two, because they asked for my homemade food.

Let me put you to date.

➹

~A Few Hours Ago

“Huh? Something homemade you say?” (Kei)

“Unn! We miss your cooking, although it’s just been three days, as you can see. So as soon as we got home, we wanted to eat something you had prepared.” (Kotone)

I received a call from my elder sister Kotone. According to her, she wanted something I made as an energy recuperator.

“Is that a no?” (Kotone)

I pondered for a bit.

“No no, it’s not that. So, what do you want me to make?” (Kei)

“We leave that to you!” (Kotone)

After, the call was done. Needless to say, I spent time looking for what to buy on my way to the grocery store.

➹

Returning to the present, suddenly a thought came to mind.

“Hamburger steak with mushroom gravy…” (Kei)

A dish that was both familiar to me and nostalgic. My cousin Tenshi taught me how to cook this dish around two years ago. It was easy, delicious, and healthful as well.

“Then let’s see…” (Kei)

As soon as I had a clear objective in mind, I got right to work and bought everything I needed.

*ding*

“Hmm?” (Kei)

Realizing that I got a message, I took my phone from my pocket and saw the recipient.

Kotone: Arisa will join us for dinner, so prepare an extra serving~!

“…huh?” (Kei)

Now that is sudden. I felt confused as to why Arisa was suddenly joining us, of course, I didn’t mind but the suddenness of everything just left me shocked.

➹

~Ichinose Household – Kitchen

Ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and spices should all be combined and mixed in a basin.

Add some olive oil to a pan and warm it over medium-high heat. When the meat is done, add the patties and cook them for about four minutes on each side. It is prepared when the juices run clear. To keep the steaks warm, take them out of the pan and wrap them in foil.

“Looks good to go!” (Kei)

Melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. After that, add the chopped onion and mushrooms, and sauce for four to five minutes. To taste, add salt and pepper to the food. Incorporate some newly minced garlic. 

“Here we go…” (Kei)

After that, add the flour to the skillet and stir continuously for approximately a minute. When the beef stock is added, whisk the gravy constantly as it simmers.

Finally, toss in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce to the mixture. 

Re-add the hamburger patties to the skillet and cook for an additional two to three minutes when the sauce is finished. 

And lastly, serve warm over mashed potatoes or rice, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley.

“I’ll just serve them when they’re back.” (Kei)

*clank*

Just as I said that I heard the front door open.

Must be them. My father was on a twenty-four shift and my mother was out with some friends, so currently, I was the only one home. At least a while ago. I got up from the kitchen stool and headed to the front door to greet them. However…

“Welcome ba—” (Kei)

“”KEI!”” (Karane & Kotone)

“—MUGGGYAHH?!” (Kei)

My sisters Kotone & Karane, who have two gorgeous pairs of eyes and long, dark-purple hair, one of which is perfectly put in a ponytail, leaped on me as I dropped to the ground while Arisa regarded me with empty eyes.

“It’s been… a while… you two… however, you’re choking me! A-Arisa don’t just stand there! Help me!” (Kei)

“Sure, sure… Come on now. We shouldn’t stand at the entrance for too mu—” (Arisa)

“What? Want to cuddle our Kei too? Sure, I give you permission!” (Karane)

“”Huh?!”” (Kei & Arisa)

The two of us couldn’t help but raise our voices in unison.

W-wait… I didn’t know why, I didn’t understand why… but a sense of embarrassment spread across my whole body.

“A-anyway… the food’s going to get cold so let’s enter… Come on in, Arisa.” (Kei)

“U-unn…” (Arisa)

The feeling of embarrassment only persisted for the first part of our supper. The second half was spent peacefully.

➹

“So how was the trip?” (Kei)

“To be honest, exhausting.” (Arisa)

“Did my sisters give you any trouble?” (Kei)

I asked her along with a wry smile.

“No no, they were docile. The problem was that idiot couple.” (Arisa)

The same hollow and depressed expression she usually did was directed at me.

“Kokoro and Seichiiro, huh?” (Kei)

As I recall, they really are known for being an idiotic couple…

I was currently walking Arisa home, after our supper was done, we talked between the four of us for a while and a little bit before the clock struck seven-

“Kei!” (Karane)

“H-huh?” (Kei)

“Take Arisa home!” (Karane)

“U-uh… Sure? I would’ve done so even if you hadn’t told me…” (Kei)

That was the conversation I and Karane had some minutes ago.

“What about you? Did you get lonely without your sisters?” (Arisa)

“If I’m being honest… I kind of missed the three of you…” (Kei)

It may sound weird, but it was the truth… Ever since I sensed this confusion inside my heart, the longing feeling I had during these three days they were gone never disappeared.

“T-the t-three…?” (Arisa)

“Unn…” (Kei)

“I see…” (Arisa)

The awkwardness between the two of us didn’t last long, at least not until we were in front of Arisa’s house.

➹

“We’re here.” (Kei)

“Thanks for taking me home, Kei.” (Arisa)

“Unn. No problem. Now then, see you at school-” (Kei)

“Wait!” (Arisa)

“Hm?” (Kei)

Just as I was about to leave, Arisa called out to me and when I turned around, she handed me a paper bag.

“I bought you some souvenirs, there’s also a book inside the bag. I thought you might like it as well, I finished reading it on the train today, so give it a read. Don’t rush it, it really is quite the read!” (Arisa)

“Oh, thanks! Will do, I’m almost done reading another one at the moment. So I’ll start once I wrap that one up!” (Kei)

“Sure, and… K-Kei…” (Arisa)

“Hm? What’s u—?!” (Kei)

*chu~*

Just before I could finish my sentence, I felt a soft sensation on my cheek.

To summarize… that sensation was Arisa’s lips, pressed on my left cheek.

“A-Arisa?!” (Kei)

“Consider this your reward.” (Arisa)

“H-huh?! Wa-wait… Ari…sa?” (Kei)

Before I could receive any sort of explanation, Arisa was already at her front door, and soon enough…

*clank*

The front door was closed, leaving only me outside, in a state of total entrancement.

But at that moment, a notion came to me. In essence, it provided the resolution to my feelings. A feeling I was all too familiar with… When I came across it I…