Even Though I Loved You First

~Nearby Park

Arisa’s POV~

“I went blindly into the movie, I didn’t expect much from it but damn… The movie was so good!” (Kei)

“I know what you mean! I love the confrontation scene! From the soundtrack, the dialogue and the psychological undertone! I never thought such a gem existed!” (Arisa)

After we finished the movie and left the theater, we headed to a park near the establishment, which has been the one we’ve hung out at multiple times. As we walked, we continued talking about random stuff.

“How’s school doing?” (Kei)

“What’s with the sudden old man talk?” (Arisa)

“Does it look like it?” (Kei)

Kei got taken aback by my retort.

“Yup. Anyway, it’s decent as always. Though Hiyori is giving me a hard time lately…” (Arisa)

“Same as usual?” (Kei)

“Sadly so… What about you?” (Arisa)

I threw the baton at Kei, and mirrored his question.

“Managing. With the class representative tasks, tutoring some of my classmates and the upcoming tests. Things really have been hectic.” (Kei)

“It’s hard to believe you’re younger than me…” (Arisa)

“Haha…” (Kei)

We continued walking to the park and found a bench.

~♡~

We both bought drinks and sat on the bench and I took from my handbag a paper bag and the cinnamon rolls.

“I bought this for you to eat and this is a present from me. Happy birthday, Kei.” (Arisa)

I handed both items to Kei, which the latter gratefully received.

“T-thanks… May I open it?” (Kei)

“Of course.” (Arisa)

Kei gently took out the box from the bag and placed it in his lap. He then proceeded to carefully start unwrapping the black wrapper along with the purple ribbon. After he completely unwrapped the present, he gently held it,

“Is this…?” (Kei)

“You like it? Now we match!” (Arisa)

“Unn. Thanks, Arisa. I’ll treasure it!” (Kei)

He softly smiled. The present itself was a handkerchief. I decided to use the same gift Kei gave me from Christmas. Which in this case, was black handkerchief with the name ‘Kei’ neatly embroidered into one of the edges.

A silence prevailed, as he folded the handkerchief and placed it in the box which he stored in the paper bag afterwards. Then he took a deep breath and then, his lips started moving.

“Thank you, Arisa. And… Can this birthday boy ask you a favor?” (Kei)

He sneaked out a joke in between his serious requests.

“Sure, what is it? Anything wrong?” (Arisa)

“No no, everything’s fine… It’s just… You’ve been so caring to me and I thought… that you should know about Kei Ichinose, the real… Kei Ichinose. May I?” (Kei)

His eyes had the most genuine sparkle I’ve ever seen on someone. I, of course, nodded my head. Then, I gave my verbal affirmation.

“Sure. I’m all ears.” (Arisa)

“Thanks. Here, take a cinnamon roll, let me vent, will you?” (Kei)

He handed me a roll, and proceeded on with speaking. His objective: let me learn about who he really is.

~♡~

Kei´s POV~

I’ve never been the sociable and extroverted Kei I’m now. The reason I’ve changed was because of Shizuka, but I wondered… I’ve always wondered…  what would’ve happened if I never met her? If I’ve never fallen in love with her? Would this Kei still be here?

I’m not as perfect as people think. I’m mentally weak on many occasions, though I try not to show it, I easily get affected by those around me.

Back in middle school, the extroverted Kei that was able to be in full bloom was loved by almost everyone. And I say almost because there were some that bad-mouthed me occasionally. At the time, I had friends that were mad for me, to which I told them that ‘I didn’t mind it and that it was normal’. 

That’s a lie.

That has always been a lie. It hurts to hear people say that my life is easy and that I’m just getting cocky.

It was never easy, you know? I’m always afraid that if I don’t meet people’s expectations of me, they will grow distant.

I’m always afraid that all of those who I love are eventually so far away from me that my hand is no longer enough to reach out to them. I don’t want to be alone, I don’t want to know that people regard me as someone useless.

That’s why I force myself to keep this personality in everyone’s agenda. I’m not a good person.

I’ve lied to people countless times, I’ve used fake kindness multiple times… Sometimes I wonder why some people even love me… However, after I experienced my first heartbreak I knew… no… I always knew but I was too afraid to admit it.

Everyone genuinely loves me.

My friends and family. All of you really showed me your support ever since that happened. I’m grateful, if it wasn’t for you guys I don’t know where I would’ve been.

My train of thought has changed… Thanks to all of you, I know that there’s an absolute in life I will never ignore.

I’m not alone.

~♡~

After I finished venting, the surroundings grew quiet, and the roll that I previously gave Arisa, was nowhere to be seen.

“I see…” (Arisa)

“I thought that I shouldn’t lie to you anymore…” (Kei)

She turned to me and smiled gently.

“Thanks for telling me, Kei. I can quite know first hand how it feels like to force a persona completely different from the real you to stop being alone. So between the two of us, be yourself.” (Arisa)

She continued.

“The Kei who attentively listens to me, the Kei who gets competitive over many of the arcade games we find. Even the Kei who cries and vents his insecurities. I want to see the real you, the one who smiles genuinely. Can you do that for me?” (Arisa)

“Sure, I can do that.” (Kei)

I returned the smile she gave me and I once again confirmed my feelings for her. This status quo could end at any moment, I’m sure of it, but I don’t want to do this half-a**edly. I will do this right.

We continued chatting for a while and after I escorted her home, I walked towards mine. Little did I know the surprise that awaited me.

~♡~

~Ichinose Household [6:05 P.M.]

Third Person POV~

“Do you think he’s returning soon?” (Karane)

“Be patient. I received a message from Arisa that she and Kei parted ways already.” (Kotone)

In the living room of the Ichinose’s. The twins Karane & Kotone actively awaited the return of their younger brother Kei, who as of now should be on his way home.

“You two really went ahead and cooked all this…” (Kaho)

Their mother Kaho Ichinose, gently smiled as she saw the amount of dishes that were placed on the table, most of them being Kei’s favorites.

“Of course we did! It’s Kei’s day after all.” (Kotone)

“That should be an international holiday, shouldn’t it?” (Karane)

“That’s a bit too much. But I’m glad you three are getting along.” (Touya)

Their father Touya Ichinose chuckled. Then, at that time—

clank

—the door knob turned and front door opened, just then,

“I’m ho— ?!” (Kei)

As Kei tried to announce he was back home, both of his sisters jumped on him.

““Happy birthday!”” (Karane & Kotone)

“Huh? Eh?! T-thanks… God that scared me…” (Kei)

He chuckled as he hugged them back.

“Happy birthday, son.” (Touya)

“Thanks dad.” (Kei)

“We sweet little Kei has grown so much! I feel lonely already…” (Kaho)

“Ain’t that too much, mom? But, thanks.” (Kei)

He proceeded to greet his parents who congratulated him in return.

“What’s with all that food on the table?” (Kei)

Noticing the large amount of delicacies organized on the dinner table, Kei inquired.

“I cooked them.” (Karane)

“I see, I see… Then are we ordering take out today?” (Kei)

“Kei?!” (Karane)

“Don’t worry, I gave her a hand so it is edible.” (Kaho)

“Then I’ll gladly take your offer.” (Kei)

“What a difference in treatment?!” (Karane)

“Sorry, sorry. Thanks, Karane.” (Kei)

Kei genuinely thanked her, to which she smiled.

“Unn.” (Karane)

After they stopped playing around and both sisters stopped clinging to him, they sat around the dinner table and began to do it. As they ate, Kei felt an indescribable warmth along his chest. At the same time, he wished Arisa was here sitting next to him.