Even Though I Loved You First

“Then, see you guys tomorrow!”

“Kei, see you!”

“B-bye…” (Shizuka)

“See you guys tomorrow morning.” (Kei)

Since their middle school entrance ceremony, both childhood friends managed to land the same class for their first class roster. And more than two weeks later, Kei already positioned himself as the representative for his class.

However for Shizuka, interacting with other people other than the siblings was still nerve-wracking. As the duo walked side by side, the sun began to set as they left the school grounds and as usual, they talked about their middle school life until now.

“How’s everything going?” (Kei)

“S-somehow… it feels overwhelming in some way… I mean, it’s even harder to start a conversation with anyone…” (Shizuka)

“I see. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon enough.” Kei gently ruffled her hair. Shizukas hair felt so soft that made Kei feel drowsy just by mere contact, along with a pleasant warmth that spread across his chest.

“Kei?” With a voice that sounded sweet at the time, Kei was brought back from his dream.

“Ah, no. It ‘s nothing. Sorry about that.” Quickly retiring his hand from her head, Kei shook all thoughts away and returned his gaze to his front as he walked in silence for a while.

“So… What are we doing today?” Breaking the ice, Shizuka turned to his friend.

“Truthfully, I can’t pinpoint anything to do. Any ideas?” Kei reached for his pocket, taking out his phone.

“Hmm… What about going to the cafe nearby? I’ll ask mom for permission!” Shizuka took her own phone and messaged her mom. Kei followed suit, and also messaged his father.

✕✕✕

After both parties received permission from their respective guardians, they moved to the nearby cafe that Shizuka talked about and after Kei placed his and Shizuka’s order, he relaxed on his seat as he let out a sigh.

“I’m exhausted…” (Kei)

“Looks like even Mr. Popular isn’t able to keep up with the change~” (Shizuka)

“Shut up, Shizu. They are new surroundings after all…” (Kei)

A somewhat awkward atmosphere enveloped the two of them, though they didn’t force themselves to continue the conversation, the air felt somewhat strange to both of them.

Just like that, a few minutes passed and after around fifteen minutes, both their orders came.

“A hot chocolate and cheesecake.” The waiter placed a mug and a plate in front of Shizuka at Kei’s signal, “And an orange juice along with a set of chicken sandwiches. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” As he left the glass and another plate, the waiter left the duo’s table after bowing down.

“I chose this place on a whim… so it being quite the formal place really shook me up… My bad.” She giggled.

“Well, this place has some really good snacks being a cafe and all, so I don’t blame you.” Sipping from his glass, Kei proceeded to take a bit out of his sandwich and store his phone away.

“Right?! Their cheesecakes are so good~” (Shizuka)

“Hmm.” (Kei)

The two managed to keep the conversation going and before they knew it, they spent almost two hours inside the cafe. After they paid the bill, they moved to the arcade before heading home.

They stayed at the arcade for about an hour before wrapping up and calling it a day, due to them being middle schoolers, there was no way they were allowed to be outside past four in the afternoon. Making the time they left the arcade, about half an hour before their curfew.

As they walked side by side, the sky started to get dyed in a vermillion hue and the breeze felt even chillier.

“I wonder how our middle school day will turn out to be…” (Shizuka)

“I feel like we’ve discussed this before…” (Kei)

“That so?” She tilted her head and looked at Kei’s eyes.

During these three middle school years, they will come across many people, they will also experience changes as they dig deeper into boy-girl relationships, granted that it wouldn’t be anything unusual  to hear about people falling in love.

In this case, Kei was starting to be one of them. Since the day they met, they shared many memories. They played together, laughed and cried together… their families even went on trips together… Everything until this point only made Kei even more aware of Shizuka’s charm and before long…

“I’m looking forward to this~ It seems fun! I’ll try to talk even more with my classmates, I think it is time to make more friends! I’ma big kid now! So it’s only natural!” Shizuka skipped a bit ahead of Kei and after being at a considerate distance, she turned around facing and with her hands on her back, she exclaimed in a joyous tone.

“I’ll do my best to become just as friendly as you Kei! So please, watch over me every step of the way!” (Shizuka)

*badump*

Kei froze, and as he stared at his childhood friend, who’s overall cuteness was being amplified by the setting sun behind her. Kei reached the sole conclusion that this must be what those manga protagonists feel when they fall in love.

Three years. Three years was the time they had until they entered another stage of their lives. However, it’ll only take one meeting to change the course of their futures.

The route towards Kei’s unrequited love, unbeknown to him, began at that same moment. However, it was thanks to this route that he’ll meet all those people who he now holds dear, at the same time, the Kei all of them know and love, was just beginning to take shape.