Even Though I Loved You First

~A Week or So, In the School’s Rooftop

“Took you long enough.” (Sachi)

“Sorry, your message kind of took me by surprise.” (Hayato)

“No worries. Shizu doesn’t know I called you, right?” (Sachi)

“Unn. So, what ‘s the matter, Sadataka?” (Hayato)

The time was around eleven forty-five, roughly fifteen minutes after lunch break started. For some odd reason, Hayato Hayasaka got called up to the rooftop. The culprit behind this was none other than Sachi Sadataka, someone who he recently got acquainted with.

“Just ‘Sachi’ is fine.” (Sachi)

“Alright then. So, Sachi, may I help you?” (Hayato)

In normal circumstances, Sachi wouldn’t usually interact with others outside her friend circle that much, usually she would be talkative as long as someone she trusts is nearby. However, the current situation and the prerequisites were quite different this time around.

“I wanted to talk with you about Shizu.” (Sachi)

“Huh? Shizuka?” Though he acted surprised, he could clearly connect the dots to what Sachi wanted to talk to him about. In essence, it should be about,

“Is it because of Shizuka and Kei ‘s fragile relationship?” assumed Hayato. He knew Kei to some extent, and it wouldn’t be surprising to say that it was easy to assume that Kei used to hold romantic feelings towards Shizuka.

“It is exactly as you said,” Nodded Sachi. “You should tell her already, she has been wondering why their relationship has been straining, hasn’t she?” (Sachi)

“I-it is as you said, but…” He paused for a moment, “I just don’t think the time is right…” (Hayato)

“So? Are you just planning on leaving her be? She has to know soon enough. As long as the truth is still hidden, she’ll still think like a child.” (Sachi)

“I-I know what you’re getting at but… I just don’t–” (Hayato)

“You’ll end up seeing her sad expression sooner or later.” (Sachi)

Hayato knew this, he knew that sooner or later, Shizuka would eventually know the real reason for her current situation. When that happens, he knows that her emotions will revolve in utter turmoil.

“I know that but—” (Hayato)

“Hayato. This play won’t advance if there isn’t a story to tell. She has to know, I atleast want to help Kei get some closure. And no matter how you see it, even though Shizuka sees Kei as family, she hasn’t even once considered how Kei sees her.” (Sachi)

Her carefree smile.

Her clueless attitude she always wore even if Kei seriously and obviously made a move on her.

And the way she one-sidedly called Kei and herself ‘siblings’.

Somehow, the more time passed, the more annoying this became. A resolve walled up in Sachi’s heart, apologizing in advance she declared that she’ll be the one delivering the raw truth.

✕✕✕

~Present

“They are ‘completely your fault’.” (Sachi)

The sun was already setting, and the surroundings were completely silent. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it felt as if the two of them were the only people in the world.

“What do you…?” (Shizuka)

“I think it’s quite obvious what I mean. Is it not?” For Shizuka, this was a completely unknown side of her best friend, someone she knew since middle school.

No… even Sachi had no idea what she was saying or as to why she was saying such things. Even for her, this was also an unexpected side of herself that she… just didn’t know about…

“I’ve been seeing you guys since middle school. But I don’t get it… I thought such a mentality wasn’t possible for normal individuals… But it looks like I was wrong…” (Sachi)

She herself didn’t want to interfere…

She herself just wanted to see how things would’ve played out…

However, patience has its limits.

“‘We’re like siblings’ you say, ‘He’s important to me’ you say… And yet… Have you ever thought of Kei at all?!” (Sachi)

“Of course I—” As Shizuka tried to argue back, Sachi interjected.

“No you haven’t. If you really did you would’ve known that calling your relationship as ‘siblings’ was just hurting him.” (Sachi)

“…!” Shizuka got taken aback. However, contrary to her confusion, she didn’t say anything else, she just stayed in silence as Sachi spoke. Indeed, all these years Kei relentlessly tried to win over Shizuka’s heart. The majority of his personality was a by-product of that.

“…” No further arguments left Shizuka’s mouth. Yet Sachi continued.

“No matter how I see it, you never took into account Kei’s feelings. Without your knowledge, Kei constantly fought for a place beside you… and yet you one-sidedly declared your relationships as ‘two close siblings’.” (Sachi)

“Why do you think Kei is the way he is? Why do you think Kei always prioritized the plans you two had? Why do you think Kei always stood by your side? Oi, Shizuka.” (Sachi)

“?!” Shizuka timidly glanced at her friend, only to be met with Sachi’s piercing glare that was unlike her.

“Have you ever considered Kei’s smile as a cry due to a desire to be noticed?” (Sachi)

Shizuka didn’t utter a single word. Which for Sachi, was totally fine. Shizuka faced down the entire way, the energetic atmosphere she usually emitted was nowhere to be found. This was Sachi’s objective all along,

—To give Shizuka a wake up call.