Even Though I Loved You First

~Ichinose Household [Friday]

7:00 p.m.

“The bath’s open, Kei.” (Karane)

“Hm? Thanks, sis.” (Kei)

My heart is beating so fast… I flusteredly placed my hand on my chest. I was currently in the living room, I felt my temperature rising and my heart beating wildly. I felt nervous, scared, I had an indescribable feeling…all because tomorrow was the day.

The day I’ll be confessing to Arisa.

“?” As I was thinking to myself, I felt a soft touch on my back, soon after, two thin arms wrapped around me from behind.

“Sis?” (Kei)

“Hm? I just…felt like it…” If I were to describe my sisters, the two were quite clingy (Kotone being the most cuddly). However, on some occasions Karane will act like a child wanting to be pampered, and that was exactly the problem.

“What’s wrong, sis?” I gently asked her.

“Nothing ‘s wrong.” (Karane)

“Karane. Is something wrong?” I turned to her and looked her in the eye.

“…you… realized…?” (Karane)

“You get this child-like cravings whenever something’s bothering you. There’s no hiding it.” (Kei)

“Geh…” Her face turned sour. She helplessly sighed.

“Lately… negative emotions have been invading my thoughts… I feel horrible just by thinking about it.” (Karane)

“Negative emotions?” (Kei)

My sister was someone way too optimistic, she was the type of person to find something positive inside every problem she found herself in. That’s why to me, hearing her having negative emotions surprised me.

“Want to talk about it?” I gently asked, as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer.

“You’re… going out with Arisa tomorrow… right?” (Karane)

“—?! How did you…?” (Kei)

Don’t tell me Seichiiro snitched.

“Arisa told us.” (Karane)

“Ah…” (Kei)

“I have a hunch, about something… but… I want to hear it from you… Kei, are you confessing to Arisa by any chance?” (Karane)

“…I… am… I’m confessing to Arisa tomorrow.” I said, hugging Karane a little tighter.

“I see… To… tell you the truth… I’m scared…” (Karane)

“…” I kept silent, and urged her to follow.

“I’m scared that it may affect our friendship… I know I should be happy, for both my brother and my best friend… but… I can’t help but contemplate the thought that… if it ends… then everything I’ve tried so desperately to build will all just come crashing down.” (Karane)

As far as I was concerned, I knew that my sister was never interested in love. During middle school, something happened that made her value friendship over love. Of course, I have no idea as to what may have caused it.

The only thing I knew is that it happened before their current circle even started gathering.

“It’s obvious to say that Arisa and I haven’t spoken about that yet. We may be somewhat aware of the other’s feelings but… we’re not official. Back on topic, I think we both are aware of the risk we could be taking.” (Kei)

Life doesn’t follow scripted paths, and even those stories that have happy endings may have bitter after stories. If we were to date, there will be no doubt that we’ll be happy, and we’ll be enjoying our days together.

But the more time a couple spends together, the more they will begin to notice things in their partners that leave them unsatisfied. If we aren’t mature enough to accept the sides from the people we love,

Even a loving relationship may end, undoubtedly giving collateral damage to her relationship with my sisters. However…

“Please don’t worry, sis… I’ll make her happy with my own two hands… And in the event that it doesn’t work out… I know that Arisa wouldn’t throw away her friendship with the two of you.” (Arisa)

Life works in unexpected ways, one day something important to you is next to you, the other day it’s not. Though I say ‘in the event that it doesn’t work out’, I had no intention of letting this end.

“Even if you tell me that… I can’t take it…” In my arms, I could feel her body quivering, she was genuinely scared.

“You really care about them, don’t you?” (Kei)

“For me… friends are enough for me.” (Karane)

“You know, Arisa told me that she highly appreciates how you looked so determined to grow closer to her back in middle school. She wouldn’t trade your friendship for anything. So please, rest assured. I’m sure that Arisa wouldn’t like to see you like this.” (Kei)

“I really am a selfish idiot, aren’t I?” (Karane)

“You’re only human after all, so don’t worry about it.” I released Karane from my embrace and stood up.

“Then, if you feel better now, I’ll go and take a bath. Good night, sis.” (Kei)

“Good night… Kei…” I patted her head and left the living room. Karane may seem optimistic all the time. In the eyes of the students, she is a diligent and beautiful woman who puts her all into managing the volleyball team as their captain.

But even Karane, is just an ordinary girl with her flaws, and her fears.

Days Until Date: 1 Day