Even Though I Loved You First

Monologue [Sachi]

I wish I could say it isn’t true. I wish I could say that things remained the same. However, I can’t. She asked for it, even though they’ve known each other for so long, the fact that not only she hurt him but also kept something that also affected him a secret is…

Unforgivable.

I don’t say much because she’s my best friend, however, no matter how much time passess, I doubt that the trust he has in her will go back to normal.

I’m sorry to say this but… you reap what you sow.

Shizuka.

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Third Person POV~

“Pffft! Hahaha! I’m sorry I can’t… it’s just… it’s just… Hahaha!” Her uncontrollable laughter resounded all across the classroom. Looking at her with an annoyed gaze, Riku angrily said.

“Are ya’ done, now?” He leaned on the desk he was sitting on and crossed his arms. In response, Shizuka brushed away her tears and got up.

“Yes, yes… I’m done now…” (Shizuka)

““…”” (Riku & Shizuka)

“Pfft… pffuhu… pfft hahaha!” Contrary to Shizuka’s words, she still couldn’t hold back her laughter. Thanks to it, Riku lamented telling her about last day’s events.

“You! Sto—” At that moment, a girl came in through the door.

“Are you ready, Shizu?” Her beautiful long hair which reached up to her waist and her small build which made her look like a doll, made Riku swallow his words and admire her for a while.

Due to the appearance of her friend, Shizuka started to noticeably grow restless. “Uhm… Y-yes, I’m all ready…” She said, stuttering a little.

“I have never seen Shizuka so restless, where are you girls going, Sachi?” Seeing the change in Shizuka’s personality, Riku turned to Sachi and asked a basic question.

Sachi stared at him for a while, she then proceeded to walk towards him and softly said, “I’m acting as a bridge for Arisa and Shizu.” (Sachi)

“Oh…” Riku now understood everything, it was no wonder that Shizuka (who was the main reason for Kei’s heartbreak), will be immensely uncomfortable about meeting Arisa (the one who not only healed him, but the one he was currently dating).

“Then, I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Riku could only wave as he saw the two girls off. He had an idea of what Sachi was planning, if anything the main reason why she did this was to give these two a one on one opportunity.

I should go home… Hayato and Kei are busy so I have no reason to linger here… He packed his things and left the classroom, wishing luck to her friend.

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Arisa’s POV~

It’s rare for Sachi to invite me out. This place… Seems pretty close to the school if I’m correct… I went through the messages on my phone as I walked towards a small establishment which directions were given through me by text.

It’s almost been about two weeks since Kei and I started dating, the best two weeks if I’m being honest. I no longer had to come up with an excuse to spend time with him and I could also openly express my feelings.

It went without saying that our relationship was going extremely well, we even scheduled a date for this weekend.

Arriving at the place, I opened the door which made a short-lasting chime to ring and signaled the appearance of a customer. I scanned the almost-empty establishment and my eyes landed on a certain someone who gently waved her hand at me.

I walked over to her and greeted her before proceeding with anything, “It’s rare for you to invite me over on your own.” I said.

However, I noticed there was someone else sitting with her, slightly glancing at her, she had semi-long hair that reached a little after her shoulders, she also had two cerulean eyes that reminded me of the clear ocean.

“And this is…?” I asked her.

“Right. Why don’t you sit down first, Arisa?” Sachi smiled at me as she motioned me to take a seat opposite of the two of them.

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Third Person POV~

As Arisa received her tea from the waitress, Shizuka’s head was in a state of turmoil. Not only that, but she couldn’t help but admire Arisa’s beauty for a second.

She looked really beautiful and seemed to have a mature charm when I saw her in that photo Sachi showed me, however, she looks way prettier in person.

Contrary to Shizuka, who had a cute-type of charm, Arisa was more of a mature and older-sister-like beauty that reminded Shizuka of Kei’s mother Kaho.

“That hits the spot~ Then, are you telling me already, Sachi? Who is she.” Arisa asked as she innocently tilted her head.

“Right, right. My bad,” Sachi wryly smiled, “This is Shizuka, Kei’s childhood friend.” (Sachi)

“Ah…” Silence fell upon the store, then Sachi proceeded to introduce Arisa.

“You already heard of her, but for the sake of introductions. She’s Arisa Kamihate, Kei’s girlfriend.” (Sachi)

“Nice to meet you.” Arisa sighed and continued as normal.

“Y-yes, n-nice to m-meet you.” Shizuka bowed.

Areh? She seems really nervous. Arisa sipped on her tea once again. “I wanted to introduce you two since I thought we could all be friends.” (Sachi)

That’s a lie though, I’m not really expecting anything. Sachi inwardly thought.

↜♡↝

“I have to take this call, I’ll be back.” (Sachi)

After the two were introduced and as they conversed through hot drinks and sweets, a sudden call made Sachi get up from her seat and head towards the restroom to receive a call, leaving Arisa and Shizuka alone.

“Is it okay if I ask something…?” It took her a bit of courage, but Shizuka finally had the bravery to speak up.

“Hm? Sure, what’s up?” Sensing the uneasiness of her interactions, Arisa softened her voice to make it easier for Shizuka to speak comfortably.

“When everything between Kei and I started, how was he? Emotionally speaking…” Arisa knew what she was getting at, it meant the day Shizuka revealed to Kei that she had a boyfriend. Ever since knowing about the feelings Kei had towards her, she knew that that day would’ve been a nightmare for him.

“He was tearing down. If anything, I’ve never seen someone so close to despair.” Arisa was honest, she didn’t sugarcoat it, she had no intention to.

“I see…” (Shizuka)

“My turn, can I ask something?” (Arisa)

“S-sure…” (Shizuka)

“How did you even manage to not notice Kei’s feelings at all?” She has been wondering about this for a while, with her, Kei really didn’t try to hide his feelings at all.

The reason why their relationship was smooth-sailing was because of how honest these two were even before they started dating.

“Haha… I knew you would ask that.” Shizuka looked gloomy for a second, but Arisa just brushed it off. “I was immature.” Shizuka said.

“I never really try to look around me, nor did I ever consider other people’s feelings at all… I’m a horrible person I know… Back then, when my boyfriend asked me to keep our friendship a secret, I thought I was being considerate of his feelings.” She took a deep breath.

“And even though I was, I ended up lying to Kei and hurting him as a result. It’s no wonder that after I told them about my relationship our friendship went downhill…” (Shizuka)

All action has its consequences. In this case, the consequence was that Shizuka lost all trust from Kei. The latter never explicitly said this, however it was evident. If anything, Kei trusted Riku and Sachi more than he trusted Shizuka currently.

“You know, back when we ‘fixed’ things, Kei only shrugged everything off and invited me to play video games like the old times…” (Shizuka)

Sounds just like him… Arisa thought.

“Back then I thought, ‘Why?’ I never really understood him. Kei never really had any selfishness back when we were kids, you know? If anything… Even I, as his childhood friend, could count all the times Kei was genuinely mad with one hand.” (Shizuka)

Kei wasn’t the type of person to possess such a short fuse, however, that didn’t mean he forgave anyone easily. If anything, Kei was the type of person to deal with someone in an efficient and composed manner… well… as long as you don’t involve his loved ones that is.

“The night where we actually talked everything through was one of the few times that Kei lost his cool. If anything, I wouldn’t have blamed him if he started shouting at me due to my denseness.” (Shizuka)

Shizuka silently recalled a past event where Kei’s patience broke, he was never violent, but if she hadn’t mildly intervened, Kei would’ve gotten himself in a trouble bigger than the core one.

“I wonder, how didn’t I notice his feelings before? Even if I didn’t see him in a romantic light, ignoring his feelings and hiding things on top of that was uncalled for.” (Shizuka)

Arisa remained silent, she didn’t have anything to say. She had no desire to say things like ‘it’s your fault’ or the like, she felt like Shizuka needed to relieve some weight on her shoulders.

She knew that meeting her was one of them.

“Arisa, I’m in no position to say this, but… Can I make a request?” Shizuka looked Arisa straight in the eye, it was a gentle smile, as if she already accepted the outcome of everything.

“Kei tends to be really selfless, which ends up in him getting placed in dangerous situations. Not only that but, he’s really not that good at receiving things from others, with the exception of big sis Kotone & Karane…. That’s why.” (Shizuka)

“Go on.” Shizuka might’ve never been in love with Kei, she also has a boyfriend of her own, still… she wanted to leave the one who took good care of her in good hands.

Even if she was the cause of his pain from the beginning.

“Just like any other person, he has his flaws and he may be a little too considerate at times, sacrificing his health for that matter… That’s why… Please, take care of him.” She bowed as her voice became smaller, Arisa also noticed Shizuka’s shoulders trembling. Then,

“Hah~ I thought it was going to be something serious…” Arisa let out a big sigh and pressed her finger against her forehead repeatedly in an annoyed voice.

“U-uhm…” (Shizuka)

“Sorry… not to be rude, but… That was a really unnecessary request…” She composed herself and then, a gentle smile started forming on her lips. “I compromised myself on making him happy ever since I accepted his confession you know?” (Arisa)

She extended her hand and with an amiable smile, introduced herself properly this time. “Second year, Arisa Kamihate. I hope we can get along.” (Arisa)

Shizuka’s eyes widened, and little by little, a smile grew on her lips as tears formed in the corner of her eyes. “Shizuka Sakurajima, first year. Likewise!” She grabbed Arisa’s hand and shook it.

A little later Sachi returned from her phone call. The three chatted happily for a little over an hour, their conversation topics were quite vast as the three had extremely different personalities but in the end, they enjoyed their time together.

Like this, the meeting between the girlfriend and the childhood friend ended without incident.

↜♡↝

Ichinose Residence

Buzz buzz

“?” As he mindlessly scrolled through his computer. Kei Ichinose returned to reality as he felt a vibration from beside his table. It was an incoming call.

“It’s almost nine, at this hour?” Kei picked up his phone and looked at the screen showcasing the name of the caller. Once he saw the name, he instantly answered.

“Kei, here~” (Kei)

“I didn’t wake you up by any chance, did I?” Asked Arisa who was on the other side of the phone.

“No, not at all~ If anything, I’m glad I could hear your voice before going to bed.” Kei honestly said.

“Oh you…” Though faint, Kei could hear Arisa’s small giggle through the other side of the line.

“It’s really late right now, I thought you’ll be asleep.” Kei remembered Arisa telling him about managing her sleep schedule or something like that. So Kei asked out of concern.

“I was planning to go to bed in a bit, but I wanted to hear your voice before anything. Since we couldn’t spend much time after school.” (Arisa)

“I’m sorry about that… Honestly, accepting the council’s offer right after we started dating was pretty lame of me, wasn’t it?” Kei said, feeling a little pathetic about himself.

“Hey now, if anything, I’m glad you’re getting along with more people now. But—” Right before Arisa could continue, probably sensing what she was about to say, Kei finished the sentence off for her.

“My girlfriend should be my priority, right? Don’t worry, I always have it in mind.” (Kei)

“You know me well~” (Arisa)

Kei still felt a little lonely, now that Arisa was usually next to him, he felt really bored whenever he was alone. Such thoughts made him motion through his phone to check his schedule.

“By the way, Arisa.” Kei said.

“Hm? Yes?” Arisa said in a sweet whisper.

“Are you free tomorrow after school?” (Kei)

“Tomorrow? Yes I am.” Though Kei couldn’t see it, Arisa was nodding at the other side of the call.

“All right… Then…” He paused for a moment.

“Why don’t we go on an after school date tomorrow?” (Kei)