Even Though I Loved You First

Middle School

“She speaks funny…”

“Sachi seems hard to approach, doesn’t she?”

“I don’t know what she’s thinking at all…”

Such comments were commonplace for the girl, she grew accustomed to all those comments behind her back. She spent most of her time alone buried in books, she wasn’t exactly good at making friends, so for her, alone time was the norm.

Of course, that changed once she met a certain boy.

↼※⇁

It seems that new books came around. Sachi was already old enough to go out of the house on her own, though her places were limited, that didn’t matter to her as her favorite place was the bookstore.

As Sachi scanned the bookshelves, she found the book she was looking for, and tip-toeing she managed to grab the book. Once she brought it down, she heard a voice from behind.

“Hm? Sadataka?” As she turned around, she saw a boy with black hair, his purple eyes widened slightly.

“U-uhm… D-do I know you?” Sachi said wearily.

“Ah, sorry. That was rude of me, I didn’t mean to scare you.” The boy shook his hands flusteredly.

“I’m Kei Ichinose, I’m in the class next to yours.” (Kei)

The boy, who went by the name of Kei, introduced himself politely.

“Ah… my apologies… I-I’m not really good with names…” (Sachi)

“Don’t worry about it, I know there are some people that have difficulties.” Kei shook his head,

“By the way, Sadataka. What book did you pick?” He said as he walked past her and inspected the middle section of the bookshelves.

“U-uhm… this one that’s called ‘Breaking Point’…” She said as she lifted the novel slightly on her hands.

“Oh? You’re into light novels?” (Kei)

“Just until recently…” (Sachi)

“I see…” Kei said as he took a book from the bookshelf and slightly skimmed through it.

What should I do…? I don’t know how to keep the conversation going! She wasn’t good at communicating with others, so she had difficulties when it came to conversation topics.

Probably sensing her inward struggle, Kei chuckled and gently told Sachi.

“Please, don’t worry. I’m sorry I interrupted your shopping. Are you paying for them?” (Kei)

“A-ah yes…” She didn’t know why, but she followed him over to the cashier.

After paying for their respective items, both children left the bookstore together.

“Then, once again. Sorry for interrupting your shopping, I have some things to do so I’ll be going now. See you at school.” Kei bowed before turning on his heel and leaving the place.

“A-ah… yes…” Sachi could only wave as she saw Kei’s fleeting figure.

I couldn’t even ask him what he bought… Sachi felt sad, thinking that she blew her only opportunity to make friends, but it looked like Kei had other plans.

↼※⇁

Time skip to about two days after their first meeting, Sachi found herself in the school’s library as she read along the lines of her paperback utterly immersed in the story.

As she closed the book, seemingly to take a break, a quiet voice called out to her.

“How is it so far?” (Kei)

“Eek!” Sachi understandably jumped as her heart raced and looked for the culprit behind the jumpscare.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” It was Kei, who was sitting beside her with some notebooks spread across the table.

“W-when did Ichinose get in here?” (Sachi)

“About fifteen minutes ago, you were so focused on your reading that I felt bad about calling out to you, so I sat.” (Kei)

“A-ah… my apologies for not noticing you earlier…” (Sachi)

“No, not at all. It’s a library so it’s to be expected.” (Kei)

The library was empty with no students other than the two in sight, it was understandable since it was late and most students were about to head home from club activities.

“Are you not going home yet?” (Kei)

“Ah… I was immersed in my reading so I never noticed.” (Sachi)

“I see… How’s the book?” Kei cocked his head.

“E-eh? T-the book? W-well—” As Sachi kept talking about the book she was reading, she felt herself being more at ease talking with Kei. The conversation naturally developed into the two talking about their likes on books.

Sachi felt like a weight had been put off her shoulders… she felt… lighter. But she was also anxious, what would happen after their interaction was over? Maybe it will be a once in a lifetime event for her… That’s what she thought.

As they kept talking, Kei received a message on his phone, after reading through it once, she turned to Sachi.

“Sorry, Sadataka. I have to go, my sisters are waiting for me.” Kei said as he packed up his things and put his bag over his shoulder.

“No, it’s okay. I should also get going.” (Sachi)

This will be the last time, maybe? She couldn’t help but feel a little sad.

“Sadataka. Do you usually eat by yourself?” Suddenly, Kei asked.

“E-eh? I-I do… Why?” (Sachi)

“I see. Then, want to eat with us when you have the chance?” (Kei)

“Eh?” Sachi was taken by surprise at Kei’s sudden words. It took her a while to properly understand them.

“It’s fun talking with you, you know? You seemed shy at first, but you’re surprisingly easy to talk to. I’m sure my other friends will think the same. What do you say?” (Kei)

Talking with more people… making more friends… Will it be alright for me to indulge in such generosity? Won’t I make them uncomfortable with my way of speaking?

Even as such thoughts ran through her mind, she wanted a place to belong, she wanted people whom she could also call friends. All those things she couldn’t do because she was alone… seemed closer than she thought.

“I-if you d-d-don’t mind… Then… I’ll love to…” Sachi didn’t know at the time.

She didn’t know that what followed were the happiest moments of her life, she could finally smile and laugh with someone else, she felt like she belonged.

Before Sachi knew it, spending time with their small group of four was common now. She also managed to make some other friends of their own…

That’s why in the future, Sachi would do whatever it takes to repay Kei’s kindness. He saved her from solitude. It did not seem much for some, but for her it was a life changing event.

And until their little group of four grew into six, then at that moment forward, will she see the peak of her happiness.

In both friendships.

And in love.