Even Though I Loved You First

After their lively dinner (location provided by Shizuka), the group of six disbanded and they all went to their respective homes. Well, everyone except for both Kei and Ichirou, who were still walking side by side.

“…and so, Kaneko ended up scolding me and Tomokazu for almost blowing up the council room…” (Ichirou)

“Now that I think about it… I heard something similar before…” (Kei)

They were talking about nothing and at the same time, anything. They never really talked too much before Kei entered the student council, however, ever since Kei’s addition the two of them have been getting along nicely.

“Oh, by the way.” (Kei)

“Hm?” (Ichirou)

“I made myself a cup of the coffee you gave me. It was absolutely delicious! For someone like me who really enjoys coffee, it’s safe to say that the mixture made me feel in heaven!” (Kei)

Kei himself was a great fanatic of coffee, he has tried many different brands from many different places. He even used his father’s connections to get his hands on some from abroad.

“I-is that so? I’m glad. If you need another bag or two, let me know. Of course, this time I’ll charge you.” Ichirou said as he smiled wryly.

“I don’t mind! If anything, I served some to my father and he also loved it. So in the future, either father or son may be your buyers, ahaha!” Kei gave a heartful laugh.

“Seems like you and your father get along well,” Ichirou commented.

“Hm? Yeah, absolutely. We’ve been like best friends ever since I was little!” (Kei)

“Huh? I see. But doesn’t your father get busy with his work?” (Ichirou)

“Hm? Well, he only works his paid hours, he doesn’t take overtime unless he needs to. If anything, he tends to bring work home.” (Kei)

“Huh?” For some reason, Ichirou’s eyes widened, he placed one hand on his forehead, he seemed to be deep in thought, until a small mutter escaped his lips, “I don’t get it…” (Ichirou)

“You don’t get what?” Kei tilted his head.

“No, it’s nothing. Just me blabbering about my twisted way of thinking.” Ichirou waved his hand in a dismissing manner as he chuckled.

“You blabber about a lot of things, you know…?” Kei told him with a distant gaze. “If anything, you always seem space out.” (Kei)

“Huh? Did I seem like that?!” (Ichirou)

“Hm.” Kei nodded.

“Geh— I thought I was doing a good job pretending…” (Ichirou)

“Better luck next time.” (Kei)

It was barely seven o’clock. Sure, the group disbanded extremely early by that standard, but some of them had curfews so they couldn’t stay out too late. Kei’s curfew was until ten while Ichirou, on the other hand, didn’t have a curfew.

“Today was kind of hectic, huh?” (Kei)

“It was, but it was fun. It’s been the first time in a while since I had this much fun. I wasn’t the type to blend well into groups, so I was kind of nervous at first… all of them were strangers to me as I knew nothing about them, I was kind of anxious that I’d do something to give a bad impression… Glad everything went well.” (Ichirou)

“It’s normal to be anxious, I understand that. But don’t worry, you’re a part of this group now, so go all out. Inside, we don’t judge. We all have our troubles, we don’t speak about them, but if we do, we deal with them together.” (Kei)

“The power of friendship… gross…” (Ichirou)

“Oi.” (Kei)

“But thanks… I’ve been feeling less lonely since I started hanging out with you guys. It’s fun.” Underneath the moon, coveted in darkness with only the latter’s light, Ichirou gave a weak chuckle.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Whenever you need someone to hear you, call the name. I could consider you family after all.” Kei chuckled.

“Kei, between you and me, can I ask you a question?” (Ichirou)

“Hm? Sure?” (Kei)

Ichirou gathered the courage, he collected his thoughts and in small sections, he asked away.

“What does a happy family look like?” (Ichirou)

“Huh? I don’t get your question.” (Kei)

“Sorry I confused you. I read in a book a weird definition about a happy family, a… bizarre description. So, I wanted to know someone’s thoughts on that.” (Ichirou)

“I seem to let me see…” Kei thought for a moment.

“Well… think of a family as a unit. For me, a happy family could be seen as how the individuals that conform the unit all feel a sense of belonging, where all of them feel their mutual support.” (Kei)

He expanded further.

“Someone once said “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” Expanding on it, it basically suggests that it isn’t something of mere importance. On the contrary, family is like a foundation… the essence of life to put it simply. Instead of categorizing family as a mere important aspect of life, why not take it as the linchpin of a successful life?” (Kei)

Something that suggests a deep emotional attachment to family. The profound role that one plays in the shaping of our core. However… Can that define you…?

“Don’t get me wrong. Sure, family is important and everything. But while every child deserves a parent, not all parents deserve a child. Some could juggle the roles of the kids and the adults at a young age. They worry about their future instead of happily enjoying their present.” As Kei was about to continue a little more, Ichirou stopped him.

“That’s enough. Thanks, Kei. I knew I could count on you, I should remember all that. I want to write them in the small notebook I use to analyze books. This is where we part ways, I’ll see you later.” As Ichirou’s figured disappeared inside the reception of the apartment complex, only Kei remained, a confused expression all across his face.

“Hah~” He sighs, “I’m not really good at dealing with this stuff… I coincidentally read this online last well… Well, I’m just a kid, there’s a chance that what I told him is wrong…” (Kei)

“He turned around and walked away. Suddenly, he stopped and took one last glance at the building where Ichirou disappeared to.

“I’m too observant… That’s why I told you… I consider you family now— Oh! A message from Arisa!” Getting a message from his girlfriend, Kei forgot everything he was talking about and started a voice call, flirting with her as he made his way home after an eventful day.