Chapter 3:
When the snow melts
[The moment I looked into your eyes one more time, thinking that I was not in love, I realized that I have been in love with you for all my life]
Player's Handbook
Location: Harumi
Harumi is a beautiful place in the Chuo district, located in the capital of Japan - Tokyo. Harumi is separated from the rest of Tokyo by a small strait, but that only adds to it exclusivity. On the small area of land on which Harumi is located, there is everything: hospitals, schools, parks, residential buildings. It's like a miniature replica of Tokyo itself. Kidding. Our hero, Kenta Ieda, lives in this small place.
Kenta's Junior High School is located on the edge of Harumi, right across from some of the living quarters. Harumi Junior High School is a building like many junior high schools, but with an unusually calm atmosphere. The local students are nice and ready to learn. The school is surrounded by a small fence, inside there is a playground for younger students. Green trees enclose the school itself. From the back of the building, you can see a small "strait" separating Harumi and Tsukishima, which was very interesting to look at during the lessons.
But our story continues on the rooftop, where a young high school student, Kenta Ieda, tries to confess his love.
- Iwasaki-san... um... you... don't mind...
- When the first snow falls, it looks white and fluffy, and you want to plunge into it with your head, like in a freshly washed blanket. But over time, the snow mixes with the mud, turning into slush and becoming nasty and slimy. Isn't that right, Ieda-kun? - Ai said with a cold look, staring into the distance.
- Y..yes. Yes so. What do you mean?
- I mean, every relationship, like the newly outstanding snow, has a period when they are white and inviting, and when they are slimy and nasty. I know about you feelings, Ieda-kun. But do you need it?
Kenta was shocked by this phrase of Ai.
- What? H...how?
- You think it's so imperceptible? Don't be afraid, I won't make fun of you. But you know, you're a good friend and stuff, but as a guy, I... don't see you. Sorry.
Kenta was still in such a state of shock that he couldn't say a word. His eyes were fixed on Ai and filled with tears. In order not to disgrace himself even more, he lowered his head down and covered it with his elbow. At that moment, he could neither hear nor think. Only one phrase hit him in the head:
- I believe that one day you will find the one with whom your love will be the most real, and your relationship will never fade away. - Ai whispered as she walked past Kenta to the exit. And already at the entrance to the roof, she stopped, turned around, looking around, and sighing said:
- It's strange, it's already March, and the snow is still lying. When will the snow melt?
* * * * *
Nowadays
Leaver School
*It's been so long since then, and I still don't know exactly how long the snow melts.*
Akemi interrupted his thoughts again.
- You see, there is a guy in our class who I like, but he does not pay attention to me. Therefore, I want to make him jealous, and therefore, please, become my pretend boyfriend.
This phrase said by Akemi caused Kenta to be in a state of shock for a while, but after he came to his senses, he realized that he had something to say to Akemi:
- Pretend boyfriend mean? - said Kenta, lowering his head down. His hair covered his eyes in such a way that Akemi shuddered involuntarily. Then, Kenta slowly raised his head and smiled with his last strength, saying:
- Look. I understand your pretend boyfriend idea and stuff, but why me? There are so many cool guys in our class, so why me? Seeing you with me, you are more likely to be laughed at.
- Don't talk nonsense, Ieda-kun. You are pretty beautiful too!
- I am not talking about that. I am always hidden and away from others. And you are always energetic. If I understand correctly, being your fake boyfriend means often being in the company of other people with whom you need to be able to communicate, which I cannot.
Kenta fixed his gaze directly on Akemi and was surprised to see her smiling tenderly despite what Kenta was saying now.
- Ieda-kun, you think I don't know. Of course you are different from others, but that is why I asked you specifically. So leave your doubts and give me the answer already. Ieda-kun, will you be my boyfriend? Akemi said this while smiling and extending her right hand towards Kenta, while pressing her left hand to her chest, as if hinting that she was speaking from the bottom of her heart.
Kenta could no longer hold on. He was literally torn to pieces due to the fact that he had already been betrayed by the one he loved and since then, he was not going to start a relationship, much less a fake one, but ... Akemi spoke as if she was not going to deceive him. He was at a crossroads. At this moment, he looked up at the sky, which was gently caressing his face with bright sunbeams, then he lowered his head lower so that he could see the schoolyard. Under the March sun, he noticed that the snow was slowly melting, signing the end of winter and the beginning of a new season.
- OK! - Kenta grabbed Akemi's hand, which she had been holding for quite some time. - I don't know what you're up to, but I feel like I can help you, so yes, I'll be your pretend boyfriend!
These joyful yells from Kenta made Akemi a little embarrassed.
- You are quite an idiot, Kenta. - Akemi said, turning slightly to her side in embarrassment. Afterwards, she stared back at Kenta with a satisfied expression. - Then let's begin our story!
Akemi handed Kenta a small piece of paper with multi-colored inscriptions.
- What is it? - asked Kenta.
- This is a movie ticket. We are going there with friends, I promised that I would bring a guy with me. So are you in, darling? - Akemi said jokingly. - There will be the guy, who I have alreadysaid you about. Will you come?
- Yes. - Kenta answered thoughtfully.
- Thanks, Ieda-kun. You are the best. - Akemi ran towards the exit, singing a light song.
Kenta walked closer to the end of the roof, looked at the school yard, where the fishy snow was slowly melting. Suddenly, Kenta smiled slightly and said:
- And yet...
[snow will melt soon!]