*Tachibana kenji*
"Earth to Kenji, snap out of it, bro, sheesh."
My mind was brought back to reality by my sister's yelling during breakfast.
I wasn't in a hurry since today was the weekend (Sunday). After finishing breakfast, I returned to my room and tossed myself onto the bed; I wasn't at my best that morning, or rather, since Friday.
My mind was only focused on one thing: Does Hinata still like me or not? After her comments on Friday, I was left in limbo. I had to make a decision at some point to ease my mind.
Before long, a clear decision crossed my mind, a decision I had always stuck with: toss it under the bus. That's right, there's no way she couldn't have feelings for me at this point. More importantly, she may already have a boyfriend in Tokyo (Hinata went to middle school to continue her third year in Tokyo).
After that, I guess after the tension had been lifted, my body gave in, and I fell asleep. I only came to my senses when I heard the buzzing of my phone (a phone call from Suzuki-san).
"Shit, it's already three o'clock," I muttered to myself.
I was forcefully invited on a date by my childhood friend, so here I am, standing in front of a café with her.
I normally dressed in my casual clothes, thinking it would have been a normal walk to the park.
On the other hand, she had dressed like someone on a romantic date.
She had worn a flower-print dress, a white midi skirt, and black cowboy boots. On second thought, I think she should have chosen something cuter than an outfit just to attract attention.
After I ordered my coffee and a chocolate cake, while Suzuki-san had ordered only coffee for some reason, I noticed something.
"Hey, Suzuki-san, can I ask you something in particular? That is, if you don't mind," I asked with no hesitation. "Yeah, sure, dear," she replied with her mischievous smile, giving me the green light.
"Frankly, I noticed even from school that you specifically avoid spicy and sugary food. Do you feel uncomfortable with them or what?"
After I prompted the question, Suzuki appeared pale, like she was surprised by something, but in an instant, her face lit up.
"Nah, it's nothing. Yeah, but you could say I'm uncomfortable with them, but it's nothing to worry about."
That's not convincing at all, ah, whatever… "Okay then, if you say so." "Kenji-kun," she then took a sip of her coffee and returned her cup to its original stance, "…you always notice some stupid stuff that people tend to ignore?" "Well, I wouldn't say they are stupid, but whatever."
Yeah, it was a waste of energy if we stuck to this topic. Just forget about this conversation. "You're so dense sometimes." I tended to ignore this about what was the main reason for inviting me. "Hey, Suzuki-san, so why did you drag me out to have a date when we aren't even dating…" I remembered a cruel confession from her on our first day in school. "…you basically admitted you had a crush. Aren't you afraid-" she cut me off before I could finish. "Wait a second, Kenji-kun, what do you mean I dragged you out? I basically invited you, and don't worry about him; he basically never notices me anyway." Her voice became soft and a bit sad when she said that last part. "Okay, but you know I couldn't refuse your invitation even if I didn't want to, and for me, that's like dragging," I shot back. "You're so sweet; I wish you could be my boyfriend." "You can stop with your fetish right there." We continued this conversation for at least an hour; most of the time, she was just teasing me.
We then headed to the aquarium for a view; basically, this was all her idea. Then the unexpected happened; when I was looking the other way, I could only hear something uncomfortable… "Oi, oi, if it isn't Hinata-chan, what are you doing here alone?" I wish the earth could bury me alive. I didn't look at her, and she didn't notice me, but then… "Hey, join us on our little date?" Hey, Suzuki, just read the room; I wish I could just run. "Us? Date?" Hinata seemed confused. "Yeah, me and Kenji-kun," she grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to her and faced Hinata. My elbow was basically touching her breast, but then I couldn't lose my composure and let Suzuki know we were a thing in middle school. "Yoh, fancy seeing you here, Ayane-san." Hinata looked totally confused, and she had a face that was like saying 'you're cheating on me.' "Tachibana-kun, same here." Nice, just play along, and after this, I might actually give you a compliment. Hinata then looked at me and directed a question to me. "You never told me you were dating Inoue-chan?" Damn, shit, that was totally unexpected. The best thing to do is… "Hey, Suzuki-san, I never knew you two became friends to a point of calling her by her first name?" Yeah, well, we kind of hit it off with her after our first encounter, right Hinata-chan?" Yes, she bought it. "Yeah." Hinata gave me a first glare, which had some kind of murderous intention. "Okay, so Hinata-chan, what do you say? Want to join us? Or are you on a date with a boyfriend?" Suzuki grabbed Hinata's hands and placed herself in the middle. Come to think of it, Hinata had worn some kind of fluffy white shirt, short sexy shorts, and cute sneakers. Putting my pride aside, she looked cute (it's just a compliment, nothing more). "Um…" Hinata hesitated to speak and looked at both of us like she was analyzing us. Wait, why are you even hesitating? Just say no. She then continued. "I don't mind, but will we be getting in your way?" I have to admit that phrase caught me off guard. "No, not at all." And with that, we hung out with her. After some time, around six, we both decided to head back home. The first of the three of us who took a detour was Suzuki. "Hey, Kenji-kun, I had a great day." She's so adorable. "No problem, Suzuki-san, anytime. I'm just happy you looked super happy today." That was just me acting a little cocky. Looking at Suzuki, she had a smile on her face and then looked at Hinata and me and chuckled.
"Seeing as today, I think you might have started your little harem." "Wh- um, where did that come from, Inoue-san?" Hinata jumped in, feeling embarrassed for some reason. I just moved closer to her and gave her a flick on the forehead.
She then turned around and started running and shouting at us. Before she could make a distance between us, I called onto her. "SUZUKI-SAN…"She stopped and turned to look at me, slightly tilting her head.
"Your outfit looked cute today. Thanks." Even from a distance, I could tell her face had turned red, probably feeling embarrassed for me complimenting her out of nowhere. She just turned around and dashed off. I could feel the murderous glare from behind me, but I couldn't worry, for I was happy at the time. Now then. "So, are you going to stand there, or are you going to head home?" To my surprise, she looked disappointed and hung her head down. "Huh, okay, I will walk you home." She looked at me and then smiled. If she could at least talk, I would appreciate it, not that I want to hear her voice. After a few minutes' walk, we stood in front of her apartment door.
She turned around and looked at me after opening the door. "I'm not obligated to invite you in, but…" "Trust me, that's the last thing I could wish for," I cut her off from her weird way of inviting me in. "Okay, then, I'm going home." As I turned around on my way back, her soft voice called out. "Tachibana-kun, thank you." "No need to apologize, just don't get the wrong idea." 'Nynyh,' she always had a cute chuckle. "Okay, see you at school tomorrow." "Huh, you aren't going to compliment my outfit? Or is it not cute at all?" She furrowed her eyebrows. I just knew it would end up like this, and then an idea crossed my mind—what's with me today? "There's no point in complimenting your outfit. You would look cute and beautiful in any outfit, Hinachan." Her face turned rose red, up to her ears. She immediately shut herself inside, hiding her face. When I was about to turn around, she slowly opened her door and peeked out.
I could only see her head, her face was red, and she slowly opened her pink lips to speak. "Stupid, dummy, Kenkun." She immediately shut herself in, feeling embarrassed. "I'm back," I said as I shut the door behind me.
About to take off my shoes, my little sister came running down. "Kenkun, it's been a long time since I heard that." Memories started swelling in my mind, as they always did. I swiped them away. I threw myself on my bed; I was super exhausted and decided to take a bath.
As I was totally undressed and about to cover myself with a towel, the bathroom door swung open, and standing there was my sister.
I panicked and with some super reaction, I wrapped the towel around my waist.
"Whoa, what do you think you're doing barging in like that? And when did you get home from your friend's?" I asked, full of embarrassment.
Although she's my little sister, she's fourteen, so… "Don't step on it, okay? It was unintentional.
I thought you were not home yet, and besides, your thing isn't the only one I've seen today." "Whatever, just get out already. Wait… thing? Today? What, where were you today? You dumbass!" I shouted, realizing a bit slowly what she meant. "Crap! I think I've said more than I should have."
Covering her mouth with her right hand, she dashed off. "You better have some explaining to do after I'm finished," I yelled, hoping she could hear me.
After dinner, my sister explained the situation, emphasizing 'I'm still pure, you asshole,' she said, but admitting she was at the amusement park with her boyfriend, although that was also a blow to me.
•Hinata Ayane – Truth be told•
"Hinachan, I'm sorry, but I can't stand this anymore. Let's break up; it's for the better."
"Sure, it's for the better."
Like that, those were our last words to each other as lovers.
To be honest, it was the most tragic experience my heart has ever endured, other than losing my father…
"Good morning, Hinata-chan."
"Morning, Inoue-san."
"Come on already, just call me by my first name, dammit."
I only giggled; for me, it was very embarrassing to call people by their first names.
As we entered the school with my friend and classmate Suzuki Inoue and the girlfriend of Kenji Tachibana (not yet confirmed), the first person my eyes could lay on was Kenji, who was sleeping on his desk, which was somehow rare.
Immediately, Inoue-san noticed and dashed over, shouting his name. That was something I could never have done while we were dating. Way to go, current girlfriend.
The two of us stood beside Kenji while Inoue-san managed to create room and sat on his lap.
Wait, what does she think she's doing? That only proves my theory that they are a couple, but…
"Are you going to speak up or what?" Out of frustration, I blurted out, only to be met with a terrifying glare, but I guess it was also my fault.
"Don't be harsh on me, Kenji-kun," Inoue-san came to his defense, actually wrapping her arms around his neck and sitting on his lap.
Damn, can you stop flirting already? I know I'm just an ex, but still…
After Inoue-san sweet-talked him into speaking up, he began, what a loser.
"I just happened to encounter the most heartbreaking discovery yesterday." He stopped, as if searching for his words. Wait, heartbreaking? It's more than our breakup now, I'm curious. He then found the courage to continue.
"I learned my sister has a boyfriend, and she says she's still pure, but I doubt it."
He always had a sister; I never knew about that. Wait, that's the reason he's depressed.
After hearing his explanation, one thought crossed my mind: What did I see in this guy?
"Huh, that's it?" Even Inoue-san had the same thought as me. Literally, this guy is stupid, but then, "You can always take my pureness, Kenji-kun." I was about to yell at her, and then a boy was standing behind Kenji-kun. I totally didn't notice him, neither did the others, until he let out a weird laugh.
"You two are hilarious," he said, chuckling, and then he grabbed Kenji-kun's shoulder.
Maybe they are friends.
"Um, who are you?" Kenji-kun asked, surprised.
Maybe not, he never tried making friends.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Takemitchy Chihiro," he answered while removing his hands from Kenji-kun.
He had black hair, was slightly taller than Kenji, and had a well-built figure; probably he is into sports.
He was rather handsome, if I may say so, of course, not as… Huh, what am I even thinking?
I accidentally slapped myself, turning them to look at me in confusion.
"No, it's nothing, don't worry," I jumped in to clear the confusion.
"Whatever," Kenji said bluntly, with no consideration.
He's as harsh as ever, but I guess that makes him look even cooler.
After we had introduced ourselves, I stared directly at Kenji, making him realize what was happening.
"Before anything, Suzuki-san, can you get out of the way before any misunderstanding…" he shoved Inoue-san aside and tilted his chair, continuing, "I'm not depressed, I'm just sleepy. I stayed up late last night reading some interesting novel, that's all."
"Impressive, you came up with that lie about your sister in an instant," Chihiro was impressed by Kenji's quick thinking ability.
"No, I didn't come up with that; it's basically the truth. I'm so pissed. Why didn't she tell me?" Kenji shot back.
"Gross, are you obsessed with your sister or something?"
"Got a problem with that, miss."
With those few words, Kenji had indirectly made sure he didn't like that well. Chihiro-kun burst out laughing, while Inoue-san, who was trying hard to contain her laugh, ultimately failed.
"You two don't get along or what? You are like a ten-year-old couple," Chihiro-kun directed the question to me.
"Hmph, whatever, excuse me."
As we all took our respective seats and homeroom began. Ever since we broke up, he has been totally cold towards me, even during the late days of our relationship. Did he even have feelings for me? Did I have feelings for him?
With all the things that have been happening to me in the past two years, I really, really don't get it.
During lunch, Kenji left the classroom. It was unusual for him not to eat without Suzuki-san. Wait, he's not carrying any lunchbox. I decided to follow him; he went to the rooftop.
"What is he even doing here?"
I slowly twisted the doorknob and opened the door. He was lying on the bench with a book on his face, blocking the sunlight. He totally looks exhausted. I decided to approach him.
"Good afternoon, Kenkun."
"Huh!" Why does he sound shocked? He then sat upright, closed the book, and looked at me. No answer, huh? Why does he treat me like a monster? I don't deserve it. Even though you hate me this much, at least respond.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
I posed the question and proceeded to take a seat. He only nodded.
"Do you want me to stop talking with you?" My voicemail was so weak, my chest was so heavy. I didn't want to ask that question, knowing the answer might break me, but it's for the better for him.
"No," he was so straightforward, but his voice had some emotions behind it. I felt so relieved, but…
"Why are you so cold towards me? You look at me with hatred in your eyes, and yet you say you still want to talk with me. Why?" I was so angry with him for embarrassing me in front of everyone. But still, I'm so happy he still wants to be close to me. I'm so happy, I'm so happy.
'Huh,' why am I even crying? I didn't expect these.
"Because I hate you, and I don't think I'll ever stop hating you. But it's not in my nature to shun anyone just because I hate them. So that's why I'm willing to talk with you, for all I care."
Yeah, you were always like that, Kenkun. You didn't judge for feelings they had upon you. That's why I was so jealous. But were we in love? Because I was…
"Kenkun, do you think we were in love? Because I used to love you."
Yeah, that's right. I was in love with you. That's why I ended up hating you. Just because I couldn't have you to myself. And yet, I didn't know much about you. I didn't know you had a sister. I didn't know why you broke up with me.
"Were you really in love with me?" He let out a smooth sigh and stood up, looking into my eyes. His eyes were so beautiful, and yet sadness and betrayal were written in those eyes. I could feel them. Yeah, that's right. I was not in love with you because I am still in love with you, Kenkun.
Before I could even answer, he then continued.
"I don't think you were in love with me. If I could explain what your feelings were, it's just the effect of the 'suspension bridge effect'. Only because I talked to you that day, your mind felt ease being near me but…"
"NO! You are wrong, Kenkun. I was in love with you. No, that's not it. I am still—"
"Ayane-san, please stop. You went away. You moved on. You found a new boyfriend. You overcame your anxiety, and I'm really glad.
Just like before, I was angry with you. Why didn't you even say goodbye? And at the same time, I became glad. I knew you had overcome. So don't reopen past wounds."
His words were so emotional. He sounded as if he was about to cry, but still, he maintained his composure. But, Kenkun, you are wrong this time.
I never moved on. I lied to myself. I could forget you. And yet, I am still in love with you to this very day. I never had a new boyfriend.
I wanted to say goodbye, but I was so upset with you, and I couldn't bring myself to face you. I couldn't bring myself that day to ask why you wanted to break up with me. But today, I am going to bring you back, for I want…
"Ayane-san?" I was brought back to my senses when he called out my name. How did he reach there? He was standing at the exit to the rooftop. He proceeded to open the door and looked towards me.
"The best choice now for both of us is to stop interacting frequently. Later."
Why is it a crime to say I am in love with you? Is it a crime to show you I can change for the sake of us being together? If not, why do you choose to run away? Why do you make my heart ache, and why…
"Why won't you call me by my first name, asshole…" He was already gone, no trace of him on the roof. Huh! I couldn't even tell him I'm still into him, but I'm not going to back down.
* Suzuki Inoue - lies Medicine to my heart*
"My name is Suzuki Inoue, and I'm 15 years old. To be honest, for the past ten years, I've lived a painful life, but I'm glad it will all come to an end. But I couldn't say all was bad; in my first year of high school, I reunited with my childhood friend Kenji Tachibana. I was so happy; I finally was able to meet him again.
But for someone like me, I'm not allowed to live a long, happy life. That's why I'm going to make a memory in everyone's memories.
It's been two months since joining high school, and I've made a couple of friends in school, but the ones I cherish the most are Kenji-kun, Hinata-chan, and Chihiro-kun. But for the past month and a half, there has been a lot of tension between Kenji-kun and Hinata-chan. Most of the time, they avoided eye contact, kept minimum conversation time between them, and they couldn't talk to each other while no one was around, although Chihiro-kun never noticed all of this because he doesn't know.
A month ago, I apparently overheard their sorrowful conversation. I never could have guessed Kenji-kun and Hinata-chan were dating in middle school. Just by following their conversation, I could tell they were hurting, but still, I know both of them are still in love with each other. But still, I'm happy for them.
I know one day I'll be watching over you, holding hands, going on dates, kissing, making out, or even having a peaceful family, but I will be long gone. Ah, why am I even crying? It's been two years since I made that promise that I will never cry.
Yeah, that's right. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreas failure. Although living with medication on a daily basis, my weak body could never keep up. After some months of being diagnosed, I later found out I only had two years to live and couldn't even reach the summer of the last year.
I'm correct; I'm going to die before the summer of this year. I could tell my disease had been getting pretty serious. I've skipped some days out of school, although I've never told my friends of this disease and that I'm going to die soon. They were all worried, so I had to come up with lies and still couldn't confess my love to the person I love. But I guess that was the best thing to do today because I couldn't bring myself to leave him behind to cry for the loss of his girlfriend. Yeah, I'm basing this on assumption if he had accepted my feelings.
I guess I've completed all the things on my bucket list except one: to experience love. And I've come to peace with that and have come up with a new solution, and that's to experience things couples do.
That afternoon, we had a study group at my house in preparation for the midterms starting next week. On Wednesday being a Saturday, my father had gone to visit a friend, leaving the house all to myself. Yeah, that's why we were using my house as a study center, or that's what was supposed to be…
"I never imagined I would step foot in a high school girl's room." Chihiro-kun was happy to be able to enter a girl's room. He had a sweet voice and a nice body; more importantly, he was good-looking, but he was loud.
"Shut up, Chihiro-kun," Kenji commanded him.
I never would have thought these two would become great friends, but more importantly, I too have someone I can fool around with.
"Head's up, Hinata-chan."
"Ah."
I jumped towards Hinata and grabbed her boobs from behind her and folded them.
"S-stop, Suzuki-san, h-h, ah, Huh." She let out some sweet moans and I let her go.
"Damn girl, that was some lewd sounds coming from you," I only stated this to tease her.
"S-stupid Inoue-san, I hate you, hihi." Hinata shot back.
"You two always like fooling around." Was the only guy of the two that spoke, but Kenji was only going through some Instagram posts.
I only did this so he could complain, shush about they still have that weird tension between them.
It has been three hours since they came to my house to study, but still, we only ended up studying for one hour and was left speechless by how these three were smart.
After waving them goodbye, Kenji came closer to speak to me.
"Hey, are you sure you are okay?"
"Who do you think I am, boy? I'm totally okay." I answered him with total confidence.
"Yeah, that's totally the way someone not doing okay would sound."
Damn, you really are smart, what am I going to say? I need something that he won't even expect.
"Ok, you got me, but I'm only going to tell you tomorrow, so can we meet up tomorrow at three o'clock? You don't have to come." Shush, now I sound like a total loser in front of Kenji; he's definitely going to reject me, thinking I'm hitting on him.
"Ok, send me the location later. Bye, see you tomorrow." And with that, he left.
Wait, what just happened? I didn't think he would accept; now what am I going to tell him tomorrow? Now I'm at a loss here.
The next day at the meeting point, a café in town, we sat there for about thirty minutes without really talking about the main agenda.
"Ok, then when are you going to spit it?"
Kenji broke the silence first.
I really felt a cold shiver across my spine; I had prepared a script on how I was going to say this thing; I just need to remember how it goes. Right, here goes nothing.
"Kenji Tachibana-kun…" I swallowed a big gulp to reduce my nervousness. "Can you be my boyfriend and let's go on dates and do what lovers do." Shit, I flopped. I let go of the hem of my skirt; I'm so nervous I can feel my stomach turning.
I just need to calm down and relax; let's slowly look at him. By looking at him, he tried to remain calm and cool, but his face flashed red; one could only tell how shocked he was.
He then progressed to take a sip of his tea and let out a soft sigh; he then looked at me with determination in his eyes. What is he even determined for? Shit, I feel like running away. "Ok, why do you want us to be dating? If I recall correctly, you said you're in love with one of our classmates, though you didn't disclose his or her information." Kenji briefly asked with a stiff composure; one could say this was an interview.
No, I came up with a backup plan for this; I just think he's going to reject my proposal, but that's what a shot.
"Don't get the wrong idea; I'm not romantically in love with you. Our relationship is just a platonic relationship, but I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend for some time to make him feel jealous." As I explained this time, no flopping. But what the heck do I mean to make him feel jealous? I haven't told him I'm in love with him yet, right?
Kenji let out a smooth sigh of relief.
"By him, you mean your crush, right?"
"Yeah," I nodded to assure him.
"By doing this, you were preparing to go public with our 'supposed' relationship, is that so?"
I didn't even think about that. What a moron I am, and here I am thinking how smart I sounded with that explanation. But when I think about it, it's going to be fine.
"Yeah, I was willing to go public if you were to accept."
"Let's put it in a hypothetical way. Let's say we were to accept your proposal. Do you basically understand the situation that would arise?"
"I'm fully aware of the circumstances to come and am fully capable of tackling them all."
"Ok, and how is our pretend relationship going to make Him fall in love with you?"
Shit! I never thought he was going to ask this question.
"Don't worry about that." I had to avert that question somehow.
"Ok then, after you accomplish your mission, and announce our break up, do you understand how you are going to be viewed by other students at school?"
Yeah, I understand, but don't worry about me. I know I'm going to be dead before we can even break up. That's basically what it is. It's already written in stone. That's why I'm just worried about you, but I can't basically tell you about my situation.
So that's why I'm really sorry. I'm really sorry, Kenji-kun.
"Am really sorry."
"Did you say something?"
Shit, I said that one loud.
"Yeah, am saying what about you are worried about that?"
"No, I'm not slightly worried about that."
"Same here. Don't stress it out."
"Ok then, that settles it."
Shit! Does it mean he has completely accepted?
Shit, I can't stop grinning. My bucket list is checked completely by today. Thank you, Kenji-kun. I wish I could hug you right now.
"Why do you have that weird grin on your face? I never accepted anything. We are just viewing this hypothetically."
Dammit, and here I was full of myself. I forgot we were viewing it hypothetically.
"Suzuki-san, am sorry, but can you wait until Friday until the midterms are over? I can't rush into anything for this will also affect my life. Is it okay with you?"
"Ok, until Friday then."
After we parted ways after some hours, I ate my supper alone. Dad was late again and headed to bed after taking my shower.
Kenji was right. He can't rush his answers, and our relationship was only a platonic relationship, which I couldn't wish to break.
I am just being driven by goals and not feelings. I am not viewing things from his perspective. Yeah, I'm going to help him get together with Hinata-chan so I can always watch over their romantic love story from heaven. In that way, I am always going to live in their hearts.
Although I am telling lies to make myself feel different, this is how I am going to change. I am going to tell Kenji and the others the truth.
• Tachibana Kenji – A decision to change our lives*
The day of the midterms approached. Thinking back, these past three days have been highly about Suzuki-san's request.
If I had to pretend to be her boyfriend, how will their relationship with Hinata-chan change? Will there be a drift? How will Hinata-chan feel? But I really don't care. But still, I can't really like to hurt her.
Now, weighing the relationship of an ex-girlfriend and my childhood friend, which will weigh higher? That's right, logically it's going to be the childhood friend. But thinking from a different angle, their friendship bond between them will shatter, and I don't want that. No boyfriend would want that, though our relationship is only platonic. This reasoning was about to break me apart, but I managed to get an answer for her. Now I just need to wait until Friday.
As the midterms concluded, we basically didn't talk much with Suzuki-san and basically felt like I built a wall between the two girls (Hinata and Suzuki) in my life and me. We had arranged to meet at the rooftop after the last CAT, but before I could go, I needed the confidence for something. This is basically going to be the first direct conversation since that day.
"Hey, Ayane-san, do you have a minute?"
"S-sure, what's the matter?"
She was clearly surprised herself, but I'm really sorry I pushed you away. But it's for the better.
"Would you have any issues if I were to date someone now?" That was clearly not the way to state it. If her expression has changed, her eyes widened, her eyes became watery, as if she was about to cry.
She then grabbed the hem of her skirt and let out an unnoticeable sigh.
"I w-won't have any problem. Do whatever you wish." Her voice was shaking. She clearly was very angry, but she put up a front.
After saying those words, she then left the classroom. I couldn't call her. I just stared at her back as she vanished into the corridor.
I'm truly sorry, Hinata-chan. Although we are basically not in a relationship, I know it clearly hurts you. Even if the situation were to be reversed, I too would clearly be hurt, but at the same time happy for you.
After I had finished sorting out something, I headed to the roof, where I found Suzuki-san already waiting for me.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's nothing. Listen, Kenji-kun, I'm really sorry for putting this burden on you, but no-."
"I will be your pretend girlfriend. Let's make it fun. That's my answer."
I didn't know what she was about to say, but my mind was already made up, and she looked happy after hearing those words.