"Fino, when are you going to be honest and say it?" a girl said.
"S-say what ?" I replied.
"Alright, if you're too scared, I'll do it," she said, stepping closer and taking my hands.
"W-w-wait, wh-what are you going to do, Risa?" I suddenly became nervous because Risa was holding both of my hands and looking directly at me, getting so close.
"I like you too, Fino," Risa said with a smile.
I froze, unable to speak. Out of nowhere, a girl who had always been with me said something like that. It felt like the world stopped turning, and the sky was watching us both.
"R-Risa, h-how do you know I... I like you?" Nothing like this had ever happened to me before.
Risa started to move her face closer, her sweet face turning red. It wasn't from the heat or spiciness, but I didn't know why.
"I knew when you accidentally dropped your diary, you wrote all about me, and you kept the photo of us with a heart next to it," Risa explained.
"O-oh, about that, w-well... yes I do like you, because you're the one who understands me, and you're the kindest person to me. When others laughed at me, you stayed quiet and sometimes defended me in front of them. Risa... I never wanted to make you look weird for being friends with me, but I don't know why you still want to be with me, and I feel sorry that you became a subject of gossip in school." I loosened my grip on Risa's hands.
"Fino, I'm not like them, who just keep putting you down for being quiet and calling you weird. Fino, I've liked you since we first started school. When we were put in the same group, you were the one who helped me while the others were busy with their own stuff. Honestly, that's when I started liking you more. Love doesn't look at looks, and just because you're not perfect doesn't mean there's no love for you. So, will you be my boyfriend?" Risa gripped my hands tightly again and slightly raised them.
"I-yes, I will," I answered, though it was a bit hesitant. As soon as I gave my answer, Risa jumped for joy.
"R-Risa, I-I'm embarrassed, people are looking," I looked around, hoping no one would see us.
"It's okay, let people know that the 'weird' guy has a girlfriend," Risa said confidently.
I couldn't say anything else, just sat there in silence, watching Risa. Eventually, she took my hand, and we walked through the park until we reached a beach in the late afternoon.
"This is a perfect place to relax. We should enjoy this sunset together," Risa sat down on a piece of driftwood.
"Y-yeah," I replied.
We spent the evening sitting by the beach, listening to the waves, as the sun began to set, creating a completely different atmosphere. At that moment, Risa leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Risa said softly.
"Y-yeah, beautiful," I said, still focused on the stunning view.
That moment was unforgettable for me, because it was the first time I felt love and felt loved. That day was the happiest I'd ever felt.
Risa and I spent time together in secret at school, cycling around our small town, and always sitting together by the beach to watch the sunset. But that happiness only lasted for six months until I was in the third year of junior high.
"Hey, Ris," I greeted Risa.
"Hey," Risa replied in a flat tone, lacking her usual energy.
"Hey, Ris... are you sick?" I asked.
"No," she answered briefly.
"Ris, is there something wrong? If you have a problem, just tell me," I said, noticing something was off with Risa.
"No, I'm fine. I'm going to the cafeteria," Risa quickly stood up from her seat and walked out of the classroom.
"Why is Risa acting like this? She's never like this. I'll try talking to her again later," I thought to myself.
During class, Risa seemed lost in thought, and when the teacher asked her questions, she couldn't answer and was scolded for not paying attention. Eventually, after feeling bored and sleepy, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.
Today, Risa and I had duty together, as everyone else had run off after school. While we were sweeping the classroom, I gathered the courage to start a conversation during this quiet moment.
"R-Ris, is something wrong? I saw you getting scolded by the teacher for spacing out earlier," I said while lifting a chair onto a table.
"No," she answered.
"Ris, I know you're lying. We've been together for a long time, and I know when you're not telling the truth. You're not the same as usual..." I stopped suddenly as Risa shouted at me.
"FINO, SHUT UP. My business is none of your concern. What can you do to help me?" Risa shouted, even while sweeping, and slowly walked towards me.
"I-it's not like that," I replied nervously.
"Forget it, Fino. If I think about it, I want to end our relationship. So don't talk to me again, weirdo." Risa ended our relationship and started calling me by the nickname everyone else used.
Suddenly, it felt like my heart was pierced by two knives. Risa, who used to be cheerful and kind, had become someone unrecognizable to me. She was angry, and each word she said stabbed at my heart.
"I regret ever liking and being your girlfriend. I thought you were special, but you're useless. I'm tired of always having to help you, tired of being the topic of gossip, tired of everything..." Before Risa could finish, I walked up to her and grabbed the broom.
"The Risa I know would never say that. You're just going through a tough time, right?" I could feel the guilt in her every word. She was the kind of girl who was gentle, not strong like steel.
"Let go... Let go of me, what do you want?" Risa tried to pull my hand away, but I kept holding on, until finally she stopped and started crying uncontrollably, sitting on the floor. No one could hear her cries because everyone had already gone home, and we were the only ones left in the classroom.
"Ris, don't cry anymore. If you have a problem, just tell me," I said.
"I'm sorry hic I'm sorry, Fin hic I didn't mean hic to say that to hic you," Risa sobbed, trying to hold back her tears.
"I know, Ris. Just calm down, and tell me everything," I said as I sat down next to her.
"Fin, I didn't mean to hurt you. My parents don't approve of our relationship, and they've arranged for me to marry the son of one of their friends. I can't refuse them, Fin. So, rather than tell you the truth and hurt you, I want to make you hate me so that you forget all our memories and stop looking for me." Risa explained her problem.
"Ris... you didn't have to do that. I'm used to situations like this, so just tell me the truth. I don't mind if we don't have a romantic relationship anymore, as long as we can still be friends," I said, trying to comfort her.
"But Fin, after graduation, I'll be moving to another city and won't continue high school here," Risa said, looking down.
"Oh, really? I hope you find something that makes you happy there," I didn't know what else to say when I heard she was leaving, and I didn't know when she'd come back.
Risa and I finished cleaning up and walked home separately. Time passed, and finally, the graduation exams were over, and we had a farewell ceremony. During the ceremony, many people said their goodbyes, even crying, and some thanked the teachers. After the group photo, everyone was allowed to go home.
Before we parted ways, I met Risa.
"Ris, take care on the road. I hope you arrive safely," I said.
"Yeah, thanks, Fin. Thanks for being with me and making me feel happy all this time. Let's promise we won't forget each other," Risa held out her pinky finger.
"Promise," I linked my pinky with hers, marking the promise we made.
"Risa, hurry up and get in the car," shouted a man who was Risa's father.
"I'M COMING, DAD. Goodbye, Fin," Risa said as she walked away.
I watched Risa leave in her father's car, waving my hand. I smiled, holding back the sadness because I was a guy. That day marked the beginning of me becoming the quiet person I was again, because there was no one like Risa, willing to be my friend.
Alarm sound
"Ugh, I forgot to turn off the alarm. It's ruining my day off."
"Why am I dreaming about Risa?...I wonder how she's doing now. At least she's in a better place now, and I want to thank you, Ris. There's someone who understands me like you used to. When we meet again, I'll introduce her to you. But I don't know when that will happen." I continued my sleep.