Chapter 18: Drifting Emotions
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[-Hayato-]
The moment Miya's expression fell, I knew I had to get her out of there.
I didn't even think—just grabbed her wrist and pulled her along with me, away from that Place.
"Hayato—?" she started, but I didn't let her finish. I wasn't about to let her spiral into those sad thoughts.
"Come on, Miya. We're going for a ride."
I did not let go of her hands until we reached the parking lot, I opened the passenger door of my car and practically tucked her inside like she was a fragile package. She let me, barely resisting, her movements sluggish—like all the energy had drained out of her.
Damn it, Kei.
I slammed my own door shut and started the engine, gripping the wheel tighter than necessary. I wasn't mad at Miya for feeling this way. I wasn't even mad at Kei for being with someone else—he had the right to do whatever he wanted.
But I hated seeing Miya like this.
She deserved more than this sadness.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to loosen my grip as I pulled onto the road. If I let my own emotions get the best of me, I wouldn't be able to do what I set out to do—cheer her up.
"Where… are we going?" Miya's voice was quiet, distant.
"You'll see," I said, keeping my tone light. "Just trust me."
She didn't respond, only turning her gaze out the window. The city lights flickered past, but her reflection on the glass looked as lifeless as she felt.
I pressed my foot on the gas, eager to get us away from here.
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Fifteen minutes later, the city noise faded behind us as the open road stretched ahead. The coastline soon came into view, the vast ocean glimmering under the afternoon sun. The sea breeze rolled in through the open windows, carrying the scent of salt and freedom.
Miya still hadn't spoken much, but I caught the way her fingers curled slightly against the fabric of her dress, like she was finally starting to breathe again.
I pulled into a small clearing near the cliffs where the view stretched endlessly into the horizon. The waves below crashed gently against the shore, the rhythmic sound filling the air.
Killing the engine, I turned to her with a grin. "Alright, Miya. We're here."
She blinked. "Here…?"
"Yep. Welcome to 'Hayato's Ultimate Anti-Sadness Healing Spot.'"
That earned me the smallest, tiniest quirk of her lips—but it wasn't enough.
I hopped out of the car and jogged around to her side, opening the door for her with exaggerated effort. "My lady, your chariot has arrived. Please step out and allow me to escort you to this breathtaking sight."
She gave me a look, but still, she followed my lead, stepping out as the wind tousled her hair.
I walked a few steps ahead and turned back dramatically, spreading my arms wide. "Ta-da! Beautiful, right?"
Miya's gaze swept over the ocean, the golden sun reflecting off the waves like tiny fireflies. She nodded slowly. "Yeah… it is."
"Of course it is! I wouldn't bring you anywhere lame," I declared proudly. "I mean, come on. Look at that view. The sea, the sky, and—" I turned to face her with the goofiest face I could make, my lips puckered, eyes crossed, looking absolutely ridiculous. "—this handsome guy right here."
Silence.
Then—
A soft laugh.
It was small, barely a sound, but I caught it.
And that was all the encouragement I needed.
"Oh? Did you just laugh? No way!" I gasped, pretending to be in shock. "Is that… is that Miya smiling? Do my eyes deceive me?"
She shook her head, looking away, but I could see the corner of her lips twitching.
"Wait, wait, I'm not done," I said, stepping back and suddenly throwing myself onto the grass in the most dramatic fall possible. "Oh no! The beautiful princess has been cursed with sadness! Only the legendary technique… of ridiculous dance moves… can save her!"
And just like that, I jumped up and started dancing—terribly. Arms flailing, feet moving in a ridiculous shuffle that would make any respectable dancer cry.
Miya stared at me, eyes wide.
"Hayato—"
"Shh! The spell is breaking!" I spun in a clumsy circle, tripping slightly over a rock but recovering like I meant to do it. "Any moment now, the princess will—"
Miya burst into laughter.
Not just a small chuckle, but real, genuine laughter. The kind that made her eyes crinkle and her shoulders shake.
Victory.
I stopped immediately, straightening up and placing a hand over my heart. "Ahh, there it is. The sound of my hard work paying off."
She was still laughing, covering her mouth, shaking her head. "You're… you're such an idiot."
"Proudly," I said with a grin.
The sun cast a warm glow over us, the wind carrying her laughter into the open sky.
And in that moment, I knew—this was all I ever wanted.
To be the reason Miya smiled.
Even if I had to act like a fool to make it happen.
Even if she never saw me the way I saw her.
As long as I could protect her smile, I didn't care what it took.
For now, this was enough.
And maybe,… one day, she'd realize that she was special to me in a way that went beyond friendship.
But until then, I'd keep chasing her smile.
Even if I had to make a hundred more dumb faces to see it again.
Many years have passed but my feeling for her are still the same, I wanna be there always for her to make her smile to keep her away from getting hurt.
I may not able to tell this directly to her, everyone can say I'm a coward hiding in the context of friendship just to get close to her but I don't mind.
I will continue to love her the way I could,
before she is my bestfriend she is also the one I love so much.
I tried to bury this feeling for far to long she may not see my as a love material but that is not the case I dont want to be selfish I just want her to feel how much I love her.
I watch her as the sun sets in her eyes
"* I love You Miya*" my heart honest confession but only I can hear it