Chapter 17: Chapter 15 – Hayato Hayasaka

Wednesday

~Way Home

"...and that's what happened, to be honest, I don't get him at all..." (Shizuka)

"..." (???)

"Hayato?" (Shizuka)

"Hm? Ah, i-it's nothing. Don't sweat it..." (Hayato)

Walking side by side, while holding hands, where a black-haired girl with cerulean eyes, clearly a beauty, and a young boy with brown hair and green eyes.

Hayato, full name Hayato Hayasaka, was walking home together with his girlfriend, Shizuka Sakurajima, as she asked him advice regarding her childhood friend, Kei Ichinose.

Hayato has never spoken to Kei before. Hayato knew a little bit about him, in fact, he was sometimes the topic of conversation between girls of his class.

After Hayato heard the details from Shizuka, he got caught deep in thought.

Something bothered him. It wasn't the fact his girlfriend walked home with another guy, because he trusted her.

The reason was that he will soon find out—

"Speaking of which, Shizuka..." (Hayato)

"Hm?" (Shizuka)

"What's 'Kei' for you...?" (Hayato)

"Ara? You jealous~? Anyway, Kei, huh?" (Shizuka)

—that dating the one person which believed in him will lead to—

"Isn't it obvious? We're—" (Shizuka)

—accidentally twisting a relationship.

Thursday

~On A Coffee Shop

2:20 P.M.

Kei's POV~

Arisa: Are you sure about it, Kei?

Kei: Unn. If I don't do this, then when?

Kei: I at least want to know if she's in good hands.

Arisa: You're acting like my older brother...

Kei: Shut up! Anyway, he might be here soon, so text you later.

Arisa: Sure! Let me know how it goes~ 

*buzz*

Following Arisa's previous message, a sticker with a teddy bear that read 'Do your best!' Was sent to me.

She really has her cute side, huh?

I couldn't help but giggle to myself.

"S-sorry if I kept you waiting. Kei, right?" (Hayato)

Hearing my name being called out, I raised my head, which was on my phone, and turned my haze to the source of the voice.

"Hm? Hayato, right?" (Kei)

After confirming it was him, I got up and then extended my hand.

"I'm Kei. Kei Ichinose, nice to meet you." (Kei)

"Eh? Ah. Hayato Hayasaka, likewise?" (Hayato)

Hayato, also stretched his hand and returned the handshake.

"Anyway. Why don't we sit and order something?" (Kei)

I pointed him to the table.

"Eh? Sure...?" (Hayato)

 

~○●○~

It's been about ten minutes since we order, and currently—

"..." (Kei)

"..." (Hayato)

—the mood was awkward.

"This are your orders. Please enjoy."

"Ah, yes!" (Hayato)

"Thank you, truly." (Kei)

"T-then I-I'll take my leave."

The waitress left, although she looked a little flustered.

I hope she isn't overworking herself...

I thought, as I took a sip of the black coffee which was brought to me.

"You really are something else..." (Hayato)

"Why!? Everyone has been telling me that this past month!" (Kei)

"Ah. Sorry." (Hayato)

"Why are you suddenly apologizing? You did nothing wrong." (Kei)

"Ah force of habit..." (Hayato)

"?" (Kei)

Hayato, who for some reason apologized suddenly, gave me a wry smile.

"Well. I'm going to get to the point. Hayato." (Kei)

"Y-yes?" (Hayato)

Once Hayato answered, I took a deep breath, and told him what was on my mind.

"The reason why I called you was simple." (Kei)

He didn't say a word, as if waiting for me to continue.

"The fact that Shizuka got a partner from one day to another, without me having the slightest hint, hurt me. That's why, I wanted to make sure just what kind of person you were. So, anything to say in your defense?" (Kei)

Hayato flinched, he seemed frozen for a while, but some time later, he spoke.

"I-I am sorry... I wasn't good with people, so when Shizuka asked me to be her friend, not only was I on guard, but even when I knew I wanted to be her friend, I didn't want people to know... Not yet at least..." (Hayato)

"I see. Still, you are quite insensitive." (Kei)

I said, as I leaned back on my seat.

"However, I can't totally blame you. Shizuka has no right to report me of any friendships she has. We may be childhood friends, but I'm not a low-life sc*m that will bind her with some unbreakable chains. The last thing I want, is to hurt her." (Kei)

What I said was the truth. As childhood friends and not lovers, it was expected that one of us will eventually find a partner, even if said partner wasn't the other party. However, I always denied said probability, holding on a fake hope that my feelings will one day be reciprocated.

Maybe the reason as to why I was moving on with such ease was, that even though I knew that my chances with her where now non-existent, I at least knew she was alive and well.

"K-Kei. Can I ask you a question?" (Hayato)

"Ask away." (Kei)

Hayato suddenly took a deep breath, straightened his back, and faced me.

"Are you perhaps—" (Hayato)

—In love with Shizuka?

~○●○~

"Are you perhaps in love with Shizuka?" (Hayato)

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At his words my hand, which was reaching some sweets from the table, stopped.

"...was it that obvious...?" (Kei)

"Well... j-judging by your words. You seem to really care about her..." (Hayato)

"Then Hayato. What if I was?" (Kei)

Hayato stiffened, at my words.

~○●○~

Third Person POV~

"Then Hayato. What if I was?" (Kei)

Hayato suddenly froze. Kei's words took him by surprise, although he by no means wanted to be rude.

He also didn't want Hayato to think as him as hostile, but before he knew it, he's voice was cold.

Hayato kept thinking, he knew his answer, however he didn't want to upset Kei.

Such a sacrifice is necessary, right?

That's what Hayato thought. 

Even before Shizuka accepted his confession, he was gambling on a 50% chance of being rejected and a 50% chance of having his feelings reciprocated.

Love is like a gamble. As they said.

To which, the latter, happened.

As he mustered up the courage to give this answer, his and Kei's voice, overlapped.

"I won't give up." (Hayato)

"Just kidding'! Just ki— eh?" (Kei)

Kei stared at Hayato, dumbfounded.

"Hayato?" (Kei)

"Geh!? Ignore that.. It's just that giving up on the sole person who saw me for who I was, and not for who I was affiliated with... I didn't want to..." (Hayato)

"I see... Mind if you share it with me?" (Kei)

"You are just looking for an opening huh?" (Hayato)

"Busted, huh?" (Kei)

"I knew it!" (Hayato)

Both of them broke into laughter, as they continued talking casually.

Surprisingly, they had things in common, even though they were times Kei felt a heartache, he endured, not wanting to spoil the good atmosphere, he finally achieved.

And so, time passed, and it was almost time for them to part ways.

~○●○~

5:25 P.M.

Kei's POV~

Before we knew it, the clock marked past 5:00 p.m. 

Both of us had things to do, so we naturally, where about to part ways.

"It's been a while since I hung out with someone..." (Hayato)

Hayato, who was walking next to me, said as he stretched his back.

"I never expected us to get along so well to be honest. I was just trying to find a weakness for me to exploit... but color me surprised..." (Kei)

"You aren't even trying to hide it anymore, huh?" (Hayato)

"But... I'm glad..." (Kei)

"...eh?" (Hayato)

Hayato, who seemed confused at first, stared at me.

"What I mean is, that I was worried about the overall personality of Shizuka's boyfriend, but I can really tell you care about her." (Kei)

During our exchange, Hayato told me about everything Shizuka did for him. 

And if I'm being honest, that sounded a lot like Shizuka. She was a kind hearted person, all things considered.

"Hayato." (Kei)

I stopped on my tracks, and stared at Hayato.

"Shizuka may be quite an airhead, and as you heard from me, she can be dense too. But she is also a kind and gentle person." (Kei)

Shizuka always lifted me up, it was because of her I am where I stand today. That's why at least, I want her to be happy.

"If she chose you, is because she saw something special in you which I don't have, because she saw your potential. I know what type of girl Shizuka is, and she wouldn't choose her friends half-a**dly." (Kei)

Before I knew it, small tears started flowing from my cheeks, brief but lasting tears.

"That's why, even if it's not me. Please make her happy, teach her things I can't and take her to places I couldn't. I'm not someone who will cut his relationship with people because they are dating someone. However, maybe we won't get to spend time with each other too much." (Kei)

One day... just one day, I will talk heart to heart with her, but not today, and not tomorrow.

Before finishing.

I bowed to Hayato.

"Take care of her for me. Okay?" (Kei)

A silence enveloped the two of us, and eventually...

"Leave it to me." (Hayato)

Hayato, who had a determined expression, replied.

I couldn't help but give a soft smile.

"Oh! But if you make her cry I'll k*ll you okay~?" (Kei)

"STOP GLARING AT ME LIKE THAT! IT'S SCARY!" (Hayato)

"Hahaha." (Kei)

Before parting ways, we exchanged our contact information and went our separate ways.

~○●○~

"..." (Kei)

I stared quietly at Hayato's back, and before I knew it, I couldn't see it anymore.

Silence prevailed, and before I knew it, I let out a sigh.

"Haaaaah~ Even though I loved you first..." (Kei)

I didn't dwell on it too much, and just went home, next week was the start of winter, and not too long after that, the end and start of another year.

Days Until Family Meeting:

2 Days

---

 

(A/N)

Title drop, huh?

Anyway, sorry for the late chapter. I was talking in my class' group chat and before I knew it, it was already night, lol.

Fun Fact: I've been kind of scared of posting chapters, simply because I don't want to dissapoint all of those who take the time of reading this story. So thanks for reading!

Anyway, next chapter is an Intermission. Starring Hayato Hayasaka! After that, the buildup for the Christmas date with both Kei & Arisa!

I'm also planning out another series. However, since I'm new to this, I may uploaded once I'm on the final volume of this one? Probably April-June. Who knows?

Next chapter, drops tomorrow, since it's a short one.

Bonus Fun Fact: This chapter is almost 1500 words long.

Bye~!

~Coming Next: Intermission - Hayato's Conflicting Feelings

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