Hello again, everyone! It's me, Tachibana Himari.
You must already be tired of hearing all my blabbering. Especially from an awful girl who interfered in a couple's life just to forget a painful memory.
But you know what's even funnier?
The more time I spent with Senpai, the more I remembered the boy I love… Yeah, that I still love.
"Hmm… Tachibana-san, is it me or do all your drawings have only boys?" — Senpai asked.
"Because they're my source of inspiration. I wanted to put on paper what a man who protects everyone with a smile on his face would look like. Wouldn't that be cool?"
"Haha… I guess so? I must say, you're a girl with a strong imagination."
"… So Senpai, I saw you winning today's match. You were so cool."
"Thanks! For a moment I thought we would lose, but when I started focusing, I managed to hit a homerun! Just remembering it gives me shivers… hmm?"
Suddenly, Senpai stopped talking and stared at someone… It seems to be Tomoki-san leaving the school with his mother.
"Sigh~ Can you believe that boy over there got the male scholarship? Even though I spent a whole week teaching him, nothing got through that head of his. Funny, right?" — Is he making fun of Tomoki-san?
"Tomoki-san is still adapting to this school. Besides, the male scholarship program chooses men based on their ability to interact with women. I know he learned something from you, Senpai." — I explained as calmly as possible, but I couldn't stay silent while Senpai talked badly about him.
"Are you his friend?"
"I don't know, our relationship got kind of awkward after all. But I guess we could say we're friends."
"So my girlfriends were telling the truth..."
So his girlfriends knew about the rumor of my failed confession… of course they would warn Senpai about me.
"Well, I guess I should leave now. Senpai, you should talk more with your girlfriends. Otherwise, they'll feel lonely."
"W—wait a minute. It's not like I'm bothered about what happened to you with that guy. Actually, what kind of guy rejects a good girl like you? I bet he's just trying to impress the president's daughter, Edomae."
No, the reason he did that was because it was his way of respecting me.
"No Senpai, I'm the one who rushed to him with my feelings. Of course he would reject me."
"See? You're really a kind girl. Anyway, you should forget about him. How about we go out somewhere?" — he casually asked me.
"What about your girlfriends?"
"Don't worry, it'll be just the two of us. I know they'll understand."
"Okay, I can't wait for that day."
Awful. Not Senpai — even if he badmouths Tomoki-san, it's because he's trying to defend me. And the worst part? It actually makes me happy.
That's why it's awful… how awful I am for accepting this date with the intention of forgetting Tomoki-san.
How awful I am for accepting it knowing how his girlfriends must feel.
And how awful I am for accepting it knowing that Tomoki-san wouldn't do what I'm doing now if he were in my place.
...
♦♦♦
The date was good!
Senpai led most of the time since he has more experience when it comes to dating.
Not gonna lie, I really enjoyed it.
I just needed some time to have fun and forget all these bad feelings.
And hey! I'm kind of proud of myself for managing to go on a date with a boy. And a handsome boy, by the way.
Not to mention we message each other a lot. Yes! I have his number!
"Senpai! We made this bento for you." — the tomboy girl said.
"And with all the ingredients you like." — the girl with glasses added.
"Thanks! Hey Tachibana-san, do you want to taste a bit?" — He offered me a portion of the bento they made.
"Is it okay? The bento was made for you, Senpai."
"It's okay, Tachibana-san… it's okay…" — said the girl with glasses.
It seems Senpai is starting to neglect his girlfriends. I wonder if he's aware that's not fine.
But well, I guess I became Senpai's favorite… If I said I wasn't enjoying it, I'd be lying.
Hehe… lately I wonder if the reason I got rejected is because Tomoki-san actually knew this side of me…
Hehe… awful. How awful I am.
"Thank you then. I'll gladly accept!"
So delicious. I can tell how much time they spent making this. I wonder if Senpai noticed he casually gave it away to me.
Senpai, do you actually like me? I wonder if I can be subtle and maybe become his girlfriend.
But for now, let's just finish our lunch and then head to the classroom.
I hope the teacher doesn't give me homework that will take up my holidays. I want to plan how to get closer to Senpai.
…
But of course the teacher gave us an assignment — and in groups.
And to make it worse, I had to be in the same group as the person I'm trying to forget.
"Okay… then, Tachibana-san. Would that be alright with you?" — Tomoki-san.
Well, at least I'll be able to visit a boy's house for the first time.
...
♦♦♦
Do you know what's incredible? Sometimes all you need is to have fun with your friends to get your head straight.
Seriously, what kind of mental state was I in to the point of enjoying the idea of homewrecking a couple?
Okay, I need to acknowledge that I still have feelings for Tomoki-san. So the question is… should I cut ties with Senpai?
Honestly, I don't want to.
The reason is simple, I don't think I'll get another chance.
That's why I need to do my best to make this relationship a success.
"So, Tachibana-san, why did you call us?" — asked the girl with the glasses.
"Because I want to pursue a relationship with Senpai."
"And now you talk to us?" — the tomboy girl asked.
"I'm aware of what I did. But I want to be close to Senpai."
"Sigh~ It's not for us to decide whether you can date Senpai or not. If he wants to be close to you, then we won't say anything." — explained the girl with glasses.
"But if he decides to reject you, then you need to respect his decision." — said the tomboy girl.
"Yes, of course! Thank you!" — I bowed my head.
Somehow, I managed to talk to them and get their approval. Sure they would prefer that I just back off, but I still think this is what I need to do at least.
Now all I need to do is keep interacting with him until I find the right moment to ask him to be his girlfriend.
Though, I need to focus on my studies, or else it'll be farewell to this school.
...
♦♦♦
Today is the Summer Festival.
I couldn't meet Senpai until now since he told me his girlfriends wanted to visit places that reminded them of their great moments.
Honestly, I felt relieved hearing that. After all, I felt guilty for all the trouble I caused them.
Not to mention I already promised to hang out with my friends today.
So at least we message each other. Most of our conversations are about his dates with his girlfriends or the baseball matches he played, but that's because I keep asking — since I can't come up with other topics.
Now I need to pick one of my outfits. Good thing I already prepared for the festival. I wonder what Tomoki-san and Satou-san will think.
And of course… the hair clips that took me forever to choose. My ultimate accessory.
…
Okay, time to head out.
"Mom! I'll be leaving now!"
"Who would've thought my daughter would hang out with boys? I'm rooting for you."
"They're just my friends, Mom. Bye!"
"Fine, fine. Take care!"
When I opened the door, something unexpected happened.
"Hey, Tachibana-san, it's been a while."
"Senpai!?"
"I was thinking we could hang out at the festival today."
"Sorry, Senpai, but today I already promised to go out with my friends."
"So you'll go with your friends now? And with that guy... Okay, my girlfriends asked me to go with them today, so I'll do that. It's a shame you're not wearing yukata, you would look better with it."
"Hehe… You think so? Next time I'll wear one then. Have fun with them, Senpai — you look good in yukata."
"Oh, thanks. See you later."
Then he got into his car and left. I could only wave at him with a smile.
Should I have worn a yukata after all? Maybe if I wanted to impress someone… but I don't have time to change now.
I should get going. And it's better not to expect any praise from the boys.
♦♦♦
TAMAYA!
BOOM!
Unfair.
At that moment, I couldn't take my eyes off Edomae-san and Tomoki-san. Both of them clearly enjoying their moment… especially Edomae-san. Why am I not in her place?
Unfair.
If I hadn't met Tomoki-san, I think my life would be simpler. Let's face it — will I ever find a man who acknowledges your efforts and genuinely cares for you? No… of course not.
BOOM
"Look at them. Who knew both of them act like children. Not that I can talk about others. Hahaha!" — Satou-san said.
After that, I couldn't stay there anymore. Watching this would only make me feel worse.
I want to go home and at least draw myself being happy with Tomoki-san… Hehe, at least I can imagine, right?
…
But… life is full of surprises.
"Kya!"
"Woah!"
When I opened my eyes, I realized the mess I made. Food splattered all over the ground.
(What's that girl doing? Poor guy.) — Stop, I know.
(That's what happens when you're hasty. I hope she pays for it.) — I will, so stop saying it.
He'll probably look at me with disgust… or get angry at me… I can only pray he'll forgive me.
"Sorry, I'm really sorry, let me—"
"Hey! Are you okay!? You hit your head pretty hard on my shoulder — that must've hurt... And—holy shi—! Your clothes! I'm so sorry for ruining your beautiful outfit... even your hair clip!"
"Eh!?"
"Miss? Can you stand up? Wait, there's an emergency stall right there. Excuse me."
Then he just carried me like a princess.
"Ehhhh!?"