Chapter 1: Mimori-san is not new to this 2
Chapter 1: Mimori-san is not new to this 2
The next morning, just after entering the classroom, I noticed something strange. Some students were having conversation while looking at me. The boys had curious expressions, while the girls seemed to be nastily looking at me.
What's going on? What the heck...?
"Hey, Tokami, right? Can I talk to you for a moment?" Takahashi called out to me as I took my seat. He was the guy I asked before and replied to me with, "Sorry, who are you again?" But it seems he remembered my name. It made me a little happy.
"Yeah, sure, what's up?"
"Well, I just heard a rumor about you a little while ago, Tokami. Did you really hook up with Mimori?"
Thud. I forcefully hit my head against the desk.
"...There's no way. Mimori, you mean Mimori Yui, right? How could that happen?"
"Yeah, that's what I thought. It's hard for you to make a move on girl like her. Hahaha." Takahashi laughed.
I see, so he remembered my name because of the rumors. In other words, if nothing like this happened, I'll be forgotten...again.
"Well, you know, it was trending in our class group chat yesterday. They said that Mimori and you were talking and getting along well. And then, since it was late, they started speculating that you guys went to a hotel or something."
That's going too far... No, from the perspective of my classmates, it might be possible. After all, we're talking about this famous girl Mimori Yui.
Now that I think about it, I knew about Mimori's reputation, but I never expected it to become such a hot topic so quickly.
"That was just a casual conversation with Mimori. We're not friends or anything."
"Well, yeah, that makes sense. Tokami and Mimori have completely different personalities."
"But, to be honest, I wanted to ask you... Is that rumor about Mimori true?"
"Oh, you mean the promiscuous one? I don't know if it's real. But I've heard quite few nasty rumors about her."
I was dumbfounded by their nonchalant remarks.
Is it really true? Mimori, really?
"For example, Manaka. Apparently she's victim of Mimori."
"...Manaka?"
I shifted my gaze towards Manaka, who was chatting with her friends in the distance.
"So, like, we went to the club with Kei and others, and it was super lit! There were these laser-like things flying around, so I quickly took some photos and posted them on Instagram and I got tons of likes!"
With her wavy, fashionable hair and heavy makeup, I couldn't help but notice her distinct style. Manaka and I had seats fairly close to each other, so I remembered her face quite well.
She had more of a "gyaru" vibe. Honestly, she was the type of girl I least preferred.
"I heard that Mimori stole Manaka's boyfriend. And when it got exposed, Manaka and her boyfriend broke up. Apparently, Manaka went mad and confronted Mimori. She was like, 'Are you trying to steal my boyfriend, you damn bitch?!'"
"............"
"Well, Mimori is the only one who can stand up to fight her like that. I've heard she has some gangster guys backing her up. You never know what they might do if you mess with her."
As I stood there dumbfounded, Takahashi let out a sigh.
"Mimori may have beautiful face, but it's a disappointment when you see what she's really like. Is any guy fine for her?"
Vividly recalling Mimori's smile, my chest tightened.
The Mimori Yui I knew was completely different from the girl even Suzune was gossiping about. And somewhere deep in my heart, there was a part of me that wished those rumors were wrong.
...This is ridiculous. Why do I have to worry about something like this?
It was just a few minutes helping her. That's the end of our relationship.
There's no point in me thinking about that girl.
After that, it was a typical day. The class began, I paid decent attention, and everything ended without incident. Using my phone during the short breaks is my routine. And then, I received a call.
A phone call at this time? I looked at the screen, and there were four letters displayed. (TL: 水-守-結-衣)
It was Mimori Yui.
"...Huh? I didn't saved her number though, How...?"
What is this, magic trick? I hurriedly went out to the balcony of the classroom and answered the call in a secluded corner. This way, no one should overhear my conversation.
"Oh, you picked up. Um, it's Mimori. Are you okay now?"
"Well, I'm fine... But, more importantly, I saw 'Mimori' on my screen earlier. Did you register your number on my phone yesterday?"
"I was planning to call you again, Riku-kun. But isn't it scary to receive a call from an unknown number?"
"For me, it's more nerve-wracking to receive a call from a girl... If you're going to register your number, atleast let me know. I need to prepare myself mentally too."
"Mental preparation, huh?"
"Exchanging contact information with someone of the opposite sex is a big deal for me. Until now, only my mom and a Kouhai from school knew my number."
"So, I'll be the third person then... it's like Ayanami Rei-chan"
She even know such old anime reference. (TL: Ayanami Rie from Evangelion. Have 3 Incarnation: Rei 1, Rei 2, Rei 3. Watch it, once you understand the story it's pure depression haha.)
"If you only want, would you like to have lunch together today? It's a bit troublesome to be seen so... Maybe in one of the unused rooms in the club building?"
"Lunch, with you? Why all of a sudden...?"
"I want to thank you properly once again. You found my lost phone, and no matter how many times I say thank you, it won't be enough. If it's hassle, it's okay, you don't need come. Just come if you feel like it, bye-bye."
"Hey, wait--"
She hung up... Lunch, with her, huh?
I thought I would never see her again, but it looks like we're going to meet again soon. I'm happy, but I have no idea what to talk about with a girl.
During the lunch break, as promised, I head towards the club building next to the gym. I still have some worries about getting impression as a boring person, but it's a kind invitation, so I'll accept it graciously.
"Mimori, it's me. Can I come in?"
As I called out in front of the unused club room, the door opened gently.
Mimori, with wide eyes, peeked through the door at me.
"...I'm surprised. You really came."
"Well, you're the one who invited me."
"That's true, but I thought I wouldn't mind if you didn't come. It's quite troublesome to be seen with me after all."
Come to think of it, I was immediately asked if I went to hotel with Mimori.
"It's fine, really. I don't want to refuse a meal just because of such reason, and I'm more worried about saying something strange and scaring you away."
"...Hmm, I see."
As we entered the club room, Mimori placed a doorstopper on the door.
"There might be other students coming in here, but if it's locked, it's logical to them that someone might using it. So, you don't have to worry, no one will see us."
Though hearing that, someone like me gets more nervous instead.
"If you'd like, have some of these."
Mimori placed a bag from Mister Donut on the seat.
Inside were about six colorful donuts.
"Huh, you bought this many?"
"I wanted to show my gratitude to you. If you don't like sweets, you can take them home and give them to someone else. Oh, but leave the Pon de Ring for me. That's my favorite."
"So you wanted some too... Then, thank you. I'll gratefully accept them."
I actually quite like sweet things, so I'm genuinely happy.
"But, this time, it's good that we're having a proper thank-you moment. That photo from yesterday was way beyond my expectations... And, in the end, I haven't seen that photo."
"You haven't seen it...? I see, Is that so."
"Well.... Yeah."
Of course, I was agonizing over it. Mimori is schoolmate with estimated to be at least an E-cup. I tried to pretend it happened accidentally like, 'Oops, I opened it by mistake. I wasn't interested in it anyway. Or, Sh*t, I accidentally saw it!'
"But, you know, it's not good to do something like this after all. If you say this is a thank-you, even if it's well-intentioned, I can't accept it. I'll hand you my phone, so Mimori, please delete the photo directly."
"Hmm... But I don't think I can do that."
And with a nonchalant expression, Mimori said those words.
"Because, you know, my chest isn't captured in that photo. ...At that moment, I turned off the flash on my phone. It was so dark that it was impossible to see anything inside my clothes."
........What?
Immediately, I pulled out my phone with incredible speed, opened the album, and became dumbfounded.
Just as Mimori said, the photo barely showed her school uniform, and the inside of her clothes was pitch black and completely invisible.
Mimori looked at me with a mischievous smile. It finally dawned on me as I saw that expression.
In other words... I fell into Mimori's trap.
"Hey! Did you trick me, you!? Did you mess with me!?"
"Ahaha. Riku-kun seems like a nice person, so I wondered if you would get all nervous. But even if you helped me, I wouldn't show you what's inside my clothes."
"Well, in a way, I'm relieved! But wasn't that photo supposed to be a thank-you gesture!? What kind of gratitude is a photo that doesn't show anything!?"
"That's why I bought these donuts for you, you know? Please, eat as much as you want. Riku-kun is my savior after all."
With a smile on her face, Mimori held out the donuts. So, yesterday's photo was fake gratitude, and this is the real deal...!
"I've been fooled..... I must look like a idiot after all that internal struggle I went through. Give it back, return the time I wasted agonizing over that photo..."
"Did you really want to see my chest that badly? ...Well then, should I show you now?"
With those words, my heart rate increased rapidly.
As I looked, Mimori had a small smile on her face, seemingly enjoying my reaction.
...Honestly. I felt embarrassed that even for a moment, my heart raced.
"Stop it. It's not something to joke about."
"I'm actually quite serious, you know. And I wouldn't just say this to anyone."
"Yeah, yeah, you're just teasing me, right?"
"Well, whatever ....But about that photo from earlier, can I say one thing? Even if it was an explicit photo, hypothetically speaking. Even if I, the person asked, it's okay for you to see it, why are you so troubled by it?"
"...Because, things like that are meant to be shown only to someone special. It's not fair for me to see it, or rather... I wanted you to value yourself."
"So, you're worried about me?"
"Not really. This is just my beliefs."
"...But I think it's because you're kind, Riku-kun. We're just two people who happened to meet by chance, and normally, people wouldn't think about such things. Especially when it comes to girls like me, you know."
'Girls like me.'
I didn't need to ask what she meant by that. I understood even without asking.
"Riku-kun, you treat me like any ordinary girl you come across. Why is that?"
"...Why? Well..."
Casually, I answered honestly.
"Because, Mimori is an ordinary girl, aren't you? At least, that's how it appears to me."
I looked at Mimori, who was taken aback, once again. Her natural face without makeup, simple attire without adornments, and her charming expression.
While other students talk about sugar daddies or delinquents...
I still can't believe that Mimori is that kind of girl.
"I've heard the rumors, but I can't bring myself to see you as a bad person. That's why I have no reason to keep my distance... That answer is good enough, I guess?"
"...No, not at all. I'm really satisfied with it."
For some reason... Mimori's expression seems somewhat happy.
Mimori chose a Pon de Ring from the box of donuts and started eating it. Perhaps she was delighted by its chewy texture, as she ate it happily.
"Riku-kun, do you have someone you like?"
I almost choked on my food.
"...Mimori. Are you trying to enjoy my reaction again?"
"It's not like that. I'm just genuinely curious."
"...I don't have anyone I like. Well, it's not surprising since there's no point in me having someone like that. It's impossible anyway."
"Impossible? Are you giving up from the start?"
"Well, yeah. It's kind of pathetic to say it myself, but I've never been liked by the opposite sex in my entire life. So, it's better not to have any expectations from the beginning."
That's why I believe that I shouldn't pay attention to the opposite sex.
When a guy start seeing someone as cute or beautiful, it leads to developing desires to like or love them.
That's why falling in-love is such foolish thing.
"I don't want to be hurt by chasing after something that can't be fulfilled... I'm sorry, I've said too much. It's troublesome to be told such things."
"Well, what if, hypothetically speaking?"
Mimori's clear voice past through my ears.
"What if... a girl said she liked you?"
What kind of question is that? I couldn't help but almost laugh as I looked at Mimori... but then I held my breath.
Mimori finished eating the donut and lightly licked the sugar off her finger. Her face showed a certain tension, and her cheeks were faintly tinged with blush.
That expression on Mimori's face was something I had never seen before...
"Hey, Riku-kun."
And then, with a smile, Mimori slowly spoke the words.
"Shall we go out together...? It seems like I've fallen for you."
I thought this must be a cruel joke or perhaps a dream.
I never expected to be confessed to by another girl.
"...Hey. This is just another one of your joke, right? Like the photo from earlier to make me flustered, and then you say it was all a lie in the end..."
"No, I'm serious. I wouldn't say these words with half-hearted feelings."
Mimori's candy-like eyes captured my attention, and my heartbeat grew intense.
"It's not a selfish desire, but genuinely, it's only for you, Riku-kun, who cared for me and reached out to me. Even after we parted ways, your expression and voice stayed in my mind.... I want to be with you more."
"Wait wait wait. We only met yesterday. And now you're suddenly confessing..."
"No matter how much time will pass, my feelings for you, will never change, Riku-kun. Besides, if I don't express my feelings to you soon, someone else might snatch you away, right?"
No way, who would be so daring... Those words vanished within my heart.
But Mimori's expression was so sincere.
Is this really happening?
Being confessed to by Mimori, the biggest troublemaker in this high school. And not to mention, I, who never had any close female friends and a believer that I could never have a girlfriend.
"Could you... give me some time to think?"
With great effort, I squeezed out a hoarse voice.
"I've never really considered having a girlfriend or anything like that until now. I always believed that even if I were to like someone, it would never be reciprocated my feelings."
"So, does that mean you can't accept my confession?"
"It's not that. It's just... honestly, I'm more bewildered with it than happy."
"You're so pure. That's why I fell for you."
Suddenly, the tension vanished from Mimori's expression.
"I also want you to have time to think, so you don't have to answer right away. And it's not easy for me to say this, but being in a relationship with me carries quite a high risk. If it gets exposed, you might lose your place at this school. After all, your lover would be that Mimori Yui."
"Hey... Can I ask you one thing? You might not want to answer, but I want to hear it from your mouth, Mimori."
I don't even have time to consider whether to date Mimori or not. But, in order to face Mimori's feelings head-on, there's problem in her that shouldn't be avoided.
It's a question that I have been avoiding to ask until now. That's precisely why I want to know the answer.
"The rumor that you can sleeps with anyone if they ask you... Is that really true?"
.................
The silence was painfully deafening. Mimori was looking at me... and eventually...
Mimori flashed an innocent smile.
"...It's a secret."
"Huh!?"
At the same time, the school bell rang in the distance. Five minutes until the end of lunch break.
"It's time to go back. I'll be waiting for your answer to my confession. Oh, and don't forget the donuts, okay?"
"Hey...!"
Despite my attempts to stop her, my voice fell on deaf ears, and I was left alone in the clubroom.
"A secret... Can such a thing even exist?"
Or perhaps I was just being played by Mimori once again.
There were too many things happening all at once, and my mind couldn't keep up with it all. I even started to wonder if everything was just a lie. However, one phrase from Mimori kept echoing in my head.
'--I think I've fallen in love with you.'
"...It's my first time someone really confessed to me."
The murmured words were left behind in the empty room.
What should I do? What should I do, what should I do...!
I'm currently in class, but I'm sweating so heavily.
Of course, I don't dislike Mimori. I think she's cute, and she has a big chest, and above all, she's a girl who cares about others.
But... I don't think the feelings I have for Mimori are love.
Can someone like me be in a relationship with Mimori?
"I'm such a troublesome person... I wonder what's good about someone like me.... in Mimori's perspective?"
And there are still things that bother me.
For example, the fact that she evaded my question. '--It's a secret.'
...No, it's no use. Even if I think about it alone, I won't get any answer closer to the truth.
I want to know more about Mimori, even just a little. My emotions is getting ahead of me, and before I knew it, I had left the classroom and started searching Mimori, peeking into each classroom one by one.
But if Mimori catches me secretly watching her, she'll probably think I'm a weirdo.
Nervously, I continued to go around the classrooms, and eventually, I stopped at Class 2-6. Mimori was fidgeting with her phone by the window... But,
Mimori has really no friends.
Unlike me, I can't really fit to class or anything like that. But I hearing the rumors about Mimori, I didn't realize she was this blatantly avoided by others.
And there, Mimori was staring at her phone with an expression I had never seen before.
She always smiled happily when we talked.
...I can't understand it. Is Mimori really such that person, that she deserves to be treated like this? I don't know much about Mimori, but even so...
"What are you doing, Senpai?"
"Ah!!"
Involuntarily, I bumped my foot against the door with a loud noise. Oh no...!
The students turned their attention towards the sound. Mimori was about to raise her face from her phone, but I immediately took the hand of a student who called out to me, signaling for an emergency retreat, and started running.
I moved to a corner of the corridor and let out a sigh of relief. I hope Mimori didn't notice that I was peeking.
"What... What happened? Why did you suddenly start running...?"
When I looked, it was Suzune who called out to me.
"What's up, Suzune? It's rare to see you before school ends?"
"I was in next room and I saw you, senpai looking for someone."
I wonder if I look like a suspicious person?
"Yeah, a little... I was watching Mimori. I wanted to see what kind of student she is on a regular basis."
"Mimori-san...? Ah, ahaha. You're joking, right? I mean, you watching Mimori-san..."
"Why do you look like it's the end of the world? Just so you know, I was just quietly observing Mimori because I don't think she's as immoral person as the rumors say. I don't have any ulterior motives, okay?"
"...Yeah, I know! I trusted you, Senpai!"
The tone of her voice earlier was quite serious, though.
"But do you really have an interest in Mimori-san? You've never shown interest in girls before."
"Well, things have been a bit complicated... Suzune, do you happen to know anything about Mimori?"
"Well, I already told you most of what I know yesterday... Oh! By the way, Mimori-san seems to love cherries, right? Despite the rumors, she's quite adorable. I like cherry tarts too."
"Okay, my bad. Suzune, you've completely misunderstood. Don't ever say that in front of anyone other than me. Got it?"
"...? Yeah, if you say so, Senpai."
Suzune really is clueless when it comes to these things...
"But to think Mimori is being talked about like that. I can't believe it."
"...Are you really that concerned about Mimori-san?"
Suzune's eyes gazed at me, wavering with unease.
"I don't know much about Mimori-san either. But you should be cautious about how she handles relationships. If the rumors are baseless, they will not likely spread so widely."
..................
Yes, Suzune was right. If it's all just baseless rumors, Mimori would deny them.
Since Mimori evaded the question, I don't know the truth. But if the rumors are true, and Mimori lacks a sense of fidelity and casually engages in relationships with guys...
"Moreover, it would be better for you, especially Senpai, to stay away from someone like Mimori-san..."
"...You mean someone like Mimori and to me, Why?"
"If Mimori-san is truly that kind of person, a woman who plays on the feelings of the guys... I don't want you to get hurt by someone like her."
...Ah, I see.
Suzune is indeed my one and only kouhai. She understands me better than anyone else.
Why can't I just be happy about Mimori's confession? It's not because Mimori is a problematic person or anything like that... It's because I am Tokami Riku.
I should have realized that long ago.
"Thanks for worrying about me... I've already made up my mind."
"...Senpai?"
After school, I'll meet with Mimori.
Just as Mimori gathered her courage and confessed, I also need to convey my feelings directly.
My heart is pounding so intense, and loud enough that I almost want it to stop beating. After all, I've never given a response to a confession before. It's pretty impossible to calm myself with just, 'Stay calm.'
Taking a deep breath in, I made a phone call, asking her to come to the club room after school.
When I opened the door, Mimori is already there, sitting on the bench, gazing at the sunset through the window.
"You're late. It's been five minutes since I arrived."
"You said to come a few minutes later, right? You didn't want anyone to see us entering the club room together."
"Yeah, but I was getting anxious while waiting for you. I wanted you to come quickly, but at the same time, I wanted you to never come. I thought this might be what it feels like to wait for a lover at a meeting spot... Even though you haven't given me any answers yet."
I couldn't help to I almost laugh. Even in a moment like this, Mimori can crack jokes.
"It was my first time confessing, you know? That's why my heart is pounding, so I won't say those words anymore... Tell me. Your answer."
Even without asking what those words referred to, I understood.
'--We should date... It seems like I've fallen for you.'
I clenched my fist so tightly that my nails dug into my palm.
"I'm sorry, but I can't respond to your feelings... I'm sure I can't develop feelings for you."
At that moment, I felt as if time had stood still.
I wonder what's in her mind in this situation? Her serious expression remained unchanged.
"It's my first time a girl confessed her feelings to me, so I genuinely appreciated it. But I think I probably don't have feelings for you."
Mimori didn't say anything. She didn't ask any questions either.
"I don't want you to misunderstand, but it's not because you're you. I think I would give the same answer no matter which girl confessed to me... I just can't fall in love with anyone."
Love is an emotion that mistakenly sprouts to anyone.
That is the philosophy by which I, Tokami Riku believed on.
It's always the one who falls in love that gets hurt. Rejection, ridicule, and insults. In this world, there are certainly people who experience the agony of tearing themselves apart due to unrequited feelings.
Perhaps I'm just afraid on falling in love with her.
The harder you love, the harder you get hurt. So, it's better not to fall in love in the first place.
Am I overthinking it? I chuckled.
But if that person haven't experienced that kind of rejection, then that person must be privileged— Why? Because he/she haven't experience that unpleasant feelings before.
At least I'm different. I've desperately made efforts to prevent myself from liking anyone by putting up defenses and not considering the opposite sex as romantic interests. Eye contact is not avoidable, but it is battle itself.
I don't want to feel love because, I know that my heart would crumble.
In fact, Mimori must be feeling miserable right now. She confessed to me, and now she's being rejected like this. The pain in her heart must be very deep... And yet.
Even so, Mimori was smiling.
"...I kinda had that feeling."
Mimori's voice was weaker than usual.
"You always seemed like you were keeping your distance from girls, Riku-kun. I've been thinking if you had any bad experiences. But I will never betray you, I promise."
With a smile on their lips, Mimori lowered her gaze.
"It's hard to believe even if I say that, right?... But maybe this is for the best. Even if you date a girl like me, You would probably end up getting troubled. People might say your only dating me for physical attraction."
"Wait a moment... There's something I want to confirm about those rumors."
Perhaps realizing the seriousness in my voice, Mimori's smile disappeared from her face.
"When I asked you about the rumors regarding you, you said it was a secret. That's correct, right?"
"Yeah, I'll leave it up to your imagination when it comes to rumors about me."
So, it seems that's an unwavering stance.
"In other words, you wouldn't mind if I think you can sleep with anyone?"
"I don't mind... But are you disappointed with me now?"
"To be honest, I am. If you're that kind of girl who casually gets involved with guys... It's really sad for me."
"...Yeah, I think it's normal to feel that way."
Ideally, I wanted Mimori to deny it. I wanted her to laugh and tease me, saying that the rumors around her were complete lies, and that she never believed such rumors.
But if that wish doesn't come true...
There's only one thing left for me to do.
"...Hey, Mimori."
It was a decision I kept in my heart—perhaps it would be the first and last confession in my high school life.
"If you're okay with it... Would you be my girlfriend?"
This time, I truly felt as if time stopped.
Because, you see, Mimori was looking at me, her expression frozen in surprise.
"...Why?" Eventually, Mimori asked. "You said you can't fall for me... right?"
"I can't respond to your feelings. I can't imagine myself falling in love with someone right now. But even so, I want you to be my girlfriend."
Without hesitation, without wavering, I clearly voiced my words.
"If that happens, You won't get involved with any other guy, right?... Because if you have a boyfriend named Tokami Riku, it would be considered cheating."
Caught off guard, Mimori was left speechless.
I probably can't fall in love, and I have no intention of changing that... But, I want Mimori to value herself more.
I couldn't fall in love with Mimori, but I wanted to be in relationship with her—that was the answer I gave to her.
"I don't want to believe that you're that kind of girl. Every time I hear rumors about you, my heart becomes restless. I don't know if the rumors are true, but if they are, I want this to stop."
"Are you really okay with it? Because if you believe the rumors, it means I'm a terrible girl. Are you willing to date someone like that?"
"I'm fine with it. The Mimori Yui I know is a kind girl who cares about others. I want to trust my own intuition rather than the ambiguous words spoken by others."
I can't imagine myself falling in love with her, but if I can be in a relationship with her and I will transform her like the normal girls anywhere...
Because of that, I can say this from the bottom of my heart. I truly want her to be my girlfriend.
"Even someone like me who isn't prepared to fall in love, might be a nuisance. But still, I want to be with you... What do you think?"
Mimori was taken aback... and eventually, she gently leaned closer to me.
"Mimori...?"
"That's just like you, Riku-kun. Going out with me for my sake..."
"...It's not for your sake. It's for my sake. I don't want you to be that kind of girl."
As I said those words, I turned my head in embarrassment. It was a distance where I could easily embrace her. Being this close to a girl might be another first experience to me.
"But well, fine, it's a bit disappointing to hear that you don't have feelings for me. But if it means that you're already taken and can do lewd things with me, then it's fine, right?"
Mimori had a smile on her face, and right after that, I understood.
She close herself for reason.
"...Mimori, are you trying to deliberately embarrass me?"
"Ahaha. I'd be happy if you atleast get flustered because of me. Besides, from now on, we'll do more things that couples do, right?"
"That might be the case, but don't expect too much from me. I'll say it again, but I won't fall in love with you... Sorry, but I think it's time for me to go. Being with you right now makes me feel extremely anxious. Let's talk properly next time, at a more relaxed place."
In reality, I'm still nervous and can't even look at Mimori's face properly. If I stay with her any longer, I might lose my mind from the embarrassment.
"Mmn, that's fine... Bye. I'm really happy that you dated me."
"...Yep, likewise. If you're okay with someone like me who can't properly say I love you, then please take care of me."
I removed the doorstopper, placed my hand on the doorknob, and slowly opened the door...
"Oh, right. Riku-kun, can I ask you something?"
"....?"
With questions in my mind, I turned around—and felt a soft, marshmallow-like sensation on my lips.
I couldn't immediately understand what it was.
A sweet scent tickled my nose. The club room filled sunsets light. Mimori, standing on tiptoes, closing her eyes, and the softness I felt on my lips made my head spin.
Another first experience, but this time— it's my first kiss.
The moment I realized that, I stumbled outside the club room, falling flat on my back.
"W-wh-wh—a!"
"It's okay, right? We're a couple, after all."
From inside the club room, Mimori look at me with a somewhat challenging smile. I couldn't take my eyes off those beautiful cherry-colored lips.
"I'm happy that you're my boyfriend, Riku-kun, but I still want you to love me. I want to be special person for you. That's why I made a decision— from now on, I'll definitely make you fall in love with me."
"M-Mimori...?"
It felt like a declaration of war.
Mimori spoke calmly.
"Well, isn't love something you fall into rather than something you choose? ...Be prepared, Riku-kun. It was you after all, who fills my heart."
With a smile still on her face, Mimori closed the door.
Left alone, I couldn't keep my thoughts. Everything seemed like a dream, and I couldn't take a single step forward from that spot.
But I had a premonition.
A premonition that the days from now would turn my entire life upside down.
Feeling the lingering sweet numbness on my lips, I quietly murmured in my heart.
'Perhaps, I ended up dating an extraordinary girl.'
Chapter 1 End. Always open for correction.
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