Even Though I Loved You First

On a school afternoon, after both Kotone and Kei returned home, both went to their respective rooms to take care of their studies and anything they kept pending.

This time, they were the only ones home, their parents informed them that they’ll be going on a dinner date so they wouldn’t come home until late night, on the other hand, their sister Karane went over to a sleepover for the members of the volleyball team.

Said sleepover was something they did before a athleticism trip for their competitions, so the two expressed their goodluck to Karane & Kokoro since they wouldn’t see them until next Monday.

As Kotone flipped through the pages of her book, studying and noting down several concepts and key points, the twins’ room’s door suddenly burst open.

“Sis! Help me! What should I do?! Waaah~” (Kei)

“Whoa?!” Barely managing to catch him, Kotone caught the stressed Kei on her arms with a surprised expression.

“W-what’s wrong?!” His sister expressed her worry.

“A-actually… U-uhm…” He seemed fidgety, as his eyes swam across the room, which had a few trophies from both sisters adorning a nearby shelf, he managed to calm down and express his concern.

“Arisa sent me a message earlier… and even though at first I was happy… Once, I checked the message… well… uh…” (Kei)

“Yes?” (Kotone)

“It seems her parents want to meet me…” (Kei)

“…eh?” (Kotone)

↜♡↝

Sunday

Kei’s POV~

In the blink of an eye, Sunday came, I still remember how nervous I was yesterday on my date with Arisa. Dates were the norm now so the reason wasn’t because I wasn’t used to it, rather, because we spent a significant amount of time buying clothes for today.

I’m meeting my girlfriend’s parents today… Sh*t I’m getting nervous… I thought as I headed towards the place.

Granted I was invited to a dinner, I had plenty of time to properly prepare myself. I went over everything from my clothing to my hygiene. If anything, as long as I act like how I act whenever we go on a trip with dad’s coworkers, I’ll be fine.

Since an early age, me and my sisters had this ‘business’ personality that was taught to us for our future, proper etiquette and speech, etc.

It’s been a while since I had a business Kei present… Oh well, let’s hope all goes well…I thought as I slightly gripped on the paper bag I was holding.

Today April 3rd marked two things. My meeting with Arisa’s parents and…

Arisa’s birthday.

↜♡↝

At A Certain Place

“Thank god, I know how to dress up according to the dress code…” Contrary to what you may imagine, I didn’t dress with a suit or anything of that sort. Instead, I went with a simple black long-sleeved shirt with a beige leather jacket on top.

The place itself looked a little more expensive than your average diner, however, it wasn’t to the point that was unapproachable for the general public.

Entering the restaurant, I went towards the register to ask for the table where Arisa and her parents were.

“Good evening. I was told to ask for the table under the name ‘Itsuki Kamihate’.” (Kei)

The receptionist proceeded to look through a long list full of unknown names and a few seconds later she stopped at a certain point and asked me.

“May I have your name, sir?”

“Kei Ichinose.” (Kei)

“Ah, yes. Please wait a moment.” The receptionist called out to a nearby waiter and asked him to escort me to the table.

↜♡↝

“My apologies for the tardiness.” I said as Arisa rose from her seat.

“It’s okay. You didn’t have trouble finding this place, did you?” (Arisa)

“No. If anything, it was quite easy to spot.” I chuckled.

“I’m glad. Then, K-Kei. These are my parents, Akina and Itsuki Kamihate.” At the end of her gaze, a beautiful woman who had the same features as Arisa sat next to a man who had a well defined face complemented by his black hair and blue eyes. He reminded me a lot of Asahi.

“My apologies for being late in greeting you. Arisa may’ve already told you my name, however, for the sake of it please do let me introduce myself once again.” I placed my hand on my chest, giving them a gentle smile as I once again repeated my name.

“I’m Kei Ichinose, a first year student at Naoko High School. I’ve had the pleasure of dating your daughter, Arisa.” I said as I gave a slight bow.

First impressions were everything, that’s why, I had to make the most of this opportunity. The two looked shocked for a while, then, the two stood up.

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Itsuki Kamihate, this girl’s father. I have to say, it’s rare for young people these days to be so polite.” (Itsuki)

“Pleasure to meet you, Akina Kamihate, Arisa’s mother. I was honestly surprised when I learned that my daughter had a boyfriend. I’m honestly intrigued in how she managed to snatch such a good-looking and educated boy.” Ms. Akina said with a wry smile.

“Does she have any dirt on you?” (Itsuki)

“Who do you take your daughter for?!” (Arisa)

↜♡↝

After the basic introductions were done, Ms. Akina and Mr. Itsuki both talked about themselves a little more. Ms. Akina was currently working as a civil litigation attorney while Mr. Itsuki worked as a neurologist.

“Somehow… I can see why those two chose such careers… but at the same time… will they be okay…?” (Kei)

“Aiku may not seem like it, but he’ll manage…somehow…” From what I’ve heard, getting a law degree is hard, in a sense that as long as you put in more than the necessary amount of work, you’ll be fine.

“Let’s stop talking about work for a second. So, Kei. How did you meet our daughter?” Mr. Itsuki asked, I don’t know why, but I could hear clear excitement from his voice.

“Ah… well… you see…” For the next twenty minutes as we waited for our food, I retold the story of how Arisa and I met from beginning to end.

From an outsider’s point of view, it was a really bittersweet story. Everything may’ve started out in a bitter way and with a clear amount of struggles in between, however, the conclusion was (of course) something I really loved telling, as it showed how much we’ve grown as individuals.

Both me and Arisa.

“Such a sob story…” Mr. Itsuki said as he looked like he was about to cry.

“I have trouble believing it’s our daughter you’re talking about… somehow… it feels off…” (Akina)

“Mother… What exactly is your evaluation of me?” (Arisa)

“I mean… considering how you were when Asahi and Aiku were still around. It’s a big diffe—” (Akina)

“Ok! Let’s stop right there, shall we?” (Arisa)

“Hah~ For our daughter to target her best friends’ younger brother… you remind me of your father…” (Akina)

““Say what now?!”” (Arisa & Itsuki)

As both father and daughter raised their voices in shock, I couldn’t help but chuckle at such a sight. They reminded me about Ms. Sena and Mr. Yuki (Shizuka’s parents) always bantered whenever I saw them.

“Oh, the food’s here.” At Ms. Akina’s notice, we all collected our food plates and continued chatting as we ate.

↜♡↝

“Once again, Kei. Thanks for taking care of our daughter.” (Itsuki)

“We haven’t been able to get around with our free time, so I thank you once again. It seems she’s enjoying her school life now.” (Akina)

“Eh? On, no. Please don’t worry. If anything, I should be the one thanking her, she’s been a huge help to me.” I said, “I also find admirable how even if you are usually busy, you find the time for Arisa. I heard from Asahi that even if you get called into work you still make time for her.” (Kei)

When parents are usually busy, they will eventually neglect their children thinking they can fend for themselves (if they’re old enough that is).

However, just like my parents, they have the idea that even high schoolers need their parent’s presence sometimes, and stick to it.

“Arisa.” Out of nowhere, Akina turned to Arisa with a serious expression. Sensing the change in her mood, Arisa straightened up and answered with a slightly nervous voice.

“Y-yes…?” (Arisa)

“Don’t let him go, I’ll love to have him as an in-law,” She said.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Arisa’s face turning red and as if she couldn’t hide her embarrassment, she retorted.

“Mom?! W-well… it’s not like I was planning to let him go…” Her voice grew weaker as she sipped on drink meekly.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Arisa this shy…” (Itsuki)

“But she looks rather cute~ Don’t you think so, Kei?” (Akina)

“Yes, Arisa’s really cute. Especially when she’s embarrassed,” I said, having nothing to hide.

“~” She blushed even harder, which gained a chuckle from my side.

↜♡↝

“Thank you for inviting me to dinner today.” I bowed as we left the restaurant. The food was extremely delicious, even though it was on the pricey side, I could see this spot as a future place for me and Arisa to eat.

“Please, don’t worry about it. If anything, it was a pleasure to be able to meet our daughter’s boyfriend. We can be at peace knowing she’s in good hands.” (Akina)

I was honestly glad that everything went well, I wanted to give them a good impression, because I didn’t want Arisa’s parents to doubt her choice in a partner. That was out of the question.

“You have a good head on your shoulders kid, if you ever want our daughter’s hand, just say the word.” Ms. Akina lightly patted my shoulder.

“Hey, mom… Aren’t you being a little bit open this time?!” (Arisa)

“What? You don’t want to?” (Akina)

“It’s not that I don’t.” She sighed.

“My, how honest.” As the mother and daughter duo bickered a little meters away from me, Mr. Itsuki came to me.

“Kei, listen.” Mr. Itsuki said as he grabbed me by the shoulders, he had a serious expression on his face.

“Y-yes?” (Kei)

“Even if you think you’re leading the relationship, don’t let your guard down! Before you know it, you’ll be the one being turned into a good for nothing!” (Itsuki)

“Yes…?” I tilted my head in confusion, I mean, I knew what he meant… but why so suddenly?

“That’s enough for you, Itsuki. I believe Kei had something to do, so let’s leave them alone.” (Akina)

“Honey, isn’t your grip a little tighter this time?” (Itsuki)

“Alright, Kei. Me and my husband will be going now, do what you have to do. See you around, it was nice grabbing dinner with you.” She bowed before the two walked out of the parking lot. Leaving Arisa and I behind.

“Then, want to go on a stroll? I know it’s late at night, but… I still don’t feel like going home, you know?” (Kei)

“Sure, I’ll love to.” No matter how many times I see her smile, it’s still one of the prettiest smiles I’ve ever seen. It blooms just like a flower in spring.

↜♡↝

Way Back Home

Third Person POV~

As the married couple walked back home, Itsuki Kamihate seemed to have something in his mind, so he spoke to his wife who was walking next to him.

“He’s a really good boy. Arisa’s boyfriend, I mean.” At the sudden statement, Akina, his wife, looked over at him and agreeing with his words, she added.

“It’s not just him, the people around her seemed to also be golden-hearted people.” (Akina)

“You mentioned that you bump into one of her friends right?” Itsuki said.

“Unn. It was Hiyori. The girl with gray hair, remember hair?” (Akina)

Recalling the physical appearance of the person Akina spoke about, Itsuki let out a faint sigh and said, “Ah, yeah. I remember. What did she tell you?” (Itsuki)

“Well… we spoke for a little, maybe about ten minutes or so… However, something she said really stuck to me, you know?” (Akina)

“And that is…?” (Itsuki)

“‘I know that as an outsider, it isn’t my place to say this. However, even if you aren’t neglecting Arisa, please do use some of your free time for your marriage.’ She said.” (Akina)

“Oh? That’s weird coming from a highschooler… But it seemed like she was worried that our jobs might be keeping us from being with each other.” (Itsuki)

He was stating the truth, for Itsuki, who worked in the medical field, there were times when he stayed at work for more than a day, leaving him with no time to be with his wife and children.

The same could somehow be said for Akina, even in the field of law, there were times where she had to take business trips or work twenty-four-hour shifts.

When the two had days off, they never answered work petitions unless it was urgent.

“But what she said was true, even if we use those days with Arisa, we don’t always use those days off for ourselves now, do we?” (Akina)

“I guess that’s true…” (Itsuki)

A brief silence fell upon the two, and as Itsuki planned something, he turned towards his wife and grasping her hand, asked.

“Do you have any compensatory days?” (Itsuki)

“Hm? I do, why?” (Akina)

“Let’s take her advice and go somewhere, just the two of us.” He was already planning this for sometime now, however, Itsuki thought that this was the perfect time to ask her out.

Sensing her husband’s idea, she slightly smiled and, tightening her grip a little, said, “Sure, why not?” (Akina)

“Yes!” Itsuki cheered.

“By the way…” (Akina)

“What’s the matter?” (Itsuki)

“You’re just like Arisa. Going for their best friend’s sibling.” Akina teased.

“Geh… I-I mean… Life works in mysterious ways don’t you think…?” (Itsuki)

Like father, like daughter. Was everything Akina could think about.