Even Though I Loved You First

“It can’t be…” (Kei)

“Well… I hate to break it to you… but it seems Kamihate is two centimeters taller than you…” (Haru)

“Two?! Wait… you mean… two whole centimeters?!” (Kei)

“Looks like it’s my win.” Arisa said proudly.

Arisa and I found ourselves in the nurse’s office, some kind of competition to determine who’s the taller one suddenly sparked between us, so we asked Haru to help with the measurement.

I don’t want to say I’m disappointed… but I’m disappointed…

Arisa’s height was said to be about 177cm while my height seemed to be 175cm. To be fair, I thought I was taller than her! I mean, it’s barely noticeable isn’t it?

“I normally wouldn’t care if my pride as your boyfriend wasn’t at risk…” (Kei)

“Now, now. Look at the bright side! Not only is your girlfriend beautiful, but she’s tall to boot! You’re leaving every man’s dream!” (Arisa)

“Who told you that?!” (Kei)

“Seichiiro told me.” (Arisa)

Seichiiro! Stop planting weird ideas inside my girlfriend’s head! I inwardly screamed. I mean… I did hear some classmates that one time saying tall girlfriends were somehow the way to go…

“Oi. If you two are going to flirt, do it somewhere else.” Haru said annoyingly.

“Yes, yes.” I grabbed Arisa’s hand and opened the door. “Let’s go before Haru dies of jealousy~” (Kei)

“Oi!” (Haru)

Well… the bell’s about to ring after all… I said as I led Arisa out of the nurse’s office.

↜♡↝

“Result for today’s battle?” Riku said as I sat on my seat.

“…Kei loses…” (Kei)

“I see. But look at the bright side, many would die for a tall girlfriend.” Riku said, as if trying to comfort me.

“That’s what she said…” I felt like I was about to cry.

“Hey, Kei… Can I ask you for some advice later?” (Riku)

“Huh? Now that’s rare. Sure? About what?” (Kei)

“Just, wait until later…” He said, I couldn’t help but notice how fidgety Riku seemed, even though he was usually so energetic he seemed somehow… bashful…?

“Oh, okay.” A little after, the bell rang.

↜♡↝

““Self-care advice?”” (Ichirou & Kei)

Somewhere down the line, Ichirou ended up joining us and now, the three of us walked back home together.

“Unn. I’ve been meaning to start taking better care of my appearance… and since I thought Kei might have good advice…” (Riku)

“I see. But, that’s sudden. What made you so self-conscious?” (Kei)

Riku was indeed random at times, however, he never became so interested in trying different things so suddenly. Not only that, but he also sounds so committed.

“Well… I mean… I just thought of tidying myself up a bit… I thought…” (Riku)

““…sounds sus…”” (Ichirou & Kei)

“Why?!” (Riku)

“Huh? Wait? Is it about Sachi? It’s about Sachi isn’t it?!” I said excitedly. Could all my efforts pay off? I thought to myself.

“Eh? What about Sadataka?! Kei! Tell me! Am I missing something here?!” (Ichirou)

“You two please calm down!” (Riku)

↜♡↝

Ryouzaki Household

Third Person POV~

“It’s finally over…” Riku couldn’t help but sigh in relief as he turned the doorknob and opened the door to his house. After trying to ask for advice, he was relentlessly teased by his best friend Kei and his new friend, who joined their circle a few days ago, Ichirou.

“Huh? This suitcase… Isn’t it Retsu’s?” (Riku)

As Riku closed the door and headed to the living room, he saw a certain someone lying lazily on the sofa.

“So you really are back…” (Riku)

“Oya? If it isn’t my little brother! Sup kiddo, doing good?”

“I am… What about you, Retsu?” (Riku)

“Life’s good, life’s good. Thought I could come by and stay for a while.” As he straightened himself and sat properly, Retsu Ryouzaki (Riku’s older brother), brightly welcomed his baby brother home.

↜♡↝

Retsu Ryouzaki works as a hair stylist in a salon located in a city a little far from where the Ryouzaki household lived. Retsu’s skills were highly regarded and sought out between customers.

Earning himself the promotions and the title of employee of the month with only a little more than a year of work experience.

Retsu and Riku were close to a certain extent. When he came by for a visit, the two would always stay late at night watching movies and eating away various snacks.

After changing clothes and putting his uniform in the washing machine, Riku entered the living room and sat next to his brother.

“When did you arrive?” (Riku)

“A little after twelve, I used my paid vacation days and thought about coming here for a week or so.” Retsu said as he picked up a cup filled with soda.

“Want some?” He pointed at the bottle of soda on the table.

“Sure, I’ll get some.” Replied Riku, as he took out a cup and poured the soda in it. Continuing with the chat,

“How’s school going so far? Got a girlfriend yet?” (Retsu)

“No, I don’t. But there is a girl I’m interested in— ah…” Realizing now what he just did, Riku froze and slowly turned to Retsu.

There he was, with a big smug in his face.

“Looks like my baby brother is growing up…” Retsu cleaned away his fake tears, “I’m so proud of you…” (Retsu)

“You’re annoying, I’m leaving.” He said as he stood up.

“Wait… Haha, s-sorry, don’t gooooo~” Retsu chuckled as he grabbed the hem of Riku’s sleeve forcing him to stay. As Riku got pulled back into the seat next to his, Retsu took a sip of soda and smiled.

“Say, kiddo.” (Retsu)

“Hm? What?” (Riku)

“Are you enjoying school now?” (Retsu)

“Huh? What’s with you all of a sudden?” Riku shockingly stared at his older brother. However, contrary to his attitude, in a low voice he answered.

“I am… If anything, I doubt I’ll be able to repay my debt with them.” (Riku)

Seeing his younger brother with such a happy expression, the blue-eyed Retsu smiled back. Then, to his surprise, Riku asked him for a favor.

“Hey, Retsu.” (Riku)

“Hm? Sup, kiddo.” (Retsu)

“How do you feel about earning some pocket cash in exchange for something?” (Riku)

“Oh? In exchange for what?” Retsu asked with a devilish grin. Riku knew that said smile was a good thing.

“How about cutting my hair and making sure it emphasizes my ‘good looks’?” Riku’s request was fairly simple, however for Retsu, it was the same as feeding food to the homeless.

↜♡↝

“Say, kiddo.” (Retsu)

“Hm?” As Riku was getting his hair trimmed by his older brother, he replied to Retsu’s call.

“Why did you want to change your image all of a sudden?” Retsu had the right to ask, after all, Retsu offered a haircut several times to help Riku look more stylish.. Needless to say, Riku declined all offers unless necessary.

“How should I put it…? I felt like I needed to change my ways so as to not be left behind. I’m not a child anymore… so I thought that it was time to try and be serious about one thing.” (Riku)

“And what would that ‘one thing’ be?” (Retsu)

“I want to walk beside a certain someone… She’s… one of the few people who never gave up on me.” At Riku’s passionate proposal, Retsu’s hands stopped and he looked shocked for a while.

“Retsu?” Noticing the lack of motion called out to Retsu.

“No, it’s nothing.” Retsu only shook his head and continued to comb Riku’s hair gently. He was happy.

Happy that Riku had such a person in his life. Retsu only ever worked hard because he was meant to, he wanted to be a good example to his younger brother.

Even when he was still together with his two previous girlfriends, he never really felt that spark that Riku felt, probably because unlike his brother, he hasn’t bumped into the chosen one yet.

“Riku.” As he took a hand mirror and placed it in front of him, he gently smiled and patted his shoulders.

“Introduce her to me sometime.” (Retsu)

“Huh? I don’t want to. Why should I?” (Riku)

“I wonder~” He chuckled, to which Riku only cocked his head. Retsu wanted to meet this person, he wanted to thank them for taking care of their brother… he wanted to thank them, 

For showing him a side of Riku he never knew about. “Is this really me?” Riku, who finished inspecting all angles, said in amusement.

“What do you think~” (Retsu)

“What do I think? I can hardly believe it’s me! You’re awesome!” (Riku)

“You’re awesome, big brother!” A memory from a distant past, from a distant Riku, flew over his head. Somehow, he felt proud.

He felt proud to be this boy’s older brother.

Dammit, what am I doin’ tearin’ up like this…

“Stop it~ You’re makin’ your brother blush~” (Retsu)

“So, as for the payment…” Riku proceeded to take out his wallet. However, Retsu quickly stopped him.

“No need. Free of charge~” (Retsu)

“Huh? But it mustn’t be easy doin’ this much!” Riku protested.

“Alright then, let me style your hair another time! It’s like candy for a kid.” (Retsu)

“Huh? Uhm. Sure?” (Riku)

Retsu gently patted his head and proceeded to clean up as he told Riku to go take a bath. The latter wanted to help but they were turned away as Retsu pointed out he wouldn’t be comfortable with the hair in his clothes, he also wanted to do the laundry altogether.

As Riku left and Retsu stayed behind cleaning up the mess, crouching to pick up the small pile of hair nearby.

He really has grown… I feel like a father.

Well… I’m at the age people tend to get married I guess…

For Retsu, Riku’s desire to change was sudden, but it was a welcomed one nevertheless.