Even Though I Loved You First

Final Hang Out Spot: Sachi’s Decision

For the final part of their long day, the group found themself riding a train, as Sachi seemed to be a little fidgety as she apologized. “I-I’m sorry we had to take the train for it… I-It was just such a nice place… I thought we could all go together…” (Sachi)

The other five were all smiling wryly, while Shizuka’s blue eyes seemed to have a hint of motherly affection along with her smile, she seemed to want to ease Sachi’s concerns.

“It’s okay Sachi, we took this plan because it was interesting and because we could all get to know a little more about each other that way!” (Shizuka)

As of now, all the places that they’ve been to reflect a part of themselves in one way or another, and even when indulging in something the other enjoyed, a part of their true personalities came to light.

This was their ultimate goal, to strengthen their bonds and to make everyone know that… At least when it’s only them, they could safely take off those theatrical masks each of them wore all the time.

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The place where their day would end was none other than a lighthouse observatory. The place was near a small, rocky beach, it was fenced and the lighthouse itself was the same as those portrayed on cartoons, painted in white with red stripes… or could it be painted red with white stripes?

Well, only those who cooperated in the building of such an edification could tell.

“The sun’s almost hiding, isn’t it? Seems like good timing.” (Ichirou)

“I agree, the crimson hue that the sky dyes itself in at this time is truly remarkable, perfect for a painting.” Kei said, clearly amused. It seems that his thought overlapped with Riku’s as he excitedly said with twinkling eyes.

“I was thinking the same! I have to take a picture for future reference!” Riku hurriedly took out his phone and snapped a couple pictures. Sachi, who was beside him, heartfully giggled at Riku’s cute behavior.

The sky was already adapting an orange-ish color, and as the group stood side by side with each other, they had a melancholic and nostalgic mood between them.

“I had so much fun! We should totally do this again!” Shizuka exclaimed as she stretched her back. Ichirou made a follow-up with a comment of his own.

“It was very fun, indeed. I wonder when was the last time I had so much fun.” He chuckled as he looked over the rocky beach below them.

The gentle breeze that caressed his cheek and swayed his hair felt calming for him somehow. He couldn’t pinpoint the reason why… but this place felt oddly familiar to him… as if… he had been here before.

The gentle smell of flowers, different colors and variety… They all felt extremely calming to both Kei and Shizuka, it somehow brought them back to when the two were children…

Things were still somehow awkward between them, and Shizuka still felt guilty… But nevertheless, she tried to move on and try to be a little more attentive.

Hayato only stared at the sunset as the sun went into hiding, as if making space for the moon that marked the start of a starry night…

He vividly remembered a scene like this from a book he read some time back. For him, it was all fiction and something so unrealistic… but being surrounded with friends and alongside his girlfriend… he no longer thought so…

As the four of them were all absorbed, Riku quietly whispered to Sachi who was next to him, “We should come here another time… just the two of us…” He sweetly muttered, to which Sachi meekly replied.

“…sure…” As she took a hold of his hand which was a little bigger than her’s.

On the other hand, Hayato and Shizuka both seemed to be having a moment… “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Hayato said as he gawked over the scenery before him.

“It is…” Shizuka turned her back to the sunset, and then motioned Hayato to do the same. “Hayato, could you turn around for a second and come closer?”A sweet voice tempted him.

“Hm? Sure— woah?!” Surprised, he felt the collar of his shirt being pulled and then, he heard a quick snap.

“Hehe~ Surprise! I took a photo!” Shizuka said as she showed Hayato the picture on her phone. There was Shizuka with a cheeky smile on her face as her semi-long was tied on a ponytail, on the other side was Hayato, who was being pulled from the collar and had quite a surprised expression.

It was kind of a totally natural photo.

“N-next time, t-tell me so…” Hayato said as he covered his red face.

“Yes, sir~!” Shizuka giggled.

“Those two seemed to be lost somewhere far away…” (Ichirou)

“Let’s ignore them for now and continue on as usual…” (Kei)

Both boys said, Ichirou and Kei both felt kind of salty for having to deal with two stupid couples, well… Ichirou, who was still single, was the one who was the most salty…

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Dinner: Shizuka’s Decision

For dinner, the two were back again in their city, completely satisfied with Sachi’s way to end their day. Sach felt extremely relieved and happy to know they enjoyed a slow-paced ending.

“So where are you taking us, Shizu?” (Sachi)

“Good question!” Shizuka quickly turned around and excitedly pointed at Sachi. “Don’t point at others!” Her childhood friend snarked.

From what Shizuka told them, she was taking them to a small restaurant that had some extremely delicious dinner options. She had been to this place with her parents.

As Shizuka and the others arrived at the location, the others understood that Shizuka wasn’t lying when she said ‘a small restaurant’ as the place wasn’t like those chained restaurants, it was only a small wooden establishment that even though it was small, was well maintained and nicely decorated.

As they entered, they were welcomed by a single man that seemed to be a university student. He guided them to their table and then took their orders before he retired to the kitchen.

“The place seems really nice…” Looking around the place, it was decorated with vines and flower pots here and there.

Classical music was also blasting throughout the whole establishment, complemented with the natural lanterns around, it was indeed a lovely place to enjoy an evening meal.

“The place seems to have some really good reviews online…” Kei said as he showed his phone screen, showing the restaurant’s website filled with mostly five star reviews.

“Heh~” (Riku)

After a while, the food came and everyone took a bit of their respective orders. “The salad here isn’t so bad… It’s actually really good…” Amused, Kei gave his honest opinion on the salad he ordered.

↤⨳↦

“There’s little less than a month left for summer vacation to finish…” (Hayato)

“That’s true… Ugh… I still haven’t finished…” Said Riku dejectedly…

“Still?! I’ve been helping you though!” Exclaimed Sachi.

“Well… that’s what happens when you flirt too much instead of doing your work before.” Shizuka said, indifferent.

““We’re not that clingy!”” (Sachi & Riku)

“Hahaha, well… I’m thankful that unlike you, I can hold myself back…” Kei chuckled to himself, however, the table dropped silent. Noticing that no one was saying a thing, Kei looked up only to see all of his friends staring at him in awe.

“Hm? What? Why are you looking at me like that?” He asked.

“Kei… don’t tell me… you’re not aware…” Sachi was the first to break the long silence.

“Huh…? Aware about what? What’s going on?” Kei tilted his head in confusion, he had no idea what she was talking about.

“About that… While it is true that you two aren’t on top of each other in public… you… well… I can’t…” Even for Riku, recalling and let alone talking about it made him feel nauseous.

“Your atmosphere is f*cking annoying.” Ichirou said straight.

“Ichirou?!” (Shizuka)

“What? I had to tell him! The weeks before summer vacation were hell! I, as the intermediary, was the one who was the most busy! If I didn’t catch Kei whenever he was alone, it would be impossible to get between whatever that sugary thing is!” (Ichirou)

“I could see hearts floating…” (Hayato)

“Exactly!” (Ichirou)

“E-eh? Did we… really seem like that…?” Kei asked in shock.

“People in our class already labeled you two as a married couple… Whenever they named ‘Kei’s wife’ no one really seemed to mind it that much… If anything, it’s already an unwritten rule that you’re already married…” Riku soon joined.

“I-Is that so…? How embarrassing…” That night, just a little before the group disbanded, Kei realized the way other people saw him and his girlfriend…

He did say he swore to not become like a certain idiotic couple… However, it seems like his plan has failed for the most part…