I came back from the classroom after lunch, and before the bell for the afternoon class rings. “I’ll see you after class then, Kira.” Waving at me as she stops at the stairs below my room, Kei and I part.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later… Senior.” I smile at her. Right now, I don’t exactly know how to feel. It’s kind of conflicting and somewhat satisfying at the same time. Since I’m now the one responsible for Kei’s feelings instead of Kagome, I should be more fastidious on our development.

Right, and since Kagome entrusted to me her unanswered feelings, I should treasure the moments we have together. “Am I doing this just because Kagome asked me to, or Kei needs someone to let her feelings answered?”

It’s so conflicting; I don’t want to hurt Kei. But what about my genuine feelings? I did gave her a false hope. Should I just tell her the truth? Ni, right now… we’re just knowing each other.

It’s the reason I told her. We’re currently in friendship status. And somewhere inside me wants to know more about Kei.

Entering the classroom, a group of boys flocking around Haruki’s desk. The clamor hyped up as I got on my desk and sits down. “Nakazono, tell us… are you and Senior Asahina dating?”

That question twitched me out and looks at his way. “Tell us, Nakazono! Since when you two start dating?” their eyes glimmering with anticipation; Haruki shows bashfulness while trying not to get caught.

“Come on! We want to know. You and that pretty senior…”

“We’re not dating!” Haruki answered. Seeing he can’t bear the pressure, everyone looked at each other. “Okay…” the boys left him and goes back to their seat.

“You seemed troubled there,” I called. He turns to me showing a wry smile. “Yeah, I’m having a trouble right now….”

He’s somewhat dejected and sighs in exhaustion. “Hey, Kira…?”

“Huh?” I asked. Haruki’s lips clammed up, trying not to tell about something to me. I understand if he doesn’t want to talk about it. It’s his life, after all. A few moments passed, he inhales and slowly exhales. “What if a girl said she likes you?”

I got quiet the moment I heard the question. “Eh?” I mumbled.

Haruki’s eyebrows furrowed, waiting for my answer. “Uh, what do you mean about that?” Even I don’t have an idea what to tell about him.

“You see, awhile ago… Senior Sakura told me she likes me.” Haruki answered.

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Oh, that’s why he’s acting like this. “Oh, really…?” I answered. He nods at me and sighs again. “And… what’s the problem about that?”

He grunts softly and shakes his head sideways. “I don’t know. It seems like she really likes me, but I don’t want to assume.”

“I see, well it can’t be helped.” I tepidly replied. I sympathize him, but there’s no answer I can give through his worries now. And now he just said Senior Sakura.

“And since when did you two became a first name user?” I grinned. Haruki jolts out, looking at me with surprise. “Huh? Ah… ahaha! No, it’s a slip of the tongue. What I mean is Senior Asahina!”

He became bashful again after my question. “I’m just trying to practice if we’re on a first name basis. Worry not much about it.”

He’s trying to escape from my question, but there’s nothing I can do about it. “It’s really troublesome to have a friendly relationship with a girl.”

Trying to back on track the topic we had, Haruki stated once more. “What’s wrong with it? I mean, having friends with opposite sex isn’t that bad?” I answered.

His eyes meet mine and gazes quizzically. “I mean, from what happened to you…” I added, trying to give more specification to his situation. “It’s you who has a crush for Senior Asahina, right?”

Haruki averted his eyes from me, and show a bashful smile. “Yeah, it’s me who got a crush on her. But I don’t want to make things get awkward between us.”

Yeah, I understand it. I also have that phase way back in my previous life before, and it’s really mortifying when the person you like knows about it. Yet, like a proverb saying: ‘There aren’t secrets that can’t be revealed. ‘

Sooner or later, Haruki should deal with it, no matter how much hassle it is. “So, what’s your plan now?”

I made a question to know his next move. Since this is their story, and me, a reader… I want to know how will things proceed. “I don’t know.” Haruki replied and sighs again.

“Senior Asahina is pretty, and I’m plain and mundane. We’re different worlds apart.”

“But you like her, right?”

Right, this question will hit his negative thoughts towards himself. Haruki seems to be a nice guy. It’s a given that most of the girls like someone who is good looking, yet there are some who likes their guys who has a sense of humor.

“Yeah, I like her… but—”

“No ifs and buts, man.” I cut him off. Looking into his eyes, I proceed. “Listen here, you shouldn’t get dejected over the simple matter. If she tells that she likes you, then be glad for it.”

“Huh?”

Haruki seemed confused from my words. “I’ll tell you what. If a girl tells you she likes you, don’t even think of funny ideas. Don’t assume much she sees you like how you see her. Just stay what and who you are.”

From my experience in my previous life… I am a total simp from my crushes before. And it turns to be demeaning towards them. “You just continue to be her friend and nothing else. It will come to you naturally.”

Yeah, I am speaking from my experience… though not much of it bore a fruit at all. “Really…?” Haruki, who seemed enlightened from my words, replied.

I nod at him and smiles. “Don’t ponder much about it. Let your actions and the time tells you about what those words are for you and for her.”

Yep, that’s a cringed advice I can give to him. I’m not much of an expert in romance, and has fair share of romantic flings before with my ex-girlfriend in my previous life.

Before arriving here, I am already in my 30’s and has viewed life in another perspective. I died single, and now has this story-based reality where the youth will start to bloom.

“All right, I will remember what you said. Thank you, Kira.” with a little hope glimmer to him, Haruki smiles at me as the bell for the afternoon class rings.

“Good luck to your romance, kid….” I murmur, as if I’m talking to my old self with a young one seeking an advice.