As soon as the fireworks finished, most of the people started to pick up their belongings and trash and left the venue.

“So, the main event I’ve been waiting is here!” with a gleeful tone on her voice, Kei announced as she smiles at me. I hold the guitar case and opens it, as Kagome quizzically looks at me.

“You know how to play guitar?” she asked. “Yeah, sort of…?” I answered. Placing it on my lap, I strum the string, listening to the tone, might there is something out of pitch.

Seems big sister maintained this guitar of hers. Holding the neck, I look at the two. “So, what song you like?”

“Huh? Haven’t thought of it.” Kei answered as she looks at Kagome. She also shrugs, giving nothing to hear of. Well, I thought they have something in their mind.

“Okay, since you two can’t think of something…” I put my fingers on the finger board and breathes deeply. Slowly exhaling, I recall the chords of a song from the Anime I watched when I was in High school.

(Song: Yakusoku - Kuroda Michihiro)

♪ ORENJI-iro ni somaru sora ni ichibanboshi

(The first star appears

In the orange sky.)

Nani mo iwazu yubisashite kimi ha aruiteku kara ♪

(Without speaking, I take your hand;

You keep walking)

♪ Kimi ga oshiete kureta uta wo kuchizusami

(I hum the song

That you did teach me)

Narabu kage wo sukoshi zutsu boku ha kimi ni chikadukeru ♪

(And our shadows aligned

And approach each other.)

Both of them glances at me as I start to sing. I felt somewhat bashful since my voice isn’t that good to hear. Yet, I continue playing the guitar. Within my mind is a thought of me, Kei and Kagome, walking side by side.

Without thinking about anything; just as carefree individuals hanging out.

♪Kotoba yori tashikana omoi ga boku ni toikakeru

"kono mama zutto itai yo" to ♪

(Even more than your words,

Your feelings tell me

"I want to stay like this forever.")

Then, the image of them, just the two of them together. In this world where I don’t belong, seeing their love fulfill to the brim. Their true feelings to each other shown clearly, as I watched them from afar.

That thought made my heart clenched a little, but I kept singing.

♪ Soba ni iru dakede kimi to iru dakede

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Kitto kinou yori boku ha sugoku

Kimi no koto wo suki ni natte irun dayo ♪

(Just being here

Just being by your side,

I'm sure I'll come to love you

Even more than yesterday.)

Kei and I met our eyes. As I said those lines. Beside me, still, Kagome locked her eyes on me as well.

♪ Umareta bakari no aoi kaze ni nose

Itsu no hi ni ka kono omoi ga

Kakegae no nai kimi ni todoku youni ♪

(Ride in the blue wind

That was just born. I hope some day,

These feeling

Will reach you)

I reached the ending of the chorus. Both of the girls still stares at me with both wonder; their mouth almost agape. “Wow…”

The first to talk is Kei. “That song really is pretty. What’s the title?”

“Huh? Oh… “Promise.””

I answered, and bashfully smiles.

“Hey, Kira.”

From beside me, Kagome suddenly called. I turn to look at her, as she grabbed my face. “I feel like wanting to kiss you right now.”

Those lines she said send a total chill to my body. “Hey, Kagome… are you serious?!” Kei snarled as she heard the declaration.

“No, I’m just kidding.” she grins at the two of us and gently slaps my face. “You have a good voice, Kira.”

“Ah, uhm… thanks, Senior.” I answered. I almost got to her words awhile ago. I know we’ve kissed before, but it’s something she just made out of the whim.

“No one can kiss Kira unless it’s me. Kira’s mine!” Kei suddenly protested and clings on my right arm.

“Yeah, you can have him all for yourself. I’m not interested in him.” Kagome shows a disgust while swaying her hand, shooing me away like I’m a stray dog.

“Plus, I don’t plan to fall in love with the same person with my friend. Unless, you’re a girl, Kira.” she sneers and a playful grin shown. Kei pouts and looks at me.

“She’s just joking, Senior Kei.” I wryly smile at her.

The two starts exchanging banters while I’m in the middle. Then,we decided to go back home. On our way back, Kagome said she will go to her relatives who lives here so we part our ways.

Arriving at the train station, the train came after we enter in the platform. There aren’t much passengers boarding and dropping off, so we saw some vacant seat available.

“Thank you for today, Kira.” Kei speaks as we sit down on an empty chair inside the train.

“You’re welcome.” I answered and smiles at her. “And I like the song you sang. “Promise,” huh… what a beautiful title.”

“Yeah. Actually, I just heard that song from before. Well.. it’s old, so…”

“But it’s beautiful; it’s like you’re conveying something to me.”

Looking at Kei, her gentle smile glows under the light of the wagon. She’s getting prettier the moment I keep looking at her, and my heart keeps pounding fast.

It’s like, I’m getting drawn to her… and these feelings keeps growing to reach her out. My face suddenly feels hot and averts her eyes quickly. Oh, gosh… since the day I stated that I need to sort my feelings, I became more aware of her.

She makes me feel happy. Even if we’re just being together. Just her presence enough makes me smile. And I start longing for her.

“You see, Senior Kei. I—” I face her when the announcement from the P.A. heard off. “Oh, it’s my station…”

I feel a little relieved, and disappointment. Standing at my seat, I say good bye to her. “See you, Senior Kei.” I waved.

“Yeah, take care… I’ll see you again, Kira.” she replied.

Dropping off from my station, I took a last glance at her. That sweet smile she has carved in my mind. The train immediately leaves as I stand from the platform.

“What am I doing…? Telling something I wasn’t even sure about.” I mumbled and sigh. Yeah, today… I was about to tell her that I like her. Well, it’s true that I am starting to like Kei.

But I want to confirm it further. I just don’t want to say things halfheartedly. At least, it’s the thought that I have right now. I will committing myself to her if I say it.

For now, let’s keep holding for it. I want to make sure that we’re both ready for our new turn of our relationship.