After school.

Hinako and I decided to take a detour on our way back home. Right now, I’m still contemplating upon the examination week, and our date might be compromised if I happen to fail.

“Ayase,” cracking my thoughts, Hinako suddenly called me.

“Huh?” I turn sideways to look at her. “Here, a souvenir for you.” she offers a paper bag. Oh, right… I remembered she had a family trip last weekend.

“Oh, thank you.” I accept it and looks at the inside. “Woah! *manjuu!” I exclaimed giddily. She giggles at me while glaring. “It’s your favorite. *kaeru-manjuu.”

“Really. You bought it for me? I’m so flattered!” I widely smiles at her. I embrace her, like I always do whenever I feel happy. “A-ayase!” she exclaimed and pushes me away.

“Hmmmm? What’s the matter?” I asked. I’ve always been doing this to her since we started getting close. Hinako is always fine when I’m doing this, but right now, I see her face blushed.

“No. It’s nothing… It’s just, you know…?”

Her eyes darted and avert on me while talking. I see that she’s getting embarrassed right now, huh? Eh?

I also realized it. We’re having mutual on our feelings right now, yet there seems to be a little awkwardness between us. “Ah, yeah… right.” I smile sheepishly. Fuck, what am I doing right now.

“Even so, I am glad you like it.”

Hinako flashes a sweet smile, reflecting on the sunset and bustle of the surroundings. It made my heart thumps fast. Her beauty lingers in my eyes as I gaze at her.

“What’s the matter?”

“Huh? No, I’m just mesmerized by your beauty.” I mumbled and looked away. I don’t know why, I always hang out with her but right now, it’s as if I’m drawn to look only for her.

“Let’s go.” Hinako then grabbed my left arm and pull me. We run through the crowd, passing along while looking straight ahead. “Where are we going?” I asked.

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She didn’t reply to me; all I hear are our ragged breath and clacking sounds of our shoes. A few minutes of our running. We arrived at the near park. It’s deserted, so we decided to take a break near the bench.

Sitting side by side, she bought two bottles of tea. “Thanks,” I smile and opens the bottle. We both took a sip and looks at the surroundings. The peace and quiet of the surroundings calms me.

“Ayase…” in the silence, Hinako calls me.

“What’s up?” I asked and turns to see her. Our eyes meet in a sudden. “Remember the time you asked if you want to kiss me?”

“Huh?” I got baffled from the question she asked. We both didn’t blinked while looking at each other. “I was hoping you do it that time. I was anticipated that you will kiss me.”

I didn’t reply as she continues. “But you hesitate. You’re thinking that our friendship might go awry if you do.”

Hinako then reaches my face and touches it. “I was holding back all this time. I’ve always been bugged by that question of yours.”

Her eyes sparkles as the radiance of sunset reflects. I am also got mesmerized by her at this moment. Grabbing her hand, I firmly holds it. “Sorry, I never think that I might like you as a woman, but I’m certain on these feelings…”

Feeling her warmth, I smile at her. She also smiles back and we lean our faces to each other. In a certain moment, I feel her lips touching mine. The sensual feeling enveloped me, as my eyes slowly close.

I perceive her warm breath entangles mine. A few seconds passing us feels like eternity. I don’t want to end this moment. But then, Hinako loses her lips away from me and shows a smile.

We both move away and see each other. My face feels hot; it feels like all of the blood within my body rises up.

“I’m happy to know our feelings is mutual.”

Seeing her looks right now, she seems drowned in euphoria. I can sense through her the happiness right now. “And I’m looking forward to our new relationship, Ayase.”

“Eh?” I grunt out of surprise.

“I want to be your girlfriend. Will you go out with me?”

That sudden question presents on me. I wasn’t even sure if she’s really serious right now. It feels like I’m just dreaming. “Ayase?”

“Huh?” I asked again. This time, Hinako’s brows fuzzed, quizzically thinking if I’m listening to her right now.

“Gosh, are you listening?”

“Huh? Ah… yeah… but,”

Hinako bellows. “I guess you’re not ready yet.” she stands up with her bag and walks away. “Hey! Can you repeat what you said!? Hinako! I’m sorry!”

“WHATEVER! IDIOT!” she screamed. I wasn’t sure if that confession she said is true. I guess I was really an idiot for not trying to let those words sink.

“Hinako! Wait!” reaching her, I grabbed her hand.

“Argh! What’s your problem—?!”

“Yes, I’ll go out with you. I want you to be my girlfriend!”

I heard it all loud and clear. I am aware that she said those lines without hesitation. And I won’t hesitate with these feelings I have for her. “I like—no, I love you, Hinako.”

Voicing the feelings I have for her, so as my grip on her hand. “And I won’t let anyone else have you.”

Her eyes, locked and widely opens as she heard my words… her lips form a wide smile. “I also love you, Ayase.”

Her grip tightened as well. We both affirm our feelings for each other. And thus, this day, we started dating.