Maki's Feelings
Lately, Maki had been acting distant and her best friend Karin didn't know why. Karin felt bad about Maki's distance, but with Maki unwilling to say why, there wasn't anything Karin could do for her.
This continued for a while. Sick of Maki's silence, Karin decided to confront Maki and drag the answer out of her if she had to!
At lunch, Karin told Maki they were going to eat on the roof that day. When Maki refused, Karin got angry.
"We are going to the roof!" Karin stated, grabbing Maki's arm and dragging her out of the classroom.
Up on the roof, Maki opened her lunch and began eating silently. Unable to endure the silence for longer than a few minutes, Karin burst out, "Maki, why have you been so distant? Were you trying to avoid me? Did I make you mad? Tell me! I don't know what I'd do if you hated me!"
At the thought of Maki hating her, Karin burst into tears.
Surprised by Karin's outburst, Maki stood still a moment, then reached to comfort her friend.
"Oh, Karin," Maki sighed. "That's not it. I don't hate you, and I'm not mad at you."
"Really?" Karin asked tearfully.
"Yes, really," Maki answered with a smile. "Now stop crying already Karin, we have to go back to class soon. Do you want to go back with red eyes?"
"N-no," Karin mumbled. "B-but why have you been avoiding me?"
"That's…I don't really have an answer. I've just been a little confused lately, and I didn't want to worry you, that's all. I'll…tell you everything when I've sorted it all out, all right?" Maki said, with a pleading look in her eyes.
"All right, Maki. I trust you. I just wish you had told me…" Karin said.
Oh, Karin…Maki sighed to herself as Karin walked away. If only I could tell you…but I can't. Not when you love Usui-kun so much... You don't need this from me, you already have enough to worry about…As your best friend for so many years, the only thing I wish for is that you are happy and never have to know my secret burden... the fact that I… well, the fact that I love you, as more than just a friend or a sister, that special person who is forever my first love…Karin, you must never find out about these feelings, because if you do, we will be unable to remain best friends as we are now, and I would lose you forever. Stay oblivious to these feelings as I try to make them disappear, and wish for your happiness with Usui-kun with all my heart, as your best friend forever…