Even if it's One-Sided

"You look nice," Mayama commented with a warm smile to Yamada as she sat down with the group. It was a beautiful night at the festival and it was nice to just sit around and relax with friends.

Just with that one comment, she got all worked up. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks and kept her head down. Still, a soft smile formed on her lips after hearing she looked nice. But was that it? Only nice?

"Than--," Yamada was interrupted as she rose her head back up to look at Mayama. He was staring at Rika. Yamada noticed that she looked so pretty. As usual. His eyes showed a feeling she couldn't't put her finger on, and for some reason she suddenly felt a knot in her stomach.

She sighed and turned away. She decided to get a drink and walk around till that knot went away.

Morita noticed Yamada's sulking and felt concern rising for her. He decided to follow her, his steps quick so he can catch up. "Yamada! What's wrong? The fireworks are coming up soon!"

"Huh?" Yamada turned around and saw Morita trailing behind her. Hot tears trickled down her cheek.

"Yamada, what's wrong?" Morita asked again more quietly as he caught up to her. He stood in front of her and waited.

Yamada didn't answer him at first but then said between short intakes of breath, "Morita.. what do you think of me?"

He felt confused by the question and a little surprised to be asked such a flat out question. But Morita said what he was thinking anyway. "Yamada, you're beautiful," he answered with a small smile. Morita said what he always thought of her.

With that answer the tears came down faster. "Why isn't that good enough?" she whispered.

Bright lights suddenly flashed from sky, casting shadows on the faces. The fireworks began and the crowd stood in amazement except for Morita and Yamada. They stood there, attentions to only the other.

Morita held her wrists and bent down so he could talk to her face to face. "It is. Trust me, it's more than enough." His warm smile was a little weak.

She leaned her forehead on his chest while burying her face in her cupped hands.

"Trust me," Morita repeated silently in her ear. His words were honest and forever will it be true. Even if he knew it is one sided.

And she still took a peek at Mayama with her tear stained eyes. Even if she knew it is one sided.