"Make way for the Top Coordinator, Candy Musalina!" Musashi proudly proclaimed.
"Yan Yanma!"
"Another city, another Contest" Nyasu said.
"And another ribbon for me!" Musashi said with glee.
"Soooonansu!"
"Well, it's not impossible." I said.
"Yeah. Who would have though Musashi would be doing well at Contests while the Jari-girl would be sucking?" Nyasu commented.
"Shinou certainly has been full of surprises." I reply.
Nyasu and I go to our seats and watch the appeal round. Once again Musashi passes. It's become so common place Nyasu and I don't even get that excited anymore.
"Who would have thought you could pass an appeal round with a Megayanma?" Nyasu said.
"Yeah, Musashi sure was something." I added with a smile.
"Um… yeah, she was I suppose..."
The battle round begins and Musashi beats her first opponent, a Ponyta, rather easily.
"That's right Musashi, take him down!" I cheered
"Sonansu!"
I laughed and smiled. Not even realizing how I must look.
"Hey…Kojiro…" Nyasu asked
"Yes?"
"What's with you giving Musashi all these looks?"
"What are you talking about? I'm just cheering her on as always."
"Yeah, and as always you're giving her these looks like you've got a crush on her or something."
"What?! That's ridiculous!" I blushed. I'm just cheering on my friend." I really thought that's all I was doing.
"Then why are you blushing?"
"Huh? No I'm not"
"Kojiro I've had enough. Every Contest it's the same. " You cheer on Musashi like some a love sick Pochiyena."
"Knock it off Nyasu!"
"At first I didn't think anything of it. We both cheer on Musashi. But I can't help but notice you smile at her no matter what kind of bizarre appeal she does. Manene and Sabonea using Tickle on her, Dokucale lifting her up in the air. It doesn't phase you at all"
"You're acting like Musashi acting strange is something new."
"It's not. But you act like it's the most amazing thing ever while the rest of the crowd enjoys it, but also wonder what kind of nut she is."
"She is a nut! I never said she wasn't!"
"But the way you look at her when does these things… Need I remind you of the confetti you threw when she passed the appeal round of the Zui Town Contest? "
"Stop it! You're reading too much into things. She's just a friend and I'm cheering her on. You do the same!
Yeah, but I don't go throwing confetti around just for passing an appeal round.
"I thought you were happy she's finally doing well?"
"I also can't help but notice you keep staring when she practices."
"Nyasu…" My blood is starting to boil. Just who does he think he is, accusing me of being in love with Musashi.
"I'm not sure I've seen you smile like that before."
"Nyasu. Stop it. I mean it." I'm dead serious now. I don't get this way often, but Nyasu is going too far. I would have laughed this off a few months ago. But for some reason, I only felt anger.
"Just admit it Kojiro."
"Don't you dare say it."
"You're in love with Musashi."
My face turns as red as a tomato. That was it, the last straw. Me, in love with Musashi? The nerve of him and his baseless speculation.
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT. UP! I'M NOT IN LOVE WITH HER! SHE'S BOSSY AND MEAN AND ONLY CARES ABOUT HERSELF! HOW DARE YOU ACUSE ME OF BEING IN LOVE WITH SUCH A HORRIBLE WOMAN!"
I knew it was wrong the moment I said it. She wasn't nearly as bossy as in the past, she did care about me, and she was far from a horrible woman. But I just couldn't handle it.
Everyone in our section was staring at us, but I didn't even notice. Tears were streaming down my face, and all I saw was my supposed friend giving me this look I had rarely seen. It's like he was staring right into my heart. He saw right through me and knew how I felt.
"Kojiro calm down! People are starting to stare."
"Just shut up! Leave me alone!" And with that I ran. I ran out of there as if my life depended on it.
"Kojiro wait!" Nyasu yelled, but I was too far gone for him to catch up.
I eventually collapsed in the forest just beyond the Contest Hall. Out of breath, red faced and crying.
"That cat…accusing me of that…"
And was absolutely terrified.