Konnichiwa minna!

Author's Note: I do not own Lovely Complex. The said Anime belongs to Aya Nakahara-sama.

Chapter 2: His Horizon

My heart beats so fast. I am really, really nervous. This is it. This is the day. "Atsushi, be a man," I repeatedly tell to myself. Just give your gifts and greet her, 'Happy Birthday!', and smile. As simple as that. You are a man, right?

But as I approach her seat, my courage dissipates. "Urgh, be man, Atsushi! This is an easy thing to do!" I exclaim on my mind.

Today is her birthday.

Mayu Kanzaki's birthday.

I confessed way back middle school, and got rejected. I thought after that incident, I'll finally move on and forget her.

But, man, I was wrong.

Totally, wrong.

This feeling inside me becomes stronger and stronger each day.

Urgh. I speak like a romantic cheesy guy. This is totally not me…

Anyway, this feeling made me build the courage to buy her flowers and gift for her birthday. I know I have no chance for her, but still, I want to show my feelings to her..

It is lunch break, so only my classmates are in the room. It is better than having sensei around. Besides, they already know that I have feelings for Kanzaki.

I approached her. She is alone, reading a book. My classmates suddenly become quiet. I turn to them, and they all watch me closely. Urgh, that doesn't help. Only she didn't divert her attention to me, for she is engrossed on what she is reading. I stop right in of her. Fortunately, she looks up, and recognizes me. "Atsushi-kun, may I help you?" and she flashes a beautiful smile of hers.

That smile of hers made my heart skip. I'm sure I am blushing right now. "Uh—uh-…" I am loss of words. "Kanzaki, Happy Bi-birthday.." I finally said. I extend my hands to her, bowing as I do so. "Please accept my flowers and this gift!" I blurt out. I hear my classmates say 'aww' and that's my cue to face Kanzaki. She is in beet red too! "Arigato, Atsushi-kun. You are sweet." Despite what happened, she gives me her sweet smile. The class becomes like wild animals. The males are teasing both of us while the females congratulate and giggle. I find my bestfriend, Koizumi, looking at me. She gives me an 'ok' sign and smiles encouragingly. Despite this embarrassing moment, I am happy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The school ended and I run towards my bestfriend and neighbor, Koizumi Risa. We've known each other since birth. Funny thing we still call each other with our last names, I think because we always tease and 'fight' against each other, mostly our height complexes. Despite that, I consider her my best friend.

Me: Koizumi!

Koizumi turns her head and starts to tease me, "Oh, the brave one!" She shields herself from me, like I am her enemy, then surrenders herself and position an 'All-Hail' pose.

I raise a brow, confused. "What are you doing?" This Amazon is really weird.

She smiles wickedly and said, "So, how did the flowers and gift go?"

I answer her nonchalantly, "As usual, she accepted it." I know where this talk will go..

Koizumi gives a snort. "But she never accepted your feelings, right?" She gives her signature grin whenever she teases me.

"Shut up! It hurts you know, to be like this since middle school!" Of all the people, you know that, Amazon.

She whispers something but I did not hear. I ask her, "Huh, Koizumi? What did you say?" I lean closer to her.

"I said you are an idiot, for pursuing her for a long time."

I answer her immediately, "Because I love her Koizumi." I look straight to her eyes, "You don't understand it, since you never experience love." I am sure of it. Ever since middle school, I never saw her with a male, nor she didn't tell me she got someone she is interested in, and even boys who took an interest of her, so I'm sure of it.

Yet, she gives a pained expression but immediately changes into a smile. "You never know." Huh?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I brought, I mean, dragged Koizumi to Umibozou concert. I bought these tickets for Kanzaki, but she declined my invitation. Since it's a waste I bring Koizumi along. After all, both of us are his fans! That is why I'm wondering Koizumi is playing she don't want to be in this concert. The nerve of this amazon!

But now, we walk together like idiots.

"Man, That was one of his best!" I exclaim.

"Oh that is right, Otani! He even pulled us on the stage to sing with him!" She replies, forgetting her early outbursts of dragging her to this concert. "Glad I bring you along." I say. Then I just remember something. I grab her hand, "Oh! Come with me, I'll show you something."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Why are we standi-WOW!" Koizumi exclaims after her dozens of complaints.

I know she will love this place. This place is sanctuary of fireflies. I lead her to the top of a hill to show her the most beautiful spot for firefly gazing. She continues to enjoy watching the fireflies giving off their lights. "Wow! It is so beautiful!" I smile and give her time to appreciate them

Suddenly she speaks that give me creeps, "You are so sweet, Otani."

"Urgh." I initially state, "Don't say things like that. So creepy."

"Thank you. I love it." She diffuses my early comment. She closes her eyes. Hm? Weird. Is she sleepy?

Then she begins to blabber unnecessary stuff, "You know, Otani. You are a kind person."

I turn my head towards her, and I find her still closing her eyes, yet smiling. "What are you saying? You've just realize it? I thought you knew it since middle school?" Are we really neighbors?

"You are the kindest person I've met. You are always laughing like an idiot with me. You are caring, you are sweet. You are fun to be with." Still her eyes are close.

This freak is freaking me out. "Koizumi-"

She did not finish my words. "That is why I like you!" She opens her eyes, reflecting the green light illuminated by the fireflies.

Like? Really Koizumi, why saying them now?

"Huh? I like you too Koizumi. You know, you are the only one who I'll be sharing my craziness on Umibozou, right?" I replied. Even we fight like forever, I still like her. I considered her bestfriend, right? What got to this giantess?

She shakes her head many times. "No, no, Otani. You got it wrong."

"How can I be wrong?" What else does she mean?

"I like you!" she answers almost shouting, "I mean, I love you since we were in middle school! Romantically, I mean! I love you!"

I just stare at her, lost for words.

"I love you, Otani."

"Eh?!"

After a moment of silence, I start to talk.

"Are you okay, Koizumi? Do you have fever?" I placed my hand on her forehead, she doesn't have a fever. "Why are you saying unnecessary things?"

And tears are welling up in her eyes. That makes my heart sting a bit. I never made Koizumi cry, despite our fights and misunderstandings.

"Aho, Otani! You are the most stupid midget I know!" She shouts at me. She steps closer to me and gives me a punch.

"Aw!" I shouted in agony, making me fall off my feet.

She gives me a tearful look before running away.

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Thank you for reading!

By

Green-ninja05
November 2014