Lies and Secrets: Friendship
The beginning of February was, as expected, snowy and cold. Though the amount of snow has been reduced as Spring was approaching. The month was the time of the year where many girls would grow anxious. As Valentine's Day was approaching, most girls would ponder about what they'd give to their lovers and friends. Though Tsubomi Kido hadn't even thought about it.
She continued her days without a care in the world. She hadn't thought about the day where girls would give chocolates and gifts to their lovers and friends. The day meant nothing to the green haired teen for her whole life. It was just another regular day for her. At least until a certain someone had asked a question.
"So what are you going to give Shuuya for Valentine's Day?" Ayano asked, cheerfully.
"Hm? Do I have to give him something?" Tsubomi asked and sighed.
"Of course! He's your boyfriend now, right?"
"Well yeah but-"
"Then you should at least get him something even if it's a candy bar." Ayano shrugged.
"I suppose you're right..." Tsubomi sighed once again.
"I know!" Ayano smiled, proudly. "Oh and Valentine's Day is also Momo's birthday."
"I'll keep that in mind." Tsubomi leaned back in her seat. She was in Ayano's room and siting on a chair by Ayano's desk. The two had decided to spend sometime together just to relax and have a friendly conversation. Tsubomi's long green hair cascaded over her shoulders and her hoodie slowly slid off as she leaned her head back. She stared at the ceiling with a blank expression.
"I...I never really thought I'd get a boyfriend but now I have one and...I'm still adjusting to that fact." Tsubomi closed her eyes for a moment and the image of the blond teen appeared in her mind. His soft blond hair, yellow cat-like eyes and a mischievous grin was all she saw. Whenever he said her name, her heart would race. Whenever they touched, she'd feel a jolt of electricity.
She never imagined herself with a boyfriend nor had she expected him to be someone like Shuuya Kano. Though now she had a boyfriend and of all people, it was Shuuya Kano whom she fell for. Though Shuuya is a good guy. Despite how childish the blond could be, he was still mature and reliable. She loved him.
"well you're happy, right? That's the important thing. You make each other happy." Ayano gave her a gentle smile.
"You think so?" Tsubomi adjusted herself and looked at her.
"He makes you happy, right?" Ayano asked. Tsubomi nodded. "I know you make him happy. He seems more...cheerful ever since he met you." Tsubomi couldn't help it but feel joyful hearing that. "The important part is that you're both happy."
Tsubomi managed a smile. "Yeah."
Staring at the item in her hand, Tsubomi furrowed her brows. The day was after her talk with Ayano and after some thinking, Tsubomi decided to actually do something for her favorite blond. Wearing a purple jacket as usual, she stood in the sweets aisle in the store, examining the options that rested on the shelves. The store wasn't big and didn't have many customers hence it was a slow day for the employees. Tsubomi held a bag of heart shaped chocolates and stared at it intensely.
She couldn't decide whether she'd simply buy a bag of chocolates or make her own chocolate. She looked up and looked around. She once again looked at the small bag in her hand. She took a moment to think. Most girls gave people simple chocolates, either they made it themselves or they bought it.
Tsubomi sighed. She didn't want the gift to be complex but she also didn't want it to be plain and simple. Though knowing Shuuya, he'd accept anything from her. Tsubomi shook her head. She was thinking about it too much. She slumped her shoulders.
What was another option that was sweet and just as traditional as chocolates for Valentine's Day? Tsubomi's eyes widen as an idea had appeared in her mind. Cookies! Tsubomi took two of the chocolate bags and went to another aisle to grab the rest of the ingredients that she needed. She wasn't just planning to make cookies just for Shuuya but also for her friends.
Due to the small amount of people in the store, Tsubomi had been able to pay for the items quickly. She left the store and took in a deep breath. Deep down, she was quite excited to make the cookies. She stopped in her tracks as a thought crossed her mind. What if they didn't like the cookies?
Worry washed over her yet quickly faded. If she can cook well then perhaps she can bake just as good. She sighed and resumed walking back home. She adjusted the bags in her hands as she walked. Her earbuds played music in her ears as usual though she kept it at a suitable volume in which she could hear others.
"Hey! Tsubomi!"
The cheerful voice made the green haired female jump and quickly turn around only to see Kousuke jogging up to her with his usual smile. Tsubomi relaxed her shoulders and gave him a nod in acknowledgment. The tall and cheerful male caught up to her. He wore his usual hair pin to keep his hair off his face and wore a green jacket. He steadied his breathing as he stood next to her.
"Hey...Tsubomi, how are you?" Kousuke asked with a smile.
"Fine. Just buying a few things." Tsubomi shrugged. "What about you?"
"I was just walking around." Kousuke looked at the bags in her hands. "Here let me carry those for you." He reached for them but Tsubomi quickly stepped back from him.
"N-No! It's fine! I can carry these myself!" Tsubomi quickly said. She didn't want him to see all the stuff that she had bought.
"Are you sure?" Kousuke asked. "The least I could do is carry two."
"...fine." Tsubomi reluctantly handed him two of the bags she carried.
"What are these anyways?" He asked and peeked inside the bags.
"No!" Tsubomi exclaimed but unfortunately Kousuke had seen the items.
"Tsubomi, are you going to make something? It's for Shuuya, right?" Kousuke smiled.
"N-No...maybe...yes." Tsubomi slumped her shoulders. "It wasn't just for him though. It's also for you and the others." Tsubomi sighed. "It's the least I could do."
"That's nice of you. Hm now that I think about it, I wonder if Mary is going to make something as well." Kousuke tapped the tip of his chin.
"What is Mary doing anyways?" Tsubomi asked, curiously.
Kousuke shrugged. "I'm not sure. She said she was busy but she didn't tell me with what exactly." Kousuke glanced at her. "What about Shuuya? What's he doing today?"
"Hm? Oh I haven't talked to him today," Tsubomi replied.
"Really? That's a surprise." Kousuke raised his eyebrows. "I expected him to be all over you or something."
"Gross." Tsubomi made a face in disgust and Kousuke laughed.
"GAH!"
Behind them, there was a loud crash. They abruptly stopped and turned around though didn't see anyone in particular but merely garbage cans and boxes piling on top of each other.
"Weird." Tsubomi muttered. She raised an eyebrow but resumed walking. Kousuke followed her. They silently walked together until they reached their destination. Kousuke gawked at her house.
"I'm still adjusting to how large and pretty your house is." Kousuke admitted.
"Well get used to it." Tsubomi sighed. "Thanks for carrying those bags for me and walking me here even though I could've done it alone."
"I'm your friend! I have to help you. Plus I carry heavier stuff at my job!" Kousuke assured as he handed her the two bags.
"When I think about it, Shuuya usually does these kind of things." Tsubomi said.
"Well he likes you." Kousuke reminded and smiled.
"Yeah." Tsubomi smiled.
Kousuke spread out him arms and engulfed her in a hug. "I'm glad that we're friends!"
"Hey! Let go of my girlfriend!" A familiar voice yelled.
"Shuuya?!" Tsubomi exclaimed and was released from Kousuke's bear hug.
Standing a couple of feet away from them, Shuuya pointed at the pair. His black jacket wrinkled and his blond hair was a mess. He panted heavily. Both, Kousuke and Tsubomi, were surprised.
"It was just a hug!" Kousuke put his arms up in defense.
"I don't care!" Shuuya yelled. "I don't like it! You have Mary! Why don't you just hug her instead?"
Tsubomi recovered from her shock and sighed. "Shuuya, you get jealous easily."
"I-I don't!" Shuuya argued.
"Dude, you got upset just because I hugged her," Kousuke stated.
"Shut up!" Shuuya exclaimed.
"What are you doing anyways?" Tsubomi asked.
"Uh well uh..." Shuuya scratched the back of his head and averted his gaze from them. "Well I decided to visit you but on my way I saw you with Kousuke and I kind followed you guys..."
"Wait so you were the one that caused that ruckus earlier?" Kousuke asked.
"You stalked us?" Tsubomi raised an eyebrow at her blond boyfriend.
"Sorry! And don't say stalked!" Shuuya exclaimed. "I don't know I just felt the need to follow you two!"
"Did you really think that we..." Tsubomi's sentence trailed and she couldn't decide whether laugh or yell at him. Though Kousuke reacted faster than her. He started laughing at his friend.
"Dude you are so easily jealous!" Kousuke burst in laughter.
"Sh-Shut up! You'd probably be like this with Mary!" Shuuya retorted. He blushed lightly from embarrassment.
"Wh-What?!" Kousuke blushed in embarrassment as well.
As the two bickered, Tsubomi took the chance to go and drop off the grocery bags. Noticing the disappearance of the stoic female, the two boys stopped their bickering. They merely stood in silence. They exchanged glances a few times and heard a muffled conversation from inside the house. Kousuke glanced at Shuuya.
"You seriously thought that Tsubomi and I-"
"Shut up!"
The front door swung open, startling the boys. Tsubomi scoffed and slammed the door shut. Noticing her foul mood, the boys laughed awkwardly. Shuuya wrapped an arm around her and grinned his signature, mischievous grin. "So uh what's up?"
Tsubomi slapped his arm off and started walking away. Shuuya and Kousuke stared at her with puzzled looks. Tsubomi stopped and turned around to glare at them. "We're all going out for lunch. Now." The boys stiffened due to her glare and venomous tone and nodded.
"Yes m'am!" They both said and followed her.
"What's up with her?" Kousuke whispered to Shuuya.
"Maybe it's the thing at the end of a sentence-"
"I can hear you two." Tsubomi growled.
"Sorry!"
"Let's just go and get some lunch somewhere far from that damn house!" Tsubomi spat.
Feeling the need to cheer her up, Shuuya walked alongside her and glanced at her. "Hey, what's up? What happened?"
Tsubomi shook her head. "It's nothing. Just the usual."
"Your family?" Shuuya questioned. Tsubomi didn't respond.
"How about we go for karaoke or something?" Kousuke jumped into the conversation.
"Or maybe we could go see a movie or the arcade?" Shuuya suggested as the subject was changed.
"...The arcade does sound fun..." Tsubomi muttered. The two boys grinned.
"Then arcade it is!" Shuuya locked arms with Tsubomi. Tsubomi blushed and pulled her hoodie over her head. Kousuke only smiled at his friends.
"So what game do you wanna play first?" Kousuke asked.
"How about-"
"No zombie games, Shuuya!" Tsubomi spoke, firmly.
"Yes m'am." Shuuya smiled, sheepishly.
"Then how about one of those classics games like whack-a-mole or skee-ball?" Kousuke suggested.
"Skee-ball?" Shuuya grinned at Tsubomi.
"Skee-ball." Tsubomi nodded.
"Kousuke that was pure luck!" Shuuya argued.
"I doubt it, Shuuya," Kousuke chuckled.
"Don't you doubt my words!" Shuuya stuck his tongue out at the taller male. Tsubomi merely ignored them and went ahead and resumed the game by tossing the small dark ball. As expected she tossed a ball and it landed inside the 50 hole. Tsubomi sighed at the boys as they quickly resumed playing as well. In the end, Kousuke lost.
"Ha! I knew you'd lose!" Shuuya laughed loudly.
"So what? It was fun." Kousuke smiled.
"Quiet down you idiot! You're being too loud!" Tsubomi scolded and slapped the back of Shuuya's head.
"Ow! Okay, okay! I'll stop!" Shuuya surrendered.
"So what's next?" Kousuke asked.
"Hm? Well maybe we could play..." Tsubomi looked around before finishing her sentence. She spotted one of the racing games and a slight smile formed on her face. "How about one of those race car games?"
"Sure!" Shuuya smiled and made his way towards the game.
"Wait!" Kousuke called out. Shuuya abruptly stopped and looked back at him. Tsubomi looked at him as well. Kousuke started to snicker. "When I think about it, Shuuya is actually the shortest among us."
"Shut it!" Shuuya demanded.
"He's right though. You are the shortest." Tsubomi snickered.
"I'll be taller than you! You'll see! Then you'll be looking up at me, Tsubomi~" Shuuya winked at Tsubomi and Tsubomi purposely gagged.
"Let's show him what it's like to be tall!" Kousuke laughed.
"Wait, what?" Shuuya looked at the two, puzzled.
"That's a great idea." Tsubomi grinned. Kousuke lifted one of Shuuya's arm and Tsubomi lifted the other. Together, they both lifted the blond with grins on their faces.
"This isn't funny!" Shuuya whined.
"It's okay to be short, Shuuya!" Kousuke assured while laughing.
"Get used to it," Tsubomi said, bluntly.
"Why are you so mean to me, Tsubomi?" Shuuya pouted. "I'm your boyfriend, aren't I?"
Hearing the word "boyfriend" made Tsubomi blush and release him. She pulled her hood over her head and sighed. "I'm still not used to that," she muttered.
Shuuya chuckled and poked her shoulder. "Don't get embarrassed, Tsubomi~!" He cooed.
"Shut up," Tsubomi mumbled.
"Let's play that game!" Kousuke cheered and walked towards the game. The couple followed him.
"I am definitely going to beat you, Kousuke!" Shuuya cackled.
"We'll see!" Kousuke chuckled.
"Boys." Tsubomi shook her head and spoke quietly.
Tsubomi sat in the seat between the two boys. Her hand tightly gripped the steering wheel and her foot rested on the pedal as the game started. She'd violently turn the wheel as an attempt to pass the other cars. Shuuya had a smirk placed on his face as he played and Kousuke merely smiled joyfully. All three were concentrated on the game.
Once the game had finished, Shuuya was the victor. Shuuya raised his arms up in the air as he cheered. Kousuke sighed but eventually laughed while Tsubomi watched him and said, "calm down" and "you're too loud" as if he were a child. Shuuya laughed then looked at the other two. "Now what?" He asked.
"Well what time is it?" Tsubomi asked.
"Hm it's 4:30 pm now. Wanna go get something to eat?" Kousuke asked.
"Sure." Tsubomi shrugged.
"I'm hungry!" Shuuya grinned.
"Okay then. Let's go!"
"So what are you going to get?" Shuuya asked and looked at Tsubomi.
"Not sure. Possibly just a sandwich. You?" Tsubomi looked at him.
"Sandwich." Shuuya shrugged.
"So three sandwiches?" Kousuke asked. Shuuya and Tsubomi nodded. "Okay. I'll get the sandwiches, you two pick a table!"
"Where do you want to sit?" Shuuya asked while smiling at the green haired female that stood beside him. She shrugged.
"I don't know. Whichever." Tsubomi sighed. Shuuya randomly sat at a nearby table and Tsubomi sat besides him.
"So uh what happened?" Shuuya asked, gingerly.
"Hm? What do you mean?" Tsubomi asked.
"You were obviously upset earlier," Shuuya plainly said.
"It's just the usual. My dad was getting on my nerves." Tsubomi sighed.
"Why?" Shuuya asked.
"He hates you," Tsubomi stated bluntly.
"S-Seriously?"
"Who hates him?" Kousuke asked as he arrived at the table with their sandwiches.
"My dad," Tsubomi replied.
"Is it because we're dating?" Shuuya questioned.
"Well yeah but he already disliked you since the first time you two met. Now that we're dating, he hates you," Tsubomi explained as she took her sandwich.
"What about me?" Kousuke asked, pointing at himself.
"He doesn't hate you, but he doesn't like you." Tsubomi shrugged.
"He doesn't like anyone, does he?" Shuuya queried.
"Well I guess he likes Momo, Ayano, and Mary," Tsubomi assumed.
"Why?"
"Momo is an idol and since my family is a business family, being friends with her might "benefit us", as stated by my dad. Ayano and Mary is because he thinks they're decent," Tsubomi explained before taking a bite of her sandwich.
"What about Takane?" Kousuke asked.
"She's too snappy, I guess." Tsubomi shrugged. The other two nodded.
"So what's going on with you and Mary?" Shuuya smirked as he changed the subject.
"Huh? Well uh nothing much but uh I guess you can consider us a couple?" Kousuke replied though it came out more as a question. Tsubomi raised an eyebrow.
"Really? So if I asked Mary that you two were dating then she'd say the same?" Shuuya laughed.
"D-Don't!" Kousuke pleaded.
"Then you're not dating?" Shuuya spoke mischievously.
"Yes! No! It's complicated!"
"Shuuya stop terrorizing Kousuke," Tsubomi demanded.
"I'm just teasing him, Tsubomi~" Shuuya cooed.
"Gross," Tsubomi muttered.
"Eh? Why are you so mean to your boyfriend?" Shuuya whined. Tsubomi gagged. Kousuke chuckled.
Being together always made the three feel at ease.
A/N: I'M SO SORRY FOR THE TERRIBLY SLOW UPDATE! . I had terrible writers block plus school and I'm so sorry! Please forgive me ;-;
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!