"BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.", The alarm clock woke Tsubaki up, it's 7 AM.
She stretched her back, yawning loudly. It was another normal day of school, she took a fast shower, washed her teeth and got dressed.
"Hi mom..." she said after going downstairs, seeing her mom in the kitchen making breakfast. "Good morning Tsubaki, how are you?", "Fine..., I'm just hungry.", her mom looked at her, "Are you sure you're ok?", "Yeah, don't worry, I'm just not in a good mood today.".
Breakfast was ready, it consisted of rice, Miso soup with marinated vegetables, and the tsukemono, she ate it slowly. After finishing breakfast, she left the house to go to school, "Bye mom.", "Good luck, Tsubaki.". The air was cold, but the sun was warming her up.
She was thinking about Kousei, the way he was playing the piano yesterday, he was so happy, but she was feeling so sad because she never managed to make him that happy.
All of a sudden, Tsubaki ran into Kousei on her way to school, they looked at each other for a moment, "Hi, Tsubaki..." said Kousei, she pouted, "hi...", then she walked away faster than before.
She was so angry with him, but she knew that it was such a selfish anger, it's not right to be mad at someone just because he doesn't feel what you want about you.
During break time at school, Tsubaki was discussing with Kashiwagi Nao as always: "Kashiwagi, I know that it doesn't make any sense to be angry at him, I'm just so... so jealous. I wanted to be the one to brighten his day..." and she started crying, "Who says that you don't?" replied Kashiwagi, "What do you mean?", "See, there are various types of people that can brighten your day, like a caring parent, a loving girlfriend or boyfriend, a really close and loyal friend. How do you know that you're not one of those people that make his day better?".
Tsubaki thought for a moment: "No, I'm not any of them, I could easly disappear from his life without him even noticing...", "Are you kidding me?! Since you were kids you have always been together. Trust me, you play a big role in Kousei's life. You might not be his girlfirend, but there are many other roles that make his day better, and I bet that yours is a REALLY important one.", "Which role am I then?", "You have to understand it, Tsubaki, not me. You should go talk to him.".
Tsubaki pulled it together, and went to him. She already knew where he was: in the classroom, alone, while everyone else was having the break around the school. She knows that he likes to spend time alone, she knows him more than anyone else.
Tsubaki got in the classroom, Kousei was sitten on his chair listening to music, as always.
She looked at him for a few seconds, "Kousei...", he paused the music, surprised, she didn't start a conversation with him for many days. Her eyes became wet, "May I know what the hell I am for you?!", tears started to run down her cheeks. He was shocked at first, but after little time he smiled at her: "Tsubaki, you have alway been with me, since I was a toddler. You gave me so much support over the years, don't you remember? My cat was abandoned, you were there to comfort me and you even tried to find it. I got hurt playing, you were there to carry me home even though your foot was in a terrible condition. You have always been with me to help me when I was struggling, I'm so thankful that you are in my life.", he stopped for a moment, "Tsubaki, you're such a special person for me, nothing will ever be able to replace you, you're unique.". She looked at him for a while, and broke down in tears, "Thank you, Kousei!", then she felt him hugging her, she hugged back. "Tsubaki, I'm sorry that I caused you this pain, I'm sorry that I don't feel the same you feel for me, but don't you dare think that you are nobody in my life, ok?", "Ok.", and they smiled at each other.
Tsubaki and Kousei came back home together after school. "Bye, Kousei, see you tomorrow!", "Bye, Tsubaki.", he smiled at her.
"Mom! I'm home!", "Welcome back, Tsubaki, dinner's ready!". She took off her shoes, washed her hands, and rushed at the table, there was rice with chicken curry, "Yum! Bon Appetit!", she finished her portion in few moments. "You look happier now, Tsubaki, did something good happen to you at school?", "No, it's your good food that is magic!", they both chuckled.
Tsubaki thought again about what Kousei told her at school,
"Thank you, Kousei. I finally feel appreciated.".
