Yooo it's me again.
I will finish this. Haha.
And I reallllly appreciate you all. Thank you.
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Liking someone wasn't all butterfly and so-perfect-it-can-almost-make-you-cry kind of thing.
It wasn't romantic as what everyone claimed it to be when experienced for the first time.
For Mayuzumi, it was more of a looming threat of self downfall, especially now that he was starting to realize the extent of his emotion.
He hated to say but the feeling was really real. It was really inside his chest. Somehow, it was suffocating and bothersome. He'd rather puke blood, lose a limb, or anything alike, if that meant he could have his peace back.
When did he lose the ability to deny things? He couldn't make his self believe in what he wanted to believe anymore.
Of all kinds of emotion, why it had to be that? Of all people, why it had to be him? And most of all, why it had to be her?
From the outside, he was just in his casual poker expression. No one would notice how deep his thoughts had been for some time. As he crouched down inside the locker room of the gymnasium while staring at the ball kept in between of his palms, he dreaded this realization.
"Mayuzumi-san, lets have a one-v-one?" Hayama Koutaro came without warning, peeking beside the door of their locker room.
Winter cup was coming and Hayama Koutaro wanted to get the feeling of receiving their sixth man's passes but before he could even finish the invitation, Mayuzumi already declined as he brushed past Hayama to exit the room.
The blonde was left frowning at how unsociable Mayuzumi could get almost every time. Well, he could just win the game without his help, just his technique would be enough, he thought, recovering quickly at the rejection from the older male.
As for Mayuzumi, he went at the back of the gymnasium, far from the noises of the club. What he needed was a time to be alone, to comprehend things and find what he must do.
Even so, he knew what it should be. He must ignore these feelings and hope for it to disappear in the process.
There was no point in watering a plant that was already dead. The soil and the plant weren't just compatible in the first place.
If she was a flower then he'd be just a sand. Someone like her wouldn't grow on him.
Of all things, he just had to focus on the upcoming match. Only to that, and nothing else. After all, the winter cup was only few months away.
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It was that time of the year again.
Before the winter cup, there was another thing that must be done, both for the members of the student council and the basketball club, or to put it simply, to all students of Rakuzan High.
Before any sports tournament, they had to exhibit their cultural skills first.
That was it, the cultural festival.
Some liked it and were really excited, but for others, it was just another tiring event that didn't matter.
The main body who would be busy with the mentioned festival was no other than the members of the student council. It was only a given, and because of that, their point of view regarding it won't matter. They had to be excited if they were the ones managing the event.
A few days ago, Akashi Seijuro began receiving the final activity that every class would exhibit. Most of them wanted to do the usual things such as cafes, gaming activity, a play, a food stall, and so on. Some clubs were also tasked to hold entertainment shows especially those that were already in that category—entertainment, like the music club.
Only during after class that everyone would feel the weight and pressure of this upcoming event. There were so many things that needed preparation. So many things to do, some students called a pause on their other affairs just to cope up.
But such option would never apply to Akashi Seijuro.
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On the first day of the event, the students gathered altogether to hear a brief introduction and greetings from the school head. This was followed by a short message from the student council president.
Akashi Seijuro stood at the stage. The other members of the council remained part of the audience.
It never occurred to Hotaru how different the scenery would be if it was like this—Akashi Seijuro demonstrating his ability to lead as she watched from afar. It was different. Usually, she would be behind him, at the same stage, in front of the same people, with only his back in her sight.
This time was a new experience because she was able to see his face, the way his mouth moved as he gazed around and the way he carried his self confidently. Instead of thinking about the journey he had to do to reach this moment, she found herself admiring the outcome of that journey.
Without realizing, she began smiling to herself. He seemed satisfied. Was this why he refused to stop despite the hardships? Maybe a bit, she understood a little part of him. Something only those who spent most of the time with him would see.
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"Geez, why did we decide on a play? We're not even from the drama club." One student started the question that probably half of the class wanted to know.
"Ahm, for a starter, we won't even qualify to be a member of that club."
"Yea but that's not the point!"
"What can we do? There's no way we can compete with other class' extravagant café if we went on with the previous plan, right?" Another girl chimed in. "And it's not like we have to showcase a play levelling the Broadway's acting, you know."
"That's right. This is just for fun. Let's just enjoy."
In the midst of that conversation, one student asked all of a sudden while looking at the attendance list. "Has there always been a Mayuzumi Chihiro in our class?" The class representative was preparing everyone on to their duties, making sure that the task would be distributed fairly.
However, a certain name seemed to be very foreign. In the list, it was stated that this Mayuzumi was the one in-charge of marketing their presentation.
"I think so…?" One replied.
"Hmm…I wonder," The class representative hummed doubtful, "I can't seem to remember his face."
"Hey! You guys are rude. That person is my table neighbor!" Another girl interjected, while preparing the costumes that they would be using.
"Are you sure that it wasn't some kind of a ghost or maybe… it was just part of your imagination?"
"Gho-Ghost? No, not at all. I talked to him before so I'm sure of it." She looked up with a forefinger on chin, "Though I already forgot his face."
The class representative sighed. There was no point in arguing about this, he thought. The fact that the name was on the list meant only one thing—that person was real. "Ok, then, can someone inform him to hand out the flyers and carry this card board around." He wasn't particularly talking to anyone in specific, but he let everyone in the class hear it, including the person they had been trying to identify.
Without any words, Mayuzumi decided to act on his own since he already heard what must be done. He took all the brochures, as well as the cardboard, to fulfill the duty.
The task was perfect, he thought. He wouldn't want to be stuck at the backstage and be in charge to the preparation of their play. It just wouldn't be good for someone like him. Ratherl than being a help, he'd probably only surprise them with his mysterious presence.
Eitherway, his task wasn't beneficial to the class because of the same issue—his lack of presence. As expected, no one bothered to look at him nor accept the brochures.
Nevertheless, he decided to continue and walked around. At least, he knew in his heart that he did his part and wasn't being unfair to anyone.
He walked around the area where the stalls were located and stopped when he reached the end. No one budged an eye to him. He was sure of that. About the brochure, he just left one copy in every stall that he passed by. At least that way, someone might take a notice of their show.
After a while, he found a place that the student usually used as study area during normal days, but due to school's festival, it was empty. The lone third year decided to spend the remaining time of his shift sitting, while watching the people passing by.
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The first day of festival was peaceful. Thankfully, there didn't seem any problem. Hotaru was savoring the wind and quiet view from the window of Music Club room.
She was leaning at the sill of the window, supporting her face with her palms. On regular days, the view in front of the sole window of Music club would usually be crowded by students scattered around, occupying the benches while studying, hanging out and the likes. Due to the festival, it was almost empty which offered a nice atmosphere.
Then, somehow, someone came into view, holding a cardboard that had "CLASS 3C – A PLAY TO REMEMBER" on it. She smiled wondering whose idea it was. Nevertheless, they sure picked the wrong guy to campaign their show.
The third year, unbeknownst to him, was being watched from above. Mayuzumi sat in one of the benches. She figured he must be resting after walking around.
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Mayuzumi-san...
A thought crossed her mind. The situation was one-sided, she was the only one who could see him. He probably wouldn't notice her up there. Yet, it still felt like being together. Like a company she had with her. She found her self smiling.
Hotaru remembered the last time they were together too. Unlike that time, he seemed at peace from her point of view. There were no creases on his expression. His eyebrows looked calm. Somehow she realized how could she easily make him frown as if her existence was a torture to him. She smiled to herself softly. She knew that but for some reason, she really couldn't help but take his attention whenever she could.
The staring continued until the headphones attached to her ears were removed by someone behind. "Sasazaki? I've been calling you, you know?"
It was one of her co-club members.
Ah…
She slightly looked behind her shoulder, taking the earphones back to her hands. "What is it?"
"Nothing, Prez is asking if we're all ready for the recital later." Her colleague glanced at her in the middle of taking something from the cupboard. "What are you going to play?"
She pursed her lips and slowly went back to her previous stance, checking if Mayuzumi was still on that bench.
Her eyes lingered at him somehow.
After finding out that they'd be playing at the theater for this festival, she actually had no piece in mind. She thought she'd just randomly picked from one of her musical sheets. But then, looking at Mayuzumi, that peaceful ambiance he had, it actually reminded her of that one melody.
"Hmm. I'm okay." Hotaru assured.
"What are you looking over there?" The other person peeked a little at the same window to see what was keeping Hotaru glued. "Hmm... What's going on? There's nothing there?"
Hotaru pulled up her brows before smiling. She really was the only one who could see him right away. "…Don't mind me. I'm just taking some inspiration…" Maybe?
The classmate raised a brow. Hotaru can be weird sometimes, the member specializing in flute thought. "Ah, okay… I'll leave you there then."
She didn't notice you Mayuzumi-san. Is it some kind of a superpower? She chuckled again. But seriously, that melody fitted him. She took her ipod and put that song in play as she wore the headphones once again.
His presence made her yearn for the past when she wasn't yet part of the Akashi household. Back then, everything was quiet and peaceful. Though it was just a feeling, as if life hadn't beckoned it yet to be released to her perception. The more she looked, the more that feeling seemed clearing, as if one day, it would float to the surface, and then she'd know. Why did she feel so comfortable just by the sight of him?
Such an odd one you are… Mayuzumi-san...
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"Where is the justice here?! Where did this audience come from?!" One student pronounced while peeking through the curtains of the backstage.
They just finished their play and was cleaning up to give way to the next performer which happened to be the Music club. Upon the end of their show, the audience suddenly got bigger.
"Hey, if whining could make our job faster then I really wouldn't mind. Sadly, it won't, so could you just pick those cardboard beside?" The class representative said.
"But—"
"No can do. The music club is just that popular, not only here but in other schools as well. I heard most of the visitors in today's festival are invited by their president." Someone informed.
"President? As in that very popular Hana Miyagi of Class 3A?"
"Yes, the violin girl. That's her."
"Ohhhh…"
"Now you sound satisfied there so move move." The class representative clapped his hand and took everyone's attention. "Please get all the mess and other things we borrowed from our classroom."
"No fair! Let those who didn't do much do the clean up! You know like…ahm… what is the name of that guy again.? Mayumi… Ma-Mayuzumi Chihiro! I haven't seen that guy at all!"
The very mention of his name stole his attention. He had been in the same room all along, quietly helping on putting every piece of used costumes inside the plastic bag.
Either way, Mayuzumi didn't bother defending his self. He would just let them talk ill and not care at all.
He stretched his body and went beside the same person complaining about him, offering another plastic bag.
"Oh? Thanks Man…" the student said and put the accumulated trash inside without looking who handed it.
"You guys are not yet done? The music club is here!" One girl, also one of his classmates, informed.
"Ah shit! Not yet!"
Mayuzumi was taken aback upon hearing the information. He might not know the whole members of this glorified music club but he did know one person among them.
His last meeting with her wasn't good at all. So as a favor, he wouldn't let her see him or else it might affect her play. Or maybe he was only thinking too much about it. Maybe she didn't care at all. Either way, them, not meeting would be the best course of action.
He turned on his back and crouched at the corner, busying his self on gathering the items scattered around to put it at the respective boxes.
That was when he heard footsteps he bet belonged to the music club members.
Mayuzumi already decided that he wouldn't look until his task was done.
"I'm sorry but we're going to interrupt the place for a while." unfamiliar voice came in. "Don't worry, we won't be needing the backstage… so please continue without rush."
And that was all, judging the sound of their steps, he could tell that they already went their ways outside the stage. This was followed by loud applause from the audience.
"Heh, that's an amazing cheer."
"I told you they are popular."
"I want to watch!"
"Yea but first of, let's finish this."
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The recital of the music club started with a short introduction from the club's president, as if treating it like an official show. Then it was followed by the members showcasing their own instruments one by one, playing their own masterpieces.
"Oh! Isn't that the sound of Oto?"
"Really? So old-school!"
"Stop commenting every now and then about them! Focus on your job, geez."
"I can't help it! You rarely get to hear that instrument nowadays!"
"I get it, but don't always stop every time you talk. At least try to multitask, can you?"
Mayuzumi really had rowdy classmates. Unlike them, he was doing his part silently. He sighed and thought about leaving once he finished his duty. At this rate, they might not be able to finish until the closing of the festival.
Regardless, he'd agree on what that noisy classmate of him said. The sound of Oto was rather atypical in this day and age.
The sound coming from the stage changed again. Perhaps another instrument was being played. This brought him into thinking, when would she get her turn? For some reason, the feeling as if he was waiting was there.
The sound of the guitar came next. Followed by the next, quite high-pitched melody he bet belonged to a saxophone or something alike. He couldn't be sure. He wasn't an expert when it came to musical instruments after all.
"Uwaa, Hana Miyagi-sama is finally playing. She's so cute."
The class representative of class 3C finally gave up. He was not going to say anything anymore. Sighing, he stood up and lifted one box with him. "I'll go ahead and be back for the next batch."
But no one was listening, the rest of the class who were supposed to be cleaning up were all peeking from the curtain.
"Oh wow, as what you'd expect from pros."
"They are pros?"
"They look and sound like pros though."
Come to think of it, this would be Mayuzumi's second time hearing her play the piano. However, that time and this were different. This one would be a formal play compared to that last one where it was only a mere minute.
"Ah! The next one."
"Isn't that the vice president of the student council?"
Somehow, it made Mayuzumi glanced a little bit to his back, though everything was covered by the thick and white curtain.
He also saw the vertical line up of his classmate's heads, trying their best to peek at the stage. They looked so dumb like that. He wouldn't do the same.
"Is she gonna play the piano?"
The sole third year that was not peeking stood up and decided to exit the backstage room. Somehow, he didn't want to stay any longer.
He stood outside, determined to leave.
In his front were two hallways, the one at left would lead outside the theatre, while the right would connect inside the audience hall.
He was determined to leave.
He really was.
But somehow, he stopped and looked down.
No one knew what was going on in his mind at the moment. No one would notice that his mind and heart were in a heated battle at the moment.
His mind wanted to exit but his heart desired the opposite. Such restraint was self imposed and seemingly, his heart was winning. It was taking control over his body as his feet refused to go on.
In any sense, nothing was stopping him from watching the play.
Nothing except his own denial.
He kept thinking he didn't care, that he didn't want to see her performance. There was no reason to go and see what was going on at the stage, especially from the audience perspective.
On the other hand, it wouldn't matter too if he left. One foot took a step to his left, then paused again.
There was a blurry sound in the background. The audience was clapping amidst an inexplicable sound.
"…"
And it didn't feel good.
Mayuzumi sighed a long breath and looked up. Then he breathed in this time. There was hesitation but the desire to see wasn't losing to it.
At this point, he'd just let curiosity do its thing. He gulped and reversed his steps.
Finally, he took the right hallway and walked quietly towards the direction where the audience was at.
It would be quick, he thought. Just a small glimpse and he'd be gone. He just needed to prove his self that there was nothing special about some girl playing some instrument. The desire was nothing but a false feeling, an inauthentic reaction of his body caused by their unusual and unwarranted relationship.
As he went deeper in the hallway, the melody started clearing, invading his ears.
Though he appeared casual in the surface, his emotions were actually starting to clamor in the inside. Like two sides fighting, trying to dominate one another— It was such a pretty sound—No, it was ordinary—, perhaps, he'd know which one was his real thoughts in a while.
Nearing...
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Almost there...
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And finally,
Emerging from the shadows behind the stage, Mayuzumi stepped into the dim light, his eyes still adjusting to the darkness. The faint glows of the hall were his only guide as he carefully made his way forward, inching closer to the crowd.
The faces in the audience were obscured by the shadows, all of them fixed on one thing—the performer at the center of it all. The spotlight illuminated her figure, casting a halo around her, while the large, shiny instrument she played seemed to shimmer under the harsh beams of light.
Mayuzumi stopped at the corner of the room, close enough to watch but far enough to avoid meeting her gaze.
The crowd was utterly silent. It was as if time itself had paused to give her space. The only sound in the hall was the music she was weaving into the air.
Her head bent low, her eyes focused intently on the keys. Her arms moved with graceful precision—rising and falling, shifting side to side in perfect harmony. Her neck arched slightly, and even her feet moved in rhythm, pedaling with purpose, though Mayuzumi couldn't discern the purpose behind it. He had no way of knowing if the piece was difficult or not, but there was something undeniably captivating about the way she was completely absorbed in the music. The entire scene felt otherworldly—a large instrument contrasting against her delicate, almost fragile form, each note floating through the air like a sweet, slow breath.
He found himself unable to look away. The faces of the other people around him no longer mattered as his gaze remained locked on her, drawn to her with an intensity he couldn't explain.
Mayuzumi swallowed hard. What was it that held him so captive? Why couldn't he tear his eyes from her?
He was so used to seeing her on the rooftop, casually reading her light novel, but this—this was different. It was like he was seeing her in a way he'd never seen her before. She seemed almost ethereal, as though she didn't belong to this world at all. A fleeting light in the darkness, a fragile thing that might vanish if he even dared to blink.
The light reflecting off the piano's surface was nothing compared to the brilliance of her presence. She seemed to shine in a way that eclipsed everything around her, as if her existence alone was enough to fill the space.
Even the music seemed to seep into him, every note sinking into his soul like a warm wave, wrapping him in a feeling he couldn't quite place.
It was strange—uncomfortably strange. A feeling so foreign and surreal, like a sweet paradox that both soothed and unsettled him all at once. Why was he so captivated? Why was he allowing himself to be drawn in so completely?
The longer he watched, the more he felt a shiver run down his spine. A strange sensation of fear—fear of losing control, fear of being consumed by the emotions he'd so carefully kept in check. It was as if his very resolve was beginning to crumble, as if the longer he stared at her, the more he might surrender to something he wasn't ready to face.
"Unfortunately, I'm not as pretty as those in the dark," she had said once.
But now, in this moment, Mayuzumi could only think that she had far exceeded those words. Like a star in a night sky, she had captivated the audience, especially him. She was like her name—a firefly, glowing softly but brilliantly in the dark—and she had enchanted his every sense.
Just by the sound she created, Mayuzumi could picture her in his mind's eye—a vision of her sitting beneath a grand pavilion, surrounded by a blooming garden in full splendor. The image was as beautiful as she was, and he could only stand there, watching in silent awe.
Time seemed to stretch on, but eventually, his focus began to waver. Slowly, he looked down, as if the weight of his thoughts were finally becoming too much to bear.
With a quiet sigh, Mayuzumi made his decision. He turned to leave.
As he stepped away, the music began to slow, the notes tapering off with a graceful decline. He knew it would end soon, the last note lingering in the air like a final breath.
The applause from the crowd rushed into his ears as he made his way past the room where he had stood earlier, now filled with the excited chatter of his classmates, all praising a certain Hana Miyagi. He didn't want to be like them—admiring someone simply because it was expected, because it was the norm.
For Mayuzumi, this admiration wasn't the same. It wasn't something superficial or a passing infatuation. It was deeply personal, something that came from somewhere deeper than he was willing to admit.
He paused a few meters away from the exit, his breath escaping in a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh.
The thoughts swirled in his mind, disjointed and overwhelming.
And, for the first time in a long while, Mayuzumi realized he was losing control. All of these thoughts… all of these feelings were driving him to the edge of something he couldn't quite grasp—and it was making him insane.
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In a matter of likes and dislikes, he could say he had more things he didn't like than like.
He could go on and make a list but the things he desired wouldn't even be half of what he didn't.
But to say he hated what he didn't like would be an exaggeration. Similarly, not everything he liked would be the same as loving it.
Clearly, Mayuzumi liked basketball but it wouldn't be right to say that he loved it. It was just another sport to improve his physique.
He didn't like the uncrowned generals, all of them, but he wouldn't be too extreme to the point of hating them. For him to despise them would mean that they mattered in the first place. Truthfully, they just didn't have that power over him.
But her, she was the exception.
A contradiction of like and dislike.
The irony of hate and love.
He didn't like her and at the same time… he probably did.
He could list everything he didn't like about her and at the same time the things that he did.
He didn't like seeing her face every time, her appearance and timing every time, her presence when he was alone, her voice that won't stop echoing in his ear, her smile that seemed to be given to everyone, the eyes that could notice him easily among crowds, the lips and how it pronounced his name, just… everything about her.
And yet, finding her silhouette nearby could make him turn instantly, how staring at her figure felt so interesting, how he liked to register everything in her face to his sight, how he seemed to want those smiles only for him, how he found those voice gentle and soothing that his name could somehow sound different when uttered by her, just... and again, everything about her.
Everything was easy before. There used to be two options to everything. Either want it or not, continue or not, hold on or let go. He just couldn't do it this time.
Mayuzumi stayed outside. For the first time, he realized he was no longer in control of his emotion.
He couldn't seem to stop, couldn't seem to let go, couldn't seem to truly hate. It didn't work that way even though he could easily manage his thoughts before.
Only to her that he couldn't.
That, in a sense, he finally understood.
He disliked her, hated her, loathed her, all because he had tremendously fallen.
After some time, loud applause echoed outside again, he assumed the whole recital was done.
He looked at the direction of the exit where the performers would exit.
Nothing was going on inside his head while watching as the music club members appeared one by one.
He looked at the group of people coming out from the theater, examining each faces with a simple look, searching for a certain person.
He wasn't even sure why he was doing this nor why he was looking for her. He just knew that his eyes longed to see her face.
His classmates came out as well, carrying boxes that would have been done if only they didn't bother peeking at the stage. They mixed their presence with the members of the last performer.
More students appeared, though they were actually non-faces to his sight.
He didn't know how he would respond if he saw her, until the moment itself came and his reaction answered it.
Hotaru appeared among the crowd.
His eyes fell at her immediately like it knew she'd be there, in that moment, in that spot.
It was a wordless, vague and obscure kind of moment. A communication without words, just the momentary feeling and sensation.
He watched as she walked unhurried while carrying a small piece of notebook that must be a collection of music sheets.
Indeed, like her name, a firefly guiding his way. Everything somehow led to her.
Hotaru felt an odd sense, a feeling of being stared upon.
She blinked, slowly, and turned to look to her side. It was all simple, just a form of reaction to such event. There must be something in that direction, reason why she felt the need to turn. Turned out, it was a person, been staring at her since she appeared outside the theater.
It was in the middle of the day. The sun was at its peak during a cloudless sky. He was as broad as the sunlight at that time. Distinct and hard to ignore, it contradicted his usual weak presence. The way he stood near the exit knowing she would appear right there while welcoming her with intentional gaze was enough proof that he wanted to be seen.
For a second, it surprised her. The idea surfaced, that maybe… maybe… he had been watching her from the start, that he had wanted their eyes to meet as it were.
Hotaru held the gaze while wondering the unknown.
Why was he looking at her that way?
His hands kept firmly inside his pockets while looking at her.
Quite a change of character, she thought. His eyes were making her shy. This time, Hotaru was the one to look away as she held her arms and paused unthinkably in her position.
Surprisingly, he wasn't thinking anything either. Maybe for a while, as a change of moment, it wouldn't hurt to let his body do what it wanted without analyzing everything beforehand.
For once, he would let loose and not think a thousand reasons as to why he shouldn't do something he actually wanted to do.
A few seconds had passed and they were still on that.
And some more…
Hotaru sheepishly moved her eyes once again, just to check if he was still looking.
Mayuzumi had doubted it, all the time, ever since. He questioned the way his mind worked for the past few days, weeks, and months. This feelings that he shouldn't have felt to someone whom he never should have had feelings for.
His feet finally moved forward, towards her. Without breaking the eye contact, he approached the girl.
Here he was—finally and totally surrendering.
Her cluelessness was only getting deeper as their distance decreased. A long number of seconds passed and before she realized he was already in front.
It didn't take long for him to speak.
"I like you."
Her eyes caught a glimpse of his lips as it moved while saying it. Then her eyes widened instantly as it shifted back to his gray pairs. It never occurred to her that she would hear such words from him.
What... was that again?
Why did he…?
Hotaru was out of words to retort. Was this happening too fast? No, so why her mind couldn't seem to process a response?
"…It's not a question." He said, "You don't need to give an answer." He continued without changing the monotonous voice and plain expression. Surely, it didn't help with her perception.
Awkward, dumbfounded, startled, astonished, and most of all, speechless. She felt all of that at the same time. A struck of responsibility to say something came to her but she didn't know what to say, much more, how to react.
She blinked, breathed in and out, but the girl's expression was as rigid as the wall beside them.
Was this... a so-called confession?
Hotaru parted her mouth just to close it again.
The moment was like an examination she came for unprepared.
Mayuzumi sighed soundlessly, "I... just want you to know." He shrugged a little and looked at her in the eyes once again.
She didn't look like she would be responding any time soon. Did that really shock her? He wondered.
"That's all." He blinked and shifted his weight to his right foot, gradually taking the time to avert from her sight.
Hotaru dug inside her mind. It wasn't that she didn't understand, rather, she knew in every fiber of her being what he said that she became so surprised. Instantly, numerous questions surfaced on her mind.
He said he liked her, but didn't he say he wouldn't feel that way towards her?
He was already gone but she was still stuck in her position, staring at the direction where he left.
She clenched her fist in front of her chest, the heart was beating tremendously. It was the first time someone confessed to her.
Somehow, it felt heavy. Never had she thought that someone's feeling could be like that.
"Sasazaki, Is something wrong?" Someone tapped her shoulder, Hotaru found one of her colleagues from the music club.
Hotaru quickly flashed out a small smile. "N-Nothing. What is it?"
"We need to head back to the club room. Prez has something to say, I heard."
She nodded.
Indeed, the festival was still far from over.
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