Gave Everything Up - V1C16
Volume 1,
Chapter 16: Childhood Friend
Manato and I had
grown up together ever since we were little. To be exact, since before
elementary school. It was a relationship called a childhood friendship,
something special and different from others. I was content with that.
Because when I was
a kid, I liked him as just a 'friend' I could play with.
But it gradually
developed into a different emotion. My heart began to be stirred with Manato's every
comment and action. For example, when he said, 'You look good in that dress,'
it warmed my heart, and when Manato would tug on my hand as we went out to
play, it would tighten.
At the time, I was
still in early elementary school. I didn't understand what this feeling was
myself. But later on, I would soon hear people around me talking about how much
they liked that person or how cool that person was.
One girl even said
she was in a relationship. It was phase where everyone was getting into that
kind of stuff. I was one of them. By then, I was aware that Manato was a
special boy to me, someone different from the other boys.
And I probably
understood what that feeling was.
When I became a
middle school student, I met that person. Harasaki Yuki-senpai. When I was new
to my middle school environment and got tangled up with third-year senpais,
Yuki-senpai appeared in front of me and helped me out. He was so cool back then
that I fell in love with him at first sight.
It was funny,
because I thought that Manato was that special boy to me, yet all I could see in
my eyes was Senpai.
I started to
actively talk to Senpai in order to get to know him better. I didn't know why,
but Manato was often at his home. Why was that?
And then, as I got
to know my Senpai better, I liked him even more. He was cool-looking and had a
good personality. He was always at the center of his class. I also liked his
star quality that attracted people.
That's why I
confessed to Senpai. But Senpai had a girlfriend. I was rejected so easily. Yet
I wasn't as sad as I thought. Why? Oh, right. I liked Manato. That's why I
wasn't sad when I found out Senpai had a girlfriend. I realized that in my
second year of middle school. And then, I started to take Manato around with
me. Come to think of it, didn't Manato had a younger sister? I remembered the
three of us playing together when I was little. Well, I didn't really care
about that either way.
And now, as a high
school student, I journeyed to and back from school with Manato.
"Manato, I
found someone I liked."
That was you.
"Oh, is that
so."
"Yeah."
Did you notice?
"He's always
there for me, and I can always count on him. But he always goes off somewhere
dangerous, and I can't leave him alone."
I said it! This
could only describe Manato! I showed him my reddening face.
"...Uhuh..."
But Manato was somewhat
absentminded. Why was that?
"...I hope
things work out with him."
"...Manato?"
What did he mean?
"I just
remembered I had something to, so I'm going home first."
"Huh? Ah,
wait!"
...What happened?
The next day, I
went to school with Manato just like I did yesterday. Then, someone approached
me.
"Good morning,
Sayaka."
It was Yuki-senpai.
"Oh, good
morning! Senpai."
I said this without
realizing that my voice sounded a bit eager. I had already been dumped once. Were
we supposed to be awkward? Not really? Was what I would say. As proof of this,
I consulted with Senpai about this matter with Manato. I respected him very
much. So, it was only obvious that that way I would look at Senpai was with
respect.
"...I'm going
ahead first."
"Huh? Manato?
Wait!"
While I was talking
to Senpai, Manato suddenly said that.
"Manato's been
kind of weird lately..."
What happened?
"Is he the
person Sayaka was talking about?"
"Huh?! Um,
that...yes."
I only told Senpai
that I had someone I liked. So, today was the first time he had seen Manato.
Even so, it was embarrassing to be asked that he was the guy I had feelings
for...
"I see, then I
hope those feelings of yours bear fruit."
"Yes! I'm
sorry. I'm always asking you for advice."
I really hoped it
would bear fruit.
"Don't worry
about. It's a kouhai's request."
Senpai really was
kind...
"As expected
of Senpai. You have a cute girlfriend, don't you?"
I saw her once, and
she was a very pretty senpai dressed in a showy outfit.
"Of course. No
woman can match my girlfriend!"
When I heard that
line, I could let out a bitter smile.
"Then, I guess
I better get going soon."
I said that and
tried to leave, but Senpai held me back.
"W-wait a
minute."
"What is
it?"
What's wrong?
Thinking that, I turned back.
"Um, I want to
ask you about something."
Senpai had a
question? I wondered what it was.
"It's fine,
but...what kind of question is it?"
"You know I
have a girlfriend, right?"
Of course. Because
he kept boasting about how cute she was.
"I know,
but..."
I wondered what
might have happened.
"Apparently
she worked part-time, but she won't tell me where."
"...Why do you
want to know where she worked?"
"That's
because I want to go out and surprise her, you know?!"
This person was a
bit strange...
"So, Sayaka.
Why do you think she won't tell me?"
I wouldn't know
about that. I guess I should say something for the time being.
"Well...maybe
she doesn't want you to know that much?"
"...But I'm
her boyfriend?"
"There are
things I want to keep, even if it's my boyfriend."
I didn't really
know.
"...So, it's
like that?"
"It's like
that."
I didn't really
know.
And so, Senpai's
consultation ended.
-------------------------------------------------------
There were some
things that people didn't want to be known. Of course, I knew that.
But wouldn't it
have been nice to have told someone close to you?
Right? Manato?
I happened to go
shopping that day. And, I came across a used bookstore. And, I chanced upon
Manato. By chance. It was really a coincidence. But it must have been
inevitable. Manato was working part-time. With a girl. They seemed like they
were having fun. I wasn't aware, you know? I couldn't believe that Manato was
working part-time. And together with a girl, no less.
...
He had been keeping
his distance from me lately, and he seemed cold. Why? For what reason? Did I do
something? I didn't, right? And yet, Manato did all that. Why was he ignoring
me while laughing happily with that person?
...
I see.
I might have made her
a bit too crazy...
She seems like she's got at least half a brain, kind of, so I'm suprized she didn't realize what he meant earlier. (when she said she liked someone)
ReplyDeleteThe name should've changed to gave but everything was fucked up.
ReplyDeleteShe chose the senpai first. After she is dumped she remembers she always had a childhood friend. Bah! Taking for granted, huh. Though is something women do all the time.
ReplyDeleteAnd then she locks MC in her room where he learns he is truly loved by her.
ReplyDelete