Replies:
Konoe-san: Yuu is really romantic towards Kojiharu

In the next chapter, each pair would have their moment and of course Mayuki would be included but the problem is, I don't know when's the next update
cisda83-san: Wel, it is Mayu's point of view and he didn't really intend to hurt Yuki, he's just dense. Mariko and Kuu still love each other . . . . So maybe, love will find a way
Tam_atsu-san: Yeah, Kojiyuu being lovey-dovey
KaoriChan-san: I agree, a jealous Kojiharu is a scary Kojiharu
Kirozoro-san: Yup. It's scary . . . Mayu is just dense

. . . . And yeah, hopefully they will
mgxx-san: Thanks for your comment
MayuxMatsuixMusic-san: . . . . Are you sure? . . . It might not be Milky, but then again it might
nickyololol-san: Thank you for your comment
nicole123-san : Yeah, Kojiharu's cute and scary whenever she's jealous

Well, thank you for commenting former-silent-reader
noah minami-san: It wouldn't be Haruna if she isn't tsun tsun

Let's just see what will happen to Marikuu
ryu201-san: Hi there!

Sure, I could write some Kai and Acchan moments

Thanks for commenting
Justqle-san: Thank you for telling me that you are once a silent reader
takeshi77-san: Ray is definitely the cause why Kai is like that . . . . And I hope so too
I've been lurking silently for a while

and I just got the motivation to update

. . . . . I know this story is slow-paced and this author is very slow to update so I deeply apologize
Chapter 18 Part 2“Ne~ Kai . . . . . Just what am I to you? . . . . “
Acchan gripped tightly on the edge of her shirt, waiting for him to answer. Every second of silence is slowly killing her, afraid of knowing what Kai truly feels about her. Dreaded by uneasiness she spoke when she saw that Kai was about to open his mouth.
“I’m sorry . . . . . it’s just that . . . You are the first guy that I have been close to. Well, except for Saburo that is, so I just wanted to know what you think of me as a person . . .“
’ I wanted to know what you think of me as a girl . . . I wanted to know if I have a chance. It’s the first time that felt this . . . and I don’t know what to do . . ‘ Kai gave her a smile.
“I’m honored that I’m the closest guy to you . . . . . except for your relatives . . . . but for me, Atsuko you are th- “
Kai was cut off by the ringing of his phone.
“S-Sorry . . . . Excuse me but I have to take this . . . “ he was about to stand up but Acchan was faster than him.
“You don’t have to go outside . . . . I’ll just go to the comfort room . . . . “ and with that she left Kai alone in their table giving his cell phone a glare.
“What do you need? . . . . “ he answered it rather harshly
“Kai~ . . . . where are you? . . . . I miss you, you know? . . . “
The caller from another line gave a flirty voice which annoys the midget even more but he has no choice but to reply to her calmly in order to please her.
“I’m outside . . . . I had a bad day so I’m just wandering around . . . . “ he replied in a monotone voice.
’It’s because you called . . . . and I was about to confess you b****!! . . . ‘“Heh~ . . . . should I accompany you? . . . “
“I’d rather be alone . . . . “ he sighed
“Are you saying that you don’t want to be with me?! . . . . “ the person on the other line shouted which caused Kai to distance the phone from his ear
“It’s not like that . . . . I want to be in a calm environment to relax. . . . “ he soothed his voice in order to calm the other person down.
“Ah, I see . . . . how about I give you a massage! . . . but I don’t know how, but then the one massaging you would touch your body all over, and I don’t want that. . . So, I’ll just punch you lightly, that could count as a massage right? . . . . Just endure it ne~” she said happily like she came up with a brilliant idea.
“You’re an idiot . . . . “ Kai sighed while he facepalmed
“What did you say?! . . . ”
“I said thank you for your concern but I’m fine . . . . “
“You’re welcome . . . . “ the person on the other line chuckled.
Kai glanced at the direction of the comfort room and at his watch.
“Ne, how’s Minami-chan doing? . . . . Is she doing well? . . . “ Kai asked worriedly because he had not heard any news about his twin sister for a few days.
“Nami-chan? . . . . yeah, she’s alright . . . . “
“Yokatta . . . “ Kai sighed in relief
“Well, that is when you behave Kai~ . . . . Nothing happens to your precious sister. . . You know what my father can do to her, if you won’t meet my demands, your sister who has been topping the music charts won’t be recognized anymore~ . . . . “
Kai clenched his jaw tightly preventing him to vent out his anger to the other person,he replied grudgingly “ . . . . I already understand that . . . “
“Hmm~ that’s good . . . . “ Kai could imagine that devilish smile on her face.
When Kai saw Acchan who just went out of the comfort room he immediately said “I gotta go now. . . . bye” he then turned ended the call.
“Hey, Atsu- “ he was about to call her but his phone started ringing again.
Not bothering to look at the caller’s name, he answered the call
“ . . . Yes ?. . . “
“Aren’t you forgetting something? . . . . “ the other person said it rather impatiently
“Uh . . . . Goodnight? . . . “ Kai replied rather unsurely
“ . . . And? . . . . “
“Umm . . . . . Sleep tight? . . . . “ He thought of something to end this conversation as he saw Acchan approaching their table
“ . . . And? . . . “
“ . . . . Don’t let the bed bugs bite? . . . “
’What the heck does this woman want?! . . . . “Mou~ . . . . If you don’t say it, I’ll do something bad to Nami-chan . . . “ her tone is sweet but it has an obvious threat.
“Okay, okay . . . . . I love you. Goodnight.” Kai then turned off his phone to prevent unnecessary disturbances for him and Acchan.
(Acchan’s POV) “Okay, okay . . . . . I love you. Goodnight.” I was able to hear Kai at a short distance. Well that answers my question. I wish I didn’t hear that, it really is painful to know that someone you like likes somebody else.
Wait a minute, did I just told myself that I like Kai?
Maybe, I really do. If I don’t, I won’t have to feel this hurt in my chest.
Should I confess? Or should I just keep this one-sided love of mine and just accept the fact that we can never be more than just friends.
But if I could confess I would make Kai choose between me and his girlfriend. If he chooses his girlfriend, everything would be awkward between us I would ruin the relationship that we have. I don’t want that.
I want to talk to him, I want to tease him, I want to laugh with him, I want to make memories together with him, I want to spend time together with him, I want to be by his side.
Because I love him.
But we can’t be together.
Because he already has somebody else.
“ . . . suko? . . . . Ne, Atsuko? . . . “
Kai’s worried voice snapped me out of my trance. I could feel both of his hands on my shoulder gripping them tightly.
“U-Uh . . . K-Kai? . . . “ I looked at Kai’s anxious face with his eyes focused on mine.
‘Kai, please don’t do this . . . . ‘“Are you alright Atsuko? . . . . “ his voice is full of concern
’Please . . . . don’t make me . . . ‘I could feel my tears welling up in my eyes. I refused to blink in order to prevent them from falling.
I could feel his thumb brushed on my cheek. “ . . . Tell me what’s wrong? . . . “
’Don’t make me fall for you even harder!’I rushed outside the café and let the tears fall down because it can’t hold it any longer. I ran as I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. My heart paced faster because of hurt and also the running. Then, I could feel the shivers on my spine but I decided to ignore it. I wasn’t looking while running and ended up bumping someone.
I sat on the ground with tears still in my eyes.
I looked at the person who I bumped into and apologized sincerely.
“M-Maeda-san? . . .. “ he asked
“Y-Yes? . . . . “ now that I looked at him carefully I finally recognized him.
“Sa-Sato Takeru?! . . . . “
“Umm . . . . Yeah. Nice meeting you here . . . . “ he stood up and reached for my hand.
“A-Arigatou . . . . “ I thanked him as he pulled me to stand. “Again, sorry for bumping into you . . . . “ I bowed.
“It’s alright . . . . “ he smiled. “Were you crying? . . . . “
“Ah . . . N-No, I wasn’t . . . . “ I quickly wiped my eyes.
He just looked at me for a minute and decided to brush off the topic that he started.
“How about I take you home? . . . . “ he offered
I was a bit scared. I don’t fully trust this guy because I have a feeling that he is stalking me and I always have goosebumps whenever he is around. It’s already bad that we are from the same neighborhood because we ride the same bus, it would be worse if he knows the exact location of my house.
“No, it’s alright . .. . you don’t have to. You might have some plans already and I have to catch up with my friends . . . “ I decided to step backwards a little
“I could take you there . . . . “ noticing that I distanced myself away from him, he took a step closer.
“Y-You don’t have to . . . . “ I took another step backwards
“I’m not a bad person . . . . “ he smiled, taking a hold of my hand.
I just stood there nervously and avoided looking at him.
’He’s a guy and I’m a girl . . . . I can’t fight him. He’s also from the karate club, I would just hurt myself if I tried to escape . . . ‘Looks like I’ve got no choice.
I took a deep breath and sighed.
“Oka-“
“Atsuko! . . . . . “ I turned back to see Kai running towards us. “Why did you ran away? . . . . I was worried you know?”
He looked at me then at Sato Takeru then at his hand which is holing mine then back at me again.
I can’t believe it, he chased after me?
But he saw me holding hands with Sato Takeru. . . . What would he think?
Kai just stared at me and then held out his fist in front of me.
“K-Kai? . . . “ I asked. Is he gonna punch me or what?
He then turned his direction to my hand which is holding Sato-kun’s.
’Ah, I get it . . . He would use fist bump as an excuse so that I could let go of Sato-kun’s hand . . . . A smart move Kai’I quickly let go of Sato-kun’s hand and bumped my fist on Kai’s. then he pulled me closer to his side.
“Who is this fellow Atsuko? . . . . “ he asked
“He’s Sato Takeru. He’s from our school and I just happened to bump into him . . . . “ I replied
“Souka, nice to meet you . . . . . My name is Takahashi Kai . . . . “
Kai turned his attention towards me and didn’t let Sato-kun to reply.
“I believe we have to go somewhere, right Atsuko? . . . . “ I just nodded and let him drag me away from Sato-kun.
When Sato-kun’s figure cannot be seen anymore, Kai stopped and looked at me.
“Why did you ran away? . . . did I do something wrong? . . . “ he asked worriedly
“No . . “ I lied. “ . . . I just . . . “ I hesitated to give an answer.
“It’s okay if you wouldn’t tell me. . . . “ he smiled at me kindly.
“Kai . . . “ I’m happy that he is understanding
“Tell me, is that guy bothering you? . . . “ he asked
“That guy? . . . . You mean Sato-kun? . . . “ I asked
He gave me a short nod.
“Umm . . . No, he doesn’t. He just persisted to accompany me . . . . “ I sighed.
“Why? . . . Where do you plan to go? . . . “ he asked as he gripped my hand securely on his.
I blushed because I just realized that we were holding hands for quite some time now and he has no plan of letting go.
“My friends invited me to the victory party of the football club. . . in the Kuchibiru Karaoke bar . . . “ I said
“You mean, Saburo and the others? . . . they also invited me. How about we go there together? . . . . “ he grinned at me
“Okay, I’ll just make a call . . . . “ I took out my phone in my pocket with my free hand. Of course, I don’t want to let Kai’s hand go
“Moshi moshi . . . . . “”Moshi moshi . .. . Mariko? . . . . . “
“Acchan? . … where are you now? . . . . “” I’m already on my way there, also I dragged a friend with me . . . . “
“A friend? . . . . sure . . . . . How long will you arrive? . . . . ””About 5 minutes or so . . . . . see you later then . . . . . .“
“Jaa ne~ . . . . . “ Mariko ended the call and I put my phone back into my pocket.
“So, let’s go? . . . “Kai asked and I nodded happily.
We took a ride in the taxi because we didn’t know the exact location of the karaoke bar. Thankfully it was popular so the driver knows its location. Meanwhile Kai and I are seated close together but we didn’t talk when we went inside the taxi.
I’m having a hard time to open up a topic because most of the things that filled my head Kai having a girlfriend and I have no chance to confess.
After a moment of silence, Kai decided to speak up.
“Atsuko, you asked me before if what you are to me right? . . . . “ he faced me and placed his hand on top of mine but I refused to look at him. I am sure that he is going to say that we are just friends. But I thought wrong.
“Atsuko . . . . To me, you are the 2nd most important girl in my life”
(End of Acchan's POV)tbc.
It seems like I'm going to disappear again for a while

. . . .