Unfit to Be the Heroine

Looking Forward

Hiroshi invited us to his place but I was hesitant. Nanami insisted and so we did. We're both standing in front of a traditional estate's gate. "Shall we go back?", I suggested. "No way~", Nanami gave a teasing smile. "Kawamatsu-san, Ishikawa-san?", we heard a familiar voice and turned in the direction. She's like a life-size doll. There's no wonder why she's Hiroshi's girlfriend. 

We heard someone panting as well from the other side of the gate. The gate opened. "Did you wait that long?", Hiroshi sounded worried. "We didn't", I answered. "Fumiko. You're here too. It's rare for you to arrive in time", he laughed. Saotome gave him mini-punches. "Let's go", Hiroshi invited. 

Upon entering, I am beginning to understand that Hiroshi is beyond a normal person's level. "Do you live with other people?", Nanami asked. "This belongs to the Hiroshi clan but most of the residents here are out of the country. I and my mom became their caretaker", Hiroshi answered. I looked at the surroundings and saw workers trimming bushes. They gave casual bows and greetings to us. 

"Are we planning some harem here?", we heard a new voice coming from behind. "No, idiot", Hiroshi sounded irritated. I turned and saw a blonde waving at us. He's wearing flashy clothing as if he just came from a photography session. 

"He's my cousin. Nobunaga Ayato", Hiroshi introduced. "Nice to meet you. I know Kai is such a dear but I didn't know he's gathering ladies in the middle of the day", Nobunaga laughed and hang his arm around Hiroshi. He looked ticked off. "Did you just smile? Young lady?', Nobunaga noticed. "Young lady?", Saotome was puzzled with his address towards me. "Ayato-ni is already 23. He's an old geezer", Hiroshi sighed. "I'm just 5 years older than you", Nobunaga punched his side playfully. 

We ended at the main house and were welcomed by maids wearing traditional dresses. If they are this rich, why does Hiroshi-san has to work in the pancake house? We bowed and removed our shoes. Saotome seemed to know her way in this estate. "I need to use the bathroom", Nanami raised her hand. "I'll accompany you", Saotome volunteered. I tried to tag along but this Nobunaga grabbed on my arm and dragged me along the living room. 

We sat around the center table. "So, what did you find interesting with my cousin?", Nobunaga teased. I suddenly felt warm on my cheeks. "Kawamatsu is a classmate. Don't get started with your games again", Hiroshi's obviously annoyed. "The, who amongst them? The blonde or the other one?", Nobunaga hummed. "I am going out with Fumiko, the blonde lady. Also, can you stop asking random people what made them interested in me? Not all girls are interested with me", Hiroshi lectured. This is rare. I never thought I would catch a glimpse of Hiroshi being irritated with someone. 

"You're not interested in him? You're such a disgrace in this family", Nobunaga pointed his finger at him. Hiroshi grabbed it and threatened to break it. "Hiroshi has so many good points but he already has a girlfriend so it is proper for me to respect their relationship", I explained seeing the annoyance from Hiroshi's face. It slowly faded after I said those words. 

Those two are taking their time. "Are you getting bored? Let's look at Kai's old photos", Nobunaga pulled some photobooks and started opening them. In those old printed pictures, I felt like diving into Hiroshi's world. He's always surrounded by people who love him. He's been protesting not to show his embarrassing pictures but there was nothing to be embarrassed for. All I could see is a fortunate person. "How about you, Kawamatsu-chan? Do you have some pictures when you were younger?", Nobunaga asked. "She has a lot and it's all-around their center table", Hiroshi answered for me and he looked excited narrating what he saw in the house. After some time, Nobunaga looked and me and had a weak smile. What does that mean?

We heard footsteps and two ladies chattering. "And so, I won the lottery", Nanami and Saotome finally arrived carrying a cake and a tea set. Saotome sat beside Hiroshi while Nanami was quite far from me because Nobunaga was in between. "Separation anxiety?", Nobunaga hummed. Did he notice me staring at Nanami? "I need to drop by my university. Nice meeting you, young girls", he winked and excused himself. Hiroshi walked him out. 

Saotome poured tea. She's very graceful and everything about her is lady-like. She's the epitome of an ideal woman. "Woah! Saotome. Is that a real sword?!", Nanami was startled to see the samurai displayed in the living room. "Nanami, you shouldn't touch it", I warned looking at her shaking hands. "That's Kai's father", Saotome informed. That suddenly reminded me. Hiroshi's father was never around. Did he die or something like that? "I wonder what that dude's old man looks like", Nanami sipped through the cup. "He's very much like Kai", Saotome described. "You have seen him?", I said my thoughts aloud. Saotome shifted her position to face me.

Uhm. He's a very strict man but everything about him is like Kai. He's tall, handsome, and even if he has a condescending aura. He's still surrounded by so many people. 

Saotome covered her mouth as soon as Kai entered the scene. He didn't seem to hear it because he was on the phone with someone. "I'd be having my flight the two days from now", Kai sighed and sat down. "Aren't you anxious? I mean, you're going to a foreign country", Nanami interviewed. "There's nothing to be anxious about. Plus, I'm more excited than anxious", he smiled and I could never get enough with his carefree aura. 

So, we visited the pond just a while ago.

Yeah! Can I get some of your Koi? I never tasted one before.

I thought you were going to take care of it. You're grilling it or...

I also thought of grilling it but it's too smoky if I do so. I guess I'll just fry it.

Don't tell me you'd fry it while it's still alive!?

Why not? 

The scene in front of me never gets old. I was always in the background. I would always be the one on the receiving end. It never bothered me because it's something I would always take advantage of. When you're not part of the scene, you can watch everyone's move; the way they talk, their eyes when they seem to be excited or disappointed, and the way their body moves. For the four years, I was an audience, the main character never failed to amuse me. 

Then, Kawamatsu. Do you also want to go with us?

"Then Kawamatsu, do you want to go with us?". 

I looked at Nanami with pair of confused eyes. I watch as the corner of her lips curled upwards. "Hiroshi is asking you", she pointed at the man. "What was that again?", I didn't look at his eyes. "A year after now, we'll be visiting the famous shrine in Okinawa. Do you want to go with us?", Hiroshi extended his hand. Nanami made me turn around to face the man. Looking at his open palm, I have no idea what to do with it. 

It will be noisy and crowded but it's exciting. 

"It might be noisy and crowded but it's exciting", Hiroshi's hand is still raised. I slowly reached it with two hands. "I'd be happy to tag along", I kept my head bowed down. "Yeay! The more the merrier", Hiroshi chuckled and I let go of his hand. I looked at Saotome and she's just laughing with him. If she's not too careful, I wonder if she'd lose him. 

"Want me to help you?", Nanami asked in a calm voice. "What are you-", I coughed and Saotome offered the cup of tea. "Are you alright?", she asked worriedly. I nodded and shot a glare at Nanami who has a calm expression. I sighed and sat properly. "Then, I am looking forward to next year", I bowed my head.