Unfit to Be the Heroine

Then He's Suddenly Back

4 years passed...

"Rin-rin. You look fabulous. Can I have an autograph?!", Nanami seriously took her professional camera and I heard the shutter sounded a couple of times. We looked at the vanity mirror in front. She sat beside me and gave me a hug. She didn't change that much. She's still active and lively. Although, she grew taller than me and she kept bragging about that. She dyed her hair coffee brown.

She combs my hair for the last time. "Rin-rin. You're quite lucky to have a man whose as patient as Shiro but I hope you'd also understand that there is an end in waiting", she said in a soft voice. I nodded.

I went out of the house and saw a car parked in front. I looked back and saw Nanami and Mom peeking from the window. I sighed and walked towards the car. "Did you wait that long?", I clipped my hair on my ear. He straightened himself and scratched his nape. "You look dazzling, Kawamatsu", he gave a nervous chuckle. This is Iwami Shiro. He's a classmate from my university days. "Please come in", he opened the passenger seat and waited for me to take my seat before closing the door.

His car smells fresh. Watermelon, I guess. He entered and started the engine. For four years, we coincidentally land in the same class. I finished a degree in business administration. Even before graduation, I was absorbed to work in a company. Nothing changed, I was still just another person in the corridor. It's intensified because of the number of people in the University. I never stood up or something like that.

"Are you alright? Do you want me to open the aircon?"

"I'm not hot. I prefer natural wind", I answered. Iwami's hand seems shaky. I should have turned down this appointment. Though, Nanami would hit me for calling this as an appointment. "I am curious. You're always with Nanami so I guess you're not going out with someone else", Iwami sounded fidgety. Nanami? Maybe she gave him the permission to call her that. "I am not going out with anyone", I assured. "I tried to ask Nanami regarding your preference with a man but she always said someone like your dad. Have you found someone like that? Someone like your dad?", Iwami dropped the question.

I paused to savor his question. Was there someone like that? "You don't have to answer. I take it back. I don't want to hear if there is", Iwami panicked. I'm surprised he could still concentrate on his driving. We ended up in front of a restaurant. Iwami opened the door and led me outside. "You look good in your dress", Iwami commented. I just nodded and waited for him to close the door.

He led the way and we entered a fancy-looking restaurant. All the waitresses and waiters are dressed in a butler suit and maid outfit. If Nanami would be here, it'll satisfy her fetish with maids. I slightly chuckled. "Did you find something funny?", Iwami gulped. "Let's get going", I nodded. He smiled as well and led me to a table he already reserved beforehand on the balcony. There was a spectacular view outside. The sun is still up but there are just a few minutes before the sun sets.

"Please order", Iwami politely said and gave me the menu. I usually don't order a heavy meal if Nanami is not around. No one would finish my food if that's the case. I placed my order and looked at Iwami ordering. His eyes are bright and I can tell that he put so much effort into this. "So, Kawamatsu. I heard you're already employed. Unlike some of our classmates, you landed in a job so fast", Iwami gave a thumbs up. "It happened that I took my internship there so I was absorbed. Also, there was an urgent position to be filled", I explained. "We're both fortunate then", Iwami chuckled and drank water. Iwami is a good person. He's kind and takes care of other people. "Iwami. What did you see in me?", I asked. After asking that question, I heard someone cough. Pity him, he had the food on the wrong pipe.

Iwami covered his mouth, hoping the water won't come out. He paused for a while. He sat properly and faced me squarely. Iwami got a serious look in his eyes. "Ever since I saw you, I was taken away with your presence. Of course, I appreciate how beautiful you are in every way. There was this time when you were patting cats on the park. You looked happy. I don't know but your smiles were something I wanted to see over and over again", Iwami said while looking straight on mine. I didn't dare to look awya because it will be rude. I was honestly flattered with his words. Could someone like me enter a commitment just like any other female in my age? If I try this out, will I not regret it?

Well. I bet you know where this is ending. I really like you, Kawamatsu. If you allow me, I want to be the one who will make you smile.

Someone behind stood up and seemed to drop something. I saw a pen and it rolled under my chair. I stooped down and picked it up.

You don't have to answer right away.

Iwami gathered his courage to say those words to me. I turned to give it back to the person before facing Iwami and giving my answer.

What am I doing?

I raised my head and saw the person who dropped his pen. Years passed, the trees' leaves fell and spring with new ones, the season changed and yet this person hasn't changed at all. "Ah, I didn't mean to eavesdrop", he scratched his nape and took the pen from my hand. "Hiro-", I was about to call his name when he asked me to keep quiet. "Kawamatsu, your in the middle of confession. Answer him well", he gave me a smile that I havent's seen for years.

I sat back and leaned on my chair. "Thank you, Iwami. I didn't expect to hear those words. I was never popular so I never prepared what to say when I'm faced with something like this. Iwami. I'm not amazing or something like that. As you know, I lack social skills. I don't know how to make friends and Nanami is the only one I have. I am happy to hear those words from you", I looked into his eyes. The way his eyes sank gave me a signal that he's got an idea of what will come next.

"Sorry. I am afraid I cannot cherish you back or even return your feelings", I said with a straight face. He flinched and covered his lower face. He looked flustered. "I'd make up with that. Let me pay for everything", I slightly panicked looking at his teary eyes. He waved his hand and shook his head. "I knew there's a chance of me being turned down. I just didn't prepared enough to hear it coming from you", he chuckled and turned the other way.

"Iwami. You're the first person who tried to confess your feelings to me. Thank you for letting me experience something like this. If it's okay with you, would you still continue tagging along with Nanami and me. She's fond of you", I made it sound as if he's a pet or something like that. He looked at me with reddened eyes and nodded.

I turned and saw that Hiroshi is no longer behind. Since when was he in Tokyo? His hair grew longer and I bet he grew taller.

The food was amazing and we were fortunate to witness a fireworks display. I told Iwami that I will be stopping by somewhere and he doesn't have to bring me home.

I went in front of the pancake house. For some reason, I felt the need to fill in the void of the questions I had for years. After Hiroshi went abroad, he never came back. We never went to the shrine.

I reached out to the doorknob but heard something shattering inside.

I never wanted it to happen!

My heart tightens so I stepped back. Maybe I will stop by next time.

Mom. Are you alright? Mom!

This is Hiroshi voice. Is it his? I never heard him this rattled. I closed my eyes and slid the door open. In front of me is Hiroshi carrying his mother. This scenario was so familar. "My mom fainted. I need to bring her to the hospital", Hiroshi said with a worried look. I looked around the shop and saw an empty hall. "I'll take care of the shop", I assured.