Unfit to Be the Heroine

If You Were to Be Mine

I decided to leave early at work today. I logged out gaining stares from my workmates. 

Finally, did she get a boyfriend? It's rare for her to log out early. 

"Are you going to have a date?", Yosaku-san was hiding from the wall. I sighed and tighten my grip on my handbag. "I am not staying for a little longer", I gave a glare. He made me stay for additional 4 hours every day. "Then, why are you leaving early? My top of the line employee?", he gave puppy eyes. "It's my father's birthday", I answered. "Oh, I see. I think I will also greet him a happy birthday", Yosaku-san was about to prepare. "We don't want uninvited guests", I said then walked past him. I could hear him whining behind me. 

Be careful on your way, Ma'am. 

The guard warned and I nodded. I already reached the outside of the building when the rain started to fall. I tried to run back to the building but I suddenly noticed that there are no raindrops falling on my skin. I looked up and saw an orange umbrella. I started to lower my glance and saw Hiroshi smiling. "You forgot to bring an umbrella?", he asked. 

"I usually check the weather cast but I was hurrying this morning", I explained. "Let's go", Hiroshi led the way. "The bus station is that way", I pointed. "Let's look for some cake shop around. I'll be quick", he scratched his nape. "Why are you here, by the way?", I asked. "Nanami said that it's your father's birthday and asked me if I could tag along", Hiroshi explained. 

Nanami. You have to thank me for not telling Kaede-san about your reason for breaking up with him. Next time I see him, I will really spill everything!

"I'm sorry for the bother", I apologized. "You don't have to", I massaged my temple. 

We saw a newly opened cake shop. "Are they open already?", I peeked to look for a sign. "I guess so", Hiroshi carefully shifted towards the right side. If a car would be passing, I guess I will be splashed on. We safely arrived in front of the cake shop. 

We entered and I was personally amazed at the ambiance. I think I will be calling Nanami here during her birthday. "Welcome", the waiter gave a small wave. I looked at Hiroshi and he politely bowed. "We will be taking out a cake", he informed. The waiter led him towards the selection area. I looked around and thought my eyes fooled me. 

My heart seemed to pop out from my chest. Saotome is holding a baby while seated on the side. She's in front of a man and they're eating cake. I gulped and hoped I could drag Hiroshi away. Why are there so many coincidences these days? It's almost as if it was orchestrated. I looked away before she even sees me. "Oh, Kawamatsu?", she called my name. I coughed and observed Hiroshi in my peripheral vision. He's caught up with choosing a cake. I walked towards them. 

I awkwardly stood beside the table. "Come join us. Oh, this is my husband, and here is my little one", Saotome smiled brightly. I looked at the man and was about to curse. Wasn't that one of Hiroshi's friends? "Kawamatsu, do you know me? I'm one of that troublesome students. I guess you wouldn't know someone like me", he scratched his chin. "Mito-san, right?", I remembered him because I took note of those students interrupting my study sessions. "Who are you with?", Saotome looked around and I hope I could cover up Hiroshi but she's already looking in the direction. 

"You're with someone. I see. I was really rooting for the man whose going to end up with you", Saotome played with her baby. Didn't she recognize her because of his long hair? She stood up and passed the baby to Mito. "Can you accompany me to the toilet?", she invited. Or not?

My heart kept racing as we reached the toilet area. It was large enough for us to be three feet away. "I was surprised when I saw Kai. Sorry for calling you here", her voice cracked. "I am not going out with Kai. It just happened that we saw each other", I waved my hands and shook my head. "I see. I mean, I never thought Kai would actually ask you out", Saotome's words made my heart tight. I put that aside. "If you're not yet ready to see him, I will help you not to see each other this time. I just want to clear out, we're not going out. Also, it bothered me ever since I learned about it. Saotome, why did you broke up with Hiroshi?", I gulped. 

Saotome's eyes turned teary. "There are just some unexpected events Kawamatsu. I never wanted it to become like this but there's no turning back. I realized how Kai is someone who is out of my reach. It was as if I'm someone who can be scraped out from his life. When I'm with Ryota, I felt needed", Saotome answered. "I think... what Kai needs is someone who can make him feel comfortable to show his vulnerability", Saotome washed her hands stretched her cheeks. "Now. I am needed by Ryota and my baby. I have to be strong", she laughed. 

Did Mito and Hiroshi meet outside?

I walked out of the toilet and saw Hiroshi waiting at the exit. I waved and signaled for us to go. Together with Hiroshi, I left the cake shop with a heavy heart. What does Saotome meant by that? I want to understand more. Hiroshi called for a cab.

We entered and sat next to each other. "Hiroshi", I called his name. "What is that?", he said with his usual gentle tone. His hair is still long. Is he never going to cut it short? I grabbed into his cheeks and stretched it. "Be strong", I suddenly said. His eyes were widened. "You surprise me, Kawamatsu", he laughed while massaging his cheeks after I let go. 

"Did you see something in the cake shop? Your aura suddenly changed. You look frightened", Hiroshi hummed. He didn't really see something. "I guess so", I nodded. "I wonder what you are scared of? You seem to be someone whose not afraid of anything. But then, I guess it's human nature to be scared of something. It's because we need to survive", Hiroshi shrugged. "I'm scared of making the wrong decisions", I said right away. I heard Hiroshi softly cough. "That was fast", Hiroshi turned in my direction. "Because I think I will never stop blaming and regretting if I make the wrong decision", I explained. 

"People makes mistake, young girl", the driver was listening. 

"I agree, Kawamatsu. Don't be too hard on yourself", Hiroshi patted my head. 

We arrived in front of my house. What will Dad say after seeing him?

I peeked at Hiroshi and he looked confident and calm as always. Our eyes met but I wasn't able to keep up. Averting my eyes, I heard him chuckle. What was that for? The door suddenly opened. Wait! I haven't composed myself yet! I saw Nanami's wide smile. "Yo! Kai. Rin-rin!", she waved at me. I wanted to ignore her but I just sighed. I could hear some chatterings inside and guessed that some of Mom and Dad's friends are around. 

As we stepped inside, Dad dropped the mic making loud feedback. "Hey", I slapped my forehead. They were trying to have karaoke. "I kNEW IT! Someday, you will come back here!", Sei laughed loudly. "Sei-san. Happy Birthday", Hiroshi offered a handshake. Sei nodded and hugged him tightly. "You found yourself a good son-in-law. Young man, tell us more about yourself", dad's workmates drag him on the couch. I was about to clarify it but Hiroshi winked, probably sending some hints that it's fine. 

I helped Nanami in the kitchen. "Don't you wish it's not just him getting along because he's nice?", Nanami asked while chopping cucumbers. "What's wrong about him being nice? That's just who he is", I washed the other fruits. Nanami chuckled and bump hers to my hips. "Isn't it a greater fault. You're both alone in such season where the flowers are in full bloom?", Nanami pouted. I didn't give a response. 

"You don't have to feel guilty. You don't have to pity me", Nanami slapped by back and started laughing. She told me about the recent manga she read last night. 

"Are you sure you're still teaching those kids properly?", I chuckled with her.