Honey Magazine/My Sweet Proposal: Todo Masaya

Chapter 6.6

I used to always meet him for drinks when I felt out of it.

So, as old habits tend to die hard, I've called him this time, too.

But since he's late, I find myself drowning my grief in alcohol all alone.

(I really shouldn't be drinking alone like this... I always end up just rehashing the same thoughts... but suddenly, I hear something.)

The bar door opens, suggesting that a new customer has arrived. When I turn to look, I see the person I've been waiting for walking towards me with a warm smile.

Ryo "Masaya."

Masaya "You're late."

Ryo "Sorry. I was held up at work. Were you waiting long?"

Masaya "You could say that."

Ryo "Haha, I see."

Masaya "Could you try to look even a little guilty?"

Ryo "Huh? This is my guilty face!"

He says with a bit of chuckle. It's no use waiting for him to treat me with any delicacy. He always looks slightly aloof, but despite his appearance, he's actually very strong. And that's why our friendship has been able to hold up all these years.

Ryo "You look irritated. Let me guess why."

Masaya "No need, just order your drink."

Ryo "You are paying tonight?"

Masaya "If it'll get you to stop talking, sure."

(He never changes, does he.)

The moment I think this, something else crosses my mind. In realizing how much he hasn't changed. I can't help but think that the person who should be by my side, has changed.

(No, there's no way she changed... She has always been like that... What has changed is...)

Ryo "Hello, Masaya? Hey! Earth to Masaya!"

Masaya "!"

His voice brings me back to reality after becoming lost in my thoughts.

Did I drink a little too much while I was waiting for him to come?

(No, it has nothing to do with alcohol... No matter how much I drink, there are things that I cannot forget... That's all...)

Masaya "Haaah..."

Without realizing it, I let out a long sigh.

The only effect that alcohol has, is that I'm having a little more trouble controlling my feelings.

Ryo "I thought you were angry, but it appears to me that you're actually depressed. No respite, huh."

Masaya "It's been going on much longer than just today."

Ryo "Oh?"

He must have ordered when I was lost in thought, because the waiter comes to bring hm his cocktail.

Small bubbles sparkle on the surface of the drink, and the smell of rum and gin floats in the air.

Ryo "The Gimlet is very good here. In fact, the bartender told me that there's a sort of hidden meaning behind the Gimlet. It means-"

Masaya "A long separation..."

Ryo "Oh, I didn't think you'd know!"

Masaya "I wish I didn't..."

But I can't afford to forget things just because I don't like what they stand for. And I'm not going to ask Ryo to get rid of his cocktail just because of what it represents.

Ryo "Well, cheers. And Masaya, try to relax, will ya?"

Masaya "Yeah..."

By clinking our glasses, the sound of the floating ice cubes rings out. And as I'm about to brig my glass to my mouth...

Ryo "So, can I ask you what happened, and with whom?"

Masaya "With 'whom'... You know who I'm talking about."

Ryo "True. I'm pretty sure anyone could figure it out just by looking at you."

(I guess he isn't wrong...)

He probably intended to chat with me about Kana from the beginning. And that's why he did not refuse my invitation to go for a drink.

Ryo "Hahahaha, I've rarely seen you in such a foul mood."

Masaya "Just who do you think is at fault here?"

Ryo "Hmm, good question."

Masaya "Haah..."

Since it is Ryo, I know that I can talk about it with him. And if I regret later, I can at least blame it on the alcohol. So, I decide to open up to him.

Masaya "I can't get a hold of Kana. Why did she choose to run away so quickly?"

Ryo "Maybe you're just bad at it?"

(My note: LOL Ryo, were you always this savage?!)

Masaya "Hey..."

Ryo "It's not enough to get a hold of her, Masaya. Did you at least try to explain to her why you're trying to see her?"

Masaya "..."

I thought I told her all I had to say, and I thought she did, too.

But the two of us have a tendency of swallowing our feelings.

She has no idea that the only thing I can think about, is her.

(My note: You guys (Masaya & Kana) really looks like a married couple who was having a typical couple fight...and you guys just dragged everyone into it LOL)

Masaya "I can't get Kana out of my head, and I'm fed up."

Ryo "Really?"

Masaya "What should I tell her? Just thinking about it is enough to depress me... and once again, she ends up completely occupying my thoughts."

Ryo "And this bothers you?"

Masaya "...I wish it bothered me. No that's not true..."

Starting on my way to confide in Ryo, I tell him what I cannot say to her.

The feelings that I have for Kana, and how much she occupies my thoughts...