Romantic Killer But I Made It Gay

Junta route part 1

What if we pretended every sign pointing to Tsukasa Kazuki didn't exist, and instead Haru felt a pull toward a certain other best friend?

"What do you think about Hayami?"

"J-Junta?" Yep, exactly what I worried. "I think he's...he's great."

Tsukasa shakes his head. "I meant what do you think of him romantically?"

Great. He just had to ask that. Wait, is he worried about Junta as a rival? Does that mean he actually could like me?

"I...I..." It hits me, and my throat dries up. I don't know what to say. Well, I know what I want to say: I'm starting to think of him romantically. But if Tsukasa really is interested in me, that would be just like turning him down. I might not love him, but he's still my good friend and I don't want to hurt him. "I don't know. I...Yeah, I dunno."

He frowns. "What do you mean?"

"Can you just drop it?" I snap, embarrassed. "I'm going to bed. Good night." I start away from him and up the stairs, but he doesn't follow. Feeling guilty, I close my bedroom door behind me and sink to the floor. What am I doing? I told myself I wasn't interested in either of them and only wanted them as friends, but now this?

But as I think more about it, it makes sense. Junta's been by my side most of my life. He knows me a lot better than Tsukasa does, and he cares for me deeply. I need someone who's always going to be here for me, always loyal and faithful. Junta's about as loyal and faithful as you get.

I feel my cheeks heat and I bury my face in my hands. This is all way too much too fast. After I've shut him down so many times, been so afraid to have him confess, I'm suddenly realizing I secretly wanted it this whole time? No, I can remember clearly I was scared he'd tell me, but slowly, those feelings changed. Even though worrying about Tsukasa should be my main priority, I can't help but let this consume my thoughts.

Junta...He's pretty much perfect, when you think about it. He's sweet, handsome and strong, and he accepts me for who I am. Of course, Tsukasa is all of those things as well, but I just don't feel that spark with him. He's my good friend and I want to do everything I can to make sure he's happy and successful in life, but I really only like him as a friend.

Admitting that brings on a whole more wave of emotions. Tsukasa needs me, I know that. I've been helping him through this whole situation, and he's protected me and saved me just as much as I've saved him. We've developed a close bond, one I think he's misinterpreted as love. But I just can't imagine dating someone as serious as he is. Junta, on the other hand, is already so easy to be around, I can easily imagine being in a relationship with him.

Gah, why is this happening to me? I just wanted to live with them under the guise of friendship; I never asked to fall in love with my best friend! But now that it's happened, I guess I have to deal with it.