Underneath the Moonlight: REBOOT! || Osorō Shidesu x OC

13 - Ayano Aishi & Rejecting an Admirer

Week 3

As the week went on, there were a few notable things to mention.

The first was how badly I tried in vain to avoid Osorō around school. He kept writing me notes, telling me to meet him in the hedge maze, which I kept avoiding, afraid of what it might lead to and what it might mean to me — or for me. Osorō progressively became more and more frustrated by me ignoring him, that he began to once again favor Aru's attention over mine.

The second was Ajia Ashitomi, who frequently kept approaching me with a blushing face. I was beginning to suspect she might've stopped liking Taro-senpai in affection for me.

The third... was Ayano Aishi.

She'd joined the drama club this week, and was talking to me, asking simple, innocent questions about my likes and dislikes. She was also the one who would tell me that Ajia was waiting for me at the east fountain, where we'd chat and talk about the same things I'd chat with Ayano about.

By Friday, I'd gotten another note. At first, I thought it was from Osorō again — but opening proved it wasn't.

Meet me under the cherry blossom tree! <3

The handwriting was very obviously a girl's neat, best cursive — and in an instant, I knew who it was from and what they wanted to tell me. I pocketed the note with a sigh. I wasn't looking forward to rejecting Ajia, to be honest.

Aso was excited about his game — so much so that he barely stopped to chat, say good morning and that he'd see me in class. He made me promise to go to his basketball game before he left, though.

And, the final thing was...

"So," I said, smirking as I linked arms with Kokona, "Are you finally ready to confess to Riku?"

Kokona had a crush on Riku, again. The entire week, it was as if Riku had turned into the perfect gentleman overnight, showering Kokona with attention, affection, and gifts so much, she'd completely seen him in a new light and was entirely smitten by him.

Kokona's cheeks turned dark red. "N-not so loud, Athena-sama!" But then her eyes practically turned into hearts. "But yes... just look at him." We both turned, glancing across the other side of the fountain, where Riku stood chatting with his friends, occasionally looking Kokona's way with a grin. "He looks ready for my confession, too, doesn't he?"

I rolled my eyes, but went with it. "Yes. Yes he does. I swear to god, if you don't confess after school..."

"I-I will! I just have to write the perfect note. During class. Maybe during this morning's read through, good-bye!"

I giggled as I watched her run away, then I approached Taro-senpai and sat next to him, just as Osorō and Aru stepped into the plaza. I ignored them in favor of greeting Taro-senpai. "Good morning, Taro-senpai."

"Good morning, Athena-sama," he greeted, closing his book and setting it down on his lap. "Are you going to Aso-kun's basketball game tomorrow?"

"Yes, he's insisted I make an appearance," I replied, giggling. "Are you? I'm surprised. I didn't expect you to be interested in a sports game."