KNB: Strong (Himuro Tatsuya)

12 - Rejection

TWELVE – Rejection

Though she shines a smile to the raven-haired male, Ayano felt disheartened when Himuro bluntly took the vice president to talk and turned her down. It feels like he downright rejected her feelings or something. After that, she quickly exits, trying not to burst as they went to a more secluded area.

Ayano directly goes to the Journalism Club room in order to report to check on her the other photojournalists. The club room is located at the building behind the auditorium. And as she walked towards the building, she spots Himuro talking to Shizune. Though knowing better, she instinctively hides behind a post to try and eavesdrop on their conversation.

By the looks of it, Shizune is currently confessing to Himuro. Meanwhile, the male junior is keeping a usual cool attitude in front of his senior. However, Ayano sees something different in the look in his eye.

"Himuro-kun, I'd just like to thank all of the contributions that you have done for the Student Council recently. You've really been a great help to us," she starts to say. "You're very good with your work, and you're so nice to everyone in the council, including me."

The vice president starts twiddling with her thumbs. Her voice starts to shake, together with her legs and arms. She couldn't maintain eye contact with the male. Who knew that such a powerful figure would shake up like everyone else? "And with that, I can't help... falling in love with you."

Himuro would hate her so bad. Ayano did not like this confession one bit. It was selfish of her, thinking that she could keep him all to herself.

"I know, I confessed before but this seems... different," the vice president continues to say, the pitch of her voice getting higher. "Back then, I thought that I like you because you are just attractive. Now, I love you because you're so kind. You make me feel special."

Ayano couldn't hear them, but by Shizune's facial expressions and movements, she could tell that the senior is getting to the part where she is telling him that she loves him. The thorn in her heart seems to be pushing itself inside, making its presence more known.

"Shizune-senpai." Himuro breathes out.

There is something different about the raven-haired male. Not necessarily different, but he acts differently in confessions. He acts too normal. Ayano and Murasakibara have seen this side of Himuro a number of times before. He has this composed smile, the relaxed posture, and the kindness is evident in his eyes.

"Thank you..." He looks straight to his senior's eyes. "But I'm sorry."

It is the look that the two are sick of seeing. It's the look when he rejects girls.

"I guess the first time, I also rejected you. I told you that though it was flattering, I couldn't accept it because I don't feel the same way," Himuro starts to say. "But you were persistent, and I have never seen a girl like that before: that is why I gave you a second chance."

His rejections seem like his basketball – elegant, precise, practiced, and consistent. He would thank them first and then courtly reject them, telling the reason that though it was something that he was flattered to receive, he did not feel the same way. He told them that love wasn't that way.

The girl stands in front of Himuro, her eyes welling up with tears, though they refuse to run down her cheek. She continues to look at him in the eye. Himuro places his hand on her shoulder, and finally the water works came.

"Shizune-san, you are an amazing girl – you're beautiful, witty, and caring. There are many people who will be lucky for them to love you. But, that person is not me. I'm sorry..."