Three Little Words [Ayano x Budo]

Chapter 23 // Beef

Kokona's POV
"Have any of you guys seen Saki? She wont talk to me and I don't know why."
Saki hadn't talked to me since we went to the beach. Normally me and Saki talk all the time, now she's not even responding to my texts. I'm worried about her.
"No, I'm sorry. I'll keep an ey- wait, is that her with Mei?" Ayano pointed up ahead
"Yeah, it is! SAKI!" I shouted. Saki turned and looked at me, then turned back and continued talking to Mei
"That was weird.." Shin said
"Yeah.. I don't know why she's ignoring me.."
"What was the last thing she said to you?" Budo asked so I opened up my phone
Kokona: Saki! Me and Shin are together! So excited!
Saki: Oh, great! Are you doing anything today?
Kokona: Me and Shin are chilling at the beach
Saki: Cool! Can I come to your house later?
Kokona: Sorry, I'm going to Shin's house tonight. Maybe some other time? <3
Saki: Tomorrow?
Kokona: I'm so sorry, we're going on a date tomorrow
Saki: Right. Sorry, I've got to go. Bye
Kokona: Oh, okay. Bye! Talk to you later x

"Well isn't it obvious?" Budo asked
"What?"
"She's jealous!"
"About what? Me and Shin?"
"There are two possibilities. Either she wants a boyfriend, or she's jealous that you're spending a lot of time with him. She's hanging out with Mei because they both have beef with Shin."
"Oh. Kokona if you-" Shin started
"Let me just stop you right there. It's not your fault. Saki is my best friend. She should be happy that I'm happy, not abandon me. Shin, it's not your fault so don't you even dare to blame yourself, okay?" I ranted
"Alright alright, I just don't want you getting hurt because of me." he held my hand

Shin's POV
No matter what Kokona said, I couldn't help but feel responsible for Saki ignoring her. I had to do something.
"Maybe she is happy for you, but she wants a guy too. That way you guys can go on double dates and hang out all together." Ayano said, giving me hope
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Kokona asked excitedly
"Hell yeah I am." Ayano laughed
"Match maker Ayano strikes again!" I cheered
"So who do you think she would date?" Budo asked
"Hm.." Ayano looked through her phone

Ayano's POV
Let's see...

Yuto-kun? Nah

Sosuke-san? I don't think so

Hayato... I think we have a winner.

"Budo, you know Hayato Haruki, right?" I asked
"Yeah, he used to be a MA student of mine. Why? You think they'd work?"
"Us three are good friends. I think that could work!" Kokona said cheerfully
"Then Hayato it is. Here's the school. Go to your lockers, then we can think of a plan on the rooftop." I said
"We get to be included?" Shin asked
"Yeah, sure. You guys know Hayato better than me, so you can help." I smiled
"Holy shit balls! We're included in an Ayano plan!" Kokona laughed
We arrived and changed into our indoor shoes, then headed up to the roof.
"Okay. I was thinking, either a game of truth or dare or a paint balling match."
"Those are both random as shit, but Ayano plans always work, explain." Shin said
"Okay, in truth or dare you it would have to be those two and me and Budo. Clearly Saki doesn't want to be near you two at the moment. With a few dares of romantic acts and truths of crushes, they'll be together in no time. If we played pain ball, you two could come. I mean, Saki would get to shoot you sooo you know. But yeah, put her in a dangerous situation, Hayato becomes her knight in shining armour, then BOOM!" I explained
"I vote paint ball!" Budo said
"Oh yeah, paint ball is also more fun." I laughed. Kokona and Shin looked at each other like they were communicating through looks. Eventually they nodded at eachother and looked back at me.
"Paintball it is!" They said in unison
"Got it, anyone got Hayato's number?"
"Here." Budo gave me his phone
Ayano: Hey Hayato, It's Ayano! Just wondered if you want to come paintballing with me and a few friends
Hayato: Sounds good. Who's going?
Ayano: Me, Budo, Kokona, Shin and Saki if I can get her on board
Hayato: This is an attempt to get me and Saki together, right?
Ayano: Uhhh no?
Hayato: I'm in
Ayano: Wait, really?
Hayato: It's easier if I just give in. You're the matchmaking god at this school, if you have plans for me and Saki then I'm going to end up with her at some point.
Ayano: Well that was easy. I'll text you the details later
Hayato: Alright, bye
Ayano: Sayonara

"He's in." I announced
"Great!"
"Don't get excited yet. Saki's the challenge." I sighed
"It's worth a shot." Budo shrugged

Ayano: Hey Saki, what's up?
Saki: Not much, how are you? :)
Ayano: I'm great, thanks! Just wanted to know if you want to come paintballing with me and a few friends =3
Saki: Who's going?
Ayano: Me, Budo, Hayato, Shin and Kokona
Saki: So I get to shoot Kokona and Shin and it's okay?
Ayano: Yup xD You got some beef with them or something?
Saki: I guess you could call it that. It's just that they're always so happy and deredere with eachother. Don't get me wrong, I'm super happy for them. I just kind of wish I had what they do.
Ayano: You'll find someone super soon, don't worry <3
Saki: Thanks :) Anyway, I've got to go. We can talk about the details later.
Ayano: Okay, byeeee x
Saki: Bye xx

"Get on your knees." I looked at Kokona and Shin with a serious face, Budo tried not to laugh so I winked at him.
"W-What?"
"On your knees." I demanded and they did what I said, "Pray to the goddess of love." I smiled
"You got Saki to come?" Shin asked
"Yep, but better still, I know exactly why she's got beef with you. You'll be going on double dates in no time!" I laughed
"Ayano! You're the best!" the couple jumped up and hugged me tightly
"Cant... Breathe.."
"Oops, sorry." They smiled
"My turn?" Budo smirked
"It's always your turn!" I winked and he scooped me up bridal style, kissing me softly
"Say our three little words."
"I love you."