Wingman ⌠Cell Phone Novel⌡

ai

⌠ 1 ⌡ 

I sit, for the last time.

This chair. Always open. Always free.

Today was the last time it would be taken.

I laugh.

Takanashi Ai.

A girl who still has feelings for a womanizer.

And me.

Someone who still has feelings for a girl,

long after everything has broken down.

I remember Takanashi's strong gaze,

not an act, not fake.

Genuine- maybe she really had loved Takeshi.

Why? And how? Love, the concept of it, confuses me.

Her name.

Ai.

Love.

How could you love someone who cheated on you,

betrayed, played with you?

What was love?

Something that connects two people,

strong attraction,

longing, fear, hope, sadness, euphoria, bittersweet.

Or maybe none of that at all.

Was what we were feeling even...

love?

Both of us. Idiots.

"Look, Sakai. I help you. You help me.

After we each get what we want,

I'll disappear from your life.

I won't bother you anymore.

So, just this once, help me.

Please."

I couldn't turn her away.

She was feeling the same way I did.

Different, but the same.

ai...

⌠ 2 ⌡ 

Her pink hair.

You could see it from a mile away.

The courtyard. It's quiet. A few other students.

Afternoon.

She's sitting by the same tree as yesterday.

"Not going to the library today?"

I shake my head. "I'm done with that."

"What if she shows up?"

I smile. "She won't."

Takanashi hits me lightly.

"How am I supposed to help you when you've given up?"

The afternoon sun filters through the leaves.

"I'll help you first, alright?

Either way, Akiyama isn't ready to see me."

She's frowning.

"What? Are you angry?"

"I don't want to owe you anything."

I sigh, shaking my head.

"That's what you're worried about?"

She's quiet.

"Look, don't worry. I'm just doing this because I want to."

"Alright. When do we start?"

Rustling. Footsteps. We both look up.

"Keichi, you wanted to talk?"

Takeshi.

I turn to Takanashi. Give her a wink.

"Now."

⌠ 3 ⌡  

Seeing her now confuses me.

Struggling to find words,

she pulls at the hem of her skirt,

plays with her hair,

chuckles nervously.

Her tough persona from yesterday

is completely gone.

Was this the real Takanashi?

Or did we only show our good sides to those we loved?

I smile.

Terrifyingly honest with those

she didn't care about.

Was I that way

when I was with Yura?

Maybe that was for the best.

...when would all of our facades come to an end?

⌠ 4 ⌡  

"You're completely different with him, you know?"

"Shut up. I know."

"It was like you were a different person."

I laugh at her.

"You should've seen yourself."

"Shut up!" She shouts, shoving me from her side.

I take a few steps back from the force.

"What the fuck do you know?!

Stop talking like you understand."

Her voice is shaking.

Ragged breaths.

"...I'm sorry. Excuse me."

She walks ahead, without me.

"Takanashi!" I shout.

She stops. Turns around.

"Sorry for teasing you.

I ... just wanted to help you feel better."

She smiles. Faintly.

"You did a shitty job."

She turns around again.

Walking.

She throws her hand up in a wave.

"Seeya tomorrow, Sakai."