楽園のワンピース | A Piece Of Paradise | Rakuen No Wanpīsu |✔

13: Regret

(Taiki's POV)

I was about to head to work when she came running up. Tomoi Yusuke. Huh, at this last moment, I thought.

"Here you go," I said, handing over the purse which I already had in my hand.

She didn't say anything but took it, and rechecked inside. "Oh," she murmured, as if to herself, and turned to walk away.

"Geez, I just returned you your precious purse, and you can't even say a simple 'thank you'?" I asked, grimacing.

"Why should I be thanking you if you stole it in the first place?" She asked, coldly.

"Stole it?!" I repeated, now really mad. "I did a favour for you and you jump to the conclusion that I stole it?? You know, it's people like you who pollute the sincerity of this world."

"As if you care," she snorted and walked away. "All men are the same anyway.

How rude! I couldn't believe it! Ugh~ I walked away too, remembering that I'd be late for work if I didn't hurry. I had no time to waste with an arrogant bitch.

(Tomoi's POV)

I walked past him. Again. I didn't know why I suddenly jumped into the conclusion that he stole my purse. I wanted to thank and apologize to him, I really did. I turned around and looked behind me. He was gone. Of course, he was. Why would he waste his time with a trash like me?

The truth was, it had been a bad week for me. Other than the usual pressure from work, and my ADHD messing with my head, I recently found out that my boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, had been cheating on me with my best friend. Moreover, he'd been asking me for money which was supposedly for his grandfather, who was admitted in the hospital, but had been spending it all on her.

Of course, love wasn't an issue to cry over and I didn't do that, but I was definitely mad at them. "Sincerity of this world," Taiki had said. Sincerity? I laughed to myself, scornfully. In this world, you can't trust anyone. But speaking of Taiki, wouldn't he have thought I was just like one of those people? Wouldn't he have been disgusted at my mannerless behaviour?

Taiki Kudo, he said his name was. Taiki Kudo... Why does that sound so familiar?? Taiki Kudo as in.. the member of Da-iCE?! The Taiki Kudo who is an otaku, who loves anime and manga and-and idols!?

I literally slapped myself. WHAT WAS I THINKING— What's wrong with me?! Taiki Kudo had found my purse and he kindly returned it to me, and not only did I not recognize him but I was indescribably rude to him. GAH! A wave of regret washed over me, as I felt a pang of self-loathe.

I didn't know his number, his address, nothing. How could I make it up for my rudeness?? We would probably never meet again and even if we did, he'd never forgive me. He'd always have that first bad impression of me that I gave him.

-2 weeks later-

It has been an easier week for me, luckily. But however much I. tried to forget about Taiki, I couldn't. Conscience wasn't something that leaves you quickly. It'll eat your head out.

I was returning home from work once more. My mind was full of thoughts. Thousands of thoughts. Of him. Was it just regret and guilt that made him never leave my mind? Or was it—

I bumped into someone again. This time, he caught my arm before I could fall. It was him again. Taiki. What's with my luck these days?! I felt my cheeks grow hotter.

"You again," he muttered. He looked super-mad at me.

"W-wait!!" I exclaimed without thinking.

He turned around. "What? Wanna accuse me for stealing your purse again?"

"N-no," I stared at my feet and wet my lips. "I just wanted to apologize for being so mean the other day. I- I'm sorry. I know you were just being nice and that you kept my purse safely and returned it to me but-"

I couldn't think of an explanation for my behaviour. I bit my lips.

"I was not in a very good mood. I know it's wrong of me to throw it out on you but I sincerely apologize. And thank you so much for your help."

(Taiki's POV)

I wasn't sure whether to forgive her or not. The way she acted was pretty rude, but was it that bad?

"Whatever," I replied. "It's not like accepting an apology would hurt."

Tomoi was still not looking at me. Now that I noticed, she was pretty cute. Like I mentioned earlier, she looked like she came straight out of an anime. She was super-short and slim, and her hair was fluffy and cute.

"Do- do you really forgive me?" She asked, her voice almost shivering now. I reflected upon the question. Maybe she wasn't feeling well. Or maybe she had a fight with someone. We all have bad days, so it wouldn't really hurt to forgive her.

I tilted her chin up so that she would directly look into my eyes. "Of course I do," I smiled and rubbed her hair. "It's okay, it was just a petty comment, I can forget it."

Tomoi blushed and withdrew from my hand immediately. "Thank you so much, Kudo-san!"

"Taiki," I corrected, chuckling. "No need for the honorifics and formality."

She looked at me and slowly smiled. Aw, she looked so cute!!

"Come on, say my name!" I urged her.

"T-Taiki-san," her cheeks turned redder. "Well then, see you!!" She said and ran away. I watched her silhouette pan further away, and smiled.

(Tomoi's POV)

I did it! I finally did it!! I apologized to Taiki and he accepted it! Thoughts were racing through my mind as I was running. He smiled at me and rubbed my hair! I couldn't help but blush a little at that thought.

He was so considerate~ I could still remember that genuine laugh and cute.. smile… Another thought flew to my mind suddenly. Was I.. Was I in love??