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

15: A Happy Ending...?

(Taiki's POV)

One day later, and I still couldn't get over the hug. What was wrong with me? Why did I suddenly hug her?? Well, I tried to calm myself down, at least you didn't kiss her.

I wanted to kiss her though. I shook my head. Stop it, Taiki! She's just some random girl... who's hella cute and is an otaku like me. I exhaled. This wasn't gonna end.

"Taiki?" I was once more shook out of my thoughts and I looked at Toru standing in front of me.

"Yeah?"

"What's with that 'yeah'? You've been messing up your dance moves all day!" Toru stated. "It's not like you to do this."

"I- uh, I'm sorry," I sighed. "I think I'm in love, Toru."

"I knew it," Toru laughed. "It's okay, we all fall in love sometime or the other. But it wouldn't be impressive to mess up your work because of that. If you wanna do something about it, be the one to make the first move."

"Y-yeah," I nodded, smiling. "Thanks."

Our next concert was tomorrow. I exhaled once more and ordered myself not to mess up anymore.

***

It was the day of the concert. As always, we were excited. I remember our first live performance, all of us were super scared. Will our voices be okay? Are our outfits weird? Would we mess up during the dance?

I could clearly see the difference this time. Even Hayate was hyped up.

"Do well, Haya-chan!" Rii said, holding her fist up. She was a nice girl, really supportive and not too talkative, I thought.

"Ganbarimasu~" Hayate replied.

Toru mumbled something about Hikari making lavender tea for him in the morning so that he wouldn't tire himself. Arisa was once more in a completely different place, so all she could do was to text Yudai a good luck message. Saki had come to visit Sota and was hugging him and whisper-squealing a "Do your best, ne! I know you'll rock it!!"

I smiled. Maybe it was me who was actually tensed. I'd seen Tomoi working hard as I passed by her room. I could well see that she was dedicated to work. She told me that she was finishing it as fast as possible since she wanted to attend the concert.

We started the concert with 'Paradive'. I successfully diverted all my thoughts of Tomoi away.

"How are you guys feeling tonight?" I yelled, and the fans cheered. I spotted Tomoi in the crowd too, cheering. I winked at her, making her blush instantly.

***

Soon, the concert ended and we went back. "Uh, guys I'll be back soon," I murmured. Toru smiled at me, knowingly.

I met Tomoi outside the building. She was wearing a cute T-shirt and shorts and for once she was wearing high heels. She blushed seeing me.

"Hey," she smiled, giving a small wave. "The live was amazing. You did great!"

"Thanks," I blushed a little too, for once. "Um, Tomoi, I-"

"Taiki-san will you be my boyfriend?" Tomoi rushed it out all at once. I blinked.

"I didn't know- you felt the same--" I mumbled, surprised.

"Eh?"

"Okay!" I nodded, my words getting muddled.

"Okay?"

"I'll- I'll be your boyfriend~" I smiled. She turned a bright shade of red, resembling more of an anime character.

For a moment, she didn't say anything and stared at her feet, like she always did when she was nervous. Then she leaned in and pressed her lips onto mine, having to stand on tiptoes because even the heel didn't help her height. I caressed her hair and smiled as I returned the kiss.

"I love you, shorty," I whispered, chuckling.

"Shut up," she mumbled, blushing again. "I love you too."

-Epilogue-

"Ne, Haya-chan," Rii wondered aloud. "Why did you choose me?"

"Eh? Why not??" Hayate looked at her.

"Because the writer didn't say anything good about me like she did about the other girls," Rii pouted.

"Ah, sou ne…" Hayate squinted his eyes, thoughtfully. "Maybe I should dump you for some other girl~"

"Yeaah.. wait, what?? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO CONSOLE ME!!"

~Fin~