Stormy Summer

A Favorable Conversation

Kuro was right. He didn't reject me openly. He did make sure though that I knew his feelings had changed while I was pretending nothing had happened. Like nothing had changed.

I didn't deserve happiness in the first place. I already knew that before opening my mouth. I knew Bokuto wouldn't feel the same anymore. I was selfish.

Bokuto didn't hurt me. I was the one who hurt him. I knew I should've just kept quiet. If I'd kept quiet, there wouldn't be a reason for anyone to be concerned about me. Or Bokuto.

We'd both be fine. Everything was fine until I decided to say something. So instead of asking me whether something happened, Kuro should rather make sure Bokuto's fine. I'm the one at fault here, after all.

My reply came out low and nearly inaudible. I was extremely tired of all this, "Nothing... happened..." Kuro didn't seem to believe me as he shook his head so I continued reluctantly, "Bokuto didn't see me that way..." I nearly choked on those words but I managed to get them out without giving away how they affected me.

Kuro's eyes widened in disbelief, "That... Why?" I blinked at him in surprise. I didn't expect that question. I mean... wasn't it obvious?

Why would Bokuto of all people have feelings for me? His confession was most likely something my mind made up, anyway.

When I didn't answer, Kuro sighed. Maybe he finally understood. Bokuto never even saw me that way. All of this was just my mind playing tricks on me. Because I wanted for it to be true so bad that I didn't even stop to think twice before making the grave mistake of telling him.

I'm just glad that Bokuto's pretending as though nothing happened. That way it will spare me the embarrassment of having to face rejection.

"You're really stupid, aren't you?" Kuro sighed again, rubbing his face, exasperated. I was taken aback and slightly offended by his words, "And you're probably blind as well..." he continued, "Where have you been these past months, Nacchan?" Kuro didn't look concerned anymore. His eyes seemed much stronger than before. If I had to guess his emotion right now, my guess would be anger.

I was confused but opted not to say anything. I wanted to see where he was going with this, even if it did hurt my pride.

"You do know that this stupid owl has been swooning all over you for the past months, right?" I went back to avoiding eye-contact, too embarrassed at his words. When I was about to answer him, he interrupted me again, "And now, don't even think about telling me how wrong I am, Nacchan... Other than you, I actually saw how Bokuto looked at you."

I sighed before looking at Kuro again, "But you don't understand, Kuro-chan... Bokuto made clear that he doesn't see me that way and-" Kuro interrupted me again, "Did he say so?" it barely sounded like a question, but more like a statement. He was making a point. All I could do in return was shake my head, "No... but-" I was about to defend my point but was interrupted again, "Then you won't know unless you actually ask him. Talk to him."

Kuro must've seen in my expression that I was about to disagree with him, for he immediately told me off, "Don't Nacchan... Just talk to him already. It's tiring to watch all of this going on," he sighed again. I wanted to disagree with him. I really did. But I knew that he would have none of it. He wouldn't even let me try to disagree with him.

And maybe he is right. Wasn't I planning on telling him again, anyway? I'm sure Rose would kill me if I chickened out now... I sighed, "I know..." my voice was almost inaudible as I continued, "I'm just... scared, Kuro-chan... What if he rejects me... I don't know what I'd do then..." I trailed off and the next thing I knew was Kuro hugging me, stroking my hair.

"Don't worry, Nacchan... I told you, right? If he hurts you, I hurt him," he was attempting to lift my spirits by joking. I wasn't sure whether it was working correctly or not, as I got extremely nervous at the thought of confessing again and the possibility of rejection. Instead of answering him, I just hugged him back.

We stayed like this for a few more minutes until I pulled back, "Thanks, Kuro-chan... but whatever happens, isn't his fault," I was about to turn away to find Rose and the others but Kuro stopped me one last time, "That doesn't matter to me, Nacchan," he rested his hand on my shoulder for a few seconds before walking past me, presumably to go find Bokuto and the others. His teammates were here too after all.

"Summer! There you are," Rose exclaimed from behind me, "we've been looking all over for you!" She paused as I turned around. She was looking around at the things on display before she turned abruptly, grabbing my arm and pulling me away, "What were you doing there, looking at those things?" she sounded embarrassed. What aisle were Kuro and I in? I could feel the dread filling me as I imagined what Rose must've seen.

"Kuro-chan wanted to talk. I don't know what was on display there," I answered, hoping my voice sounded convincing enough, "why are you asking?"

She turned around and looked extremely uncomfortable, "Doesn't matter... What did Kuro-san want from you?" she barely looked at me, still clearly embarrassed.

"He just... wanted to talk," I turned away slightly, "nothing more..." Rose sighed and turned, continuing to pull me after her, this time, she only stopped once we were outside.