Senpai....

         Few days have pass, and two days more before the operation. Everyone like usual are getting ready for the next fight. But for some reason on the day of the operation, I feel something bad gonna happen….maybe it’s my imagination. Now, I’m worrying about senpai condition, his being weird lately. Like yesterday, he suddenly asked me to tell story, a story that can make me laugh. I obeyed, I started to tell him everything. Then he suddenly talking weird, like “Not leaving anything behind” “No doubts, no regrets”. I didn’t get it at all. I’m so blur…then he asked me to do him a favor that is “You don’t have to forgive me…but forgive everything else”. I told him that I don’t understand. He only replied that I will understand it soon enough.

        Senpai…what are you thinking inside your head. If only…I can…if only I can hear your thoughts and your past…if only I can feel your pain…if only I can washed away the tears you tried to hide. I just…want to see those laughs and smile during the day you cooked for everyone. Senpai…

       “Minako!”

        I heard someone call out my name, so I turn my back around and saw Yukari, Fuuka and Aria ran towards me. I waved at them

       “Hahaha! You were in a hurry. Where are you going?” Yukari asked with a smile

       “Hahahaha, well I just wanna go back to the dorm quickly so I can rest” I replied covering my sadness with a smile

       “Awww~ really? We were going to asked you out to go shopping together today at Paulownia Mall.” Aria answered

      Paulownia Mall? Now that I remembered…yesterday senpai talked about his pocket watch disappeared and nowhere to be found. I just remembered Officer Kurosawa. He’s been receiving lost and found item right? So maybe he got senpai pocket watch then. So I decide to follow them together.

      When we arrived at Paulownia Mall, I told them that I need to see Officer Kurosawa for a while. I ran and went straight to Kurosawa-san police office

      “Oh! Arisato-san, how may I help you?” Officer Kurosawa said stand up from his desk after seeing me coming in the police station. “You want to buy some new weapon?”

      “No~ I’m here just wanted to ask you something.” I said

      “Hmm? What is it?” Officer Kurosawa said curious

      “Ermmm…do happen to have found a pocket watch? My friend lost it somewhere and the watch is really precious to him. So I thought maybe you have it Kurosawa-san” I said asked him about senpai pocket watch

      “Hmm? A pocket watch is it? Wait here let me go check it for a while.” Kurosawa said walking towards his desk

      I waited for a few minutes and finally he came to me and carry’s a pocket watch in his hand. Is that Senpai pocket watch?

      “Is this the one? Someone found it and gave me this a few days ago.” Kurosawa-san said passes me the pocket watch to me.

      “He didn’t give any details about the pocket watch. But I’m confident this is the one! Thank you so much Kurosawa-san” I sad giving a him a bow of saying thank you

      “I’m happy to help. Hope your friend is happy that you able to retrieve this.” Kurosawa said smiling

      I nodded with a smile, then look at senpai pocket watch. I hope this will make him happy again. He feels down without his pocket watch. Senpai…please be okay…I went out of the police station and regroup back with Yukari, Fuuka and Aria. We went lot of stores in Paulownia Mall. After that, we went back to the dorm together. I saw senpai seating on the dining table eating with Junpei and Akihiko. I quickly ran straight to my room after saying hi to the others.

       “I wonder…what’s wrong with Minako…”Aria said whispering to Yukari and Fuuka

       “Hm…you notice to huh…She smiled but I can feel the sadness through her smile though” Yukari said worrying

       “Maybe…she’s trouble with something…her aunt did say to us that she likes to keep.” Fuuka said recalling back what aunt Luneth said

       “Today let give her some space…I’ll try to talk to her tomorrow at school.” Aria said

       They nodded with a smile.

       Meanwhile, in my room, I was afraid on giving him the pocket watch because what if this one is not what he was looking for. *sigh* whether it’s not the real one or not. I need to try…My heart keep telling me that this is the one. So, I step outside of my room and went downstairs. Suddenly, I saw Shinjiro-senpai going upstairs and our eyes met…

      “Hey..” Shinjiro said somewhat sad

      “S-Senpai…hello” I said bowing

      “What’s wrong?” Shinjiro said looking at me like he notice something wrong

      “Uhmm…well…” I said hesitating if I should give it to him or not

      “Hm?” Shinjiro said, waiting patiently for my answers

      “…..” I silent and stand in front him. I took out the pocket watch in my pocket and handed to him “Is this yours senpai?” 

       When I handed out the pocket watch towards him, his eyes are suddenly widened. He then took the watch from my hand and observes it carefully. IS this it? Is this the pocket watch his trying to find…Please make it yes.

       “This is…!” Shinjiro said still shocked. Then suddenly he grabed my hand “Come with me for a sec…”

       “Ah! Wait where we going?” I said been pulled by Shinjiro and followed him  

        After a few minutes, me and Shinjiro stop at Naganaki Shrine. He brought me here, I wonder why. The place is quiet at night and no one around. We both sit on the bench and started our conversation.

       “Sorry for dragging you…but…” he said looking at his pocket watch “Where did you find this?”

       “It was his…thank goodness…”I whispered in my heart “I recall you lost your watch, when you say it yesterday. So I thought maybe Kurosawa-san the police officer has it. The watch got taken to the police station and that I claim it for you.” I said explain how I get the watch
       “I see…” Shinjiro said toys with the pocket watch “I thought I’d be fine if I never saw this again…But I never imagined that you of all people would bring it to me”

       “….” I silent

       

      Suddenly he stop and he reach to his pocket. It was a blue rectangular box. He handed the box to me

      “This isn’t really to pay you back, but I want you to have this. I was hesitating about if I should give it to you or not.” He said handed the blue box “I thought it’d look good on you…”

      “Ah! Thank you senpai!” I said opening the blue box….it was a leather watch. It’s really cute! “Wow! It’s a cute watch! Hahahaha Thanks senpai! Thanks a lot! I love it!”

      “Yeah…” Shinjiro said embarrassed

     

       I smiled happily, he gave me a cute watch. I’ll cherish it no matter what. Thanks senpai… * smile*.

       “…Look after Aki.” He said looking down at his feet with his sad face “…You know he’s an idiot. You remember the story about the first fight we ever had?”

       “Yeah, I still remember about it” I answered

       “It was because…I stole a doll from a toy store.” He said remembering the past “Aki’s sister couldn’t make any friends. I stole it because I thought it’d make her happy.”

       “Oh…”I said listening to his story

       “Aki found out about it and beat the crap outta me…and he was crying the whole time. Afterwards, we both went back to the store to return it…and to apologize for what I did.” He continues “But then, the toy store’s owner smacked us both. *laugh* he hasn’t changed at all from back then.”

      

       He laugh…and smiled. I’m glad…I thought I never seen those anymore. *smile*

       “He’s stupid, honest, proud, kind…and a crybaby…that’s why someone needs to be by his side.” He said worrying

       “*giggle* don’t worry senpai. We all will always be by his side. Like he always do us” I said closing my eyes smiling while remembering the time he was by my side in Yakushima.

       “Yeah…I’ll be counting on all of you.” Shinjiro said felt relieved “I ain’t worried at all, because I know you’re with him.”

       “Ermm…no.” I said disagreed “Not just me, everyone always there with him especially Aria-chan”

       “Hahaha! Yeah I forgot that blue girl. But anyhow, I’m leaving the rest to you and others.” He said smiling while looking at me kindly
       “Senpai…” I said surprised seeing him smiling “*smile* Yeah!”

        I’m glad I able to make you smile again. I’m glad that I able to be so closed to you now. I really love you senpai…My heart beat so fast whenever I’m with you. Also, I feel safe whenever you right beside me. But I’m too afraid to say those words to you…

       “The wind’s started to pick up…” He said “I kinda want to stay here a little while longer if we can, but…aren’t you cold?”

       Now that he mention about I do feel cold….

 

       “Uhmm…a bit..” I said putting both of my arms around me

       “Hey, you’re gonna catch something. C’mere…” He said softly and kindly looking at me with his eyes. He unbutton his jacket and get closer to me. Then, he embraced me to his arm so that I can share the jacket with him. He smile warmly

       My face was really red, I’m really closed to him. Like really closed to him! Just side by side closer together, I never expected this would happen. But…it was really warm. I love this warm feeling, My body is not that cold anymore. His body was really warm…it make my head landed on his shoulder. I closed my eyes with a smile, I love this warmness coming from him…I wish time would stop now…so that I can enjoy like this with him forever…

                                                                    *******

      

         Yesterday we talked about various things together until I fell asleep on his shoulder. Yesterday was the best, *smile* senpai… It’s lunchtime, I’m at the school rooftop still remembering about yesterday while looking at Shinjiro-senpai present. *giggle*

        “Hm? So here you are my little red eyes!” said the familiar voice embraced me from behind

        “*gasp* Aria! You scared me!’ I said startled when Aria suddenly scared me

        “*giggle* come on, you know I’m just joking around. Beside, I’ve been watching you since this morning, you’ve been smiling and giggling all by yourself. Come on share some adorable scene you got. I know yesterday Shinjiro-senpai dragged you out somewhere. So come on tell me! Tell me! Tell me! What happen to you both yesterday?” Aria said forcing me to tell her the story

       

         I don’t have much of a choice, so I started telling her stories about Shinjiro-senpai being all sad and all. Also about the watch that I claim and also about what happen at the shrine.

 

        “Awww~ Minako that’s so sweet of Shinjiro-senpai! He gave you a watch! awwww~ man I love your relationship~ I really do~” Aria said being all fangirling about me and Shinjiro

        “Hahahaha, me also…I like it very much…” I said smiling while lifted my left hand to the air so that I can see the watch

        “*smile* when will you confess to him Minako?” Aria said suddenly asked about confess to him. My face was all red.
        “Ahh w-what are you saying? Confess? Confess what? I-I don’t know what you mean…” I said quickly look away

        “Come on! Don’t look away! Look at me Minako” Aria said putting both of her hands around her waist but I didn’t care and still look away. “Look….at….me…”

 

        Because I was afraid she would kill me, I turn around and look at her directly. She smiled

        “Now that wasn’t so bad is it?” She said smiling

        “*sigh* I don’t know when…I’m just afraid to tell him. What if he rejects me?” I said looking down.

        “But Minako…you wouldn’t know if you don’t try. Come on I’m always be there for you. Just tell him” Aria said encourage me to confess with a smile

        “But….” I said sad

        “Come on! I’m here I can help you!” Aria said holding both of my hand giving me courage

         I’m still worried about the idea to confess to him, I didn’t know what to do. I really do love him…but what if he couldn’t accept it. I’m afraid…now I know how it feels when you wanted to confess someone that you love. I feel lost, confused, afraid too…Arrgghhh!!! The feeling!
         After school, I went back home with Aria. When we arrived, we saw Shinjiro-senpai at the lounge with Koromaru watching TV. Aria pushed me to go and sit beside him. She took my bag and went upstairs. I bravely sit beside him not saying a word but just watch TV. Even senpai didn’t say a thing. Then my phone ringing, it was from Aria.

         “Good luck Minako-chan! I know you can do it. I’ll be staying in my room for a while. Anything just give me a holla. I’ll be there ASAP. You better confess to him, be brave!” Aria said sending a text message

         Her pushed and support make me smile and brave. Well…a bit…but I got to try! *breathe* Here goes…

 

        “Se—“ I was about to call him but suddenly someone just pop out of nowhere and ruin the moment….

        “Man I love ramen! Oh hey Minako, mind if I sit in the middle. I wanna watch Tv while waiting for the ramen to be done.” Akihiko said calmly sitting between me and Shinjiro-senpai

        “*sigh* ramen again? Seriously Aki you need to eat some balance food like veggies and all like Minako.” Shinjiro said sighed  

        “You should look at yourself too, you’ve been eating at Hagakure all the time. So we both the same” Akihiko said grab his ramen on the table

        Haha…haha…mi—mission…fail….

        “Hm? What’s wrong with you Minako? You look…really…gloomy.” Akihiko said seeing me all emo

        “Haha…really…? It’s…nothing…really nothing…I’m…fine…” I said looking down at my feet feel all depressed. Damn…you…Akihiko-senpai….

        “*whimpering*” Koromaru whimper seeing me so emo

        Shinjiro-senpai just look at me being all gloomy. Damn…Akihiko-senpai…why do you have to pop out of nowhere…that my chance…and you blew it….cursed you…senpai…. Suddenly I felt my phone buzzing, I took it out of my pocket and saw Aria message me.

       “Hey. How’s the situation? Ok?” She said in her message

      “….no…” I replied

      “Hm? What’s wrong? Don’t tell me he—“ she replied with many dots

      “No….Akihiko-senpai interfered…isk…isk…” I said putting a crying face along the way

     “What the…that love destro—I mean Akihiko-senpai. Don’t worry! Help is on the way!” Aria       replied in her message

        Suddenly, I felt a sound coming from upstairs. It’s like someone is running really fast. Then a strong wind coming our way, It was Aria running and quickly grab Akihiko-senpai.

       “AkihikosenpailetsgooutandeatatHagakure! Bye Shinjiro-senpai! Bye Minako-chan!” Aria said so quick went out grab Akihiko

       Me and Shinjiro eyes are widened, seeing Akihiko-senpai been kidnapped by Aria. He was about to eat the ramen he made but….wow Aria…you make us both shocked. What are THE FLASH!?

      “T—That was to fast…haha Aria-chan…” I said laughing awkwardly but I can’t lose my focus I need to say the word to him now!

       “*sigh* what is wrong with those two?” Shinjiro said sighed and turn his head towards me “Hm?”

       “…..” I was silent but my eyes met his eyes. I trying to say the word..but I’m too scared! “…S-senpai…I…”

       “Huh?” Shinjiro said looking at me

       “I…I…”Words why won’t you come out!!

       “Hey…shouldn’t you be with the others? Like go shopping and all. You should go with Aria and Akihiko at Hagakure. I…can’t give you anything or do anything for you.” He said suddenly looks away

       I silent…maybe…it would be… “You can do it!”. Suddenly those words pop inside my head. I recall what Aria said when we were at the rooftop. Her support gave me strength. If I don’t do it now, I might regret later. Like she said “You wouldn’t know if you don’t try”. I remembered that I used those words to Akihiko-senpai when I ask him to go out with her. Hahaha thanks Aria for always been by my side.

      “But…I want to spend time with you” I said bravely

      “*sigh*” he sighed looking at me with his eyes “…You can stare at me like that all day. I got nothing for you. Haven’t you waste enough time on me? What more do you want?”

     

      I stand and silent…I need to say it. My heart pumping really fast, I know it’s hard…but I have to do it! Now or Never!

     “*breathe* Senpai..I..” I said my heart pumping even faster…please mouth..please say the word “I love you!”

     Finally I shouted and let out the feeling I had inside me. Shinjiro senpai eyes widened when hearing it. His face turns to red and stand

     “…Huh?....”he said shocked “D-Don’t tease me like that!”

     “I’m not teasing you! I’m saying the truth!” I replied with a serious look in my face just to cover my shy face

     “Urghh…”He said rubbing his head and standup “I mean, why just blurt out something like that? Here, of all places…?”

     “Then, can I go to your room?” I said suddenly it come out right from my mouth. What am I saying!?

     “What? Y-You moron.” He said suddenly his face turn bright red “I…I ain’t a nice guy. I can’t let you in my room…Don’t you get it?”

     “I still want to go.” I said, I swear my mouth just blurt it out by itself. I didn’t mean to say it!

     “No way. It’s not gonna happen. Look, you need to watch yourself. Don’t bother with someone like me.” He replied quickly avoiding from eye contact

     “I still love you, Senpai!” I said automatically, when I said say the word…it doesn’t mean you do all the talking mouth….

     “Idiot…” He said rubbing his head and grabs my hand.

      He gave up the quarrel and brought me to his room. I got to say, after this I need to thank my mouth for making excuses just to enter his room. I finally inside Shinjiro-senpai room, I can’t believe this. Even so is practically empty and I can only see the bed and the desk only. Wow! I’m so happy thanks mouth! I give you a treat on whatever you want to eat! *smile happily*

      “…So? Happy now?” He said standing behind me closing the door

      “*smile*” I can only smile happily. I’m so happy I can’t even say a thing

      “You’re always pushing me around all the time…You’re just gonna ignore what I want, huh?” He said looking at me smiling

      “Hmm…maybe..” I said have a sit on the floor

      “*sigh* Yeah, well, two can play that game.” He murmured

      “Hm? What did you—“ I said suddenly Shinjiro embraces me tightly from behind

      “This is your fault, you know. I’m all confused” Shinjiro said softly

      “Senpai…” I shocked

      “You’re all I can think about, day and night.” He continues “Dammit, this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.”

      Shinjiro suddenly release me from his arms…

      “You get it, right? Go back to your room.” He said look away “If you don’t go now, you’re not gonna get another chance.”

     

      I turned my body and look towards at him. He was shy and trying to hold back his feelings. He maybe…doesn’t want to hurt me. I get it…all this time…you hold the same feeling as I am. You love me but you didn’t have the courage…senpai...*smile*

     “I’m…I’m not going anywhere! I’m staying…”I said, I want to hear the word’s directly from your mouth. I already do my part…now it’s your turn..senpai..

     “*sigh*…you’re a real piece of work, you know that…?” He sighed “I’m gonna make myself clear…I ain’t holding back any more.”

      He approached to me closer and closer, until our eyes are really close to each other. I stood still in my position and finally he kissed…

      “I love you…Minako” 

To be continued....

(OOC: Alright ShinjiroXMinako time! hehehehe I love this couple so much! Hope u enjoy! The picture is not mine. Thanks for reading :) )