15 Chapter 15: Ligh (1/2)

Our club, or rather Nariyuki, decided the activities we will be doing. Our plans are: first, go to a theme park; second, go to karaoke; lastly, go to a festival. I'm just glad we're not doing everything in a single day.

A few days after summer vacation started, I received a text from Nariyuki. It was a group message, indicating the date, time and location of where everyone would meet. It was decided that we would go on a weekday to avoid over crowded weekends.

Today is Wednesday, and I left early since our meeting time was at 9 in the morning. Going to an amusement park with everyone is exciting. Everyone met at the entrance gates of the park. A few were unable to join us today from the club. We are about more than 20 people in our group now. I guess the club is really big now in terms of numbers, and I think it will only grow after the summer break. As I looked around, I noticed that Hiroisora was not yet here.

”Are you looking for Hiroisora?” Nariyuki pryingly asked me.

”Wh-what? Oh, it's just you.”

”What does that mean?” She seemed pissed at what I said.

”Well, there is no use teasing me anymore. I believe Hiroisora told you already our situation. This is just an act to help you out.”

”So, does that mean you don't like Hiroisora?”

”Wha--? No! I mean, well, not that I don't like her, it's just...”

”It's just what?” Damn, I'm caught in her trap. ”Well? Hmm?”

”Sorry I'm late, everyone!” Hiroisora was running towards our group. She was wearing a beautiful dress. I couldn't help but stare at her.

”What's the matter, Takaiyama-kun?” Hiroisora looked at me, puzzled.

”You're staring at her. It's rude, you know.” Nariyuki commented on the situation.

”Oh, I'm sorry! It's just, um, you look beautiful in that, Hiroisora.” I couldn't look at her while saying something that embarrassing.

”Thanks...” Hiroisora looked like she blushed a little from my compliment.

”They are so sweet! Look at that lovey-dovey couple!” One of our club members shouted. Afterwards, everyone else started cheering. I guess they are supportive of us. Haha. ”Long live the 'I'm Sorry-couple'!” I never really understood where that nickname came from. Maybe now is a good time to ask, out of curiosity, of course.

”Um, why are you calling us the 'I'm Sorry-couple'?” I asked them.

”You really don't know?” One of the girls replied.

”Nope.” I have no idea.

”Yeah. I want to know, too.” Hiroisora was interested as well. She was somewhat excited to hear the answer.

”Hmm, it's because both of you turn down people who confess their feelings for you. You both always say 'I'm sorry'.” Everyone knows that.”

”Oh...” Hiroisora and I reacted at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed. There are a lot more things in common between us, it seems. Now that I think about it, no one has confessed to me ever since we came back from our school trip.

”Well, everyone. Let's go inside and have some fun!” Nariyuki exclaimed in excitement.

---

We entered the park and wandered around as a group. Not everyone rode the same rides. I wanted to ride all of them. I enjoy this kind of things. We took a lot of pictures together as a group, but there were many pictures of just Hiroisora and me, as well. They took every opportunity to take a picture of us together, whether it was us talking or even just walking. The one thing I noticed is that the happiest one among all of us was Nariyuki. I think I could understand, especially with what happened to her in middle school. She finally has a club she can have fun with together.

The day passed by quickly. It was afternoon already. Before we went home, there was one ride I want to go on: the Ferris wheel. I just want a little alone time for myself. When I was about to enter the passenger car, people from our club was pushing someone towards me. Then, they pushed me inside the passenger car together with that person. The door closed and the ride started to move. I looked at the person who was with me, and it was Hiroisora.

”Are you alright?” I asked her.

”Yeah...” She seemed a little shaken up.

”I'm just wondering, why were they pushing you?” I asked curiously.

”Well, they said we needed time alone together. I said maybe you wanted to be alone but they wouldn't believe me and said I was just being shy. So, they pushed me to go along with you here. Hehe. I'm sorry if I bothered you.” She was apologizing while smiling at me. Of course, I'd forgive her when she's looking like that. Who wouldn't?

”No, it's okay.” We were sitting in front of each other. ”So, um, I don't have any idea what to talk about now that we're alone. Haha.” She laughed at what I said. ”We don't have to pretend we're a couple when we're alone like this.”

”You're right...” She replied with a sad kind of expression. Now that is has come to this, I might as well start a conversation.

”Hmm. Can I ask you something?”

”Sure. What is it?”

”If you don't mind answering, why is it that you've been turning down guys? I'm really surprised that someone as beautiful as you doesn't have a boyfriend.” I really am curious.

”...” She became quiet. I waited a little bit, but she still didn't answer.

”You don't have to answer the question!” I tried to clear the awkwardness that was starting. ”I'm sure you have a personal reason I shouldn't be intruding into.”

”...I'm sorry I couldn't answer you.”

”It's fine, really. I understand. It was stupid of me to ask something like that.” It must be because she's broken hearted or something. I can't believe a guy is dumb enough to hurt her.

”No, it's not your fault... Anyway, I guess it would be weird to ask you the same question now, although I was planning to ask it.” She let out a weak laugh.

”My story is nothing extraordinary. I confessed my feelings to someone before and got broken hearted. I just don't want to play with other peoples' feelings, I guess. Haha.” I tried to look normal, but it felt weird answering that question. It's the first time someone actually asked me that.

”I see…” She paused for a while, and then continued talking after pondering something for a bit. ”So, do you still like… girls?” What's with that question?

”Of course, I do!” Is she questioning my gender preference???

”Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you or anything!”

”I'm not offended.”

”You are…” She covered her face and seemed like she was about to cry.

”Hey! It's okay, really! You don't have to cry—” She burst into laughter.

”I can't believe I got you again, Takaiyama-kun.”

”I don't believe this.” I shook my head but I smiled in amazement of her.

”I'm sorry that I asked you a question that I wasn't able to answer myself. About turning down people… But, I think I understand you now a little better and got a little bit closer to you as well.” She looked somewhat happy.

”Whenever you want to talk about it, I'll be here to listen. That's what a good friend does, right?”

”Friends, huh…”