74 - Confession

RAW

The residential neighborhood was enveloped in the darkness of night.

Haruto ran through the silent alleyways, his breath ragged.

He had trained his body through years of karate, so running shouldn't have left him breathless so easily. Yet, now that he was heading to the park where Ayaka was waiting, his breathing grew shallow, as if he were training at high altitude.

The closer he got to her, the harder his heart pounded.

Tonight, he would sincerely apologize to her for the lie he had told. After that, he would confess his true feelings:

"I love you."

Just thinking about it filled Haruto with fear, a powerful urge to run away flooding over him.

The summer night felt unusually humid, perhaps because of the heavy rain earlier in the day. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his shirt clung to his body as he ran.

Trying to shake off his fear, Haruto muttered loudly to himself.

“Ah, damn it!”

He was about to confess to Ayaka, yet here he was, soaked in sweat and with his hair plastered down. It was hardly the ideal look. He wanted to tidy himself up, but he feared that if he stopped, he wouldn’t be able to move again. So, he kept running.

Finally, the park appeared, illuminated by a streetlamp. He slowed his pace, steadying his breath.

“Ha... ha... ha... Okay...”

With a deep breath to calm his nerves, Haruto stepped into the quiet park. It wasn't very large, so he quickly spotted Ayaka standing near a gazebo. A streetlamp above cast a spotlight on her.

“...Ah.”

Ayaka, who had been looking down, raised her head at the sight of Haruto. Her expression was anxious, but her eyes held a firm resolve.

“Sorry. I made you wait.”

Haruto approached her, still catching his breath.

“No, you got here so quickly.”

“I ran. Now I’m drenched in sweat.”

They exchanged light words before falling silent, staring at each other.

Then, both spoke at once.

“Um...”

“Actually...”

Their words overlapped, and they fell silent again.

Haruto remembered his grandmother’s advice: He needed to apologize sincerely, but also listen to Ayaka. She had something important to tell him too.

But first, he had to apologize.

Haruto took a deep breath and spoke.

“Can I... talk first?”

“...Okay.”

Ayaka's expression showed a mix of fear and determination. Seeing her like that, Haruto felt his heart tighten. He began to speak slowly.

“First... I’m sorry.”

He bowed deeply.

“For running away from you today... and then avoiding you.”

“It’s... okay! You don’t need to feel so bad. I was at fault too... Please, lift your head.”

Her voice was gentle, urging him to look up. He did, and met her gaze.

“And... I’m sorry for dragging you into that lie. For making you pretend to be my girlfriend.”

“Don’t worry about that. I asked for it too. It wasn’t just your fault.”

Her words were kind, but they carried a desperate edge.

“But I... I took advantage of that and toyed with your feelings.”

“No... that’s not... true...”

Ayaka shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. Haruto braced himself and continued.

“I told my grandma the truth today.”

“...What?”

“I couldn’t take it anymore. I told her...”

“Wait... no...”

Ayaka’s voice trembled, but Haruto pressed on.

“I can’t keep pretending to be your fake boyfriend.”

Tears welled up in Ayaka’s eyes.

“Haruto... I...”

“Because I love you.”

“...What?”

“I love you so much I can’t pretend anymore. I’m completely, hopelessly in love with you, Ayaka.”

He finally voiced the feelings he had kept hidden. His heart pounded, but he felt a strange sense of relief.

“I love your smile. Your playful laughter, your gentle warmth, even the shy smiles. Everything about you captivates me. I love how you take care of your brother, how you’re a bit clumsy, and how you have a girlish side. I’ve fallen for everything about you.”

He paused, looking directly into her eyes.

“All of you. I love everything about you.”

It was his first confession. His voice felt distant, the nerves overwhelming him, but he kept going.

“I don’t want to pretend anymore. So...”

His mouth went dry, but he pushed through.

“Please... be my real girlfriend.”

He watched Ayaka, his heart pounding. Then he saw the tears streaming down her face.

“S-sorry... I...”

Her tears flustered him. Had he done something wrong? He had been told not to make it all about himself, but he had. He felt a wave of regret.

Suddenly, he heard her whisper.

“...Idiot...”

“Huh?”

“You... idiot...”

Her faint voice reached him, filling him with dread. Had she rejected him?

He lowered his gaze, thinking of her reputation. Had it all been for nothing?

But then, she continued.

“You... made it so confusing...”

“Confusing?”

“I thought... you hated me...”

“I could never hate you! I really, truly love you!”

Haruto’s desperate words seemed to break through. Ayaka’s cheeks flushed.

“...I love you too.”

The summer breeze carried her soft words to him.

“I love you. More than anyone.”

Her tearful, radiant smile was brighter than anything he had ever seen. It was a moment he knew he would remember forever.

“Haruto... I have something to say too. Can I?”

“Of course.”

Blushing, but with unwavering eyes, she spoke firmly.

“Make me your real girlfriend.”