Kamuro POV
Once me and Mako returned to the cafeteria, I tried my best to keep my usual composure as I still feel the effects of the alcohol. I never knew that I needed to let out a good cry but it did made me feel a bit better at some point.
I guess I could safely say that Mako is my first female bestfriend. She's the only girl in the Ayanokouji Group or better, the ONLY girl that I've gotten very close to in my entire life. She can read me too easily to the point that it's getting a bit annoying to be honest, but I know she's only looking out for me in which I appreciate it very much. Even though I don't show much emotion, Mako can always tell if I'm feeling happy or pissed or broken like from earlier.
While I can admit that she can be a wonderful person from time to time, there are times that I want to pull her hair out for giving me major embarrassment.
Ever since she found out about my feelings for Kiyotaka, she's been teasing me non-stop everyday during classes, during our calls, during lunch, during our group hangout, during everything! She even manage to trick me into making a self-portrait of Kiyotaka and show it to him as a birthday present! When he told me that it wasn't his birthday, I did my best to resist myself from not killing Mako. That was one of the most humiliating moments of my life! I couldn't stand that girl sometimes but then again, I wouldn't be on my own two feet if it wasn't for her.
"Hey guys! What did we missed out on?" Mako greeted the group as we walk towards them.
I really don't want to help on this as it involves Karuizawa but that would only make it worse and obvious for me and Kiyotaka so I put on my usual facade and try to deal with it.
"You're just in time, Mako-chan! We already planned out everything so it's a good thing we have the whole day to do all of this." Haruka said.
"After class, we decided to split up into three groups. The first group will be incharge of the foods and drinks, the second group are incharge for the decorations, and the third one is going to be incharge of my baby Kiyopon here to look nice and fresh for tonight."
'She's taking this motherly role way more serious than I thought.' I thought.
"Miyatchii, Satsuki, Yukimuu, and Hirakin volunteered to be incharge for the cooking so we just need to decide for the decorations and the one who goes with Kiyopon."
I could use this to my advantage to spend some time alone with Kiyotaka but I think it's going to hurt me more than ever. He'll probably ask me for advice for this and that along with talking about Karuizawa so I should just settle in with the decorations. I just hope they don't make me paint a self-portrait of them.
Before I could give my answer however, I look at Mako and see that she's looking at me with a smirk on her face. That look is not a good sign. I need to act fast before she can say anything stupid.
"I can--"
"Masumi-chan can go with Kiyotaka! She'll do a great job making him look more handsome than ever!"
Shit.
"Great idea, Mako-chan! Masumi, are you up for the challenge?" Haruka asked. I can still refuse. I can still get out of this situation.
"I don't think I'm cut out for--"
"Ofcourse you can, Masumi-chan! I mean, you always pick the best clothes and accessories everytime we go to the mall, right girls?"
I. Want. To. Kill. This. Girl.
"That is true. Out of the four of us, Masumi-senpai is really helpful at making us look good." Not helping, Kouhai.
"Well, if it's alright with you, Masumi. Is it okay if you help me out with this? I understand if you don't want to."
Fuck. Why do I have to help you out with your dinner date with your girlfriend? Don't you know how painful this is to me? If it's for a different reason, I wouldn't mind at all but ofcourse…it had to be your date with her.
I guess there's no helping it as he's already asking me to.
"…Fine, I guess I'll help you out."
That was really painful to say. I should've refuse but I can't. I can't refuse when it comes to him. It's so painful hiding my true feelings.
Damnit…why did I fall for you when I already knew that you have someone else?
"Awesome! You have the most important job of all so we're all counting on you, Masumi!" Haruka shouted.
"Yeah. Oh look, lunch is over. Mako and I are going ahead so we'll see you at class." I said as I grab Mako's wrist and drag her with me as we leave the cafeteria.
"Huh? Masumi-chan! Ow! Not too tight! Uhmm, see you later at class, everyone! Ehehe!"
Once we're out of sight, I glance at Mako's face and she's still keeping that huge smirk on her face.
"Good job, Mako." I said.
"Awwww, you don't have to flatter me but thanks for the compliment, Masumi-chan."
"Yeah, good job at being the worst best friend ever!" I held her wrist tight.
"Ow! I was just trying to cheer you up. You know I hate seeing you in a broken state."
"That's not the point. And what do you mean, cheer me up? By putting me into making him look good on his date?" I glared at her.
"I get what you're saying but I only did that do you could have some alone time with him. It may be painful for you and I understand that but I thought that it would make you atleast a bit happy. I mean, this is your chance to get to know him better."
"Oh yeah! That would help me out a lot…if he was still single!"
"Who is?"
We suddenly heard a familiar voice. Infront of us, it was last person I would ever want to talk to. The person who for some reason, was lucky enough to capture that man's heart. Until to this day, I still don't understand why would he pick this woman.
"Hey, Karuizawa-san! How you doing?" Mako greeted her.
"I'm fine, I guess." Fine, my ass.
I can feel the atmosphere getting tense. Tch, just from looking at her already makes me want to vomit. Then again, if I got to her bad side, that'll only cause tension between me, her, and him and that is the last thing I need to deal with right now.
"Is there something wrong?" Mako asked.
"It's nothing, just a bit stressed but it'll go away soon so you don't worry about me. I'll be fine." She replied as she walks away, going inside the classroom.
"You really need to learn about minding your own business." I said.
"Oh come on. It's already obvious that she's thinking about him." Goddamnit.
"Thanks for reminding me, Mako. Now I feel even worse, all thanks to you and your big mouth." I headed straight to the classroom, leaving Mako behind.
"Don't be like that, Masumi-chan! Hey! How dare you leave your bestfriend behind?!" I can almost hear her made a puff sound, assuming that she pouted. She can be so childish sometimes.
A few hours later
Classes are finally done and we could all finally leave. Satsuki, Akito, Keisei, and Yosuke already left as they to buy the ingredients, Haruka is calling Tsubasa while Mako is right beside me, ready to annoy me once again.
"You saw it too, didn't you?" She asked.
"Yeah."
I already know what she was talking about. During class, we noticed that Karuizawa kept stealing glances from Kiyotaka from time to time and it really pissed me off as the pain inside me only kept increasing. I tried to ignore it but it only made it worse.
My poor heart can't take this kind of pain anymore.
"Mako-chan, Tsubasa is here! Let's go!" I hear Haruka called out.
"Be there just a sec!" She replied before putting her attention back to me.
"Put up a strong face for now, okay? All of us especially him are counting on you. Trust me, it'll all be over soon." She said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Go on now, I'll call you if I need anything."
"That's my girl. See you tonight!" She walks off along with the two and leaves, leaving me and the man I'm supposed to help with.
I really don't want to do this but it's too late to back out now. I'll just make this quick as possible.
Now that I think about it, this actually feels like we're going…on a date…
A date…
Going to the mall…picking new clothes for him…making him look nice…
"Mako, I am going to kill you after this." I muttered while feeling that my face is flustered.
"Are you ready to go?"
"H-Huh?"
I look behind and see that Kiyotaka is behind me. Talk about a last-minute jumpscare.
"Ye-Yeah. Let's get moving." I said as I quickly walk at the door, with him following me.
He was so close to me when I turned around…my heart was about to explode on impact because of that…
"By the way, since I'm incharge at making you look decent, you're going to do everything I say. Do you understand?"
"Yeah. That's fine."
We left the school and headed straight to Keyaki Mall, specifically the department store. Since he agreed at my terms, we're going to be here for quite a while.
For some reason, that made me happy. It pains me that the whole reason for this is for his date and it only hurts me more than ever. It's like I'm their wedding planner or something. Now it's even more painful now that I thought about it. But…at this time, this might be my one and only chance to be alone with him whether it gives me unbearable pain or not…
Sorry not sorry, Karuizawa. Your man is mine for today.
We arrive and I lead him to the changing room while I pick out the clothes he needs to try on. It wouldn't be hard if it was someone else but the only problem here is that there's a 95% chance he would look good on everything I give him.
"Here. Put on each one of these five and come out once you're done."
"Alright."
Two minutes later, he comes out of the changing room. Leather shoes, khaki pants, and a blue long sleeve with a white shirt inside…
Fuck, he looks stunning. This is bad, I'm making him look too good on everything he wears and this is only the first set.
"How do I look?"
"You look good but try on the other ones. Maybe it'll change my mind."
The two of us spend the next 30 minutes giving him new sets of clothes then trying it on and everytime he comes out, he still looks perfect. It's like he's a masterpiece or something.
"…Well, looking sharp is just one the reasons why I fell for you."
"Hm? You say something?"
Goddammit! Me and my big mouth. I'm blaming Mako for this.
"Nothing! Just keep changing!" I shouted.
Another 30 minutes pass by, and we're finally done shopping. What's the result? There was no result. He looks perfect on everything but I manage to sum it down into buying atleast two sets of clothes. I'm sure he could live with that but I can't help but be curious.
"By the way, why did we have to buy you new clothes in the first place?" I asked.
"It was Haruka's idea. Although I told her it was unnecessary, she still wants me to look atleast fashionable or atleast that's what she said." He said.
"Now that's just ridiculous. In my opinion, you shouldn't force yourself into wearing new kinds of clothes. It's only a waste of time and money if you're only going to wear something this special just for one dinner date."
"Sheesh, I was your girlfriend, it wouldn't matter to me what you wear on our date."
I suddenly stop and thought about what I said for a second. Where the hell did that came from?! What is with me today and speaking my thoughts out loud?!
"That would be nice actually. Kei would always want me to wear something more "casual" at every date we do so most of the time, we go to the department store from time to time."
I knew this was coming. Ofcourse he would talk about that woman. The more he talks about her, the more painful it is for me to even fucking handle.
"Speaking of which, can you come with me? I need your help with picking out something."
I want to say no. I am going to say no. I had enough.
"…sure, what do you need help with?"
I hate myself.
"Don't worry, this won't take long. We'll make this quick then we'll go back to my room if that's okay with you."
"Yeah, that's fine…lead the way then."
We walk around the mall, trying to find what store Kiyotaka is looking for. Geez, I wonder if he's going to be cheesy and buy flowers or something?…
I wish he would buy me one…
I'm so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize that he finally found the store but…it wasn't a flower store…it was way worse…for me atleast…
"Kiyotaka, what are we doing at a jewelry store?" I asked even though I already know the answer.
"Well, Akito recommended it earlier that I should buy a ring for her. Something like a promise ring or something?"
Huh. Why does it feel like I'm helping him pick out an engagement ring? Oh that's right. I am being a good friend suffering from a never ending pain of heartbreak helping a friend who is someone I fell inlove with but he's already in a relationship.
It's only gonna get worst from here, isn't it?
We went inside or maybe, I force myself to go inside just to get this over with.
"Welcome, my good sir! What are we looking for today?" The clerk behind the counter asked.
While he's busy looking around what ring he'll pick, my job is to sit down and sulk behind the corner, think about what could've happened.
What happens if they never got together…would I even have a chance? The important question is…
Would he even accept my confession?
I'm so pathetic. I'm thinking about something that would never happen. Besides, I don't think he sees me as a woman. Maybe because I act too boyish around him. Like that would be a possibility, as either way…
I'm too late.
"Hey, Masumi. Come here for a minute." He called me out and I walk towards him.
"Hm? What is it? Have you already decide--"
Before I could finish, he suddenly grab my right hand and did something that I could possibly never forget. I was so surprised at what he did that I am at a loss for words.
Kiyotaka held my hand and puts a ring on my ring finger. I don't know how to respond to this. It was all so sudden. What is the meaning of this?
"Ah, you and Kei have the same size. I'll buy this one."
"What?…"
If there is one thing to describe what I'm feeling right now, it is called realization. Realizing that I should learn to face the facts. Learning through all the pain and suffering I have right now gave the cold and harsh truth.
The true reality…
I am not Kei Karuizawa…
I am not Kiyotaka's girlfriend…
I am Masumi Kamuro…
I am only Kiyotaka's friend…
I can never be Kei Karuizawa…
"Masumi? Are you doing okay? Why are you crying?"
I'm crying because I'm just wasting my time waiting around for nothing.
I'm crying because I'm too late.
I'm crying because you're already taken.
I'm crying because you're inlove with someone else.
I'm crying because I fell for you.
I'm crying because…I love you.
"H-Huh? Oh this is nothing. Just some dirt in my eye. Silly me."
I let out the fakest laugh I could give. Please let this be over. Don't let me suffer anymore.
"Are we done? We don't have a lot of time, you know?" I try to return to my usual snarky facade even though it's obviously fake, I wanted to let him know that I'm getting impatient.
"Yeah we're done here. Thanks for your help, Masumi."
"What are you thanking me for, you idiot? I didn't do anything."
You did something to me though…and that is making my heart suffer over and over again.
"You helped me with the clothes and the ring so that is something worth thanking you for."
Yeah, I did help you out in exchange for excruciating pain and jealousy it gave me.
"You're right about the time though so let's get moving." He said as he begins to walk out of the store and I follow.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated. I took it out and see that I got a text message from Mako.
"Sooooo? How did your date go? ;)"
"Fuck. You."
"So harsh, Masumi-chan! Hmph!"
"Whose fault do you think that is?!"
"Teehee~! I can't wait for the scoop later on."
"If you were here, you can see that I went from bad to worst!"
"That's why you're gonna tell me everything, rriiigggghhhtttt? >.<"
"Ohh I am going to tell you everything while I kill you, how about that?!"
"How about you kill my friend Boo instead?"
"Boo? Boo who?"
"Geez, you don't have to cry about it. XD"
"Oh my…why do I keep falling for your stupid jokes?!"
"HA HA, GOT EM!"
"I hate you so much."
"Awwww, don't be like that. Atleast you're holding it."
"Holding what?"
"Deez Nuts!"
"You. Are. Dead. To. me."
"That's why we're best friends! ^_^"
I put my phone back as I don't want to see another Mako joke for the time being. I still don't understand how or why I kept falling for it.
We finally made it to his room and the moment we went inside, it was a whole different experience. Everything looks so… mesmerizing…especially at what they've done to the dinner table. It really looks fancy. They've really done a good job decorating the most basic room ever.
And then I remember why we're doing this…all for him and his… girlfriend.
I wonder…if I was Karuizawa right now…would he ever do the same to me like this as well? It hurts so much to think about it.
"Ooohhh, you're finally here! How do you like it, Kiyopon?" Haruka asked.
"It looks really nice. I don't even know how to describe it." He replied.
"We work hard and fast for all of this, senpai! We did this all for your own happiness! You should be honored that agreed to this, you know." Someone's being arrogant today.
"Yes. I really appreciate all of your efforts. You did all a good job." Kiyotaka said while giving Tsubasa a headpat.
"Ehehehe~" Why does it look like Tsubasa has an imaginary tail or something?
"Hmmm, what're they cooking over there? It smells really good."
"That's the smell of sweet victory, my friend." Akito comes out along with Yosuke and Keisei, bringing out their delicious cooking.
"I knew it was a great idea to leave it to the boys! You've done such a fantastic job!" Haruka wraps her arms around his three sons.
"It's only right that we do the cooking after the disaster that happened a few weeks ago." Keisei said.
"Ugh, don't remind me." I facepalmed. We can all agree that out of the eight of us, Haruka Hasebe can't cook for shit.
"Please don't bring back old wounds, Keisei-kun…" Yosuke muttered.
"Hey! It's not my fault the stove was broken!" Haruka shouted.
"You almost burned Kiyotaka's room, you idiot!" Keisei also shouted, resulting in the two of them having a glaring contest.
"By the way, where are Mako and Satsuki at?" I asked.
"Satsuki-senpai and Mako-Senpai went off to get Karuizawa-senpai. They planned to blindfold her actually." Tsubasa replied.
So it's finally time, huh…
"Wait a minute… it's 7:00 PM already! You need to change like, now, Kiyopon!" Haruka pushes Kiyotaka all the way to the bathroom.
Time sure flies fast.
"Masumi, I trust that you pick out the best clothes for him?"
"Ofcourse I did."
I really need to face the the facts that I'm too late. As much as it pains me to say this….I wish them the best.
"Everyone! I just received word from Satsuki that Karuizawa-san is almost here so…let us get the living hell out of here!"
Haruka gathered all of us then proceed to push us out of the room.
"Good luck, Kiyotaka!"
"You can do this, Kiyotaka!"
"We believe in you, Kiyotaka-senpai!"
"I hope you all enjoy the food, Kiyotaka-kun!"
"Make mama proud, Kiyopon! Remember what I told you!"
"Make her happy, Kiyotaka…no matter how much it makes me suffer…"
We all send our final words for him before closing the door and going off to the side, waiting for the special guest to arrive.
"You think she'll be surprised at what we made?" Haruka asked.
"We worked our asses off that the sun is freaking down already without knowing. She better appreciate our efforts." Keisei replied.
"Senpais, be quiet. She's here."
We all turned our attention to the upcoming guest.
"Guys, where are you taking me? I really don't like where this is going right now as I am very, very scared!"
"Relax, Karuizawa-san. We're almost there."
"Trust us on this one, Karuizawa-san. You are going to love it!"
She finally arrived. Took her long enough. Don't keep the man waiting.
Mako and Satsuki took a quick glance at us on the side and gave us a quick nod before heading inside, dragging Karuizawa inside.
It wasn't long until Mako and Satsuki goes outside and closes the door.
"And now we play the waiting game." Yosuke muttered.
Yeah…playing the game were we wait for them to make up or do more than that. Honestly, I just wanna go home already. I do want to see them walking out all lovey-dovey in front of me.
"Sooooo, tell me~" I didn't notice that Mako was already infront of me, all prepared to annoy me once again.
"I'll tell you in private because for now…" I stared daggers at her eyes and proceed to pinch both of her cheeks, making sure I give her as much pain as possible.
"Ahhhh, Machumi-shan, thath huwtz! Stahp it! I'm sowwyyy!"
I ignored her useless begging.
Ten minutes has passed and all of us are still here outside waiting for the obvious result.
"Owwwww. That really hurts, Masumi-chan." Mako continues to rub her now reddened cheeks.
"That's what you get for making me suffer the whole day."
"But you have to admit though that you atleast had a good time spending some alone time with him."
"Yeah, I did…on the first half. The second half was the part were it made me feel so much pain as possible. If only you were there, Mako. You should've seen how hurt I was."
"There, there. You're going to be okay soon, Masumi-chan." Mako rubs my back, trying to comfort me.
"Do you wanna tell me about it? About the second half?" She asked.
"Well, it all started with--"
Before I could explain, the door suddenly opened and all of us saw Karuizawa running out of the room crying.
"Huh? What the hell happened? Let's check it out, Masumi-chan." Mako said as she and the others went inside.
"Kiyotaka, what happened? Why did Karuizawa ran out crying?" Akito asked.
He only stayed silent but… it's a bit different this time. This was completely new.
"Kiyotaka-kun? Did you say something you weren't supposed to say again?" Now it's Yosuke's time to ask but the answer he recieved was the same.
"I think I know why. It's not Kiyo's fault this time, everyone." Satsuki said as she showed us an envelope.
"What do you mean? Does it involve Karuizawa-senpai?"
Satsuki nodded.
"What I'm holding right now is from Karuizawa-san. I think she was supposed to give this last night but then the fight happened. She already told me about this a few days ago actually."
She took out the contents of the envelope, revealing two letters.
"The first one is a letter from her parents and the second one is a letter of withdrawal."
"Wait a minute…letter of withdrawal? Does that mean?…"
"Yes indeed, Keisei."
All of us now have reached a conclusion as to why this happened.
The completely different silence of Kiyotaka…
The Breakdown of Karuizawa…
The two letters…
We can all confirm it.
"Karuizawa is dropping out of ANHS."
So uhmmm…too much angst? I know it's different but once again, trying to experiment here. Anyway, thanks for reading!