I love you, Suzune

It was on Friday, two days ago, when I met up with Hirata during lunch.

“What is it, Ayanokoji-kun?”

I take my hand out of my pocket, holding a sealed envelope containing a letter inside.

“I'd like you to deliver this to ______."

It was an unusual request coming from me, however if not done, Horikita Manabu would be in his grave right now.

Monday morning

A letter came through my door, which read:

MEET UP WITH THAT GIRL, AND YOU WILL REGRET IT

It was typed on a computer, so distinguishing the source of the writing was impossible. Most likely, Manabu had received letters too. Letters that threatened him. And it's exactly why he couldn’t involve anyone. Because those threats included the lives of those close to him.

It was quite obvious to see their motive. To separate the two of us. The perpetrator of this mess seems to dislike the idea of me and Suzune having a romantic relationship.

However, whoever he is, it's going too far.

The fire that had occurred yesterday was not an accident, as the school brushed it off to be. It was an attempted murder on Horikita Manabu.

Maybe murder was a harsh word. More like, an attempt to thwart Manabu.

Luckily for him though, just as Manabu left his dormitory prior to our meeting yesterday, I broke the window to his room from the outside, allowing him to escape. And just as I wanted, he jumped out of the window, and gave himself broken leg.

He is still alive, but is in hospital outside of the campus, meaning we cannot see him.

But he doesn't need to be dead. As long as he was out of the way, their plan can proceed without problem. Now, the only obstacle they have is me.

And I will be targeted next.

Instead of going school today, I attempt to meet up with Suzune. Knowing her, she will not be going to school. Not after hearing such terrible news. If the perpetrator sent me that letter to ensure Suzune's loneliness, he must've realized that I do not abide to threats. It's clear to see that he has not seen my true nature yet.

I knock on her door, several times, but receive no response.

“Suzune, it's me,” I say.

The door finally opens, “Come in...”

Her face is red. Does she have a cold? Or did she just cry? I guess visiting her was a correct choice after all.

“I’ll... make you tea-.”

“Don't bother. I came here for you, not tea.”

“Ah, I see.”

We both sit on the bed, waiting for someone to break the silence. I decide to talk first.

“The fire yesterday was small enough to trigger the alarm, then after everyone evacuated, the fire became larger. To add on, your brother's door was locked from the inside and the outside, meaning he could not evacuate with the others.”

Suzune squints, “Are you saying... someone tried to kill brother?”

I do not answer her question, “He is in a special hospital outside of this campus. They are getting his leg treated, and the hospital he is in has maximum security. The damage done won't amount to too much.”

“But still!” She tugs on my shirt, “After he recovers, they’ll go for him again! My brother! He's going to die!”

I hold her by the shoulders, “There's a reason they did not open that door, fully aware that there was a window to escape from. Because they wanted him, at the very least, alive at the end.”

“You don't know anything, so why are you saying this!”

It's exactly because I know everything, I am saying this. To comfort her. To make her feel assured.

“Kiyotaka, what will happen to us?”

She buries her face into my chest, concealing her tears. I merely rest my hand on her head.

Unfortunately, everything has been going as I predicted thus far. The fire, their motives. Now, I just need to lure them into my trap, if only I could tell her that.

“It will be fine, after all, I'm still here. If you have me by your side, you can rest easy, knowing nothing will touch you.”

My arms squeeze her into me.

“Will everything be alright? With you on our side?”

“Everything will be alright, because I am on your side.”

“You will protect me, right?”

“Of course.”

“You'll fix everything, right? Just like on that island?”

“Of course.”

I could feel her tears, but also her smile.

“Thank you, Kiyotaka, I love you.”

“Huh?” I widen my eyes.

This feeling... is this the feeling of having your heart skip a beat?

It's been more than once since I’ve heard that phrase, yet this time, my heart reacts, skipping a beat.

I feel like my heart is pumping out of my chest. But my world has not broadened, so it can't be love...

No, it's time.

It's time to come on terms with this feeling. Even though my world has not glistened, nor has my behaviour changed, it has become too evident to disregard this feeling.

It's time to realize what love is. Even if my world remains black and white, my heart remains colourful. Even if my brain perceive love as a mere word, my heart shall think otherwise. Running away will do me no good.

After all,

this is the feeling I have longed for.

“I love you too, Suzune.”

She looks up to me, with dry tears in her face, but also a smile, “It's the first time... you said that to me.”

“Oh, is it now?”

“Yet your expressions are still unchanged... you really are weird, Kiyotaka.”

“Maybe so.”

“How can you say that with a straight face?”

“Who knows?”

I can't smile; expressing emotions is what I lack.

But it does not stop me from feeling them.

“Kiyotaka...”

She closes her eyes, and loosens her facial muscles. Closing in into my face, I realize what she wants.

I begin to close my eyes too. It's basic etiquette to return the love your girlfriend is willing to give. Besides, acts like these will reinforce the feeling in my heart.

This time, however, I incorporate more emotions.

For an inexplicable reason, it takes longer to connect our lips.

For an inexplicable reason, the few seconds of wait feels like an hour.

No, there is a reason.

Loving Suzune was the cause of this.

And finally, the wait pays off.

We both fasten our lips together. This time, it feels different. It's as if this world had frozen, only to observe this kiss. The delicateness I feel was unparalleled compared to what I felt before. The warmth multiplied with my heart beating uncontrollably. It is the feeling I was willing to sought for eternity. The feeling that only she can bring forth.

If possible, I'd like to stay in this position forever.

If only it was that easy.

Wishing for such things is beyond reality's capabilities. One can only cherish the present whilst dreading the uncertain future. That's what I am doing.

I currently live in an unforgettable memory, too precious to relive, and I shall cherish it for the rest of my life.

Finally, we both move back. Getting our breaths back, Suzune turned away.

“H-How embarrassing! You saw me in such a pitiful state... uhhhh!” She covers her face with her hands, “P-Pretend you didn't see me crying, okay? Promise me, Kiyotaka!”

“Mm? You were too cute for me to forget about it, Suzune.”

“Huh?! Shall I punch you to make you amnesiac?”

“Then I'll forget my time with you, are you sure about that?”

She continues to hide her face, “Just... don't bring it up ever again. If you do, I swear I'll make you pay! After all, it'll be embarrassing for my future-self...”

“Then, I’ll roger that. However, I will replay it in my mind for long time."

She grabs a pencil nearby and stabs me with it.

"..."

I hold onto my left arm in pain, but express it silently.

"Was that really necessary?"

"You get what you deserve..."

Maybe I'll also cherish this wound? It's the first visible proof of our love, after all.

2 HOURS LATER

“I'm sure I told you not to meet with that girl,” the man says. He pretends to read a book on a bench that I happen to pass by. I gaze at him; he was wearing a black hoodie and a mask that covers his face.

“I'm sure I told you in the letter, that I know who your mastermind is. So if you do anything to her, or anyone else, I can easily hand him over to the police.”

“I see. An eye for an eye, eh?” He stands up, “Then, we’ll wipe you out right here, right now.”

4 people from behind walk up to me.

“Well this is a surprise, indeed.”

Surrounded by 5 grown men, belonging to the mastermind. I must say, his family must have a lot of influence if he was able to gather this much men for a minor operation.

Unfortunately for him, I won't let go of her, especially as she is the first to evoke this feeling within me.

“I suppose I should incorporate more energy into this farce,” I say, forming a fist.

Main account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Diefeel

Honestly, this chapter didn't even take too long to make. Probably around an hour and a little, but it wasn't as stressful as the last two chapters. Heck, I even got the next chapter written out already. And also, instead of following me today, can you vote for this chapter? I'm curious to see how much I'll get...

Anyway, Kiyotaka will fight next time. I have some experience in writing fight scenes, so it won't be half bad. You better look forward to it.

Thanks for reading!