44 Life 44: Aoi's Confession

But aren't I more than a friend?

And the way he looks at these things- it's like he's been to them a lot- he knows the way around like the back of his hand- and he still enjoys them- yet he glances at me and he smiles-

Could it be he has fun when he's with me?'

And on the other side, an angel on her shoulder was saying-

'Do it Aoi- confess already or else you will perpetually be in friendzone.'

———_______———

"You know as a child- I always felt this slight envy deep inside my heart- I couldn't show it but it accumulated bit by bit-

Why did I not have those things called mum and dad-

My grandpa was with me before he passed on and then I had no relatives I was alone in this world with nothing to cling onto-

In my lowest days, I fell In love and these days began to get more vivid- more colour was added to my day as I met someone I thought to be the one-

You know I loved her like no other- she was this beacon that stood tall and helped me stand firm-

But as time passed this love this childlike innocence was gone- I became alone once more-

I thought I was born to be alone at that point-

I had my schedule filled up to continue being alone and doing everything I could never do-

I began to work out- eat healthily, go on runs- take up odd jobs and so much more-

But one starry- starry sky, I found myself arriving back home and then the world changed- for me and many others-

I became something more and this gradual shift started to form- I saved you with this new blessing from the stars-

I saved others and I felt happier than I'd felt in my entire life-

You know this longing for isolation ended as I knew the stars had changed my fate due to me changing my harmful mentality-

I wasn't born to be alone, I wasn't born to survive- for myself- I was born to protect myself and others from problems I knew I could solve- I had the power in my hands and I knew I could make a change-

Thanks to that my life changed once more- I met and saved you and the red string of fate connected us together-

Shiori in my loneliness filled the gap in my heart and you became the coating around it that stopped me from hurting anymore-

Kuuga was someone that I could trust after all he was more than any blood relation was worth he'd become my brother and that meant a lot to me-

I helped him with this newfound blessing and my life shifted once more-

Helping the people and ridding the monsters that lurked amongst us- I felt satiated- satisfied with my contribution.

I always liked jellyfish- they were something I'd read about as a child and went to this same Isobu-Kiri Aquarium before Jii-chan passed.

So this place holds memories I hold dear to my heart-

So you asking me to come here made me happy-

I didn't care if it was girly to like them- I didn't care as I liked them and I knew I wasn't doing any harm liking them-"

Hearing that Aoi got closer as she grabbed my wrist-

"Fuu-kun is never the type to care what anyone thinks after all- that's what I like about you and what drew me to you, helping me- saving me and loving me-

I feel happy..."

Lowering her hand their fingers began to mingle slightly as soon the two became entwined-

"You know Fuu-kun I wanted to tell you my feeling after that time- with me and Shiori-

I wanted to tell Itsuka Furuichi-san my feelings-"

'Why did she say me name and not her abbreviation?-'

Furuichi was confused he'd grown used to his name that only Aoi and Shiori called him-

Why- what was the matter?

"Don't look up- Fuu-kun."

"Why is it because you probably have a cute face on at the moment."

'Urgh- he's killing me softly...~~'

"-NN- No- I'm Not!"

However, he didn't need to see her face as he could already tell just how flustered she was at this moment.

Leaning in closer with the two having there hands entwined Furuichi gently placed his lips near her ears blowing gentle breath into them as he said-

"Oh- Really?~~"

Seeming too embarrassed she puffed up her cheeks as she turned around with her fists clenched-

"I SWEAR I'M NOT!!"

"Sure- Sure, whatever you say Aoi-tan~~"

And thus this couple continued on as Furucihi constantly teased Aoi-

"Damn you Fuu-kun just watch I will get you-"

Hearing that Furuichi gently laughed -

"Oh really? Sure Aoi-tan~~"

Thinking of something to unsettle Furuichi she said-

"So am I a friend or more than that to you- Fuu-kun? Tell me.

I mean I don't know what you think of me and we've been together for a while so simply tell me what you think of me!"

Leaning in closer he had his serious face on this time and with no time at all, he leaned in gently biting her ear as he moved to kiss her-

Holding her close within his arms his kiss was then accepted by his partner- she didn't know he would be this forward-

If she did she would've initiated it herself-

Finally, after a while she broke off from him with hurried breath as she said- "You do that to all girls."

Getting in closer once more near her ear he replied-

"-Only the two in this world that I love and treasure more than anything this world is capable of-

It's you- only you- I love you Tachibana Aoi-san would you like to be my wife?"

And thus the usual routine took place as Aoi who was well super effective to sweet nothings and declarations of love caved in-

"Its too soon for that Fuu-kun!"

However, he replied once more reddening her cheeks.

"-Nothings... Too soon for love- my dear!"

'Urgh- damnit you're killing me!