Chapter 58 – In Exchange of that ‘Agreement’

Weekends were supposed to feel relaxing.

Weekends were the days when you could get your well-earned rest after a gruesome work or school week. It was the time we always looked forward to.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Sure, there were weekends when you would brood over trouble at work or something, but this… I wasted the whole weekend brooding over this…

I love you…

The words that Umi whispered to me when we parted last time. A lot of things happened during that day. This and that led to that moment.

"Ah, jeez, Umi… What's with that timing?… Because of that I can't spend my weekend in peace…"

Those words convinced me that our feelings were mutual. After all, the timing, the atmosphere, the gesture she made, she didn't seem to be teasing me.

"That was a confession, right? …I'm not deluding myself, right? …She did say 'I love you' to me, right?"

I mulled over it again and again, trying to convince myself that it was indeed a confession.

I was ninety-nine percent sure that it was a genuine confession. That meant if I were to accept it, from now on we wouldn't just be friends anymore, but something more.

If that's really the case… Yeah, of course I'm happy. The girl that I love told me to my face that she actually loves me, fuck yes, I'm happy about this.

"…But how should I reply?"

I'm happy, but what should I do now?

She told me that she loved me, but I hadn't given her a response. It's Monday now, and we haven't called or texted each other since that night.

…It's embarrassing, you know?

Even though it shouldn't be that hard to reply. Type 'I love you too', send it, and that's it.

But I can't do it.

"Morning, Maki. I have a meeting today, so I'll be leaving first… Huh, what's wrong?"

"…Nothing, really…"

"You sure? You've been like this for a few days now. I've been refraining from asking you, but… Did something happen with Umi-chan?"

"…"

So mom had been watching me. I've spent my weekend brooding over Umi's confession. I didn't notice it at all.

"It's nothing."

"Hmm~ Well, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine. Anyway, if you're gonna bring her home on Friday like usual, make sure to tell me. I'll give you extra money."

"Got it, mom. Have a good day."

"I'm off."

After seeing her off, I started my morning routine. I didn't get much sleep because of the confession thing, so I looked like a mess right now.

The dark circles under my eyes seemed more pronounced than usual. I don't want Umi to worry about me over this.

I've had rough Monday mornings like this before, but today was special. I didn't lose sleep because I stayed up gaming, but because of a confession from a girl.

I still couldn't believe that it happened. 

"…Still, a girl falling in love with someone like me…"

I looked at my reflection on the reflective surface of the kettle. I looked really gloomy and my eyes looked like that of a dead fish. 

Umi might be the only one who would love someone like me. 

That's why I must not let her go. Umi might not realize it, but she is better than Amami Yuu in every way.

The only one who knew that was me, but it wouldn't take long for others to realize as well. And chances are, that someone would be better than I am.

I would easily lose to that person.

I currently hold the advantage, so I must strike while the iron is still hot.

That cute smile of hers, I don't want it to be directed toward someone else.

"…Mhm. I've decided."

I made up my mind after brooding over it a little more.

I'm going to tell her how I feel today.

The sooner I do this, the better.

As I sipped my coffee, the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of a visitor, a rare occurrence in our household.

{Ehehe, good morning, Maki-kun!}

{…G-good morning, Maki.}

Through the screen, I saw the same faces I saw last Friday.

Amami-san with her angelic smile and Umi with her awkward expression.

I let them enter the house.

"I'm sorry for barging in so suddenly, Maki-kun!"

"It's fine, I've done my morning preparations… Anyway, what's up?"

"Mm… Well, I heard everything from Umi."

"…Ah, I see."

I thought that might be the case. So Umi decided to tell Amami-san everything.

Also, if my eyes aren't deceiving me, I saw dark circles under Umi's eyes.

…Was she also brooding over her confession over the weekend?

Seriously, why are we both like this?

"Okay, that's that, but why are you two here so early in the morning?"

"Mm, well I want you two to do something for me. You know, in exchange for our 'agreement'."

"Like, right now?"

"Yes! I'll tell you the details later though~"

Here it comes.

"Alright, fine…"

"Maki!"

I accepted Amami-san's words without thinking any further, but Umi gave me an uneasy look.

"Are you sure you're gonna accept this? Yuu hasn't told you anything about what she's going to ask you though."

"Well, yeah. I mean, I'm kinda scared, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?"

Besides, this is Amami-san, she wouldn't go out of her way to harm me.

…Well, her request might be a little bit troublesome, but that's it.

"Um… Also, Umi…"

"Mm?"

Amami-san is in front of us right now, but who cares. If I don't do it now, I might be too embarrassed to do it later. I should do it while I can.

"…I'm going to tell you now… I feel the same way as you…"

"Ah… M-mhm… got it…"

Her face turned red as she quickly turned her face away from me.

She muttered 'idiot' when she did, but it sounded like music to my ears.

"Hehehe… Well, that's what he said, Umi. What are you gonna do?"

"Ah… Uhm… F-fine. If Maki said he's gonna do it, then I'm gonna do it too."

"Then, it's decided!"

I've made up my mind already so I'm currently ready for anything.

Amami-san's evil-looking smile worried me a little though.