I like you too Zehan.

WAKE YOUR DREAMS

I like you too Zehan.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

"What was I even expecting? I am such a naïve idiot."

A smile lingered on Kiyoko's face.

Her mother does not even remember her birthday.

She remained stood in the kitchen room. She had a blank expression on her face.

Kiyoko felt a numb feeling on her chest.

She felt lonely. She tried to gather herself while silent tears silently ran down her cheeks from sorrow. Her tears left a moist trail on her cheeks as she wiped them away with palm of his hand.

'Was I not having a happy birthday?'

'I should not cry.'

'It is my birthday today.'

She let out a strangled sob, her shoulders shaking as she cried into her hands.

Strangely someone wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Kiyoko hastily turned to see the person behind hers.

A pair of eyes looked back at her. His dark, slender eyes looked pensive, and she looked back at him, curious as to what he was feeling.

Zehan just stood there hugging Kiyoko tightly from behind.

Kiyoko tried to control her emotions and took a deep breath to calm down. She did not even hear any sound of him coming through the front door.

"I am sorry for coming late." Zehan said and slowly leaned his forehead on Kiyoko's head.

"…Why did you come back so early? You were to return after two days from the camp. Right…?" Kiyoko replied slowly. Her voice was bit hoarse.

"I took permission from the homeroom teacher to come back early."

"Why?"

Kiyoko tried to move out from Zehan's arms but he tightened his grasp around her.

"It's your birthday. I wanted to celebrate your birthday with you."

Kiyoko felt a numb sensation again. As she struggled to breathe, she let out a series of hiccups, tears of sorrow streamed down her face.

"Zehan…" Kiyoko's voice quavered as she spoke.

"Can we at least go back to what we were like back then?"

"Please don't ignore me anymore."

"Please talk to me like we used to do."

Her voice shook. "…Please…"

"Please…"

Zehan's voice trembled as he heard Kiyoko's repeated plea.

'I have hurt her.'

'I am such a coward.'

'An idiot'

He clenched his teeth.

When he saw Kiyoko with Hinata Yamamoto that day, he felt an unexplainable feeling. With sullen look he glowered at the two of them.

Then he heard Hinata Yamamoto saying that he was interested in Kiyoko, he recklessly shoved at Hinata. He was in a jealous rage.

He mindlessly kissed Kiyoko that day and then after regretted what he had done. He was afraid of what reaction Kiyoko would have. He was guilty of what he did to his cousin sister.

'I should not have done that.' He repeatedly told to himself.

He was scared of what Kiyoko might be feeling about him. And he cowardly started to distance himself from Kiyoko out of fear. He started spending more time at the art club to avoid Kiyoko. He hopelessly wanted to avoid the Kiyoko's rejection.

But in doing so, Kiyoko was hurt. Kiyoko felt herself abandoned when Zehan avoided her.

Falling in love is scary.

"Kiyoko…" Zehan mumbled and closed his eyes desperately.

When he opened his eyes there was a spark of determination.

"Kiyoko I am sorry but listen to me."

"…What if… I …" Zehan stammered nervously. He took a deep breath.

Kiyoko peered straight at Zehan. She was still wrapped inside Zehan's arms. The tears in her eyes dazzled brilliantly.

Zehan was anxious as Kiyoko glanced back at him straight without fail.

"I have feelings for you." Zehan said out at last. His face was covered in crimson hue.

The lack of reaction on Kiyoko's face made Zehan feel agitated.

'Fu*k I said it….'

Kiyoko just blankly stared back at Zehan.

Zehan said out again and now in a more confident tone.

"I am only going to say this again, so you better listen- I love you."

"I had these feelings for you for a long time now…"

"…..I should not have left you alone. I was an idiot."

No one spoke for a long time.

"Ae Kiyoko there is no need to give an answer right at the moment."

Zehan gently released Kiyoko from his arms and made her sit on the chair. He was having sour smile on his face.

"I have bought a cake for you. It's your favorite chocolate flavored."

"Let's cut the cake. Birthday girl…!"

He tried to give out a cheerful smile and busied himself to open the cake box.

Kiyoko continuously stared back at Zehan as he set up the candles on the cake.

'He has feelings for me?'

Kiyoko felt a lukewarm feeling in her heart. She felt an intense feeling of joy. It also felt a bit unsure because it was strong.

Zehan lit up the candles one by one and brought the plastic knife from the kitchen cabinet.

"Oe birthday girl blow the candles."

Zehan passed the knife towards Kiyoko and motioned her to blow the candles.

Kiyoko said softly," Yes"

"That is my answer."

Kiyoko smiled brightly and blew the candles and made a silent wish. Zehan was dumbfounded and stared sharply at the girl in front of him.

"I like you too Zehan."

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END OF CHAPTER 6