Chapter One

"Miyazumi-san, from class 2, right?"

I nodded as I confirmed that I was the one he was pertaining to.

"What's this? A confession?"

"Woah, really?"

Other students started to flock around us before we knew it. I don't like too much attention but I'm fine with it.

The guy in front of me was from the next class, he's from the soccer team, if I remember correctly. I usually see him doing laps around the school for morning practice but I don't know his name though.

"U-Ummm…"

He was fidgeting his fingers while trying to utter something. He looks nervous, his neck is sweaty, and he kept on biting his lower lip.

"It's okay. You can take your time telling me, I'll wait." I assured him to lessen the pressure he is feeling right now.

He took a one big deep breath and hastily looked at me straight in the face. He bowed and loudly said.

"I-I… I like…I like your friend, Saikawa M-Mafuyu! Would you please tell her that?!"

Of course, I smiled warmly as I knew this was bound to happen.

"Okay, I'll tell her."

As I've said, I usually see him doing laps for morning practice, whenever I do, his gaze is always locked on the spot beside me, where my best friend, Mafuyu is.

"Really?! Y-you will?"

He's about to cry. I think he's really brave to confess his love for my friend, publically, but the problem is, she's not here. She was sleepy so I volunteered to buy our drinks alone.

"Mm, don't worry. Your feelings will be conveyed!" I said those lines with great ease as I've already mastered it. I've been doing this for many times, I'm already used to it.

*ding!*

It's already time for the 3rd period, break time is over!

Ah, Mayu's strawberry milk! I was on my way to the vending machine when I was caught in this confession (for my friend).

"Well, then. I should get back to class now."

I politely said and I slightly bowed to bid him goodbye.

"T-thank you so much, Miyazumi-san!"

I waved my hand in response and quickly dashed to the vending machine at the next building's ground floor.

"Strawberry milk… Strawberry milk…strawberry milk… and mine is green tea."

There's no time to waste in humming while pushing the buttons of the machine, like I used to. After taking my green tea from the receiving spot, as if I was an athlete, I ran back to the classroom on the next building's first floor.

"Haa..haa…"

I was panting really hard when I arrived at the entrance door with both beverages on my hand. I could really use a handkerchief right now.

Thank goodness, the teacher is still not here yet.

First things first, I have to give Mayu her favorite drink right now.

I was about to enter from the entrance door when I saw a guy looking through the exit door. He was hiding his body using the door, only his head was peeking through the small opening.

He's looking inside the door, I couldn't see his face fully, only his eyes.

Since there's a window, I took a look from inside the classroom and now, I could see where he was looking, no, whom he was looking at.

Even from distance, her graceful long hair elegantly flew from the slight breeze from the window. Her deep eyes, pointed nose, even her lips, all of it… extremely beautiful.

It's Saikawa Mafuyu, my best friend.

"Mayu…Mayu…." I whispered and bit my lip.

That's…that's my Mayu, another guy came to see her! I've been with that beautiful creature since kindergarten, even high schoolers came to confess even though she was still in 6th grade! That's just how beautiful she is!

I feel like a proud mother, watching her beautiful daughter bloom.

I think he's not leaving any time soon, he's really staring hard at Mayu. Does he really want to talk that much to her?

I think it should be fine to give him a little help, right?

I tapped his right shoulder from behind and whispered to his ear.

"Hey,"

He immediately looked behind and finally saw me. I saw how his eyes widened and his mouth slowly gaped.

"Do you—"

*thud!*

In that moment, I think he got startled. He took a step backward and lost his balance, he fell on the floor. He's looking at me with his mouth still open.

"Are you alright? Oh, aren't you the class president from the next class?" I asked and lend my hand.

This guy is the president from Class 1, the special class. He's popular among our grade and even to the senior years. What was his name again? Yuuta? No, Yahiro? I can't really remember since I'm not interested in boys.

"Aki?"

The exit door opened widely, with Mayu standing before us, she stared at us with suspicious eyes.

"What are you doing with Aki?" She asked the guy with her brows furrowed.

"Mayu, I think he's looking for you."

Mayu, is Mafuyu's nickname. Of course, as her only best friend, it's my privilege to call her on that cute nickname.

"Ha?"

Mayu's tone was slightly annoyed and diverted her eyes to the guy in front.

"You again? Tsk!"

They have already met? Then why is he only staring at Mayu from the door? He could've just called her.

"He's been staring at you for a while now. I think he has something to say."

I offered her the strawberry milk she asked for. Her cold eyes suddenly turned soft.

"Thank you, Aki."

"Yeah."

Gosh, anything for my beautiful Mayu! Do you want me to buy you another one? I can still run, you know!

"Well, what do you want from me again?"

That being said, the situation was once again centered on the guy from the next class.

"P-please…I'd like to talk to you after school again, if you don't mind."

He's pretty gutsy compared to the guy earlier. Oh yeah, I have to tell Mafuyu about it later.

Mayu let out an exasperated sigh and combed her hair, which made my heart flutter. I wish I was Mafuyu's hair.

Oh, Mayu, how could you be so beautiful?

"Like I said, I'm not interested."

What are they talking about? Have Mayu been meeting this guy without me noticing? When? Where?

He clenched his fists and looked straight into Mayu's eyes.

"Please, this will be the last time."

Wow, that's the spirit! Other guys are too nervous to talk to Mayu, that's why they're using me instead. Well, I can't blame them, even I, think that nobody's worthy of my Mayu.

But, I think this guy has chance. He's handsome, too. He's got this pure white princely face. If he were to stand beside Mayu, everywhere they go, it would be a photoshoot site.

"Fine. This will be the last time."

The guy looked relieved. I think I stared at him too much, when he met my gaze, he nervously took a step back and bowed.

"Thank you so much. Well then, I'll see you later."

And he walked confidently back to his classroom. I just noticed that kids from his class are sneakily peeking from their classroom windows.

"Did you ask her?"

His classmate asked him, loud enough for us to hear it.

"Y-yeah."

After he answered, he looked back on our direction and saw us, still looking at him.

I titled my head. Hmm?

His cheeks, once again, flushed in red and his classmates started teasing him. He covered his red face with both of his hands and quickly went inside their classroom while his classmates are still teasing him.

"Mayu, since when have you been meeting that guy? You haven't told me about it."

I was a bit sulky because Mayu has never kept any secret to me before. I know everything about her.

"It was nothing important so it wasn't necessary to tell you about it."

"But—"

She patted my head and smiled.

"Do you want to eat ice cream after school? My treat, in return for the strawberry milk."

Dear God, give me 100 years to live with this girl.

"Yeah!"

I clung unto her arms and went inside the classroom. It was said that the 3rd period was self-study time because of the sudden assembly meeting of the teachers.

Other than the 3rd period, other classes went smoothly as it should be and another day was about to end.

"Mayu, I forgot have cleaning duty. Go ahead, you have to talk to that guy from the next class, right?"

Mayu nodded as she slid her bag on her shoulders.

"Mm, then I'll for you at the school gate. Let's go home together."

Oh, my sweet Mayu. I wish I could marry you.

"I'll finish the duty quickly."

Mayu left. I have to erased the writings on the board, closed the windows, and check if the desks are organized.

Then, the sliding door opened.

"Akira, you're still here?"

"Takeru-kun, what's the matter? Don't you have basketball practice?" I asked while wiping the board.

Asuka Takeru-kun, my classmate and a friend from middle school. We're not best of friends but we're close enough to call each other in our given names.

"I forgot my wrist band on my desk."

He chuckled and scratched his head. I guess his wrist band is important seeing how he went back to the classroom just to get it.

Takeru-kun sits on the front row so his seat is close to where I am now, I took the initiative to check his desk. I found his wrist and gave it to him.

"Here you go."

He immediately attached it on his wrist. I stared at him.

"Is something wrong?"

Oops, he must have felt uncomfortable. I shook my head.

"Ah, no! I'm just amazed how tall you are!"

Takeru-kun laughed and ruffled my hair. "I'm amazing, right?"

Takeru-kun is sociable, friendly, and reliable. He popular among our grade, too. But compared to that guy from class 1 that likes Mayu, he's a bit…

Speaking of that guy from class 1, I hope he's doing well talking with Mayu. He looked very nervous earlier so I hope his confession is going smoothly right now.

Wait, is he confessing right now? I'm not really sure but it looks like it. Well, it's none of my business but if he tries to do anything funny to Mayu then I'm ready to go in battle mode.

"Ah! I gotta go now, Akira."

Takeru jog in place while waving his hands. He's so energetic.

"Fufu..Yup, goodluck with your practice!" I waved back.

"See you tomorrow!"

I finished all the duty. I can go to Mayu now. After making sure everything's fine, I closed the classroom doors. While walking towards the stairs, I saw a woman in plain clothes while carrying a medium-sized box.

"Ah, Miyazumi-san. Are you going home now?"

"Chika-sensei. Yes, I've just finished with my cleaning duty. Are you going to work overtime today as well?"

Chika Midori, our homeroom teacher and art teacher. She's a fresh graduate teacher with a light personality. She started working in this school just this year. She gets along with everyone and is hard-working.

"Mmm, I'm going to check all of your projects tonight. I have already seen yours, Miyazumi. Well done."

She tapped my shoulder and smiled.

"Thank you, sensei."

"I saw Saikawa by the school gate. Is she waiting for you?"

Oh, right! Mayu is treating me ice cream!

"Ah, yes! I have to go, sensei! Goodbye!"

After changing into my outdoor shoes, I ran to the gate. Wherever she is and what she's doing, Mayu can always make someone stare at her.

"Pftt—"

For a moment, my eyes squinted from what I saw just a second ago. Did I see it right? Mayu's smiling while texting someone? I'm not sure if she's really texting but she seems happy.

"Mayu! Sorry, did you wait long?" I ran to her.

She was busy fidgeting with her phone until now. She immediately stop from what she was doing and hid her phone inside her bag.

"No, shall we go for some ice cream now?"

"Can I have two servings?" I linked my arms with her and snuggled.

"Of course, you can. Shall we have some taiyaki as well?"

"Goddess Mayu, I am grateful." I joked and laughed along with her.

Well, it's not like I don't have money but Mayu's just so sweet so I can't decline her offer. Next time, I'll definitely treat her.

"Oh yeah, how did your conversation with that guy from the next class go?"

"Hmm…It was okay…"

I saw how her eyes sparked for a bit and her lips' edge went up a little.

"Mayu, did you just grinned?"

She didn't answer so I can't helped but to be more intrigued.

"Are you interested in him?"

Eyes forward, Mayu answered.

"Interested? I guess, he's interesting."

I've never seen Mayu talked about a guy being interesting before. What did that guy just do?! I think Mayu likes him!

You have my respect, Mr. President from next class! I thoughtlessly saluted.

"Who are you saluting to, Aki?"

"Fufu, nothing..."

Alright! If Mayu likes him, then I need to see if he's a good guy! I will keep my eyes on him from now on.

"Mayu, let's ask him to eat lunch with us next time."

"Why?"

"Nothing special. I just want to know him better."

Mayu raised her brows in suspicion. She stared at me for a while.

"You're interested in him?"

I clenched my fist upward and arched my brows.

"Of course! I need to see if he's a good guy!"

I need to see if he's worthy of my sweet Mayu. He can't take Mayu that easily! He has to go through me first!

After having some hot taiyaki from the usual shop, we walked to eat some ice cream in front of the station.

"Hey, Mayu. Someone confessed through me earlier. That soccer player from class 3. He said he likes you. What are you gonna do about it?"

"Just ignore it. I don't even know him."

She answered coolly and licked her finger with little cream on it. Ah, I wish I am Mayu's finger. Speaking of confession—

"How did that guy from class 1 confessed?"

I asked while savoring the red bean cream filling of my taiyaki. Ah, such a classic flavor.

Mayu's really different after talking to that guy.

"It was a funny confession, I suppose."

"Really? What did he say?"

Mayu licked her lip and answered in a cheeky way.

"It's a secret."

Mayu's so adorable today! I can die peacefully with Mayu's unlimited fan service!

He was nervous but still managed to convey his feelings! What a brave guy! You have earned another points from me today, Mr. President from next class!

"Mayu, I want the caramel and vanilla one!"

Mayu took out her wallet and asked the old lady of the ice cream shop.

"One caramel, one vanilla, and one strawberry please."

As soon as the ice cream landed on my hand, I immediately started licking the vanilla one.

"Thank you, Mayu. My treat next time, okay?"

"Okay but don't go overboard. Last time, you used your allowance to treat me sushi."

That was last week, I treated her for some sushi from an authentic sushi restaurant. I wanted to pay for the full bill but Mayu said that she would pay the half.

"Fufu, its fine! My allowances are quite big."

My parents' not stingy with my allowance. So I can treat Mayu whatever she wants.

"Stop doing that. Others might say you're my lackey and I hang out with you for your money. You're my friend, Aki. My allowances may not be as much as yours but I can pay for my food and also treat you."

My jaw dropped because of what Mafuyu said. I am touched. Oh my god, how can this creature be my friend?

"Oh, Mayu! I'll be your friend forever!"

We walked home while eating our ice cream. Along the way, people keep on staring at my friend, but Mayu was unbothered by it and so I am.

"Do you want to come over for dinner?" Mayu asked when we are outside their house.

Mayu's house was more of a traditional Japanese house with formal designs and antiques. And my house just across the street was definitely modern style because of my parents' preferences.

"Nope, Dad's coming home today and Mom's coming home early as well."

"That's rare. Are your brothers home, too?"

I nodded. "Yeah, they only have morning classes today so they're already home."

"Alright. Go inside. See you tomorrow."

"Mm, by the way, Mayu! I'll ask that guy from the next class to join us for lunch tomorrow, okay?"

I need to remind her because she completely forgot about it. Before entering the wooden gates of the house, Mayu looked at me with perceptive eyes.

"You're really interested in him, huh?"

I laughed a little. I guess Mayu's shy to admit it because she's interested in that guy.

"Of course! He can't be your boyfriend that easily! I need to investigate him!"

Her brows furrowed for a moment. "What are you saying?..."

And she said something that I wasn't able to hear because I heard some loud screams inside our house.

"Akiiiii! Aren't you going inside?!"

"Aki, come here!"

It was my older brothers screaming from the front door with only their heads peeking from inside the house.

When I glanced back at Mayu's house, she already went inside.

These clingy brothers really…

I went inside the house with a big smile. Finally, Mayu now likes someone. I will support her with all of me!

"I'm home!"