Why

Rest of the night went as chaotically as it started. Fumito and Ichirou ended up passing out, Ikuya and Emiko dropped three of us at our home. I had drink a lot too but I was not drunk at all, I took a shower and decided to study but my mind was not focusing on anything else except how happy they were together.

I closed my book and went to bed instead. I tried to listen my favourite songs and watch my favourite shows but they were not helping at all either.

I know I shouldn't be like this, Ikuya is my friend and this is so wrong but my heart was saying something else to me. maybe I saw them like this for the first time, maybe I saw her for the first time that is why it's happening. Maybe it'll get better after some time.

The night went on like this, just me with a picture of them laughing together and only one question in mind "WHY".

For the next few days our dinner used to be with Emiko and as the days passed and I saw them together, more I wanted to tear them apart, more I wanted to take the place, more I felt disgusting but more I realised about my feelings.

"Hachirou, is something bothering you?" Emiko asked.

"uh no, why?" I replied.

"you are zoning out again" she inquired.

"I'm fine I am just not getting enough sleep these days because of studying"

"studying is good but you should take care of yourself." She said.

Why? Why is she like this? Why is she so good to me? why she's making it way more harder everyday.

"well, I want to tell you guys something" she said.

"oh my god I'm going to be uncle, I have never expected this day would come to fast I feel like crying from happiness" Fumito said really loud.

"shut your mouth before I kick your ass in front of everyone" Ikuya said to him.

Emiko laughed and said " I'm sure that day would come Fumito but it's too soon for that. Anyways, I wanted to say that I am going back tomorrow.

"what? Why? It's been just a week. Stay for few more days" Ichirou said.

"that's what I am saying, at least listen to him" Ikuya said to Emiko, nearly crying.

"I would love to but my classes are starting soon" she said with a sad expression.

"that's why I told you and Kenta not to take admission so far, now we don't get to see you guys and it hurts when you leave" Fumito said with tears in his eyes. It is the first time I was seeing him crying.

"don't be like this Fumito, next time I will come with Kenta and we will stay here for a long time okay?" she said.

"oya oya, I think I should take some pictures and send it to Kenta" Ikuya said trying to make the atmosphere better.

Even if it was just a week but Emiko made a really nice spot in our hearts.

While everyone was trying to light up the mood I was the one who couldn't spit even a word. It was an unknown and weird feeling. I was feeling like throwing up when everything went black in front of my eyes.

I woke up in my room. I checked the time it was 9 AM. I ran downstairs to ask how I ended up here and mom told me that my friends took me home when I was passed out. I ran to my room and get ready for the rest of the classes.

When I reached school Ichirou told me that Emiko already left in early morning. She was gone but she left me with this unknown and weird feeling.

After her departure everyone was feeling down and Ikuya was really upset. But we didn't have much time to spare missing her because our exams were on the edge.

Next few days we all spent in studying day and night. All of us were good at studying so there was not much to do to get passing grades but we were aiming for top positions this time.

A week before our exams we decided to do group study. Ikuya, me, Ichirou and Fumito together. I wanted to hang out with my friends but I still wasn't ready to face Ikuya after Emiko left me with these feelings.

We decided to meet at Ikuya's place as he lives alone and it's peaceful there. I reached there at the exact time and he opened the door with a sad face.

"I have a news for you" he said.

"what?" I asked.

"Fumito caught cold and Ichirou went on a date. It's only us now"

NO NO NO, WHY ? WHY IT HAS TO BE ME?

"should we start?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure." I replied.

We were studying just fine for an hour but then his phone started ringing. I saw the name and it was a video call from Emiko. I saw Ikuya's expressions changing from serious to happy in a second.

As soon as he accepted the call his eyes widen. I saw Emiko was with a guy.

"Ah I just wanted to tell you that we are not missing you and Fumito even a slightest" it was Emiko's voice.

"I doubt that cupcake" Ikuya said and started laughing.

"you shouldn't" the guy on the call said laughing.

"Kenta, where did you meet her?" he asked.

"he was missing me so he came to see me. see, he don't miss you enough" Emiko said teasing Ikuya.

"I see, so when are you coming here?" Ikuya asked them.

"ugh, you're no fun." Emiko and the guy said together.

"tomorrow morning" Emiko said and hung the call.

If it was someone else, he would have been mad but Ikuya was laughing instead.

"who was he?" I asked .

"Kenta, our school friend we always talk about." He said.

"oh okay, well to think of it you and Emiko were not in the same school then how is she so close with all your friends?" I asked.

"we were not in the same school but our schools were pretty close and her best friend was my close friend, we used to meet in volleyball tournaments a lot and she used to come there to cheer him up, that's how we all became friends. As our schools were pretty close we used to meet before and after school daily, it became a habit to come see each other every single day and share each and every detail. That is why she knows everything about our school life and we know everything about hers"

"she is your girlfriend but she is so close with your friends don't you get jealous or insecure?" I asked again.

"yes she is pretty close, you've seen her with Fumito right? She's even more friendly with Kenta. But there was never a moment where I felt like she was crossing the line. She was appear to be childish or dumb but actually she is way more mature and intelligent. The thing I liked about her the most was how her presence eases the stress and fill the atmosphere with positivity. No one lefts with the choice other than approaching her. She may hug other guys or hang out with them but I know that no one can take the place I have in her heart because she will not let anyone do that."

"when I first met her I was so amazed by her but then everytime she used to meet me there used be a new thing about her which made me fall for her even more. She was there with me everytime I need someone to rely on or everytime I needed someone so share my sadness with. I can't explain our love but the fact that even my friends like her so much gives me more confidence in our relationship."

With every word Ikuya said there was this happiness and proud on this face which made me think I can't compete for the spot.

"can I use the bathroom?" I asked him.

"yeah, sure" he replied.

I quicky went to the bathroom and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I wanted to cry I wanted to scream.

WHY EMIKO WHY YOU HAD TO LOVE HIM SO MUCH?

When you love him so much, how can I steal him from you?