Episode 6: Our Confessions

October 4, 2023 dotturndot

There was a girl blankly staring into the closet.

I struggled in deciding if I should call out to her.

In the end, I did.

She turned to me robotically.

“What?”

“I wanted to ask. Do you have swimsuits?”

“I do, you don’t?”

“No. It’s because I don’t plan to swim.”

“Because of what happened last time?”

“Yeah. Because of what happened last time.”

We were referring to our previous family trip to the beachside. Likely, both of us had the experience of severe sunburn as a result of not heeding mom’s advice.

Always put on sunscreen. I swear, it’ll save you a lot of pain.

“And I think my swimming truck is a little small for me now.”

“If you say that, then it’s probably the same for me.”

Small for her too? Imagining Elliot ♀ wearing a tight-fitting swimsuit nearly bursting at the seams… hell no. It seems Elliot ♀ and I have no intention of getting into the water.

“What are you bringing?”

Elliot ♀ asked.

“The basic stuff. Change of clothes, charger, sunscreen, my inhaler… you know?”

“I’m envious of the fact that you don’t need to bring pads.”

But hey, you don’t experience asthma.

“You’re on one now?”

“No, not yet. But that earlier statement should’ve been enough of a hint right?”

“Alright, alright. I won’t ask again.”

She was much more open about it than I thought. Well, I suppose it’s because she’s ‘me’.

“Anyways, aren’t you going to bring an envelope or something?”

She asked.

“An envelope?”

“Yeah. To write a love letter.”

To Aria like how I did when I wanted to confess to Ellis?

“I don’t plan to do that this time.”

At my reply, Elliot ♀ raised an eyebrow.

“Really now?”

Yeah really…

How would I feel if I knew someone I like was being taken by a ‘close friend’?

If I were in her situation, I would try my best to give them the necessary space for the relationship to flourish. It was exactly what she had been doing the past few weeks.

But the feeling of doing such a thing? Probably horrible.

You know, this whole thing about me and Aria has been a point of contention between us.

She may try to hide it, but I know.

Because I’m her.

We both like Aria.

But there are two of us.

So what can we do?

“Idiot.”

I muttered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

She should just say it. She should just say she doesn’t want me and Aria to…

Btzz.

A notification.

I reached for my phone on the table. I could sense Elliot ♀ pulling away.

‘See you tomorrow Elliot ♀. I can’t wait. Good night.’

A wry smile found itself on my lips.

‘Good night Aria. See you tomorrow.’

Seriously, I’m such an idiot.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

It was a nice prelude to the start of the summer holidays.

“I can’t wait to grow up.”

Jasper said as he chewed on a carrot stick.

Today was field trip day. Early in the morning, Elliot ♀ and I was primed and ready to go all out for this year’s school vacation.

“Well, you’ll have your chance next year.”

Unfortunately, we would be leaving our family for a few days.

Chew. Chew. Chew.

Next year, Jasper will be entering junior high school. So until then, he’ll have to bear with his smaller-scale primary school trips.

A day trip was different from a 3-day 3-night retreat.

“Double-check your items alright? I’ll drive you over.”

Dad said.

“We will.”

“After breakfast.”

My dad had to go to the office today. So instead of taking the train, he said he’d drop us by the school on the way.

“And take care.”

“Be sure to bring contraceptives with you.”

“Uh… yeah, sure.”

“I’ve already packed them in a black bag. Different ones for girls and boys. Enjoy your time.”

No. Mom, seriously you shouldn’t.

And so, the light of the first day began with breakfast.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“It’s been a while since we saw this.”

“Yeah.”

It was the oddest thing ever to witness an army of students all wearing casual clothes.

A few abnormal ones came wearing their school uniforms, but otherwise, the other 98 percent were in their best jeans.

“Where exactly is our class again?”

The school auditorium could fit multiple tennis courts. But with the sheer number of students in the school, it was completely packed.

“There, I think.”

Elliot ♀ followed me. We eventually found our class.

“Morning.”

“Morning you two. Both Elliots check.”

Tility, our class president checked our name off the attendance list. Richard-sensei was there to confirm it.

“Okay, line up here.”

Girls and boys were split into separate lines.

The letter ‘E’ was quite in front in terms of alphabetical order so it can’t be helped that the person near where I stood were…

Ellis and Aria.

Both of them looked spry today. Mature-looking Ellis in her bright blouse, and cute Aria in a long white dress.

At departure time, everyone was ushered into the bus. One bus for one class. The seats came in pairs, and somehow I got paired with Aria.

Meanwhile…

“Did Elliot get you that pin?”

“Huh? What? This? No, it’s my own.”

“Really?”

“I wore it last time you didn’t notice?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You’re fucking blind.”

“What?! Why are you still so angry with me? What did I do wrong?”

Ellis and Elliot ♀ seemed to be arguing about the golden butterfly pin.

“Are you only bringing that much?”

I asked Aria, having glanced at her luggage. Actually, I don’t know if what she brought could even be considered ‘luggage’. It was one simple tote bag.

“I think so?”

“You think so?”

“Sebas said I should just buy it from there if I need anything.”

“Uh…”

I felt inadequate all of a sudden.

If I take Aria’s hand, do I have the capacity to take care of a girl like her in the future? I certainly wasn’t a man who could provide her with all the money in the world like in her household so… the way finances are handled might come as a shock to her.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, nothing.”

I’m probably overthinking.

Aria certainly came from a wealthy family, but she doesn’t seem like a girl who would spend money arbitrarily…Right?

“Compared to everyone else, you also didn’t bring much Elliot.”

I looked at my own bag when she said that.

Certainly. I only brought a single duffle bag. Some of Elliot’s stuff was also inside here since her backpack couldn’t carry as much.

“I’m only packing the bare minimum, and it already amounts to this much. So when I see how you’re only bringing a bag… it makes me wonder. Do you even have spare clothes inside?”

Aria’s face became flushed a little.

“Only my undies…”

I wish I never asked.

There was a brief silence between us, the conversation between those two reached our ears.

“Why are you coming to the beach if you don’t plan on swimming then? If you didn’t bring your swimsuit then we’ll just have to get you a new one there.”

“Ellis, I can’t swim the entire week.”

“Why?”

“It’s that time of the month.”

“…”

Looks like they were getting along.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Here.”

We finally arrived at the lodging. After settling into our rooms, Elliot ♀ and I met up in the lobby in the early evening.

I passed Elliot ♀ her items that were in my bag.

“Thanks.”

“You look kind of tired, you okay?”

Her complexion was pale.

“Period cramps.”

“Oh…”

“Sucks to be me huh?”

“Then do you need medicine?”

We had paracetamol ready in case she needed any.

“I’ve already taken them, it’s fine.”

“Then… does it normally go away?”

“Maybe by tomorrow… it’s worse today than it was yesterday so it should subside soon.”

I don’t know how much it hurts for her, but would she be fine? Until now, I never paid much attention to the fact that she was a normal girl with normal cycles.

“Then I’ll help you take these things to your room.”

“Ah, no need.”

“No. Let me do it.”

Her brows furrowed slightly.

“You just want to see Aria don’t you?”

It had nothing to do with Aria, I was genuinely concerned about her well-being. But I found myself unable to respond to her words.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Period cramps mark the onset of the actual period. I actually felt mild pain yesterday. It peaked today, so I expect it to subside by tomorrow.

Also, just in case, I’ll start wearing the pads later tonight. Ellis was late to the uptake but she eventually got the message.

“Here.”

I owe one to Elliot ♂ for helping me carry my stuff.

“Thanks.”

“You look kind of tired, you okay?”

“Period cramps.”

“Oh…”

“Sucks to be me huh?”

A pervert like him should know what I’m trying to tell him here.

Anyways, seeing the surprise on his face uplifted my mood. The pain subsided just a little.

“Then do you need medicine?”

“I’ve already taken them, it’s fine.”

“Then… does it normally go away?”

“Maybe by tomorrow… it’s worse today than it was yesterday so it should subside soon.”

Odd really. It’s starting to go away bit by bit now.

The medication is starting to take effect I suppose.

“Then I’ll help you take these things to your room.”

“Ah, no need.”

“Let me do it.”

He’s pretty persistent.

“You just want to see Aria don’t you?”

So was I.

I blurted that for no particular reason. My eyes felt slightly watery.

“…”

He couldn’t reply. Just as I thought.

“Well, nevermind. Thank you for this, I can carry it myself.”

What was going through his mind? I’m I gas-lighting him? I mean, he should take this opportunity to say good night to Aria or something right?

Why does he feel so guilty for me?

I left Elliot ♂ who stood there confused. A few times I turned around to check, he was still blankly staring on the ground. I was getting concerned but… I was also slightly angry.

So, I thought maybe it was alright to leave him like that.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“What’s that?”

“My stuff.”

I entered the girl’s lodging. It was a sleep-on-the-floor style room that fits about 6 pax.

It was me, Ellis, Aria, Tility, Willow, and two senior students who I didn’t quite recognize.

“What’s this?”

Tility looked at the items in my hand one by one. Then pointed out a suspicious black box.

What the fuck? Why did he pass me this?

“Something.”

“What something?”

Tility was a short girl. So when she looked at me with those cute upturned eyes I felt like my heart was going to stop.

The most adorable human being in class… alas, such a pity we never got to see her in the maid costume.

“Just don’t open it. If you do, you’ll regret it.”

In fact, I have no idea what kind of contraceptives mom prepared for a girl like me. It’s not like I wear condoms, right? Who else can I fuck here anyways?

I arranged the items in my own little corner, meanwhile making sure to stuff the black box deep inside my backpack so that no one would see it.

“Ugh…”

I groaned at the worsening pain in my abdomen. Seriously? I thought it was subsiding earlier?

“I think I’m going to bed early.”

“Huh? Really? Ellis asked me to tell you to go to the lounge room to have a drink when you came back.”

“So that’s where they went huh?”

I wouldn’t be surprised if Elliot ♂ went. Well, I’m not in the best of condition so…

“Ellis should know why I’m not going. I’m sleeping first, good night Tility.”

The pain is annoying. Can you just go away already?

Covering myself with the blanket, I forced myself to sleep.

“Good night Elliot.”

Good night.

An hour, two hours. I tossed and turned.

The pain grew weaker gradually and I entered a light sleep—to be woken up by the sounds of chattering.

The room light was already off. However, it wasn’t completely dark because some of the girls were on their phones.

“Hey, hey. Who do you have a crush on?”

Who do I have a crush on? Aria, obviously.

“I don’t have a crush.”

Ellis’ voice.

“Really? I thought you and that guy got along?”

“Well, we kind of broke up.”

Ah, so it’s the seniors that brought up the topic. Do they know about Ellis and Elliot’s ♂ relationship? Actually, are they talking about this assuming that I’m sleeping?

“How about you Tility? Who do you have a crush on?”

“U-Um… it’s just a little crush. The kind of love that won’t work out.”

“OOhh~ So you do have someone you like after all?”

“Who is it? Who is it?”

“I didn’t think you, of all people, would have a secret crush.”

“Nearl, shh. Don’t wake her up.”

“Oh, oops.”

In the midst of the cahoot, Aria was the one to warn them about awakening the dragon (me).

Welp, too late motherfuckers.

I assumed a sleeping posture as I continued eavesdropping.

“Come on Tility, is it from your own class or…”

“You don’t have to force yourself to tell if you don’t want to.”

“It’s um… the prefect that runs in the track club.”

“The prefect? Track club?”

“Oh wait! I know, it’s Leon, isn’t it.”

There was a short silence.

“What? You like that dude?”

“Well, I suppose you’re right about ‘a kind of love that won’t work out’.”

“A lot of girls like him… I heard?”

“But he’s not interested in any of them.”

“Except for one perhaps.”

Except for one?

The one Leon might have a crush on… oh, right. I told Ellis about it last time didn’t I?

“Who? Who?”

The seniors prodded in a hushed voice.

“Not telling.”

Good job Ellis. If you had told them my secret I would’ve crushed your neck right then and there.

“Why?”

“Just respecting the person’s privacy. Anyways, shouldn’t we ask the last girl?”

“U-Uh…”

“Aria, you have a crush on someone don’t you?”

Aria has a crush on someone…

Well, if it all adds up then ‘that someone’ is obvious.

“…Yes.”

“I think everyone in class knows by now.”

“What? Who?”

“Even your own class president doesn’t know who it is. So much for ‘everyone knows by now’.”

“Um, I don’t want to say it?”

“Heeh… even though you’re making it so obvious.”

“Who? Who?”

“Aria…”

“I’m sorry Ellis.”

The first thing Aria does is apologise.

Then there was silence again.

“No way? So she’s crushing on your ex?”

“Who else?”

Ellis’ sarcasm never ceases to amaze me.

“Ah, so Elliot…?”

I think Tility’s mouth was shut halfway.

“Shush, what if she wakes up?”

My body was getting stiff, so I changed my posture. There was a deafening silence for a few seconds. Once I got into a comfortable position, I gently exhaled. My eyes remained shut, then a few more seconds of complete stillness before someone sighed.

“Wheewh.”

“Damn, that was scary.”

“She didn’t wake up.”

“Sorry…”

“So, what do you think are the chances? Do you think he’ll confess to you soon?”

I felt my heart prickle.

Right, the words he said that day.

‘…After the exam.’

What is this feeling anyways? Jealousy? Of what? Of Elliot ♂ winning Aria’s heart?

To begin with, I felt nothing when she admitted to the fact that she liked Elliot. It was only when that senior brought up the topic of the confession that…

No.

Hold on.

Am I jealous of him taking her away from me or… Her taking him away from me?

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Who do you like, Leon?”

“That um…”

“Wow, hold on there. Leon, you have someone you like? I thought you said you didn’t?”

“Yeah. How many girls have you rejected with that excuse?”

“Come on—I’m sorry I broke their heart, but it wasn’t intentional.”

“Yo!! I dare you say that again!”

“You should apologise to all the virgins out there!”

I was looking at my phone as the three seniors chatted.

‘Are you coming to the drinks lounge?’

Was the first message I sent at 6pm a few minutes after passing Elliot ♀ her items.

‘You okay?’

And then when she didn’t respond, I sent another message at 8pm.

She hasn’t replied.

“Who is this? Aria?”

Oliver tilted his head over to peek.

I turned off my screen.

“Nope. It’s ‘me’.”

“You?”

“SAY THAT AGAIN!? YOU SAID YOU LIKE WHA??”

There was a shout. Then one of the seniors crawled up to me and asked.

“You’re Elliot right?”

“Uh… yes. I’m Elliot.”

“Leon, I didn’t know you were gay.”

“I meant the other Elliot!”

“Wow!”

“That hotie… oh wait, I forgot that there’s Elliot’s double here.”

“Shit!”

“Sorry, sorry! No bad intentions okay? Kay?”

These monkeys were like those boys I know in class, but on steroids.

“That’s surprising. To think the track team ace finally admits that he likes you.”

Oliver said with a grin.

“Yeah, right.”

I said unconvincingly.

“Huh? Wait, if you and Elliot are essentially the same, doesn’t that mean you know if she likes Leon?”

“Elliot, I swear I don’t mean anything bad to her. I like her but I think you probably already know that… she doesn’t like me back.”

Leon looked so apologetic… and heartbroken trying to own up to me for some reason.

“Leon, why don’t you try and tell her your feelings?”

“Huh?”

Why did I ask him to confess to her when I’m one hundred percent sure she’ll deny his advances?

“For your benefit, and her’s. I’m not forcing you if you don’t want to. I just think it would be much more beneficial for you to get it off your chest.”

“What’s the point when she doesn’t like me?”

“She probably already knows you have a crush on her. So at least let her know about it, or should I do it in your stead?”

“I would be alright if you just told her…”

“Sissy! The man is giving you an opportunity here. You’ve rejected so many girls, isn’t it about time you experienced their pain?”

“Yeah! Yeah!”

“Fucking assholes!”

“GAhh!!”

Leon’s two friends suffocated to his arm bar.

“Seriously bro? You’re telling someone to confess to you?”

Oliver was bewildered at my response.

“I think Elliot would benefit from it too.”

I ignored the mild joke implied and answered as appropriate. I think it’s important to let her know of the fact that she’s not unwanted.

“Of course, it might not solve the root issue.”

I added.

“What root issue?”

Oliver tilted his head.

“Don’t bother asking if you can’t tell.”

It’s not really a secret. Even Willow had caught the tail. Most people just didn’t care enough to notice.

Her gender identity crisis.

“The hell? You sound pissed.”

Sorry, Oliver. I may just be a tad agitated.

“Speaking of which, Elliot, do you have a crush?”

Leon asked.

“Me? I did.”

“Hold up, don’t lie to him now. He’s asking if you have a crush, not had.”

Damn you Oliver.

“So you have a crush now? Who is it?”

“I prefer not to…”

“It’s the red hair girl in class by the name Aria.”

“Oliver I’ll fucking kill you!!”

I wasn’t as strong as Leon, so the best I could do was strangle him by the neck.

“Oxygen..! Help! Help!”

“You know, that’s really surprising. You and Elliot ♀ get along, I almost thought that you had a crush on yourself, to think that you have someone else in your heart.”

My strength loosened at Leon’s words.

“A crush on myself? No way, ew.”

I just had to say it. Who the hell would think of being in a romantic relationship with yourself?

“Yeah, yeah. You looked so sad when Elliot didn’t reply back to your good night message.”

“Oliver, I swear I’ll fucking cut your tongue out one day.”

“Didn’t reply? What happened?”

“…Well, she’s mad.”

“Mad?”

“At the fact that I’m with Aria.”

“What? It smells like jealousy.”

“I’m pretty sure it is.”

Leon’s expression hardened.

“Have you… asked her about how she feels about this…?”

“She wouldn’t tell me even if I did.”

I shook my head.

“…”

“I know because I’m her.”

But what can I do?

“I know exactly how she feels.”

I also feel like shit.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Morning light. A beachside party.

The Caribbean Boulevard was a resort built beside a beach that spanned several kilometres. Much of the place had been booked out by the school, so the majority of people enjoying their time here were the students.

When we arrived at the sand, there were already crowds of people swimming in the sea.

“You’re not going to dip?”

Ellis asked Aria.

“Ah, no. I didn’t bring my swimwear.”

“Did you not bring, or did you not want to bring?”

To that, Aria only showed a mysterious smile.

“And you too?”

Ellis directed the continuing question to me.

“No. I’m not swimming.”

Me too. I had no intention of touching the salty sea.

“And you also?”

Then Ellis turned to Elliot ♀.

“I’m on my period. Do you seriously think I’m going?”

“Why I’m I the only one going?!”

“Why not join Willow and Oliver. They seem to be having a good time over there.”

Ellis may seem extroverted, but she had always been much of a loner. Her close friends were us. But if not for Elliot ♀, she would’ve only been closer only to Aria.

“Fine, fine. You three enjoy your time in the hot sun. I’ll cool off in the sea.”

Ellis sulked, then ran off towards Willow’s direction.

I turned to Elliot ♀.

She looked like a freaking ghost with too much sunscreen.

“Did she wear sunscreen earlier?”

“No.”

“Is it important?”

“You’re not wearing sunscreen Aria?”

The red-haired girl looked at herself. She was wearing a loose T-shirt with short pants. Her sexy skin was completely exposed.

“No.”

“Here you go.”

“What?”

Elliot ♀ dug out her bag and passes me the sunscreen bottle. I was confused. Weren’t you going to give it to Aria?

“Enjoy applying it on her skin. I’ll go take a walk first.”

“Wait, hey!”

Ignoring my wails, Elliot ♀ ran away.

“Um. It’s alright, I can apply it myself.”

“R-Right…”

I wasn’t at a stage where I had the courage to do such a thing…

“Elliot doesn’t seem too happy with us together.”

Aria said apologetically.

“It seems…”

“So it’s true that she likes girls?”

“…So you could tell?”

“I just wanted to confirm the fact with you.”

“Y-Yeah…”

“I see…”

Aria looked conflicted. It was rare to see her like this.

“Um, okay. I see… that explains a lot.”

“Don’t tell her I told you…”

“Alright.”

She nodded seriously.

“Sorry but, could you help hold it for a moment?”

“Okay.”

I held the sunscreen bottle for her while she rubbed the squeezed amount along her arms and legs.

It was barely enough.

“You should apply more.”

I squeezed a generous amount along her skin.

“That much?”

“You need to coat it properly, otherwise it’s pointless.”

“It’s kind of thick.”

“Better than getting a sunburn, trust me.”

“No wonder your skin looks so white.”

“Y-Yeah…”

I look white? Then does it mean I also look like a ghost? Shit.

“And on the face too?”

“Some, I guess…”

“Can you help apply a few drops?”

“…Alright.”

She closed her eyes and tilted her chin up at me.

Gently, I used my fingers to smear the cream along her forehead and cheeks.

“It’s ticklish.”

“I think you can rub it now.”

“Thank you.”

She coated her skin with the sunscreen.

“Do I look weird?”

She showed herself.

“Nah, you look alright.”

“If you say so.”

Aria chuckled.

At herself or me?

I suddenly began rubbing my face to check for any excess sunscreen. There didn’t seem to be a thick coating though?

After settling the matter with sunburn protection, we followed along Elliot’s ♀ trail. We found her at the far end of the beach poking the sand with a long branch she found.

More specifically, she was poking the burrows of wild baby crabs. It was low tide, so towards the sandy-wet part of the sea, you could find a lot of interesting critters. If you looked closely, a few translucent baby crabs were fleeing from where Elliot ♀ stood.

“Elliot!”

“What?”

“Nothing, just asking what you’re doing.”

“Killing innocent wildlife.”

She harshly jabbed her stick into the ground, essentially plugging the entrance of one of the crab holes. Well, it won’t die from that. It can dig its way out, I know from past experience.

“So this is how the sea looks… it’s both beautiful and… rather scary.”

Aria said as she felt the waves tickle her feet.

“Did you apply sunscreen?”

Elliot ♀ asked Aria.

“Yes, I did. Thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome.”

Elliot ♀ took the sunscreen bottle from me and stored it back in her tote bag.

“Are you really that depressed?”

“Depressed, what are you talking about? Rather than worry about me, shouldn’t you worry about her? Aria is going to drown if you don’t do something.”

As if she’d drown in two inches of water.

“Aria is worried about you too.”

“Thanks, but it’s not like she can do anything about the fact either can she?”

Elliot ♀ and I looked at each other concerned.

Why were we like this? Mutually considering the other person’s feelings? Both of us kept talking until we heard Aria’s scream.

“A-WaaahH!!”

“What?!”

“S-Sorry. I got surprised! The waves are strong.”

Aria had made her way deeper. The water now reached the half-way mark between her feet and knee.

She could potentially drown now.

“Be careful, there might be poisonous snails in the water.”

“W-What?!”

“I’m joking.”

“Don’t say stuff like that!”

Aria shouted at Elliot ♀ with a puffed-up face.

She was pretty excited.

“You should go accompany her. I don’t want to venture too deep.”

Elliot ♀ said.

“And you?”

“I’ll just stay behind and watch. Not like I can do much here, can I now?”

“…Sorry.”

“What are you apologising for, go.”

Elliot ♀ pushed me from behind. I found it worrying that she was acting much more mature than usual. Did I truly deserve this…?

“Elliot! Elliot! Look, there’s something in the water!”

“Hold on!”

I left ‘her’ side.

And then Aria…

Splash!

“PFftt— Oi!”

“HAhaha! I’ve always wanted to do this.”

“Damn it, owh, owh…”

“U-Uh, I’m sorry. Did it get in your eye uh did—”

“There!”

“Ahh!?”

I kicked up the water and splashed the water back at her. Her beautiful red hair half-drenched in seawater stuck to her skin.

“Wow! The water really is salty.”

Her eyes sparkled as she licked her lips.

“It is. But don’t drink it though.”

“Of course, who do you think I am?”

“A recluse.”

“W-What! I don’t even watch anime!”

“That’s even worse…”

“Meanie!”

“Who the hell uses the word ‘meanie’ in this day and age?”

“Well, I do! What can you do about it?”

She huffed. I found it extremely cute.

“Anyways, look.”

“At what?”

“There, it’s black.”

“A sea urchin? No, it looks like a device?”

I sank my hands downwards and picked it up.

“A phone?”

“Oh, how weird.”

The phone is contained inside a protective plastic pouch. The outer surface didn’t seem like there was any growth of algae, so it was only recently lost?

“I guess we should bring this back.”

“We should.”

We turned around.

“Where’s Elliot?”

Aria’s question…

“She… probably left.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Well, well. Looks like my job here is done.”

I hope I didn’t make a bitter face there?

Leaving Elliot ♂ and Aria behind, I walked back to the pier. I rinsed off the water from my sandals at the tap before stepping onto the planked boulevard. The grainy texture of the sand between my toes is the worst.

“Freedom.”

I muttered.

For the remainder of the time, we were free to do whatever we wish. As long as we kept ourselves safe and sound, we could even sleep in our room all day. I was planning to take a look around the stalls when…

“Huh? Elliot?”

“Leon?”

“You’re alone?”

“You too?”

His six-packs were showing and they sure are hella sexy today. I wasn’t sure if it was because he noticed me staring, he suddenly looked away when our eyes met again.

“Where are you going after this…?”

He asked awkwardly.

“No idea. You?”

“Same.”

“Aren’t you going to the sea? Where are the rest of your friends?”

“They’re busy with their own stuff, so I’m quite literally alone. I was planning to just walk around when I bumped into you.”

“Okay then, enjoy.”

“Wait—are you going to go back?”

“No, I’m going to walk around the pier.”

“Then I’ll accompany you.”

My senior is damn great.

“Okay… where should we go first?”

“Before that, are you wearing sunscreen?”

“Uh-huh?”

“You should really look at yourself in the mirror.”

Leon suddenly took a photo of my face with his phone and showed it to me.

“What the fuck?”

Why did no one say shit about this? Fuck you Elliot ♂!

“Yeah, I think you should wash it off. You look like a clown.”

“Thanks.”

And so I did. At the open sink, I washed my face and reapplied the sunscreen, this time more sparingly.

“How about we take a look there? The stalls.”

Leon suggested.

“That was my initial plan.”

“I heard the coconut ice cream here is a must-try.”

Ugh…

Delectable coconut ice cream? I’m on my fucking period man.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Leon, the track team ace and I explored the beachside stalls. We got ourselves coconut ice cream along the way. It was the first time actually eating ice cream put in a coconut shell, and I’d say the taste was not bad.

“Accessories. I think Elliot would want to have a look at these.”

I snapped a photo and sent it to him.

‘These look pretty good. I think you can get one for Aria here.’

He replied almost immediately.

‘Where are you?’

‘At the pier eating coconut ice cream. Just walk around the place, you’ll find it eventually.’

“Do you want one?”

Just as I pressed send on the text, Leon asked.

“Ah, no. I was telling Elliot about it, since he told me he wanted to get one.”

Leon looked at me oddly.

“And it’s for someone else?”

“Yeah?”

Leon looked at the hair accessories again. He muttered something but I didn’t hear it clearly. I didn’t bother to ask.

“Where to next?”

“How about that? It looks suspicious.”

I pointed to a tent with a bunch of crystals and beads hanging around. It quite literally screamed fortune-telling.

“Fortune telling? Those are scams.”

“Scam? What if the person inside actually has a fate-type blessing?”

“Normally those people wouldn’t use their ability like this right…?”

“Scam or whatever, I want to try my luck. It’s up to you to follow.”

“Whatever you say…”

It was rather cool inside compared to the sweltering heat outside. We were the only clients when we entered.

“A spatial blessing…?”

Leon muttered.

Outwardly, the tent looked like it could barely fit a teacher’s desk. Inside… it was tall enough that Leon could stand up straight with room to spare.

Sitting beyond the dimly lit counter was a black-haired belle holding a crystal ball. A young mature lady with curly black hair. Her clothes were shamanic, adorned with random teeth, gold pieces, crystals and jade.

I expected a witch wearing a dark hood. This was something else.

“I see you’ve come to have your fate read?”

Her voice was also pretty attractive. Violet-coloured eyes stared our way, possessing a majestic glow to them. Her smile was mysterious and ominous.

“How much would it cost?”

I asked. Depending on the price, I might have to forfeit.

“Since I’m only doing it for fun, ten dollars a reading I suppose.”

“Seriously?”

Ten bucks only? Take my money.

“How about you sir?”

“Um…”

Leon was hesitant.

“I’ll pay for his.”

“No, you don’t need too—”

“Too late. Okay miss, you can read both our fortunes thank you.”

I shoved the money inside the box which said ‘donation’ for some reason.

“Very well.”

Her smile was pretty.

“My name is Liberia. Your’s?”

“Elliot. Elliot Amaryllis.”

“And you?”

“Leon Wright.”

I sat down on the cushion provided, Leon did the same.

“So what exactly will you be talking about?”

“After the reading, I’ll leave you with a phrase.”

“A phrase?”

“Yes, one enough to alter your path of life for the better. Do you trust me?”

She smiled.

“Yes.”

I answered promptly.

“Your hand please.”

I held out my hand.

She held out hers.

She closed her eyes and gently felt the curves of my palm.

To describe the experience… ticklish. A full thirty seconds passed, her expression changed many times. Finally, she said something.

“Quite an interesting path you have.”

“Path?”

“Learning to love yourself is your blessing’s most important change. Do that and you’ll lead an enthralling life.”

Her words struck me as succinct and… vague.

“What do you mean by ‘yourself’?”

‘Yourself’ was a word that could imply something completely unique in my situation.

“Well, what outcome you truly seek depends on how you interpret it.”

She said with a sincere smile.

“What I truly seek huh?”

“I won’t be accepting any more questions. It won’t do good if saying too much destroys the good fortune awaiting you. Your turn next, Sir Leon.”

“R-Right.”

Thirty seconds felt like a long time as the one having the reading. But as the one sitting and observing, it felt way longer.

“Mn. Quite unfortunate.”

Leon’s expression hardened. Her impression of our readings was completely different.

“If life thou raft and your purpose seeketh an island. Stop paddling and let the currents carry you.”

“W-What is that supposed to mean…?”

“Hard work is a good virtue to have, but please remember life is something to be experienced. You’re overthinking things.”

Leon opened his mouth, then silently closed it. He then lowered his head. Frustration… I could sense it seething from him.

I didn’t know a thing about the troubles he was going through, but seeing how her words moved him made me speechless. Looks like she managed to hit where it hurt most for both of us.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Leon and I left the fortune teller after the short reading.

“Where to next?”

I asked.

He opened his lips, closed it and shook his head. Then smiled.

“I’ll get some more ice cream.”

He looked like a changed man.

As for myself, well… frankly I feel the same. Maybe a little more enlightened, that’s all.

He grabbed another coconut shell of ice cream. I decided to get coconut water instead. We headed to the umbrella bench overlooking the sea.

There were white boats out in the distance.

“I’ve always wanted to step onboard on one of those.”

Leon said.

“Which one? The skis or the yacht?”

“The yacht.”

“Why?”

“What why? It’s just a wish of mine.”

“There should be websites where you can rent one for a few days. When you grow up of course.”

“I didn’t consider that.”

“Now you can.”

I wonder why Leon is telling me all this?

We started off silently into the blue horizon. The coconut desserts in our hands very quickly disappeared. With the sun reaching its Zenith, Leon, he…

“Elliot.”

“Yeah?”

“…”

His silence carried with it a tense anticipation—my heart started pounding…

“It’s damn hot.”

I said, fanning my clothes.

“Uh-huh?”

“Let’s head back in.”

“Right…”

Total rip-off. I thought he was going to confess there. We made our way out of the shade and…

“Tomorrow, after the bonfire, meet me here again.”

“…”

“I have something I want to tell you.”

Something you want to tell me huh?

“Alright.”

I said with a nod. Leon’s expression looked rather clumsy. I wonder if he would like that everyday from today onwards. That’d be…

“Elliot!”

Hm?

I turned around to find a panting Aria. Sweat covered her face, her hair clung to her skin stickily.

“We’ve been trying to find you.”

“What? Didn’t I tell Elliot where I was?”

“You weren’t there obviously.”

She looked rather relieved.

“Um, can you follow me somewhere? And Leon, thank you for accompanying Elliot.”

“Oh, okay?”

“Come here, I need to talk to you.”

Me? Aria had something to tell me?

“Can’t you just say it here?”

“Just follow me please.”

Aria grabbed my wrist and tugged.

“Hey!”

I was surprised by her forcefulness.

Leaving pitiful Leon behind, our shadows were short under the bludgeoned sun. Even with sunscreen on, I felt like salmon being cooked in an oven.

Aria brought me to a shady gazebo with a cool wind blowing. Only then did she finally let go of my hand and turned to me.

“Sorry.”

“Sorry?”

“I don’t think we’ve had a proper conversation, so I’d like to take the chance to tell you how I feel.”

For real?

“Did Elliot plan this?”

“He doesn’t know.”

She shook her head.

“This is between us.”

I don’t see what she’s trying to achieve? Is she going to suddenly say she’s actually bisexual and likes both me and Elliot?

Or the other way around where she confessed that the one she likes is actually me, and the only reason why she’s close to the other me was because she was afraid to confront her love?

“I like Elliot.”

“Yeah, and?”

“I’m sorry.”

I already knew from last night.

No.

I knew from the very start.

“I’m sorry it hurts you.”

“Aria.”

She was making an expression I’ve never seen before.

Remorse…

“I’m just jealous, it’s a natural outcome of the relationship. Don’t let me be the reason why you decide to end your relationship with the other me. I’m fine. Even if not now, I will in the future.”

I said.

“Still. I’m… sorry. I…”

The world in my eyes seemed to change at her next words.

“…I’ll make sure to do my best to love you too.”

And exhale.

I was unperturbed by those words.

It didn’t hurt.

I was… completely fine?

So it wasn’t from… Aria?

It didn’t hurt when she gave me her reply.

I clenched my teeth.

No.

“No need.”

I shook my head.

There’s no way.

“I think I’d be much happier by myself.”

Learning to love yourself is your blessing’s most important change. Do that and you’ll lead an enthralling life.

I must be overthinking things.

The one I should value most. The one who deserved my love most.

It was ‘myself’.

It was ‘me’.

But…

Which one… should I be referring to?

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Damn it! It hurts aaahhh!”

“That’s why you should always put on sunscreen when you come to the beach.”

There was a red patch on Ellis’ neck and upper right arm. It wasn’t big, but certainly painful enough to torment her into complete regret.

“Here, some ice.”

Elliot ♀ procured some from the resort staff. We made a make-shift cool pack.

“Oliver, you didn’t apply any sunscreen, right? Why didn’t you get any sunburns?”

Ellis complained.

“No idea?”

“Oh, because I applied some.”

So it was Willow’s doing.

Oliver looked at her, stunned.

“You did? When?”

“I spread sunscreen on your hand and face before we jumped into the ocean right?

“Oh, so that’s what it was.”

“Yup.”

“But doesn’t it come right off after soaking in the water for so long?”

“…Well.”

Willow did apply sunscreen for Oliver, he just didn’t recognize it back then.

“Ugh…”

Ellis groaned.

Certainly, watching them act like the dumb couple they were was a sore scene for the eyes.

When the clock hit 6, we proceeded to the resort hall.

Tonight we’ll be having a big multi-course class dinner. There would be performances by both the light music club and the all-dance club, followed by a simple game with prizes. In part of the dinner, a speech would be given by the student council president, announcing her official retirement, and the new face of the student council head.

Prizes for the games were snacks and candy among other things. So unless we were still children, I don’t see any value in being a try-hard here.

I glanced at Elliot ♀.

“Aria, is she alright?”

She didn’t tell me, but I sensed a change. They must’ve come to terms with themselves.

“She’s fine.”

Elliot ♀ was smiling, Aria looked downcast.

“…She said she’s fine.”

I didn’t know what to make of the situation.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

It was night.

Everyone had fallen asleep.

Hopefully.

I sat up.

And stared into the dark.

Because I couldn’t sleep.

My mind was…

Occupied.

Worried.

What was going on with me?

Me? Or ‘Me’?

“Elliot.”

I muttered.

Reaching over to grab my phone, I opened messages.

The reply was left at: I’m here, where are you?

Right now it was 1 am, the message was sent back at 11am yesterday when I tried searching for her.

Aria and I eventually found the hairpin stall she told me about. The problem was that Elliot ♀ left off somewhere else by the time we got there.

Aria and I split up after that. And then thirty minutes later she came back with Elliot ♀ who looked completely dead.

“Oh right…”

Because of Elliot, I never really got to hand in the phone we found at sea to the authorities. I kept it randomly on the table over there. Oliver noticed, but he said to send it to the concierge counter tomorrow since it was quite late.

“Well, might as well.”

I grabbed the phone still wrapped in the pouch and headed out.

Fortunately, there was a staff member at the lobby.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

“I found this offshore today. I don’t know whose this is, but can I leave it to you to hand it back to its owner?”

“Thank you, I’ll let the team know. ”

The staff expressed her sincere thanks despite her languid appearance.

With that, I left the main lobby.

The empty hall which was bright and radiant during the morning, was dim and ominous at night. I stopped just before one of the glass sliding doors and gazed out at the scenery.

The view of the sea, waves forming foam on shore, and the beautiful moon.

“Hm?”

There was someone outside. The silhouette looked familiar.

“Elliot.”

“Huuhhh…?”

The response was a slurred mutter. I only thought to check, who knew that it really was her.

She turned to me lazily.

“You’re still awake so late?”

“I couldn’t sleep. You’re still awake too?”

“I found a phone in the sea and handed it to the resort staff.”

“What the fuck? Shouldn’t a phone like that already be broken beyond repair?”

“It was inside a pouch. You know, the ones people hang around their necks?”

“Heehh… sit, sit. You can’t sleep and I can’t either so let’s waste ourselves away.”

“Did you drink alcohol…? You sound drunk.”

“Drink? No way… I’m just sleepy.”

Sleepy huh?

I took a seat beside Elliot ♀.We stared towards the moon; the waving motion of coconut leaves swaying in the wind.

“So… what happened?”

I asked.

“Leon is going to confess to me tomorrow.”

“…What?”

I asked without context and you give me this shit?

“I found my answer.”

Elliot ♀ continued.

“Answer?”

“Yeah.”

Elliot ♀ said sounding happy.

“I don’t mind if you confess to Aria.”

“…”

She didn’t sound like she was joking.

And I didn’t understand. It felt as if she was… trying to run away from reality. If I were Elliot ♀, would I say ‘yes’ to Leon?

No way. Then was she forcing herself?

“Elliot, what if I decided not to.”

“To?”

“Not choose Aria, but instead…”

Choose you?

I couldn’t bring myself to say those last two words. I’d be crazy if I did.

She looked at me bewildered.

“Why would you?”

Yeah. Why the hell would I not choose Aria?

“It’s Aria you know?”

“Yeah but…”

“You shouldn’t make her sad.”

Her expression changed again. Do I normally act this way?

Too quick. Too expressive.

“I… don’t know.”

I really don’t know. Why do I feel conflicted?

Even though I know that it was best for me…

Even though I know that it won’t be such a big deal in time…

Even though I know that I won’t hate myself for choosing this…

“I don’t know why…”

“Looks like we still have things we don’t understand about ourselves huh? Quite the funny paradox.”

Elliot ♀ laughed.

I couldn’t hide my wry smile.

“You’re right.”

The person we understood the most was also the least understood.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Pick one.”

I said.

“Do I?”

“Yup. Pick one.”

I urged.

“Um…”

Aria cutely scanned the counter. Hundreds of different accessories lined up.

I still remember that time I went to her home during Golden Week. I was completely gobsmacked at the sight of her dress. Fashionable as it was then, I also realised that Aria didn’t often wear hair accessories at school. I thought she could use one to wear on all occasions.

“How about treating me to ice cream instead.”

Aria asked apologetically.

“This one?”

Noticing her dilemma, the seller tried to suggest one. She didn’t look native. Her English was a little off too.

“No, no. It’s alright. Um… how about this one?”

“Ah, yes, yes. This one a lucky charm.”

A pair of earrings with a small silver star and crimson pearl in the centre.

“I’ll buy it.”

“Huh? Wait, I’ll pay for…”

“It’s for someone else.”

“…Someone else?”

For who?

“Thank you Elliot. But how about you treat me to ice cream instead? I’d be much happier that way.”

Her smile… felt distant. And yet my heart felt lighter.

“Alright.”

I stopped thinking too much and went on with her suggestion. In the end, Aria and I got ourselves a coconut shell of coconut ice cream.

“It’s delicious.”

“Surprisingly.”

The flavour was bizarre. It’s a hard-to-describe taste, like a cross between cold milk, almond nuts and traditional herbs, but not quite it either.

“What’s that?”

“Tarots I guess?”

It was a tent with shamanic decorations hanging around it. Many people were coming and going, but no one had stopped to check it out.

There was no sign outside, but the bunch of crystals and beads hanging around quite literally screamed fortune telling.

“Let’s go.”

“Hold on.”

Aria halted me.

“Are you really going to go in? It looks stuffy.”

She was wary for some reason.

“But what if the person inside actually has a fate-type blessing?”

I recalled how Richard-sensei’s nudge helped me resolve my long-broken relationship with Ellis. What if the same happened here?

“Mn… what are the chances though?”

“Scam or whatever, I want to try my luck. Let’s go.”

The interior was cool. We were the only clients when we entered.

“Why is this bigger than the outside…?”

Aria was perplexed.

So was I.

From the outside, the tent looked like it could barely fit a teacher’s desk. But inside… the space looked like a small circus.

Sitting beyond the dimly lit counter was a black-haired lady holding a crystal ball. A mature woman with curly black hair. Her clothes were risque and scanty-looking, resembling those worn by dancers in a faraway fantasy land.

I expected a witch wearing a dark hood. This was something else.

“What an interesting surprise.”

Her voice was alluring. Violet-coloured eyes stared our way, her hazy smile mysterious and ominous.

“What kind of fortune-telling do you do here?”

I asked.

“Palm reading. Of course, that’s only for aesthetics.”

As a fortune teller, she sounded confident enough. I took a seat, Aria followed right behind.

“I’ve been expecting you.”

She said with a twisted smile.

“Me?”

“Ten bucks for a reading.”

Take my money.

“Here.”

“W-Wait, are you serious?”

“I’m paying for her’s too.”

“I understand. Thank you for the patronage.”

“No Elliot but…”

I threw down a 50-dollar bill. Aria’s words trailed off as we watched her struggle with calculating the change—It really ruined the mystifying vibe of this whole experience.

“Sorry. Here’s the change.”

“Thank you…”

“A quick introduction, my name is Liberia. Now, your hand please.”

“Here.”

She closed her eyes and traced the contours of my fingers.

Many expressions flashed past her face. A full minute passed.

“I see. So that’s how it is…”

“H-How is it?”

“As a precursor, I will warn that I only give short advice. I will, however, not verbalise the paths I’ve seen.”

“So you really have a fate-type blessing after all?”

“Yes, I do.”

She smiled sweetly.

“Then why are you doing this? Isn’t it illegal?”

Aria asked.

“It isn’t illegal if I’m doing my job aren’t I?”

Doing your job?

“Now dear, please hear me out.”

She tugged at my hand.

A serious expression now covered her face.

“Remember what you learnt from your first. Who is the most important person in your world, that should be your priority.”

“What?”

“And, could you help me out a bit later?”

She then looked at me pleading.

“Wait, wait. What do you mean by that earlier thing you said?”

“I won’t be repeating it. The effect has already taken place, it’s up to you to choose. Anyways, stay for a bit. I’ll do her reading and we’ll leave in a jiffy.”

“What?”

What?

What the fucking hell?

What did I learn from my first? Is she referring to Ellis? And who is the most important person in the world?

The fortune teller Liberia took Aria’s hand and read her palms.

“Ah, I see… quite unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate…?”

Aria panicked.

“No, no. Please don’t be sad about it. Your courage is commendable. Now, for your reading, Aria—”

We never told her our name so how in the hell…?

“—Leave the nest, and be free. Don’t hesitate to rebel, a tyrant, be true to yourself, unforgiving, selfish and fight for not merely in what you believe in, but that of what you wish to believe.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Aria understood?

“Oh, you did?”

Even the fortune teller was surprised.

“Yes, I completely understand… except for the front part. I can’t leave the nest.”

“A chance will present itself, don’t worry.”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t give hints?”

“That’s if the hint doesn’t mess up the intended effect. Now then.”

She suddenly stood up.

“Elliot, I need your help.”

“Uh… huh?”

“Can I ask you to accompany me to the resort lobby to take the phone back?”

“Phone…?”

“Yes. The phone you found at the beach. It’s really important.”

“Is it your phone…?”

“No. It’s a criminal’s phone. I’ve been stuck here for a whole week trying to get a reading on its location, I finally got it through you.”

She patted my back.

“Good job.”

“Wha…”

“And if it satisfies your curiosity, yes. I’m a special agent, an SPF. You’re welcome.”

“…”

She took a coat and wrapped it around her body before leaving the tent with us.

Then she planted a wooden sign on the ground outside that said ‘toilet break’.

“Let’s go.”

““…””

This wasn’t a fortune teller.

This was a scam.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“Thank you! Thank you!”

“Wow… that’s… real?”

“Yup. Pretty cool right?”

Liberia only needed to show the concierge her gold agent tag, and the phone was procured right away.

It was amazing how effective the badge was.

“Well, now I don’t need to sit there crossed-legged acting all voodoo anymore. I can finally lay back in my armchair, yay…”

She looked so happy. I felt kinda pissed.

“Elliot, we’ll cross paths again.”

“Huh?”

“But that depends on you. So, please choose wisely.”

She left her last words coolly walking off without turning back.

“Choose wisely…?”

Before I could process her words…

“I’ll be waiting for you tonight Elliot.”

Aria said.

“Huh? Tonight?”

“I… have something I’ve been meaning to tell you. Before you change your mind again I… want to tell you how I feel so… let’s meet each other at the area where we found the phone.”

“…”

“Thank you, Elliot.”

She lowered her head and… walked away.

With heavy footsteps.

I…

“Aria, I’ll see you there.”

She turned around and looked at me with a bitter smile.

“Right.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

At night out on the sandy beach, the bonfire was warm, and the air was kinda humid. It was unsurprisingly unpleasant, considering how the summer heat was now going to ravage our holidays.

Anyways, I reeled in a toasty marshmallow on one end of the stick and took a whiff of the burnt part.

It smelled like… toast.

I plucked the marshmallow with my fingers and shoved it into my mouth. It still tastes like marshmallows. Except worse because of how gooey it was. Now my fingers were covered in white stuff.

Ew.

I took out a wet tissue from my bag and wiped it off.

There was still this marshmallow packet here that the class left behind. And chocolate biscuits.

You know what? Since it isn’t the time Leon appointed yet, let’s make a bunch of fake s’mores. Melted marshmallows between two thin chocolate biscuits, they didn’t taste too bad.

Each class had their own mini-bonfire, so I didn’t have to compete for space. Moreover, it didn’t seem like anyone was interested in roasting stuff. I had the whole primitive oven to myself.

I made a few more s’mores, then raised my head to find a bunch of my classmates missing. That included Aria and Elliot ♂.

Mn.

Good luck ‘me’.

I looked towards the ocean.

The cold breeze was finally coming in.

I think it was about time.

Just like him, I too had an appointment to make.

Stabbing three more s’mores into the wooden skewer, I left for the umbrella table Leon and I talked about yesterday.

Along the way I found myself distracted by the nighttime menu of the stalls. The food smelled absolutely delicious.

“Huh?”

The fortune teller’s tent is gone. How odd.

“No.”

Let’s not get distracted here.

From three down to two, I chucked a smore into my mouth. And finally, I reached my destination.

The umbrella of the picnic table was now closed. The view of the sea was amazing.

“I can’t believe he’s late.”

I shook my head.

He’s disappointing all the girls that confessed to him.

“Who’s late huh?”

“Ah?”

I turned around, and there was Leon.

“I arrived 2 seconds earlier than you.”

I counted.

“Yeah, of course, that’s something to be proud of.”

He rolled his eyes.

“Here, want a s’more?”

“You’re really casual about this aren’t ya?”

“Not really…”

In fact, my fingers were trembling slightly.

He exhaled deeply.

“Elliot I…”

“Let’s take a walk.”

Interrupted.

“…”

“That’ll help.”

“Right.”

He took the s’more I gave him and bit into half of it. We headed down the beach area.

“Do you want to run?”

He asked.

“First of all, I’m on my period. Second of all, I just ate a dozen of these things. If I run now I’ll blow my appendix.”

“Suit yourself. I’ll see you up there…!”

He ran ahead. Stinking asshole.

At the distance of a nice rock formation, he sat there as I walked.

I finished the last s’more and broke the wooden stick into eight pieces before tossing it far into the bed of fallen coconut leaves.

“What the fuck did you just throw?”

“The stick.”

“Rules says no littering…”

“If you don’t say anything no one will know.”

I’m littering but who the fuck cares at this point, right? That shit is biodegradable.

I took a seat on an adjacent rock beside him. The moonlight was beautiful tonight.

Perfect weather.

Perfect chance.

So.

Now, Leon.

Give it to me.

The feelings you’ve always wanted to share.

“Elliot.”

“Yes.”

He looked at me right in the eye.

“I like you.”

“I know.”

“And your response?”

My response?

“I’m sorry, I like Aria.”

That was my response.

He took in a breath to process my words—and then choked.

“…What?!”

“I can’t reciprocate your feelings.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Who did you say you like?”

“I like Aria.”

“W-Wha…”

“I’m sorry. I can’t reciprocate your feelings.”

He stared at me for a few seconds and lowered his head. I heard him inhale.

“…I didn’t expect that.”

And then an exhale.

“But.”

He said.

“Thank you.”

With a bitter smile.

“Sorry.”

I lowered my head.

“I lied.”

“???”

“I ‘liked’ Aria you see… but maybe not anymore. I’m still lesbian though.”

“…I-I see.”

“Thank you for telling me your feelings, Leon.”

“Hahaha… it’s alright. I’m sorry for making you feel so uncomfortable…”

“Am I your first?”

“…Yeah.”

“Ah, alright. You know, It’s not in my position to say this but the girls must be so glad to have their revenge.”

“You don’t say….”

We both had a good laugh. In this senseless, silent outdoors where the only sound was that of crashing waves. I saw him wipe a tear.

“It hurts this much huh…?”

“It does. And it will continue to hurt.”

“Damn…”

“But you’ll get used to it.”

“…Yeah.”

Leon stood up.

“Where are you going?”

I asked.

“To break another heart.”

“Oh…? Is it Tility?”

“Tility? Yeah, I think that’s her name? It’s your class president.”

Wow. Bitch can’t even remember her name. What a guy. I’m so sorry for you Tility.

“Thank you for everything.”

He waved.

…His silhouette moving further and further until it was no more. He never looked back.

From today onwards, our relationship has changed forever.

I stared down at the sand, and felt tears trickle down my eyes.

I’m crying.

I know why I’m crying.

Because I know…

I know that my relationship with Elliot ♂ will also change from today onwards.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

After crying my eyeballs out, I returned to the bonfire. I made sure to erase any traces of tears at the sink before going. And there I saw… Aria? Alone?

She turned around and saw me.

I froze.

My blood felt like it was running in reverse, my lungs were airy. Her crimson eyes that reflected the fire burned, I noticed her eyelids were swollen.

She got up and walked towards me.

“Elliot.”

What…

She grabbed my hand and forced something onto me.

“W-What?”

I panicked.

“Here.”

I saw a single earring. A single silver earring, like a star. A crystal crimson pearl embedded inside.

I raised my head to look at her. On her right ear lobe, was the other pair.

“We’re friends. I don’t want that to change. So…”

“…What about…”

She shook her head.

“You’re much more important.”

Much. Much more.

She hugged me once, and then she left.

My arm dropped to the side,

But the hand clutching onto the earrings refused to let go.