Like=Bullet
It was barely light when Yumi finished her project. She stepped back and tried to pick out the dough that has sticked itself to her hair like glue. In front of her, the heart-shaped box was the fruit of her labors.
“It doesn’t look too bad for my first try...” Yumi proudly declared to herself. Not that she was bragging, but compared to her classmates’ results in Home Economics this week, their lumps of chocolate can’t be judged with her (almost) perfectly molded velvet lava cake.
“...hope he likes it.”
Yumi’s ears and face was painted in a deep shade of red. If a third party was present, there’s no doubt she would be labeled as “a maiden in love;” but for now, there is no one near her, so she was free to express her true feelings.
Without warning, the numbers of the square display flipped seven times. At the same time, a sharp “ding” was issued out of the clock on the flour-covered countertop.
Because today is the deadline, she quickly prepared for her mission.
“Good morning, Miki-san, Karen-san.”
“Good morning, Yumi-san.”
“Hello, Yumi-san.”
Pleasant greetings were underway as the three friends met outside the walled garden of Stepping Stones High School.
“Wow, Karen-san you are really pretty. I’m jealous.”
“O-of course I’m beautiful. It’s proper etiquette for a princess to present herself as a proper lady.”
Karen’s face reddened in embarrassment as she added a “Hmph” with an air of royalty. Saying that she is a princess was overkill, but Yumi didn’t let it bother her.
“Did you bring it? Are you ready for today?”
“Yes and no. But with your support, I’m sure I can do it.”
“Good. I, the Mistress of Love, shall watch you confess your heart out.”
Seeing that all this time Miki’s face was one of solemn resolve over one’s duty, while Yumi was mumbling along the lines of “it can’t be helped...” Karen can’t help but laugh at this exchange.
“Who would have thought that the student president is interested in her fellow student’s love life?”
“I am merely helping her to overcome her lack of confidence.”
“Really~? Even I find that hard to believe.”
“You, as a member of the royal blood, should have many opportunities to court the opposite gender. You should understand how aggressive one must be for the sake of love.”
“W-what are you saying?! I don’t have that much experience in dating!”
“So you do have experience and at such a young age, too...you amaze me.”
“Stop! Everyone will have the wrong impression if you say it like that!”
“Oh? So does that mean that Her Highness has an crush on a mere peasant here? Perhaps Kyousuke-kun?”
“Don’t say it that loud!!! I know you like Tadayoshi-kun, too!”
Upon hearing Karen sputter out her true feelings, Miki dropped the bomb.
“Of course I do. He’s mine, and I will make sure it stays that way.”
“You’re so bold, it’s scary! Agh, why am I friends with you!?”
“Shhh! Tadayoshi-kun and Kyousuke-kun are looking over here!”
Two boys walked towards the quarreling friends, not noticing the stares directed at them. To describe them “good looking” will be an understatement, as they look like idols, which is why Miki and Karen aren’t the only ones infatuated with them.
“Yumi-san, you should have told us earlier!!”
“Let’s retreat for now..”
“W-wait for me!”
Fortunately for them, the mentioned people didn’t hear the girls’ exchange. However, the rest of the students did, arousing envious glares from half of the crowd and resigned sighs from the rest.
Not obeying the “No Running” rules, Yumi flew up the stairs and crashed into something soft. Upon seeing who she ran into, she fell down in shock.
“Good morning, Yumi-san. What’s the rush?”
A lifeline was thrown by the person that she ran into.
“Masato-kun!? O-oh, it’s nothing.”
“I see.”
The boy in question raised his eyebrows at Yumi’s stuttering, but didn’t pursue the issue further.
“Well then, shall we go?” He offered his hand with a teasing smile. Yumi’s blush didn’t soften as she accepted his hand.
By the time Yumi got over her embarrassment of being led in hand by Masato, it was already lunch break.
“You’re not looking well, Yumi-san, are you okay?” Karen wore a concerned face as she asked.
“She must be in that state.”
The one who replied nonchalantly was Asuka, an upperclassmen who intruded their table. Her excuse of “all the other tables were taken” was not true, but since Asuka had planted herself next to Yumi, it wasn’t polite to refuse her.
“What is that?”
“More like she is nervous about presenting her gift to Masato-kun.” Miki stated.
“Gifts? On Valentine’s Day?”
Above Karen’s cocked head, a “?” can be imagined.
“That’s right. Since you’re from England, you don’t do this, but on Valentine’s Day in Japan. it is a tradition for a girl to give chocolates to a boy. ‘obligation’ chocolates for those who are just friends, and ‘true feelings’ chocolate for the special one in your life.”
“Ah, I see! That’s why the girls in my class were all carrying small bags or boxes!”
Karen made a “Ah ha!” expression, then she fell silent. The other girls follow suit. The reason why is because of the commotion at a nearby table.
“Please accept this from me!”
A girl with a box in hand was bowing towards a boy who was sitting with his friends. His friends were egging him to accept the box that the girl is handing to him, while the girl’s friends were cheering her on.
“Is this for me? Thank you!” The girl beamed with joy at the boy’s response, both parties’ faces red.
“I see. So this is how it’s supposed to work.” Karen nodded her head at the scene. “So only the boys get chocolates?”
“No. One month from now, it’s the boys’ turn to return the favor on ‘White Chocolate Day’. Of course, their ‘special one’ should have given them something today.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier!? I would have bought the best chocolate ever!”
“No. It’s better to make the chocolate yourself. I’m sure Kyousuke-kun will appreciate it more if he knew that you made it for him, Karen-san”
“Damn it...”
A unfitting word came out of Karen. Miki sighed.
“There’s always tomorrow.” Asuka butted in.
“R-really?”
“I’m sure Kyousuke-kun won’t mind it a day later. And besides, you’re bad at cooking right? Why not come over to my house later and I’ll teach you how to make my special “Frozen Choco♡Balls”!”
“You didn’t have to say it that way..” On the contrary, Karen’s eyes were glistening at the sound of good news.
“Sorry guys, I have to do something.”
Yumi suddenly excused herself and ran off.
The three remaining girls looked at each other.
Question marks popped above their heads in unison.
It was after school ended when the trio saw a familiar face.
The girl just walked out of the school kitchen room before seeing them.
“Sorry. I forgot to put my cake in the fridge, so I ran away to put it there.”
Yumi lowered her head. If Asuka didn’t mentioned the word ‘frozen’, she would have left the cake inside her bag, and undoubtedly her masterpiece would have melted and turned into a soggy mess.
“So that’s where you ran off to. I’m glad you’re okay.” Miki breathed out a sigh.
“A cake?” What kind? I wanna see it!”
While Karen and Asuka pursued the more delicious information.
“Sure.”
And she went back to the kitchen to fetch her creation.
When she came back a crowd has already gathered. Karen motioned Yumi to place her cake on the table.
“Wow....”
“Amazing.”
“This is perfect!”
The small hallway was filled with admiration and envy.
Yumi quickly replace the cake back into the box.
“So when are you going to give it to him?” Karen innocently asked.
Yumi blushed. She didn’t want to hurry, but from the ventilation window she can see the sunset outside.
“I’m coming with you.”
“Please don’t. I’ll just get more nervous.” Yumi immediately declined Miki’s offer.
“We’ll be cheering you on!”
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
Wait till it’s your turn Yumi thought as Karen and Asuka also gave their support.
“I’m going.”
After saying that, Yumi walked towards the courtyard. Her heart was beating erratically, her hands sweaty, and her legs felt like lead. She looked around and found her person.
“Um, Masato-kun, do you have a moment?”
“Sure. Sorry, you guys go ahead first.” Masato apologized to his friends. They nodded, and with knowing glances towards Yumi, they went off in the distance.
“What do you want to talk to me about?”
Yumi was sure that he can hear her heart throbbing.
“P-please accept this!”
Yumi bowed and at the same time presented the heart-shaped box to him. Both of her arms quaked; her body trembled like the leaves that flew around her.
“For me? Thank you, Yumi-san.”
And the box in her hands disappeared along with the uncertainty in her heart. She looked up and gazed into the eyes filled with tender emotions. That gaze which captivated her the first day she entered the school. And because it’s that person who is gazing at her, she knew what has happened within herself.
I love him. I want to be his. I want to be useful to him, to be his special one.
Those innocent and pure thoughts flooded her mind.
She didn’t know why she suddenly felt that way, but she can no longer ignore her feelings. The feelings of a girl in love has reached full bloom in her heart.
Which is why she blurted out what she truly felt.
“I like you! I really, really like you!”
She knew that he may not hold the same feelings as her, yet she wanted him to know. How she thought of him, how she dreamed of him, how her thoughts all revolved around him.
Yet there was a tiny voice that screamed out at her “Don’t say that! Something bad is going to happen!”
A loud BANG! which echoed the schoolyard was the response.
“H-huh, Masato-kun!?” Yumi’s face was of shock, then quickly changed to fear.
Masato opened his mouth, then closed it as a red stream started flowing from his temple.
Yumi caught his body before he collapsed.
His eyes were shaking, no, they were changing from dark blue to red.
Silence reigned supreme as Masato drew his last breath, and released out one final word.
“I-”
His muscles relaxed. She knew what had happened.
Yumi didn’t make a sound. Rather, she couldn’t make a sound. Her mind was playing back the horrible scene that just happened.
I walked towards him. I handed him the cake. He accepted it and was happy. Maybe he was blushing. I wanted to tell him how I felt about him. And then—
“AHHHH!!!!”
The piercing scream finally found its way out of her throat.
“NONONONONO!”
Yumi looked at her hands. The river flowing from Masato’s body dyed her hands scarlet.
This isn’t the first time your hands were bloodied, Yumi.
The tiny voice from before now made itself known.
Remember back in middle school?
“NO!”
It happened the same way too, 6 years ago, today, remember?
“NO! IT’S A LIE!”
You can’t deny it. Masato-kun isn’t the only one who you like. Remember his name? It’s—-
“NO! I DON’T KNOW HIS NAME!”
Of course you remember. You confessed that time too.
“NO I DIDN’T!”
You were young and foolish back then. Seems like you haven’t learned your lesson. You knew why you said “I like you”, right? All you wanted was his—-
“I didn’t...” her voice died out.
So when they came, you accepted their terms without caring about the future.
She didn’t have any more energy to counter the voice. The voice continued to prod her.
Ah, the sound of sirens. Remember that? They questioned you and you said you couldn’t remember anything. But the truth is, they erased that incident from your memories. Now, can you remember it?
Yumi gently cradle the body as the policeman started to gather around her.
“Why...”
The students around her were in a panic, everyone was yelling something, but she couldn’t understand a word.
“...am I so weak?”
The sky darkened, in response to her question as if daring her to continue.
“Why can’t I truly confess my love for him!?”
The leaves from the maple trees slowly danced their way down to their coffin, the grounds of Stepping Stones High School.
- FIN -
- ? -
