Chapter 8

*Tsurara P.O.V.*

I want (y/n) to be happy and all, but I don't like being the only one left in the dust. The only single one. Ageha doesn't even fight with me over guys since she and Kenji got serious. But at the same time, a part of me insisted on staying single to prove it didn't bother me. That I wasn't just too scared of rejection.

But the events from yesterday kept replaying in my head:

*Flashback Begins*

"You should tell him." I froze up, not used to other people sneaking up on me. (y/n) smirked at me as I continued my usual stalking routine. "You no longer have the same excuse, I'm not single anymore."

I let my cool blue eyes trail to the floor, "I know.. I want to tell him. But I'm not ready.. Promise me you won't say anything! I'll tell him when it's time."

She frowned a bit, but nodded. "Of course. It's your decision after all. But Tsurara," she patted my shoulder, "I just want you to be happy."

"I am happy." I swallowed the words, not liking the defensive tone that came out of my mouth. "If I can't tell him, just take it to your grave! It would be for the best. I don't want to make things awkward." My words came out in a rush, and she could easily pick up how nervous I was.

"Don't think like that," She told me, "You two are meant for each other." But I didn't believe that. He didn't even seem interested in me.

*End Flashback*

Yet here I was, pathetically hoping he would like me back. I hide out of sight as I carefully look around for him. He'll be in the halls somewhere, most likely alone. I carry a plate of cookies, having stayed up all night baking. I accidentally froze the first few batches, and now I just hoped I wouldn't get so nervous now that I'd ruin them again. "Asahi.." I practice my confession, smiling at the way his name sounded on my lips. "I.. I like you.." I whisper it to myself, touching my warm cheeks. I squeal a bit. I didn't know if I could actually say it to him, though the thought made me happy.

I turn the corner to find his familiar blonde curls a few yards away. I go to call out to him when I realize he's talking to someone. Issa.

Issa's red eyes meet mine and I quickly hide behind the pillar. I only faintly hear (y/n)'s name pass Asahi's lips, but I slump back against the brick. 'Does Asahi like (y/n)? Is that why he always gets so defensive around Issa?' I slump my head in my knees, letting a few tears drip down my face. This felt awful, so much more than those other times when guys chose Ageha over me.

I stare down at the cookies in my hand. All the time and effort and hope I'd put into them. 'I don't know if I could share this part of him with me.' "Tsurara?" Asahi's lovely voice calls. Issa was nowhere to be seen, I must have spaced out. But I can't find the words for anything. "Is there something you wanted to say?"

I look down in embarrassment, 'Had he already figured it out? Was I that obvious? "No! I was just passing.." I quickly reply.

"Are you okay?" He asks, leaning down to take a look at my face. My eyes feel swollen, I can't imagine what face I'm making now.

"Yes, I just.. feel rejected." The tears start again, "Even though I haven't told him."

"Oh," he stops, "Is.. is that so?" I can see his eyes trail down to the plate in my hand. Heart shaped snickerdoodles. "Those look good, um.." He scratches the back of his neck nervously, "Are they for him?"

I nod, "Yes. I.. worked really hard on them.. You know how I tend to freeze things up when I get nervous.. Literally."

But he doesn't say anything about that. All he says is.. "What a lucky guy.." If only I could tell him that it was him. "You're amazing Tsurara. Whoever he is, he doesn't deserve you." Or tell him that he wasn't lucky because I didn't deserve him.

"I guess so, but I think he's more amazing." I choke on a sob that's stuck in my throat.

There's a long silence. "Can I have one?" He asks me, and I nod. He takes a bite and sends me a big smile, "They're delicious!"

"Thank you," I try to smile, but don't have to hold it as I bury my face in his warm chest. I keep myself at bay by telling myself we can't be friends like this if I do tell him.