Fourteen

When I first stumbled onto Sakamoto's unrequited crush on Furuta, it was totally by accident. Back in our second year of middle school, we shared the same class, and he was always right behind me. He had this little book he carried everywhere, and every time I spun around to chat, he'd snap it shut and stash it away. So, one day, just for kicks, I threw out a wild guess—like tossing a dart blindfolded—and bam! Dead centre. He finally fessed up about having a crush, though he kept the "who" under wraps. But as time rolled on and I poked around a bit more, it all clicked—it was Furuta.

I gotta admit, Sakamoto's got the looks. And the funny thing? He doesn't even seem to realize he's popular. I think he's just lacking a bit of confidence and maybe, just maybe, he's too soft on the person he's into.

He could easily use some of the flirting tricks I've thrown his way. I mean, I can make a girl swoon with just a few flirty lines, easy. And though I haven't tried my moves on guys, I'd bet they'd work just as well.

"Oh, my… you're giving me that intense stare, senpai. For a sec, I thought you might have a crush on me," I tease, leaning in a bit closer to senpai, half-wishing Sakamoto was here to take notes.

But, looks like I might have to eat my words.

"That painting. Give it back to me," senpai demands, totally catching me off guard.

First off, my usual charm didn't even make a dent on him. And second, what's with the sudden demand to get his painting back? I mean, sure, I'm curious, but I'm trying to keep it cool here. So, I keep my smile dialled up, hoping to soften that tight, stern look on his face.

With a forced chuckle, I shoot back, "Come on, senpai, don't be such a scrooge. It's kinda tacky to ask for something back after you've given it away, don't you think?"

"Tch, it's not me who wants it back. That bitch over there." He jerks his thumb over his shoulder, nudging me to glance over at the girl not too far behind me. She's grinning and giving me a tiny wave.

"You call your girlfriend 'bitch'?"

"H-hah?!"

I kinda saw this coming, but senpai's loud, shocked outburst still catches me off guard so much that I almost flinch back a step, like I'm hit by some kind of shockwave. Not to mention his eyes are wide, brows all knotted up—an expression so priceless that I can't help but chuckle. Man, it just makes me want to rile him up even more.

"Hm? No…? So, you're single then?" I tease, watching his frown deepen—can't tell if he's just sceptical or genuinely uncomfortable with me. But he doesn't say anything back, so I press on, "If you're single, does that mean I can throw out a proposal for you to be my boyfriend?"

"Tch. Stop messing around. I know who you're dating."

Ah, so he knows… that throws me a bit, not gonna lie. I mean, the last time we talked, he acted like he didn't have a clue about me. Even when I dropped my name, there wasn't a twitch, no flare-up—nothing. He should've reacted, right? 'Cause you see, everyone knows who Maki's seeing. Looks like he's only just put the pieces together, huh?

My eyes flick involuntarily to the girl behind him. Did she spill the beans? Seems likely.

But I can't just drop it here, right? I mean, in my world, most folks flash their pearly whites when they roll up on me. Obviously, 'cause they wanna roll with my crew, even though deep down, I know it's all envy for the spotlight I'm in. Yeah, they're pretty much fakes. But senpai? He doesn't seem to want anything to do with me, and that glare he's giving me? It's loaded with some real dislike, which kinda makes me wonder how intense he got with that customer he walloped in public.

Would he throw a punch my way too? Man, I kinda wanna find out. And that's exactly why I'm not backing down. 

"What? Not into polygamy? Threesome?" I throw out, my grin cranking up the provocation a notch.

And yup, it definitely strikes a nerve. With his brows pinching together like they're trying to meet in the middle, senpai grabs the collar of my jersey, yanking me so close I can nearly count his eyelashes, those threatening eyes boring into mine.

"Listen. I don't know what you're trying to pull, but if you mess with me, I won't hesitate to smash your face."

Oh, wow… he means business!

It's not like I'm scared he'll actually mess up my face, but I kinda want to keep seeing him around—maybe get under his skin a bit every time we bump into each other. So, I guess I should dial it back a notch. Plus, being a total jerk? That's not a good look, you know.

"Chill, senpai. I'm just trying to have an ice-breaking with you," I chuckle, reaching out to ease his grip on my jersey. But before I can touch him, he snaps his hand back, though the scowl on his face doesn't ease up. "But really— sorry, I can't give the painting back. It's mine now, and I'm not looking to hand it over— unless, of course, you're ready to meet my price."

"Tch, the fuck." Senpai clicks his tongue in annoyance.

Nuh-uh, don't get it twisted—I'm not itching for cash. I just wanna see how far he'd go to reclaim what's his. But… I guess the painting means nothing to him.