A Story About a Girl Who Took Life for Granted and Fell in Love With a Kind and Introverted Boy - Chapter 7.1

──It’s often said that there’s no reason for falling in love with someone…but the truth is, it’s not that there’s no reason, it’s just that the reason is “simple.” So simple, in fact, that even the person themselves doesn’t quite realize when they start falling in love. I think that’s probably how it is for most people.

The reason I fell for Kenji was simple too.

Kenji was truly kind.

He was kinder than anyone I’d ever met.

It wasn’t like he did anything dramatic, like “rescuing me from aggressive pick-up artists” or “throwing himself in front of a car to save me.” Nothing like that.

When we walked down the street, he’d always make sure I stayed away from the roadside, or if water was self-serve at a restaurant, he’d bring a cup for me too. Those kinds of things.

But Kenji wasn’t very good at these gestures, so he’d fumble a bit when trying to steer me away from the road or spill the water while bringing it over. At first, I thought he was totally clumsy and awkward, but now, that clumsiness…it’s part of what I like about him. It’s so Kenji.

…And Kenji always put his feelings into words.

“I like you, Kana.”

He’d say it, his face flushed red, with no composure at all, sweating nervously. But he’d still tell me.

To be honest, I didn’t hear those words—“I like you”—very often.

All the guys I’d dated around my age were always trying to act cool, never talking about their feelings at all.

So Kenji’s straightforwardness was refreshing…and it made me happy.

Those small gestures melted my heart.

──But the real reason, or rather, the decisive moment that made me realize I liked Kenji, did exist. That’s why I know the reason I like him is simple.

It happened during our seventh date…It was about two weeks after we started going out.

—

Today marks two weeks since I started dating Saito. I’m sitting alone in a café, sipping a frappuccino, waiting for him.

To be honest…I’m really conflicted right now. I’ve been thinking, maybe I should just tell Saito everything. Tell him that my confession was all part of a dare.

I can still turn back now. If this drags on any longer, Saito…will end up getting hurt.

—

“I’ve never seen you laugh during our dates before, so I was worried I might’ve bored you…That’s why I’m really happy to see you laughing like this now, Kana.”

Saito is incredibly honest. He says exactly what he’s thinking.

That’s how I know that Saito is genuinely in love with me.

…And lately, I’ve started feeling guilty about confessing to him as part of a dare.

At first, I didn’t think about it at all. I just wanted to finish the game quickly and enjoy my summer vacation…That’s all I cared about.

But as time went on, this strange guilt started growing inside me. Saito kept telling me how much he liked me…and somehow…it started to get to me.

(Hah…But I still don’t want to tell him the truth. I don’t want to be seen as the bad guy. And besides, this whole dare thing was Mayu’s idea, not mine…I’m not really to blame here…)

“Kana.”

Just as I was lost in thought, Saito showed up.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Kana.”

“It’s fine.”

“Thanks. Shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

And so, we left the café together.

Recently, Saito finally stopped using formal language with me. Well, I made him stop. I told him, “Using formal language makes me feel awkward, so cut it out,” and forced him to.

“Kana, are you sure about today?”

“About what?”

“You said I could choose where we go today…”

“Yeah, well…other than going to the zoo, all we’ve done is window shopping and stuff. It was getting a bit monotonous.”

That’s just the surface reason. The truth is, I wanted to make it up to him for deceiving him…for lying about my feelings.

(Not that I really need to feel guilty about any of this…)

Anyway, I let Saito choose where to go today. He looked a little unsure but eventually took me somewhere.

It was…the prefectural museum.

“A…museum?”

As I stared up at the building in disbelief, Saito smiled shyly.

“Y-Yeah…This month’s exhibition is about space, which I love. I was wondering if you’d like to check it out with me…Is that okay?”

“……………………”

I hadn’t been to a museum since elementary school. Even back then, I thought it was boring. And now, as a high schooler? Would I really enjoy this place?

I regretted letting Saito choose where to go. I should’ve been more careful with my words.

“Um, Kana…”

“Hm?”

“D-Do you hate it?”

“No…I mean, it’s fine. You wanted to come here, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Then it’s fine. If it gets too boring, I’ll just wait outside by myself.”

“Th-Thank you.”

“Hey, there you go with the formal language again.”

“Oh…Uh, thanks, Kana.”

“Mhm.”

And with that, we entered the museum together.

—

“Wow…! Amazing! This meteorite fell to Earth 2,000 years ago…!”

Saito’s eyes were sparkling like a kid’s as he gazed at some random rock.

(It’s just a rock…what’s he so excited about?)

I stood next to him, trying to stifle a yawn.

“Oh! Kana, look at this! It’s a moon rock!”

“…Hmm.”

“Isn’t it incredible…? I can’t believe this was on the moon.”

“A moon rock…huh.”

I started feeling a little envious of Saito, who could get so excited about something as dull as a rock.

(Hah…Should I just step outside now…?)

But I knew if I told him that, his face would fall in disappointment.

He’d probably say something like, “You didn’t enjoy it, did you?” and get all sad. Sigh…I guess I’ll stick it out a little longer.

And so, I held back my own feelings and, for once, did something rare for me—”I endured.”

—

About two hours after entering the museum, Saito suggested we take a break, so we sat down on a bench together.

“Sorry, Kana.”

“For what?”

“I mean…for dragging you along with my hobby.”

“I told you, it’s fine. You worry too much about me.”

“But…I really wanted you to enjoy yourself too.”

“How many times do I have to say it? I’m fine. Stop worrying so much.”

“S-Sorry…Did I upset you?”

“…………..No, you didn’t.”