Back in high school—as I’ve found myself remembering time and again—it wasn’t like I liked Yamamoto. If anything, I hated him so much I couldn’t stand the sight of his face.
Looking back now, I don't even know why simply seeing him made me so irritable. I just hated him that much.
I remember clicking my tongue every single time I saw his face at school.
That click of my tongue eventually became a routine as my high school days passed in a blur of conversation with Akari, I-chan, and the others.
Actually, I recall one specific day in high school when I didn't walk home with either of them.
If I remember right, Akari had come down with a cold, and I-chan had to leave early for cram school.
Suddenly lonely, I stayed behind in the classroom, idling away on my phone.
I’m sure some people would wonder why I didn't just go home if I had nothing to do, but back then, I hated the idea of being at my parents' house. So, I just killed time there.
There were still a few other students in the room right after school ended, but they didn’t spare me a second glance as they gathered their things and headed home with their friends.
Back then, I told myself that being alone was better than hanging out with people like them. Looking back, even though I had a certain level of social influence, I think I was really just an outcast in that class.
The schoolyard was noisy.
The school building was noisy.
And yet, I was all alone.
That was when someone called out to me.
"Ugh. You're still here?"
It was Yamamoto, of all people.
At the time, he was the absolute last person I wanted to speak to.
I don't remember actually saying anything back to him. I do, however, remember clicking my tongue. I was actually angry that he'd gone out of his way to talk to me.
I understand now.
That was probably his own way of being kind.
He saw me sitting there, unwilling to go home and ignored by everyone else, and he felt concerned enough to speak to me—even though he didn't like me either.
In the short time since high school—not even a full year—my heart has changed completely.
These are my feelings for the man I used to despise so much.
I love him. I love Yamamoto.
I feel like I’d do anything for his sake.
I’m just that hopelessly in love.
...Which is why.
Which is why I absolutely cannot let this meeting with his parents end in failure.
"Yamamoto! Mom's home!"
Shiho's voice echoed from the first floor.
It was finally time...!
A chill ran down my spine from the sheer nerves.
"I had no idea you were such a bundle of nerves," Yamamoto said, teasing me.
"Shut up. You got a problem with it?"
"Not really. It’s just unexpected, that’s all. Sorry if I touched a nerve."
Seeing him apologize so bluntly made me realize I felt a little lighter.
Oh... I see.
He was trying to help me relax.
"Ahaha!"
"And now you're laughing."
"Shut up."
"And back to being angry."
"You really aren't honest with your feelings, are you? Seriously."
"I'm always honest. If you think I'm being indirect, maybe that just means you're the one who isn't being honest?"
"Maybe so."
It was a strange feeling.
Whenever I talk to Yamamoto, the heavy emotions I've been carrying alone just... melt away.
It’s always like this with him.
Before I realize it, I feel completely at peace.
This is probably... this is what it means to love someone.
"Hey, Yamamoto?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm going to give this my all."
Without waiting for an answer, I stepped out of the room before he could.
I headed down the stairs toward the living room and found a woman chatting happily with Shiho.
...This was it.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you."
I offered Yamamoto's mother a smile.