Daichi confessed his feelings, and his entire foundation shook.
If Reika accepted, his life would be perfect.
If she rejected him, it could have a serious impact on their relationship.
I said what I had to say. The worst she can say is no…
"Daichi-kun."
Suddenly, Reika reached into her cleavage and—because why not—pulled out a gleaming, pearl-handled Glock.
Bang! — A shot pierced his heart.
Bang! — Another tore through his forehead.
Bang! — For some reason, his testicles took one too.
Daichi collapsed in slow motion; he felt like a victim who was ordered to be assassinated.
…Well, that's not exactly what happened. But to Daichi, it felt like it did.
In reality, Reika had simply said:
"Sorry, Daichi-kun, but I think we should just be friends."
Bang! — His heart vaporized.
"And I'm too old and you're too young. There's a big gap in our maturity."
Bang! — His brain exploded.
"Besides… I don't even see you that way."
Bang! — His testicles saying their final prayers.
Daichi lay sprawled on the metaphorical battlefield of romance, his ancestors watching in horror.
"Grandson! It's not your time to die yet!" His gramps pounded his chest, tears streaming.
Kanie appeared with a defibrillator. "We'll need something stronger."
"Clear!" Bzzzzt! Daichi's back arched.
"Clear!" Bzzzzt! Again.
No response.
Daichi's spirit floated up, eyes wet. "I'm sorry, guys… you were right. She's not into me."
"What are you doing here? You're too young to die!" Gramps barked.
"I've lost all reason to live."
"You jackass—get back down there and give me an heir!" Gramps seized his soul and slammed it back into his body.
Daichi's eyes shot open, and he felt something soft cushioning his head, gasping—he realize…
His head was resting on Reika's thighs.
I'm… on her lap! Yahoo!
They're so soft… like marshmallows.
"Daichi-kun…"
"Uh, yeah…?"
"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope you don't think I was just playing with your heart."
"I—It's fine."
"It's not," Reika said, frowning. "I feel really bad. You might have thought I was leading you on, only to break your heart."
She paused, then her lips curled into a playful smile.
"Oh, I know! I'll give you a big kiss on the lips—then after that, we'll go back to being just friends. Sounds fair?"
Daichi froze. His emotions split in two—half elated, half crushed.
I guess this is the best I'll get…
"Okay," he said.
They sat facing each other. Reika closed her eyes, lips gently puckered.
Daichi gulped, shut his eyes, and leaned in.
Bzzzzt!
His phone buzzed.
"Daichi-kun, your phone!"
Awful timing—but no way I'm letting this ruin the moment.
"It's probably not important," he muttered, leaning in again.
Ding-dong!
The apartment's doorbell rang.
"Um… It's probably no one important," Reika said.
They resumed.
Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding!
The doorbell went berserk.
That bastard… whoever they are.
"Sorry, Daichi-kun, let me just get this. We'll resume once I'm back."
Reika left the room.
Daichi sprawled on the floor, staring at the ceiling.
Dang… what kind of timing is this?
He pulled out his phone to kill time. A new set of messages appeared from the contact named Problems.
Found you!
Daichi's eyes widened. No… it can't be.
I don't know which room, but I know you're in this building!
And finally:
You can't hide forever. I'll go door-to-door until I find you!
She doesn't know which room… I've gotta stop Reika from opening the door!
Daichi bolted out of the room, feet pounding against the wooden floor. He rounded the hallway—
—and saw Reika at the front door.
Too late.
"Ahaa~ senpai!" the girl at the door sang. "So this is where you've been hiding."
Daichi felt a wave of pure annoyance crash over him. Standing there was Hanako Kurosawa—black hair, tanned skin, red eyes. She was the type of girl that could only be described as 'a problem!' In terms of appearances, she had an average chest… but a nice ass and thick thighs that save lives.
He pointed at her, turning to Reika. "I've never met this person in my life."
"Ehhhhh?!" Hanako gasped. "How could you say that—when you're my boyfriend?!"
"Huh!? Boyfriend? Daichi-kun, is this true?" Reika's voice sharpened.
Daichi sighed in defeat. "Good evening… Miss Useless."
"Useless?! Is that any way to greet your girlfriend?"
***
They ended up at the living room table. Tea was served, tension thick in the air.
Daichi took a sip, then spoke.
"So… this is my ex, Hana."
"Yup, I'm Hanako Kurosawa. I'm Daichi Fujiwara's girlfriend."
"Ex-girlfriend."
"Nice to meet you, Kurosawa-san. I'm Reika Shiraishi."
"Interesting," Hanako said, turning to Daichi. "Senpai, I find it funny you're hanging out with an old hag."
Daichi choked on his tea, sputtering.
Reika's smile stayed perfectly in place, but a shadow fell over her eyes. "~Ara Ara, what an ill-mannered child you are."
"~Ahaa, says the old, used-up whore."
Even Daichi felt that one in his bones.
Crap—this is gonna blow.
The air between them thickened. Sparks. Crackles. Auras clashing.
"~Ara Ara."
"~Ahaa."
"~Ara Ara."
"~Ahaa."
What the hell is this? A Pokémon battle?
In any case, I've got to get these two under control!
Daichi rose to step in. "Hana! That's no way to speak to someo—"
"Daichi-kun," Reika's voice dropped an octave, the kind of tone that sent chill down Daichi's spine. "I'll handle this. Wait outside."
"You wanna go? Bring it on, bitch!" Hanako barked.
"Reika, are you sure?"
"Outside. Now."
"Uh… yes, ma'am."
***
As Daichi closed the door behind him, Reika and Hanako stood toe-to-toe, eyes locked.
"Perhaps," Reika said, her smile sharpening, "you need a little discipline."
"Oh yeah? Then come at me, you man-stealing whore!" Hanako grabbed the dinner table and flipped it into the air.
Plates and cups floated in slow motion. Steam from the tea coiled through the air.
By the time the table slammed back down, Hanako had vanished.
"Over here."
Reika turned—Hanako's fist was already inches from her face.