Hello my dear readers! Long time no update! Huhuhu T^T (I mean literally it's been such a really longtime!) And after months of hiatus I'm finally back for business! *party poppers pop* Yehey! I'm deeply sorry if I made all of you wait *bows*

I hope you find this chapter enjoyable :3

Chapter 22

It's been quite a long time ever since the whole "confession thing" happened and things were already back to normal… well almost. Of course one cannot prevent certain awkwardness when you interact with someone who just confessed to you. Even though the creepy giant talks to me more often now (I never expected him to be really talkative! its getting on my nerves!), I just can't help but blush every single time our eyes meet…

And I can't deny the fact that my heart is gradually changing. It is shifting into something that I could say is not me… Well at least that's what my guts are telling me…

It's going to be winter soon, it's already mid November… Leaves are starting to fall off and the trees shifted their colors into hues of orange, red and yellow. A wave of dry crispy leaves are left scattered at its wake. I already had my muffler on and today's classes have already ended.

"Kasu-chin…matte…" the creepy giant called out to me out of the blue. Looking back, I saw the creepy giant leisurely walking towards me. "Let's go home…"

"Wh-wha-" I couldn't speak any reply for he already tugged my arm and made me walk with him. It's been always like this since then. He always forced me to walk home with him whether I liked it or not, whatever the weather may be. But of course, I always find ways to prevent such a scenario from happening. People might get the wrong idea and think that we're dating.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked him, my voice laced with confusion.

The creepy giant turned to look at me. "What does it look like? I'm walking you home…" he mumbled while eating a candy bar.

"Why?" I replied as I shot him an annoyed glare and frowned. What makes him think that he could just walk me home like that? And besides I'm not in the mood for him…

"Hmn? ...No reason…" He replied flatly, but there was a long pause before he answered… I'm sure he's hiding something…

"Is that so?" I asked one more time, to see if he would tell me all about it.

"… hai" he simply answered and continued on walking alongside me.

"If so, then stay away from me…" I retorted and sped up ahead of him. But with his long legs, he easily fell into pace next to me in no time. But suddenly...

"Kasu-chin…" He uttered as he stopped right in front of me, blocking my way.

"Hey! Move ou-"

Out of the blue his hands reached for me and gently cupped both of my cheeks,making me look up at him and gazed deeply unto his eyes.

His tall figure slowly bent closer to me. The action is making my heart pound so hard, I froze at that moment…

What is he planning to do this time? His eyes were emotionless as always, it's hard to read him. His face just keeps leaning closer to mine, and seconds later he stopped midway.

"Kasu-chin...Frowning doesn't suit you…" He muttered lowly in a teasing tone.

Suddenly he pinched my cheeks and pulled them real hard that it hurts

"Ouch! ouch stop i-"

"I like it better when you smile… like this"

Heat suddenly came rushing up to my face, a phenomenon that was oh-so-common to me nowadays.

"W-what the hell are you doing?! Let go of me!" I growled, pushing him away. "Why do you always use sneaky tricks like that?!"

"Hmmm? ...Sneaky tricks?" He asked, giving me a dumbfounded look.

"I only do what feels right to Kasu-chin.."

"Yeah, like making me nervous feels right! This is harassment!" I growled at him once more.

"Harassment? I'm not harassing Kasu-"

"Yes you are!" I cut him off sentence.

"No I'm not… " he said listlessly as he slowly made his way towards me again. A very faint grin present on his face as looked down upon me with piercing orbs.

"Kasu-chin, do you want to feel how real harassment is like?" he teasingly said. A chill went down my spine as I heard his question.

"U-urusai! I have club activities to attend to, so why don't you just buzz off!" I took a huge step backwards and glared at him despicably.

"Hmmm… then I'll wait for you…" he nonchalantly replied and opened a new pack of candy bar.

"You don't have to! I can go home by myself…. Besides, don't you have club activities to attend to as well?"

"Club activities? hmm..."

I stood there impatiently waiting for his reply... Geez... I need to find a way out before anything funny happens again.

"yes, but—"

"Then go and mind your own business!" I bolted at him and quickly turned away, leaving him.

If I were him, I would have given up already or at least take things slowly… I mean it wouldn't hurt to give people some space. I don't understand why he still wants to stick to me.

"…Kasu-chin…" He called out to me lazily. "Am I… the reason why you keep on frowning?"

Without stopping at my tracks, I continued on strutting forward. "I don't know, why don't you ask yourself? The answer should be pretty obvious… baka!"

And with that I left him all by himself. I know that it was pretty boorish leaving him like that… but if I don't do it then another series of weird events might happen...

I traversed our school campus and unto the club building. We had a separate building for the classrooms and for club activities. Not that it really matters though.

Soon enough I entered the club room and to my surprise, I saw someone I wasn't expecting there.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the gymnasium?" I asked calmly, trying to cover my surprise.

"Well, yes but… I have some important business here …" The black-haired guy in front of me replied with a cheerful smile on his face.

"Yes, yes! Himuro-kun here has been here for quite a long time now hehehe…" the club president Sonozaki-senpai joined in our conversation. The two of them were the only people here, excluding me of course. A noticeable blush was present on her cheeks. She must have been thrilled to have some quality time with someone she liked and it seemed like they both enjoyed each other's company as well.

"Yes, I've been chatting here with Sonozaki-san to pass the time."

"Ah—ooohhh I see…" I muttered. "Uh… you know Sonozaki-senpai… I kind of have an errand to run so, I can't join club activities right now…" I said, trying to give them more time with each other. "So… good luck to the two of you!"

I gave Sonozaki-senpai a wink before dashing out of the club room. It's really good to see that Himuro-kun is finally noticing her.

But before I could get too far away someone called out to me.

"Nishino-san, wait!" Himuro-kun yelled. He was by the club room's door frame. "Actually, I came here for you.."

"Eh?" I tilted my in head confusion. Almost immediately I went to approach the club room. "But I thought that you…" I peeped inside the door to take a look at Sonozaki-senpai's reaction. It was clear that she was somehow confused as well.

"You thought that… what?" He asked me, still smiling cheerfully.

"I-uh… you see.. Sonozaki-senpai—"

"What are you talking about Kasumi-san?" The president butted in, cutting my statement. She was forcing out a smile towards me and Himuro-kun. "He wants to talk to you… don't leave him hanging…"She finished her sentence, her voice somehow cracking.

"…."

"*ahem* Nishino-san, you see, I have something to ask you…"

I glance worriedly at the president, before replying. "And what question would that be?"

"I was just wondering…"He looked into my eyes intently. "Do you have any plans for the upcoming Niinamesai [1] festival?"

"Niina—what?" I answered in confusion.

"It's a festival for thanksgiving… we celebrate it every year…" Sonozaki-senpai muttered lowly

"Ah, is that so? Uhm… no… I don't think so…" I unsurely replied. I wonder why he would ask such a thing… Wait… is he going to… nah he won't…but what if he will? I need to take action!

"Oh then that's grea—"

"B-but Sonozaki-senpai might be free too! Hehe, m-my schedule is kind of tentative anyway…"

I pointed at our President, who was looking at me with a shocked expression but gradually changed into a small grin. A pink hue dusted over her cheeks as she looks away from us.

"Souka… but surely someone as pretty and intelligent as Sonozaki-san already has plans for the festival… right Miss Sonozaki?"

"I..u-uh… well I…" She stuttered out, looking at Himuro-kun. He was smiling brightly, as if he wanted her to say yes. Her expression changed gravely into something gloomy. At that moment she hung her head low and meekly nodded. "I already have plans with my family…"

I just looked at her in disbelief, somehow feeling sad for her. Why? Why would she do that? I was helping her… didn't she realize it?

"Back to the topic Nishino-san, If you don't mind, I was hoping that you would be able to accompany me during the festival."

And with that said, Sonozaki-senpai suddenly bolted up from her seat, her bangs casted a shadow over her face.

"I-I need to use the comfort room…" she managed to stutter out, "I-I'll be leaving!"

She then rushed out of towards the exit.

"When I come back I better not hear anything about you turning down his offer!"She practically shouted at me before shutting the door, leaving me and the raven head alone. There was dead silence in the room. My heart started beating fast once again.

Oh gosh, what am I going to do? Should I chase after her? But then… I just can't leave Himuro-kun… And then she gave me orders… Why did it have to be this hard? Even if it means accepting his offer...I guess I just have to comply…

"U-uhm… sure… not that I have anything better to do anyway…" I finally answered him with a small smile plastered on my face.

"But… will the creepy giant be there too?"I asked him out of nowhere… Curiosity got the better of me. It's just that wherever Himuro is the creepy giant is always nearby…

"Hmm, no… this time, it will just be the two of us…" He replied, still smiling warmly at me. "The festival's this weekend, let's meet up at the city park."

"Of course, I'll be looking forward to it…"

"So that's all settled then?"

"Y-yes…" I muttered out ineptly and then looked away. I shouldn't be doing this…

After that was a long moment of silence. No one said anything. The air around us was filled with awkwardness making me more uncomfortable by the minute.

Himuro-kun suddenly heaved a big sigh and looked at me dead in the eyes.

"Nishino-san, you don't have to force yourself if you don't want to…"

"N-no! It's nothing like that… It's just that… I'm…" I paused, I shouldn't tell Himuro-kun about this… Senpai should be the one telling him herself…

"Embarassed?" He spoke out, trying to guess what I'm thinking.

"Huh? U-uh yes! I'm just embarrassed… It's my first time after all…" I replied, agreeing with him even if it was a lie. I couldn't make any good excuses anyway…

"Well you shouldn't be… just think of it as a friendly date." He said, giving me a quick wink. I felt my face heat up. In my 16 years of living this is the first time somebody winked at me.

"I should get going or coach will get mad at me… you'll be alright by yourself right?" Himuro-kun said as he finished our conversation, probably sensing that I needed some time alone.

I nodded haphazardly in return.

"See you then, Nishino-san.." He nodded back and gracefully exited the club room, leaving me in a weird predicament.

What should I do now? Sonozaki-senpai will be depressed, I need to find her now…

~Time Skippu~

A few minutes passed and I was finally able to find her. She was right behind the building. Her eyes are somewhat red, but I couldn't really tell, maybe it's just because of the sunset.

"Sonozaki-senpai..." I mumbled softly, as I approached her.

"A-ah, Kasumi-san…" She stuttered, turning her back towards me, obviously trying to hide her face. "H-how did it go? Isn't it great to know that someone you admire likes you b-back?"

Guilt washed over me like a wave. I felt my heart sinking for her. I should have gone home early, even if it meant going home with the creepy giant, at least it wouldn't have turned out like this… darn it

"You know Sonozaki-senpai, just to be clear…" I uttered sympathetically "I don't have any feelings towards Himuro-kun, whatsoever."

At that moment, she turned around to look at me. Her eyes widened although it was still filled with melancholy.

"And why are you telling me this all of a sudden? What's your objective?"

"I mean… don't you like him? Aren't you sad?"

With that said she rushed towards me and grabbed my shoulders, squeezing it tightly that it hurts.

"H-how did you know that!? Was it my mother? She was the one who nursed your arm right!?"

"A-ah, yeah…it was…but a-anyhow, I just want to make my intentions clear to you so please—"

"I don't need your pity." She cut me off midsentence and unhanded me. "I'm simply a mere person who just lost… I didn't even try my best to win. I need no sympathy from you."

"…" I stayed silent; I was at lost for words.

"I've never been lucky in love… I'm used to these kinds of things…" she spoke out gently, her voice laced with sadness and heartache. After that, no one dared to speak for a while. The only things that can be heard were the wind, and rustling of the autumn leaves.

"..."

"... Bah, let's not be so glum Kasumi, it's not your fault, and I never had a chance in the first place. It's only common sense that Himuro would want to date someone of his age" Senpai was the first to kill the silence.

"Senpai…I—"

"Now you keep quiet Kasumi-chan, I'm stronger than you think; something like this won't throw me down to the gutters!" She declared, looking up and acting proud. A smile was now present in her face

" … If he did like me before, then he would have asked me out. He didn't even reconsider anything when you mentioned my name… that's why I lied… there was no point in forcing him." Senpai stated, her normal cheery side was gradually back.

"Let's not get this in the way of our friendship, okay?"

All I could do was nod at her and smiled in return.

"Good… in any case, we should be going home now, it's getting late…" she nonchalantly suggested as she brushed pass me. In some way, I realized just how strong senpai was, I want to be like her…

A sigh of relief escaped from my lips. "See you tomorrow Senpai."

She waved back at me and continued walking away as if nothing happened.

Senpai seemed so cool, she wasn't afraid to get hurt nor was she afraid of her own happiness. She knew exactly what the outcome will be, yet she stood for it wholeheartedly. That's what makes her strong. Compared to me… I wonder if I fear my own happiness, it must be the reason why everything around me seems so perplexing…

I walked towards the school entrance and decided to call it a day. I need some rest anyway. It's already 6:00 in the evening and the whole school was practically empty. The only people I see were the school staff.

Finally reaching my destination, I instinctively looked at a bench at the corner of the entry hall. It was the place where the creepy giant usually waits for me. But seeing as it was empty, I somehow felt disappointed, not knowing the reason why… I just wanted to see him at the moment…

I opened my shoe locker. To my surprise, I found some kind of corn snack inside.

"Ma..Maiubo?" Reluctantly taking it out, I knew who it was from. There was no one else in the whole school that always carries Maiubo with him. This is probably some peace offering from him for not waiting…

"Let's taste it then."

I opened the snack and stuffed it into my mouth whilst walking outside the school building. This "maiubo" didn't really taste bad at all… no wonder the creepy giant got addicted to this…

Walking towards the school gate, I saw what seemed like a familiar figure, leaning on a post.

"Hmn? ... You took too long, Kasu-chin... " It was the creepy giant.

"So you waited after all huh? I thought you were gone for good…" I stated as I unconsciously drew a small smile

"Haah? Did Kasu-chin want me to leave?"

"Erm, no, not really..." I replied, walking pass him. In fact, I honestly felt happy.

"Then does Kasu-chin want me to wait?"

I was surprised with the question. Did I really want him to wait? But nonetheless, all I could do was stop and face away from that creepy giant.

"…"

"Oi Kasu-chin... Silence means yes you know…"

"W-would you stop saying Kasu-chin?! You're getting really annoying!" I quickly faced him and looked at him straight in the eyes. I felt my cheeks burning, but I coudn't care less.

To my surprise, there was a big smile stretched across his face.

"Eh? W-Why are you smiling at a time like this?!"

The creepy giant got closer to me and swung his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. "Ureshii dayo[2]… Kasu-chin wanted to see me after all…"

He then ruffled my hair and played with it a bit. "Gah, stop that! I didn't say anything of that sort!"I yelled at him broke free. I gave him defiant stare. "Stop drawing weird conclusio—"

"Oh yeah, Kasu-chin…" he blurted without warning "Niisanamesai is coming soon…"

It's that festival again, why is everyone so excited about it? It must be something big.

"Yah, I've just known about it, it's on this weekend right?"

He nodded slowly "Let's go together…"

I felt my heart skip a beat…Is he asking me out too? What's with people and festivals?

"Why didn't you me ask earlier… I should ha-"

I immediately stopped speaking as soon as I realized I was thinking aloud.

"Hm? It's because I wanted to ask you alone…" he mumbled out.

"Going home was the right time."

A weird feeling engulfed my emotions. If only he asked sooner then, I should've said no to Himuro-kun and prevent senpai's heartache. If only I should've gone home sooner…

"…"

"Kasu-chin, let's go together okay?"

[1] Niinamesai is a National festival in Japan which literally means "the festival of new crops."It's a shinto ritual to offer newly cropped rice to the deities, and to express deep gratitude to them.

[2] Ureshii dayo mean "I'm happy"

What do you think will be Kasumi's reaction? Will she take it or turn him down? (by the way sorry if it was really boring, but I promise I'll make up for it in the next chappie) I'll be probably be updating this weekend. Hope you'll stay tuned! ~(^o^)~