A Supporting Character’s Love Story - Chapter 48

POV Akari Nakano

“Dinner’s ready!”

Thank god. Fortunately, Makoto’s mother called us at that moment which broke up the situation.

“Fine I will give it to you later.” Makoto finally consented Kijima’s request as he left the room with me following behind him.

During the whole dinner everyone acted as if everything was normal. I knew Makoto was capable of hiding his emotions deep very well, but even Kijima kun was the same.

I quickly ate all the food which was really delicious by the way, and wanted to leave as fast as I could. I mean, after the whole thing that happened today I was not able to properly maintain eye contact with anyone. I would always remember the picture and then my face became red out of shame and embarrassment.

“Then, I should be leaving now.”

“So soon? You can stay for a while.” Makoto’s mom tried to stop me, but I was at my limit.

“Umm, I actually only came for some time to take care of Makoto. My family would be worrying about me.”

“That’s true. Then be sure to come again okay?”

I nodded and was about to leave when Makoto came rushing downstairs wearing a thin jacket.

“Wait a bit I will walk you home.”

Immediately I wanted to scold him for his carelessness. Did he forget the whole reason why I even came in the first place?

“No way. Did you forget you are a sick person?” I glared at Makoto while speaking, before realizing there were others around as well.

“Oh, …” I was not able to say anything to those expressions. Even Makoto was rendered speechless.

The awkward silence was broken by Azumi san.

“Fufu. It’s nice to have someone who cares so much about Makoto as a future daughter-in-law.”

Daughter . In . Law. My cheeks turned red in an instant.

“Mom stop it.” Makoto’s voice came as he tried to send his mom inside.

While he was doing that Kijima kun sneaked over and whispered to me in a low voice.

“Don’t worry onee chan. Even if I sell that picture I will crop you out. Also umm… I have never seen nii san blush like that and lose his cool in front of anyone, so please take care of him.”

After saying that line he bowed and left hurriedly before Makoto came back, probably embarrassed. So I did not have the wrong image of him. He does care about others very much. What a cute little brother.

“What are you smiling for Nakano?” Makoto said as he returned without Azumi san.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking of something funny.” I replied. I had an elder sister too and somewhat understood Kijima kun’s feelings. There is no way I am going to out him like this.

Makoto gave me a sceptical look as if he didn’t believe my words before leading me to the door.

“See you tomorrow then.” I said giving Makoto one last smile before turning around and leaving.

Ahh. Today was a good day. The memories of today’s events played in the mind. My breathing became a little heavier as I remembered the feeling of Makoto’s face so close to mine. Somewhere in my heart I was a little disappointed and annoyed at being interrupted at that time.

“Nakano wait!” Just then Makoto’s voice came from behind me.

I only turned around when I suddenly felt my body being hugged and something soft touching my forehead.

Did he just… kiss me? I was so shocked I didn’t even push him away and stayed hugging him.

“You…” Even when I realized what had happened after half a second I wasn’t able to form a proper response.

Makoto was however unfazed by my dumbfounded expression.

“I didn’t want to leave that moment unfinished but since I am sick I kissed your forehead instead.”

His voice became smaller and smaller as he spoke but since his mouth was so close to my ears I was still able to hear him which made it somewhat of an embarrassing situation to be in.

This Makoto is way shyer than I thought him to be. But that bashfulness makes it all the more embarrassing for me as well.

After a few seconds we separated automatically which was a the right timing since the next second a few aunties walked past us with shopping bags in their hands. Makoto’s face was slightly red, I didn’t know if the cause was his actions or the relapse of his fever, but I was willing to bet on the former.

I looked at his face, mesmerized. The thought of us being lovers once again surfaced in my mind bringing a sweet feeling in my heart. Makoto seemed the same as me as his face was slowly moving closer. At that moment I realized where we were standing and came to my senses. I hurriedly dodged by moving my face slightly.

“Don’t forget you are still recovering from a sickness. I said in a slightly stern voice. But seeing his pouting face I whispered in his ears, “We have a lot of time to do those kinds of things in the future.” Then without looking back at him I ran away.

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POV Shinji Makoto

My heart rate is definitely not at a healthy pace right now. I leaned against the wall clutching my chest which felt like it was going to burst. I stayed there on the road for some time and only after Nakano was out of sight did I reluctantly drag myself back inside my home.

Unfortunately for me inside waiting for me at the door was my very dear younger brother Kijima.

“Nii san. My picture album.”

“Yeah yeah…”

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.

.

The next morning I woke up healthier than ever and made my way to school. At first, I didn’t know if what happened the previous day was real but talking to my sister made me realize that all of that indeed did happen yesterday.

Upon entering the class my eyes swept the room instantly trying to find Nakano, which it looked like she didn’t come yet. I made my way to my seat and put my bag down before turning to Nishikawa and asking about what exactly happened yesterday. What I wanted to know was what exactly made Nakano come to my house in the first place. I mean I was the one who confessed in the heat of the moment and even then she was on the verge of rejecting me.

According to Nishikawa, the task of sending me the notes was Shimabukuro’s. I asked the same thing to Tsukumo san who said the same thing. They didn’t even know that Nakano came to my house yesterday. That piece of information made warmth flow into my heart. It seemed it really was like what I thought yesterday. No one ‘made’ Nakano go to my house. It was her decision.

Just as I was reminiscing about yesterday’s events the door was opened and Nakano entered the class. Our eyes met for an instant before we both averted it. Yesterday’s memories were too strong in my mind. I even remembered the exact feeling of Nakano’s breaths on my lips. Luckily it didn’t seem like anyone noticed our childish embarrassment.

Soon after the teacher also came and the classes started. After a slew of the most typical classes lunch finally started, but before I could even get up from the seat I was pulled away by Nakano which did make Tsukumo san’s eyebrows rise in suspicion. She took me to one of the unimportant storerooms before releasing me.

“What’s up Nakano?” I asked awkwardly. It still didn’t really settle in that we were dating. But it seems like I wasn’t the only one who felt out of place. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Why didn’t you talk to me in the morning?”

Ah, well. Obviously I was embarrassed with what happened between us yesterday. Even I can’t just act like normal as if nothing happened to something like that.

“You didn’t either.” I said pointing out her reaction at the time.

It seemed like that response made her very relieved judging by her relaxing her shoulders with a sigh of relief.

“When I saw your reaction I thought what happened yesterday was a dream.” She mumbled into my ears as she leaned into me.

Oh. So it wasn’t only me. Looking at her face at such distance and having her body in my arms really melted my heart and maybe my mind as well, since I felt my thoughts were slower now than what they were yesterday when I was sick.

I stared at her for some time before my hands moved automatically to her face and my touch made her look up at me.

“Makoto…” Nakano whispered softly.

At this moment I could guarantee that both of us had yesterday’s event playing out in our heads.

She placed her hands on the back of my neck and I pulled her face closer than ever. I could clearly see my reflection in her violet eyes at this distance. We both just stared at each other for what must have been a solid minute before Nakano slowly closed her eyes and I leaned towards her.

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