I no longer want to be a part of this triangle

The more they hide, the more treasure they possess—someone said that to me, and I understood its meaning today.

The water boy who used to always wear a hood and talk as little as possible, was currently standing a few meters away from me.

I thought I saw her thoroughly last night...but right now, looking at her made me feel like I have never met Kohana-chan before.

She didn't style her hair and just let it fall on her shoulders. Her small face was adorned with light makeup, which didn't make her features pronounced; rather, she seemed elegant. Her petite body was covered in a one-piece floral skirt that reached her knees and the white shade of her apparel gave her a very youthful charm. And the most captivating part. Her eyes.

Those damn eyes.

I seriously feel that there was some kind of hypnotic effect of her eyes on the people who looked at them. They currently contain nervousness and anxiety. This look in her eyes was just the same as when I saw them in the morning.

She was apprehensive. And I know exactly the reason behind it.

I bought a lily from the nearby shop and advanced towards her.

Kohana has turned her back in my direction so she never noticed me when I approached her.

Standing behind her, I tapped on her shoulder, making her startled as she hurriedly turned in my direction.

"S-Senpai?"

I suddenly offered her the flower with a wide smile.

She tilted her head and looked at the flower, "This...?"

"It's a gift, for gracing my eyes by your beauty."

She blinked at me with a tinge of blush appearing on her cheeks. Okay, that might have sounded cringe so I improved.

"You stunned me there for a moment. You look pretty." She smiled, hearing my compliment before responding, "Y-You too, Senpai...you look good."

Strangely, I felt that she was a little sad after hearing my compliment. Was it that she didn't like what I said? Or maybe she didn't trust my words?

I suddenly showed her my watch and tapped on the screen to show her my heart rate, "See this. My heart rate always remains under seventy-five; however, ever since I met you, it hasn't gone down from eighty."

Kohana blinked in surprise and saw the watch only to blush even more furiously.

I took her hand and said, "If you still don't believe me then you can touch here and see-"

"No, it's okay!" She shook her head and covered her face with her hands in embarrassment.

I remained frozen at my spot with my hands, which were holding hers a moment ago, now empty.

Suddenly I realised what I was doing. I was being stupid.

Looking around, I realised that we had been gathering attention as well.

Shit...

"Kohana-chan, let's get going..." I suggested and she nodded instantly.

We walked aimlessly for some minutes without a single word travelling between us before I suggested we sit down for a bit. So we entered a cafe and sat across from each other.

After gathering courage, I finally confessed, "I am really sorry for making that scene just now. As a matter of fact, I also got a little nervous back then and did something stupid."

I apologized while leaning back in my seat. It was really shameful of me to make an already anxious girl even more nervous.

With a sigh, I added, "I guess, I got a little flustered since this is the first real date I am going on."

Kohana-chan widened her eyes and asked, "Senpai? Is this your first date as well?"

I shyly nodded. I have dated before, but those dates cannot be regarded as anything other than passing the time with people who like to flash their beauty, money or something else superficial. However, with Kohana-chan, I felt that I actually was on a romantic date.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Kohana-chan lowered her head and a soft smile extended her lips. This...was the first time today I saw her smiling genuinely.

"Actually Senpai...the moment you complimented me...I suddenly felt that you must say that to many girls and I am one of them." My eyes are slightly stretched in realisation. So she looked sad because of that.

"Sorry, Senpai...for being so unreasonable-"

"No, Kohana-chan. You aren't being unreasonable; rather, I was hasty back then. I completely misjudged your reaction and acted on impulse. I thought you didn't believe my words and I—well, forget about that."

I leaned forward and warmly held her, making Kohana look at me before I told her, "Trust me, I don't generally compliment girls. Until I don't actually find someone beautiful, I won't lie to them. And today Kohana, you are looking stunningly attractive."

Kohana looked at me, with a sense of questioning in her eyes, but I never stole my gaze away and let her witness my sincerity.

After a moment of silence, she lowered her head and mumbled, "Thank you...Senpai."

*********

In school, the sports day was going on as planned. The basketball match between the two schools also happened in the favour of Kohta's team, even though the ace of the team was absent.

Katori was there when the match was being played, cheering Kohta's team with the other cheerleaders.

During break time, Kohta came to meet her, making the other cheerleaders tease her.

Being in the centre of attraction and getting attention from the hottest guy in the school...yes, this is what Katori desired.

"Were you cheering for the team or just for me? I was feeling your gaze on me all the time." While wiping himself with a dry towel, Kohta spoke in a teasing tone.

Katori blushed making their fellow cheerleaders giggle and mischievously call out to her.

After a short pause, Katori shyly looked at him before murmuring, "If you win this match then I will tell you truthfully."

Kohta's eyes narrowed. A thin smirk adorned his lips as he draped the towel on her neck, and while pulling her a little closer, he whispered, "Then watch me dominating this one. "

Leaving a flushed Katori behind Kohta returned to his team.

Katori smiled and put the towel away, when suddenly the girl beside her said, "Hey, have you seen Kazuki's senpai's story?"

Katori naturally felt interested as she also leaned to look at the picture...only to find her eyes widening as she suddenly pulled the phone away from the girl.

"Hey!" The girl complained but Katori ignored her and carefully looked at the photo twice and thrice.

It was Kazuki's picture with a girl...and that girl wasn't Katori.

'Who the fuck is this bitch?!'

********

A/N:- Girl, I feel bad about your future.