Bitter truth

The school gate had never been this welcoming as it was today. I basked in the faint rays of an early sunrise, arriving early to get a head start for the festival. It kind of felt surreal to see the unrolled red carpet sitting on the side, the empty stands near the cycle stands and voiceless corridors of the school.

I questioned myself.

"Why did I arrive so early?"

Pure anticipation. What will happen at the gym? Will Saya be ok during the cafe event? Will I be able to juggle between both of them? These were the questions looming in my mind, but most importantly it was the time we will be roaming together during the festival.

I headed towards the gym to setup the boards and drinks for the event. But to my surprise the door was wide open. Peeking inside I could see a sole member going at it at the rim. She was practicing her 3 pointer shots from various angles.

"Hey Asuka, early to practice huh?"

She looked behind immediately towards me while making that shot simultaneously, but weirdly the ball went in.

"Oh senpai, you gave me scare. I could say the same to you. Aren't you a bit too early?"

"Oh about that. I have got to be somewhere today so I thought might as well get some work done early."

Her cheerful smile lost it's fervor and gradually turned into a frown. I remember noticing it before as well, so I just couldn't let it go.

"Asuka? What's the matter?"

"Does Saya-senpai mean more to you than basketball?"

"Huh? What do you ..."

"Does she?!" Her voice was increasing, and reverberated in the empty gym hall. Although her face was facing the ground, I could feel her shoulders and legs shaking from the pain and anger.

I knew she was angry that I left the club, but I wasn't aware that she knew about the truth. I hid the truth out of fear far too many times. I don't want to do that anymore.

"Yes. Nothing is more important to me than Saya."

Her face gradually lifted and looked at me. Her eyes were moist, on the brink of crying.

"And what about ..."

I could barely listen to her soft voice, but maybe she didn't want me to hear that last part. She bolted out the open door of the gym before I could chase after her.

Is lying the only way I could make my relationships work? I let out a deep sigh. Everything is a pain.

Great. Now I've lost all my excitement for this festival and just want to go home.