Bittersweet Memory : Wrong Confession

During the weekend, we sometime play at the playground that near to our school. Other than playing, we will use this group also when the teacher asks us to form the group for homework. It’s nice to work in this group as we know each other’s strengths. I still remember that time when four of us are scolded by headmaster after we broke school’s window. We were instructed to clean the toilet for a week as punishment. In the town, we are very well known as we once had a jeweler catch the thief before. After that incident, when we went to town, almost people there recognized us. Our parents are so proud of us. From grade school to middle school. From middle school to high school. We spent time as ‘Fourever Buddies’ for almost nine years. Now, we are in our third year in high school. Some people say that high school is the place where we start to find love. Our group also are no exception. I did not realize when it began but I noticed that Kojima always looks at Raina during class.

“Kojima, why are you always looking at Raina during class?”

“Did you notice that? But let me tell the truth. I will only tell you that you are my best friend. I like Raina. I did not know she is so pretty until now.”

“How about you confess to her, Kojima?”

“If she rejects me, I don’t think I can live anymore!”

“You are exaggerating, Kojima.”

“Just kidding. But I should find the perfect time to confess to her.”

Kojima like Raina. Raina is one of the popular students in high school. She always excels in academic and fluent in English. Her parents also famous in the town as the successful businessman and businesswoman. Many students, especially boys, try to win Raina’s heart. There is rumor that Raina has someone she likes. But she never said who he was. One day, Kojima suggested to us to go the river that is near our high school.

“Guys, I have a suggestion. How about we go the river that near our high school?”

“I have wanted to go there since last year! Let’s go their guys!” said Raina who is happy with Kojima’s suggestion.

Then, all of us agreed to go there during the weekend. We brought spare clothes as we plan to take a bath there too. Minami brought food from her house. Her mom is good at cooking. There is fried chicken that became a target for Kojima and me. Both of us fought for that last piece of last fried chicken until we fell into river along with that last piece of fried chicken. Minami and Raina laughing so hard watching Kojima and I fought for the fried chicken. Kojima whisper to me to pull them into the river too. I pull Minami while Kojima pull Raina. Finally, both in the river.

“Kojima! Look what you have done to me! My clothe- Wait! Why are you splash water to me, Minami?”

“Raina, just enjoy it for now! Youta, ready for my attack!”

“Minami, I will not lose!”

Four of us continued to play at the river until the day slowly turn dark. Minami then realized her spare clothes were missing. She forgot where she put the cloth. Luckily, I have brought another spare of cloth. Minami wearing my cloth, but I don’t know about her underwear. I should not think too much about that.

“Youta, I need your help!”

“What is it, Minami?”

“Before that can you follow me after school later.”

“Alright.”

Normally, I always go back with Kojima. But today, he has soccer training after school. So, I can spend time helping Minami after school today. She asked me to meet her at the library.

“Let sit here, Youta.”

“So, what help you need from me?”

“Can you help me how to confess to Kojima?”

“Do you like him?”

“Yes.”

“What do you like about him?”

“He is so optimistic. He always led us and gave many good suggestions for Fourever Buddies. Nowadays, I notice him start to take care his outlook. His new hairstyle suits him.”

Of course. He is changing his hairstyle to appeal toward Raina. But how should I help her. Kojima likes Raina but Minami likes Kojima. This is what people call a love triangle. I think so.

“By the way, do you know if Kojima like someone else?”

“No.”

“I am sorry, but I don’t think I can help you, Minami.”

“Why?”

“He like someone else.”

“Who is it?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“I think I know. its Raina rights?”

“You said you don’t know who Kojima like earlier.”

“It just random guess. But I will never give up. So, help me, Youta!”

Since then, Minami and I have become closer. She always asks me what Kojima likes to do and what he likes to eat. She even came to my home to discuss the plan on how to make Kojima fall in love with her. After that, we will play with Azusa, my sister, outside my house. There is time when Minami and I were almost mistaken as a couple because we look so closely. Even Kojima also suspects that Minami and I are really a couple. There are a few days before the final exam. As usual we will make a study group with four of us. Except there is something different this time.

“Raina, do you like someone now?” Kojima broke the silence by suddenly asking the question to Raina.

“Yes,” replied Raina.

Kojima’s face started to light up upon hearing about that and asking her who she likes. Minami, on the other hand, had been keep quiet and listening what Raina’s answer.

“The person I like is here.”

Raina’s answer was enough to make Kojima feel happy. After that he stopped asking questions and continued studying. We need to focus while studying for the final exam. We at least can graduate by the end of March. One week later, Kojima’s brother suddenly shows up on the news. He was caught by police as he is involved in a drug trafficking syndicate. After investigating the case in more detail, police found some worker who I work under Raina’s parent also involved in the syndicate. The business suffers big losses because of that. The news has become a hot issue in school. Kojima’s life starts to change when that news spread among students. Even classmates start to change how they treat Kojima. But Kojima is still positive. I know he will not be affected by that kind of treatment. That is my best friend. The next day, Kojima said he wanted ‘Fourever Buddies’ to meet for the last time before we graduate.

“Thank you for coming everyone! Today, we will met for the last time before we graduate. I plan to make some party after the graduation ceremony, but Raina will travel oversea during that time.”

“Yes, I will travel to England to prepare for university entrance there. I think this will be last time we see each other.”

“Youta, Minami do you have something to say? “

“Minami and I don’t have anything to say.”

I think Kojima will confess his feelings to Raina. I thought that Minami would be sad and when I looked at her, she still maintained her smile.

“Raina, I want to tell you something,” Kojima mustered his courage.

“What is it?”

“The truth is I like you, Raina! Although we will be apart from each other after this, I will always keep in touch with you. I know that you like me too, right?”

“Kojima.”

“What is it, Raina?”

“I think that you have a big misunderstanding right now. I never said that I like you too.”

“But you said someone you like is here, right?”

“Don’t you forget there is another person here? Yes. The truth is I like Youta not you, Kojima.”

Did I misheard what Raina said just now?

“Why?” ask Kojima who still does not believe what happened just now.

“I have liked him since the first time I met with him. I feel like I have found my soulmate,” said Raina.

“Can you give me a chance? I believe I can become a better person than Youta,” said Kojima confidently.

“No. After what your brother have done to my parent’s business.”

“But that is not my fault! And I think I much better than Youta in overall!”

Why does Kojima say things like that?

“You should look at yourself in front of mirror. Minami, if I not mistaken, you like Kojima, right?”

“Why you try to involve me in this, Raina?”

“I think both of you are more suit to each other. And I was with Youta. That will be nice group of pair!”

I think this really became out of control. What should I do now? Raina walked toward me. What is she going to do to me? She put her lips near my cheek. Is she will kiss me. without I realized she gently pressed a kiss on my cheek.

“This is my love to you Youta. I do not expect you to reply to my confession, but I hope you remember this day.”

Kojima, after watching the scene, left the place hurriedly.

“I want to go now, goodbye Youta, Raina.”

Minami also left this place.

“Youta, I need to go now because I need to help my mom at house after this. Goodbye, Youta!”

I just waved at Raina. I’m still speechless. What just happened now? After that, Kojima sent me a message. He asks me to meet him at the school rooftop.