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After a mundane day at school, Hikaru suggested a karaoke outing as a way to unwind and have fun. "Hey, guys. How about we go to karaoke after school? It'll be a great way to relax and let loose," he suggested with a smile. Mizuha, Elly, Zul, Shimizu, and Kitamura enthusiastically agreed, their faces lighting up at the idea.
As they strolled towards the karaoke venue, Mizuha's eyes caught sight of Akemi passing by in the hallway. An idea sparked in her mind, and she decided to invite Akemi to join them. "Hey, Akemi. Would you like to come with us to karaoke?" she asked, extending a friendly invitation. Akemi's expression revealed a mix of surprise and hesitation. "Are you sure I can join you all?" she asked tentatively. Mizuha reassured her with a warm smile, saying, "Of course! You're more than welcome to come along." Her friends nodded in agreement, their smiles echoing Mizuha's hospitality. Together, they continued their journey to the karaoke place.
Upon reaching the venue, the group settled into their private room. Shimizu and Kitamura wasted no time and grabbed the microphones, launching into an energetic song that filled the room with laughter and joy. "Come on, guys! Let's sing this one! It's so catchy and fun," Shimizu exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. Kitamura joined in, his harmonies blending seamlessly with Shimizu's.
Meanwhile, Zul and Elly patiently waited for their turn to sing, engrossed in a discussion about their song preferences. "What do you feel like singing, Elly?" Zul asked, genuinely interested in her choice. Elly pondered for a moment, scanning through the extensive song list. "Hmm, there are so many options. How about this one? It's a slow and romantic song," she suggested, pointing to a title that caught her eye. Zul smiled in agreement, saying, "Sure! That sounds perfect. Let's save it for after they finish." He handed Elly a microphone, ready to serenade her with their duet.
Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Hikaru took a moment to lean closer to Mizuha and ask about her happiness. "Hey, Mizuha. Are you having fun?" he inquired softly. Mizuha's smile widened as she reflected on the joyous moments shared with her friends. "Yes, I am. This is so much fun. I'm grateful we came here," she replied, her voice filled with genuine contentment. Hikaru reciprocated her smile, his eyes reflecting his own happiness. "Me too. I'm glad you're happy," he said warmly.
Unbeknownst to Mizuha, Akemi observed the interaction between Hikaru and Mizuha from a distance. Sadness crept into her eyes as she watched them, harboring her own unrequited feelings for Hikaru. Deep down, she yearned for his affection, silently longing to be the one to bring him happiness. With a sigh, she averted her gaze, struggling to conceal her emotions.
Noticing Akemi's downcast demeanor, Mizuha approached her with genuine concern. "Hey, Akemi. Is everything okay? You seem a bit sad," she gently inquired. Akemi mustered a smile and assured Mizuha that she was fine before excusing herself to use the restroom. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I just need a quick restroom break. I'll be right back," she replied, her voice masking the vulnerability within. Mizuha nodded understandingly and said, "Alright. Take your time. We'll be here." She watched as Akemi walked away, a tinge of worry lingering in her thoughts.
As Akemi emerged from the restroom, she unexpectedly crossed paths with Hikaru, who had just stepped out of the adjacent men's restroom. She hesitated for a moment, then approached him, ensuring no one else was nearby. "Hikaru, can I talk to you for a moment? Is something wrong?" Hikaru turned to her, sensing her urgency. As their conversation unfolded, Akemi summoned the courage to confess her feelings to him, baring her heart. "Hikaru, there's something I need to tell you. I've kept it hidden for so long, but I can't hold back anymore. I love you, Hikaru. I've always loved you."
Hikaru was taken aback by Akemi's confession, realizing the depth of her emotions. With empathy and kindness, he gently explained that he couldn't reciprocate her feelings because his heart belonged to someone else. "Akemi, I'm sorry. Truly, I am. But I can't return your feelings. There's someone else who holds my heart, someone who means the world to me," he expressed with sincerity. Akemi gracefully accepted his response, understanding that love couldn't be forced. She mustered the courage to ask if Mizuha was the one he cared for, and Hikaru confirmed her intuition. "Yes, it's Mizuha. I love Mizuha. She's the one who brings me happiness."
Apologizing once again to Akemi, Hikaru acknowledged that he was aware of her love for him, tracing back to their middle school years when his ex-girlfriend left him. "Akemi, I know you've loved me since middle school. I know you were there for me when my ex-girlfriend broke my heart. But I can't reciprocate your feelings. I'm truly sorry," he expressed, his voice tinged with regret.
Before Hikaru could continue, Akemi interjected, needing to know one more thing. "Can I ask you one more question?" she requested. Hikaru nodded, giving her the space to speak. Akemi bravely asked, "Is it because Mizuha reminds you of your ex-girlfriend? Does she possess the same charm and qualities that attracted you before? Is that why you love her?"
Hikaru shook his head with conviction, dispelling any doubts. "No, Akemi. No, that's not it at all. Mizuha is nothing like my ex-girlfriend. She's a hundred times better. They are not alike in any way. Mizuha is kind, intelligent, beautiful, and courageous. She encompasses everything I've ever wanted and more," Hikaru clarified, his voice filled with admiration and sincerity. He harbored a deep resentment towards his ex-girlfriend, emphasizing, "I despise my ex-girlfriend. She broke my heart and betrayed me. She doesn't deserve my love or my memory."
Akemi's countenance softened as she absorbed his response. "Oh, I see... Thank you for answering my question, Hikaru," she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of acceptance and resignation. Hikaru and Akemi then left the conversation behind, rejoining the others in the karaoke room, resolute in preserving their friendships.
Meanwhile, Mizuha, who had overheard fragments of the conversation between Hikaru and Akemi, felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She hurriedly returned to the karaoke room, masking her emotions and ensuring Akemi remained unaware of what she had heard. Deep down, Mizuha knew that her feelings for Hikaru were reciprocated, but the unexpected revelation still stung.
After Mizuha overheard Akemi's confession to Hikaru, she felt a mix of emotions. She quickly composed herself and returned to the karaoke room, determined not to let the somber atmosphere dampen the fun. Mizuha rejoined her friends, trying her best to enjoy the rest of the evening.
The group continued singing and laughing, immersing themselves in the music and the moment. Zul and Elly performed a heartfelt duet, showcasing their harmonious bond as a couple. Shimizu and Kitamura chose an upbeat song that had everyone dancing and cheering along. The karaoke session became a cathartic release, allowing each of them to express their emotions through music.
As the clock struck 8 pm, signaling the end of their karaoke session, the group bid farewell to each other and headed home. Hikaru walked Mizuha to her doorstep, the silence between them filled with unspoken words and lingering emotions. Mizuha's heart fluttered as she recalled the confession and Hikaru's affirmation of his feelings for her. Though her feelings for Hikaru were now apparent, she couldn't help but blush, uncertain of how to navigate the complicated emotions swirling within her.
As Hikaru bid her goodnight and left her doorstep, Mizuha closed her door and leaned against it, allowing herself a moment to process her emotions. The events of the day had left an indelible mark on her heart, and she knew that navigating the intricacies of friendship and love would be a delicate path to tread. With a deep sigh, she resolved to confront her feelings in due time, cherishing the bond she shared with her friends as they continued their journey through high school together.
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