Chapter 58 In Exchange of that Agreement

Weekends were supposed to feel relaxing.

Weekends were the days when you could get your well-earned rest after a gruesome work or school week. It was the time we always looked forward to.

It wasnt supposed to be like this. Sure, there were weekends when you would brood over trouble at work or something, but this I wasted the whole weekend brooding over this

I love you

The words that Umi whispered to me when we parted last time. A lot of things happened during that day. This and that led to that moment.

Ah, jeez, Umi Whats with that timing? Because of that I cant spend my weekend in peace

Those words convinced me that our feelings were mutual. After all, the timing, the atmosphere, the gesture she made, she didnt seem to be teasing me.

That was a confession, right? Im not deluding myself, right? She did say I love you to me, right?

I mulled over it again and again, trying to convince myself that it was indeed a confession.

I was ninety-nine percent sure that it was a genuine confession. That meant if I were to accept it, from now on we wouldnt just be friends anymore, but something more.

If thats really the case Yeah, of course Im happy. The girl that I love told me to my face that she actually loves me, f*ck yes, Im happy about this.

But how should I reply?

Im happy, but what should I do now?

She told me that she loved me, but I hadnt given her a response. Its Monday now, and we havent called or texted each other since that night.

Its embarrassing, you know?

Even though it shouldnt be that hard to reply. Type I love you too, send it, and thats it.

But I cant do it.

Morning, Maki. I have a meeting today, so Ill be leaving first Huh, whats wrong?

Nothing, really

You sure? Youve been like this for a few days now. Ive been refraining from asking you, but Did something happen with Umi-chan?

So mom had been watching me. Ive spent my weekend brooding over Umis confession. I didnt notice it at all.

Its nothing.

Hmm~ Well, if you dont want to tell me, thats fine. Anyway, if youre gonna bring her home on Friday like usual, make sure to tell me. Ill give you extra money.

Got it, mom. Have a good day.

Im off.

After seeing her off, I started my morning routine. I didnt get much sleep because of the confession thing, so I looked like a mess right now.

The dark circles under my eyes seemed more pronounced than usual. I dont want Umi to worry about me over this.

Ive had rough Monday mornings like this before, but today was special. I didnt lose sleep because I stayed up gaming, but because of a confession from a girl.

I still couldnt believe that it happened.

Still, a girl falling in love with someone like me

I looked at my reflection on the reflective surface of the kettle. I looked really gloomy and my eyes looked like that of a dead fish.

Umi might be the only one who would love someone like me.

Thats why I must not let her go. Umi might not realize it, but she is better than Amami Yuu in every way.

The only one who knew that was me, but it wouldnt take long for others to realize as well. And chances are, that someone would be better than I am.

I would easily lose to that person.

I currently hold the advantage, so I must strike while the iron is still hot.

That cute smile of hers, I dont want it to be directed toward someone else.

Mhm. Ive decided.

I made up my mind after brooding over it a little more.

Im going to tell her how I feel today.

The sooner I do this, the better.

As I sipped my coffee, the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of a visitor, a rare occurrence in our household.

{Ehehe, good morning, Maki-kun!}

{G-good morning, Maki.}

Through the screen, I saw the same faces I saw last Friday.

Amami-san with her angelic smile and Umi with her awkward expression.

I let them enter the house.

Im sorry for barging in so suddenly, Maki-kun!

Its fine, Ive done my morning preparations Anyway, whats up?

Mm Well, I heard everything from Umi.

Ah, I see.

I thought that might be the case. So Umi decided to tell Amami-san everything.

Also, if my eyes arent deceiving me, I saw dark circles under Umis eyes.

Was she also brooding over her confession over the weekend?

Seriously, why are we both like this?

Okay, thats that, but why are you two here so early in the morning?

Mm, well I want you two to do something for me. You know, in exchange for our agreement.

Like, right now?

Yes! Ill tell you the details later though~

Here it comes.

Alright, fine

Maki!

I accepted Amami-sans words without thinking any further, but Umi gave me an uneasy look.

Are you sure youre gonna accept this? Yuu hasnt told you anything about what shes going to ask you though.

Well, yeah. I mean, Im kinda scared, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Besides, this is Amami-san, she wouldnt go out of her way to harm me.

Well, her request might be a little bit troublesome, but thats it.

Um Also, Umi

Mm?

Amami-san is in front of us right now, but who cares. If I dont do it now, I might be too embarrassed to do it later. I should do it while I can.

Im going to tell you now I feel the same way as you

Ah M-mhm got it

Her face turned red as she quickly turned her face away from me.

She muttered idiot when she did, but it sounded like music to my ears.

Hehehe Well, thats what he said, Umi. What are you gonna do?

Ah Uhm F-fine. If Maki said hes gonna do it, then Im gonna do it too.

Then, its decided!

Ive made up my mind already so Im currently ready for anything.

Amami-sans evil-looking smile worried me a little though.