The string of balls -

Episode 2: First Kiss

“Yes… Thank you.”

Moon continued speaking with a somewhat awkward smile on her face.

“But you know? I’ll still be with Koto in the mornings like always, and we’ll hang out after school too, okay?”

…So what?

It’s not like saying that will change anything.

Even though I thought I had prepared myself, my chest throbbed with intense pain. I was naive—my so-called “preparation” was just lip service. The pain felt like someone was squeezing my heart with their bare hands.

I bit my tongue to keep the tears from spilling out and forced out words I didn’t want to say.

“If you do that, your boyfriend will dump you. I don’t care—you should prioritize him.”

No. No. Don’t leave.

We’ve always been together. I want us to stay that way. Why did you leave me behind? If you hadn’t gotten a boyfriend, we could have stayed like this forever.

“Koto, are you okay? “Sorry… I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll go ahead.”

Without even looking back, I ran, shaking her off, unable to bear seeing Moon’s worried expression.

I wasn’t very good at hiding how I felt. Fumie saw right through me. That made me happy—and even sadder. My head was spinning.

…I wonder if she’ll tell me love stories someday. About dates. Holding hands. Kissing.

Just the thought makes my heart explode. I don’t think I could bear it.

If I stopped now, I wouldn’t be able to move. Tears were already pouring down my cheeks.

“…Kotone…”

He mumbled his friend’s name and pulled out his phone to call.

While the phone rang, I ran breathlessly up the hill toward school. I didn’t care about the weird looks people gave me.

“Hello…?””Haa… haa… sniff… where…?

“Are you okay? Where are you?”

“Please… Kotone…”

“I’m coming! Kotonoha, where are you right now?!”

I wonder where I am right now… Hehe.

Kotone’s voice came not only from my phone, but from directly in front of me.

“Kotone…””Kotonoha!”

My friend came running toward me, her long black hair a mess, desperation on her face.

If Kotone hadn’t been there…

“Kotone… ugh… sniff… waaaaah!”

“It’s okay. I’m right here.”

I broke down crying on the spot, surrounded by other students, but she gently hugged me and stroked my back.

…She’s warm. Kotone is here. No matter how painful or sad it is, her warmth tells me I’m not alone.

“We’re going to stand out like this… Kotonoha, can you walk?”

“Ugh… sniff…”

Kotone took my hand and led me to an empty classroom on the first floor.

A little sanctuary just for us.

Feeling safe, and with Kotone beside me, my whole body finally relaxed.

She hugged me tightly again as I started to collapse, stroking my head like she was comforting a child.

“Sorry… for causing you trouble.”

Suppressing the ache in my chest, I finally managed to speak properly.

The most beautiful girl in our grade was holding the hand of a sobbing mess like me. People would talk. I felt bad for Kotone… but I’d ask her to bear it, just for now.

“I don’t mind. I’m just glad I can be here for you.”

“…Fufu, Kotone, you’re so cool. …Sniff… thank you, Kotone.”

More than an apology, what I needed to say was thank you.

If Kotone hadn’t been there, I’d have crumbled under everything. I don’t mean “maybe.” I know I would have.

Because Kotone was here for me.

“…Did you tell Hayama-san?””No. She has a boyfriend. She just told me.”

Saying it out loud made it hit home.

Fumie has a boyfriend. That means I can’t stay by her side anymore.

I didn’t want to say congratulations. But I couldn’t bring myself to say, “I want to be with you.”

Fumie sees me as her best friend. We’ve been together since we were little. Always.

There’s no way I could say, “I like you… as a girl.”

“I see… It’s not okay. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? You were there for me… sniff… ugh…”

Kotone tried to comfort me, her voice tinged with sadness, and her feelings slowly spread into my heart.

The tears I thought had stopped came flooding back, hot and full.

Her kindness wrapped around my broken heart, protecting it, keeping the pain from spilling out again.

First period must’ve already started.

I don’t know how long we stayed there, but I cried until it felt like all the water in my body was gone.

I hope no one hears me… well, we are away from class, so it’s probably okay…

“Um… this is kind of embarrassing…”

As I started to calm down, my thoughts became clearer, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Crying while running first thing in the morning? Calling your friend just to bawl your eyes out? Getting hugged in public and skipping class?

“Feeling better?”

Kotone put her hands on my shoulders, pulled back gently, and gave me a soft smile.

Wow… if I didn’t like Fumie, I’d probably fall for her in an instant…

She is the most beautiful girl in our grade. I was seriously a little dazzled.

“Yeah. Thank you… hehe.”

“What? What is it?”

“I’m just really glad you’re here, Kotone. I love you… hehe.”

Because she found me when I was breaking down, I could start to heal.

The words came out naturally, even though I’m not good at expressing myself. It was a little embarrassing, but maybe this is what being best friends means.

We haven’t known each other that long. But time doesn’t matter.

Somehow, I just knew—Kotone and I would be best friends forever.

“…Kotonoha.””Hm? Huh?!”

The moment I lifted my head at the sound of my name, something soft pressed against my lips.

I don’t know how long it lasted—maybe just a few seconds. Or maybe longer.

Warm. Soft. Tender. Why…?

“Wha—what are you doing?”

“Sorry…”

“That was my first kiss…”

“Mine too… so…”

Seriously?! Didn’t she say she’d dated before?

…Wait. That’s not the point!

“Are you just pitying me? Because I’m pathetic…?”

“No! I… I like you, Kotonoha…”

“You like me…? Why…?”

Kotone knows I like Fumie. That’s why she came to find me today.

She must have realized—I’m gay, just like her.