Before My Memories With You Melt Away in Tears - Episode 17

In the end, we decided to watch a popular anime that was trending. The story was about a high school student who embarks on a big adventure to save the world, and the poster claimed it would be fun for both adults and kids.

“Have you seen any of this director’s work, Ayaka-chan?”
“I’ve heard about how popular it is, but I haven’t seen anything. Have you, senpai?”
“Well… I haven’t seen it either. The last one was supposed to be a tearjerker. But this time, it’s supposed to be a comedy, so I think it’ll be fine.”

I wondered if he wasn’t a fan of emotional stories. But then, maybe the reason was different—he might not like them for the same reason I didn’t. Those kinds of tear-jerking dramas always made me feel like the director was saying, “Come on, cry! This is the emotional part!” I could almost feel their intention too clearly, and that annoyed me. And of course, if everyone else was crying, and I wasn’t, I’d feel like people would think I had a cold heart.

“I think this one looks more fun, too,” I said.
“Well, then we’re on the same page. Let’s decide the time and place to meet tomorrow…”

We agreed on the meeting time and place and chatted a bit more. Before I knew it, the clock had struck 11 PM. It was getting late, and I was starting to feel like it might be rude to keep talking much longer.

It seemed like Kyoya noticed too, because he muttered, “Wow, it’s already this late.”

“We should probably go to bed soon,” I said.
“Yeah… sorry for keeping you up so late,” he replied.
“Oh no, it’s fine. I actually wish we could keep talking. But if we keep chatting too much, we might end up being late tomorrow.”

His words really made me feel better. The bit of guilt I had about keeping him up this late just melted away after hearing him speak like that.

“Oh, but just one thing,” Kyoya suddenly said, as if remembering something.
“Do you know my name?”

“Huh?” I was a little surprised by the sudden question, but I answered honestly.
“It’s Ikeda Kyoya-senpai.”
“Yep, that’s right. You’re spot on.”
“Is there a problem… with that?”
“Well… I was kind of worried that you didn’t know my name. You’ve always just called me ‘senpai.’”

“Oh…” I hadn’t realized I was making him feel that way. It just felt natural to call him ‘senpai’ from the start, and I never thought much about it.

“S-Sorry, I…”
“I’m not forgiving you.”
“Huh…?”
“Just kidding.”

I panicked when he said that in such a serious tone, but then he quickly lightened up, saying it in a playful way.
“I was just joking.”

“Y-You scared me…”
“But it’s true that I want you to call me by my name, not ‘senpai.’”

“By your name…?” I was a little unsure.
I hesitated for a moment, then shyly said,
“Ike… da-senpai…?”
“Wrong!” Kyoya said, laughing playfully.

I thought I was going to die of embarrassment, but he sounded so amused, and I had to laugh a little too.

“…Ugh.”

I tightened my grip on my phone and exhaled deeply, gathering my courage.
“Kyoya … senpai.”

“Hmm, you barely passed.”

“Seriously?”
“If it were just ‘senpai,’ I would’ve given you full marks.”

“Th-That’s…”
Saying “Kyoya-senpai” made my heart race so much that my hands started sweating. It was hard enough just to say it.

“I can’t do it! No way, no way, no way!”
“Aww, come on. Then how about ‘Kyoya-kun’? How’s that?”
“Kyoya … kun…”
“Yes!”

His voice sounded so soft and happy. I could tell he was genuinely pleased, and that made me feel even more embarrassed.

“Still can’t do it!”
“But you said it before!”

“Well, if it’s a ‘no,’ then it’s a ‘no.’”

“Why?” he asked, genuinely confused.

I squeezed the bedsheet with my free hand and, with a little hesitation, said,
“It’s… too embarrassing.”

“Well, I guess I can’t help it then,” he said with a soft laugh.
“Okay, I’ll forgive you this time.”

“Thank you…?”
“Alright then, see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Ayaka-chan.”

“Ah, um… goodnight, Kyoya-senpai.”

After the call ended, I collapsed onto my bed, still holding my phone. Kyoya’s voice still lingered in my ears, and I felt like I was floating, both physically and mentally.

What would Kyoya think if he knew how I was feeling right now? Would he be happy? Would he say we should become real boyfriend and girlfriend without waiting for a whole month?

“This… this is just…” I whispered softly to myself. It was as if my thoughts floated up like a soap bubble, drifting into the air.

I might have to admit it now.

Even though it hadn’t even been a month since we met, since we first talked… I was already feeling something deep inside.

“I think I… like Kyoya-senpai.”

As soon as I said it, it felt like a vague feeling in my heart suddenly had a name.