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Manami and Onoda take their closeness to a whole new level ever since they started attending the same university. They eat together, train together, doing their homeworks and review together. They are best of friends even though they aren't from the same college. Manami is taking up Biology while Onoda is majoring in Japanese History. Both of them are still into cycling. No wonder, they ended up joining the school's cycling club. They still love hills and climbing.
(One afternoon, after class)
"Hello, Manami-kun. Ah yes, I finished everything. I'm on my way now." Onoda hangs up his phone while rushing to get downstairs to meet Manami.
"Sakamichi-kun, is it really okay for you to ditch that meeting?” Manami asked.
"Don't worry about it. It isn't something really important. Besides, I'm already done with my part so I will just let my groupmates do the rest." Onoda said, confidently.
"Eh, is that really you??” Manami looking half-amused.
Onoda squeaked. "You're so mean Manami-kun!" then hit Manami in the head
"Whoa there, don't go hitting on me.”
"People change, you know." Onoda added, laughing.
"I know that. I'm just kidding. So, let's start training?"
"Sure! Let's go."
Manami and Onoda were about to ride their bikes but then, there's a familiar voice calling Manami from afar.
"Sangakuuu! Wait."
It's Miyahara, the class rep and Manami's childhood friend.
"Oooh Inchou, is there a problem?” Manami asked.
"Nothing." Miyahara replied. "I... uhm... I just want to ask you if what time are you going home tonight?” Miyahara asked in a hesitant voice.
"I'm not yet sure. Why?" curious Manami asked.
"Ah there's a dinner in the house. Just a little celebration, something like that. It's mom's birthday today and she told me to invite you so.." Miyahara said as she turned her attention to Onoda. "Oh yes, you too Onoda-kun! If you could come, please do."
"Thanks for the invitation Miyahara-san but I think I couldn't make it. I need to come home early too. Happy birthday to your mom, though." Onoda replied apologetically.
"Aww too bad." muttered Miyahara. "Anyway, thanks. I'll tell her that." She added, smiling.
"Ah hey, Manami-kun! You're coming right? Let's just finish this training earlier so that you could come." Onoda insisted while looking straight at Manami.
Manami, not sure on what to say, just nodded.
“So Sangaku, see you later? I guess?” Miyahara asked.
“Sure.” That’s the only word that came out from Manami’s mouth.
“Okay then, bye!” Miyahara waved at them.
Manami and Onoda began their training.
“Hey Manami-kun, she’s really a nice girl, isn’t she?” Onoda asked Manami while pedaling.
Manami had no response.
"I mean, Miyahara-san. She really cared for you and I think she likes you so much. I don’t think it’s possible for you to dislike her.” Onoda paused for a second then continued. “Uhm, why don’t you date her? I mean, she’s really nice and I think no one else will ever be good enough for you except her.Both of you will make a good pair.”
Manami then stopped pedaling.
“What’s wrong Manami-kun?” Onoda asked as he also stops from pedaling.
Manami couldn’t utter a single word so Onoda continued “Don’t tell me... you...you’re not interested in girls?” He jokingly asked.
Manami’s eyes widened, full of shock when he heard Onoda’s question and Onoda noticed. “Could it be that you’re..?”
What??” Manami responded in a shrill manner.
“That you’re...uhh...gay?” Onoda grinned as he is trying his best to get those words out of his mouth.
Manami answered with irritation in his voice “What are you talking about?” Manami continued pedaling leaving Onoda behind.
Onoda caught up to Manami in an instant. They’re on a climb that’s why. Manami wasn’t surprised by that and still climbed at full speed. Onoda did his best to catch up.
“Uwaa, you’re so fast Manami-kun!” Onoda slowed down as they finished with the climb.
“Of course, I’m a climber.” Now back on flats, Manami also slowed down a bit.
“You’re really amazing Manami-kun, that’s why she likes you so much.” Onoda said as he continues on teasing Manami.
“Can we not talk about this now? We’re training. Please focus.” Manami said as he is trying his best to keep calm.
“Why? What’s wrong? You’re acting weird. Don’t you like her? Or perhaps, I was right? That you are… gaaa…” Onoda couldn’t finish the word that he’s about to say because he was interrupted by Manami.
“Stop!” He is starting to get really irritated this time.
“Woah! Calm sho! Okay okay, I’ll stop. But why so embarrassed?” Onoda asked.
Manami stopped pedaling again.
“Because Sakamichi-kun doesn’t know anything.” mumbled Manami.
Curious Onoda also stopped and asked Manami. “Wh-what are those that I do not know? Can you like... explain it to me?”
“What for? You will never understand anyway.”
The atmosphere suddenly changed.
“Wow, that’s harsh of you. Do you really treat me as your best friend??” Onoda is starting to feel hurt this time. He received no response.
“Say, Manami-kun. Why all of a sudden, you are like that? That’s not the Manami-kun I know. What happened?”
Manami, couldn’t control his emotions anymore, exploded into fumes of anger. “Okay, so you started this! And now it looks like you’re blaming me. Sakamichi-kun, yes you’re my best friend. (pauses a bit) But… you don’t control my life decisions!”
Manami noticed that it’s getting dark so he reached out for his phone in his pocket to check the time. “It’s still early but I guess I’m leaving now. Inchou might get mad at me if I don’t show up.”
He was about to leave but then, he added. “Oh and by the way, about who I want to date, it’s not something for you to decide.” And so, Manami left Onoda.
Onoda, unsure of how to react, just continued training by himself.
While riding alone, Onoda could hardly digest what just happened. His mind is full of unsaid thoughts and unanswered questions. So I guess it was my fault after all. Why Manami-kun acted that way, eh? Manami-kun isn’t the type of person to get mad and today, for the very first time, I saw it. Also, we never quarrel before. This is the first. Ah, what have I done wrong? What will happen to our friendship now? Is he really mad at me? Or? Maybe he was right. That there is something that I do not understand, but what is it?? Ah, I think I’m going crazy! Manami-kun is only my friend and I don’t want to lose him of course.
.
.
.
Three weeks of no communication. Both focused on their studies. Manami and Onoda are still seeing each other during club meetings though but they never interacted as if they were strangers. Of course, it’s hard for both parties especially to Onoda because he is really clueless.
Manami-kun's birthday is in two days. I have to do something. It's not all the time we are like this. We have to fix this and bring our friendship back. Onoda thought as he watches Manami having fun with some of his friends from afar. I miss you, my best friend.
Onoda was about to ride his bike going home when someone taps his shoulder. Is that you Ma... Onoda, all smile, turned to the one who taps him "Manami-kun!!" Onoda said confidently only to find out it's not Manami. "Oh it's you, Miyahara-san." Onoda gasped.
"Sorry, Onoda-kun. Did I scare you?" Miyahara asked.
"N-not really."
"Good. Uhm, are you busy?"
"No. Actually, I'm going home now." Onoda answered, curious of why Miyahara is asking him that.
"Can we talk?"
.
.
.
(A day after)
It’s past 10 in the evening and Onoda is preparing something for Manami's birthday. He plans on surprising him at exactly 12 midnight. Hopefully, this plan goes well.
Meanwhile, at Manami's house, Manami is still awake playing video games this late. When he was about to sleep, someone knocks on the door. He wasn’t expecting any visitor because first of all, his parents are away. They’re on vacation. Next is, how can someone visit him when it’s almost 12 midnight? He doesn’t have any plan of entertaining whoever that was but that someone keeps on knocking and so he glanced through the window to check only to find out that it’s Onoda. Eh? Sakamichi-kun? What is he doing here this late at night? Clueless Manami seems like he has forgotten his own birthday. He had no choice but to open the door.
"Surprise! Happy birthday, Manami-kun."
"Eh? B-birthday?” Manami mumbled and his eyes widened. He honestly couldn’t remember what day it is.
"Yes, I came all the way here this late so I could be the first one to greet you. Uhm.. I… hope you don’t mind.” It took a moment for Onoda to register what Manami had just said. “Oh wait, d-don't tell me, you forgot? Did you?”
"Actually... yes, you're right." Manami chuckled.
“Whoa Manami-kun, how come you forgot about your most important day? Ah, I’m glad I decided to come here to let you remember your own birthday.”
Manami motioned as he lets Onoda enter his house. Manami noticed the huge box Onoda brought with him. It's a cycling themed birthday cake with fondant road bike as decoration.
"Wow, that thing's amazing." Manami said while eyeing on the cake.
"Ah yes. Here, take this. It's yours." Onoda handed the cake to Manami. “Oh and I also brought your favorite [rice balls]. There’s sushi and takoyaki too.”
"Uhm… thanks?"
"You-you're welcome."
There's an awkward silence after. So to break that, Manami started a conversation with Onoda.
"So, what made you come here this late? Aside from… wanting to be the first one to greet me." Manami's question just made things more awkward for both of them.
"I… uhm... actually, there's something I want to tell you." Onoda said in a soft voice.
"Me too." Manami hurriedly answered.
"Oh… you go first."
"No. You first."
"Okay.” Onoda gasped. “Well, I've heard from Miyahara-san. About her confessing to you."
"And?"
"And... about you dumping her. I-I'm sorry. I didn't come here to tell you this. I came to personally apologize. I'm sorry Manami-kun.” Onoda bows in apology. “Maybe you were right. There are still things that I do not know about you. I fail as your friend and I’m truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.”
“Sakamichi-kun.” Manami leaned closer to Onoda. “Don’t apologize. If there’s someone here who needs to apologize, it’s me. If you think I’m mad because of what happened last time then you’re wrong.”
“Wh-what do you mean… you’re not mad? Really?”
“Sakamichi-kun, you listen.” Onoda looked straight at Manami this time. “I’m not mad at you okay? To be honest with you, I’m mad at myself.”
Onoda, who couldn’t utter any word, just continued listening to him.
“Can I be selfish just for this time? Huh, Sakamichi-kun?”
Onoda stared at Manami cluelessly. But what is Manami really trying to say?
“Actually… there’s someone I really like.”
Onoda, unsure of how to react, just pretended that he’s happy for him. “Oh really? That’s good.” Onoda quickly looked away from him trying to avoid eye contact.
“It’s you!”
Onoda needed a moment to register what he just heard. “EH?!? Wh-what is it again?”
“I said… I like you.” Manami said slowly for Onoda to understand.
“B-but… I… uhm... well… I d-do like you too. W-we’re friends… after all.” Onoda said, stammering. This time, he couldn’t look straight at Manami.
“No. I don’t mean that!” Manami grabbed Onoda’s hands. “Sakamichi-kun, look straight into my eyes. I’m only going to say this once so listen to me very carefully.”
And so, Onoda faced him but still feeling uncomfortable.
“The one I like is not her [Miyahara], nor anyone else. It’s you… it’s you Sakamichi-kun. But… I couldn’t tell you directly because you know, I value our friendship so much and I was afraid that you might stay away from me if I told you. I don’t want to lose you. I… was a coward… who love you in silence.”
“Ma-Manami-kun.” mumbled Onoda.
“Aha! I know what you are thinking right now.” Manami let go of Onoda’s hands as he starts impersonating him “Manami-kun, since when did you become so gross? I’m so ashamed to be your friend.”
“There’s no way I think of that!” Onoda said in a defensive tone.
Manami and Onoda found themselves laughing after. It took a moment for both of them to stop from laughing. And so, back to a very serious discussion…
“Sakamichi-kun.”
“Yes, Manami-kun?”
“Can I ask for your permission?”
Onoda couldn’t respond to him right away so he just nodded in response.
“Can I… continue loving you?”
Onoda choked. His cheeks turned crimson red.
“Are you okay Sakamichi-kun??” Worried Manami.
“I-I’m okay. I’m sorry. Please go on.” Onoda motioned.
“Hey… let’s stop being friends. If it's okay with you?”
.
.
.
Well, it seems like their conversation went off the rails. Onoda is really bothered by that last question from Manami and the only way for him to avoid that is by changing the topic. And it was a success, I think?
After almost an hour of talking about random stuff...
"Uhm Sakamichi-kun... aren't you feeling hungry already?" Asked Manami whose attention turned to the plastic bag on Onoda's lap.
"Oh yes, I should have took this out a little early! Sorry it took so long."
"It's okay. I had fun chatting with you anyway."
Onoda took out the bento box from the plastic bag and placed it on the table with the cake.
“Whoa Sakamichi-kun, you made all of these?” Manami said, his blue eyes sparkling, while looking at all the food Onoda brought for him.
“Of course not! I bought it. I'm no good at cooking, remember?”
“Ooops sorry.” Manami laughed apologetically.
“I… made the rice balls though because that’s all I managed to do.” Onoda added hesitantly.
“Ah, I see. So… let’s eat?” As Manami was about to put the rice ball into his mouth, he was stopped by Onoda.
“No no no no. How about you blow your cake first? Here, light it [candle] up.” Onoda handed him the lighter.
“Yes sir!” Manami said as he lit the candle. He was about to make a wish but he asked Onoda to sing for him first. “Hey Sakamichi-kun, sing for me.”
“Oooh, okay.” And so, Onoda started singing.
♫ Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Manami-kun
Happy birthday to you ♫
Manami made a wish and blew out the candle.
“So, what did you wish for?” Curious Onoda asked.
“Can’t tell you. It’s a secret!” Manami answered, smirking.
“What?! You’re so unfair. Why don’t you tell me?” Onoda insisted.
“You sure really want to know?”
“Y-yes?”
“Okay then I’ll tell you. I wished for… happiness!! That’s all.” Manami said, laughing.
“What the hell.” murmured Onoda.
“Well… I wished that someday, you will accept my feelings and that you will love me too. I… I know it won’t happen soon right away but I’m hoping.” Manami paused and continued. “There. I said it.”
Onoda leaned closer and lightly pressed his lips against Manami’s in a soft quick kiss. What does it mean? Manami’s eyes widened, wondering what the kiss was for.
“Stupid. Stupid Manami-kun! You’re really stupid! Aren’t you? Did you really think that I won’t say yes?” He said in a mocking tone and continued. “I mean… you’re Manami Sangaku… h-how could I say no to you?” Onoda stammered, blushing.
“Sakamichi-kun… you…”
“Manami-kun, of course I will say yes right away. You know what, when I was talking to Miyahara-san the other day and asked me about who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I actually thought of you. It’s kind of funny because why would I even think of that? Then I realized… maybe it’s because you’re the closest to me… that I couldn’t think of anyone else to spend my life with except you. And… just now… you made me realize that you have a special place in my heart and…”
“And what? That you’re not a straight guy anymore?” Manami jokingly added.
“Wh-what the, Manami-kun!” Embarrassed Onoda responded. “Well, yeah right! Actually, you’re right.” He added, laughing.
Both of them had a good laugh. It’s been a while.
Manami pulled Onoda’s hands up, gently held it with both of his as he placed a light kiss on his fingers.
“You know what… this is the BEST birthday I've ever had! Because I got to spend it with you. I couldn’t ask for more.” Manami leaned in and gave Onoda a deep passionate kiss on the lips while wrapping his hands around his waist in a tight embrace.
“I love you, Sakamichi-kun.”
“I love you too, Manami-kun.”
--END--