Chapter 7

On the day of the party, the class has spent the whole morning preparing the foods and decorating the room with Christmas decorations. Ken didn’t come to school that morning. Miyuki and Aoi decided to stroll around the school. “Aoi-chan, it seemed that you and Ken are getting closer. Many have noticed it and said that the two of you seemed to have a special relationship,” said Miyuki. “What!?” Aoi was surprised. She didn’t know that other people look at their closeness that much. Even she is with Miyuki, Aoi wished that she would disappear at that moment. Then suddenly, Aoi’s phone rang. She answered the phone. Ken spoke first, “Gomen Aoi-chan, I didn’t go to school this morning. But promised, I’ll be there later.” “Okay,” answered Aoi. “Uhm… How about your performance? Are you ready?” asked Ken. “Yup,” replied Aoi. “Good. Do your best, later!” cheered Ken. “How about you? Are you ready?” asked Aoi. “Huh? For what?” answered Ken. “Ah.. Nothing… Nevermind… Uhm… For the party?” replied Aoi. Ken seemed had forgotten what he has to do. Aoi can’t say anything, she was deeply thinking something. Then Ken said, “Why? Do I have to be ready for something?” Aoi was surprised and confused at the same time. “Ah... Don’t mind what I had said Ken. Bye!” when she was about to end their conversation, she accidentally pressed the Loudspeaker button. Miyuki heard what Ken has said last, “Don’t worry Aoi-chan. I’m ready. And I want you to watch. It will be for you, Aoi.” Miyuki gave Aoi a meaningful stare. “Aoi-chan, are you sure that you and Ken don’t have a special relationship? Then what does he mean when he said that?” Miyuki asked. “Nothing,” replied Aoi. “Uhm… got to go now, Miyuki-chan. I’ll still be fixing and preparing for the party,” said Aoi. “I trust you Aoi-chan. You are my best friend,” said Miyuki.

On Aoi’s way home, she told herself, “This is not good. This can’t be. I shouldn’t!” When she got home, the first thing she did is to reach for her guitar. She played the piece she’ll be performing on the party. Then after a while, Aoi told herself, “What if I don’t go to the party? Actually, I might not be able to play very well with these things bothering my mind.” Aoi is very confused. “Oh my! Why things have to be like this? I can’t betray my best friend. I can’t betray Miyuki.” She remembered what she had told Ken when she was asked what would she do if she get in that situation between a guy and her best friend. She remembered, “If you like her, I’ll help you get closer to her. That way, I can be closer to you too.” She told herself, “I’m sorry Ken. I didn’t wish this to happen but… I think… I accidentally liked you. Ken likes Miyuki and I think Miyuki likes Ken too.”

After a while, Aoi made up her mind, “I will go. I will perform for Miyuki-chan and for Ken.”