*Childhood Couple* -Double Daze-

*Childhood Couple* -Double Daze-

"Sayoko-chi ~" Reina calls out to Sayoko who is walking a few metres away from her.

"Oh, Reina. Good morning. " Sayoko coldly greets back. Even though she’s been dating Toora for about a week now but she is
more irritated than ever.

"Where’s Toora? "

"Try searching where lot of girls are giggling nonstop."

"Oh. Didn’t you guys already announced that you two are dating?"

"Try guessing. "

"So they thought you two are acting?"

Sayoko hums in irritation. She is mad at the fangirls who pushed her aside just to walk beside Toora.

"Where’s Seichi? " Reina slowly lets out her question after a moment of silence. She is thinking back and forth to ask the easy
question.

"Beside Toora. "

Reina saddens at the answer. She looks across again and can now clearly see their figures. She couldn’t a moment ago since the
a few people are blocking her view.

She knows that the two are trying to get out from their situation judging by the awkward movements and interactions.

Yet, she is still sad that another day passes by and she couldn’t walk to school together together as four.

The fangirls are obviously flirting like there’s no tomorrow. Desperately trying to get the two boys attention.

Unlike Toora, Seichi does talk to the girls but the way they are grabbing him is uncomfortable.

"Toora-kun, let’s hang out with us together after school. We’re going to the karaoke box."

"I’ve told you. I already have a girlfriend. "

"You mean Sayoko-san? No way, you’re too good for her."

"Yeah. You two are just childhood friends. You guys must have confused the feelings since you guys have been together too
often."

"Yumi-san, that’s not nice."

Seichi tells off the two mean fangirls and get their apologies for saying something rude to Toora.
___________________________________________________________

"Sayoko, I said I’m sorry."

"Just shut up!"

Reina and Seichi watch their two friends fight in front of them. The surrounding is quiet as the location is on the rooftop.

Students aren’t allowed here unless if they have permission. The group of four have them obviously.

Toora was dragged by his fans to his class. Therefore, he didn’t have a chance to walk with Sayoko at all. The boyfriend is
seriously apologizing to his girl.

"Reina-chan, do you have plans for this Friday and Saturday?"

"Nope! Nothing at all!" Reina flusters and quickly said her reply just as soon as the question is being passed to her.

"You see, Toora’s parents gave us four discounts for the hot spring in Osaka. They said it’ll be a waste if they weren’t used.
Would you like to come?"

"Can I?"

"Of course, you’re Sayoko’s friend, so I am too."

Seichi makes a movement with his hand telling Reina to come closer. He then whispers into Reina’s ear.

"Besides, I don’t want to be a third wheel. And I want to know more about Reina-chan. "

He goes back into his original position and just smiles at Reina. Reina is panicking in her head but she is able to remain
composed.

Yet, her best friend could see the light red that is going up her cheeks.

As Seichi and Reina look back at the fighting couple, they notice that they aren’t fighting anymore.

Sayoko is eating her lunch without care. Toora is sulking in the corner. Ever since they started dating, Reina thinks that Toora had
become not cool as he previously was, but he acts cute instead.

His fangirls must have notice the change too. Adding another handsome guy walking beside him, his fan base unknowingly grew.

The guy being said walking beside him is none other than Seichi.

Deciding to run away from being noticed by Seichi, Reina stands up and walk to where Toora is. She crouches down to his level
and talks to him.

"I know a way to get your fangirls away from interfering you guys."

"How!?"

Actually, Reina doesn’t know why can’t he find a way out of the problem by himself. It’s rather easy since they are already dating.

"Try kissing her in front of them."

"That’s a bit.. "

"Why? Don’t tell me that you guys haven’t kissed!?"

"Oi, Reina! I could hear you! Don’t speak to that idiot, I don’t care even if he’s smarter than me!"

"Sayoko, you should forgive him already."

"If Sei-chan says so then fine."

Yet, Sayoko does not say anything other than that and continues eating. Toora is delighted hearing that Sayoko will finally forgive
him but he then saddens again when she doesn’t say anything more.
____________________________________________________________

"Sayoko, Toora, sorry but I’m going somewhere for today. See you guys later."

Seichi skips away after putting on his shoes.

The three others just stare at his disappearing figure.

Soon enough, Reina splits up with the couple. They say their goodbye and Reina is now alone, walking home by herself.

Her house is actually quite far from here. Therefore, she always have to wake up early in order not to be late for school.

As she turns another corner, two men approach her from the front, blocking her way.

She tries to go around them but they stop her.

"I’m surprised, I thought high school girls today all wear makeup and such."

"Please let me through." Reina is annoyed. Two strangers are blocking her way, she didn’t do anything to them so why are the
talking to her.

"Aww, come on. I’m complimenting you here. It’s rare to find a beauty these days.

"How about hanging out with us for a while? We’ll pay for ya’. "

The two guys said after another.

"I refuse. Therefore, please let me through. "

"Why you." They are obviously mad. Their plan to pick up a cute girl is failing. Reina doesn’t understand at all. Why would they be
mad at her when they are the one causing the scene.

"Reina -chan, you were here? I’m sorry, I walked too fast, didn’t I. "

"Oi, pretty boy. What do you think you’re doing?"

"Making sure my girl friend is not getting hurt."

"Che! Whatever, let’s go, bro. "

The two guys click their tongues and walk away, thinking that the girl is already taken.

"Do you have to go through this everyday? "

"N-No, only a few times in a month. By the way, why are you here?"

Reina looks at Seichi who is scratching his head with a awkward smile.

"I didn’t feel like going home yet?"

Seichi answers as if he is questioning himself. Reina soon gets that he doesn’t feel like going home with the Toora and Sayoko.

He’ll be a third wheel if he did.

"Where’s your house? I’ll walk with you."
__________________________________________________________

"Your house is really far."

"W-well you wanted to come with me in the first place. Don’t complain."

"I’m not complaining though."

Reina quietly walks faster, not wanting Seichi to notice her flushed expression. She looks down as she walks.

"Reina-chan."

"Reina? It is you. How has it been?"

The two stops their tracks and look at the person in front of them. Reina widen her eyes, looking at the guy and a girl beside him.

The girl is wrapping her herself on the guy’s arm. Reina don’t know her but she knows that she’s his new girlfriend.

Seichi stands behind Reina, not knowing the situation.

"Hmm. I see you have a new girlfriend. "

"Yeah, I see you have a new guy too. Still trying to forget that Toora guy? Or have you finally given up?"

"That’s none of your business anymore."

Reina looks to the side. She doesn’t want to look at him in the eye at all nor that she wants to talk about this in with Seichi
watching.

"Honey, we’re going to be late."

"Alright, let’s go. "

The couple walk pass Reina as if nothing happened. She is still in her place, having one arm gripping the other while looking
down.

Seichi suddenly pads her on the head.

"I don’t know what happened but you did the right thing."

"Yeah, I did the right thing." Reina smiles again and walk ahead. She turns and smile at the still in placed Seichi.

Seichi lightly laughs at the cute action when Reina almost fell for turning so fast. He catches up to her and tells her to be careful
while still laughing.

Reina doesn’t mind at all being laughed at by him. It’s fun just by being with him, she thought.
___________________________________________________________

Reina wakes up, feeling very refresh knowing that yesterday is not a dream. Seichi had really walked her home without any
complaints.

She then gets herself ready for school, wanting to see the boy’s face again. After a complete hour, she is now on her way.

Walking through the quiet streets, she passes by the elderly who are jogging and some are watering the plants or give their pet
some food.

Reina always feel at ease at this time of day because all those troublesome graduated guys that are trying to flirt with her are now
indoors falling in a deep sleep.

As she walks to the main street that leads to the school, she sees Sayoko and Toora. They are walking oh so happily.

Surprisingly, none of the fangirls are approaching Toora.

Instead, Reina sees the fangirls weeping silently as they walk side by side. A happy atmosphere at one side and a gloomy one on
the other.

"Reina-chan. Good morning."

"G-Good morning, Seichi. "

"So, can you join this Friday? " Seichi’s eyes are filled with hope. He really don’t want to be a third wheel but he really wants to go
the hot springs.

"Since it’s a holiday, I’ve got permission. "

Seichi lightens up more at the good news. He is literally smiling from ear to ear. Though he’s in high school, he looks like a young
boy at the moment.

"So, should I know what happened? " Reina points at the awkwardly walking couple.

"Toora did as what you told him yesterday. "

"He actually kissed her in front of them?" Reina is surprised, she meant that as a joke yesterday but Toora really did it.

Seichi nods, confirming the question.

"Everyone make way! Going through! Sorry!"

Someone yells from behind in a panicking voice. A guy is riding his bicycle very fast. Even though he’s smoothly avoids the
people walking by, he is scared since it’s a downhill ride.

As the bike approaches Reina, Seichi boldly pulls Reina to his side. Fortunately, the guy didn’t hit anyone and got in to school
safely.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Seichi then walks a bit ahead and Reina hard follows him from behind.
___________________________________________________________

The passing days goes with the group of four eating lunch together and split up to go home and meeting again the next day. The
routine goes for about three days and today is finally Friday.

Despite still being a weekday, it’s actually a holiday. Toora, Sayoko and Seichi meet up with Reina and they all walk together to
the train station.

Even though the train to Osaka is a little pack since it’s a holiday, they still able to find seats.

The seats are on each side so they have to split into two. Without a word, Toora and Sayoko sit together. Therefore, Seichi and
Reina are now side by side with each other.

"Toora, wake me up when we arrive. " Sayoko slowly falls asleep due to tiredness.

Toora hums, carefully pulling her head to his shoulder after knowing that she had really fell asleep.

"Reina -chan, you can sleep too if you want."

"E-Eh. N-No, that won’t be necessary. " Seichi silently laughs at the flushed Reina.

"Then, want to play a game?"

"What is it?"

Seichi takes out his smartphone. Scrolling through his app, he decides on one.

"How about this?"

"Reversi? Okay."

Soon enough, the game of rivalry begins.

Reversi is a game where you have to capture your opponent and turn their coloured pieces into your own. The winner is the one
with the most pieces in their own colour.

Just like chess, there’s black and white side. But unlike chess, it doesn’t make your head spin for you to think at a difficult level.

The game soon ends after half an hour of concentration, Reina admits defeat. They then go another round with her bursting with
passion to win. Plus, they made a bet on the loser buys the winner ice cream.

"I lost this round. That means I have to treat you ice cream when we get to the station."

"You don’t have to. It was just a game."

"I still lost though. "

"But"

"Besides, I want to buy Reina-chan some ice cream." Seichi smiles at Reina.

For the unknown times in this week, Reina blushes and looks away to hide her face even though it is no use.

Seichi looks out the window, smiling and enjoying the view.
___________________________________________________________

At last, the group of 4 arrive at the location. They all look at the building, standing side by side in a line.

The building looks a little rundown but that doesn’t mean the inside is worst. The interior is more better looking than they thought.

They are greeted by the receptionist.

"We would like two rooms please. And we would like to use these." Toora makes the request while the others stand bebind him.

"I apologize. There’s only one room left as ot is a holiday today. Plus, these are actually for one room."

"Then well just take the offer. "

"Eh? Sayoko? "

"What? We came all this way and your parents told us to use them."

Sayoko takes the key and follows a staff to their room. Reina and Seichi quietly follows while Toora is the only one fighting his
consciousness.

The thought of him being in the same room with his beloved is making him hot. Seichi notices this and says something to him.

"Me and Reina-chan are here too, you know." Seichi lightly laughs before catching up to the two girls.

"Right, there goes the fun. " Toora sighs and grabs his bags. He quickly runs through the corridor, not wanting to be left out.

"Here is your room. Please enjoy your stay. We are ready for any possible requests."

The four enters the traditional looking room and put down their bags.

"Now then, let’s divide the space."

"Eh? I can’t be with Sayoko at all? No fun." Toora whines at Sayoko’s idea.

"How about we just decide where we sleep and not divide anything."

"But then you two guys would"

"Sayoko-chi, let’s sleep on that side and the guys can use the opposite side."

"Alright then, if Reina and Sei-chan is Okay with this then I don’t mind."

"Aren’t you acting cold towards me right now?"

Toora complains to his lover. Not that he minds though.
___________________________________________________________

"Waa! This feel so good." Sayoko and Reina both dip themselves into the hot springs.

"I feel so relax."

"Sayoko-chi, what is it like now that you have Toora as a boyfriend? "

Reina asks as she turns around and puts her chin on the a flat rock.

"Eh!? W-Why are you asking me this all of the sudden?" Sayoko shutters and asks the question.

"I’m just asking."

"Then don’t ask." Sayoko puts both of her palms on each side of her cheeks.

Reina just lightly laughs at the action.

"Reina, do you like Sei-chan? "

"Do I really have to answer?" Reina questions her in a soft voice while still in her position.

"Aww, come on. Sei-chan had become so handsome compared to when he was a child."

"Yeah, it’s only you and Toora that share the memory. I met you during middle school, remember? "

"Right, I forgot. Sorry."

Meanwhile, in the boy’s section, the two are talking about their childhood memories.

"Toora, now that I think about it. Why didn’t you confessed in the years before I came back?"

"It’s Sayoko we are talking about. What do you think she’ll say."

"True, it might be something like ’Stop joking, you idiot’ . "

"Don’t say it out, I might dream of it. By the way, you’ve changed, a lot."

"I managed myself well, right? Before I moved, I had always thought I might not even live without Sayoko. But I already knew this
would happen. "

Seichi mumbles the last part to himself.

"What?"

"Nothing."
___________________________________________________________

"Ahh. That was really refreshing."

"Oi, Sayoko. Wear your yukata right."

Toora scolds Sayoko as soon as she and Reina arrives at their room.

"What are you talking about? I always wear them like this."

"Sayoko-chi, he’s saying ’Don’t wear it like that. I’m already at my limit.’ , right Toora?"

"I didn’t say that at all!"

"Does anyone want ice cream? I’m going to buy some."

"I want some chocolate flavored. "

"I’m fine."

Sayoko excites at the suggestion and orders one. Toora refuses as he doesn’t want any at the moment.

"Reina-chan, let’s go."

"Eh? Ah! Okay."

Reina follows Seichi out. It’s a good thing that tonight’s air is a little warm. The two just wear their yukatas like that and stroll off to
a convenience store nearby.

"Reina-chan, I don’t know why but I’m rather curious of your relationship with that guy the other day. Can you tell me?"

"I don’t mind telling if you really want to know."

"Please tell me, after we buy the ice cream first."

Seichi chirps. They soon arrive to the store and bought their ice cream.

"What about Sayoko-chi? "

"Toora told me that she’s easily light headed after a full dip in a hot spring so we don’t have to buy any for her. She’ll fall asleep
soon enough."

Reina suppress her thoughts about leaving Sayoko with Toora alone is not a brilliant idea but since they are childhood friends,
she doubts Toora will do anything that will anger Sayoko again.

Later, they bought their sweets and decide a place to eat and talk. Not even knowing how, they found a large fountain and sit on
the bench next to it.

Seichi opens a packet and pass it to Reina.

"T-Thanks."

Seichi then opens his own and waits for Reina to start her story.

"I’ll start then. It’s rather a short story actually."

"I don’t mind."

"W-Well, first of all, I liked Toora. "

"Eh!?" Seichi almost chokes if it’s even possible. He is shocked. He didn’t know this up until now.

"Yeah. It was half a year ago. That guy said that he can help me forget about Toora if I tried dating him. So I did but the dates
didn’t make me happy at all. Then just before you transferred to our school, he broke up with me. "

"Are you okay with that?"

"I don’t really mind. I already knew that he was cheating behind my back."

"Then should you tell Toora your feelings at least?"

"Do you still remember that day when they both confessed? You found me hiding behind the wall, right? What was I doing at the
time?"

"You looked really sad. Don’t tell me, you!?"

"Right, I confessed. Getting rejected really hurt. Seichi came to me and said ’it’s a better day tomorrow. ’ . You told me to call you
by your name. I was really happy. I’m glad that I confessed. Therefore, I didn’t make the wrong choice at all."

Seichi silently listen to Reina, mentally trying to find encouraging words for the broken hearted girl.

"Besides, I get to know Seichi better."

"Then Reina, fall for me instead." Seichi calmly said with a serious tone.

Reina is taken by surprise. They both stare at each other for who knows he long. Her face suddenly turns red realizing Seichi
called her by her name without the chan.

The sudden confession made her blush. Plus, it’s from a guy she’s currently likes.

"E-Eh? H-How can I, you don’t even like me."

"Right, right. I’m sorry. I blurt something idiotic trying to find some encouraging words for Reina-chan. It’s getting late. Let’s get
back."

The two quietly walk back to their room. Awkwardly trying to form another conversation,  they opens their room’s door to find
Sayoko already asleep in her futon. Toora is reading a book outside.

"Finally, you’re back."
___________________________________________________________

"Toora, shouldn’t you wake Sayoko up? "

"She’ll kill me if I do. "

Usually, the girls would wake up first but somehow, the two early birds are the guys.

A staff member had just informed them that food are being served in the dining area, Toora and Seichi decides to quickly wake
the girls up so that they can go eat.

This is what Toora was afraid of. The two girls are in a yukata as they sleep. The pieces of cloth had become slightly undone,
making a few skin visible to the two guys.

If they are married couples, then the guys would just have their meal here and now. Toora slaps himself for thinking such
thoughts.

"I know." Seichi said.

He carefully takes the girls blanket so not to wake them up. He successfully takes it but Reina shifting her body to the other side
made him panic a little.

Then, he spreads the blanket onto both of the girls.

"You can wake them now."

"What? You do it."

"What’s with the noise?"

Their voices made Reina wake up. She slowly sit up right while scratching her eyes to adjust with the sudden brightness.

"I’m gonna ask if we can eat here instead." Toora walks away and out the door to ask a passing staff member.

Seichi turns around so quickly that Reina wonders why. Reina soon gets her answer as she looks down.

A little part of her inner wear is exposed. She quickly fixes her yukata and looks back at Seichi. His back is still facing her.

"You saw,didn’t you?"

"I’m sorry?" Seichi answers not knowing if it’s the right thing to say.

"No, it’s my fault in the first place. I’ll wake Sayoko-chi up."

"I would appreciate that, Reina-chan. "

Reina couldn’t stop from feeling an arrow being directly pierced through her. She is sad with what happened last night but sucks
them all up. Seichi goes out searching for Toora.

Soon, Sayoko wakes up after being nudged by Reina. The food arrives, Toora and Seichi helped the staff member to bring then
into their room.

The four then eats as if nothing happened. Only Sayoko is the clueless one right now.
_____________________________________________________________

The following days passes by, Seichi and Reina have been awkward with each other and Sayoko notices this.

"Reina, spill it."

Their location is in Reina’s house. She invited Sayoko to have some girl bonding time and make some cupcakes and biscuits.

"Huh?"

"There was a lot of awkwardness between you and Sei-chan. "

"Sayoko-chi, what should I do?"

Reina, as if burst in tears, asks Sayoko. She tells Sayoko her whole story, leaving out the part where she liked Toora in order not
to anger Sayoko.

Sayoko just laughs after hearing the incomplete story.

"Wait, doesn’t that just mean Sei-chan likes you? "

"But he said "

"It might be because you said that sentence. He might have thought you don’t like him at all and felt rejected."

"Eh? But I didn’t mean it like that."

"Say that to the actual person."

Reina then quietly makes her cupcakes. She is deep in thoughts figuring out possible ways to have a better relationship with
Seichi again.

"Sayoko-chi. "

"Yeah?"

"Should I confess?"

"If you have the courage to do so then just do it." Sayoko skillfully makes her dough as she talks to Reina.

"What if he really rejects me?"

"Then find new love." If only the words didn’t hit Reina directly in the chest, it would have been a really cool thing to say.
Reina sighs.

"I guess there’s nothing to lose."

Sayoko smiles at her, giggling at how cute she looks at the moment.
__________________________________________________________

"I feel like vomiting. "

"Oi, are you okay? " Toora questions Reina in a panicking voice.

"I think this time is more worst compared to when I confessed to you."

"Eh? I feel hurt for some reason." Right now, there’s only them on the rooftop.

Sayoko has gone down to search for Seichi. Toora knows that Reina likes Seichi since about two weeks ago.

He wonders how can the human heart change the emotion towards the opposite sex so fast but he is relief that Reina isn’t
suffering because of her feelings for him anymore.

"We’re here!" The door opens revealing Sayoko and Seichi. It looks like Seichi was dragged here.

Sayoko then forcefully pushes Seichi. He almost trip in front of Reina but he quickly finds his balance and stand up right.

"Ah right! Toora, a teacher is looking for you." Sayoko yells out to her lover.

"Where?" Clueless, Toora moves to her side.

"I’ll show you."

The two then close the door behind them. They aren’t looking for the teacher at all. Instead, they hid behind the door, Sayoko has
already begun eavesdropping.

"Haha. Hi." Seichi awkwardly greets Reina.

Since Seichi is right in front of her, Reina thinks that there’s no turning back now.

"Seichi, I like you!"

"Huh? Eh!?" Seichi is surprised. He had thought that Reina doesn’t like him at all and only sees him as a friend.

He looks at Reina. She’s bowing and extends her hand with a bag of cookies she baked last night.

Seichi blushes. Knowing that there isn’t anyone around, he takes the bag and opens it. He eats one and says something.

"It’s delicious, can I really have them all to myself?"

Reina looks up and nods, still waiting for her wanted answer. His words just made her hope for the neither positive or negative
answer.

"Then can I ask for you to bake more just for me as we date?"

"Eh? I -I thought you don’t like me?" Reina uncontrollably blushes after fully taking in the question.

"It’s rather the opposite. I thought you don’t like me." Seichi said.

"So we have mutual feelings?"

"Yeah. I guess." Seichi looks away to hide his embarrassment, he also scratches his neck.

If the time is evening, then the light would glow covering his lightly flustered cheeks.

"And that the end of the story. Yay."

Sayoko invites herself into the conversation and claps to congratulate them.

The new couple blush hard for the unknown time. Reina whines at her friend.
________________________________________________________
The End.