I no longer want to be a part of this triangle

[Kazuki's POV:]

The date continued after that. We somehow sorted the misunderstandings and were able to start fresh and with less embarrassment this time.

We never had a plan where we wanted to go so we were just walking around.

"So Kohana-chan, what do you like to do on your free days? Any hobby?" I asked, trying to discern what could entertain her so we could do that.

"I like...watching movies. The horror ones." My face, which adopted an energetic smile, instantly froze.

....I am bad with horror movies. More like, I get frightened by jumpscare easily.

However, it wasn't necessary to watch horror movies, right? She said she likes watching movies so we can watch a romantic one as well, no?

"Kohana-chan, let's go watch a movie~"

******

[Available shows: The prison of the dead.

The cursed doll.]

Kill me!

For God's sake, there are only two movies available and both are one heck of horrifying just by looking at their posters.

"Are you fine, Senpai?"

"I am absolutely fine!" I raised both of my thumbs to show that I wasn't scared to death and mustered up the brightest smile known to mankind

Wait...did I overdo it? I may have. She is looking at me with a confused gaze.

Not good.

"Let's get going!" I held her arm and led her inside. She yelped in surprise but we didn't pause until we reached the ticket counter.

"Give me the tickets for the most horrifying movie. The one which gives the audience caution at the beginning." I demanded with my hands on my waist. This gives the vibe that I am confident about watching horror.

I didn't want my girlfriend to discover on our first date that I scream like a girl while watching horror movies. The respect she has in her eyes for me might disappear, and she might say things like, 'I thought you were cool, Senpai. But you turned out to be a p*ssy.'

No! Kohana-chan, won't say something so vulgar....but she surely can say something around that.

So yeah, this is the right path!

I took the tickets and told Kohana-chan, "Let's get some popcorn first." She hesitantly nodded while still looking a little confused.

Don't look at me like that, Kohana...whatever doubts you have, I will clear them all by watching this movie without even flinching.

*****

*Tremble*

Holding the handles of the seat, I watched the big screen. My facial expression was still sober but from the inside, I was beyond terrified.

This was not just a bunch of jumpscare but there was a backstory of the ghost as well! The backstory of how he was tortured by his co-workers and family members before he became insane and killed himself.

A psycho ghost!

By half an hour, I was feeling my stomach churning and bile welling up in my throat. This was certainly not a good feeling.

Previously, when I glanced at Kohana-chan, I found she was far from being scared. She even yawned....like for real.

'How can she be so nonchalant?' I couldn't help but feel my admiration for Kohana-chan rising. If she didn't get scared by this, then I wonder what would be the movie that even she considers extreme.

*Grumble*

My stomach grumbled as I felt I might throw up any moment now.

It was then when suddenly Kohana-chan leaned toward me and whispered, "Senpai, let's move out."

I somehow made myself smile gently as I shook my head and said, "I am fine, it's okay." Maybe I was too obvious for her, after all.

However, Kohana-chan shook her head and again said, "Let's go out. This is very boring."

*******

After exiting the theatre we decided to take a break at the restaurant nearby. I ordered just a lemonade to get my taste buds back into working while Kohana-chan asked for coffee and a dark chocolate pastry.

While we were sitting silently, I finally decided to confess, "I am sorry Kohana-chan...I know because of me you decided to leave."

She didn't instantly refute my statement. Rather, she asked in a purely confused tone, "I knew Senpai was not good with horror films...then why did you insist on going?"

My eyes stretched a little, "You knew? How?" Last I remember, I didn't tell about this weakness of mine to anyone in my circle except for Kohta.

Kohana-chan smiled in embarrassment before replying, "You forgot that I used to stalk you?"

Generally, a person might feel disgusted hearing that someone is stalking them...but then maybe I am biased since Kohana-chan is cute.

Leaning forward, she said, "I was confused when you asked for the tickets even though we could have just skipped the movie."

My shoulders dropped as I decided to tell the truth,

"I-I wanted to look cool in your eyes...didn't want my reputation to go down." Oh God, I must be looking really stupid now in her eyes. But well, if I had lied here then I had a feeling that Kohana-chan would have sensed it.

From what I have observed she can read me like a book.

Kohana-chan remained silent for several minutes and I also didn't say anything. I was conflicted about what she must be thinking but I couldn't ask her. I have already made a fool out of myself a lot today.

The waiter soon arrived and served our drinks.

Once he left, I picked up the glass and was about to sip when Kohana asked, "Do you know Senpai, when did I fall in love with you?"

The question got me curious and slightly nervous as I nodded for her to continue.

With a nostalgic smile, she asked, "Do you remember the date, 17th August 2023?"

I didn't have to think even more than a second to respond, "The day our school lost in the finals of the basketball championship."

I was...a part of that team.

I can't forget about that day to the very end of my life. I still feel regretful of that day.

But why does Kohana-chan remember that day?

"Because I was there...when everyone left and you remained there in the indoor gym for the rest of the evening."

My jaw dropped as I looked at Kohana in astonishment.

"I was there when you kept on playing even after everyone left. I was there when you were punishing yourself for the mistake you alone didn't make, but clearly, you were blaming yourself for the whole thing. I was there Senpai...witnessing how even an admirable and ambitious guy like you can crumble and cry over your loss."

My heart clenched. It felt like I was captured in a small box, unable to breathe or react properly.

In such an alarming situation, Kohana-chan held my hand and fondly said, "That was the day I fell for you, Senpai—not because you're good-looking and popular, but because I saw that you have flaws and the determination to overcome them."

I was speechless; however, my mind raced at those words.

That day...I realized the depth of this strange feeling called love.

********

A/N:- The sweet fluffy romance is budding. Give it some time.