"I wish I had met you first," Kou mumbles, leaning against your front door. "I think it would've been easier."

Maybe it was mean to tell you that. He knows you like him but you both know he likes Futaba, even if he acts poorly to her most of the time. She was stubborn, short-tempered, and overall irritating. Half the time he struggled to understand why he perused her, especially when you were here, and would probably make him happier.

He'd be a liar if he said he wasn't affected by you too though. It just felt different than what he felt with Futaba. With her, he felt the constant need to tease her or get her so frustrated that she'd end up storming away with a frustrated expression. Like he did tonight at the fireworks festival.

He was planning on chasing her but he wanted to make sure you got home safely first before he chased her down. It was supposed to be a quick drop off but on the way he got to thinking.

You were the calm in his life. Someone he could share all those bitter feelings of resentment with without any judgment or unwanted sympathy. You just listened. Futaba would cry if he confided in her and he didn't want that. If he wasn't crying, why was she?

Half the time he wasn't sure if he wanted her. If it was only the lingering feelings of a first love he lost that kept him coming back to her.

But standing here, looking down at you. It almost made him want to stay. To see what it'd feel like to be pursuing you and not someone fighting him at every step.

"Sorry, I'm just talking nonsense," He sighs, waving his hand dismissively and walking down the porch steps.