Release and Bravery

-Setsuna-

How did I lose control like this? I rubbed my forehead. Ryo and Kagome shouldn't be together. It's just wrong! But everyone seems okay with it.

What makes it worse is Seiho is demanding that I choose him. I gritted my teeth and I pulled my hair. I can't take this anymore!

“Something wrong, dear?” I heard behind me. I turned and found grandma sitting on the couch. I sighed and shook my head.

“No,” I lied. “Just a bit stressed.” I sat down next to grandma.

“Actually,” I said. “It's a mess.”

“Love problems?” she asked. I turned to her, frowning.

“Am I that obvious?” I asked. Grandma smiled.

“I was once young, you know,” she said. I put my arms behind my head.

“The whole thing hurts my head,” I said. “Where do I begin?”

“From the beginning,” Grandma said. I looked like I would faint as I chuckled.

“Well, remember Ryo-kun, right?” I asked.

“That's the really cute boy, yes?” Grandma asked. My cheeks tried bright red.

“Yeah,” I said. “Well... He's in love with his ex-step-sister.” I clenched my fists in my lap.

“It's just wrong!” I said through clenched teeth.

“Why is that?” she asked. I stared at her with my jaw dropped. Usually, I had that answer ready to go. But this time, I lowered my eyes.

“Well,” I began. It just is.

“They used to be step siblings,” I said at last.

“And now?” Grandma asked.

“Their parents were divorced for some time and now they are getting back together.” It hurt to say that. I felt myself getting angry again. But then, Grandma put her hand on my shoulder. I turned my head. She smiled and shook hers.

“That's not all, is it?” Grandma asked. I struggled to speak. Was I that easy to read? I dropped my head.

“I can't let him go,” I confessed. “Why her? I'll always been there for Ryo-kun. But, he's never once looked at me that way. Why her? Why? I don't understand it!” I dropped my head.

“He's not the only guy I like, though,” I confessed.

“Oh?” Grandma asked. My face turned red.

“This one is a total geek boy who's really weird, but nice,” I said. “He's made his feelings to me real clear.”

“How do you feel about him?” Grandma asked.

“I... I actually like him,” I said. “But...”

“But?” she asked. I sighed and dropped my shoulders.

“He's pushing me to give up Ryo-kun,” I said. “He's never been like this before. When did he get this stern?”

“How do you feel about both boys?” Grandma asked. I pressed my lips together.

“I really like Seiho-kun,” I admitted in a soft voice. To tell the truth, over New Year's I realized that I already lost to Kagome. I guess I just didn't want to let go. I smiled and shook my head.

“I guess I have one more thing left to do,” I said.

“Good luck,” Grandma said.

---------

The next day, I waited for Seiho-kun at the school gates. I shifted in place as I rubbed my hands together. I can do this. I slowly took in a breath. When I looked up, Seiho-kun stood in front of me.

“Well?” he asked with his eyes locked on me. I clenched my fists and drew in breath.

“I choose you,” I said.

“Thank you,” he said, bowing his head. Strangely, I began to feel better. Maybe this could work out. Maybe Seiho-kun can help me move on from Ryo-kun. I think I might like this future with him.

Stand Up, Girl