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Chapter 3. This Moment of happiness…

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Onoda opened his eyes slowly and the first thing he saw is Manami worried blue eyes staring back at him.

It's already dark when he notices his surroundings. He currently lies down against one of the bench beside a vending machine in the city park with his head pillowed on Manami's lap.

"Sakamichi-kun, thank goodness, you're awake!" Manami sighed in relief the moment Onoda opened his eyes. Although they said Onoda only had light concussion because his head hit the hard road, he still worried if the glasses male didn't woke up.

Onoda blinking once and then twice when suddenly everything comes back to him. The moments before he passed out. He felt so embarrassed and stupid for the fact he actually being knocked out by one punch.

I'm such a wimp…

That's pathetic…

But, More importantly…

"Manami-kun! Are you all right? What about that guy? He didn't do anything to you, did he?" Ignoring the pain that surge from his head, Onoda force himself to get up and try to get a better look at the blue haired male, making sure he didn't injure or something.

"I am fine, about that guy…well, he was arrested for doing violence in public by the officer who passed there by coincidence." Manami smiled to reassure him that everything is fine.

"Ah, so that what was it…" Onoda let out a sigh. Honestly he is relief knowing the fact Manami was okay. It would seriously turn bad if something happen to him during their first going out together.

"How…how do I look? Is it bad? Am I having a bump or something?" Onoda asks as he runs his fingers across his face to examine if there were a bump or swollen part. However his motion stopped by Manami hand that grasp his hand and fondle them gently.

"It's just…your nose is broken." The blue haired male guides his hand and then places his palm atop of his wounded nose covered in bandage.

"Eh?! No way!" He touches his nose and felt sting of pain came from his wound. "This is bad! What should I told mom when I go home?" Onoda mumbling to himself in panic. He doesn't want to imagine his mother response! He definitely will get scold.

"I'm sorry…" A heartfelt apologize come out in low voice from Manami. He really sounds truly sorry for being the cause that put Onoda in uncomfortable situation. His head were bowed a little along with his ahoge, clearly represent the immense guilt he felt.

"Eh? W-why Manami-kun apologizes to me?" Onoda raise his eyebrow and tilted his head a bit. Sounds confused.

"Because…if it weren't for me, you wouldn't…" Manami glance aside as he lamented his apology.

"No! No! No! Wait!" Onoda raise his hand in front of Manami face, ready to voice his objection. "It was not your fault! I am the one that brought this upon myself!"

"I mean, earlier I acted without thinking… so you shouldn't have felt bad for me, it's all entirely my own mistake!"

"Then, why did you do that? You know that you will get hurt. You don't have to do that."

"Eh? Well…" "I guess… I just can't bear to see you getting hurt…"

"Hmph," Manami scoffed when he covering his mouth with both his palm "What was that?" unable to hold any longer, Manami laughed out loud at Onoda embarrassing confession. "Ahahahaha! That sounds really weird!"

Onoda blinked once at Manami response before let out a long. 'Eeeeeeeeeeh?! Why?'

"But…thank you." Manami said sheepishly after his laughter ceased. "For protecting me…"

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"Aah...It's already this late…" Manami commented when he saw the time display on his cellphone screen. It's already 07:15 pm

"I'm sorry, if only I wake up more faster!" Onoda responded, immediately assumed it was his fault.

"Just relax, I probably only get scold by my mom."

"Hnn, about the ramen shop…do you still want to go?"

"It's alright, I'll just eat at home. Beside your family will also be worried if you don't go home quickly."

"A-ah, yeah, you had a point."

The two of them decide to return the rented bicycles first before the shop closed and then escort Manami back to the station.

They walk through the narrow alleyway on their way to the station. Usually in this hour there are some salary mans about to go home from his office will passed this street but because today was Sunday, the street already empty.

The only source of light apparently came from the public streetlight. Illuminate the dark of the night with its translucent lights.

Walking side by side in this empty street make the nervous feeling suddenly arise within Onoda. On top of that, he doesn't have any interesting topic to begin a conversation.

The image of their first kiss reappears in his minds once again and in the wrong time and wrong place. He afraid if he were to opened his mouth right now he would only say embarrassing stuff and make the situation become more awkward between them.

However he halt his step when he hears Manami stopped on his track one step behind him.

"Ma-Manami-kun?" Onoda asked and a little confused of his odd behavior.

Is that…tint of pink I saw on his cheek? He asks to himself. He might doesn't have sharp vision but that blush on Manami cheek are so visible that it's hard to ignore.

"Sakamichi-kun." This time Manami is the one who speak. His tone is firm but somewhat Onoda can notice a hint of uncertainty and nervousness inside.

"Umm, you know…" Onoda notice he is fidgeting a bit as the words escape his mouth. "About that time…in the classroom…do you want to…now?" Startle by Manami sudden proposition, Onoda let out a tiny squeak.

Knowing very well the meaning behind those unspoken word. Onoda can feel the heat rising on his face. Covered his whole face with shade of red.

"Eh? Oh…Umm…I…" Flustered, Onoda pondering, unsure whether to give in or not for such intriguing temptation.

If he thinks about it, this supposed to be perfect opportunity! The street is empty, the moods already arise and he granted a permission to continue. When will something like this present itself once again?!

Also, In order to enjoy this day to the fullest, both of them already put their cellphone in silent mode. To block any unexpected incoming calls that might interfere.

To put it bluntly, nothing gets in the way.

Onoda then focused his attention at the blue haired male before him. In his opinion, Manami has a pretty face for a guy standard. He depicts him as mixture of adorable and beautiful. That plump peach colored lip that tastes as soft as it looks. To tell the truth he long to kiss the said lip once again.

However, there is a question he can't shake off his mind ever since the time they first kissed.

"I-I can't…" His answer made the hopeful expression on Manami face replace with disappointment in instant.

"I…I see…" The blue haired male made a move to pull away and about to continue his step, before suddenly he is startle by Onoda that suddenly grasp his arm.

"Please don't get the wrong idea! Is not that I don't want it!"

"It just…I have something I want to ask you…I've wanted to ask you earlier, but…" For a moment Onoda seems hesitant to ask. Was this really a good idea? He thought to himself.

"What is it?' Manami sounds a little eager and impatient to know.

"I…" He takes a deep breath finally decide to hear the answer that will quench his curiosity. "Why do you like someone like me?"

They live in age where fashion and style definite someone character. In order to stand out your characteristic you need a particular style to adapt.

However, Onoda unlike most teenagers his age, overall the only description you can get from him is plain and ordinary. He doesn't dye his hair or wear accessories. With his under average height, his slim non-existent abs figure and large round glasses hanging with backpack slinging casually on his back. He completes people description of Otaku. The nerdy type person that almost always avoided by most people.

Not exactly someone you would do a double take on if you pass him on the street.

Instead of someone like him, there are so many cool looking guys in Hakogaku.

Judge by looks there is Shinkai Hayato, that sprinter can make most girls swoon over him only with a single gesture. The strong willed Arakita Yasutomo, Onoda always look up to him and admire him ever since he heard the story of his past, he thinks he is really cool. Heck, even Toudou Jinpachi the sleeping beauty with his undeniable charm still a lot cooler than him.

With a face like that, Manami could do other person, boys or girls that much better than plain guy like him.

"Why would somebody like me…" He chews his bottom lip. This might be the feeling of his low self-esteem but Onoda truly don't understand why Manami liking someone like him at all.

"Sakamichi-kun, do you remember our first meeting?" Onoda watch as Manami lips stretch and form his trademark easy-going smile.

"I asked you if you like mountain and you answered yes with sparkling eyes, it was enough to prove how much you love to climb." He continue when he see Onoda nodded eagerly like a squirrel. "Mostly, people would respond my question while giving me a strange look or answer it with jokes. But you're different."

"You know? I really thrilled when I see you tried your best to join the Inter-high to fulfill the promise between us. No one has ever take me that serious before." Probably because of his free-spirited nature people tend to perceive him as an airhead that can't be taken seriously. "Honestly, that made me happy."

"I also impressed by your skill since our first race, that natural talent of climbing you had still amaze me to this day." To think an amateur can catch up to his speed in that condition.

"You also a really kind person and reliable friend." He refers to the time Onoda patiently lead Tadokoro back to Sohoku pack. He is the type who would never abandon his comrade. "I find that strong and selfless part of you really admirable."

"In the end, I am late for the third period and being scolded by Iincho, but it was worth it for being able to met you, Sakamichi-kun." Manami get closer and then bent down a little to bump his forehead against Onoda. Grinned in satisfaction, enjoying the view of completely red face Onoda.

"Eh? No! no! I am not such good person, I mean…I…uh…" Onoda scratches his head. "Most people who know me always said that I am a boring person, well…aside from bike racing club member."

"That's odd…it's the contrary in my case." Manami's deep blue gaze meet with Onoda brown chestnut orbs"I never get bored when you around me, Sakamichi-kun."

"Shall we continue?" He said when they faces really close to each other. Unable to think of any response since Manami answers already chase the rest of his lingering doubts away.

Onoda can only nod in embarassment and close his eyes as he lean forward to kiss the lips belong to the blue haired male before him, waiting to be claimed.

Manami can feel the warm breath coming from Onoda as he shifted closer and closer to him. Filled with excitement and anticipation however nervousness as well since he felt his stomached churned and his heart beat become faster each second.

Until…

Ah-Chooo!

The moment was cut short by loud sneezing come from Manami.

"Ah…I'm sorry…Achoo!" Manami said before turn his face aside to sneezing once again. Onoda can only stare dumb-founded with his face and glasses covered in snot and saliva at Manami who still sneezing in front of him.

This is embarrassing….I hope he doesn't mad at me…

Manami thought dreadfully as he wipes his wet nose. He honestly doesn't want to make Onoda disappointed at him. For ruined such perfect moment again. However, before he turn to apologize once more, Manami eyes widened when he felt some piece of clothes slung over his shoulder.

He turns and saw Onoda drape his orange jacket on him. His feature filled with worry as he attentively watching the blue haired male.

"Are you alright? Sorry…I should've notice that the air was pretty cold." Onoda blame himself for not realizing the apparent chill from the low temperature.

Manami seems didn't realize it either until Onoda point it out. With such thin clothes Manami wearing, there might be a chance he'll catch a cold.

"No…you shouldn't apologize for something like this…also, this…"

"A-ah, you may use it if you want! I mean…if you don't mind…" Onoda seems really anxious, trying to explain his reason.

Unpredictable maybe, but that choice of action was not something he would ever reject. "Of course, I appreciate it." Manami responded with a warm smile.

"Let's get back to the train station, you need to hurry back home and soak yourself in the hot bath. You will catch cold if you don't."

"Pfft…somehow you sounds exactly like my mom." Manami said while chuckling in amusement.

"W-well my mom often scold me if I didn't take care of myself properly…" Onoda admit truthfully and a little shy for have to admitted that.

"Then, shall we go?"

"Y-yeah…"

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"Sakami-" Manami made an attempt to ask when Onoda suddenly grasp his hand lightly, but decide to cut off when he caught the sight of embarrassed Onoda judging by how red the tip of his ears had become.

…..

I never realize…someone hand can feel this warm…

Manami thought as he looking at the person walking in front of him. A small content smile slowly appear on his face upon witnessing Onoda, slowly he raised his palm at his right chest feeling his hearbeat.

My chest is fluttering, my heart beating so fast, this kind of feelings…

What did they call them again? This overwhelming feeling of happiness…

Manami closed his eyes the moment a wishful thinking crossed his mind.

If only time can be stopped at this moment, because I want this happiness to last forever…

….

They spend the rest of the trip to the train station with holding hand in comfortable silence surrounding them. Words aren't needed to express their feelings right now.

When they arrive on the station, is time to say goodbye to Manami.

"It's fine! It's okay! You don't have to return it now!" Onoda raise his palm in objection when Manami about to take off his orange jacket and return it to him.

"Well then, I guess I'll give this back after I washed it." Manami said amused by Onoda expression that suddenly brighten the moment he said there are possibility they would meet again.

"The train is about to depart, so…I'll see you next time."

"Yeah, see you next time."

"Sakamichi-kun," Manami said before he walks into the train, crossing the yellow line that becomes a boundary between them. "Thank you, I had a really good time today."

"Y-yeah, I also really enjoy today…" Onoda answered, seems a little flustered.

"Um, if you don't mind, do you want to going out with me again…?" Manami can sense a hint of hopeful tone in Onoda question.

"I am looking forward to it." Manami answered without hesitant, right before the train automatic door closed.

Onoda watching with a content smile as the departed train getting further and further away from the station until it was disappear from his sight, he then look up to the dark sky.

"This is really a good day."

He muttered under his breath.

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Inside the train, Manami was sitting in silence. The train is pretty empty if is not for two persons aside from him. One of them was an old man reading a business magazine and the other was a young girl, probably around his age. She is busy typing a message with her cellphone.

Not that he mind since Manami pretty much prefer this moment quietness and solitude. It probably will be one and half hour before this train will arrive at his station so he got a lot of time to contemplate of a lot of things.

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I really like your scent!

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He chuckle a little when he remember the time Onoda had said that sentences to him. He trace his finger gently at the orange jacket Onoda lent to him and sniff them a little.

This scent…is warm and very gentle…it's remind me of the warmth of the sunshine…

Blissfull smile appears on his feature as he tightened the thick orange coat around him and slowly closed his eyes.

…...

"Hey, Sakamichi-kun you know?…I also really like your scent…"

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The End

A/N : At last I finished this fic! I know this story still filled with many flaws but I tried my best to write it.

I really like the interaction between Onoda and Manami ever since they first met and they probably the first couple I ship from they're first encounter. They both a simple-minded and polite person, honestly the simplicity of their relationship is what draw me to ship them in the first place.

I always portrayed them as a couple with pleasantly sweet relationship with fluffy atmosphere (So, second base is still a long way to go). Seeing their heart-warming interaction can make me feel at ease and I can enjoy making their stories without need to worry about any complicated stuff.

I know that this pairing is lack popularity. Especially with Onoda as 'Seme' with his round doe eyes and height, he can pass as a girl (Please tell me I am not the only fan girl who find clumsy, timid and caring Seme intriguing)

Once, I decide to give up on one pairing I really like for the same reason, and I always regret that decision. Is rare to find their artwork together or even a fan fiction about them.

But, now, I made new resolution to not give up on this pairing no matter what!

I am sorry for my random ramblings, and thank you very much for reading my story.

I hope to see you all again in my future story. ^^