Chapter 19 – Phone Call

"Why would you say that…"

Takei was in a dazed state after Akari made that boisterous claim. He was having a hard time adjusting to reality after that interrogation happened. What surprised him more was Akari's reasoning for pretending to be his girlfriend.

"Uuu, I saw you in trouble and didn't know what to say. I just said the first thing that came to mind… I'm sorry."

A mountain of apologies came from the goddess. Takei was surprised the goddess could fail so spectacularly, but he wasn't angry. He thought it was kind of cute how she reacted to the situation.

Otherwise, Takei could honestly see why Akari would say something like that. Their relationship was much closer to being lovers than best friends. It would perfectly explain the situation, but their relationship wasn’t like that.

After clearing up the misunderstanding with Eiji and Rikka, Takei gave Akari a light scolding before heading home together. He knew she didn't have any ill intent so he let her off lightly.

If it means her opening up more, I'll gladly endure the embarrassment of her mistakes on the road to get there.

The two were close to reaching their respective homes after walking for a while. All of a sudden, Takei felt his shirt getting tugged. 

It turned out that Akari had tugged on the hem of Takei's shirt to get his attention. 

"Um, Takei…"

She shyly called out his name.

Takei was unsure as to why she was being so bashful. "What is it?"

A bright fire burned immensely in Akari's eyes.

"Would you like to talk over the phone for a bit before we go to sleep?"

"Huh…"

Takei didn't know how to answer this question. He isn't opposed to the idea, but he felt that it was a bit inappropriate. A guy and girl talking to each other over the phone before bedtime would usually signify a very close relationship.

Wait, are we actually that close? We aren't dating, but we do spend everyday with each other. Ah, whatever. It's a request from the goddess after all.

"...Sure, I don't mind."

Takei replied to Akari's question after a moment of hesitation. Akari seemed to be very nervous waiting on his answer, but was soon elated to find out his response.

Akari grinned widely. "It's a promise then!"

"Yeah, yeah fine. Go home already." Takei sighed in exasperation.

She nodded back in acknowledgment. "See you soon…"

A bewitching smile appeared on her face along with her saying a destructive phrase that could be easily misunderstood to be flirting. At least, that's what Takei thought. 

There was no way she would be flirting with him of all people, right?

***

Later that night…

*Ring* *Ring*

Takei's phone was going off at an unusual hour. He just finished up with doing some of his nightly duties and ended up playing mobile games while laying on his bed.

Akari Akazawa was the name that was highlighted on his screen.

“I guess I did promise to talk to her tonight…” Takei remembered as he scratched his head.

Another round of rings went off as he was reflecting on his earlier actions.

*Ring* *Ring*

“Well whatever… it’s not like I have much of a choice anyways.”

*Ri-

As the fifth ring was about to go through, Takei answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Ah…”

A soft voice came through from the other side of the phone. The same voice that he had been hearing everyday for the last couple weeks. Although it sounded lighter than usual, this voice definitely belonged to Akari.

Several moments passed without an actual response to his greeting, so Takei decided to move the conversation along.

“Umm, so what did you want to talk about?” 

“Nothing mu-... err, I wanted to thank you.”

Akari sounded unsure of herself, but she still managed a reply nonetheless.

Takei was confused though, “Thank me? What for?”

For all of Takei’s self-proclaimed grand observation and analysis skills, his evaluation of himself was way too low.

“For everything… You’ve given me so many firsts,” Akari said bashfully.

“Oi, don’t say something that someone can misunderstand easily.”

Takei was quick to retort, but he was definitely burning up on the inside. There was a high chance that he was as red as a tomato right now.

“Well… it’s also for my self satisfaction. It makes me happy when you’re happy.”

“...How can you say something like that so naturally...”

Takei somehow managed to let out a smooth line which resulted in Akari’s total defeat. Unbeknownst to him however, Akari was on her bed fidgeting immensely with a very flushed expression.

“Well it’s the same for me, my life has been a lot less boring and monotonous with you around. There’s a lot more color in my life now.” Takei smiled as he remembered the events of the past weeks.

It started off with him lending her an umbrella which led to him being pampered by her while being sick. From there, a series of events had led them to being even closer than before. It could be said that they were in the realm of best friends now. At least, that's what it felt like to Takei, but he was pretty sure Akari felt the same way.

He was content with being her best friend, there was no other position for him anyways. There was no chance of him being her lover in the future, he was clearly not qualified enough. Takei felt like he had no chance whatsoever. No matter how many times he reinforced that idea inside his head, there was always a lurking feeling inside of his heart arguing otherwise.

If you feel like you aren’t worthy enough, then why don’t you just make it so you’re worthy enough?

There’s nothing absolute in this world, so why not just go for it?

While in another corner of his heart, Takei’s insecurities were slowly taking hold of his heart.

You are trash, there’s no place for you to stand next to her. Not now, not ever.

An ugly guy like you is trying to become someone worthy of her? What a joke… those heights will never be reached by the likes of you.

Just like that time in middle school, you will be shown how truly weak and ugly you are.

Your efforts mean nothing. They are laughable in the grand scheme of things.

Give up.

Give up.

Give up.

Takei’s breathing began to get ragged and haphazard. The person himself didn’t realize he was having an anxiety attack.

“Stop… please. I didn’t ask for this…”

There’s no place for you here. Give up. This hurts you, doesn’t it? Acting the part of the aloof guy who doesn’t care about his surroundings. This isn’t you, it’s an illusion you’re trying to maintain. In reality, you are weak, ugly, and pitiful. It is truly comical to see you try your best and still fail.

“Stop… No more… Please…”

Just hurry and give up. The faster you do, the less pain you’ll have to endure. There’s absolutely no one in this world who can save this pitiful you. 

“No one huh… It’s true, I’ve pushed everyone away. My family, my friends… No one can save me…”

That’s right, now gi-

“Takei!”

The voice of a goddess resounded through Takei’s head.

“Hello? Are you okay?! You’re breathing really hard!” Akari sounded very worried.

Ah, I was wrong... There is a person who can save me. Rather, she already did save me. The warmth that I feel when I’m with her, it’s unforgettable. That warmth saved me. She saved me. Akari Akazawa did. I’m not alone. I’ve never been alone. My friends and family are here to cheer me on every step of the way. Especially Akari. She told me that she would be here whenever I needed her. I feel so very grateful for her being here for me, but what is this feeling inside of my heart? If it’s not appreciation or thankfulness, then what is it?  

Akari’s increasing volume and worriedness woke him up from his stupor. “Takei, please respond! Are you okay?”

Well, there’s no point in burning energy thinking about this feeling. I’ll eventually find out someday. For now though, let’s just say Akari is considered a precious person to me. Focusing on the present should be my main focus for now.

With a deep breath, a relaxed air surrounded Takei which resulted in the return of his normal breathing.

“Akari…”

Starting with her name, Takei smiled and put all of his feelings into one short phrase.

“...I’m okay now, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

---

Takei’s Determination: INCALCULABLE

Akari’s meter will return in tomorrow’s chapter. It will be a .5 chapter and will be from Akari’s POV.