#WeeklyShortShortNote The Confessor (In Manabu's Case)

"I can't do it, I'm going by boat."
Manabu looked at Kaede with a pathetic expression while gripping the boarding stairs.
"What are you saying now? Sakura and Yuki's wedding is tomorrow, there's no way you'll make it in time."
Manabu and Kaede were on the boarding stairs for a flight from Fukuoka Airport to Naha Airport.
Like the drama popular on TV at the time, 'Seven Men and Women Summer Story,' they were part of a group of four boys and three girls who spent their high school days having fun. Two of them were happily getting married five years later, and the wedding venue was an ocean-view hotel in Okinawa. It seemed they were combining it with their honeymoon, but Manabu had been dragged along. Although he didn't say it out loud, 'I have a fear of heights!', he ended up having to board a plane at the risk of his life.
Kaede was already dressed in a tank top and hot pants, fully intending to enjoy Okinawa since she was there.
"Manabu, your face is pale. Just hang in there for a bit, close your eyes."
Manabu closed his eyes quietly and looked like he might even stop breathing. As the plane finally took off and gained altitude,
"Hii, aaah," sounds leaked out.
Kaede looked at him with an exasperated face.
"It's okay now, you can open your eyes."
That was when the plane suddenly dropped.
Then came the second jolt. The cabin was in an uproar, and Manabu was trembling while holding his head.
"Didn't I tell you? That's why I hated planes. Are we going to crash into this sea and die?"
"It'll be fine," Kaede said, though she couldn't hide her inner anxiety.
Then Manabu said in a trembling voice,
"Before I die, I'm going to tell you, Kaede. I've liked you since the day we met. That hasn't changed even now. This is my first and last testament."
Kaede opened her eyes wide.
"At a time like this, you idiot!"
"Sorry, I'm a coward until the end."
Before long, an announcement came from the captain.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the great concern. The aircraft became unstable when we descended after entering turbulence, but we are now flying steadily. Please unfasten your seatbelts and
relax."
The passengers also looked relieved.
Kaede turned to Manabu.
"Manabu, was there any lie in what you said earlier?"
"H-huh? No, I swear to God."
Kaede glanced at Manabu.
"Manabu, you're hopeless without me, aren't you?"
"Alright, I'll tell Sakura to throw the bouquet toss
to you, Manabu."
"Eh, me... a bouquet catch..."
"Next is us. Are you prepared?"
Manabu's face lit up.
"Yes, I look forward to it."
"Geez, which one of us is the bride?"

The plane landed at Naha Airport and

Manabu gave a small fist pump as he descended the stairs.

First love doesn't go unrequited; it actually worked out quite nicely.

The End
#WeeklyShortShortNote
#TheConfessor
#FirstLove Anthology
Please accept this work for the First Love Anthology.
Thank you for the fun project.