[Short Short] How Charming
"I, I, about Waka poetry--"
"No. I won't let you say any more than that."
She shoved the book she was processing for return against my mouth, silencing me. My once-in-a-lifetime confession had been blocked by the very person I was confessing to. As I froze with my mouth still shaped like the 'ga' in my unfinished sentence, she gave me a mischievous smile.
"If you have something important to tell me, you must convey it properly in 31 characters. That is the rule for this time."
It had started again. She would initiate a game at every opportunity. When it came time to choose the library committee members, a fierce survival game involving the entire class had unfolded. She was a girl of such beauty that it was said if you walked through town, you would be scouted. Every boy in the class had volunteered to be a library committee member alongside her.
By some twist of fate, I, the most inconspicuous person in the class, had managed to secure the role like a ninja, but through our daily games, I believed our relationship had grown rapidly closer.
"31 characters, why?"
"Let's play a game named after me. Put your feelings into a 5-7-5, 7-7 structure and sing of love."
She was already saying the word 'love.' While my face turned bright red, I set my brain to full speed. And then, 31 characters descended upon me.
"I love you so much"
I love you to death, won't you hold my hand on the way home?
When I looked up timidly, she was hiding her face behind a book, her shoulders shaking.
"I love you so much... why the sudden Kansai dialect... ah, you really are, how charming. Come on, let's go home."
Saying that, she started walking toward the exit.
"Wait, the answer--"
She turned back, wearing a mischievous smile, and reached out her hand toward me.
End
[Ito-okashi]: Very charming. Having a refined atmosphere and being captivating. Interesting and amusing.
I participated in Tarahakani-sama's weekly short-short 'Waka Game'.
If you liked this, how about these as well?
I have compiled the short-short stories I have posted so far.
I have compiled the short story articles I have posted so far. I would be happy if you read these as well.
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