"Noriko, I... Was in love with you."

Did I just say was...

I think I did.

"Was? What are you talking about Kouta? Are you saying... You loved me..." Noriko said with a look of confusion and sadness.

There was a long awkward silence.

Noriko slowly looked up.

She's crying...

"Why? " she said.

Why?

"I'm confused, Kouta. Why would you tell me you loved me? Past tense. That's not usually how it works. "

"I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you I loved you for so long. But, I'm a wimp. I couldn't do it. And now, I've finally realised just as I'm about to tell you...that it was never love. I just wanted to pretend. And that makes me feel horrible. So this is a confession, I swear... " I said, feeling tears welling up in my eyes.
"It's just not a love confession. It's... Me confessing how much I don't ever deserve anyone! I know, I act nice and I do good things but then I turn right back around and lie, hurt, and abandon. I'm so sorry, Noriko. "

I couldn't look her in the eyes.

She probably hates me now.

Now that she knows who I truly am.

Surprising me, Noriko starting laughing.