Chapter 2: Chihaya Asagumo Is Confusing
Two days after I promised to help Chihaya Asagumo.
Yanami and I both got a sudden message from her asking us to come quickly.
The meeting spot is Kalmia, the shopping center connected to Toyohashi Station, specifically, right outside the north entrance of the station.
I made my way in from the outdoor deck, hurrying into the station.
A quick scan of the area revealed no familiar faces. It looks like I'm the first to arrive. Catching my breath, I stood by the entrance to Kalmia.
It's just past 2:30 PM. The area is swarming with shoppers and people waiting to meet someone.
Feeling awkward, I kept my head down, muttering to myself as if trying to convince myself.
"Why did I even agree to help with this…?"
It's not like I want to expose Yakishio's secrets.
I just can’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that we are cornering her somehow, and that didn't sit right with me.
That's what led me to get involved, but… is this really the right choice?
As I stood there lost in thought, someone appeared beside me without me even noticing.
When I snuck a glance at her from the corner of my eye, I saw a girl in a sailor uniform.
She wore thick black-rimmed glasses and had two loosely braided pigtails. She was munching on takoyaki from a red box producing a messy chewing sound. What's with this girl and her overwhelming amount of eccentricity?
"Wait, Yanami-san!?"
I couldn't help blurting it out, and Yanami looked up at me with a proud expression.
"Looks like you finally noticed, Nukumizu-kun."
Yanami pushed up her glasses with a finger inside the frame.
"Do those even have lenses?"
"They’re fake. But don't I look a little smarter wearing them?"
Not really, but I nodded anyway.
"I don't even know where to start. What's with the outfit?"
"Well, we're tailing someone, so obviously, I'm in disguise. I put on my middle school uniform. Still fits, right?"
"Well, yeah, you wore it just last year, so it should be fine-"
I started to say, then trailed off. Actually, size-wise, it might not be that fine…
"What's wrong? Why did you go quiet all of a sudden?"
Yanami asked with a puzzled look, tossing another takoyaki into her mouth.
"No, it's nothing. If you're okay with it, then it's fine."
...Anyway, the two of us are here, but the person who called us out still hasn't shown up. Yanami tried calling her, but she wasn't picking up.
"Still, this is unexpected. I thought someone like you would find this kind of thing a hassle, Nukumizu-kun."
Yanami said while typing out a LINE message.
"This kind of thing?"
"You know, checking if Remon-chan's cheating. If it was just me asking, would you have helped out?"
I might not have. Sensing I was losing ground, I turned the question around.
"What about you, Yanami-san? Why are you helping?"
Yanami looked up from her phone.
"...Did you see Remon-chan's face the other day when she was walking with Ayano-kun?"
I nodded silently.
Yakishio, walking beside Ayano. The look on her face was like a flower bud about to bloom. She couldn't hold her feelings in anymore.
Even I noticed it at a glance. No matter how dense he might be, even Ayano must have picked up on those feelings by now.
If he had noticed and still chose to walk with her. And if Yakishio knew that he had noticed…
"Then seeing a face like that, from someone you thought had given up on… it's rough."
Yanami said that with a smile, showing white teeth like Yakishio's.
"When push comes to shove, the only ones who can protect Lemon-chan or scold her are us, right?"
*
Some time later, we got a reply from Asagumo-san on LINE.
She said she had found the two of them and asked us to meet her at the south plaza next to the station.
When we got there, the place was lined with tons of food stalls. It looks like a local event selling fresh produce and food. Pretty lively, actually.
"Nukumizu-kun, you can eat this whole, bones and all. Mmh, bitter but tasty."
…Yanami had somehow managed to buy a salt-grilled ayu fish without me noticing.
While she crunched away at the bones, I ignored her and looked around for Asagumo-san. I finally spotted her sneaking around at the edge of the stalls. I started to call out- then hesitated.
She's wearing a light orange one-piece dress, and on her head is this huge, wide-brimmed hat like something an actress would wear.
She also has a cooling gel sheet stuck to her forehead and is wearing mirrored sunglasses.
Each element might have been okay on its own, but together, it created something weirdly off-putting. Honestly, I don't feel like approaching her.
Yanami sidled up next to me, still munching on her fish's head.
"Is that girl someone you know, Nukumizu-kun?"
"She's your acquaintance too, isn't she, Yanami-san?"
Did Yakishio really lose to that girl…?
These thoughts made me feel a little down. Just then, Asagumo-san seemed to notice us and came scurrying over.
"Uhh… hey there…"
I gave a half-hearted greeting, and Asagumo-san peeled off the cooling sheet with a grin.
"Did you recognize me through the disguise? Surprise! It's me, Asagumo."
I see. And I'm Nukumizu.
She carefully reapplied the cooling sheet. So… the sheet was part of the disguise?
"Are Remon-chan and Ayano-kun here?"
Yanami asked, subtly maintaining a bit of distance.
"Yes, they're on the opposite side of the plaza. They seem to be going around the stalls one by one, so let's hide around here and wait."
Saying that, Asagumo-san tucked herself behind a stall. We lined up behind her.
She pulled out that familiar gadget with the antenna, took off her sunglasses, and stared intently at the cluster of gauges.
"Hey, Asagumo-san. How did you even know they would be here?"
Could that weird device actually be some incredible secret tool?
"I thoroughly analyzed the data I gathered from the investigation. Everything converged to this moment today, just as calculated."
She puffed out her modest chest with pride. Yanami tilted her head in confusion.
"You can figure that out just with calculations?"
"Yes. The machine's precision and sensitivity weren't sufficient, so I compensated with data and math. By repeating near-misses, I deduced the transmitter's characteristics."
I think I just heard a dangerous term.
"Did you say transmitter…?"
"Yes, it's GPS-based."
She just casually admitted to something kind of wild. Yanami edged away from her again.
"Uh, isn't that maybe, like… illegal…?"
"Shh. They're here. Mitsuki-san and Yakishio-san."
Wait, seriously? I exchanged glances with Yanami and cautiously peeked out from behind the stall.
The plaza is bustling with shoppers. We are looking down the main walkway, with food stalls lined up on either side.
"Top right corner. The Italian gelato stand."
Squinting toward that direction, I spotted a pair stepping out from the crowd.
A tall, handsome guy with glasses and a tanned girl with long, slender limbs- it's unmistakably Ayano and Yakishio.
Ayano's wearing a crisp white-collared shirt, exuding a clean, fresh vibe. Yakishio is still in her school uniform. Together, they looked like they were straight out of a TV drama. They held cones of gelato and strolled through the stalls, clearly enjoying themselves.
Now and then, they laughed and joked around. Anyone who didn't know them would totally assume they were a happy couple.
Yanami let out a quiet, impressed "ohh".
"That's Ayano-kun, right? Tall and good-looking. Remon-chan's got great style, too. The two of them look pretty perfect-"
"Hey, Yanami-san!"
Realizing her slip, Yanami clamped both hands over her mouth.
"Sorry, Asagumo-san! I didn't mean it like that…"
"It's alright. I've thought they looked good together even before we started dating."
Asagumo-san gave a brave little smile, tugging up the corner of her lips.
"…That's why I was surprised when Mitsuki-san accepted my confession. I really thought it was just my one-sided crush."
She said it plainly, then added in a quiet voice:
"So I… consider myself lucky."
Unable to find the right words, we just kept silently watching the two of them.
They are pointing things out and peeking into each stall one by one. Yakishio's excited smile sparkled like it was lit up by the sun itself.
"Then seeing a face like that, from someone you thought had given up… it's rough."
Yanami's words echoed in my mind.
We could still deal with it. But we didn't want Asagumo-san to keep watching this scene.
"Asagumo-san, don't you think the investigation has gone far enough-"
"They seem to be buying something over there."
Her voice cut over mine.
Looking back, I saw Yakishio tugging Ayano toward a stall. It seems like a Western-style pastry stand. The kind where you pick individual baked goods into a basket.
They were both still holding their gelato cones in one hand. I wondered how they would manage, but then Ayano picked up the basket, and Yakishio started placing treats into it.
They looked totally at ease picking out snacks together. Ayano held the basket up high, laughing and shaking his head. Yakishio jumped up with perfect timing to drop another pastry in.
…How much time had passed, I couldn't tell.
Even after they finished shopping and disappeared into the crowd, Asagumo-san stood frozen, staring down the street.
"Um… are you okay, Asagumo-san?"
Without answering, she peeled off her cooling sheet with slender fingers and turned away with a graceful twirl.
"…I'm fine. I'll just go fix my makeup a little."
She said it quietly, then walked back toward the station building.
Once her figure disappeared from sight, Yanami and I let out a long, synchronized sigh.
"She looked pretty shaken up, huh?"
"Yeah. Women's hearts, Nukumizu-kun… They are more delicate than you think."
Come to think of it, I remember someone once said that girls are made of sugar. Yanami's more of a carbs-and-fat type, but I guess that's close enough.
As I was lost in thought, Yanami placed a hand on my shoulder, shaking her head.
"Thinking back, that whole 'they look good together' thing- shouldn't have said it, you know? Love's a sensitive topic, alright? You gotta be super careful."
"…Wait a sec, Yanami-san. Are you trying to pin your slip-up on me?"
"I am. Got a problem with that?"
She just owned up to it without a hint of shame.
"Fine, whatever. I'll take the blame. But shouldn't you go after Asagumo-san?"
"Me? No way. You go, Nukumizu-kun."
"She said she was fixing her makeup. That probably means she's in the restroom. What am I supposed to do?"
"You don't have to chase her inside. Just wait outside. That's enough."
"That's seriously all it takes?"
"Yeah. Just knowing someone's worried and thinking about you is enough. …Now that I think about it, back when I was down-"
Yanami gave me the stink-eye.
"Someone here didn't seem too concerned, huh?"
Fair point. I definitely didn't check on her.
"And besides, it's kinda hard to face her right now..."
Yeah, I get that. That "they look good together" line was a bit much.
"Alright. I don't know if I'm the best person for the job, but I'll go."
"Thanks, Nukumizu-kun."
I left the plaza and headed back toward the station building.
I have no real idea where she had gone, but I started by checking the closest restroom. On the way there, I spotted a girl in a one-piece dress and a big hat browsing in a general store. It's Asagumo-san.
She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, staring intently at a leather book cover.
"Um… Asagumo-san, are you okay?"
"Ara, Nukumizu-san."
She replied without looking at me.
She reached out toward the leather book cover, with its engraved design, then hesitated and pulled her hand back.
"It's a lovely book cover. Don't you think it would suit him?"
"Yeah, you have got good taste. Totally fits his vibe."
"Right? Mitsuki-san likes books, after all."
Still gazing at the item, Asagumo-san murmured quietly.
"...Mitsuki-san once said he's aiming for a career related to books."
"Him?"
That was news to me. I mean, how do you even go about aiming for a job involving books?
And here I am, hearing this from Asagumo-san, someone who I only recently got to know, about Ayano's dream. I'm not even that close to him in the first place.
It all felt strangely unreal, like the ground beneath my feet was unsteady.
"He says that being a novelist is more of a dream, separate from his career path. He's planning to move to Tokyo to study literature. From there, he's looking into becoming a researcher or working in publishing or at a bookstore… something, anything, involving books."
She spoke almost like she was talking to herself.
"When I first heard it, I was shocked. I couldn't believe someone so close to me had a dream so similar to mine."
"I see…"
That was all I could manage to say.
"My first choice is to become a librarian. It's a tough field to get into, though."
Asagumo-san picked up the book cover, as if making a decision, and gently ran her fingers over its engraved surface.
"…Everything happened just as I had calculated."
"Huh?"
"I got to see the two of them meet, just like I planned."
"Oh, uh… yeah, you did."
Well, it was more GPS than calculation, but sure.
"He doesn't actually like sweets, you know. I wonder if he bought those pastries… maybe as a souvenir for me?"
"Could be. He's a nice guy like that, yeah."
I nodded vigorously, a little too fast.
"Yes, he is kind. That's why when someone invites him, he'll eat gelato with them, chat happily, and even smile like that."
She said that as if holding something back, then slowly placed the book cover back on the shelf.
"When Mitsuki-san's with me, he never smiles like that-"
Her words trailed off, swallowed by the noise of the bustling shopping mall.
"…Like with the gelato."
"What?"
The sudden return to that topic caught me off guard.
"I've never gone out for sweets with Mitsuki-san. Because I know he doesn't like them. So I made sure not to invite him."
Asagumo-san grabbed the brim of her hat and pulled it down over her eyes.
"So when I saw him eating with Yakishio-san… I couldn't help but feel a little down."
"Uh, well… hey, maybe what Ayano was eating wasn't even sweet? You know how some crepes are savory, right?"
"Savory? Then what were they eating?"
"I don't know. Tuna mayo, maybe…?"
My totally half-baked response made Asagumo-san widen her eyes.
"Everything on those cones was tuna mayo?"
"Tuna mayo's the most popular rice ball flavor, too, you know."
Doubling down on the nonsense, I watched as Asagumo-san covered her mouth and giggled softly.
"Hehe… If it was only tuna mayo, he would probably get an upset stomach. I'll have to make him a salad too."
After she had laughed enough, her gaze dropped again.
"I'm jealous of Yakishio-san. She's so honest and straightforward with her feelings. I keep worrying about bothering Mitsuki-san… and that's all I ever think about."
"Why not just bother him a little, then?"
Asagumo-san looked up at me, startled.
"…Wouldn't he hate me for that?"
"I don't know Ayano that well, but I really don't think he's the kind of guy who would get mad at someone just for wanting to share some ice cream."
Compared to me, who's constantly getting roped into stuff by girls I'm not even dating, she's got nothing to worry about.
"You're actually really kind, Nukumizu-san. I guess I misunderstood you."
These misunderstandings of me are pretty much a pandemic across our entire grade.
Asagumo-san looked at me with a slightly troubled expression, glancing up from beneath her lashes.
"What is it?"
"I wonder what kind of person you would fall for, Nukumizu-san… I would like to meet her someday."
She smiled softly after saying that.
"Well…"
I mean, sure, I like girls as much as the next guy. But I can't even picture being in a relationship, not even close.
Even someone like Asagumo-san, who's clearly a winning heroine type, still struggles with love after getting together with someone. And Yanami, who's not even dating anyone, is still having a tough time with her feelings.
Lately, the more I've gotten involved with people, the more love feels like this distant, unreachable thing.
"Should we head back? Yanami-san's still waiting, after all."
"…Yes, you're right. I got a little emotional there. How unlike me."
Asagumo-san gave me a smile.
But just as I felt relieved, she suddenly straightened up in surprise.
"Nukumizu-san, we have to hide!"
She grabbed my hand.
"Huh? Wait, what?"
"Quickly! Over here!"
Before I knew it, Asagumo-san, surprisingly strong, yanked me into the fitting room of a nearby clothing store.
"Wait, Asagumo-san!?"
"Shh! Mitsuki-san will see us!"
Wait, Ayano's nearby?
Okay, I get why she's panicking, but it's not like we're doing anything shady. Sure, at a glance, it might look like we're shopping together, but still…
"Wait, isn’t it actually bad if we get seen?"
"That's why we're hiding, isn't it?"
The wide brim of Asagumo-san's big hat bumped right into my face.
"Uh, sorry, that kinda hurts a bit."
"Apologies… It's a little cramped in here."
Of course, it's cramped with the two of us crammed into the fitting room. Asagumo-san fidgeted, adjusting her hat to keep it from hitting me, and her hair brushed against my arm.
Ah, she smells really nice.
Not that I'm a pervert or anything, but seriously, why do cute girls always smell so good…?
"By the way, wasn't Ayano with Yakishio?"
I whispered, trying to keep my ears perked for any sounds outside.
"Yes, but Mitsuki-san was alone. I'm just going to take a quick peek outside."
She leaned her head through the gap in the curtain to scope out the scene.
…Man, how did it turn into this? We came here to spy on Yakishio and Ayano, but now it totally looks like we're the ones sneaking around like some cheating couple.
While I was lost in thought, Asagumo-san pulled her head back in from the curtain.
She took out another cooling pad and slapped it onto her forehead.
"Um, Nukumizu-san. I hate to say this, but…"
"Yeah?"
"Mitsuki-san saw us."
"Eh?"
And with that, Asagumo-san flung the curtain open.
Standing there, expression as stiff as a board, is Mitsuki Ayano.
Asagumo-san gave a small, resigned bow.
"Hello, Mitsuki-san."
"Chihaya and…Nukumizu!? Why are you two together?"
Good question. I don't really know, either.
Still, I didn't want to say anything that would make things worse, so I looked to Asagumo-san to handle it with her usual grace.
She met my gaze and gave a confident little nod.
...Phew. Looks like she's got this.
Asagumo-san took a step toward Ayano.
"Mitsuki-san, the full story-"
She suddenly stopped. I have a bad feeling about this.
She turned to look at me, her round, squirrel-like eyes locking on mine.
"-will be explained by Nukumizu-san."
*
West Station.
Just hearing that, you would think it's an actual station, but it really just refers to the west exit area of Toyohashi Station.
After getting off the escalator connected to the station building, Ayano and I walked side by side in silence.
Thanks to Asagumo-san suddenly throwing me under the bus, it ended up being just the two of us, talking alone.
This is the west exit of the city's largest station. It's close to the Shinkansen platform, so it's convenient for drop-offs, too.
"Nukumizu, let's find somewhere quiet to talk."
"Yeah, good idea. Somewhere out of sight-"
We glanced around, scanning the area, when Ayano muttered:
"…Actually, this might be the quietest place."
"Not a lot of foot traffic here, yeah."
Compared to the lively east exit, the so-called West Station is oddly calm.
Honestly, it's the best spot for a serious talk. But still, why is it so deserted…?
Ayano stopped in front of the red building of Yamasa Chikuwa, then turned to face me head-on. [TL: A chikuwa manufacturer based in Toyohashi.]
He wasn't angry, but he wore a serious expression, like he had steeled himself for something.
"Nukumizu, explain what that was all about."
"Explain, huh…"
I struck a thoughtful pose, hand on my chin, trying to look composed.
I'm sweating bullets inside, though. How the hell am I supposed to explain being in a fitting room with Asagumo-san?
…But hey, it's not like I did anything wrong. She pulled me in there. I've been helping her this whole time, and even now, I'm just dealing with the fallout of her throwing me to the wolves.
Alright, I'm doing it. I'm flipping the script.
I put on my most confident face and looked straight into Ayano's eyes through my glasses.
"Ayano, shouldn't you be the one explaining first?"
"...What do you mean?"
He frowned, suspicious.
"You've been meeting up with Yakishio alone, haven't you?"
I mean, I'm only in this mess because he did something fishy first.
"If you're talking about today, we just went shopping. That's it. We split up right after."
"Then what about the other day, when you two were walking around near city hall? And I've got more. Want me to list them all?"
Okay, I was totally bluffing with that last part.
After a brief silence, Ayano let out a small laugh and raised both hands like he was surrendering.
"…Man, you got me. You saw right through everything. I can't compete with you, Nukumizu."
"W-Well, yeah. I am that sharp."
What's with this unexpectedly high opinion of me? The rest of the class should seriously take notes.
Ayano hurriedly waved his hands.
"Wait, seriously, we didn't do anything shady. And come on, you know Remon's not that kind of girl."
He has a point. Even with my limited experience with Yakishio, I can tell she isn't the type to mess around like that.
That's exactly why both Yanami and I have gotten involved. I shook my head slightly.
"Think about it... You've got Asagumo-san as your girlfriend, and yet you're sneaking around with another girl. More than once. And it's not just any girl. It's Yakishio. You know she's not the kind you can just ignore."
As a customer exited Yamasa Chikuwa, we both went quiet.
…Seriously, Ayano could've picked a better place to stop and talk.
Once the customer was out of earshot, I picked the conversation back up.
"So what were you two doing, sneaking around like that?"
Ayano opened his mouth and then closed it again, clearly struggling. Finally, he seemed to give in.
"I was… asking Remon for advice. About relationships."
…Relationship advice?
You've got this kinda quirky but undeniably cute girlfriend, and that's what you need help with? And from Yakishio, of all people?
Ayano scratched his cheek and looked away, clearly embarrassed.
"It's my first time dating anyone, you know? I've got no idea how to act around girls. I just wanted some advice."
"And why Yakishio…?"
"Why? I mean, Remon's super popular, right? She gets girls. She's got insight into how they think."
"I see… So you went to her for relationship advice… from Yakishio…"
…Wow, this guy's an idiot. My mental stock in Ayano plummeted.
"What kind of stuff were you asking her?"
"Well… It's kinda hard to talk about. Don't tell anyone, okay?"
"Sure, don't worry."
Not like I've got anyone to tell, anyway.
Ayano might be a good-looking guy, but he's clearly a rookie when it comes to romance. Whatever he asked Yakishio, it was probably some adorably clueless problem.
"When we're alone, Chihaya gets really… forward. Like, super assertive..."
"O-Ohh…"
Nope. Not cute at all.
"I mean, I'm a guy, so it's not like I hate it. But… Chihaya doesn't mean anything more by it. If we go past kissing or something, I feel like I would be the only one charging ahead, you know?"
Ayano looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then lowered his voice.
"To put it simply, I'm scared. I don't know how far I should go. If I get too eager, I might hurt her… or she might be totally turned off."
…Okay. I can't relate at all, but I get what he's saying.
Still, I felt a bit relieved. If he's telling the truth, then he hasn't been cheating with Yakishio. Just relationship advice, huh…? Wait. Hold on.
"Wait, you told Yakishio all that? For real?"
"Yeah. She's the only female friend I have that I can talk to about this kind of stuff."
"You're… kidding me."
I remembered, this guy's the king of cluelessness. Still, even if he doesn't know how Yakishio feels, how do you talk to a girl about that?
My respect for Ayano is in freefall. He's about to join Yanami in the lowest tier.
"Alright, now it's your turn."
Suddenly, the spotlight turned to me.
My turn for what? I blinked as Ayano took a step closer.
"Tell me straight. I'm ready."
"…Ready?"
"I know I'm not exactly the most manly guy. If Chihaya's fallen for someone else… I would get it. If that someone is you-"
"Huh!? Whoa, wait! That's not what this is!"
What even is this guy's deal, and why does he keep giving me way too much credit!?
"Then why were you two together? Come on, just admit it, right?"
"I told you, it's not like that! I was just getting advice-"
I stopped mid-sentence. Shoot. How much was I even allowed to say?
Asagumo-san was secretly tailing the two of them because she suspected cheating…
And now it felt like things might finally settle down. If I messed this up and they broke up because of me, I would never sleep soundly again.
"You were getting advice from Chihaya?"
"Right! Yeah! I was, uh… getting relationship advice. From Asagumo-san!"
Ayano looked at me like a pigeon who just got smacked with a rice cracker.
Fair. I could barely believe I said it myself.
"I didn't even know you had a girlfriend."
"I don't have a girlfriend, but there's someone I like. So it was, uh, that kind of relationship advice."
"But you know girls in the Literature Club, right? Why ask Chihaya-"
Ayano trailed off mid-sentence, then fell deep into thought… and froze.
"…Hey, you alright, Ayano?"
Far in the distance, an announcement echoed across the platform, signaling the arrival of a Shinkansen.
Right on cue with the departure bell, Ayano clapped his hands.
"I got it!"
…Got what?
"Alright, if that's the case, leave it to me."
"Huh? Uh… sure. It's all yours, I guess."
I agreed without thinking, but… what exactly did I just agree to?
Ayano finally relaxed his expression, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Everyone says I'm dense, but it's time to redeem myself."
"Uhh, wait. What do you mean by that…?"
Maybe thinking I was playing dumb, Ayano gave me a hearty slap on the back and grinned.
"So the girl you like is in the Literature Club, right? No wonder you can't ask the other girls in the club for help."
Someone in the Literature Club? Hopefully, that doesn't include the light novel characters on the bookshelf…
But hey, if he has misunderstood things this far, I'm just going to roll with it. No way I'm letting myself be the reason they break up.
"Yeah… something like that."
"Wait, are you into Remon?"
That's where your mind goes? I quickly shook my head.
"Nope, don't worry. I'll handle my stuff on my own. You just focus on taking care of Asagumo-san."
That fast denial would narrow the field to either Yanami or Komari. Talk about two extremes… but yeah, they are in the same general category.
"Don't hold back, man. Invite her out, and let's all go hang out together!"
"Huh? No, I don't need anything like that. I was kinda hoping to keep this whole thing a quiet crush. You know, ideally until graduation."
Ayano gave a wry smile.
"I'm not saying you gotta confess or anything. But at least you should get to know her outside of club stuff and take a step beyond just being clubmates."
Why is this guy suddenly so reasonable?
"Leave the planning to me. And let's have Remon come too."
"Yakishio? Why would you bring her?"
What kind of fresh chaos is this dense MC trying to stir up now?
"Well, you said the girl you like isn't Remon, right? If we invite another Literature Club girl, it'll make it easier for your crush to come along. If you're too nervous to ask her, Remon can invite her for you."
Oh, I see. That's surprisingly well thought-out for him…
"Huh!? Wait! Hold up! Don't you dare tell Yakishio that I like someone in the Literature Club! I mean it! Seriously!"
"Oh, I know this part. That's what they call 'reverse psychology', right?"
"No, it's not! I'm dead serious! Don't say anything to Yakishio! I mean it. Really!"
Why am I shouting about this?
"Alright, alright. I'll handle it smoothly. Don't worry."
As I sighed at Ayano's greater-than-expected airheadedness, a single thought crossed my mind:
…Maybe he and Asagumo-san are actually a good match.
*
That night.
I'm lying on the bed, talking to Yanami on my phone.
"So you covered it up by saying you were getting romantic advice? And that your crush is in the Literature Club?"
Her laughter rang out from the other end of the line.
"This isn't funny. It's seriously a mess."
"Sorry, sorry. But hey, Asagumo-san found out that he wasn't cheating, right? That's good, isn't it?"
"Well… yeah… sort of."
I gave her a rough version of what happened. I left out the parts that were too dangerous, but she accepted that it really was just about getting advice.
The rest is up to Ayano and her. They have to talk it through and figure things out on their own.
"So? Are you guys going somewhere?"
"Huh?"
"You know, the hangout thing. Weren't you supposed to invite one of the Literature Club girls?"
"Yeah, I guess…"
"Want me to come?"
"...Are you sure?"
What's gotten into her all of a sudden? Either way, I'm honestly grateful.
Rather than letting overly-confident Ayano run wild, it would be easier to just go out once and get it over with.
"I've got free time, so it's totally fine. Just let me know once you've got everything planned."
"Ah, thanks…"
"…Besides, even if I wanted to hang out, all my friends already have boyfriends."
Yanami's voice suddenly dropped low. Alright, we have said what we needed to. Let's hang up before she goes into complaining mode.
"Uh, so… anyway, yeah, I guess I'll get going now…"
"Hey, Nukumizu-kun."
"Yeah? What is it…?"
"You're bad at phone calls, huh?"
…Well, it's not my fault, okay? It's a phone call, after all.
*
Two days later, in the early afternoon. Futagawa Station, just one stop from Toyohashi.
I'm waiting in front of the entrance to the Underground Resource Museum.
Despite the intimidating name, it's actually a science museum with exhibits about underground resources. If you're a local, you probably came here when you were a kid.
…Still, this has turned into something really weird.
Today, it's supposed to be me, Ayano, Asagumo-san, Yakishio, and Yanami, a total of five people, gathering to help me get together with the person who likes me.
The only one who doesn't know this whole outing was a setup is Ayano.
Yakishio doesn't even know the purpose. She just thinks we are all hanging out for fun.
And since I invited Yanami, Ayano thinks she has to be the one I like.
…Yeah, this is a mess.
Anyway, I'll just play it cool today, then report back later that "Yanami turned me down." That should tie everything up neatly.
"Wait… So in Ayano's eyes, I'll be the guy who got rejected by Yanami…?"
That's starting to annoy me just a little.
Ayano's the one who made his girlfriend worry, and yet I'm the one dealing with all this fallout?
Grumbling to myself, I checked my watch. The other four should be arriving by bus soon.
When it comes to romance, Ayano's a total wreck, but when it comes to planning events, the guy's unexpectedly capable.
I was the one who suggested this place, but Ayano was the one who really made it happen. He set up a LINE group just for the event, coordinated everyone's schedules, and even sorted out transportation.
"Hey, Nukumizu. Sorry we kept you waiting."
I turned at Ayano's voice and saw the bus group heading toward me.
"Right on time. Looks like we're all here."
"Yup. You better give it your best today."
Ayano gave me a wink as he nudged my shoulder. Leave me alone.
"Hello, Nukumizu-san. Let's have fun today, okay?"
Asagumo-san beamed her usual smile. Her forehead is shining just right. She's wearing a vertically striped blouse with skinny pants, just a cute girl on a casual outing.
"What's up, Nukkun? Same ol' you as always, huh?"
Yakishio has on jeans and a white off-shoulder top.
Simple, but with her figure and overall vibe, it gives her this mature, stylish look. A gentle scent of perfume, not deodorant, lingers around her.
And then, the last one. Yanami's wearing a light green sleeveless knit top, layered with a sheer button-down shirt. Her long beige skirt sways over a pair of thick-soled sandals.
She stood there silently, with the expression of a noh mask.
"Yanami-san, what's wrong?"
"…Nothing."
No idea what's up with her, but it's probably food-related. Best to leave her alone for now.
It has been forever since I came here, probably not since an elementary school field trip.
I gazed down the passage leading underground, feeling a wave of nostalgia. Ayano must have felt the same. He pushed up his glasses with that classic flick.
"Nukumizu, shall we?"
"Let's go."
What guy could resist a science museum like this?
We stepped into the tunnel.
The sloping path to the exhibit hall is modeled after a mine shaft, and beyond that, the exhibition area spreads wide.
"Whoa…!"
Ayano and I let out a synchronized cheer.
He headed straight for the mineral specimens. Meanwhile, I stood there wondering where I should start.
"…Nukumizu-kun, hey. Over here."
Just as I was about to dive into the exhibits, Yanami grabbed the collar of my shirt.
"Huh? What is it, Yanami-san? I really wanna go look around."
"I need to talk to you. Come on. Over here."
Oh, come on. Pouting hard, Yanami dragged me over to the far wall.
"What's wrong? Why are we tucked away in a corner like this?"
Hands on her hips, Yanami scowled and shook her head.
"Summer break… five boys and girls… high schoolers… out on a day trip… You seriously don't get it by now?"
Uh, no? Is this the setup to some banner ad?
"This is peak youth, okay? All sunshine! And yet, here we are at a freaking Underground Resource Museum. It literally has 'underground' in the name!"
You can't expect something normal when I'm the one suggesting the hangout spot.
"But Ayano was on board with it. I mean, come on, guys love places like this."
"Yeah, but what about us girls? Look at this outfit. I put effort into this!"
"And… why would you go all out like that?"
"Because it's a group outing with boys and girls! There are other girls coming too, you know? Of course, I was gonna dress up! Don't you want to be a little photo-worthy, Nukumizu-kun?"
Not even a little bit.
"See? That's why I don't like this part of you, Nukumizu-kun. Sure, the guys are having fun, but the other girls-"
She pointed across the room. Asagumo-san is practically sparkling with excitement, waving us over.
"Everyone, come look at this beautiful piece of mica! I wonder how many capacitors you could make with just one of these!"
She's having the time of her life.
Ayano and her admired the display and gasped in amazement.
"Well, she's clearly enjoying herself."
"Wha…! She's, like, really smart, okay!? If it were Remon-chan-"
Right on cue, Yakishio's voice rang out, overlapping with Yanami's argument.
"Hey hey! There's a minecart here! Can we ride it!?"
"Yakishio! That's not for climbing on!"
Physically an adult, and mentally still a child. Yakishio delivers exactly the reactions everyone expects.
"Remon-chan too…? Am I the only one…?"
Yanami slumped with exaggerated defeat.
"Don't be like that. Hey, over there, they have a section where you can compare metal weights and hardness. Wanna check it out?"
Yanami gave me a skeptical side-eye.
"Hardness comparison… Huh. The novelty looped back around, and now I'm kinda interested."
"Then let's go before the moment passes. Gotta strike while the iron's hot."
"…You think that was clever, don't you."
Grumbling, Yanami turned toward the "Properties of Metals" corner. Just as I started to follow her, Yakishio popped up beside me.
"Hey, hey. Was this outing your idea, Nukkun?"
"We decided on this place after talking it over with Ayano. He was the one who suggested hanging out in the first place, though."
"Huh, so Mitsuki was the one, huh? Nukkun, when did you get so buddy-buddy with him?"
Yakishio gave me a look, half curious, half suspicious.
"Well, it just kind of happened as we talked."
"Hmm. The thing is, Mitsuki said something weird. Something like 'take care of Nukumizu' or whatever."
That idiot, always saying too much.
All I want is to live a peaceful, quiet life. And this whole thing started because I got dragged into his drama with Asagumo-san.
"Something going on? Like, maybe…?"
Yakishio's gaze turned meaningful, locking onto something behind me: Yanami, struggling to lift a big hunk of metal.
"Ugh, this is so heavy! Hey, you two! Help me out!"
…She looks like she's actually having fun.
As I watched her, Yakishio nudged me with a sly grin.
"So it is Yana-chan, huh? Am I supposed to play matchmaker now?"
"It's not. Definitely not."
I cut her off with conviction.
This whole rumor is getting out of hand. I scanned the room to protest directly to Ayano, only to find him standing shoulder to shoulder with Asagumo-san, quietly admiring a model of a "future city" built back in the Showa era.
Yakishio's eyes followed mine, and a shadow of loneliness passed over her face.
"...Shall we go over and join them?"
"Why? I'm not gonna get in their way. Today's about keeping those two together as much as possible."
She flashed a bright, toothy grin.
"But…"
"Are you trying to tiptoe around me or something?"
I hesitated, and she jabbed me a bit harder with her elbow.
"Nukkun, I'm kinda like their cheer squad, okay? You don't need to worry about me."
"But Ayano still doesn't get how you feel. Shouldn't you at least-"
"It's okay. This is how I want it."
She said it softly but firmly, then turned her gentle smile toward the two of them again.
…And at that moment, I understood.
Yakishio has already come to terms with her feelings.
She still likes Ayano. But instead of chasing something painful, she has chosen to quietly stay by his side while cherishing her own feelings, without expecting anything in return.
Maybe it's easier to just take a step back or confess and get rejected. But Yakishio chose to keep things the way they were.
Her feelings, the pain, and the quiet strength to carry all that. I realized I hadn't really understood it at all.
"Sorry, Yakishio."
"Huh? Where's that coming from?"
"You're always smiling, but in moments like this, you're surprisingly mature."
"Ohh, so you finally noticed?"
Yakishio grinned widely and flashed a peace sign right in my face.
"Then, as an apology, let me copy your summer homework!"
"...Eh? Uh, which subject, exactly?"
"What? Isn't it just homework? Why would it be divided by subject?"
She said it so casually... Yep. She hasn't done any of it.
She must have noticed the look on my face because she quickly added a flimsy defense:
"But I have been doing stuff, you know? I've got a picture diary going! And I've been observing my morning glories!"
"Neither of those were actual assignments."
"...Seriously?"
I take it back. She's still a full-on elementary schooler on the inside. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Fine, I'll lend you my notes later at the clubroom-"
"What's this cozy vibe I'm walking into? Also, I want to copy your homework, too."
Yanami slid into the scene between us, also homeworkless as expected.
"Wait, you haven't done yours either, Yana-chan? Let's copy it together!"
"Yeah, let's all meet at Nukumizu-kun's place."
Don't just decide that on your own.
"I'll lend you my notebook. Copy it whenever you want. Hey, over there, the quiz corner's got a head-to-head mode. Why don't you two go battle it out? Go on, shoo."
After herding the two of them away, I glanced around the exhibit hall.
Finally, some peace and quiet. Time to take a good long look at the Takashigozo, a natural iron deposit that forms when iron in the soil gathers around plant roots…
"Hey, Nukkun! This quiz lets three people play!"
Yakishio waved furiously from the quiz station.
…Yeah. I knew it was for three players. They just refused to fall for the trick.
I tried ignoring them for a while, but then Yanami joined in calling my name. With no way out, I gave up and walked over to join them.
My opponents for the quiz were Yanami and Yakishio. It's a battle I can't afford to lose.
*
About two hours later.
After thoroughly enjoying everything the Underground Resource Museum had to offer, we moved over to the adjacent Audiovisual Education Center. It's a pretty luxe setup, two kinds of science museums side-by-side.
While a bunch of elementary schoolers ran around excitedly, Yanami struck a pose from a chair and waited.
"Okay, got it."
I said, handing her phone back.
"Thanks. Do you think this photo is Insta-worthy? I mean, the whole 'power stone chair' thing kind of steals the show. Won't it overshadow me?"
The chair she was sitting on was lined on the inside with power stones. Super eye-catching, no doubt about it.
"You'll be fine. No way it outshines you, Yanami-san."
I gave her a vague answer while stretching out with a big yawn.
Looking around, Yakishio is intensely focused on the "Japan's Biggest Acorn" exhibit, while Ayano and Asagumo-san are snapping photos of each other in front of those mirrors that make your body look skinny.
We might have overdone it a little… I'm beat and definitely ready to call it a day.
Just then, Yanami, flipping through a brochure, let out a soft gasp.
"Hey, there's a planetarium here. Planetarium, huh… Planetarium…"
She started muttering to herself, which was mildly unsettling, so I ignored her. Then, she looked up from the pamphlet and smiled at me.
"Aha. So that's your angle, huh, Nukumizu-kun? I get it now. You say what you want, but you're still a boy, after all."
Whatever that means, I'm pretty sure it's offensive.
"What are you even talking about? I didn't say anything like that. What angle?"
"It's fine, no need to be shy about it. I totally get what's going on."
What did she get?
Yanami stood up and casually rested a hand on my shoulder.
"I mean, we're in high school. Of course, you want to do something Insta-worthy during summer break, right? You use social media, don't you?"
I have a Twitter account with zero followers. No matter how "photo-worthy" I get, there's no one to see it.
"I don't care about social media. Honestly, I was just thinking it's about time to head home."
"You're kidding! You really want me to believe this wasn't all part of a plan: lure us in with the chill underground museum, then swoop in with a romantic planetarium attack!?"
Attack? Like a fortress siege or something?
"If you want to go that badly, I don't mind."
"That's more like it! Okay, I'll go get the others!"
Watching Yanami bounce off to gather everyone, I found myself thinking, extroverts really do have endless energy. And just like that, the plan is locked in.
Ayano even handled checking us in at the front desk while I was spacing out and looking at displays. That's what having a girlfriend does to a guy, huh?
Yanami stood silently, staring down at the planetarium ticket in her hand.
"What's wrong, Yanami-san? Didn't you really want to see this?"
"Yeah, but today's program is…"
Program? I glanced at my own ticket.
Today's show: <Protecting Peace Across the Universe! Super Galactic Squadron Spectro-Rangers!>
"Ranger stuff sounds fun."
"I was hoping for something more romantic, you know? Can I really refill my romance meter with this?"
Maybe not. From the side, Yakishio peeked over at my ticket.
"Oh, it's Spectro-Rangers today. I actually kinda like them."
"You've seen it before?"
"When I was little, my dad bought me a science picture book based on it. He said it would make me smarter."
And this is how that turned out, huh.
I gently coaxed Yanami toward the planetarium hall.
Whatever her initial doubts, the atmosphere must have hyped her up because the moment we got inside, she was already snapping selfies with a grin.
Relieved, I looked around and saw Asagumo-san staring intensely at a poster.
"Hey, Mitsuki-san, looks like this show has a puzzle-solving element, too. How about we make a game of it?"
"Huh, that does sound cool. Hey, Remon, wanna join the challenge too?"
"Me?"
Yakishio, who had just been wrangled into taking photos with Yanami, turned her head in surprise.
Ayano walked over to me, leaned in, and whispered sneakily in my ear.
"We'll leave you and Yanami-san alone in the planetarium, so do your best, alright?"
"…Seriously? Can we not do this?"
He clearly took my heartfelt plea as me being shy and nodded solemnly.
"No need to be embarrassed. We'll sit a little ways off."
Paying zero attention to my protests, he waved over Yakishio.
"Come on, Remon. Let's go sit together, the three of us."
"Wait, I'm gonna sit with Yana-chan. You should go watch with Asagumo-san, Mitsuki."
Still smiling, Yakishio firmly declined. Good. Let the lovebirds have their time.
Just as I was starting to relax, Asagumo-san stepped in between them.
"Don't worry about me. Would you like to sit with us? I would really love to get to know you better, Yakishio-san."
Looking a bit unsure, Yakishio shook her head.
"Thanks, really. But you should enjoy this with Mitsuki. Come on, Yanami-chan, Nukkun. Let's go."
She spun on her heel. But Ayano rushed after her and grabbed her hand.
"Wait, hold on. There's more to this-"
Yakishio hesitated for a moment, then gently shook off his hand.
"Mi-tsu-ki! You need to be by Asagumo-san's side, okay? The three of us are going together. Mitsuki, you are watching it with Asagumo-san! That's the end of that!"
Her voice echoed across the hall. Other visitors turned to stare.
Ayano, finally registering the situation, lowered his tall frame into a sheepish bow.
"Sorry… I think I said something kinda dumb…"
Asagumo-san gently placed her hand on his arm, clearly concerned. Yakishio let out a sigh, scratching her head with a wry smile.
"She's your girlfriend, you know? If you're hanging out with us, she comes first."
"Yeah, that was on me."
"Darn right it was. You're the guy I fell for, so straighten up already!"
Yakishio gave him a hearty smack on the back, still grinning. I couldn't help but laugh, too.
Right? I mean, if he's the guy she fell for, then maybe he should…
"...Wait, Yakishio. What did you just say?"
"Huh?"
She flashed me her usual bright smile.
She said "Huh?" again, glancing toward Yanami and Asagumo-san.
Then, seeing our frozen expressions, realization finally dawned. Her face went pale.
…No, wait. Everyone already knows Yakishio is in love with Ayano.
Everyone except for one person.
If he could just stay true to form and be as dense as usual, this whole thing would blow over.
Ayano, it's your time to shine as the Clueless Male Protagonist. I'm begging you…
I nervously turned to look at him.
Standing there is Ayano, his cheeks flushed red.
Why now, of all times, is he reacting like a normal human being? Is this the final volume or something?
"Remon… 'the guy you fell for'…?"
"I- M-Mitsuki! That wasn't… I mean, it's not like that, I…!"
Yakishio lowered her head, holding both palms out toward him, inching backward.
"It's not… it's not… it's not…"
Suddenly, the words she had been whispering over and over just stopped.
Then, with all of us still frozen in place, she spun around- and bolted.
Weaving through the crowd, she vanished in seconds.
It happened so fast that we couldn't process it. We just stood there, stunned.
"She… ran away…?
That one line from me finally snapped everyone back into motion.
Ayano made a move to chase after her, but just as he took a step-
"Mitsuki-san! Don't!"
Asagumo-san's voice cracked as it echoed through the hall. Ayano froze mid-stride.
"Please don't go! Stay here! Don't chase after Yakishio-san!"
Her fingers clutched together tightly, almost like a prayer.
"But, Chihaya, Remon just-"
"But! But I'm here! I'm your girlfriend, Mitsuki-san!"
Her desperate cry, full of pain. Tears welled in her eyes, ready to spill over.
Ayano slowly walked toward her. Just once, he looked in the direction Yakishio had run.
Before the first tear could fall, he gently dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.
"...I'm sorry, Chihaya."
"Mitsuki-san…"
Watching the two of them cuddling together, I was suddenly hit with a sharp sense of loss.
I should have been running after Yakishio, but I couldn't move.
"Nukumizu-kun! Hey, what about Remon-chan!?"
Yanami shook my shoulder.
"Right…"
"Huh? Nukumizu-kun…?"
That feeling, that hollow weight in my chest, I finally understood what it was.
Maybe… just maybe, if Ayano had chased after Yakishio…
Some part of me, deep down, had been hoping for that kind of happy ending.
It was selfish, just a fantasy, ignoring Asagumo-san's pain and Ayano's feelings.
"Yanami-san, I'll go after Yakishio!"
Leaving everything behind, I took off running.
I dashed across the hall and down the stairs, but Yakishio was already gone.
So I kept going, right out the building.
This isn't like me.
This isn't the kind of thing a background character does.
But Yakishio doesn't have a protagonist chasing after her.
*
Not far from the building, by the roadside bus stop.
I saw Yakishio when I was running out of breath. She crouched down on the spot.
Just beyond her, across the guardrail, is a large supermarket parking lot.
It's an ordinary, familiar scene, but here we are, surrounded by that mundanity. I felt a dull ache in my chest as I walked over and stood next to her.
"Are you okay, Yakishio?"
"Nukkun…?"
Still hugging her knees, she slowly looked up at me. Her eyes are a bit red. She must have been crying.
"I'm so stupid… I messed up…"
She hid her face again, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
"It's okay. Things are fine back there. You don't have to worry about them anymore."
"Thanks. Sorry about all this."
"…No. I'm the one who should be sorry."
"What do you have to apologize for?"
Her smile, just a shadow of her usual brightness, made me instinctively look away.
I was apologizing… for my own coldness.
Because part of me had hoped I wouldn't find her.
-That maybe Ayano would come running instead.
She probably had a tiny, flickering hope in her heart, too, that he would show up, against all odds.
Even if it is impossible, some hope you cling to anyway.
And me? I was the one who came to snuff that little flame out.
…The two-lane prefectural road isn't particularly busy, but the stream of cars never stops completely. Yakishio's love story, brought to this quiet end, would be swallowed up by the everyday world without much resistance.
She finally stood up, placed her hands on her hips, and stretched her back.
"I'm okay now. I think I'll just take the bus home from here."
"Want me to come with you?"
Yakishio firmly shook her head.
"Let me reflect on things by myself, just this once."
"Then, at least let me stay with you until the bus comes."
"Okay. In that case, give me something to talk about."
"...Something to talk about?"
Is this what they call "a girl's impossible request"?
I have seen stuff like this online about how pretty girls could say things like this without any malicious intent and totally mess with a guy. It has to be right if it's on the internet.
"Uh… Well, then, about the Literature Club's report. Have you decided what you're going to write?"
My go-to safe topic was met with a mildly disappointed expression.
"Nukkun. Isn't this where you're supposed to cheer a girl up with a funny story?"
Really…? She hits me with an unreasonable request and gives me grief over my answer?
"Well, I guess talking about the report's fine too. I was thinking I might write a poem."
"A poem? You can write that kind of thing?"
"I can do a little. Things like 'once upon a time', you know?"
"That's more of a fairy tale than a poem."
"Then that's what I'll do."
She said, clearing her throat dramatically.
"…Once upon a time, there was a girl."
Yakishio began, her voice soft. She looked at my surprised expression and gave a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
"The girl loved to run. One day, she met a boy. The boy was always reading books."
I realized it. This is Yakishio and Ayano's story. I forgot to breathe for a moment.
"The boy told the girl all sorts of stories from his books. They became close. But the boy was actually a prince. And one day, the prince would go live in a castle far away. The girl wanted to go too, but she didn't know how to behave at court, and she didn't know how to dance at the ball."
A big truck rumbled by in front of us.
The ground shook, and dry dust swirled into the air.
When the noise finally faded, Yakishio continued as if nothing had happened.
"…The prince saw the girl was sad, so he helped her practice her manners and how to dance. The girl worked really hard so she could go to the castle with him. And in the end, she got to go. And they lived happily ever after."
I waited in silence, expecting more.
But nothing came. That was the end of Yakishio's story.
"And what happened after they got to the castle? The prince and the girl?"
"That's where it ends. Stories always finish with a 'happily ever after', you know?"
A bus bound for Toyohashi Station pulled up in front of us with a hiss of brakes.
With a sigh of released air, the doors opened. Yakishio gave a small wave at chest level and stepped onto the stairs.
"I'm heading home. Tell the others I'm sorry."
"Are you really okay with that?"
She paused, still facing away from me.
"…What do you mean?"
"With Ayano. With things ending like this. Are you-"
Without turning around, Yakishio murmured quietly.
"I really… am okay."
Yakishio hesitated for just a second, then took that last step onto the bus. The doors closed with a thunk.
I stood there, watching the bus as it pulled away, until it disappeared from sight.
*
Three nights later.
Now, sitting in my room at my desk, I stared down at the open workbook I hadn't really touched. The clock ticked past midnight.
…She hasn't replied to any of my messages since that day. According to what Yanami heard from someone, Yakishio has even been skipping track practice.
Ayano and Asagumo-san have been worried, too. They have called me several times.
I only told them the facts. As for what happened after I caught up to Yakishio, I couldn't really explain it. I just said she seemed surprisingly okay.
Only four days of summer break left. Once school started, she would have to show up eventually.
…Still, something in my chest wouldn't sit right.
Just then, my phone lit up on the desk with a quiet blink.
"Asagumo-san…?"
It was a message from her. And the moment I read it- I leapt to my feet.
Looking out the window, I spotted a small figure pacing nervously back and forth in front of the house. I hurried to change clothes and slipped outside as quietly as I could.
There, standing just beyond the gate, is that small figure, Asagumo-san.
As I cautiously approached, she lowered her head deeply.
"I'm sorry, Nukumizu-san. Coming by this late at night..."
Her voice was faint, like it wasn't just the time she was apologizing for.
"I don't mind. What's wrong?"
Even as I said it, I hated how empty my words sounded.
Of course, none of this was her fault. It was her right to stop Ayano that day.
But from what Ayano told me, she has been blaming herself ever since.
"Have you been able to reach Yakishio-san...?"
I shook my head.
"I've tried messaging her, but she hasn't responded. The read receipts show she's at least seeing them, though."
My answer barely qualified as comfort. Asagumo-san kept her head down.
"...It's my fault. Because my feelings are too vague."
Her voice was dry and strained like it had been wrung out of her.
"Too vague...?"
"I said I would step back… but I didn't mean it. I was just scared. Scared of getting hurt. Scared of facing things honestly, so I said what I thought would protect me."
I couldn't really say I understood, having never been in a relationship myself. But I could imagine.
"I think everyone has those kinds of fears in the beginning. You just… work through it. Like collecting flags... or alternate endings in a game... Yeah, something like that."
I'm sorry, Asagumo-san. As a pure-hearted boy with zero dating experience, that's the best I've got.
She shook her head slowly.
"It's not that clean or simple. Watching the two of them… I'm constantly anxious."
"Then why didn't you stop them from meeting? Why tail them instead of just talking it out? Maybe none of this would've happened if you-"
I bit my tongue before finishing the thought. It wasn't my place to blame her. No one had the right to do that except, maybe, herself.
"I didn't want to say something that would make him hate me. Even that day, I shouldn't have stopped Mitsuki from chasing after Yakishio-san."
"You weren't in the wrong, Asagumo-san. Yakishio was the one who blurted it out, and Ayano should have stayed by your side."
"Should he have? He was the one who chose to go after her. And I was the one who twisted his choice."
"You're his girlfriend. You have that right."
"But they deserved the chance to talk it out. I was afraid. That if he chased after Yakishio-san, Mitsuki-san might not come back. That he would choose her instead of me. I didn't stop him out of courage or honesty. I did it because I didn't believe in him. I didn't trust him enough."
She let it all out in one breath and then murmured softly.
"...I'm tired."
Asagumo-san hung her head, her voice weary and low.
"If Mitsuki-san really does love Yakishio-san, then maybe I should just-"
"That's not true."
I cut her off firmly.
"But-"
"I know it's not really my place to say this. But you didn't confess to Ayano with half-hearted feelings, did you?"
"No…"
I'm just a bystander, just someone who happens to be there.
This isn't really my problem. I probably shouldn't even be this involved. But once you take that first step in-
"I don't know Ayano all that well, but… he's not the kind of guy who'd accept those feelings lightly."
I have to take just a little more responsibility.
That image of Yakishio's small back, running away, came to mind again.
"And Yakishio… she's holding back just as much. She's trying not to get in the way of you two."
At the mention of her name, Asagumo-san's body trembled slightly.
"I'm in the same club as her. I want to be on her side. So please, don't talk about breaking up like that."
Asagumo-san tilted her head, a bit confused.
"But if you're on Yakishio-san's side… wouldn't it be better if Mitsuki-san and I did break up? That way she-"
"If that happened now, Yakishio would be devastated. Please don't talk about her like that."
"I'm sorry…!"
She lowered her head again.
Maybe I went too far. Her shoulders trembled slightly.
"…Eh? Wait, are you crying, Asagumo-san?"
A girl crying late at night in front of my house. I instinctively glanced up toward the second floor, where Kaju's room was.
The lights are off. Still, I could've sworn I saw the curtains shift…
"Look, I'm not blaming you or anything, okay? Here, for your tears."
I patted my pockets, but there were no tissues or handkerchiefs. Reality is rarely as tidy as fiction.
"Anyway, let me walk you part of the way. Do you live close?"
She nodded silently.
I walked her to the main road, and as we parted ways, I said:
"Leave that girl to me, okay?"
…Not that I had any kind of master plan, but I had to say something after seeing her so heartbroken.
As if suddenly remembering something, Asagumo-san pulled out a small device.
"Then at least take this. I've already adjusted the GPS sensitivity."
"…Yeah, I'm gonna pass. Actually, don't use that anymore, okay? Promise me?"
She nodded obediently. After we said our goodbyes, I started walking back, lost in thought.
I didn't have a magical fix or even a good idea. Nothing at all.
First, I need to get in touch with Yakishio. Figure out how to face her once she comes back.
My phone vibrated suddenly, cutting through my thoughts.
An unexpected name lit up the screen: Koto Tsukinoki, vice president of the Literature Club.
"Good evening! Nukumizu-kun, are you awake?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm up. What's going on at this hour?"
"Remember how I said Shintaro rejected my manuscript for the club report?"
"Yeah, you mentioned that in the clubroom."
"Well, I rewrote it into an all-ages version! Could you give it a quick read?"
Why me? Please go back to studying for exams.
"Why not just have Prez look at it?"
"If I do that, he'll just reject it again, right? I figured if you check it, I can say you approved it and sneak it in."
What kind of authority do you think I have? So basically-
"You're asking me to be your accomplice…?"
Silence. I'll take that as a yes.
"I'm kind of dealing with something right now. If you send it to me, I'll look it over later."
I was about to hang up when Tsukinoki-senpai's voice stopped my finger mid-tap.
"Wait, that wasn't the main reason I called."
There's more? She continued in her usual casual tone.
"I heard about Yakishio-chan from Yanami-chan. Sounds like it was a mess, huh?"
…Yakishio. And now Yanami's name, too, so it had to be about everything that had gone down recently.
"You heard...? How much do you know?"
"Everything. From the almost-cheating to the part where she kinda imploded in front of the guy and his girlfriend, all of it."
I let out a long sigh.
"So, Yanami-san told you that much, huh..."
"Don't get the wrong idea. The girls' track team captain asked me to check in. I basically forced the info out of Yanami-chan."
Yakishio is their ace runner. If she has been skipping practice for days, it's no surprise people are concerned.
Still, if she already got the whole story from Yanami, then why did she need me?
"Tomorrow- well, I guess it's technically today now. Keep your schedule open, okay?"
"Uh... senpai? I'm a little lost here. What's happening today?"
My confusion was blown away by her bright, unshakable tone.
"What else? We're going to pick up Yakishio-chan. Together!"
