Chapter 2: As Damp as the Number of Tears
The Monday after a holiday always feels heavy.
Amidst this heaviness, I somehow made it to the after-school homeroom. A dark atmosphere engulfed the entire classroom.
"A friend of mine just told me she got a new boyfriend.”
Thus began the harbinger of gloomy tales. Our homeroom teacher, Amanatsu-sensei, was in full-on pitch-black mode.
Leaning on the podium, Amanatsu-sensei started twirling her hair with her fingertips.
"I didn't even hear that she broke up with her last boyfriend. Isn’t that really weird? I’ve never encountered any particularly good or bad things, but how come she’s always getting a nice deal after another?”
I think I know who that friend might be.
While Amanatsu-sensei's drama unfolded, I subtly glanced towards Yakishio by the window, resting her cheek on her hand.
Yakishio was gazing out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
-She suddenly invited me to join the going home club.
After that, I barely managed a response, and we walked in silence.
And thus, my first date ended in front of the aquarium.
The only consolation was the delicious Sugakiya ramen I had alone at Gamagori Station.
"Even if you say you're lonely because it's cold, what am I supposed to do when I'm always cold? Even the cat in my own house only snuggles up to Konuki-chan- when will your dear sensei’s winter end?"
I wish homeroom would end before Amanatsu-sensei's winter does. She's now started hunting for split ends of her hair.
After eliminating what seemed like the umpteenth split end, Amanatsu-sensei finally seemed satisfied and slowly stood up.
"Well, it's March now. We have the graduation ceremony on Friday, and you guys will be senpais next month."
Light returned to the eyes of my classmates as the end of Amanatsu-sensei’s theater seemed imminent.
Amanatsu-sensei looked around at us with a more serious expression than usual.
"There will be class changes in the second year, and we'll only be together for a little while longer. I've actually had quite a fun year with you all."
Amanatsu-sensei took the responsibility of teaching us very seriously in the past. However, she won’t be facing us starting tomorrow. It will surely be a struggle. Will she be alright?
It’s not really my business, but I’m still worried about her. Sensei then smacked the attendance book on the podium.
"Alright, that's it for today! Make sure you don't get into trouble on your way home!"
As the long homeroom finally came to an end, I looked for Yakishio among the standing classmates.
I hadn't spoken to her all morning, but I knew I needed to have a proper conversation.
"Yakishio!"
Yakishio looked surprised when I blocked her path.
"What’s up, Nukkun? You raised your voice."
“No, uh, about yesterday…”
Well, this is awkward. I called out to her impulsively, but now I'm struggling to start the conversation.
I fell silent, and Yakishio also fidgeted with her fingers.
"...Yeah, sorry for suddenly saying something like that. It must have troubled you."
"...It's not that I was troubled. It's just that…it was so sudden..."
What did her words from yesterday mean? If something happened in the club, maybe I could still do something about it-
There's so much I need to ask, yet here she is, fidgeting with her fingers when facing me.
“It might have been sudden for you, but that wasn't the case for me, so that's why..."
Yakishio looked up at me with her eyes.
"I would be delighted if you could think about it properly."
“S-Sure.”
Yakishio flipped the hem of her short skirt as I nodded awkwardly.
"Then, I have to go to the gym today. I'll be leaving now."
“Uh, see you.”
Yakishio ran out of the suddenly quiet classroom.
I just stared at her retreating figure- wait, why is the classroom so quiet…?
When I realized and looked around, all my classmates were staring at me with serious faces.
Even Yanami is giving me a look I've never seen before.
Was her sclera always that big...?
As I stood there confused, a light BGM started playing in my head, and the scent of flowers filled the air.
Karen Himemiya stood before me with her hands akimbo, blocking my way.
“May I have a word, Nukumizu-kun?”
“Eh? Not really…”
I retreated in fear, but I could feel something heavy cutting off my escape from behind.
“Ohoho, to think you would reject Karen-chan’s invitation, you’ve got balls, Nukumizu-kun.”
The pressure comes from Yanami, standing behind me.
With the 8K of the front gate and the 4K of the back gate-
I had no choice but to comply when facing the proud 12K combo of Tsuwabuki.
*
At a family restaurant a little away from school.
I took a sip of cola while trembling in this haven.
Across the table, loaded with a large serving of fries, sat Karen Himemiya with a smile and Anna Yanami with a somewhat blank expression.
"…Nukumizu-kun, I'm a bit curious about your conversation with Yakishio-san earlier."
Himemiya-san pressed on with a smile that somehow added pressure.
Even though she says she's curious, it's not like anything related to the Literature Club concerns Himemiya-san…
"Uh, sorry, but it's not something that concerns Himemiya-san, and I can't really go into details-"
Bam! Himemiya-san slammed the table with force.
"It does concern me! I can't just ignore anything that involves my best friend Anna!"
Eh, how does Yakishio's story relate to Yanami?
And this whole best friend setting with her, I swear I need regular reminders, or I'll forget…
"I was planning to tell Yanami-san eventually- but I went out with Yakishio yesterday."
"It was a date, right?"
Yanami corrected me with a sharp glare.
"Well, yeah, but it doesn't really matter either way..."
I tried to brush it off, but Himemiya-san gave me a stern look this time.
"It does matter! You already have Anna, don't you!?"
“Huh?” (x2)
First off, I don't "have" Yanami, and second of all, what is she even talking about?
Even Yanami looks perplexed by this.
"You already have Anna as your girlfriend, and you still go on a date with another girl? That's obviously not okay!"
She started making serious accusations out of nowhere.
"Wait! Yanami-san and I aren't dating, you know!?”
“Eh?”
Now it's Himemiya-san's turn to be shocked. Her eyes widened as she looked back and forth between Yanami and me.
“So, Anna, does that mean you got dumped again-”
Hold up, that's not a road we want to go down. I quickly waved my hands after seeing Yanami's expression,
"No, no, no, we were never together in the first place! Come on, Yanami-san, say something!"
Yanami slowly turned her head towards me with a creak.
"W-Well, I guess what Karen-chan is saying is... a misunderstanding?"
“Right, right.”
"It's more like I was the one who dumped Nukumizu-kun if anything."
“...Ha? I wasn’t even dumped a little bit.”
Very well, it’s war, then. I finished my cola with gusto and slammed the glass down with force.
"If you're talking about what happened last July, that was entirely your misunderstanding, Yanami-san. Given such a misunderstanding, it's inevitable to doubt your perception of events thereafter."
“...Doubt?”
Yanami raised an eyebrow and shoveled a fry into her mouth.
I nodded and reached for the nearly empty plate of fries.
"For example, regarding the incident at the observation deck at the end of the year, you unilaterally suggested that I confess. Normally, such a conversation would never come up if there wasn't a mutual interest in confessing. This suggests there might be a fundamental distortion in your perception. In other words-"
Yanami pointed a long fry in my direction, cutting me off.
"Do you want to say I was the one who unilaterally became conscious of you, Nukumizu-kun?"
...The answer was silence. Yanami, who had been narrowing her eyes at me, now smirked.
"The premise is wrong, Nukumizu-kun. A situation where a girl and a boy are alone, and the boy says he has something serious to talk about- that's universally understood as a confession, isn't it?"
“I told you that was a misunderstanding-”
"It's the collective unconscious. You just haven't realized it, Nukumizu-kun, but that was actually a confession."
Collective...unconscious? She's definitely using terms she doesn't understand.
"And since I rejected that, it naturally means I dumped you, doesn't it?"
“How come I don’t see it that way then?”
"The end-of-year thing was like rejecting you before you could even confess. If anything, you should be thankful."
She even wants me to thank her.
Alright, it's about time Yanami faces reality.
"Then let's have Himemiya-san make a judgment."
"Indeed, Karen-chan, you should have a clear outsider’s perspective, right?”
“Eh? Me?”
Himemiya-san flinched when we suddenly threw the ball to her.
After looking back and forth between us for a while, she tilted her head and said-
"So, are you two…constantly breaking up and getting back together?"
“No!” (x2)
We ended up saying it in unison.
Yanami let out a strained voice while holding her head.
"F-For now, the judgment for Nukumizu-kun will wait until the arrival of the third judge."
"A third one? Someone else is coming?"
"This involves the Literature Club, right? That’s why I've also called Komari-chan."
Is Komari coming, too? I noticed a head bobbing behind an indoor plant as I casually looked around.
...What is she doing?
Just as I reached for my phone to call her out, a message arrived as if on cue.
<Who’s next to Yanami?>
Come to think of it, this was her first time meeting Himemiya-san.
Just as I was about to reply, I reconsidered and stood up. Since she's here, I might as well bring her over.
*
After seating the captured Komari next to me, Himemiya-san leaned forward across the table with sparkling eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Komari-san. Anna has told me all about you. You write novels, right?"
“Ueh, a-ah…”
Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. Komari is completely intimidated by Himemiya’s aura.
Realizing this, Himemiya-san stuck out her tongue with a playful chuckle.
"Sorry for monopolizing the conversation. Let's start with a toast, shall we? Cheers!"
“Oh, a-ah…”
With trembling hands, Komari clinked her mug cup before freezing again.
These two...seem like a bad match.
"Karen-chan, Komari-chan seems scared. Sorry for calling you out so suddenly, Komari-chan."
Yanami intervened between them. Komari nodded vigorously before pointing her phone screen toward Yanami.
“<What do you need?> …Eh? Komari-chan, why are you talking to me with your phone?”
I took a sip of coffee as Yanami kept messing up other people’s charm-meter of her.
"Actually, we called you here for a specific reason, Komari-chan. We're about to start Nukumizu-kun's impeachment trial."
"Wait a minute, Yanami-san. Going out with Yakishio was just to give her advice. Nothing shady happened."
Strike first to avoid accusations. I immediately started explaining before Yanami could attack. However, she just snorted dismissively.
"Yeah, yeah, advice, advice. It's always 'nothing' until you two somehow end up closer. What 'advice' were you giving, I wonder?"
What's gotten into Yanami? Did she relive some unpleasant memories?
Then, Himemiya-san mumbled while looking in a completely different direction.
"...Uh, Anna, it really wasn’t like that during that time, okay?"
"I know. As if you could be like that, Karen-chan. As if..."
Wait, don't suddenly shift to such an eerie atmosphere. Please, I'm begging.
Komari is clutching my jacket under the table, trembling.
"Can we get back to talking about Yakishio? After all, wasn't that why we all gathered here?"
The three exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
...Why does the guy being accused have to be so considerate?
"The whole thing started because of you, Nukumizu-kun. You were whispering meaningfully with Remon-chan in the classroom. Would you like to make a statement before we deliver a guilty verdict?"
Yanami said that while blind-typing on the tablet for ordering.
"Look, the reason Yakishio invited me out was that she had something difficult to discuss...or suggest. Uh, basically-”
Yakishio's timid voice asking me to join the going home club still echoes in my ears.
Of course, I have no intention of quitting my club activities, so the point is this:
“I’ll be frank. Yakishio is planning to quit the club.”
Perfect explanation. They should realize now it's misguided to blame me.
Contrary to my expectations, Yanami gave me a stern look.
"...Nukumizu-kun, what did you do?"
"Eh? I told you, I was just advising- hey, Komari, stop kicking me. She's considering quitting not just the Literature Club but also the Track and Field Club."
Yanami's eyes widened in surprise at that.
"Wait, quitting the Literature Club is one thing, but she can't quit Track and Field."
"Y-Yeah, take responsibility, Nukumizu."
Why am I being blamed even more?
Himemiya-san watched the commotion calmly, her brows knitted cutely.
"Hmm, I don't know the details, but she's really fast, right? It seems like a waste for her to quit."
That's a normal reaction. Wholly reasonable and not at all mistaken.
But those anxious eyes of Yakishio from yesterday gave me enough reason to question.
"...Yeah, I think everyone's right. But if Yakishio feels that strongly about it, I don't want to simply say what she should do."
Silence enveloped us, but Himemiya-san's gentle smile soon broke it.
"Right, we shouldn't say much without knowing her circumstances or struggles."
It's easier to talk to her than the Literature Club girls, even though she's ultimately an outsider.
As I was wondering how to politely send her back since she's an outsider, a message from Komari popped up on my phone.
<Why is she here?>
Yeah, I wonder why. I finished typing my response just as-
"Here's your extra-large serving of rice!"
The always cheerful waitress places a mountainous plate of rice on the table and leaves. What’s this…?
"Yanami-san, did you order this?"
“...I ordered the wrong dish.”
With a solemn look at the tablet, Yanami reached for the table salt after muttering that.
*
The sky had started to darken by the time we left the family restaurant and bid farewell.
In the end, we agreed that each of us would try to talk to Yakishio, and incidentally, Yanami ended up enjoying the extra-large serving of rice. Apparently, Tabasco sauce goes surprisingly well with it.
As I walked alone through a residential area toward the nearest station, a bicycle approached from behind and stopped beside me.
"Nukumizu-kun, can I walk with you- wait, why are you running away!?"
"I thought I might get tangled up in something."
Yanami grumbled as she got off and started walking beside me while pushing the bike.
I quickened my pace, feeling a bad premonition, but Yanami kept up without missing a beat.
“Uh, is there something you want to talk about with me?”
"Nukumizu-kun, there's something you still haven't told me, right?"
I shrugged while feigning ignorance.
"I said everything that needed to be said earlier. Yakishio is so stressed about quitting her club that all we can do is watch over her."
"Then what was up with the two of you in the classroom?"
“Uh, that was…”
I hesitated before speaking.
"I was invited too. To join the going home club together."
"Together? There's no actual going home club, so joining together doesn't really make sense-”
Yanami's expression changed as she cut herself off.
"Wait, did Remon-chan really say that? Nukumizu-kun, you understand what that means, right?"
Do I understand what it means? My my, I'm being underestimated here.
"Yeah, it means she wants me to quit the Literature Club too. Yakishio probably felt too awkward to quit alone, right?”
Yanami's eyes widened in surprise when I answered with a confident look.
"Eh, that's what you're focusing on?"
"Hmm? What else should I be focusing on? Besides, I have no intention of quitting the Literature Club."
Yanami nodded with a relieved look.
"Yeah, keep being who you are, Nukumizu-kun.”
...I feel like I'm being dissed here.
Yanami teased me further with a refreshing smile despite my inner turmoil.
"But still, a date with Remon-chan. You must have been a little conscious, right?"
"Well, yeah, I'm not used to dating or anything."
"Right? Remon-chan is cute. It's natural to get a little excited once or twice. I'll let it slide."
What an attitude.
"I mean, I might have gotten excited like 10 or 20 times-”
“Isn’t that too many times?”
Yanami shot me a displeased look.
"Is it a matter of how many times?"
"It is! That means you were excited during the entire time! Mixing public and private matters, that's not very proper of you!”
Was there a public element to my date with Yakishio?
"It's not like Yakishio sees me as a romantic interest. It's Yakishio, you know? And it's me, you know?"
"...Well, that's true. It's Remon-chan and Nukumizu-kun, after all."
Glad she understands. But she could have denied it a little.
With her mood apparently lifted, Yanami got on her bicycle again.
"See you tomorrow then. I'll keep an eye out for Remon-chan, too."
"Uh, yeah, see you tomorrow."
What exactly was Yanami so unhappy about, and why did her mood suddenly improve?
...Well, it's Yanami, so it can't be helped. With that conclusion, I quicken my pace towards the station.
*
<I’ll be taking a break from the club today.>
I sent a message to the Literature Club's group chat and sank deeper into the train seat.
The day after the so-called impeachment trial, I headed straight for the train after school without stopping by the clubroom.
Please don’t misunderstand. I'm not running away from my problems. I tried to talk to Yakishio but ended up losing sight of her.
"I thought she got on this train..."
While searching for Yakishio, the doors closed, and the slow vibration of the train began to sway my body.
For some reason, the train was quite empty, and I comfortably settled in the middle of a long seat.
“...Welp, it can’t be helped if I lost sight of her.”
With unexpected free time on my hands, I pulled out a paperback from my bag.
This light novel is called <The 101 Transfer Students Targeting Me>, abbreviated as <Zeroten>. I’ve already read half of the latest volume.
It's a rom-com about the protagonist dealing with a new beautiful girl transferring to his school for 101 consecutive days. The series is known for its character introduction section, which grows thicker with each volume.
By the way, 27 transfer students had appeared in the last volume, 18 of whom had already left the school.
Characters fade out when they're no longer needed in the story, but outside of it, they continue their lives just like anyone else. Starting the day, going to school, studying, hanging out with friends, sometimes falling in love.
I tried to read, yet I couldn’t focus, so I closed the book.
Yakishio is the track team's rising star. I wonder what role awaits her if she steps down.
Whatever it is, she's bound to face it with a smile as bright as the summer sun…
Someone sat next to me while I was lost in thought.
The train must have gotten crowded without me noticing. I lifted my bag onto my lap and glanced around. The carriage is still comfortably sparse.
…What? A glance at my neighbor reveals an unfamiliar Tsuwabuki student clutching her bag to her chest and sitting down. She has shoulder-length straight hair and is muttering under her breath in a low voice. Creepy.
I quietly stood up and moved to the next carriage, taking a seat.
…What’s with that girl?
I've heard stories of people who become anxious if they can't sit in their favorite seat. Perhaps the one I took was such a spot for her. So, I did another good deed by giving it to her.
Content with my conclusion, I soon felt someone's presence next to me again.
I found the same girl mumbling beside me once more as I tentatively looked sideways.
Wait, this is genuinely scary. What if she's some kind of ghost only visible to me?
As I sat there, frightened, the train began to slow down. We've arrived at Shin-Toyohashi Station, the terminus of the Atsumi Line.
I disembarked with the other passengers, but the person next to me followed closely behind. Suppressing the urge to run, I bolted through the ticket gates as soon as I was out.
I’m a guy. She can’t catch up to me that easily-
“Wait a moment!”
She quickly caught up to me. The mysterious girl grabbed my arm at the south plaza just outside the station.
“What do you want!? I don’t have any money!”
The mysterious girl shouted loudly as her hand remained on my arm.
"Tea! Won't you go have tea or something with me?"
“...Huh?”
Could this be what they call a reverse pick-up? It's a staple scenario in light novels where an unassuming guy gets approached by a girl out of the blue, but this is a bit different. Significantly different.
"I have my water bottle, so I'm good! Now, could you please let go of me!?"
I tried to escape with all my might but ended up being dragged along instead.
"It's just tea! I won't do anything. Just keep me company for a bit!"
So this is what the protagonists of rom-coms go through. Terrifying. I’ll only read isekai novels from now on.
I nodded in defeat as I resigned to my fate.
*
I'm caught by the mysterious Tsuwabuki girl at the south plaza of Toyohashi Station.
We sat across from each other in a coffee shop that faced the plaza.
The reason for choosing this place was simple- there's a police station right next door.
I sipped on the "Coffee of the Day" while covertly checking her out with a glance.
She's looking down, so I can't see her face clearly, but she's definitely not someone I know.
She has a petite face and a slender body that looks like it could belong to an athlete.
She's sipping on a layered strawberry and yogurt drink.
This girl is drinking something quite cute for someone who looks like a mountain bandit…
“Uh, have we met somewhere before?”
The bandit girl trembled.
“W-What kind of girls do you like, Nukumizu-kun!?”
What a sudden question. And how does she know my name?
The bandit girl finally looked up as I remained in my intimidated silence.
Her round eyes are brimming with tears, and her lips are slightly pale.
“I said what kind of girl do you like…”
So we're still on that topic. She definitely isn't interested in what type of girl I like.
"Uh, since you know my name, is there something you need from me? Or did someone send you?"
That’s right. I’m sending her ass straight to the police station if she dares to bully me.
If it’s a prank- go straight to the police station. Praise the police station.
The girl, previously frozen by my words, suddenly raised her voice while looking around.
"See, I told you I couldn't seduce him!"
Was I being seduced? And who was she talking to just now? As I wondered, about ten customers sitting around us stood up energetically.
"Go for it, Captain!" "He's almost falling for it!" "Just one more little push!"
…What the hell is happening?
As I stood there dumbfounded, the girl they called Captain scratched her head and offered a wry smile.
"Sorry, Nukumizu-kun. Everyone just followed me here."
“...Uh, and you are?”
"Ah, I knew you didn’t recognize me. Hold on.”
She quickly tied her hair into a ponytail and pinned her bangs back with a hairpin, transforming her appearance into that of a lively and energetic girl.
“Alright, now you recognize me, right?”
Who are you? As I remained clueless, the ponytailed girl’s wry smile intensified.
"Come on, we've met at the club presidents' meetings. I'm from the girls' track team, Kurata."
Ah, the second-year captain of the girls' track team. I remember being approached by her a few times.
"Long time no see. But what about everyone around us-"
The girls simultaneously pointed their phone cameras at me as I looked around.
"Yeah. These are the club members who were on standby to catch you cheating."
"...Cheating? Uh, what do you mean by that?"
The track team girls exchanged glances and then bowed at the same time.
“Please! Break up with our Remon!”
What!? Their voices echo through the store.
A group of girls just bowed to me in the coffee shop before the station that’s next to a police station.
"Please raise your heads! Before talking about breaking up, Yakishio and I aren't even dating."
The track team girls slowly lifted their faces as I hurriedly responded.
Did they understand? My relief is short-lived as the track girls begin to whisper ominously among themselves.
"Playing around...?" "That's too cruel." "Just like Satoko's ex-boyfriend." "But they're not exes yet, right?"
This is bad. Baseless rumors are swirling around, and Satoko's ex sounds like the worst.
My gaze met Captain Kurata’s serious eyes as I looked around for an ally.
“Are you two- just playing around?”
“No, we are not! Our relationship isn’t like that! We’re just friends.”
The track team girls fall silent.
The tension ballooned until it nearly burst, but Captain Kurata raised her hand to calm everyone.
“Can we trust that?”
Trust or not, while Yakishio and I have held hands, it's not in a romantic context.
I nodded earnestly, and Captain Kurata responded with the same action.
"Everyone, take a seat. We're causing a disturbance to the other customers."
The girls weren’t entirely convinced, but they returned to their seats and started sipping on their cute drinks again.
Captain Kurata let go of her straw and began to speak in a calm tone.
"Remon-chan could potentially compete in this year's Inter-High if she keeps up her performance. It's crucial for her university recommendations, and we all support her."
She glanced at her team members before continuing.
"We didn't interfere with her being in both the Literature Club and track because that's what she wanted. But if you're trying to pull her away for real, we can't just stand by."
"Eh? I'm not trying to pull her away or anything-”
Captain Kurata shook her head and interrupted me.
"Our club has a policy where individual training can be approved upon request. Remon-chan applied to do solo training for a while. And by the way-”
Captain Kurata smiled with a piece of strawberry stuck to her lips.
“I’ve heard that there was a strange atmosphere between Remon-chan and someone in class 1-C. Is that true?”
She knew about that. I recognized some faces from my class around as well.
It seems impossible to dodge the question, but discussing such matters in public…
I finished my cold coffee and placed the cup on the saucer.
“...Senpai, could we talk, just the two of us?”
"Eh, just me and you?"
Captain Kurata was immediately stunned.
"I would like to talk with you alone, somewhere quiet if possible."
“...U-Uh, well, if it’s just for a moment, then sure.”
Captain Kurata fumbled for her phone as she became flustered and avoided my gaze.
"Kalmia has a cafe known for its delicious matcha sweets, and if we walk a bit, there's karaoke. …Oh, do you like movies? There's a Slow Town Film Festival happening this weekend."
...Wait, what is she talking about? As Captain Kurata tapped on her smartphone, one of the track team girls poked her shoulder.
"No, no, Kura-chan. He just said he wants to talk things over as club presidents."
“...Eh?”
Kura-chan, I mean Captain Kurata, stared at me with a blank expression before looking around.
The track team girls avoided eye contact. Honestly, I felt like I was sitting on a pile of needles.
"Uh, sorry. I was hoping we could have a little talk."
“T-T-T-That's right! Yeah, understood! Let's walk around and talk!"
Captain Kurata hurried out of the shop with her face flushed red.
I returned the coffee cup to the drop-off and bowed to the track team members before following her.
…That was really awkward.
*
The place I’m in right now is your best bet if you’re looking for a quiet spot near Toyohashi Station.
The area is known as "West Station". It can get crowded with pick-up vehicles depending on the time, but aside from that, it's surprisingly quiet, almost like the station's liveliness is a lie.
We walked without much conversation, leaving the station building and heading right along the street parallel to the railway tracks.
A row of small izakayas slowly start their day, almost as if it's early morning.
"Sorry for taking your time."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize for the weird way I approached you. That was out of line."
Yeah, it was. Kurata-san scratched the tip of her nose in embarrassment.
"I thought Remon might have a boyfriend, and that's why she’s planning to quit the club."
"And you thought that was me?"
She nodded with a wry smile.
"You were at Tsuwabuki Fest for Remon, right?"
Tsuwabuki Fest- right, a classmate from middle school had tried to approach Yakishio and was utterly rejected.
"Yeah, I did go to see the track team."
"She's popular, you know. Despite appearances, she's careful about how she interacts with boys."
Huh, being popular is really tough.
“That’s why I got curious when I saw how different her attitude is to you compared to other boys.”
Does she mean I’m not really a guy in her eyes…?
"But the track team doesn't have a rule against dating, right? No need to worry so much."
“Remon’s the type to be ruined by guys, don’t you think?”
“That’s imposs-”
...Well, actually, it might be.
Given how she reacts around Ayano, who isn't even her boyfriend, having an actual boyfriend could indeed be a problem…
"Indeed, Yakishio does seem like she could fall for the wrong type of guy. Yeah, I need to be careful."
"...Yeah, you really do need to be careful."
Kurata-san stared at me intently for some reason.
"So, you were trying to take a photo of me 'cheating' to show Yakishio? To make her break up with me?"
"Well, yeah. We thought we'd rescue our ace of the track team from a bad guy trying to lure her away."
She laughed, showing her white teeth. Seeing that smile- I decided to trust her.
I called out to Kurata-san as she walked ahead.
"...Yakishio talked to me before. She asked if I would join the going home club with her."
Kurata-san looked back over her shoulder as we walked.
"Together? You mean both of you quitting the Literature Club?"
I nodded, and Kurata-san chuckled brightly.
"That's just like her. She probably feels bad quitting just the track team. You really got dragged into this, huh?"
Kurata-san laughed again.
"Remon is amazing, you know. I could tell because we used to compete in short runs when she joined."
"Does that mean you aren’t doing short runs anymore, senpai?”
"I wasn't fast enough. When Remon joined, I even got dropped from the relay team. So, I switched to middle distance."
She silenced me with a look just as I was about to say something.
"I was told early on to take over as captain. It wouldn't look good if the captain couldn't compete in races."
She wasn’t looking for sympathy or consolidation when she said that.
It's likely her pride, an essential part of her identity.
We stopped as we reached the end of the path without the need to say a single word.
"I wonder if she's still worried about me moving to middle distance..."
Kurata-san turned around before I could think of an appropriate answer.
“I’ll head back first. I need to group up with everyone.”
"Yes, thank you for everything regarding Yakishio."
"Thank you, too. I'll keep an eye out on my end as well, so if there's anything, just let me know."
“Hey, senpai!”
I called out to her unconsciously. Kurata-san turns around with a puzzled look.
"Ignoring your identity as the captain, as her senpai, do you want Yakishio to come back?”
Her eyes widened as she started to respond, then paused and closed her mouth.
She then offered me a shy smile, something I hadn't seen from her all day.
"Sorry, but I'm her biggest fan."
I thought about Yakishio as I watched her running away after saying that.
Always incredibly bright, yet so incredibly delicate.
Because she rarely shows weakness, when her smile dims, it means someone should be by her side-
Screech! The sudden sound of bicycle brakes shattered my sentimental thoughts.
Thud. And it crashed into me.
"Y-You're in the way, standing in the middle of the road like that."
“Why did you suddenly run into me like that then…?”
Indeed, it was Komari who had charged into me. She glared up at me through her bangs.
“W-What are you doing? You didn’t come to the club.”
-Because an unhinged girl kept messing with me.
Holding back the urge to say just that, the more mature me simply shrugged.
"I was looking for Yakishio. Didn't find her, though."
Komari got off her bicycle and glared in the direction Kurata-san left.
“...W-Who was that girl just now?”
"Hm? She’s Kurata-san from the second year, the captain of the girls' track team."
“T-Track team…? S-So, you two were talking about Yakishio?”
"Yeah, Yakishio seems to be taking a break from the track team, too. So, we were just exchanging information about her."
I decided to keep the near setup for a honey trap to myself to avoid misunderstandings.
Komari made a troubled face just as she was about to push her bicycle away.
“Ueh…?”
“Hmm, what’s wrong?”
“U-Uh, the chain came off.”
That's what happens when you crash into things.
I felt so good about Komari essentially walking into her own mess, but I couldn’t just let her freak out here alone.
I moved the bicycle to the side of the road and started turning the pedal to check the chain.
“Haha, looks like the chain came off.”
“I-I know that already.”
Right, but this is your fault, no matter what. How do we fix this, though…?
As I crouched down to search on my smartphone, Komari came over to stand next to me.
“C-Can you fix it?”
"Hmm, could you look up how to fix it on the net?"
“G-Got it.”
Komari showed me the screen after tapping on her phone for a while.
“F-Found a video.”
“Oh, nice.”
Her hair brushed against my cheek as she leaned in. It tickled.
Komari started speaking softly while I was duking it out with the chain.
“W-Will you come to the c-clubroom tomorrow?”
"I want to, but I'm also worried about Yakishio."
“Y-Yakishio is important, but think about the Literature Club too.”
Right- though, right now, I'm fixing a chain because of you.
"T-The graduation ceremony is this weekend. I-It's the last chance to see the senpais in their u-uniforms."
It's March. The senpais time is running short, and preparations for next year can't wait.
“Sorry, I’ll be there tomorrow.”
I apologized sincerely, but Komari still seems to have something on her mind.
"Is there something else?"
"...U-Uh, about making the c-club magazine."
"The one to prepare for the graduation ceremony? My manuscript is ready."
This edition of the club magazine is a surprise gift for the senpais on the day of their graduation.
I fear nothing since I’m the first one to finish the draft.
"Let's print it tomorrow. Or we could go do that now.”
“L-Let’s wait a bit before making the magazine.”
"What's the matter? Isn't your draft ready?"
"It's been ready for a while, but-"
Komari hesitated before continuing.
“I-I want Yakishio to w-write something too.”
“...I see. I understand.”
Yakishio was the first student Komari befriended in the first year.
She must be feeling troubled by the current situation.
"Plus, Tamaki-senpai's exam results are out next week. Maybe it's better to wait until then."
“Y-Yeah, Tamaki-senpai’s up n-next…”
The end of her sentence faded away, lacking strength.
The situation for Tamaki-senpai, who switched to the sciences in his third year, is far from optimistic. His self-scored results from the early exam put him right on the borderline, and the later exams will be even more challenging.
I’ve noticed Komari becoming increasingly nervous since Tsukinoki-senpai’s successful admission.
"By the way, Komari, why were you running around this street? It's quite far from the main road."
I changed the subject in an attempt to dispel the awkwardness, which prompted Komari to look up.
“U-Uh, I've been visiting shrines for good luck with exams lately. A-And, I read online that praying to Jizo statues is good."
"There are Jizo statues around here?"
“I-I've tried all the places I could think of, so now I'm just s-searching around the station."
No wonder she was wandering around here. But, man, she's surprisingly serious about this…
"I'll try to look around when I have some free time too."
“T-Thank you…”
Following the video's instructions, I hooked the chain back on and rotated the pedal in the opposite direction.
The chain wrapped around the gear with a solid click.
“Alright, done.”
“O-Ohh, amazing.”
It took about 10 minutes. Online tutorial wins again.
"The chain seems loose, so you might want to get it checked at a bike shop."
Komari handed me a white handkerchief just as I stood up and searched my pocket.
“I’ve got oil on my hands. I can just use mine.”
“D-Don’t worry about it. A-Also, your finger is b-bleeding.”
...Bleeding? I must have cut it without realizing it. Blood is seeping from my index finger.
Komari took out a band-aid from her bag, pressed the handkerchief against the wound, and then skillfully applied the band-aid.
"M-Make sure to wash your finger and reapply i-it when you get home."
“Sorry. The blood must have gotten on your handkerchief, right?”
“D-Don’t worry about it.”
Komari said that while holding my hand before falling silent.
“...Komari?”
“Y-You always worry about others too much, N-Nukumizu.”
Komari opened and closed her dry lips repeatedly before finally speaking.
“S-So, that’s why i-it’s time for me- to worry about you too.”
She fell silent again.
“O-Oh, sure…”
Komari nodded and let go of my hand without a word.
I traced the texture of the band-aid on my fingertip as I watched her ride away on her bicycle without saying anything more.
…Well, it was her fault to begin with, after all.
*
Literature Club Report - Special Edition
<A Certain Interesting Woman> by Chika Komari
The graduation party at Faria Royal Magic Academy.
The party was a lavish ball held in a grand mansion suitable for a school attended by the nobility.
In a corner of the grand hall, Dazai, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, swayed his glass with a sullen look.
“One, two, three- what a joke.”
Dazai muttered bitterly and drained the contents of his glass.
The waltz playing from somewhere sounded exactly like those from his original world.
He half-expected a loan shark to emerge laughing from behind a pillar, revealing it all to be a farce…
As Dazai entertained these unamusing thoughts, he accepted a new drink from a passing server.
-Dazai had not been dismissed. He’s teaching at a magic academy.
But not here. He’s a teacher at the Zavit Magic Academy in the neighboring country.
Today, he’s here as a bag carrier for his sworn friend, Mishima, a superior officer.
…Graduation, huh?
It was ironic that he, who had been expelled from Tokyo Imperial University, was present at this occasion.
But that wasn't all. He had come to this world looking for someone, yet somehow ended up serving at the palace, barely making ends meet. How is this any different from when he sold manuscripts for a mere pittance?
The music had already stopped playing by the time Dazai held a new glass.
The men and women who had been dancing in the center of the hall dispersed like petals in the wind.
Dazai's gaze settled on a man in military uniform. It’s Mishima.
Having finished dancing, Mishima walks arm in arm with a girl in a dress.
Spotting the sullen Dazai, Mishima parted ways with the girl and jogged over to him.
“Mishima, you know how to dance too?”
“Madame Kunieda taught me a few steps before. Would you like to dance together?”
Dazai gruffly pushed his glass towards the smiling Mishima.
"Don't be ridiculous. But this wine isn't bad. Have you tried it?"
"We're here as attendants to the headmaster. Please don't drink too much."
"The headmaster himself has vanished somewhere. We'll do as we please."
Mishima, though exasperated, accepted the glass, held it up to the light, swirled it, and then tasted it.
"Ah, it reminds me of Burgundy's Pinot. Quite a treat."
"What's with the airs? I still think red ball wine suits me better anyway."
Dazai took the glass back from Mishima.
"Quit throwing a tantrum. You've had your share of French cuisine courtesy of the editors, haven't you?"
"Those guys only ever let me drink cheap booze. There's a different treatment for a Tokyo Imperial University graduate and a dropout like me."
Just as Dazai was about to continue his complaints, a clear young voice echoed through the hall.
"Miss Sylvia Luczel, I hereby annul our engagement!"
Both turned in surprise towards the center of the grand hall, where a young man with curly blonde hair stood.
His beauty is noticeable even from afar, and his well-tailored clothes speak of high status. Facing him is a beautiful girl in a red dress, her face strong-willed, surrounded by her honey-colored long hair.
—Annulment of engagement. Indeed, the young man had said that.
Dazai grabbed Mishima's arm and headed towards the crowd surrounding them.
"Hey, this is a real scene. Let's get a closer look."
“You have terrible taste, Dazai-san. Ahh, wait for me.”
The so-called scene is still unfolding.
“So?” The girl named Sylvia coldly dropped that with her arms crossed.
The young man backed away with a flustered look.
“Uh, I said I’m canceling…our engagement…”
"Gustave-sama, there's a certain etiquette to annulment of engagement. Where's the report listing my misdeeds addressed to my father?"
"Uh, I seem to have left it at your mansion..."
Sylvia put a hand to her forehead and sighed deeply.
"That's why I told you not to forget it. Oh, dear- Anne!"
“Y-Yes!”
The one suddenly called by name was a girl with black hair hiding behind Gustave.
Despite her modest air, her beauty couldn't be hidden entirely.
"There's no helping it. Let's hear it directly from you, the victim. Please, condemn me!"
“Uh, but you’ve always treated me well, Miss Sylvia, so condemning you is…”
“...Wait, that’s not what you said earlier.”
Sylvia frowned.
“Look, remember when I tore your dress in the forest school during summer? That was really terrible of me.”
Anne shook her adorable head from side to side.
“That was just because a bee flew into my dress, and you helped me out, Miss Sylvia.”
"That's an add-on setting from the side story! Look, remember the horseback riding event where I made the horse run wild trying to endanger your life?"
"That was because a bee flew into the horse's ear and startled it..."
"That's a ridiculous development from an anthology! Bee-related events are not recognized as official canon among the fans!”
Dazai, who had been listening with anticipation, now looked puzzled.
"...Hey, Mishima. What are they talking about?"
“I’m not sure either. Perhaps that girl-”
Sylvia's lively voice drowned out Mishima's words.
"Gustave! After all I said, you haven't done any groundwork and told His Majesty? You're taking the annulment too lightly. Very well, I shall show you all what 'served right’ really means!"
Sylvia grabbed Gustave’s arm.
"Then I shall teach you from scratch what it means to annul an engagement! Come, Anne, join us!"
“Yes, Miss Sylvia!”
Sylvia and her group quickly left the room and escaped from the crowd.
The attendees are left in stunned silence at the unfolding events.
“Dazai-san, what will those people- Dazai-san?”
“...What an interesting woman.”
Dazai, who had been watching where the three had gone with a drunken gaze, muttered softly.
Mishima shrugged boringly.
"...Are you really interested in that young girl?"
“What, are you jealous?”
Just then, music began to flow through the hall again.
Dazai finished his drink and handed the glass to a passing server.
"I've decided. I'm going to annul my current self."
“What do you mean?”
Mishima looked puzzled as Dazai shrugged his slender shoulders.
"I'm quitting my job as a teacher and going on a journey. Please convey my regards to the headmaster."
“Wait, then I’ll join you-”
Dazai shook his head before Mishima could even finish.
“You should continue teaching. Besides, there’s something I want to ask you to do.”
Dazai suddenly lowered his voice. Mishima nodded seriously.
“...If it’s something I can do.”
"I'm a bit short on travel funds. Could you help me out?"
Mishima fell silent for a moment before sighing deeply.
“You’re such a…”
"Don't worry, I'll return once I've done what I need to. Until then, please wait for me."
"But think of those who are waiting. It's not fair to them."
Dazai dismissed Mishima's protest with a wave of his hand and smiled carefreely.
"It seems I'm better suited to making others wait."
*
That evening, I’m in my room, running a mechanical pencil across my notebook.
There's only one month left in the academic year. It's about time to start planning for the Literature Club's welcome event for new members.
Creating posters and flyers, making the club magazine, and, most troubling of all, the club introduction at the new student orientation.
The thought of Komari and me on the gym stage for the club introduction feels like a premonition of disaster.
While we have Yanami, who looks good on the outside, the new students interested in the Literature Club are bound to be introverts. Putting up a stylish and attractive girl might actually intimidate them.
As a strategy, how about asking Yanami to wear a paper bag over her head?
"...That's a good idea."
As I jotted down the idea in my notebook, the band-aid wrapped around my index finger caught my eye.
Komari told me to replace it, but I've left it as it is for some reason.
I gazed at my finger dazedly.
"Onii-sama, is it okay not to take care of your finger?"
I heard Kaju’s voice from behind.
Turning around, I see Kaju sitting on my bed, knitting.
"I'll replace it after I take a bath, so it's fine. Right, when did you come into my room?"
"Kaju has been here for a while. By the way, knitting is quite difficult."
Kaju tilted her head cutely as she manipulated the knitting needles.
A small bag-like object is hanging from the needles. I wonder what she’s making.
“Even if you start knitting it now, won’t it already be summer by the time you finish?”
"People say it takes 10 months until a pregnant woman gives birth, right? Kaju thought I should start getting ready little by little."
Kaju smiled sweetly. Uh, it takes 10 months until a pregnant woman gives-
“Kaju, don’t tell me…!?”
I stood up so quickly that I knocked over my chair, but Kaju just grinned at my panic.
“No, not at all. You didn’t expect it, right? Kaju is preparing it for onii-sama instead of myself.”
Oh, it's about me, not Kaju. I let out a sigh of relief and picked up the chair.
“So, what does this have to do with me?”
Kaju’s hands stopped as she gave me a serious look.
"You don't have to hide it, onii-sama. You've finally formed a tight bond with Yakishio-san, haven't you?"
"No, that's completely wrong."
What is she suddenly talking about? Komari looked at the ceiling dreamily.
"Kaju clearly saw it. In the sea breeze, the two of you are holding hands and embracing. That sacred scene was like something out of a religious painting, and tears unknowingly streamed down Kaju's cheeks."
Wait, Kaju was there? I can understand that she got it wrong since she didn’t know the circumstances.
"No, that was just me being saved from almost falling off the rocks."
"And does saving someone involve holding hands like lovers?"
…She has good eyesight.
"That was just the momentum or the flow of the moment."
"Yes, momentum and flow are important. So, as your little sister, it's my duty to be prepared for when the flow carries Yakishio-san and you away, onii-sama.”
Kaju resumed her knitting.
“So, what have you been knitting this whole time?”
"Socks. One of them is almost finished."
"...They're quite small socks, aren't they?"
Kaju continued to knit with a smile still on her face.
"What should Kaju be called, I wonder. Auntie Kaju, Kaju-nee- Kaju-chan sounds nice too, if we’re going for a friend vibe. I have to decide how to be called from now on."
My child...? Can the men of the Nukumizu family even have kids just by themselves?
Kaju's tendency to get ahead of herself isn't new, but this time, the misunderstanding is too deep.
"Did you listen to your brother at all? Like I said earlier, Yakishio and I aren't in that kind of relationship-"
"How about Mama Kaju! If onii-sama’s child calls me that, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I'm the mama!"
That's an exaggeration.
"And if we take it a step further, it's as if onii-sama and Kaju are married!"
"Isn't that step way too big?"
"Not at all."
Is that so...? What a dilemma...
Kaju turned to sit back-to-back with me, continuing her knitting with a hum.
I sighed quietly as I felt her warmth on my back.
*
Two days have passed, and it’s Thursday lunchtime, the day before the graduation ceremony.
After finishing my rounds at the water fountain, I was looking at the vending machine's selections, thinking of buying a coffee.
Someone approached me as I took some coins out of my wallet.
“Ara, are you alone?”
“Eh? Yeah.”
The voice is from Teiara Basori. She parted ways with her friend and came to stand next to me.
...Ah, I see. I stepped back from the vending machine.
"I haven't decided yet, so you go ahead."
"No, I'm not buying anything."
Then why did you come over here? I tried to leave right after getting my stuff, but I caught sight of Teiara-san playing conspicuously with her smartphone.
“Eh? Basori-san, weren’t you using a flip phone before?”
"I recently switched to a smartphone. Being the only one in the student council without one was inconvenient, I realized."
Teiara-san taps her smartphone with a gleeful smile.
"I've also started using LINE. Do you use it, Nukumizu-san?"
"Yeah, it's convenient for club activities and such."
"Right! LINE is indeed the best for communication!"
For some reason, her eyes sparkled as she showed me her smartphone.
“Uh, yeah. You’re right.”
“...Yes, correct.”
Teiara-san's enthusiasm waned all of a sudden. What’s going on?
She muttered softly as she continued to fiddle with her phone silently.
"...Nukumizu-san, do you use LINE?"
What? Why did the conversation loop back? Did I just experience a time loop?
"Didn't we have this conversation already? Or am I imagining things?"
"Sorry, I've been a bit forgetful lately."
"Maybe you should see a doctor?"
Ignoring my concern, Teiara-san cleared her throat and started over.
"The other day, we went to karaoke as part of the student council. Look, I took a video. Do you want to see?"
…What a pain. But I reluctantly took Teiara-san’s phone since she handed it to me.
In the video, Prez is seen singing into a microphone held with both hands.
"Uh, what's this song again?"
"It's <Tentoumushi no Samba>. Prez is singing it at family gatherings, so we all went to practice."
Next, there's a photo of Prez and Sakurai-kun doing a duet.
The song title on the screen is <Ginza no Koi no Monogatari>...?
"Prez always looks so graceful standing there. It really shows her elegance.”
Teiara-san gazed at the screen dreamily.
Indeed, Prez looks picturesque just by standing. She’s the epitome of dignified beauty.
It’s just that her taste in music is a bit- no, quite old-fashioned.
"Prez has good posture. Did she do sports or something?"
"She was into track and field in middle school. Probably why she has a strong core."
Huh, I seem to be encountering a lot of track and field-related topics lately. But why so many photos of Prez? It's like a continuous shot, and is there really a need to take a picture of her pouring Calpis at the drink bar?
My finger stopped scrolling. There's a scene where Shikiya-san, sitting on the karaoke couch crossing her legs, leans forward, offering a Pocky stick to the photographer with it in her mouth.
The photo of Shikiya-san seems a bit risky around the chest area.
I need to check more closely just to be safe. How do I brighten the photo again?
"...Nukumizu-san, aren't you paying a bit too much attention to that photo?"
"...It's just your imagination."
I had forgotten Teiara-san was beside me.
Pretending nothing happened, I scrolled past the photo, and the scene changed from the karaoke venue.
The location appears to be a Tsuwabuki classroom, and the person in the photo is- me.
"Oh, this is from the other-"
Teiara-san snatched the phone away from me before I could finish, and then-
Slam! She forcefully tossed it into the trash can next to the vending machine.
"What? What are you doing, Teiara-san!?"
"N-Nothing! I just suddenly felt like throwing my phone away!"
…Ehh, she’s way too emotionally unstable.
"Was it bad for me to see that photo?"
"S-Shikiya-senpai took that photo on her own!"
"Uh, it was from the school's open day, right? The one taken by Shikiya-senpai."
Teiara-san suddenly stopped blushing and flailing her arms around.
"I guess it counts as one of the records if you say so."
“...Ah, yes.”
Why did she suddenly calm down?
"I don't know about that, but is your phone okay?"
"Yes, it's fine. More importantly, tomorrow is the graduation ceremony, right?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Wait, is it really okay? That's a smartphone, right?
Ignoring my anxiousness, Teiara started to speak hesitantly.
"So, I was organizing last year's student council documents before the senpais leave. Tsukinoki-san seemed to have done her job properly."
"Oh, that's surprising."
"Yes. The documents were accurate, and she completed all the tedious investigations."
Tsukinoki-senpai was the vice president of the student council for about half a year last year.
It's surprising enough that she was part of the student council, but even more so that she was actually diligent.
Teiara-san simply shrugged at my surprised face.
"Well, considering she's a person of concern herself. It's a wash, I suppose."
"But that person has their good points, you know?"
Teiara-san smiled at my vague defense.
"Yes, I've finally started to understand what you mean, Nukumizu-san."
Though I'm not entirely sure what she means, it seems she's come to acknowledge that person a bit after the incident with the fresh BL book at the end of the year. I decided not to dwell on the reason why she acknowledged them.
"That's good then. She’s graduating tomorrow, after all."
"Fufu, it's sad, but honestly, I'm a bit relieved."
Teiara-san covered her mouth to suppress a laugh, and I found myself unwittingly smiling along when suddenly-
The sound of rattling metal reached us.
Looking over, I saw a cleaner collecting empty cans from the trash bin next to the vending machine.
"...Teiara-san, are you sure your smartphone is okay?"
"Please don't worry about it, and don't call me by my first name."
Teiara-san stated firmly, maintaining her posture straight ahead.
"If only I paid attention to the things that unfolded between Tsukinoki-san and me. I wanted to have a proper talk with her about it."
Ah, so that's why she approached me.
"Thanks for that. You didn't have to go out of your way."
"And about that photo earlier, please don't get the wrong idea."
"The photo from Tsuwabuki Fest? The one I was in?"
"T-That wasn't what it looked like! …I mean, I am a Nuku x Hoko shipper, but I can distinguish between reality and fiction!"
...I think I heard a disturbing term just now.
“Uh, what exactly does Nuku x Hoko-”
"Ah, well, I’m sorry if my explanation wasn’t enough! And despite how I may appear, I'm quite omnivorous in my tastes, so please don't worry!"
Nothing is reassuring about that. Please just shut your mouth.
As the cleaner finishes collecting the empty cans and walks away with the bag-
"Is your smartphone really okay? The contents of the trash bin were just collected."
Teiara-san let out a small scream after following my gaze.
"Ah, wait, please! Excuse me! I need to get that trash. Please wait!"
As I watched Teiara-san run off, I reflected on our previous conversation.
Teiara-san is a Nuku x Hoko (♂) shipper. I’m the top- no, I’m on the left. Well, I guess that’s better than being on the right… [TL: Left means top, and right means bottom in BL.]
*
The morning of the graduation ceremony feels oddly surreal.
The sky is a piercing blue. The tulip trees lined up beyond the east gate have shed their leaves, but the shift from winter to spring can be felt in the air.
A bicycle pulled up beside me as I waited at the crosswalk in front of the east gate.
"Hey, Nukumizu-kun. Were you always this early?"
It's Yanami getting off her bike. I gave her a slight wave.
"Just felt a bit restless today. It's not like it's our graduation ceremony or anything."
"Yeah, I get that. Graduation day makes even the first-year students feel a bit sentimental."
Yanami smoothed her hair back with a wistful tone.
"It's the last day with the senpais."
"Yeah. We're gathering in the club room after school. Can you make it, Yanami-san?"
"Yeah, I'll stop by after saying goodbye to some close senpais. Also-"
Yanami glanced around before lowering her voice.
"The former captain of the basketball team said he wanted to see me one last time. I mean, I thought about turning him down, but he was so persistent-"
She seemed oddly proud, twirling her hair.
"Hmm. More importantly, school ends in the morning today, right? I wonder if it's okay to invite the senpais to lunch."
"...Wait, you're not interested in what I was saying!? I bet you’re interested, right!?”
No, I’m not. In fact, I didn’t even catch all of what she said, you know, because I don’t give a shit.
"Uh, something about you and the former captain of the basketball team having a free-throw contest?"
"I didn’t say that! And I already turned him down!"
Then why did you bring it up?
"Sorry. I was too caught up in the graduation ceremony."
"Alright, alright, the light's turned green."
I went across the crosswalk with a sulking Yanami. What a hassle to start the morning with…
"So, it's not that I wasn't interested in what you were saying, Yanami-san. I just...didn't hear it. I mean, the sun was so bright this morning, and that's why-"
Yanami sighed resignedly at my rapid-fire excuses.
"I'll forgive you for trying so hard. It's graduation day, so it's understandable if you’re feeling sentimental, Nukumizu-kun."
Hmm, is this what feeling sentimental is like…?
Yanami grinned and leaned it to look at my face as I pondered.
"Are you gonna cry at the graduation ceremony, Nukumizu-kun?"
"I'm not that type of character."
"You never know. You might get teary from the atmosphere. I can lend you my shoulder if you want to cry, you know?"
"I'll just need a handkerchief then."
After parting ways with Yanami, who headed to the bicycle parking, I looked up at the tulip trees as I walked toward the shoe lockers.
My own graduation ceremony is two years down the line. Will I find myself shedding tears then?
*
The graduation ceremony is going on smoothly.
The principal's speech ended, and it was time to hand out the diplomas.
Not everyone goes up to the stage, though. Except for the class representatives, students simply stand up and respond when their names are called.
As names are called one after another, the little time left until graduation ticks away, inexorably.
Sobbing sounds from the graduates started to fill the air, and perhaps influenced by that atmosphere, sniffles began to emerge among the underclassmen as well.
"Yanami-chan, are you okay?" "Here, use a tissue." "Don't eat it, okay?"
…Yanami is crying a lot.
"Ugh, I got carried away by the mood."
Sniff. Yanami wiped her nose with the tissue given by her friends.
Somehow, seeing Yanami back to her usual self is comforting to me.
As I focused on the names of the graduating students being called, I found out that they are currently in the latter half of Class E.
The two third-year Literature Club members are in the next class, Class F. So, the names currently being called don't hold much meaning for me- wait, who is this "Paruru" person that was just called? I wonder how her name is written.
Her voice was cute, too. It's a pity I missed seeing her from behind…
While my thoughts drifted to Paruru Yodobashi-san of Class 3E, they started calling the names of Class F students.
A familiar name was announced as restlessness surfaced in my heart.
Shintaro Tamaki.
Tamaki-senpai stood up quietly, responded with a low "here”, and then sat down immediately.
His tall figure blended into the crowd of students once seated.
As I stretched my neck, trying to spot him, names continued to be called out.
Then, another familiar name is heard.
Koto Tsukinoki.
A female student with her hair tied in two buns stood up energetically, responding with a bright "Here!" a bit too eagerly.
The following student’s name is called after Tsukinoki-senpai sits down.
…And that marks the end.
Of course, the graduation ceremony continued.
But for the two of them, their high school life has concluded all its events, leaving only the epilogue to watch.
The ceremony proceeded in an unexpectedly straightforward yet depressing manner, and before I knew it, the speech by the representative of the remaining students had started.
-The student representative is Hibari Hokobaru.
Her conversational voice tightened the somewhat relaxed atmosphere of the gymnasium.
I remembered the graduation ceremony from middle school a year ago. Students were crying.
Back then, I looked at them with detached eyes.
But now, I somewhat understand those feelings.
Just feeling lonely and reluctant to part ways- and Yanami is still crying a lot.
I covered my sentimental feelings with a wry smile, silently wishing the seniors well in my heart.
*
Unaffected by my emotions, the graduation ceremony smoothly came to an end.
We returned to the classroom after clearing out of the gymnasium. There are no classes today, so this is the last homeroom session.
Even the usually cheerful Amanatsu-sensei looks somber today, gazing around at us.
"Today's graduation ceremony was nice. The student council president's speech and the previous president's response must have been forced, I mean, well-prepared, not just some act. …It was really, you know, that."
Good effort, vocabulary. Amanatsu-sensei's awkward talk went on.
"Actually, boys asked me for my contact information today. Five of them. This means that if I really wanted to, getting a boyfriend would be easy-peasy. I wonder how Takasaka is doing!"
Amanatsu-sensei daydreamed about her past glory, and then her expression suddenly darkened.
"...Wait. All those guys also invited Konuki-chan to hang out. Don’t tell me I was just bait to catch her?"
Overwhelmed by the truth that had eluded her for years, Amanatsu-sensei slumped down onto the teacher's desk.
"No wonder none of them responded when I suggested going out just the two of us..."
Class 1C fell silent. As Amanatsu-sensei tasted the bitter transformation of her sweet memories, the chatter from the next classroom suggested their HR had likely ended.
With her face still down, Amanatsu-sensei raised her right hand and waved it listlessly.
"Alright, that's it for today. If you have friends graduating, go say your farewells. And don't you dare make any sweet memories!"
Even on a day like this, Amanatsu-sensei remained her usual self, but the class, accustomed to her ways, quickly got up to leave.
I looked around for Yakishio, catching just a glimpse of her hurrying out of the classroom.
I didn’t even dare to go after her and just hesitated on the spot. Yanami, who had utterly regained her energy, approached me.
"I'm going to say hi to some acquaintances near the east gate. I'll head to the club room later, okay?"
“Alright, got it.”
The tulip tree-lined path from the east gate is a traditional spot for graduates to take photos…
Tamaki-senpai and the others are probably there now. Maybe I should go check it out…
I stood up to leave after seeing Yanami off with her friends.
Navigating through the crowd in the hallway, I found myself walking beside a male student.
Sosuke Hakamada, Yanami's childhood friend and Karen Himemiya's boyfriend.
"Going to the tulip tree path, Nukumizu?"
"I thought I should check it out. Might find some inspiration for a story."
“Typical Literature Club member. Has Anna been writing anything lately?"
"She's been writing quite a bit. Haven't you seen any of it, Hakamada?"
Hakamada shrugged with a refreshing smile.
"She doesn't want it getting back to her family through me."
Interesting. I guess that's how it goes.
Sure, reading your family's writing might not always be appealing, especially your little sister’s novel.
A group of girls rushed past us with clicking scissors as we walked and talked.
"What's with them? Some kind of battle about to start?"
"It's about getting the second button from a graduate's uniform. That's been a tradition for ages."
"Like a duel where the winner gets the button...?"
I had no idea such a light novel-esque tradition existed at Tsukubuki. Hakamada laughed and waved his hand dismissively.
"Our uniforms have the buttons sewn onto the jacket, so when someone wants to give theirs away, they bring scissors to cut it off."
I see. I had always wondered how they got the button off. It would be pretty embarrassing for graduates to carry around scissors just for that.
"Did you know? Apparently, couples who are graduating exchange their second button and second ribbon."
"Wait, what's the second ribbon?"
"Second ribbon means second ribbon. Top to bottom. I've got to make sure I can exchange with Karen in two years."
Hakamada answered nonchalantly.
The second ribbon is a common concept? Am I out of the loop?
As the scissor-wielding girls disappeared from view, Hakamada lowered his voice and asked.
“Hey, Nukumizu, has something been going on between Yakishio-san and you lately? Anna seems concerned.”
"Uh, that's..."
She was so worried she followed us on a date and even staged a mock trial in a family restaurant.
This must be what they call the unusual friendship between sports-type girls and Yanami-type girls.
"Being well-known comes with its own set of challenges, right? You would understand being Himemiya-san's boyfriend, right?"
I brushed it off with a joke and looked down at the tulip tree-lined path from the hallway window.
The mingling crowd of graduates and current students makes it hard to spot anyone I know. My gaze caught a girl hiding behind a tree trunk while searching for the senpais, her short hair and slender figure unmistakable. Yakishio…?
Just as I stopped to look, a female student approached her from behind- It's Tsukinoki-senpai.
*
...For three years, she has walked this path lined with tulip trees.
Koto Tsukinoki, who had been part of Class F in her third year at Tsukubuki High School, looked up through her glasses at the branches of the tulip trees.
The branches, completely bare of leaves, already hinted at the budding of new life.
She would have left Toyohashi by the time these buds fully opened.
Though she couldn't quite imagine her new life yet, she was certain Shintaro would be there with her.
A light tap sounded as a tube holding the diploma gently bumped Koto’s head while she was engrossed in her thoughts.
"Hey, congratulations on getting into university."
Momo Terai, the former captain of the girls' track team, greeted Koto with a bright voice. With her sharp, well-defined features, she offered a friendly smile.
"Thanks. I never thought I would be the first to secure a spot. How about you, Momo? You're looking a bit pale as if you're on death's doorstep."
"I've got my safety net, so my trip to Tokyo is secured."
Momo stood beside Koto, both gazing up at the branches of the tulip trees.
"I owe you a lot for taking care of our princess."
"It's too early for thanks. She's been skipping track practice recently, hasn't she?"
Momo leaned on Koto’s shoulder while sighing.
"There's been a lot going on. Her feelings won’t change no matter what we say, especially since we're..."
"...leaving today."
Koto finished and gazed past Momo's sun-kissed hair at the familiar school building.
Someday, this view might become a nostalgic memory.
But until they pass through the school gates one last time, this remains their place.
Surprised by her sentimentality, Koto caught a glimpse of a wheat-colored face peeking out from behind a tulip tree.
“Momo, are you still going to stay here?”
"Yeah, I'm about to take a photo with the track team. What's up?"
"Just thought I should add a little more to my thanks."
Leaving a puzzled Momo behind, Koto approached the tulip tree.
The person seems to be staring at Momo’s back. That’s why she overlooked Koto. Upon realizing that, Koto soon spoke up from behind.
"Yakishio-chan, aren't you going over there?"
"Tsukinoki-senpai!? Uh, congratulations on your graduation. I-"
Koto leaned against the tree next to Yakishio.
“How about we talk for a bit if you’re not going?”
“Uh, but…”
Koto lightly tapped Yakishio's head with the diploma tube.
"We haven't had many chances to talk, just the two of us. Let's have a chat for once."
"...Right, I wasn't in the clubroom often."
Seemingly convinced, Yakishio leaned against the tree like Koto.
"Aren’t you here to see Momo? The track team girls are gathering over there."
"It's just that...I feel awkward showing up since I've been skipping track practice. And it's the same with the Literature Club."
Yakishio looked down awkwardly.
"Ah, well. Choosing Nukumizu-kun, you've got good taste."
"We’re not really like that, uh, things must be so awkward right now..."
"It's fine, isn't it? He doesn't belong to anyone."
Koto shrugged playfully, surprising Yakishio.
"I mean, I'm one to talk. I bailed on the student council myself. Can't really say much about others."
"The reason you left the student council was..."
"To put it plainly- issues with relationships."
"Wow, hit the nail on the head, huh?"
They shared a laugh.
"In my case, it wasn't anything cool like that."
" I don't think there's anything cool or uncool about it when it’s your own issue."
Koto pulled out her phone, casually slung an arm around Yakishio's shoulder, and took a selfie.
"You're free to do what you like. You're the one who gets to decide and take responsibility for your actions."
The phone's screen displayed a smiling Koto and a surprised Yakishio.
"First, go show your face to the person you want to see."
"But I tried to run away from everything already. I even tried to pull Nukkun from the Literature-”
"No one's in a position to blame you for that. Plus-"
Koto grabbed Yakishio's shoulders, spun her around, and gave her a gentle push.
"Your dear onee-san is surprisingly mature. Go on, give it a try."
“Yes!”
Yakishio started to run, paused to bow towards Koto, and then continued without stopping.
That's as much as she can do. No one can stop her now that she has started running.
“...Nukumizu-kun can probably handle this properly.”
Koto murmured to herself, wishing her cute kouhais well.
*
As I stepped out of the building, the tulip tree-lined path was bustling with graduating students.
There were sun-kissed groups taking photos, some inexplicably singing the school anthem- these are definitely extroverts- and girls tearfully hugging each other, also undoubtedly extroverts.
Some are even exchanging contact information at this late stage. They were less "extroverts" and more "they should just explode".
I casually looked for Tsukinoki-senpai and Yakishio in the crowd.
“Hey, isn’t this Nukumizu? Did you come to see me off?”
A familiar voice reaches me from beyond my line of sight. It's Tamaki-senpai.
"Just looking around, kind of like a rubbernecker."
Tamaki-senpai lightly lifted his diploma tube and approached me.
It’s been a while since I last saw him. He looks pretty worn out, with dark circles under his eyes.
"Perfect timing, let's head to the club room together."
"Are you done here?"
"I've taken photos with my classmates. The next time we meet is probably at the reunion party."
Huh, there's already a reunion planned.
"Don’t tell me it’s happening on the day of the graduation?"
"Most are still waiting for their exam results. It's not really the time for that."
Tamaki-senpai smiled tiredly. Being a student awaiting exam results is tough.
"Eh, forget about that. Aren't you missing a button, senpai!?"
Indeed, the second button from Tamaki-senpai's blazer is missing.
"Some first-year girl I don't know insisted on having it."
Tamaki-senpai scratched the tip of his nose.
"Could it be...a confession?"
"Nothing like that. She knows I have a girlfriend. Just wanted the button for memories, I guess. Well, I don't really get it-"
Uwah, he seems pretty pleased about it.
"Is Tsukinoki-senpai okay with that? Couples usually exchange ribbons and buttons, after all."
“Ah.”
Tamaki-senpai's face froze. He had completely forgotten about his girlfriend in his glee.
"Uh, this is bad, right? Do they sell buttons somewhere?"
"The school shop won't be open today. At this point, you should just accept the scolding. Yeah, that's best."
He gave his button to an underclassman despite having a girlfriend. A bit of scolding might be good for him. I coldly suggested this, entirely motivated by personal grievances, but Tamaki-senpai clapped his hands together in prayer.
"Nukumizu, please! Give me your second button!"
Ha!? Don’t tell me Tamaki-senpai actually has feelings for me!?
No, that's ridiculous. He probably wants to use my button as a replacement on his uniform.
"I don't mind, but do you have scissors?"
"I don't, but you have a sewing kit, right? I saw you fixing Yanami-san's blouse button in the clubroom before."
…So he saw that.
Yanami kept hopping around that day, and her button finally threw in the towel and jumped out.
"Well, my little sister made me carry a sewing kit in my bag."
"Then, I'm counting on you. It's too conspicuous here, so I'll wait for you in the courtyard."
Tamaki-senpai hurriedly left the scene.
It can’t be helped. I have to go back to the classroom to fetch the sewing kit.
I turned around. For some reason, Teiara-san is standing there while pressing a handkerchief to her nose.
"Hey, Basori-san, do you need something?"
"Uh, I was looking for Tsukinoki-san to say goodbye..."
"Ah, she might still be by the row of trees."
Despite my response, Teiara continued to stare at me motionlessly.
"...Uh, is there something else?"
"I-I can keep a secret! You can trust me!"
With that, she turned on her heel and ran off.
…As usual, she’s a puzzle.
I let out a small sigh and headed towards the classroom.
*
I found myself diligently working on needlework on a bench in the courtyard. Although Tamaki-senpai's blazer is slightly more oversized than mine, it feels strangely familiar since it's the same design.
"Sorry for making you do this right after meeting up after so long."
Tamaki-senpai sat down next to me on the bench with two cans of coffee.
"It's been a while, indeed. So, are your exam results coming out next week, senpai?"
"Yeah, if it doesn't go well, I have the final exams right after. I'm praying all this cramming isn't for nothing."
He showed an exhausted smile.
"I've also got to clear out my stuff from the clubroom. Wonder if I can carry it all in one go."
"Tsukinoki-senpai will be in the clubroom, too. Is that okay?"
"...Uh, I'll sneak in some other time to pick them up."
Yes, every man has his secrets, ones not even his girlfriend can see. Mainly, a few thin secrets, around 5 to 10. As we chatted about which thin books should be left in the clubroom for posterity, Tamaki-senpai suddenly became serious.
“What’s wrong?”
"It feels nostalgic to talk on this bench. Do you remember what happened before Tsuwabuki Fest?"
"Was it about making Komari the president?"
Tamaki-senpai nodded as he opened his can of coffee.
"I said it at the time, but I wanted you to support Komari-chan, which is why I asked you to be the vice president."
"Ended up being me who became the president, though."
"Result's all good. I think you're doing well, taking care of Komari-chan and everything else."
Feeling an implication in his words, I looked at him, and he returned a concerned gaze.
"...Everything else?"
"I've heard about Yakishio-san. She's thinking about quitting the club?"
…It seems he already knew. Well, if the girls knew, it was only a matter of time before it reached others.
"She hasn't made up her mind. The resignation hasn't been submitted yet, and since she even asked me, maybe she's still undecided."
"She asked you?"
Repeating the explanation I gave to Yanami, Tamaki-senpai crossed his arms with a puzzled look.
"So, joining the going home club means spending every after-school together?"
"I don't think Yakishio thought that far. She probably just didn't want to be alone and hence asked me-"
The discomfort I felt with my own words.
-She dragged me in because she didn’t want to be alone.
I overlooked it, thinking it was something Yakishio might do, but there's a reason we even went on a date.
I can't imagine her liking me.
It's not about self-deprecation or vanity.
The passionate gaze she had for Ayano disappeared at the end of summer.
I can't believe she would switch feelings so easily.
Did Yakishio want me to support her? Wanted advice?
Or...did she want me to stop her?
Did I overlook something on our first date since I was too caught up in the excitement?
“Don’t overthink it, Nukumizu.”
“...Right.”
I finished the buttonhole and lifted the blazer with both hands.
"Done. Yep, looks perfect."
"Oh, finished already? Nice job."
I handed over the blazer and received a can of coffee in return.
By the way, he didn't have to take the second button from mine, right…?
"Shall we go then? It's my last visit to the clubroom as a Tsuwabuki student."
"Yeah. I wonder if Tsukinoki-senpai is already there."
I stood up with a can of coffee in one hand, checking the screen of my smartphone.
There’s a message mixed in with Komari’s call to hurry over.
It simply reads, <I want to hear your answer>.
The sender is- Yakishio.
*
The emergency stairs of Tsuwabiki High School’s old building.
This is designated as the meeting spot with Yakishio to avoid prying eyes.
I climbed from the first floor to the top, but there was no sign of Yakishio.
I overlooked the distant ground from the landing of the stairs. Those sparse figures are undoubtedly living out their youth.
<I want to hear your answer>.
The "answer" must be about joining the going home club together, needless to say.
I’ve decided my answer already.
But as for what I should say to Yakishio or not, that isn’t decided at all.
I took a deep breath, and quiet footsteps approached from below.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Nukkun."
"...Ah, yeah, I just got here too."
Yakishio lined up next to me as I awkwardly fiddled with my hair.
The gentle breeze from the playground made Yakishio's bangs flutter lightly.
Her brown eyes, framed by long, downcast lashes, look wistfully moist-
"It's been a while since we came here, huh?"
Breaking the noncommittal silence was Yakishio's voice, trying to sound cheerful.
I don’t know what to say. She offered me a smile.
"Hey, remember the first president's meeting when you bullied Komari-chan? It's been since then that we all gathered together like that."
"That wasn't bullying, okay?"
Yakishio showed a troubled smile after a light laugh.
"...Sorry for doing this on graduation day. You had other people you wanted to see, right?"
"I don't mind. But are you okay with it?"
Yakishio nodded gently.
"Yeah, I was able to express my gratitude properly. Thanks to Tsukinoki-senpai."
"Tsukinoki-senpai?"
Yakishio nodded like a child.
"Like she gave me a push to my back. I always overthink and hesitate. I realized I need to properly express my feelings in words."
"Huh, that person...gave you a push..."
I was worried for a second, but on second thought, I decided to trust her for the last time.
I found the right moment to start the conversation.
“...Why do you want to quit the club?”
Yakishio began explaining after a moment of hesitation.
"You know the track team expects a lot from me, right?"
"Yeah, you've been the ace of the sprint team since middle school."
Yakishio continued with a nod.
"I think I can aim for a national appearance in the 100m dash in my second year."
"Wow, that's amazing."
My dumb reaction made her give a wry smile.
"It's not that I'm amazing. But then, I started wondering what comes after that."
What comes after...? Like progressing to world competitions after the national ones?
Yakishio continued her monologue as I stood there with a puzzled look.
"In middle school, things didn't really come together so I couldn't make it to nationals. I thought it would be nice to make it in high school. But even if I feel happy running at nationals or feel frustrated when I lose, it's all about me, isn't it?"
"...Well, maybe. Track and field is an individual sport, after all."
"The coach focuses solely on me. The others can't be happy about it, but they don't say anything. I would actually feel relieved if they hated me or even made a sarcastic remark."
Yakishio rested her elbows on the railing of the landing, her gaze drifting off into the distance.
"The coach wants me to also compete in the 200m and hurdles. But since there's a limit on how many people from each high school can participate in competitions, if I compete, it means someone else can't."
She clasped her hands in front of her forehead, closing her eyes as if praying.
"...For my sake, for the satisfaction of my current self, crushing everyone else's dreams and goals bit by bit feels really tough."
I have nothing to say.
Touching on a part of Yakishio's troubles made it clear to me.
I realized that the words within me could not comfort Yakishio's worries.
Still, I gathered up any clichéd, unhelpful words I could find and spoke up.
"...I might not understand much about track, but it's an individual sport, right? Isn't it somewhat inevitable? I've often heard it said that it's common to focus on athletes with potential."
"Even if that means sacrificing those around you, it's still not enough at nationals. Getting eliminated in the preliminaries would be considered good."
"Is that how it is?"
"Yeah, that's how it is."
Yakishio opened her eyes that she had closed, then stretched both arms up.
"Keiko, for example, has been struggling with the high jump, but I think she could improve if she changed her takeoff timing. Misuzu struggles with her cornering positions, and Nono-chan is scared of hurdles. If the coach could give them more attention, I think they could improve."
Yakishio turned around to face me.
"Everyone else would do better if I’m not there."
She said this with a smile.
That smile was unnaturally clear, incredibly beautiful, and yet seemed lonely.
"What I really love is running. I can continue running as a hobby, even by myself. Maybe I'm getting too caught up in club activities and performance."
Yakishio continued her words as if trying to convince herself.
"I hate being half-hearted, so maybe I should quit both the track team and the Literature Club. After school, I could hang out with friends or go to cram school, just be a normal high school girl."
Yakishio's words glitter and shimmer like sand spilling from a bottle, fleeting and bright. I found myself unable to move.
"But you know, I'm scared to do it alone. To give everything up, to betray everything. And yet, to still smile."
Yakishio looked at me directly, her expression earnest.
"That's why I want you to come with me."
-Why me?
That was the question that finally came to mind.
But now, I know that's not the right thing to say.
"...Are you really okay with that, Yakishio?"
Her eyelids trembled sharply.
"I'm okay with it. I've been thinking about it for a long time. It's not a whim..."
I shook my head.
"I'll support you if that's really what you want. But you've been hesitating all this time, even right now. That's why you went out of your way to go out with me-"
"Even so!"
Yakishio interrupted me.
She tried to continue speaking but stopped. She looked down like a wilted flower.
"...I said it, didn't I? That I’m a bit tired."
She shook her head slowly.
"I don't have the confidence to keep going. I can't bear to take away the chances and goals of my teammates."
There's no lie in Yakishio's words.
She's not that witted, and she's unexpectedly fragile and sentimental.
"I'm against it. I mean, I personally support you in track and field. So, I don't want you to talk about quitting."
"But that's just…"
"Yeah, it's just my selfishness. So, you should be more selfish, too."
I stepped forward, facing Yakishio, who looked doubtful.
"Don't think about the others or being a nuisance. Just run for yourself the way you like. And if one day you really hate running, that's when you can truly quit."
"That’s why I said I should quit the club-"
"But you don't want to quit, do you?"
My voice involuntarily grew louder.
"You love having fun running and getting faster. You love both, yet you can’t leave your friends alone, and you're pressuring yourself for better results. Now, you’re even missing out on things you actually want to do. I don’t understand you, Yakishio. I really don’t. Why the hell are you quitting your club and leaving all your friends just because of something like this?"
Yakishio looks genuinely happy and radiant when running in the Track and Field Club-
As if she's so charming that no one can reach her.
"It's inevitable that there will be complaints or people getting hurt. In all the races so far, you've outrun others. Winning and losing are natural as long as you’re in a competition. So, you know-"
I took a deep breath and let it all out.
"Just do what you love more. Whether it's favoritism or whatever, it's your ability that got you here."
I'm aware that what I'm saying is selfish.
A mere outsider, irresponsibly encouraging the one who has worked the hardest to keep going.
Yakishio, who had been listening silently, opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind.
"...Nukkun, if you're going to say that much, let's have a match."
"Huh? A match?"
"Yeah, a one-time 100m race. Whether we cry or laugh, that'll be the end of it."
100m- you mean running? Yakishio and me?
"No, no, no. No way, that's impossible, right!? I definitely can't beat you."
"It’s not like I can definitely beat you either."
Yakishio shrugged her slim shoulders with a wry smile.
"If I enter a competition, there are people faster than me, and if I go to nationals, I'm surrounded by people I absolutely can't beat. People like us run to lose somewhere along the way, you see."
She looked into my face with a smile that was too charming to be called challenging.
"If you win, I'll listen to you. No matter who complains, or rather, I won't let them complain. I'll give it my all, continue with the Literature Club, and outdo everyone in track, too. I'll show you."
Yakishio suddenly reached out and lightly tapped my chest.
"But if I win, Nukkun, you have to join the going home club with me."
"But, winning is-"
"Don't worry. I'll give you a handicap. Nukkun. What's your 100m time?"
Eh? I haven't timed that since the PE class in the first semester. I think it was…
"About 16 seconds, maybe…?"
“Isn’t that too slow!?”
"It was spring, so that's about right. Maybe I'm a bit faster now."
"People don't get faster on their own, okay? Hmm, this is tricky."
"Then, I'll give you a handicap based on the difference between the average time for first-year boys and my personal best. That should be fair, right?"
"Fair...? Is that so? Isn't my personal best okay?"
"No. I need at least that much from you if you're asking for my youth."
"I didn't exactly ask for your youth..."
Yakishio smacked my back hard as I mumbled for excuses. It hurts.
"I'm serious. You should be serious, too."
And with a face as if something has cleared up, she smiles brightly.
Intermission: Blue and Red Spring
Tsuwabuki High School's nurse’s office, a sanctuary that has welcomed countless troubled and not-so-troubled students.
Exiting through the door that swung open is Koto Tsukinoki. She turned around and bowed lightly.
"Then, please take care of her, sensei. Is Basori-san's nosebleed okay?"
"Don't worry. This happens to that girl all the time."
The school nurse, Sayo Konuki, answered refreshingly as she appeared. Her answer doesn’t sound reassuring, though.
Koto closed the door with a smile.
"Busy until the last day, huh- former vice president."
"Please don't tease me too much. I've reflected on those times, you know."
Koto said that with a strained smile. Konuki reached out to straighten her bangs.
"You have become more rounded, Tsukinoki-san. When did you become friends with Basori-san?"
"Well, a bit before. She came to see me today, too."
Yes, that's when Basori came to Koto on the row of trees, bleeding from her nose. Unable to leave her be, she brought her to the infirmary. Koto still can’t figure out what’s in her head, even on the last day.
What she muttered like a delirium about "Shintaro doing something with Nukumizu-kun’s second button"- what did that mean?
"I'm glad I could see you one last time, sensei. Please take care of the Literature Club."
"Leave it to me. I'm starting to enjoy it more and more, with all sorts of things."
Though slightly anxious, those departing can only quietly watch over them.
Koto left the nurse's office after exchanging a few words with Konuki.
It's time to head to the club room.
Though she will see her kouhais again, wearing the Tsuwabuki uniform for the last time carries a sense of finality.
Savoring the moment, she walked down the corridor, where a single female student stood as if melting into the shadows.
Yumeko Shikiya. A kouhai with a strange relationship between past conflicts and future bonds.
Was she waiting for her? She turned her face towards Koto and swayed gently.
"...Koto-san, not feeling well…? Going to the nurse’s office…?"
"I'm fine. Basori-san seemed a bit tired, so I just escorted her there."
"That girl... often gets nosebleeds. Is she okay...?"
"Sensei also mentioned it, but is she really okay? Do people who are okay bleed that much from the nose?"
Shikiya nodded again, then grabbed the sleeve of Koto's jacket.
“...Hey, I want to…take a picture.”
"Of course, that's fine. Shall we go to the row of trees?"
Shikiya gently shook her head from side to side.
"Let's go to...the student council room..."
…The student council room. The place where Koto spent about half a year as the vice president.
Bitter memories involving Shikiya flickered through her mind, but now they're slowly becoming fond memories. Visiting the student council room together to leave those memories in the past entirely doesn't seem like a bad idea.
"Alright, let's go. Is Hokobaru also coming?"
"It's fine, …just the two of us, …no interruptions."
It seems like today, there is a big sale on assurances.
While walking towards the student council room with a wry smile, Shikiya came closer and leaned on Koto's shoulder.
"Can I... hold your hand?"
"I don't mind- but do we need to interlock fingers?"
"Because...it's the last day..."
Shikiya murmured in a voice so faint it might disappear.
Koto let out a sigh as if to say, "Give me a break."
"We can meet anytime, you know. I remember our promise to go out for a meal. I'll be going to Nagoya, but I'll also come back here from time to time."
"Can I...come to see you...too?"
"Anytime. I'll show you around."
"Really...? Can I...go to your house too…?"
"That's fine. I might even cook for you. I've been practicing recently."
"Can I... stay over...?"
Koto froze for a moment.
"Well, uh, we'll see. I need to prepare a futon for guests, anyway."
"...It’s fine. …We can share a futon."
"I'll book a hotel."
Koto quickly answered after instinctively sensing danger, and Shikiya tilted her head in confusion.
"In the same room...?"
"No, I have my own place. Look, we've arrived at the student council room!"
Koto cut off the conversation and opened the door to the student council room. It's empty inside.
While being pulled by Shikiya, Koto fluttered her smartphone in her open hand.
"Hokobaru replied. She's coming to the student council room now."
"...Sly."
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