When I Repaired a gal's bicycle, she became attached to me V1 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

★★★

A substitute holiday.

Even though it was a Monday, I woke up at my leisure and had breakfast. I’d jolted awake once around 7:30 in a cold sweat, thinking, I overslept!, but I immediately remembered it was a day off and promptly fell back asleep.

So, what to do today? Seika-san apparently had plans yesterday, which made for a peaceful, if slightly dull, day off. I was also feeling a bit sore, so I ended up cooped up at home all day. The silver lining was that I finally had time to work on the concept for her recovery celebration diorama, which I hadn’t made much headway on.

I’ve settled on a general direction, but the final vision isn’t quite there yet. Mostly, I just need more reference materials. Finding something good online would be a huge help; the library is my last resort. Anyway, the plan for today is to keep chipping away at my little project.

Just then, the doorbell chimed. Talk about deja vu. My sister’s at university and my parents are at work, which meant it was up to me. I headed downstairs, and the face on the monitor was… yep, it was her.

Seika-san had come on foot again, drenched in sweat. She hadn’t objected when I suggested we sort out her bicycle situation, and seeing her like this, it was clear why. Losing your main mode of transport right before summer is rough—though I guess a bike isn’t immune to getting burned, either.

“So, what kind of shop did you buy your bike from, Kousei?”

“Just a regular neighborhood bike shop. They’re good with after-sales service and all that.”

“I see. So a place like that is better, huh?”

With that, we decided to head to the shop where I’d bought my own bicycle. I figured it was fine if we were just browsing today.

I pulled my bike out from the storage area behind my house. I use it for trips to the home center and such, but not for school, so it had gathered a bit of dust. Since I keep a rear carrier attached, I plopped a cushion on top and tied it down.

“…Go ahead and get on. Not that it’s really allowed, mind you.”

“Eh?”

“Ah, right. That was a bit sudden, wasn’t it? I sometimes get forced into giving my sister a ride, so it’s become second nature.”

“Oh, your sister. Did she say anything about me after we met?”

As I straddled the bike, a hand rested on my shoulder, carrying the scent of sweet perfume. A moment later, I felt a solid weight settle onto the carrier rack. Looks like she’s on.

“Nah, she didn’t say anything in particular.”

I started pedaling. She’s lighter than my sister.

“So does that mean your cousin, Meguru, still…”

“Uhm… well, a little. But it’s fine. I kept telling him you’re a good person, Seika-san, and I think I finally got through to him.”

Besides, it’s highly unlikely that Meguru and Seika-san will ever cross paths again. It’s not like he and I hang out all that often, to begin with. Our relationship is pretty much what you’d expect from typical relatives. The reason he’s so worked up about it is…

Just then, Seika-san’s arm snaked around my stomach. Since she was sitting sideways, it was just the one arm.

“Wh-What’s the matter? It’s a flat road, so you should be fine.”

No reply. Well, it’s never a bad thing to be cautious, but the feel of her slender arm was making me flustered. Still, telling her to let go seemed rude, like I was rejecting her, so I just kept pedaling.

We arrived at a small bicycle shop a little east of Sawamigawa Station. As expected for a Monday, the store was empty.

A clerk greeted us with a practiced smile and asked what we needed. When I mentioned we were looking for a new bike, he immediately started pointing out a few of the display models.

I’d told her several times on the way over that it was fine to just look, but Seika-san made up her mind in an instant. There was a seriously cool model with a silver frame that had caught her eye.

“You okay for money?”

“Ah, yeah. I’ve got mobile payment,” she said, giving her smartphone a little wave.

Beep, beep! The obnoxiously loud payment sound chirped, and the purchase was complete. We had them take care of the anti-theft registration and then left the store.

“Whoa, it’s so shiny out in the sun. Seriously cool.”

She chooses things like a guy would.

“But are you sure about this? Buying it on the spot.”

“Well, duh. Comin’ all the way out here with you, Kousei, on a d— I mean, findin’ a silver bike had to be a sign, right?”

“Your mom won’t get mad?”

“Nah, not a chance. She always says I can spend the money I earn however I want. Besides, I’ll just bill my mom for it later. We were already talkin’ about how my old bike was on its last legs anyway.”

Well, if that’s the case, I guess it’s fine.

“Ah, but now I can’t ride on your back on the way home. Kinda regret it now.”

“Eh?”

“Ah, no, I just mean, you know! It was so much easier, so it’s a bit of a shame!”

Ah, so that’s what she meant.

“Anyway, let’s head back before it gets too hot.”

We needed to take shelter in the cool indoors before the sun reached its peak. Seika-san seemed to agree, hopping onto her brand-new bicycle.

Back home. It was just about lunchtime, so I decided to whip something up.

I prepared some stir-fried meat and vegetables, fried eggs, and instant soup. I also brought out last night’s leftover simmered squid and taro from the fridge.

Just as I was finishing up, the rice cooker chimed, signaling perfect timing. I served the fresh, hot rice into my bowl and a guest bowl and set them on the living room table.

“Let’s eat.”

“Yeah. Thanks for the food.”

Seika-san held her chopsticks gracefully and bowed her head slightly. She’s surprisingly proper about things like this. I’m the one who sometimes just digs in without a word. Well, when you’re the one who cooked, you know how it is.

Seika-san deftly pushed the green peppers aside with her chopsticks and scooped up some meat and cabbage. With every bite, her face lit up with a happy smile. Good. It seems she likes it.

“Kousei, this is amazing! Thanks.”

“…I’m glad. The green peppers are good too, you know.”

It had been bugging me, so I decided to test the waters. She subtly averted her gaze.

“You don’t like them?”

She nodded silently.

“I saw them in your lunchbox during the sports festival, so I just assumed.”

“Ah, that’s my mom’s doing. She’s the ‘no picky eating allowed’ type.”

“I see.”

“Don’t tell me you’re one of those ‘no picky eating’ types too, Kousei?” Seika-san looked a little worried.

Well, generally speaking, I do think it’s better not to be a picky eater.

“No, I’ve got things I don’t like, too.”

“Oh, really?”

“I can’t stand chili peppers, for one.”

“Oh, wow. I’m actually fine with spicy food.”

“Spicy ramen is pretty popular, huh?”

“Ah, but even I can’t handle stuff that spicy.”

That was a relief. If she asked me to make that, I’d have to cook a whole separate meal for myself. Wait, the fact that I’m already assuming I’ll be cooking for her again is kind of embarrassing.

“Here, you can put the green peppers on my plate. It’d be a waste otherwise.”

I changed the subject to hide my sudden awkwardness. Seika-san did as she was told, meticulously picking up every last one of the green offenders with her chopsticks and transferring them to my plate.

“…Here you go.”

There was a meekness to her that was kind of cute. In return, I moved two slices of meat from my plate to hers.

“Ah, you don’t have to. It’s my fault for being picky.”

“It’s fine, really.”

After all, she was enjoying the food so much. As the cook, seeing that kind of reaction really makes me happy.

And then, it hit me. Isn’t this technically a variation of an indirect kiss? Crap, I didn’t even think about it. We did share a drink once, but… when a guy initiates it, it feels a bit like harassment.

“…Was it, uhm, weird that I used my chopsticks to move it?” I asked, a wave of anxiety washing over me.

I’d be pretty crushed if she said yes. But my fears were unfounded.

“N-Not at all! There’s no way I’d ever think your chopsticks were gross, Kousei!” Seika-san denied it vehemently.

And as if to prove her point, she started wolfing down the meat.

Hehe. Maybe I’ll make something meat-centric next time.

After the meal.

Kousei returned to the living room after washing the dishes.

“Alright, shall we head up to my room?”

Thump. My heart just did a backflip. Whoa, calm down there, teenage hormones.

“I finally finished the rough draft for your recovery gift,” he explained. “I thought about making it a complete surprise, but if it turned out to be something you totally hated, that would be its own kind of tragedy.”

He’s got a point. If he’d made me a diorama of a historical battle or something, I wouldn’t have known how to react.

And so, with a hint of nervousness, I found myself heading into Kousei’s room. This is a first for me.

“O-Oh. It’s bigger than I expected.”

It’s definitely bigger than my room.

“It’s an eight-mat room,” Kousei replied, placing two cushions on the carpet.

A large desk sat in the center of the room, covered by a battered-looking crafting mat. It was riddled with cuts, no doubt from his tools. A testament to his hard work and passion, I suppose.

Kousei deftly rolled up the mat, stowed it to the side, and pulled a file from a wooden shelf. He took out a single sheet of paper with a sketch on it and handed it to me.

“This…!”

It was a 3D drawing of long, thin crystals stretching from the ground to the sky. Here and there were smaller clusters, like sprouting coral.

“The Forest of Silver Crystals,” Kousei murmured.

The name instantly rang a bell. There was a scene in MagiCru where one of the Four Heavenly Kings fled into the Forest of Silver Crystals. I thought the final battle would happen there, but there was an episode where he was defeated in the mountains further in.

“My memory’s a bit hazy, but I seem to recall you saying you wanted to see the Forest of Silver Crystals… Right?”

I definitely said that. Back then, I had no idea what an ‘animation budget’ was. Still, I can’t believe Kousei’s bringing up something from eight years ago.

“You remembered? Or, well, you remembered it for me?”

“You’re always going on about how you like silver, so that jogged my memory.”

“I see… That makes me so happy.”

“So, is this design okay with you?”

“Yeah!”

Wow, so he remembered because of my favorite color, and now he’s working this hard to bring it to life for me. I’m happy. Seriously, so happy. I really like this guy. He’s definitely the kind of person you could have a future with.

For a few moments, I was overcome with emotion and gratitude. A few minutes later, once I’d calmed down, I asked, “Hey, uhm, should I probably get going?”

“Why?”

“Well, since we’ve decided on the Forest of Silver Crystals, I figured you’d want to get started on it right away.”

“Well, if you’re in a rush, I won’t stop you… but it’s still pretty hot outside.” Kousei glanced toward the window. “Why don’t we hang out a little longer?”

Phew, thank goodness. Even though I was the one who suggested leaving, I was secretly hoping he’d ask me to stay. It’s safe to say he likes me a decent amount, right?

“Actually, there’s a perfect shitty game I’ve been wanting to show you, Seika-san.”

It’s safe to say he likes me a decent amount, right??

“Here it is.”

Kousei pulled a game case from another shelf. The title read, “Temple Fighters 2”. The stench of a terrible game was palpable.

Before I could even agree to play, Kousei had already popped the disc into his “Burai Station 4” console and booted it up.

“Ah.”

It’s begun.

“First, we’ll use ‘Construction Mode’ to do some ‘temple-making’.”

“Don’t say it like it’s ‘character creation’.”

“For now, is it cool if I just go with the recommended beginner setup?”

“Yeah. I’ll leave it in your hands.”

With every press of a button, Kousei brought the temple’s exterior to life with astonishing speed.

“I’ve named it ‘Starbridge Temple’.”

Oh, for the love of…

“Ah!”

“Now what?”

“We’re in luck. We got a submachine gun as a starting weapon.”

Pretty sure that’s the last thing a religious institution needs.

“Alright. Temple-making is done. Go ahead and select ‘Versus Mode’.”

He handed me a controller. Building a temple only to fight with it? It made no sense. Utterly clueless, I did as he said and chose Versus Mode. On the other side of the “VS” screen, a silhouette of a temple spun rapidly. Apparently, pressing the button would lock in our opponent.

“It’s a little late to be asking, but is this a fighting game?”

“Yep. It’s ‘Temple Fighters,’ after all.”

Just then, our opponent was decided. The screen read: “Honnouji.”

“Huh? What?”

The screen flickered and changed. And then,

“Round One”

–Gong–

The English narration was immediately followed by the sound of a temple bell.

“What is this?! The temple is walking toward me!?”

Honnouji was closing the distance.

“The temples fight each other. Come on, Seika-san. ‘A’ is punch, ‘X’ is kick.”

I did as he said, and bizarrely, giant hands and feet emerged from my temple, throwing punches and kicks. So gross!

“Here it comes!”

Honnouji jumped. It jumped!?

It came flying at me with a kick. A dull pok sound, like a wooden fish being struck, echoed out. That was apparently the sound of taking damage. Still reeling from the shock, I fought back.

Pok, pok! Pok! Pok!

A flurry of blows.

“This is bad. Its special gauge is full.”

What? Does that mean a super move is coming?

A moment later, with a whoosh, Honnouji was engulfed in flames.

“That’s its special move, ‘Burning Honnouji’.”

“That’s historically accurate!!”

[Note: Burning Honnōji refers to the Honnōji Incident of 1582, when warlord Oda Nobunaga was attacked by his general Akechi Mitsuhide at Honnōji Temple in Kyoto. Nobunaga died as the temple was set ablaze.]

“YO YO, a man’s life is but fifty years♪ Got at least seven vices, Komaki-Nagakute♪ The monkey’s sandals seriously stank, you see♪”

“What’s with the weird rap?! I bet Nobunaga is inside that thing!”

“It’s charging! Hold down the ‘B’ button!”

“B is the guard button!?”

“Nope, it’s the ‘monk’ button.”

“What the hell is a ‘monk’ button!?”

I held it down anyway.

A horde of monks poured out from Starbridge Temple on the left side of the screen. At the same time, Burning Honnouji charged. Were the monks going to try and put out the fire? Or so I thought. Instead, they stood empty-handed before the blazing temple, forming a human shield.

“Guaaah!”

“They’re literally burning to death! This is horrible! We have to save them!”

“It’s fine. Humans are replaceable.”

“Kousei!?”

“You shall not pass!”

The monks desperately tried to halt the advance of the flaming Honnouji. Eventually, the fire began to die down… leaving behind only the temple’s charred husk.

“Now’s our chance. Our gauge is full too. Press the left directional key and the ‘Y’ button.”

“L-Like this…?”

I pressed them at the same time.

“Behold our spiritual power!”

With that cry, a submachine gun sprouted from the temple’s roof. It then unleashed a torrent of bullets, turning Honnouji—and the surviving friendly monks—into Swiss cheese.

“K.O.!”

–Ding–

“We won,” Kousei declared.

“That was a loss,” I murmured. “We lost our humanity, our faith, our spirit of harmony… we lost everything.”

What in the world am I doing at my crush’s house?

Just as the absurdity of the game was settling in, a loud bang echoed from downstairs, followed by the pitter-patter of footsteps in the hallway.

“Is that your dad or your mom?” I asked. Maybe they came home for lunch. I should probably go say hi, be polite.

“Hmm? They said they were eating at a little restaurant nearby today. It’s run by a couple of their childhood friends.”

Wow, that’s sweet. A real local perk.

“I’m hooome~! Kousei~?”

A young woman’s voice. A voice I’d heard before.

“Ah, that’s my sister.”

I knew it. She seemed a little wary of me after the sports festival, but…

Soon, the thump, thump, thump of footsteps ascended the stairs and stopped in front of the room.

“Comin’ in~”

“Yeah.”

The doorknob clicked, and a woman with sharp eyes peeked through the half-open door. Seeing her again, if Kousei is a sparrow, his sister is a hawk.

“Ah, hello. Sorry for intruding.”

“Oh, you’re the girl from before. Seika-san, was it?”

Why is she calling me by my first name?

“I’ve talked to her about you a few times since then, Seika-san,” Kousei explained.

Ah, that explains it. She must have picked it up from hearing Kousei say it. Then again, she might have just forgotten my last name.

“Well, I saw the women’s sandals and had a hunch. So, you two are actually friends?”

For now, I’m happy with the ‘friend’ title, but I can’t exactly blurt out, “I might be your sister-in-law someday!”

“I’ve told you so many times. Why don’t you believe me?”

“I mean, look at you two. You couldn’t be more different.”

“I get that, but it’s not about looks. Seika-san thinks my Warlord series is hilarious.”

Huh!? How did we get on this topic? I wracked my brain… ah, I think I might have said something to that effect to the mushroom-head during the sports festival. To pick up on a single comment from that whole mess… that’s some next-levelattention to detail.

“Hmm, so you really are a good kid. I’m happy for you, Kousei.”

Kousei nodded with a slightly embarrassed smile. He was so adorable that his sister reached out and patted his head. I’m so jealous; I want to do that, too.

“Anyway, your big sis is starving. Make me something?”

Eh… now?

“You should’ve eaten before you came home. Besides, didn’t you say you had an afternoon class…?” Kousei pouted in protest.

“It got cancelled last minute. And then I got a sudden craving for my darling Kou-chan’s home cooking,” his sister cooed.

“Not now. I have a guest over. Here, I’ll give you some money, go eat out.”

“Wow. A grown woman getting a handout from her brother who’s four years younger!”

“You’re one to talk, asking him to cook for you in the first place,” Kousei retorted.

A frank exchange between siblings. As an only child, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy.

“C’mon. Please? I’m broke this month.”

“That’s because you keep donating to V-Tubers. You’re supposed to do that in moderation, you know.”

Whoa. A direct hit. As expected, his sister seemed to be on the losing end.

“Hey, Kousei, I don’t mind,” I interjected. “I’m just going to keep playing this crappy game for a bit.” This time, I want to win without any casualties.

“Eh? Are you sure?”

“Seika-san, you’re the best! You get it! Temple Fighters, right? I’ll teach you the 108-hit combo.”

“108!? No way. Thanks!” Though I’d probably get a K.O. long before I could pull it off.

“So, with that settled, lunch please, Kousei.” His sister made a little chopping motion with her hand.

Her brother sighed, as if to say, “I have no choice,” and headed downstairs. Kousei really is a kind soul.

Left alone in the room, we introduced ourselves to each other again. His sister’s name is Haru-san.

For a while, she gave me pointers on the crappy game, but gradually, the conversation dwindled, and we eventually stopped playing. It felt like there was something else she wanted to talk about.

“Sorry to keep asking, but are you really just friends with Kousei?”

“U-Um, yeah. That’s what I think.” She’d told me I didn’t need to be so formal, but the distance between us made my speech a weird mix of casual and polite.

“I see… Good. But how did you two even meet?”

“Uhm, a long time ago, Kousei made a figurine for me…”

I gave her the gist of the story. In response, Haru-san said, “Wow, what an incredible coincidence,” clearly amazed. The atmosphere wasn’t exactly right for me to admit that most of it was due to my own sheer persistence.

“Well, if that’s the case, I guess I can breathe a little easier.”

“Does that mean I have your approval as Kousei’s friend?”

“No, I wouldn’t say something so presumptuous… That’s for Kousei to decide, after all.” Haru-san closed her eyes. Maybe she was picturing her brother downstairs, cooking.

“Come to think of it, has Kousei ever actually called me his friend?”

Looking back, even when he introduced me to his sister, he just called me his “classmate.” Huh? Does he not see me as a friend yet? W-Well, maybe he’s just not the type to go around declaring who his friends are. Y-Yeah, that’s gotta be it.

“I’m sure that deep down, he thinks of you as a friend, Seika-san. But for him to say it out loud… that’s a very heavy thing for him.”

“Uhm…”

“I’m sorry, but could you please be patient with him? Please.” She bowed her head.

She might act a bit bossy with Kousei, but she’s clearly a doting big sister. Well, Kousei is adorable, so I get it.

“I don’t mind at all. He already does so much for me, and I have fun and feel happy when I’m with him. So yeah, it’s totally fine.”

I can tell there’s some history there. And I’m guessing it has something to do with why she was so wary of me on Saturday.

Yeah, I can wait. Until Kousei truly opens his heart to me. Still, it’s a little discouraging to think that the road to being friends, let alone lovers, is so bumpy.

And then, I noticed Haru-san staring at my face.

“Happy, you say… Seika-san, could it be that your feelings for him are more than just friendship?”

“Eh!? Ah, no, that’s—”

As I scrambled for a way to deflect, a knock on the door made me jump out of my skin. Kousei must have come back upstairs at some point.

“Sis, it’s ready. Go downstairs and eat. And you’re doing the dishes, got it?” Kousei said, sounding annoyed as he opened the door.

Thank goodness. It didn’t seem like he’d heard anything.

“Okay~” Haru-san replied, getting up. As she left, Kousei entered the room, holding a plate for some reason.

“Here you go, Seika-san. Pancakes.”

He placed a plate in front of me. On it was a stack of two perfectly round pancakes, topped with melting butter, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It looked ridiculously good.

“A-Are you sure!?”

“Yes.”

“Kousei~ your big sis wants some, too~”

“After you finish your meal.”

Ignoring their banter, I said my thanks and took a bite. Sweet, delicious, heavenly. I mean, he even made me a snack. How kind can he be? Yeah, this is happiness.

At 4 PM, with the sun finally starting to relent, we decided to call it a day. I offered to walk Seika-san back to her apartment.

It was mid-June, with summer just around the corner, so the sky was still bright at four. I’d come along as a precaution, but at this time of day, an escort was probably unnecessary.

But the girl beside me, Seika-san, was in high spirits, chattering away about the pancakes I’d made. Maybe girls are just happy to have an escort, even if it’s someone like me.

As we walked and talked, Seika-san’s apartment building came into view. “This way,” she said, leading me to a different entrance than the main one we’d used before. Ah, the bicycle parking area.

“Ah!”

“Whoa! What’s wrong?”

“Oh man, I totally forgot. You have to register your bike at my apartment complex.”

Ah, so some apartment buildings have that kind of system.

“Can’t you just register it now?”

“It’s not just the registration. See how the wheel chocks have numbers on them?”

“Yeah, they do.”

Seika-san parked her new silver bicycle on the spot, then walked over to one of the chocks and pulled out another bike. It was the infamous “Mizoguchi-gou.”

“Ah, so you can only use your assigned spot.”

“Exactly. So I’m only allowed to park one bike, but now I have two.”

“What are you going to do?”

“What… am I gonna do?”

She did buy it on a whim, captivated by the silver frame. Considering she’d completely forgotten about her apartment’s rules until this very moment, it was no surprise she didn’t have a plan.

“If you’d like, how about I hold on to it at my place?”

“Eh? Seriously!?”

“Well, I’ve got the space for it. Keeping one bike there is no big deal.”

“Are you for real? That’d be a huge help! Yes, please!”

“Then it’s settled. But what about getting rid of it? You’re just scrapping it, right?”

There are bike shops that offer free pickup services, but I can’t decide on my own if it’s okay to just hand it over.

“Ah, scrapping it, huh… It feels kinda sad, you know? I’ve got memories with it and all. I know I have to throw it away, but…”

Hmm. I guess it is lonely to just toss something you’re used to and say, “Yep, goodbye.”

“In that case, how about we modify a part of the bike and make something out of it?”

“Eh? You can do that?”

“I had a customer once who brought in some car parts, and I turned them into interior decor.”

“Seriously!? Kousei, you can do anything.”

“Ahaha. But this will delay your recovery gift again.”

“Yeah, that’s totally fine. The longer I have to look forward to it, the better. Besides, the bike thing is more pressing.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s see… If we take it apart and I take the frame and stuff, they probably won’t pick it up for free anymore.”

Not that I know the details, though.

“And if it’s bulky, it’ll be a pain space-wise in my room.”

Ah, so there’s that issue too.

“In that case, let’s just play it safe and go with the bell or something.”

Seika-san glanced at the handlebars of the Mizoguchi-gou. The bell attached there was probably a chic black originally, but it had faded to a grayish color from age.

“Got memories of ringing it like a punk?”

“Hell no! I was just wondering what you’d make out of a bell.”

Well, I have a few ideas, but I’ll decide after I take it home and remove it.

And then—

“Hm? Is it raining?”

Seika-san looked up at the sky, holding out her palm.

“Crap. I’ll take it home before it really starts coming down.”

The key seems to be in it, so I can just push it home. I hurried towards the exit of the bicycle parking area. At that exact moment—

With a loud whoosh, it instantly started pouring. Whoa.

“Kousei, over here, over here! Get inside!”

Turning around at Seika-san’s loud voice, I saw her back as she ran towards the apartment building. That’s right, I can take shelter from the rain!

I also ran with all my might while pushing the bike. But my stamina is so bad I got out of breath from just a three-legged race. Before I could make it, the rain started coming down even harder.

“Guaaaah!”

“You’re just getting hit by a sudden downpour, but you’re screaming like a mid-boss in its death throes!?”

By the time I caught up with Seika-san and reached the back entrance of the apartment building, I was soaked to the bone.

From there, we went to the building’s management office. After explaining the situation to the manager, we were given permission to temporarily place the old bicycle next to the parking area. We also borrowed an umbrella, so I went to move it to the designated spot.

When I plunged into the spray of water, large raindrops beat against the plastic umbrella. It almost sounded like gunfire.

“Guaaaah!”

“I get it already! Besides, you’re holding an umbrella! What’s with all the damage!?”

Listening to Seika-san’s retort from behind me, I finished moving the bike and returned to the shelter of the eaves.

“I thought I was getting sniped from some temple.”

“Temples in the real world aren’t equipped with submachine guns. But… sorry about that. Thanks.”

Seika-san looked a little apologetic, but I was the natural choice to go. It was raining hard enough to get a little wet even with an umbrella, so the one who was already a lost cause—in other words, me—should be the one to go.

“For now, just come on up. I’ll lend you a towel and stuff.”

“Thank you very much.”

And so, I ended up visiting the Mizoguchi household for the second time.

I waited after stepping up onto the entrance foyer. There were a few pairs of Seika-san’s shoes there, so I gently moved closer to the wall to avoid getting them wet with the water dripping from my body.

“Wait here, okay? I’m getting a towel and stuff now.”

Figuring she wouldn’t be back for a bit, I took off my T-shirt, leaving my upper body bare. I pushed the front door open a little with my elbow, stuck the shirt out into the hallway through the gap, and wrung it out like a rag. Water gushed out. I was apparently wetter than I thought.

The recent flash floods are terrifying. The moment you think, Huh? you’re suddenly standing under a waterfall.

Once I was done wringing out my shirt, my pants started to bother me. I took my wallet, smartphone, and house keys out of my pocket and placed them on top of the shoe rack. I checked inside my wallet, and thankfully, the bills and cards didn’t seem to be soaked, which was a relief. Alright, guess I’ll quickly wring out my pants too before Seika-san gets back.

I tucked the just-wrung-out shirt under my arm and was about to take off my pants when, at that very moment—

“Kousei, sorry to keep you wait—Kyaaa!”

When I turned around at the sound of Seika-san’s voice, she had dropped the towel and was staring at me with a shocked expression. Dammit. I thought she’d come back after she was done drying herself off, but it seems she rushed to bring me a towel first.

“Ah, sorry! It was really heavy with water, so I was wringing it out in the apartment hallway.”

Still, “Kyaaa,” huh. What a cute scream. For all her looks, she’s really not used to guys. Not that I’m any better; this is the first time a girl has seen me shirtless, so I’m pretty much blushing up a storm.

“…”

She’d look down, then glance up at me, then get embarrassed and look down again. Seika-san kept repeating this.

“Ah, um…”

“Um…”

Our voices overlapped.

“You go.”

“Seika-san, please.”

We overlapped again. Awkward.

“Here! I’ll leave the towel here! I-I’m gonna go look for some of my dad’s sweats!” Seika-san said, almost shouting, before running off down the hall. I didn’t even have time to say thanks.

This time for sure, I took off my pants and wrung them out in the hallway just like I did with my shirt. That should be a little better. Then I dried my whole body with the towel Seika-san provided. Just as I was putting my pants back on, she returned with her dad’s T-shirt and sweatpants.

“…”

She was still sneaking glances at my upper body. Even for a guy, it’s embarrassing, so I wish she’d stop.

“You’re actually pretty muscular, huh? I’ve never seen a guy’s bare chest before. Are they all like that?”

Once she recovered from her shock and embarrassment, her curiosity seemed to take over. She was still a little shy, but she was staring more openly than before.

Ugh. I should hurry up and put on the shirt she lent me.

“Aah.”

She let out a disappointed-sounding sigh. No, no, this isn’t a strip show.

“H-Hey, can I… just touch your arm muscles for a sec?”

She was already touching my bicep as she said it. She’s really something else in this regard.

The feeling of a girl’s fingers crawling on my arm. Why are they so different from a guy’s? So slender and fine-textured. Also, you’re touching me way too much.

“Wow, a guy’s body is amazing. I don’t think I’d get this muscular even if I worked out.”

The feeling’s mutual. No matter how much skincare I do, I don’t think I could ever get a girl’s fingertips like these.

“Not all guys have a body like this, you know?” I answered the question I missed earlier.

“For example… Miyasaka is a lot thinner than me, so I doubt he has any muscles at all.”

I was surprised at myself. The reason his name came out of my mouth at this particular moment was surely—no, definitely—out of a sense of superiority.

Do I have somekind of male instinct in me, too?

“Well, he’s a stalk, right? Or a stem? Somethin’ like that.”

Luckily, she took it as a mushroom joke, so my ugly side went unnoticed. Then again, if Seika-san knew more about guys, she might have seen through me.

I changed into the shirt and sweatpants and excused myself as I entered her home. I thought we were going to the living room, but we passed it and she led me to a room with a closed door. In front of it, she told me to “wait a sec,” and went in first by herself. I heard some rustling inside, the sound of a closet opening and closing, and after a little while, she gave me the okay.

Feeling a little nervous, I went inside and was greeted by a very nice smell. It was probably a mix of foundation, perfume, and other things like that. I couldn’t just stand there sniffing the air, so I put on a cool expression and gratefully sat on the cushion Seika-san offered.

The room was six tatami mats in size, and the furniture consisted of a study desk and chair, a bed, a mini-table, and a metal rack. Given that she didn’t immediately throw away the Mizoguchi-gou, I thought she might be the type to hold onto things, but she surprisingly had very few trinkets. The overall atmosphere was calm. The curtains were navy blue, the metal rack was silver, the bedsheets were white, and the towel blanket was black. It was a cool room rather than a cute one.

“This is the first time I’ve been in a girl’s room… but it’s calmer than I expected.”

If I had been surrounded by bright colors starting with pink, I might have been more self-conscious and tense. So in a way, I was saved.

“Ahaha. Chika told me it looks like a stylish male college student’s room, though.”

“Huh? But what about a dresser? For doing your makeup.”

“Oh, that’s in the closet. It’s a small room, you see. I only take it out when I’m doing my makeup.”

I also struggle with managing my space when I’m working on multiple creative projects at once, but it seems Seika-san is doing her best too.

“Hmm, so I guess the bell is about right. Should the overall size be something that can be displayed on a shelf?”

On the top shelf of the rack were three Shiba Inu brothers, a wooden carving of a long-tailed tit, and a plushie of Dougochi-san. A little ways away was a plushie modeled after me. For some reason, only mine was slightly tilted. I wonder if she usually keeps it somewhere else and hastily moved it just now. Well, in any case, the usable space would be next to that.

“By the way, where’s the Kururu-chan figure?”

“That’s also in the closet. It got too much sun, so the color faded.”

“Ah, I’d like to fix that for you someday, too. Oh, you don’t have to pay me, okay? Think of it as after-sales service.”

“Eh? But…”

“It’s not like I’m selling my skills cheap, like you said before. I’ve already received my payment. Just knowing you cherish it that much is reward enough for me.”

“Kousei… thank you.”

Was that a little cheesy? But it’s how I really feel. Looking at it now, it’s crude in many ways, but it’s still an important piece that I poured all the skill and passion I had at the time into making. Not that I have any right to say that, since I forgot all about it.

But regardless of payment, I’m getting way too many requests related to Seika-san. A recovery gift, arranging the bicycle bell, and now fixing the figure. I know. I’m the one who keeps taking them on. Why? The reason is obvious. It makes me happy. Because when I make something, she praises it with sparkling eyes. I can tell she’s genuinely enjoying my creations, just like Meguru did when we were kids.

Ever since that incident, Meguru himself stopped asking me to make things for him… so am I seeking Seika-san’s happy face as a substitute? No, that’s probably not it. It’s frustrating that I can’t put my own feelings into words properly. But it’s definitely different from what I felt with Meguru’s smile. It’s more like… if there’s anything else I can do for her besides making things, I want to do it as much as possible.

“Ah, the rain.”

Seika-san’s voice pulled me back from the sea of my thoughts. She was looking at the sky from her room window. I followed her gaze and saw that the sky was starting to clear up a little. The rain seemed to have weakened considerably, too.

“Now’s our chance.”

And so, it was time for me to leave.

I changed back into my clothes, which had been drying in the bathroom. They were still damp and felt gross, but I tried not to let it show on my face. I borrowed an umbrella just in case, checked to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, and headed for the entrance.

“Well then, I’ll just be taking the bike home, okay?”

“Yeah. You’re a real lifesaver. Thanks. Oh, and don’t rush the bell arrangement thing, okay?”

“Okay. Well then, see you tomorrow.”

Until the front door closed, Seika-san saw me off with a smile on her beautiful face. The door shut with a soft click, leaving a slight feeling of reluctance. But I couldn’t just stand there forever. I had already sent a LINE to my sister, but if I was too late, I’d make her worry.

She told me not to rush the creation, but my body felt light and fluffy, and my creative drive was welling up infinitely. I’ll make something she’s never seen before, and I’ll do it soon. My morale was unusually high.

And then, after I got home—

I had thought my body was hot with enthusiasm, but even after taking a bath, I still felt dizzy. I took my temperature just in case and found it was over thirty-eight degrees Celsius. I probably should have taken a warm bath right after getting home.

As I calmly reflected on this, my body felt unbearably sluggish. My regular doctor’s afternoon hours were already over, so my dad was going to drive me first thing in the morning. My mom and sister both had worried looks on their faces. I think it’s an overreaction for just a cold, but the warmth of my family really hits home.

As I lay in bed, I noticed my smartphone on the bedside table blinking. Ah, that’s right. I had to send Seika-san a LINE so she wouldn’t wait for me in the morning. I read through the message she had sent earlier. It was another thank you for taking her bike. She’s as conscientious as ever.

I tried to write a reply with my foggy head, but it was too much of a struggle, so I ignored the flow of the conversation and just typed what I needed to say.

I’m going to the hospital tomorrow, so I can’t go to school with you in the morning. Please go on ahead without me. I’m sorry.

As soon as I sent that, my consciousness started to fade, and I closed my eyelids. Then everything went black.

…

…

…

I was dreaming.

A slope of light descended from the heavens to this Sawamigawa, and a single bicycle was racing down it. On that bicycle was a beautiful angel with flowing silver hair. She was acting like a punk, ringing her bell incessantly. She swerved and ran over a mushroom growing on the edge of the slope of light with great force, killing it.

“Ora! You seven-point failure!”

The angel slowed down and descended to the Sawamigawa. She hopped off the bike, and I saw that someone else had been riding behind her. It seemed they were riding double. The person behind her also got off the bike.

“Kousei-kun. You’re always working so hard.”

It was Oda Nobunaga. He was probably paper-thin because he was just like his portrait. He had no three-dimensionality at all.

The angel and Nobunaga entered my workshop together. I hurriedly served them both lychee juice.

“Much obliged. Ah, this is delicious. Next time, I’ll have Rikyu make some.”

“Yummy, yummy.”

It seems they both liked it.

“Are you two perhaps here to pick me up?”

Then am I going to be summoned to the heavens?

“Fifty years of human life. You have lived well,” Nobunaga-san praised me.

“No. I’ve only lived for sixteen years.”

“It’s fifty if you round it up.”

The silver-haired angel smiled sweetly. I’m pretty sure that’s wrong… but when she says it with that smile, it starts to seem true.

“Um, could you possibly be…”

Could she be someone I know well? I tried to say her name, but for some reason, I couldn’t.

“Me? I am the Wheel Angel, Chariel. And I’m a total virgin.”

“Kousei-kun, shall we be going? Honnoji is burning, you know?”

“…”

“You’re all alone in the classroom anyway. You don’t have anyone you can call a friend. This lower world must be boring, right?”

I shook my head.

“I think I’m about to make a friend again. She’s a bit impulsive and can be a handful sometimes, but she’s a kind person who can get angry for someone else’s sake. It’s true I can’t talk to her in the classroom, but she comes to pick me up every morning, even though I’m a gloomy introvert hiding in my shell. Her proactiveness has saved me…”

My words were a jumble. Only my emotions were running ahead. I already made my conclusion.

“Anyway, I can’t go with you two. I’ll do my best in the lower world,” I said it clearly.

They both looked a little sad, but in the end, they smiled and nodded.

“If you change your mind, call me anytime. For 1,200 yen an hour, I’ll give you a ride on this Starbridge-gou.”

“Well then, Kousei-kun. Be careful of uprisings. The ones most likely to be targeted are the moderately wealthy like your family.”

With that, the two of them got on the Starbridge-gou. When Nobunaga-san got on the back, Chariel-sama started to stand and pedal, slowly returning up the slope to the heavens. The return trip was uphill, so it looked tough.

…

…

…

And with that, I suddenly woke up. I had been having a very blasphemous dream.

My smartphone on the bedside table was blinking. I swiped the screen and saw three new LINE messages. They were all from Seika-san, and they were all about my health. Just like when I saw the worried faces of my family, my heart warmed.

It’s just a cold. Thank you for worrying.

It was a little after two in the morning, so I hesitated, but I wanted to reply, so I sent that. I should get some more sleep. Just as I was about to pull the blanket over myself, a message came back with a ping. No way.I’m glad. That it’s not some serious illness. It’s because of the rain, isn’t it? I’m sorry. Get some rest. No need to reply.

Worrying about me until this hour… Seika-san… she’s a good person.

☆☆☆

In the morning, I reread the message from Kousei. Honestly, I want to go check on him, but there’s nothing I can do even if I go. In fact, I’d just be a bother, making them deal with a visitor during their busy morning routine of getting him to the hospital.

“Well then, I’ll go buy some things for a get-well visit.”

My mom, who has the day off from her shift today, said that after I told her about Kousei’s cold. She was concerned about the fact that he brought a souvenir when he came over before, and since he’s someone her daughter feels greatly indebted to, she apparently wanted to return the favor if she had the chance.

I replied, “Okay, thanks,” and left the house. I got on the bicycle I had just bought yesterday and started pedaling. I’m pedaling with less force than on that old bike, but I’m going at a completely different speed. It really is all about performance. Kousei was fine when we were choosing this yesterday, though. I wonder if he’s not coming to school today.

I pedaled on, and soon I reached the corner that leads to the Kutsuzawa Workshop. I instinctively stopped and waited to see if a car would come out. No, no. I don’t even know what the Kutsuzawa family’s car looks like. And besides, even if we passed each other for a moment, what would happen?

Feeling reluctant to leave, I started pedaling again and soon arrived at school. It’s so boring. There’s not nearly enough Kousei-component in my day. Aah, this sucks.

I entered the classroom. I took a quick look and saw that Miyasaka’s seat was empty. Maybe he’s hiding somewhere because it’s awkward to face me and Kousei. Not that I care.

I greeted Chika and the others and sat down in my seat… but I couldn’t help but look back at Kousei’s seat by the window. Even though I know he’s not here.

Even after that, every time a classmate came into the room, I would glance over to check. Even while talking with Chika and Ria, I think my mind was somewhere else.

In the end, Kousei never came to school, and Oota-sensei casually announced his absence during the morning homeroom.

Then, during the break after second period, I checked my phone and saw the notification light blinking. Just seeing that made my heart pound with anticipation. I immediately swiped and saw a new LINE message. It was from Kousei.

I’m back from the hospital. It was just a normal cold after all. I’m resting today.

Haa, I’m so glad. I let out a long sigh of relief.

I’m bored. I’m lonely.

He’s so freaking cute. And wait, does that mean he’s home alone right now? Haru-san is probably at university, his dad probably went back to work, and his mom is probably at the shop. This means I absolutely have to go visit him at top speed after school. Because Kousei told me he’s lonely. He’s lonely. Aah, he’s so cute.

I’m coming to see you as soon as school’s out!

Besides, fifth and sixth periods are classical literature and Japanese history. They’re both my strong subjects, so I’m tempted to just ditch after lunch. But then my mom and dad’s faces flash in my mind. I can’t skip the school they’re working so hard to send me to, even if it is for Kousei. And I have a feeling Kousei wouldn’t be happy if I told him I skipped school to come see him sooner. In fact, he’d probably worry that he made me skip because of him. That’s the kind of guy he is. That’s why I fell for him.

I managed to resist the temptation to leave early. That’s right, I’ll just take perfect notes and lend them to Kousei when he’s better.

In the end, I sat through all my classes and heard the after-school chime. The moment it rang, I made a mad dash. I ran down the stairs, flew to the bike rack, and started pedaling at max speed from a standing start towards my apartment. I got the paper bag with the get-well gifts from my mom, who was waiting for me at the entrance, and immediately made a U-turn.

I made it to the Kutsuzawa Workshop in ten minutes, making full use of my new bike’s performance.

I took out my hand mirror and fixed my hair. It’s a real mess. I checked my makeup while I was at it… and, okay! Time to go, I thought, and rang the doorbell with gusto. Ah, but if Kousei is the only one home right now, can he even get the door? That worry turned out to be baseless. The intercom connected right away, and I heard Haru-san’s voice say, “Yes?”

“Haru-san, it’s me. Mizoguchi Seika.”

“Ah, Seika-san. Did you come to visit? Wait a sec, I’m opening the door now.”

And then, about ten seconds later, the front door opened.

“Haru-san, you’re back already.”

“Yeah. I skipped out on my afternoon classes.”

Eeh… Isn’t that cheating?

Oh well. I composed myself.

“Um, this is a get-well gift. It’s loquats, so please peel them and give them to Kousei later.” I handed the paper bag to Haru-san first.

“Thank you. Yeah, that kid loves loquats, so I’m sure he’ll be happy. I’ll just put them in the fridge for now, okay?”

“Yes.”

Good. It was his favorite.

I followed Haru-san up the stairs to Kousei’s room. In front of the room, she handed me a mask.

When did she get that? Ah, she must have grabbed it when she went to put the loquats in the fridge.

I’m grateful for her consideration.

“Kousei~? I’m coming in~” Haru-san called out as she opened the door. The room, lit only by a nightlight, was a little stuffy. A fan was running on a low setting, but the heat was much stronger.

“Kousei, Seika-san is here to see you.”

Called from his bedside, Kousei stirred slightly. His eyelids fluttered open.

Ah, ifhe was sleeping, she didn’t have to wake him up.

“Seika-san came to see you.”

“Chariel-sama?”

“Se-i-ka-san.”

No, that’s not just a mishearing, is it?

“Ah, Seika-san.”

He moved his neck as he called my name, so I quickly walked over. Haru-san stepped aside, and I could see Kousei’s face. He looked a little haggard, but it didn’t seem to be anything serious.

“Seika-san, the get-well gift and the bicycle bell… I’m sorry. And fixing the figure, too… I wanted to do more, so much more for you.”

“No, you’re not going to die, you know?”

It’s just a little over thirty-eight degrees, you’re being way too dramatic. But under my mask, my cheeks were loosening into a stupid grin. He wanted to do so much more for me. Is that how he really felt? He’s probably not thinking straight, so this must be his true feelings, right? Crap, this makes me so happy.

Just as I was about to say something more, Kousei’s eyes started to get droopy. Yeah, he should sleep when he can. I gently brushed the bangs off Kousei’s forehead.

“…”

With a slightly more peaceful expression, Kousei seemed to have fallen asleep again. With the hand that had just been touching his bangs, I gently caressed his cheek. It was soft and warm. Like a baby’s.

I felt a heavy stare fixed on me.

Crap! That’s right, Haru-san was here. I timidly looked back and, as expected, she was grinning from ear to ear.

“Is this for real, for real?”

Ugh. It’s for real, for real. What should I do, is it good or bad for the other person’s family to know you like them? I have no experience, so I have no idea. Should I just spill everything and ask for her cooperation? But, but… She’s a doting older sister, so if she decides I’m not worthy…

“Hehe. I’m going to go get more water. Maybe I’ll peel the loquats while I’m at it.”

While I was still undecided, Haru-san stood up. She picked up the plastic bottle by Kousei’s pillow and left the room, waving it back and forth. I-I was honestly saved. And she probably never intended to press me for answers in the first place.

…Aah, geez. My face is so hot. I couldn’t help but take off my mask.

And at that moment, Haru-san peeked her head in through the half-open door.

“You’ll catch his cold if you kiss him now, you know?” she teased.

“I’m not going to!”

“Ahahaha,” Haru-san laughed as she went downstairs. Kch. She was just messing with me.

Even though I said “I’m not going to,” I couldn’t bring myself to leave Kousei’s bedside. In fact, she just made me more conscious of it. For a split second, I thought about secretly giving him a quick peck on the cheek. No, no, that’s no good. If I can’t have a relationship with him when he’s awake, it’ll just end up feeling empty. I lightly slapped my own cheeks. And with that sound—

“Ngh~”

Kousei woke up. I messed up.

Kousei, his eyes still unfocused, reached out to his bedside, searching for something. Ah, maybe the plastic bottle…

“Somebody… somebody.”

His way of calling for help is too unique.

I probably shouldn’t laugh, but this kid is funny even when he’s weak.

“Yes, yes. Haru-san went to get you more water.”

“I’m thirsty.”

Ugh. That childish way of speaking. And then, Kousei’s gaze wandered and stopped on the plastic bottle sticking out of my bag.

“Ah, yes, yes.”

My maternal instincts were tickled, and without thinking, I grabbed the bottle… and then I realized. This is the one I bought this morning and have been drinking from all day. Ugh, is that really okay? Unlike the cup from before, there’s no way to avoid the mouthpiece.

Oh, whatever. I can’t help it if a weak little Kousei is clinging to me like this. It’s definitely not because I want to get a real indirect kiss out of this or any other wicked thoughts like that.

I opened the lid and handed it to him, and he started drinking it with both hands. Watching him, I was filled with an indescribable sense of elation. I might really be a pervert, but only for Kousei.

Kousei drank the rest of the tea without hesitation and started to doze off again. It seems he just woke up for a moment because he was thirsty, still half-asleep. As I gently patted his chest, pon, pon, he soon started to breathe evenly. He’s really like a little kid.

I moved a little away from the bed and was about to put the empty plastic bottle back in my bag when my hand stopped. No, no. That’s a line I really shouldn’t cross. I took that plastic bottle…

“You’ll catch his cold, you know?”

“Uhyaaaaaa!!”

I seriously thought my heart was going to stop. I looked back and saw Haru-san peeking at me from the half-open door, just like before.

She put her index finger to her lips in a “shh” gesture.

No, you’rethe one who scared me.

I quietly looked at the bed, but Kousei was completely in the world of dreams. He didn’t even stir. Phew, that was close.

“He’s completely asleep, huh? The loquats will have to wait.”

Haru-san beckoned to me. It seemed that visiting hours were over. I followed her and put my foot on the stairs… and looked back at Kousei’s room for a moment. Get well soon, I encouraged him in my heart.

It wouldn’t be right to stay too long, so I was about to leave, but just as I got to the first floor, I heard the sound of the front door unlocking. And then the door opened outwards.

“I’m home~”

It was probably his mother, a woman in her forties, who came in. She had brown hair, a slender build, and wore no makeup. She didn’t have a particularly aquiline nose, so I guess the siblings take after their father.

“Oh? A visitor?”

“Ah, I’m a classmate of Kousei-kun’s. My name is Mizoguchi. Sorry for the intrusion.” I bowed my head and introduced myself. At that, the mother’s eyes instantly lit up.

“A friend of Kousei’s!? Are you here to visit him? My, my, thank you so much for coming all this way. I’m his mother, Akina.”

“Seika-san brought loquats, so let’s give them to Kousei later.”

“My. A souvenir, too? Thank you so much.”

His mother bowed her head to me. I’ve received so much from them, and this is just a small token of my gratitude. It makes me feel uncomfortable when she’s so formal about it.

“Come on, come on. It’s not much, but please come in.”

She practically pushed me into the living room. She’s not as forceful as my mom, but she’s still pretty powerful. I wonder if all old ladies are like that.

I sat down at the table as she urged, and Akina-san sat across from me. Haru-san went to the kitchen, probably to make some tea.

“My, my, to think he had a friend who would come all the way to visit him. When did that happen?” she said with deep emotion. Is it that rare for him to have friends? Well, considering how Kousei is in the classroom, I guess it can’t be helped.

“How is that child at school? Does he have lots of friends besides you, Mizoguchi-san?”

Uwah. That’s a tough question. It’s a choice between lying and making her sad.

“Mom, there’s no way that’s true. You should be happy he made even one friend in Seika-san.” Perhaps seeing my predicament, Haru-san threw me a lifeline from across the counter kitchen.

“You’re right. Well, still, as Haru says, Mizoguchi-san… Is it okay if I call you Seika-chan?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I have to thank Seika-chan. Thank you so much.”

“Eh, no, no.”

She looked like she was about to bow her head again, so I hurriedly waved my hands. I think I understand a little of how Chika feels now. I like Kousei, and I hang out with him because it’s fun, so it’s not something to be thanked for.

“He’s a quiet and slightly eccentric child, but he’s kind to others. Please be good friends with him, okay?”

“Yes. It’s fun being with Kousei.”

When I answered immediately, Akina-san smiled with a relieved expression. I got embarrassed and averted my gaze… and noticed that the sliding door next to the living room was open. It leads to a Japanese-style room.

On top of the round table in that room, something like a book was left open. Everything else is tidy, but just that one spot?

“Oh, that’s a photo album. It was around the beginning of this month, I think. Kousei suddenly pulled it out.”

“Heh.”

I want to see. I bet Kousei was cute when he was a kid. I can’t remember the details from eight years ago anymore.

“That kid… it’s not like an obsession, but he had this desperate look on his face, and he just kept staring at it. He’d look at it every so often after that, so we decided to just leave it in the Japanese-style room for a while. There’s not much in there but the Buddhist altar, so we don’t use it anyway.”

My… curiosity from just a moment ago had completely withered.

In the end, the talk about the album ended there. After that, we just had some tea while making small talk and then left the Kutsuzawa residence.

Early this month. Kousei had been looking at the album photos with a desperate air. The obsession that Akina-san felt was…

About me, wasn’t it?

Because he was suddenly yelled at. I understood why he got mad, but this time, he didn’t want me to get mad at him again for “not remembering.”

I feel like crying.

Lying face up on my bed, the white of the fluorescent light slowly blurs in my vision. No, Kousei’s the one who wants to cry. Being liked by such an unreasonable woman, he’s taken on all this unnecessary hardship.

“Haaah~”

After I took in his bicycle, I ended up catching his cold too. Talk about adding insult to injury. With a plague god like me… Aah, geez. I know I’m getting all psycho, but I just can’t stop it.

“So I’m in the negative, huh?”

That thing Chika said before, about starting by getting out of the negative and back to zero.

Well, I think I’ve definitely escaped the negative territory, for the most part. I’ve asked him for a few jobs, and he delivers quality work, so I can pay him with a good conscience. I think we’ve built that kind of trust. We walk to and from school together and talk about all sorts of things, so I think he’s starting to open up to me. He’s even started looking at my private social media account recently.

Ah, but what if behind that smile, he was constantly terrified of stepping on one of my landmines again? And if I, oblivious to that, just thought we were getting along, then I’d be nothing but a stupid clown. Ahahaha. Haaah… I’m going psycho again.

To my past self, hey, try to control your emotions a little more, seriously. That’s what I think, but… the fact that he still chased after me, that he saw my inner self even with our limited interactions. All of that has become a precious memory to me now.

But this is all for my own convenience. From his perspective, he’s just been giving and giving. On top of that, it’s like Kousei is the one paying the price for the unfairness of it all. This kind of relationship won’t last. I know that all too well from seeing it up close.

I have to do something. I sent a Line message to the great god Chika to ask for her divine counsel.

The next day, during lunch break. By the way, Kousei was absent again today to be on the safe side. I was so happy I almost cried when a Line message came through at the usual time. He doesn’t hate me yet. If I make a move now, I can still make it in time.

“…Hmm, the human heart is a complicated thing, isn’t it?”

That was Chika’s first comment after I laid everything out for her.

“Apologizing and being forgiven doesn’t mean everything just goes back to the way it was. I’m sure Kutsuzawa-kun isn’t angry or holding a grudge, though.”

“Yeah, I think so too.”

“It’s just that, now that he knows your landmines, he’s trying to be careful. And, well, it’s certainly possible that’s become a psychological burden. To put it simply, maybe he can’t relax when he’s with you?”

Guh.

“In that case, you two can get along fine as long as you’re just careful while talking on the way to and from school, but spending any more time together than that seems like it would be tough.”

“I see.”

“It’s probably like our relationship with Ria.”

“Ah, you might be right.”

Ria is a good person, but we’ve only known her since our third year of middle school, so it hasn’t been long, and she has this air about her that doesn’t let me or Chika get into the deeper parts of her heart…

I wonder if that’s what I am to Kousei. A person he can have a decent relationship with, as long as he’s careful not to step on my scary landmines.

Maybe for Kousei, the distance we have now is what’s best. So, for his sake, should I just suppress my feelings and aim for a friendship ending? Won’t that be painful? Won’t that hurt?

“By the way, Chika, what would you do?”

“I’d probably give up. There are plenty of other guys out there.”

“There may be plenty of other guys, but there’s only one Kousei.”

“What the hell? You didn’t even need to ask. The answer’s obvious, isn’t it?” Chika grinned. “You don’t want any other guy, right? They’re not even on your radar. So you’ve got no choice but to go for it. What’re you hesitating for?”

She was trying to fire me up, asking if I was going to chicken out again. But, you know…

“For Kousei, being with me is…”

“Aargh, you’re so annoying! If you like him that much, you’re not going to be able to leave him anyway. So you just have to keep building things up so he can feel at ease with you. If there’s anything you can give back, you give it back. Isn’t that all you can do?”

“Ugh… You’re right.”

“There are no shortcuts for this. You just have to work at it steadily until Kutsuzawa-kun trusts that you’re okay now.”

Chika slurped up the last of her strawberry milk from its carton and stood up abruptly.

“Guess I have no choice. I’ll go with you to visit him today.”

The greatgoddessChika~!

★★★

When I suddenly woke up, it was past nine in the morning. Ah, right. I skipped school again today. It feels like I’ve gone back a few months.

I tried closing my eyes again in my futon, but I didn’t feel sleepy at all. I took the thermometer from my bedside and stuck it under my arm. After the electronic beep, I took it out; my temperature had dropped to 37.2 degrees Celsius.

My body feels light. Maybe I should go to school now. But I still have a slight fever. Besides, I have an insane urge to create something. That’s probably the priority.

I looked at my smartphone and saw a Line message. It was from Seika-san; she said she’d stop by after school today, too.

That’s right. Something with the bell.

Right now, the only creations I’m taking on are related to Seika-san. No, even without that, the thing I want to make the most right now is something that would make her happy.

Feeling a little unsteady, I went downstairs to the first floor. Mom was watching TV in the living room. Oh right, it’s Wednesday, so the shop is closed.

“Oh? Are you okay to be up already?”

“Yeah. My temperature’s down to 37.2.”

Hearing that, Mom looked relieved.

“I’m just going to get some fresh air. I won’t leave the house,” I said, leaving through the entrance. I picked up the toolbox I keep by the workshop and went to the bicycle parking area. I quickly removed the bell attached to the handlebar of Seika-san’s old bicycle.

“…”

Unfortunately, it’s cloudy today. When I sniff, I can faintly smell something watery. If it looks like it’s going to rain around after-school, maybe I should send Seika-san a Line telling her not to push herself.

“But it’s a little… lonely.”

When she came yesterday, I felt incredibly at ease. Even when I wasn’t fully conscious, the feel of her hand stroking my cheek and head felt so gentle. I fell asleep just like that.

But because of that, even though she went to the trouble of coming, I couldn’t even properly entertain her, and I never got to thank her for the loquats. I’m just being spoiled. And yet, I still find myself wishing she’d come today. I’m thinking childish things, like if it rains, she should just stay at my place until it stops.

“…I’m being too weak over a simple cold.”

I sighed and put the tools away.

I returned to my room and started disassembling the bell. I’ve never looked at one this closely before. So this is how it works.

First, the top lid came off easily. The bottom part, of course, has the mechanism that rings the bell… what should I do? If I remove this, it won’t make a sound, and it might not be recognizable as a bell. Well, the structure itself is simple, so I can easily reassemble it after taking it apart. I guess I’ll just do it for now.

I removed the gears and lever from the shaft. Now both the top and bottom of the lid are clear. If I put a miniature inside, it could become a nice decoration. Maybe a composition with a small figure modeled after Seika-san herself and a Shiba Inu playing together. She’d probably be happy with that, no problem. I immediately started drawing a rough sketch.

But then, my hand stopped dead.

“Is that really what I should do?”

Playing it safe. Not taking any risks, just going for stability. Is that really okay?

I remember Seika-san’s words. The words she said to Miyasaka: “Sengoku warlords are super interesting.” If that was her true feeling, then even though she always talks trash, maybe she actually wants a warlord figure. Or maybe, when I first showed her the Nobunaga figure, telling her not to post it on social media put a psychological restriction on her. Like, if she can’t share it on Twista, she doesn’t want it.

Now, I wouldn’t mind if Seika-san were to upload a picture, as long as it doesn’t identify me, whether on her private account or her work account. I realize I’m starting to become more positive, and I’ve come to believe that Seika-san wouldn’t cross the line. In fact, it’s thanks to her that I’m becoming more positive.

If she really thinks warlords are cool too, but she’s holding back out of consideration for me, suppressing those feelings… then I have to tell her that it’s okay now.

“Something that could be a trigger for that.”

The dream from the day before yesterday comes to mind. Thinking about it now, it might have been a divine revelation.

“Chariel and old man Oda.”

A wheel angel who’s a dead ringer for Seika-san, and a warlord who’s the very personification of the Sengoku period, teaming up. There’s nothing better than this.

Once I decided that, my mind became crystal clear.

First, I get a plastic sheet and draw straight lines on the back. I cut along the lines with a utility knife, then color the plastic gold and add glitter. This will be the slope connecting heaven to the Sawamigawa River.

What should I do about the mushroom getting run over? That’s right, the rubber used for bicycle tire valve caps. I can use that as a core and sculpt it with figure clay.

I should probably just buy a miniature for the Starbridge-gou. Then all that’s left is to make Chariel and Lord Nobunaga…

And so, I lost track of time and became absorbed in my crafting.

☆☆☆

Today, after attending all six periods, I headed to the bicycle parking lot. Chika commutes by train, but she has a bike she uses to get between the station and school. Isn’t that walkable? I think so, but Chika’s dad absolutely dotes on his daughter. I’m a little jealous… but let’s put that aside for now.

We coolly straddled our bikes and rode side by side, speeding along.

“You don’t have to rush so much. You went yesterday, didn’t you?”

“Well, I haven’t gotten a reply on Line for a while now. His fever might have come back.”

“Even if it has, there’s nothing we can do by rushing over.”

“That’s true, but.”

Still, it’s normal to want to be by his side when you’re worried. And in the worst-case scenario, maybe none of his family is home today. He might be calling out for somebody.

We arrived at the workshop in about five minutes. I could see that the shop across the street was closed.

“Ah.”

Oh, right, it’s Wednesday, so it’s their day off, which means Akina-san is home. Ahaha~ I forgot. I’ll keep it quiet from Chika.

When I rang the doorbell of the house, sure enough, Akina-san answered and led us to the living room.

“Ah! I came in a hurry today, so…” I was empty-handed.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to worry about that. Just having you come makes me happy. And today, there’s another person!”

“Yo. Seika’s friend, Dougochi Chika,” she introduced herself. “I’m Kousei-kun’s… friend? Classmate? Somethin’ like that.”

It’s not my place to say, but she really doesn’t know the meaning of being timid. But well, with her being this honest, it’s probably obvious that I, a casual acquaintance, was the one who brought her along.

“Did Seika-chan invite you? Thank you so much for coming all this way.”

As I thought, she seemed to have guessed, but Akina-san still thanked her for coming.

“How is Kutsuzawa-kun doing?”

“His fever seems to have gone down. He had a slight fever this morning, but now it’s in the 36-degree range.”

Ah, that’s a relief. I know I’m being oversensitive because I’ve had my own long battle with illness, even though this is just a cold. But anyway, I’m glad.

“He’s making something incomprehensible again.”

“Ma’am, saying it’s incomprehensible is a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Chika laughed as she defended Kousei.

“Fufu. In any case, he’s awake, so please go on up and see him,” she said and led us upstairs. There was no response to a knock, and it was only after Akina-san called out his name that he replied.

“Geez… he’s so focused again that he can’t hear anything around him,” Akina-san grumbled as she opened the door. And after letting us in, she went back downstairs. “I’ll bring some tea right away.”

“Ah, please don’t trouble yourself.”

While we were having this typical exchange, Chika went into the room first.

“Whoa, awesome. There are tons of crafting tools!”

“Eh? Ah, Dougochi-san.”

“Yo. Long time no see.”

I also went in and gave a light greeting. “You came again today,” he said with a happy smile. If I can see this smile, making a little detour is no big deal.

Then, my eyes fell on what Kousei was currently making. A bicycle bell was fixed open like a seashell, and a golden ribbon-like strip was extending straight out from it. It seemed he was in the middle of sculpting Nobunaga and another female-like figure out of clay.

“What’s this?” Chika asked.

“It’s the scene where the Wheel Angel Chariel and Oda Nobunaga descend from heaven to the Sawamigawa River, riding tandem.”

“You really are making something incomprehensible, aren’t you!?”

“W-Whoa, that surprised me. You understand the reason, right? It’s the dream I had the night before last.”

“You’re recreating a weird dream you had when you had a fever? No, even so, this is beyond weird.”

Thanks to Chika’s surprisingly good retorts, I was able to focus on what Kousei was doing with his hands.

“That woman…”

“That’s Chariel.”

“No, I don’t care about the name. That silver hair…”

“Ah, that’s right. I think it’s probably a case of Seika-san appearing in my dream.”

Both Chika and I stared with wide eyes, surprised. He’s admitting it that easily? Ah, seeing me even in his dreams… that’s practically marriage.

“This mushroom getting run over is Miyasaka, and the bike Nobunaga’s riding is the Starbridge-gou that Seika-san and I went to buy together.”

He’s gone and given it a name without my permission.

“It was a dream that seemed to combine everything that happened recently.”

Ah, so that’s how he sees it. It’s not that I’m special, but simply that the people and things I’ve been involved with a lot recently have also appeared in his dreams.

“What do you think? Is it okay if I continue making it like this?”

“Yeah, rejected.”

“Eh!? What part was bad?”

“Pretty much all of it?”

“No way. Chariel was such a beautiful angel…”

Ugh. Even if it’s crazy, being told that an angel, presumably based on me, is beautiful…

“Th-Then, Chariel is approved.”

Chika’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Well, it’s better than having Nobunaga in my room,” I muttered. And he did say I was beautiful.

“No, even Chariel alone is pretty out there, you know? She descends to the Sawamigawa River riding tandem while running over a mushroom, right? That’s clearly the work of someone with emotional development problems.”

“I-It can’t be helped.”

I was happy that he had a dream about me. Besides, whatever the content, he’s making me look like an angel.

“Does that mean you don’t like Nobunaga? Please be honest, Seika-san.”

“I’m being as honest as I can be, though?”

“You can post it on Twista. Even on your work account.”

“This!? They’ll think my account was hijacked.” Or I’ll lose a thousand followers.

“That’s strange. You actually like warlords, don’t you?”

“Um… do you still have a fever? Maybe you should get some rest…”

“No, I don’t have a fever. In fact, this is the conclusion I came to after calmly reflecting on and considering your words and actions, Seika-san.”

“Ehh…”

“See, that time. When you were talking to Miyasaka.”

Ah, as I thought, he’s taking what I said during the sports festival as my true feelings.

I desperately tried to explain myself to clear up Kousei’s misunderstanding, and after more than five minutes, I finally managed to make him understand.

“The first idea was fine, the normal one.”

“Isn’t that too safe?”

“It’s better than a lump of incomprehensibility. Fluffy is good, fluffy.”

“A warrior.”

“I said fluffy!”

I hear Chika’s laughter. Did our little exchange just now hit her funny bone?

“You guys are a riot. Your chemistry is off the charts. Just get married already.”

Wha-!? That’s too strong of a support fire out of nowhere. Kousei is… forcing a smile. What does this mean? Did he imagine it a little?

“Then, shall I make it with Chariel playing with a dog? It’s a shame, though.”

“But rather than fluffy, if we’re talking about preserving a memory related to the bicycle, why not recreate the scene when you two reunited?”

To be precise, our reunion was when we met in the classroom in April, but our first real contact was that day in May when he saved me from a near-fall, and I’d like to consider that day our reunion day. Kousei seems to see it that way too.

“You mean the day I almost fell off my bike, right?” I asked.

He nodded.

“But if it’s Chariel, she can fly, so…”

“How about we just drop the Chariel idea? Sorry for taking back what I said, but…” Me and Kousei are good enough.

“But then what happens to my dream?”

“Hey, don’t say it like that. It makes it sound like I’m the one crushing your dreams.”

It’s a dream, but it’s a crazy fever dream. It’s probably better if it doesn’t come true.

In the end, while looking somewhat dissatisfied, he finally gave in, saying, “Seika-san’s wish is the most important thing.” However, since he’s already made quite a bit of the Chariel and Nobunaga one, he said he’ll sell it at the shop when it’s done. I’m pretty sure no one will ever buy it, but well, if it makes Kousei feel better.

“But still, you really don’t know things until you talk about them. I was completely convinced that Seika-san was a closet history buff.”

You jump to conclusions way too much.

But what Kousei says is true. You don’t know things until you talk about them… In that case, I should probably talk about the album too. Because, no matter how you look at it, I can only think that Kousei is enjoying this time right now. I can’t believe, and I don’t want to believe, that he’s just watching my expression while talking about things like this wheel angel.

O-Okay. I’ll say it. I’m going to say it.

“Um, you know…”

“Kousei~, I brought tea and snacks, can you open the door~?”

Akina-san, what timing!

“Comiiing~”

Kousei stands up and opens the door. Akina-san comes in carefully, holding a tray. She serves us cold oolong tea and deep dishes of warabimochi.

We all thanked her in unison.

Akina-san smiles gently, and then says to Kousei, “You’re still recovering, so don’t get too excited, okay? If you get sleepy, tell Seika-chan and her friend, and don’t push yourself. Just lie down, alright?” she reminds him.

“I’m fine. I slept a lot already, and I’m not a kid.”

That’s what Kousei said, but…

A few minutes later.

After finishing the warabimochi, his eyes started to droop, and his responses became sluggish.

“Kousei, are you sleepy?”

“I’m fine… desu.”

“It’s getting late, and we should be heading out soon anyway,” Chika said as she stood up. I followed. Kousei looked up at us with his eyes half-closed, his mouth also half-open. When I stroked his head, his eyes narrowed even more. Cute.

“Here, get into your futon.”

“Yeah…”

He obediently gets into bed. As he fidgets to get comfortable, I can immediately hear him breathing softly in his sleep.

“Right after eating?”

“Fufu. He’s like a baby, isn’t he?”

He’s unbearably adorable. But…

“I missed my chance to ask.”

“About that album thing?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, lookin’ at him now, I’d say we were just overthinking the whole ‘he’s scared of you’ thing.”

“I… I want to believe that, but…”

Still, I want to hear it directly from Kousei’s mouth that being with me isn’t a burden. But right now, Kousei’s recovery is more important than my own desires.

Finally, I gently stroked Kousei’s cheek.

“Good night.”

And left the room.

★★★

The next morning. I took my temperature and… 36.3 degrees. Completely normal. My head was clear and refreshed. I finished getting ready and left the house to find—

“Kousei! Good morning!”

Seika-san was waiting for me so we could go to school together for the first time in days.

“Seika-san. Good morning. Thank you for visiting me. Thanks to you, I’ve recovered.”

“Yeah. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Seika-san smiled gently. She really took care of me. Yesterday, I ended up falling asleep right after eating the warabimochi. When I apologized for that on Line, she replied with words of concern for my health instead.

“Seika-san.”

“Hm?”

“Do you have time after school today?”

“Yeah. I do, but?”

“Then, would you like to go hang out in front of the station?”

“Eh!? I-Is that a…” Seika-san’s eyes go wide as she stares at my face while I walk beside her.

“Well, you took such good care of me this time, so I wanted to do something to thank you.”

“Ah, s-so that’s what this is.”

She seems kind of disappointed. Huh, maybe she wasn’t in the mood to hang out. I panicked a little.

“I heard there’s a delicious crêpe food truck coming today. They also sell tapioca drinks that gals like, you know?” I tried to bait her with sweets. But Seika-san just gave a wry smile.

“Tapioca, huh. That trend’s been over for a while now.”

“I-Is that so?”

“Yeah. I haven’t had it in about two years.”

“Th-That long!? Don’t you get a postcard from the police or something?”

“Nope. Is it a license renewal?”

“A Gal License.”

“There’s no such thing. The police aren’t that free. And what department would even handle that?”

“The Tapioca Department…”

“That department would be such a waste of tax money. There’s no Gal License or Tapioca Department.”

Is that so? I had a feeling that might be the case. So, during that whole boom, all the gals were just drinking it voluntarily? No, really, they were swarming to it at a level that made you think it was state-controlled.

“Then… should we call it off?” I’ll think of another way to thank her—

“N-No, I didn’t say I wouldn’t go! I-It’s been a while since I heard about it, so now I kind of want some!” Seika-san agreed in a bit of a panic.

I’m glad.

“Then it’s a date for after school.”

Relieved, I smiled at Seika-san, and she nodded, looking down. Her ears are a little red. It’s because it’s so humid and stuffy today, after all.

I parted ways with Seika-san and entered the classroom. And immediately, I felt something was off. I felt gazes on me. The kind of curious gazes I wasn’t used to receiving. In this unfamiliar atmosphere, I quickly crossed the classroom. As I sat in my seat, Seika-san came into the classroom after me. Without making eye contact, I take out my textbook for the first period from my bag.

“…”

I can still feel the eyes of my classmates on me. What could it be? Has observing gloomy people become the new trend? As I was thinking that, Yokokura-san from the next seat over said, “K-Kutsuzawa-kun. The back of the classroom.” She points behind her with her index finger. It seems like she’s trying to tell me something…

I do as she says and turn around. There was something posted on the back blackboard. I squinted to see. It’s a photo. But I can’t quite make out the subject from this distance, so I stand up and get closer.

“Ah, right.”

It’s from the sports festival. I heard the photography club was taking pictures for commemoration. I wonder if they started displaying them today.

And then, Seika-san came up next to me.

“Ria and the others were telling me to look at the photo on the back blackboard,” she says, tilting her head. Same as me. What on earth could it be…

““Ah.””

My voice overlapped with hers next to me. It seems we found it at the same time. It was a picture of the scene where Seika-san was holding my hand because I was nervous about my first live commentary, taken from behind. When did they take this?

“Are they gonna hold hands again?”

“I’ll start recording.”

I can hear the whispers of my classmates.

My mind had gone completely blank. All I could do was open and close my mouth, speechless.

“It’s not like that! Th-This is… you see, because Kutsuzawa-kun was so nervous!” Seika-san starts to explain on my behalf. That brings me back to my senses. I’m grateful, but I can’t just leave it all to her again. I have to say something too.

“Th-That’s right. There was no consent.”

“There was! Don’t make that same stupid joke now!”

I messed up. I panicked and repeated a past mistake.

And then, the sound of clapping. The whole classroom turned towards the sound. It was Dougochi-san.

“Alright, alright. Settle down. You’re making way too much of a fuss over a little hand-holding for encouragement. Are you all grade schoolers?”

“…But, you know. They were partners for the three-legged race, too.”

“In the first place, isn’t it, like, impossible for Seika to hold hands with a guy?”

The gal group was surprisingly persistent. She was really just holding my hand to calm my nerves. How can I convince them?

Just when I was at a loss, the front door of the classroom opened.

“Alright everyone~ take your seats~”

Oota-sensei came in. Saved.

When the teacher and I made eye contact, she offered me a small smile. Ah, so that’s it. She must have been worried about my cold. Right now, that simple kindness really hits home.

“…”

As I settled into my seat, a wave of dejection washed over me. I’d been saved by Seika-san and Dougochi-san again, barely able to assert myself at all. Pathetic. The feeling of the entire class staring at me is completely paralyzing. I know things are different now, but still…

When I looked up, Seika-san was glancing back from her seat, her expression etched with concern. I tried to offer a reassuring smile, though I wasn’t sure I pulled it off.

Just then, Oota-sensei began to speak, and Seika-san turned her attention to the front.

For a moment, I felt that same self-destructive urge I’d had when Miyasaka cornered me at the bike rack. It would be so much easier to just toss all this trouble aside and be alone. But I learned all too well before reuniting with Seika-san in May that only loneliness lies down that path. What’s the point of going back to those days? Didn’t I swear to Nobunaga in my dream that I’d do my best in this world? It’s all for the sake of the days I spend with her. Even when Miyasaka confronted me, I ultimately didn’t choose to be apart from Seika-san. So I should be able to overcome this, too.

I have to change. I have to get stronger.

…

…

…

…That being said, if I could just become strong overnight, I wouldn’t be a gloomy introvert in the first place.

“Well then, shall we go?”

After school, we waited for a while before taking refuge in the library. After about thirty minutes, we figured most of our classmates had gone home and finally headed out.

“…Sorry about that. My friends… they really don’t know how to hold back.”

She apologized, but honestly, it looked like Seika-san was having a tougher time. Her group had been pestering her with questions every break, though she’d managed to dodge them with impressive skill.

“If you want, we can do this another day, y’know? When things have cooled down.”

“…No, let’s go.”

It felt wrong to delay thanking her for visiting me when I was sick.

Besides, while explaining everything to the gyaru group in the classroom was a high hurdle, just being seen by someone while we were out in front of the station seemed manageable. And by waiting, we’d drastically reduced even that possibility. I wanted to start with small steps like this and gradually get used to it.

“…I see. Thanks.”

Seika-san nodded, her expression a complex mix of pained and happy.

We left the nearly empty school building, crossed the schoolyard, passed through the main gate, and turned right—the complete opposite of our usual route. It was a path I had avoided taking with Seika-san until now. I gulped, taking the first step.

After a short walk, the station building came into view.

“Oh, is that it?”

Seika-san pointed to a food truck parked in the plaza in front of the rotary.

“Yeah. It seems like it started coming here recently. It has a good reputation, too.”

“Does that mean… you looked it up so you could bring me here?”

“Um, well… yeah.”

It was the truth, but having her ask so directly was embarrassing.

“I see. Hehehe.”

But she looked happy, so I guess it was fine.

☆☆☆

As we stood in line together, I glanced at Kousei’s profile. He looked the same as always. A sigh of relief escaped me.

I’d been worried that this morning’s incident might have been too much for him, considering he wasn’t used to that kind of attention. Honestly, I was prepared for him to cancel our after-school date. No, it was more than that. I was afraid he’d say something like, ‘Being with you isn’t relaxing at all,’ and distance himself from me.

Between my own landmine memories, Miyasaka picking fights, and my friends making a fuss, I knew I was probably more trouble than I was worth from his perspective. The anxiety had me on the verge of a meltdown.

But here we were. I think Kousei is trying to change. And, if I’m not being too conceited, I think he’s doing it for me. He chose to work hard to be with me instead of pulling away.

“Hehehe.”

Crap, I can’t stop smiling. It’s not like he’s confirmed it or anything, though.

Just then, the line moved, and we reached the back of the food truck. Kousei and I peered at the menu board on the side. If we decided now, we could order smoothly when it was our turn, y’know?

“I think I’ll go with the classic choco-banana.”

“Then I’ll have the matcha tiramisu.”

“Ooh, that sounds good too.”

As we chatted, our turn came. We ordered two crepes and two tapioca milk teas, and Kousei paid with his Puipui.

“Are you sure it’s okay for you to treat me?”

Considering all the trouble my friends caused, I felt like I should be the one paying, but…

“Yeah. I was really happy you came to visit. I’d like to get something for Dougochi-san next time, too.”

Since he was insisting, I gratefully accepted his kindness.

“Chika, huh. Let’s see… she likes bears and things that feel close to nature.”

“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.”

While we were talking, our crepes were ready. We took them, along with our drinks, and I spotted a small bench on the side of the plaza. We navigated our way there like ninjas, careful not to drop our precious sweets, and sat down side-by-side.

“Well then, thanks again. Let’s dig in.”

“Yeah. Let’s eat.”

We took a bite at the same time. The chewy crepe was filled with sweet fresh cream and the fragrant aroma of banana. Mmm, this is happiness.

I glanced over and saw Kousei chewing on a couple of mouthfuls, his cheeks puffed out and his eyes narrowed in delight. He’s so freakin’ cute.

“…Hey. Can I have a bite of yours?”

“Eh?”

Kousei looked momentarily stunned but seemed to recover quickly.

“…Go ahead.”

He offered me the end of his crepe, but I decided to get a little greedy.

“Aah~n.”

I opened my mouth wide and leaned toward him. We’d had indirect kisses before, but always indoors. As expected, Kousei’s eyes widened… and he glanced around nervously. We weren’t drawing much attention, but a few men passing by did glance my way.

Kousei’s eyes darted between his crepe and my face. I was a bit embarrassed myself, but I had to press on.

“Aah, aah~n.”

Seeing that I wasn’t backing down, Kousei seemed to resign himself and brought his crepe closer—to the exact spot he’d just eaten from. I took a bite.

“Nmm, yummy.”

The super-sweet tiramisu and the bitterness of matcha were in perfect harmony. It was delicious. And it was an indirect kiss with Kousei.

Maybe I should be a little more greedy. I turned my crepe, the part I’d just been eating from, toward him.

“You too, Kousei. Here, aah~n.”

Perhaps already in a state of desperation, Kousei took a bite without a word. He chewed on the mouthful of crepe.

“Is it good?”

“…Y-Yes, it’s delicious.”

“Your face is red, y’know?”

“…”

Did I go too far? Kousei reached for his tapioca drink as if seeking salvation, putting his mouth to the straw and taking several large gulps. And then, huh?

“Ah!”

“Eh?”

“Th-That’s mine…”

We had both placed our drinks between us, and it seemed he’d grabbed the wrong one. “Sorry,” he apologized.

…Whoa. All our other indirect kisses happened when I was mentally prepared, but a surprise attack is way more effective than I imagined. That straw… I was puckering my lips and sucking on it really hard to get the tapioca earlier… it’s covered in my… no, what am I, a pervert? Crap, my face is burning up.

“I-I’m gonna go throw away the trash.”

I stuffed the rest of the crepe into my mouth, crumpled the wrapper, and shot up from the bench. I practically fled to the trash can next to the food truck.

I let out a long breath and fanned my burning face. Maybe I’ll go back after I’ve cooled down a bit.

It was just as I was thinking that.

“Hey. You alone?”

I turned at the voice. Two guys stood there, dressed in what you’d call street fashion—slightly baggy jeans, blond highlights. They looked like total players.

“Ugh.”

What a turn-off. The heat in my body cooled in the worst way possible.

“I’m with my boyfriend. If you’re trying to pick me up, try someone else.”

I refused them clearly and tried to walk past, but they circled around to block my path.

“You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?”

“Where is he? Where?”

This is such a pain. Ninety percent of these types back off if you’re straight with them, but every once in a while, you get delusional guys who think being persistent will get them whatever they want.

What should I do? Should I just say Kousei is my boyfriend and bring him over? No, I can’t. I can’t get him involved. He’s the type who had to work up all his courage just for this date.

But still… if these guys wouldn’t give up no matter how many times I told them… it was tough to face them alone. So, I couldn’t help but hope.

…Kousei.

Just as I called his name in my heart—

“Seika-san!”

—my hope became reality.

★★★

After Seika-san went to throw away the trash, I took a sip of my own milk tea to cool my head. I’d only looked away for less than thirty seconds, but when I glanced back, thinking she was taking a while, she was being hassled by a couple of party-bro types.

The moment I saw it, I shot up and rushed toward them. My body moved before I could even think, which surprised me. It was the same feeling as that day we reunited, when I’d rushed to help her before she fell off her bike. But the danger level was completely different this time. And yet, I didn’t hesitate. The thought of Seika-san being in danger was far scarier.

“Seika-san!”

I shouted, my voice tight with agitation. When she turned, she looked calm, but I could see a hint of anxiety in her eyes.

I have to protect her.

“Kousei!”

Seika-san’s face lit up as she ran to my side. Then she hugged me—wait, what!?

“Play along,” she whispered softly in my ear. Ah, I see. I understood what she wanted me to do.

“This is the boyfriend I was talking about,” she said, dismissing the men as she transitioned from a hug to holding my hand. “Got it? Now that you get it, can you go hit on someone else?”

But they just looked at me suspiciously.

“Seriously? You guys are totally different types, aren’t ya?”

“Right? He’s so damn plain. Feels like you just grabbed some gloomy kid you know who happened to be passing by, right?”

He’s not entirely wrong. They might look like idiots, but maybe they had a good sense for this kind of thing.

Just then, in the stream of people heading for the station, I saw a familiar mushroom haircut. It seemed Seika-san noticed too.

“…”

Miyasaka must have felt our gaze, because he glanced over. His eyes shifted to the flashy guys bothering us… and he looked down and quickly walked past.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. The girl he supposedly likes is in trouble, and he’s too scared to do anything? For all his posturing about status, he was nothing but a coward. I never want to be like that, I thought from the bottom of my heart.

And at the same time, I thought, These two in front of me probably only see Seika-san for her looks, too. They think they’re lucky if they can just hang out with a cute girl, that it’ll boost their reputation, their status. They’re trying to use Seika-san for such stupid vanity.

Before I knew it, the slight trembling in my hands had stopped.

“It’s our freedom to choose who we want to be with, isn’t it?”

The words came out quietly, filled with all the feelings I’d been holding back. Saying it out loud felt somewhat refreshing.

“Well, yeah, I guess.”

The men exchanged glances, their words trailing off.

“Please stop h-hitting on my g-girlfriend.”

“Kousei…!”

I’d said this much, but maybe my polite tone wasn’t good enough.

“Well then, how about we all hang out together, gloomy kid included?”

“Sounds good. Let’s go.”

One of them reached for Seika-san. I instinctively stepped between them, and—

—Thud—

The man’s fingertips hit me right in the solar plexus. It hurt. I don’t think he meant to, but at a glance, it looked like I’d been punched.

“K-Kousei!?” Seika-san cried out, her voice almost a scream.

One of the onlookers must have dropped a bottle in surprise, because a loud crash echoed through the plaza. People who hadn’t noticed us before now stopped in their tracks.

“What’s going on? What happened?”

“It looks like that quiet-looking kid got punched.”

“What!? He got punched? Isn’t that bad? Someone should call the police.”

The place was in an uproar, and it looked the police would get involved. The men were clearly flustered.

“Sh-Shit! Let’s get out of here!”

Their previous persistence vanished in an instant as they ran off.

“Kousei! Are you okay!?”

“Yes. I was a little surprised, but I’m fine.”

“I see, you’re not hurt or anything.”

I puffed out my chest a little to show her, and Seika-san smiled in relief. The onlookers who had gathered with concern began to disperse, and we bowed our heads as they left. I really felt the value of having people around.

Still…

“Th-This is embarrassing, so let’s go home.”

Being the center of attention for so long was, in its own way, very uncomfortable.

☆☆☆

On the way home, I walked a few steps behind Kousei, my eyes fixed on his strong back. The back that had stepped in to protect me, that hadn’t wavered even when he was hit.

Seriously. He was so, so reliable. So cool. His hands were shaking, but he still mustered up his courage and came to save me. Just like when he rescued me from my self-imposed isolation, he can be so manly when it counts. It’s not fair. I kinda want to just hug him and kiss him all over his face… is that okay?

“Seika-san.”

“Hyeh!?”

A weird sound escaped me as he suddenly called my name while I was lost in my lewd thoughts.

“Does that kind of thing happen often?”

“Eh? Oh, uh, the pickup attempt? Actually, not really. I usually give off a ‘don’t talk to me’ aura. But I let my guard down today.”

Well, I was on a date with Kousei, after all. My bad.

“I see.”

“But well, it’ll happen even less from now on.”

“Eh?”

“Because I’ll be going out with you more often, Kousei.”

“…R-Right.”

Ahaha, he’s blushing. So cute. Where’d all that bravery from before go? But that’s part of his charm. I’m already head over heels.

“The police… were no help, huh.”

Actually, a police officer did come by after hearing the commotion, and we were questioned a bit. In the end, they said it would be difficult to even investigate, let alone make an arrest. Kousei wasn’t seriously injured, and the other guys probably hadn’t done it intentionally.

“I wanted them to get caught and get a criminal record. Seriously, the police.”

“Maybe they were from the… Tapioca Division.”

He said it so seriously that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“No doubt about it. The Tapioca Division. A total waste of taxpayer money.”

We laughed together. I quickened my pace to catch up with him and looked up at his face. A complete change from when he came to save me, he now had a relaxed, gentle smile.

“…”

“…”

After a short silence, I spoke.

“Hey, Kousei. Is it… hard for you to be with me? With the pickup attempts, and my friends getting involved, and all that?”

He’d done so much for me, so I believed it wasn’t, but I needed to be sure. I wanted to hear it in his own words.

“Eh? N-Not at all. There won’t be as many pick up attempts from now on, right? Besides… thanks to being able to stand up to those scary people, I feel like I’ve broken through something. A kind of shock therapy. I think I’ll be able to be a little more open in the classroom, too.”

His reply was exactly what I had hoped for. It’s okay after all. He won’t choose to distance himself from me.

“I see, that’s good.”

I let out a relieved breath.

With things going this way, I can ask.

“…Also. I heard from Akina-san that you pulled out an old album and were staring at it intently.”

I decided to take the opportunity to lay out all my anxieties from the past few days.

“I was wondering if you were desperately trying to remember because I got mad at you before for not remembering me… so that it wouldn’t happen again. And I thought that might be connected to you feeling like it’s hard to be with me.”

As I spoke, Kousei gently took my hand. Just that simple touch made my heart leap, and my words caught in my throat. He slowly shook his head.

“Of course not. I was looking at the album because I was trying to find a good idea for a gift to celebrate your recovery, Seika-san. Looking at it must have jogged my memory of the silver crystal.”

My chest tightened. I couldn’t believe he’d gone to so much effort for me and never even hinted at it.

“…Besides, I’m not energetic enough to confront a horde of party-bros with my legs shaking for someone I secretly dislike.”

Kousei looked straight at me with a loving smile, and my chest felt tight.

“It’s because it was you, Seika-san. That’s why I felt I had to protect you.”

Ugh… ah. Oh no. This is really bad. I can’t breathe.

“When I helped you with your bike back in May, I think I would’ve done that for anyone. But today… I definitely wouldn’t have been able to move if it wasn’t to protect you, Seika-san.”

Ahh… so that’s how much you…

“There’s no way it’s hard for me to be with you. In fact, being with you gives me a lot of strength…”

Kousei!

Overwhelmed with happiness and relief, my eyes grew hot, and tears began to fall.

“W-Whoa. What’s wrong?”

Even though we were in the middle of the street, I threw my arms around him. Thank goodness. I’m so glad.

I’m a mess. He was looking at the album all for my sake, he was so cool when he protected me, and he said he wanted to protect me because it was me.

“Seika-san…”

The way he gently stroked my head was so, so tender. My heart felt full to bursting.

I pulled away a little, only to hug his arm and press myself against his side.

“Eh? H-Hey.”

“It’s fine, isn’t it? I’m your girlfriend, right?”

I didn’t miss that, of course. In fact, I was so damn happy, I want avideo of it in 4k.

“Ah, that was just a figure of speech to make those guys give up.”

“A lie you told… reluctantly?”

I tilted my head, feigning a sad expression. I didn’t mean to act, but I was surprised at myself for being able to make such a coquettish gesture. Maybe the desire to get his attention made me do it naturally. In any case, it seemed to be super effective on Kousei.

“I-It wasn’t… reluctant.”

Yes! I got him to say it. That means there’s a chance, right? This. I want to push a little more, but I’m already way over capacity.

An after-school date, an indirect kiss. He protected me so coolly, and the album thing was not only a misunderstanding on my part but a testament to his kindness and sincerity. And to top it all off… he wanted to protect me because it was me.

He’s so dear to me, so precious, I feel like I’m going to lose my mind.

“…”

“…”

The conversation died down, and we walked home together in comfortable silence, our bodies close. The humid scent of grass from the roadside bushes, the brilliant red sun setting in the distance. Our joined hands became damp with sweat. It was hot, but I never wanted to let go. We walked like that right up to the corner just before the workshop.

★★★

The next morning, as soon as I left the house, I found Seika-san standing by the usual utility pole. After yesterday, I was so embarrassed that I thought she might not show up, but that wasn’t the case.

“G-Good morning.”

She offered a shy smile, twirling the ends of her hair with her finger.

“Y-Yes. Good morning.”

I’m sure I was just as awkward.

Seika-san started walking without a word, and I hurried to catch up.

“…Again, thanks for saving me yesterday.”

“No problem. You’ve helped me out a ton, like during the sports festival.”

I was glad I could repay her even a little. I’d only ever shown her my pathetic side, so it felt good to redeem myself, even just a bit.

“Thanks for the crepe, too. It was delicious, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. The dough was so chewy.”

“Like your cheeks, Kousei.”

“Eh? Are my cheeks really that soft?”

I touched my own face but couldn’t really tell.

“Yesterday was a full chewy set: the crepe, the tapioca, and you, Kousei.”

“Ahaha. I didn’t know tapioca was that chewy. It was my first time having it.”

“Seriously?”

It was popular a few years ago, but I always had the impression it was a drink for the popular kids. Just getting close to one of those shops felt like it would drain my gloomy energy.

“I’m surprised you invited me there yesterday, then.”

“I thought you might like it. And there’s the license thing, too.”

“I told you, a gyaru license doesn’t exist.”

We laughed together lightly.

Good, the awkwardness is gone. Let’s just go on as usual. As usual.

Eventually, the school gate came into view. We had decided to enter the school building together starting today. I was annoyed at myself for still being such a coward, a little nervous. Seika-san patted me on the back, and I felt a little more at ease.

We went up the stairs to our class, 1-2. When I opened the classroom door—

“Ah! They’re here!”

“It’s true! They came to school together!”

H-Huh? Isn’t this worse than yesterday?

“Kutsuzawa-kun, you were amazing yesterday! Not bad!”

“A kid from another class took a video and sent it to me. Look.”

The members of Seika-san’s gyaru group all started talking to me at once. Th-They were so close. So close that I could clearly see the smartphone screen. A video was playing.

“Please stop h-hitting on my g-girlfriend.”

It was the scene where I’d stepped in to protect Seika-san.

Oh, god. This is it. I’m going to die.

“Kyaa—!!”

The group went wild.

“Th-That was just an excuse to get rid of the guys trying to pick her up!”

Flustered as I was, I managed to get the words out. It was the truth, so they should calm down.

Just as I was hoping for that, Sonoda-san approached from the back of the classroom with a smirk that gave me a bad feeling.

“Looks like they filmed you on your way home, too.”

She dropped another bomb.

“Eh?”

The gyarus were also intrigued.

Sonoda-san turned her smartphone screen toward me. On it… was a picture of Seika-san hugging me in the middle of the street after we’d fended off those guys.

My life is over. Forget portrait rights, I don’t even have human rights anymore.

“Kyaa—!!”

“No way! This is the epitome of youth! They’re getting married, right? These two.”

Th-This is bad. I have to explain. But with a picture of us hugging, the excuse that it was a trick won’t work. Something. Isn’t there some good excuse I can use?

While I was panicking, the gyarus pressed closer.

“So are you two really going out?”

It had come to this. Everyone’s eyes were sparkling. What should I do? What should I do? I decided to take a step forward, but this is suddenly on hard mode.

I glanced at Seika-san beside me for help. She was blushing all the way to her ears, and then she grabbed my hand. The classmates erupted again.

“R-”

“R?”

“Run, Kousei!”

“Eh!?”

Before I could ask, my hand was pulled tight. My legs tangled, and I nearly fell, but I managed to keep up and run.

“H-Hey, Seika-san, where are we running to!?”

“I don’t know! But if we stay there, they’ll eat us alive!”

I agree, but…

“Come on, run, run!”

“Hah, hah.”

To think that I, with my lack of stamina, would end up running a marathon in the morning.

“Ahahahaha! Your face is hilarious!”

“Even if you say that!”

Honestly.

Honestly.

Why did things turn out like this? It’s not just today. Come to think of it, it’s been like this ever since I met her. At first, all I did was fix her bike. She got attached to me for some reason, and just when I was starting to think she wasn’t a bad person, she got mad at me and ran away. When I chased after her, I found out she was a girl I had met when I was a kid. She got even more attached, and we grew closer. These are days that the me from April would never have believed. But if you ask me if I hate it…

“Kousei! This is starting to get fun!”

She looked back and laughed, her silver and emerald-green hair fluttering. Her smile was contagious, and I smiled too.

“Ahaha. Me too!”

Even though we’re just running around like kids with no destination, for some reason, when I’m with her, even something like this feels fun.

Outside the hallway window, the clear sky after the rainy season was endlessly blue.

This summer, the summer I spend with her, will surely be a time that changes my entire life. I had a feeling that was the case.

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