With summer vacation just two weeks away, Maki says to me:
-How do you feel about going to summer camp?
We were in the club room after the morning class was over.
The reason was Miki-chan and the restoration of the club without her permission. We borrowed her name as an advisor when we started our club, and even made a history of the activities she participated in.
But she found out and got angry with us.
-What kind of camp would that be?
-Hmm, how about searching for mysterious things? Then we can record it and put it on the Internet. It’s a good way to get your name out there. And you can stay at a hot spring hotel for free.
Then Maki shows me the website of an old hot spring inn on her tablet.
-This is a publicity stunt. If we make a short movie about an inn and upload it to a video site, we can even get a free room. Besides, the number of people who visit these places in the summer is very low, so there will be plenty of rooms available. It’s a good opportunity if you think about it.
The idea sounds good.
-Do you like the idea?
-Sure.
-Why are you whispering?
-For some reason my head hurts.
-Anyway, remember, we have to do something great. If we don’t show something that justifies the activities of this club, they’ll take it away.
-Thanks, you just gave me another headache.
-Well, you have no choice but to take it seriously.
Maki was more than willing to do this because deep down he wants to become a movie director. He had even asked Yamanaka-kun to make a storyboard for him.
-We should look for actors.
-And the script?
-I gave it to Tachibana. She seems to be good at that kind of thing.
-I see, then I’ll talk to her.
-Why? Do you have something in mind?
-Not really. By the way, Tachibana has been absent from school lately. Do you know why?
-She has a piano recital coming up, so she’s been concentrating on practicing.
That’s true. Although, to be honest, the relationship between Tachibana-san and me hasn’t been good lately. Ever since I refused to kiss her, we’ve been drifting apart a lot.
-Hmmm, what happened between you two?
Maki says with a smile from ear to ear. For some strange reason, she has a good intuition.
-Although I guess it doesn’t matter if the relationship between you and Tachibana is ruined. After all, you have another girl as a backup. If this were to come out, you’d be the envy of the whole school.
Maki looks out of the school. In the distance, she sees Hayasaka-san standing at the back door.
-Are you going to walk her home?
-Maybe.
I get up and get ready to leave.
-Things may be going well now, but you’re going to have a lot of problems in the future.
Maki says what he thinks.
-What do you mean?
-I won’t tell you. But you’ll know soon enough.
He must have heard something from Miki-chan.
-Let’s go to the summer camp. If we don’t, they’ll take away our club.
-I know.
But one thing is bothering me.
-What will I do?
-Kirishima, you’re not very good at acting. Although… I’m sure you can play a great role as a corpse.
-Is that the role you want to give the club president?
Although, I couldn’t help but imagine such a situation. Being in a dimly lit wooden room. Tachibana-san dressed in a yukata slowly killing me.
-Well, maybe that’s not such a bad idea.
-Don’t get carried away with your perverted fantasies.
*****
I have to prioritize my first love.
I would also like to thank Hayasaka-san for all her support. But there are times when things get out of hand.
-I’m sorry about the other day. I wanted to tell you…
On the way home, Hayasaka-san apologizes for what happened. It was about the emotional test Tachibana-san did the other day.
-I was competing against Tachibana-san, and I didn’t want to lose.
-Did you know that she had my tie the whole time?
-Yes. Because Kirishima-kun always wears a tie, even in the summer, but this time you didn’t.
-I know I should have been more careful. But I still couldn’t help but feel jealous at that moment. Sorry.
She looked so listless that I took her hand.
-Hayasaka-san.
Her face lit up at that situation.
It’s nice to be able to make someone happy just by caressing their hand. It’s a beautiful thing, and at the same time, it makes me uncomfortable to know that what I’m doing has such a big impact on her.
-People tend to think of jealousy as an unpleasant emotion.
This is especially true of love. I’ve heard many people say that jealousy is unbecoming of a man.
-But it’s something that comes naturally when you love someone, isn’t it?
We all want to be exclusive, and we all want to be special.
-I’m jealous because I like you.
Maybe when I’m older I’ll be able to feel differently, but right now I can’t.
-But I was jealous of the person you love the most. That means I’ve been a nuisance, right?
-It was our mistake to underestimate the feelings of a love like ours, even though we were supposed to be lovers.
My feelings for her are so strong that I can’t control them. Deep down, I want to stay with Hayasaka-san.
-Your jealousy is just proof that you love me.
-Is Kirishima-kun jealous too?
-The day Hayasaka-san went to see her senpai, I was so upset that I wished you wouldn’t go. He was my opponent, so to speak, and seeing the girl I’m in love with move away from me made me feel sad.
-I am happy.
Hayasaka-san looked at me and said,
-I’m glad that Kirishima-kun is jealous of me. I don’t know why, it’s strange.
-No, it’s good. I’m happy about it too.
Having a secret relationship with a girl when your goal is to fall in love and be with another woman makes jealousy a mess on both sides.
-Kirishima-kun, I want you to be more jealous. When I left that day, it seemed like you didn’t care.
-That’s okay.
-Well, now that our feelings have subsided, I must say that I ran into Senpai during the game, and he was very kind.
-I don’t think this is a good time to talk about it.
-He gently touched my thighs when he asked how I was doing.
-Don’t go on.
-I… I was so glad that he cared so much about me.
-I don’t mind, I think it’s great that you two are so close!
-Kirishima-kun, how do you feel now?
– I feel like I’m dying.
Hayasaka-san is my friend, and I wish I could hug and kiss her. But she also wants her senpai to do those things to her, to make her feel special, to take an interest in her, and to give her the attention she needs.
It’s inevitable… After all, he is Hayasaka-san’s favorite. While I was writhing in jealousy, Hayasaka-san was smiling happily.
-When Kirishima-kun was making out with Tachibana-san, I felt the same way.
-I’m sorry.
-I don’t mind. After all, we’re testing our feelings. This is the real test of whether we love each other. Right? Hey, I want to feel more jealous.
When Hayasaka-san said that, I told her about the rainy day that I hadn’t told her about before.
-Tachibana-san had asked me to make a Kabedon for her.
-That snake.
-And when I did, she said she was happy.
-Why did you do it? It’s not something you do lightly.
-Her face was so close to mine, it made me nervous.
-It doesn’t matter!
Hayasaka-san is jealous, but somehow happy. So I said to myself, now it’s my turn.
-I wish I could go into the music room next door and play the songs I’ve always wanted to play.
-No way! It’s a really bad idea for Kirishima-kun to go there!
-And at noon, we were in the club room exchanging lunch dishes.
-I don’t want to listen anymore…
-Tachibana-san even downloaded all the albums of my favorite bands.
-I’m happy for you!
When I told her about my relationship with Tachibana-san, Hayasaka-san squeezed my hand tightly, looked me in the eyes and hugged my arm.
After that, we bragged about how close we were to each other’s crushes and became jealous of each other until we were exhausted.
-It is not easy to be the lover in a relationship. But I overlook it because it’s with Tachibana-san. If you did that with another girl….
-If I did what?
-I don’t think I’d get mad at Kirishima-kun. I think I’d get mad at the other girl. And I’d say something like, “Don’t you dare mess with my friend again.”
-Hayasaka-san, you’re really nice to me.
-Hehehehe
-But Kirishima-kun, you’re very close to Tachibana-san, aren’t you?
-Speaking of…
I told Hayasaka-san that Tachibana-san had no intention of breaking off her engagement. So that means she’s all I have left.
-Hey, Hayasaka-san…
-I know you’re worried that I’ll feel sorry for Kirishima-kun and give up my first love on purpose. Don’t worry about that. I know you don’t like such things.
Tachibana-san looked at me seriously and continued.
-I don’t want to do anything that you don’t want to do, so I won’t lose my first love on purpose. I’ll do whatever you want, Kirishima-kun. I think it would be good if that happened. I’m Kirishima-kun’s girlfriend. I want to be a good friend to you, Kirishima-kun. If there’s anything you want to do, just ask me. I’ll do everything for you and make arrangements.
-Yes.
-When summer vacation comes, we’ll go on lots of dates, to the beach, fireworks, summer festivals…
Hayasaka-san says with a squeaky voice.
-So let’s be real lovers during the summer vacation. Let’s make some memories. Let’s go and do what everyone else is doing. I don’t care if I’m the mistress, I want to be a good friend to you. As long as it’s just the two of us, that’s enough for me. And that’s because you’re always there for me when I need you, Kirishima-kun.
Hayasaka-san squeezes my hand. I feel a strong pressure.
-Hey Kirishima-kun, we are lovers, right?
– Y-Yes.
-Then I want you to do to me what you did to Tachibana-san.
– You mean the Kabedon?
-Yes.
Hayasaka-san nodded her head as she said these words.
-Okay, but where will we do it? Do you want to go back to the school and use the club room?
-No, that place smells like her.
-Where then?
-I would like to go to my room, but my mother is there now.
Then why mention it?
-There is a shrine a few steps from here.
True, there is a shrine that is not very crowded. At the back of the compound is the forest surrounding the shrine, where the trees grow thick. There are rumors that couples have sex there at night.
-It is too risky to be here, and someone might see us. Are you sure?
-Yes.
She said with an embarrassed face.
-I look forward to it.
******
-Look at me.
Hayasaka-san stands in front of a large cedar tree and leans against a wall.
-Yes. I’m just looking at Kirishima-kun.
Hayasaka-san hugged me without hesitation and pressed her whole body against mine. From the moment we entered the shrine grounds, Hayasaka-san was fully aware of everything.
-It’s been a long time since we’ve been alone together.
What did she say? Maybe it’s a reaction to the fight with Tachibana-san.
-I mean, Hayasaka-san, I’m sweating a lot.
It’s so hot, even though we’re in the shade. Even the cicadas are buzzing around us…. Aaagh, I’m sweating a lot. She didn’t seem to mind though.
-It’s okay, I’m sweating too.
As my sweat mixed with hers, the boundary between us seemed to disappear.
-I… I’d like you to do the Kabedon for me.
-You shouldn’t ask me.
-Really?
-I am surprised at how embarrassed you are in this situation.
I enjoy the subtlety of distance.
-Well, then I’ll act.
The next thing that happened was that Hayasaka-san pulled on my tie, stretching it and pulling me close to her. The next thing I knew, she kissed me on the lips and even stuck her tongue in my mouth. Then she let go of my tie and hugged me tightly to concentrate on the kiss.
She kissed me so long that saliva dripped from the side of my mouth.
-I think I like ties now.
-Me too.
-What is the difference between me and Tachibana-san?
-I haven’t kissed Tachibana yet.
-I want you to compare me to Tachibana-san. I think it would be very nice if you compared me to her.
Hayasaka-san, aren’t we going in the wrong direction?
-Tell me, how was the Kabedon you did with Tachibana-san?
-Tachibana-san is… Very skilled.
-And you got excited?
-Yes…
-I see… I wish I could say I didn’t mind. You and Tachibana-san did a lot of things that were written in that notebook, right?
When Hayasaka-san asked me what I wanted to do, I thought about it for a while before I answered.
-Yes. I played a game called “Secrets in the Ear” with her.
-Well, let’s do it.
-Hayasaka-san, you’re not much of a mystery book reader.
-Then let’s play with national book titles.
While standing, I tried to get close to her to whisper in her ear.
-Botchan
-Natsume Soseki
-The Restaurant of Many Orders
-Kenji Miyazawa
After a few questions, Hayasaka-san couldn’t keep up, and I let out a laugh.
-What is so funny?
-Nothing
The game of Secrets in the Ear or the game where you can’t use your hands becomes interesting depending on the player’s intentions. So Tachibana-san’s imagination took it to irrational extremes.
-This game is supposed to bring men and women closer together, how can I do that?
Since Hayasaka-san was confused, I had no choice but to tell her what Tachibana-san had done.
-The point of these games is for us to get excited and then start hugging each other or licking each other’s ears. And I say that as something I imagine, it’s not like I did it with Tachibana-san or anything.
-Lame, uh…
Hayasaka-san puts his hand behind my neck. And it comes closer to my ear. So your breathing changes drastically.
-This is… Silly.
Her eyes are wide open and she smiles slightly.
-We’re lovers, right? We don’t need a game to get to know each other.
-Hayasaka-san?
-We don’t need excuses like that, there’s no need to trick each other like that.
Then Hayasaka-san started licking my ear. My brakes were completely gone.
Hayasaka-san shamelessly pressed her breasts against me. As she did this, I felt myself getting more and more excited. I felt myself getting stronger and stronger, and my breathing became heavier and heavier.
-Hey, Kirishima-kun
-Huh?
-How does it compare to Tachibana-san?
-I never did anything like that with Tachibana-san.
It’s a dirty lie, but I have no choice.
-At least try to imagine it, and I want you to compare me to her.
—…Hayasaka-san’s tongue is hotter, wetter and more pleasant. More than Tachibana-san’s.
When she heard me say that, I could feel her joy coming from her breath in my ear. I can feel Hayasaka-san’s happiness all over his body.
To be honest, Tachibana-san is more skilled, more educated, more versatile, and because of our unusually good chemistry, I feel more physical pleasure with her.
And even though Hayasaka-san is clumsy, she is also hardworking, serious, and there is a kind of peripheral pleasure in knowing that a girl likes you that much.
-Come on, lick my ear too.
I stroked her head as I licked her ear. Hayasaka-san’s body started to shake.
-A-Aah…!!!!
-Hayasaka-san…. Her voice…
The sound of Hayasaka-san’s beautiful voice also makes me feel strange.
I licked her ear thoroughly and relentlessly. She was getting happier and happier, so I didn’t stop. The moment I put my tongue to the back, she screamed loudly. Her thighs were covered in sweat, and it began to spread down her legs……… Or maybe it wasn’t sweat.
-Hayasaka-san, it’s time.
-Kirishima-kun, let’s do it again!
Maybe it’s not about licking each other’s ears, but something else. Hayasaka-san’s eyes are unfocused.
-No, there’s a rule about kissing.
-I don’t want that anymore. I’m Kirishima-kun’s girlfriend, remember?
-Yes, I remember.
-I thought of something when I saw Tachibana-san wearing your tie.
-What was it?
-I wondered how things were going with her. Would she become his girlfriend if he confessed? But at that time, there was no difference between me and her. I was supposed to be your girlfriend, and yet I lost to her.
-That is not true.
-But it’s okay because I knew I could have you with me anyway.
Hayasaka-san grabs my hand and pulls it to her chest. Her disheveled hair is strangely sexy, and her underwear was visible through her sweat. When my hand went to her breast, Hayasaka-san’s face lit up with joy.
-No, wait, if we’re going to do what friends do, why are we doing it here?
-Why…
Hayasaka-san said as she pushed my leg between her thighs.
-I think it’s okay for Kirishima-kun and Tachibana-san to be together. But I want Kirishima-kun to remember that I’m his girlfriend. That’s why I want to do a lot of things that you can only do with me.
That was Tachibana-san’s level of seriousness.
-I want to do it here and now. There’s no pressure. Because, you know, I’ve been… …. I feel hot and tingly… Kirishima-kun, won’t you help me?
I try to think of something to say, but then I feel Hayasaka-san’s body pressing against mine.
-Yes, I would like to.
-Good. I want you to do whatever you want, Kirishima-kun. I want you to touch all the parts of my body that you haven’t touched yet.
Hayasaka-san’s cheeks flushed.
After saying that, I squeezed her breasts.
-Aah, Kirishima-kun….
She lets out a moan.
Hayasaka-san reacts in an interesting way. Her expression changed and her voice became excited.
Then I touched her hips and then her thighs.
-Kirishima-kun…. Aaah….
Then I began to kiss her lips.
I had never seen her expression and reaction like that before. I wanted to see more of that, so I touched Hayasaka-san’s body.
I wanted to keep hearing that voice and her moans, so I put my hand under her skirt.
-Are you sure?
-Yes, I…
That’s when it happened. Her phone started ringing.
-Give me a minute.
Hayasaka-san crouches down and reaches for it.
-I’ll turn it off because I don’t want us to be interrupted.
She pulls out her phone, looks at the screen and freezes.
-Hayasaka-san?
Her phone was still ringing, but she was still looking at the screen. So I went over to her and looked at the screen, and that’s when I realized the situation.
I see.
That was what Maki had talked about. After all, he is the president of the student council, so he should have known these things beforehand.
So I checked my phone as well.
The same message that Hayasaka-san received was also sent to me. It was from Yanagi-senpai.
“I’m transferring to your school, Kirishima, it will be a pleasure to study together!”
********
-I hate that guy!
It was lunchtime and Maki was talking with a bitter look into the hall.
-It’s not fair that he’s suddenly so popular and all the girls like him. I’m the student council president, and I’ve worked hard to earn respect and admiration. Then this guy comes along, and out of nowhere he takes my place.
Yanagi-senpai is a third year student, and he had to transfer to another school, which became a hot topic in our high school because he is a very happy, cool, and charming guy.
-Don’t be like that. You were like that when you first came here.
-I know, I know, I know. But I’m unique! I’m the president of the student council! You know what happened today? A girl came up to me and asked me if I knew him, she wanted to know if she could join the council. It’s crazy!
When the girls found out that I was friends with Yanagi-senapi, they kept asking me questions like, “What’s his favorite food? What kind of music does he listen to? Does he have a girlfriend?”
-It’s the whole package. The fact that he was on the varsity soccer team and then quit because of an injury makes him more influential. Girls like guys with tragedies…. Hey, Kirishima, where are you going?
-I promised Senpai I’d show him around.
-So you’re going to be his slave now?
I left Maki whining and went to the third grade classroom. I immediately recognized the third graders because they were taller than me.
-Hey, Kirishima.
Yanagi-senpai saw me and came up to me. As we walked down the hall together, everyone was looking at us. That’s inevitable when you’re friends with someone very popular.
As we walked, I explained which room belonged to which subject.
-I’m surprised about your sudden change of school.
-Yes, I’m not very good at exams and I wanted to change to a more advanced school as soon as possible.
-There are also summer classes. Anyway, don’t you want to play soccer anymore, Senpai?
-No. There are plenty of guys who play better than me. Besides, Kirishima, you don’t need to use honorifics with me. I’ve told you many times.
-You know I can’t do that.
While we were talking, I suddenly noticed Sakai standing in the hallway in her nerd mode.
-You must be Yanagi-kun, the new kid at school.
Sakai is not afraid of Yanagi-senpai. The people around us were very surprised.
-Well, I have something to do, so I’d better go.
-What? Why?
-Something tells me I’m not the one you want to talk to.
Hiding behind Sakai’s back, Hayasaka-san watched us.
Sakai pushed Hayasaka to stand in front of her.
-Hey, Hayasaka-chan.
Yanagai-san couldn’t help but be surprised. Hayasaka-san’s face immediately turned red.
-Hello!
Then she looked at me and became nervous as she said:
-Kirishia-kun…. Hello.
It seems that Hayasaka-san gets more embarrassed when she’s in front of Senpai.
-Senpai, is Kirishima-kun showing you around the school?!
-Hayasaka, what’s wrong with you? You look so red.
-It’s too hot today.
-You look a little sick.
-Yeah, well, I’m still not used to seeing my Senpai at school, hahaha.
As they talked, Hayasaka-san became more and more relaxed.
-Hayasaka-san, why don’t you finish showing Senpai around?
-Huh? Me?
-Yes. I got a bad grade in the last exam. So I need to prepare for the make-up exam.
-How is it possible for Kirishima-kun to get bad grades? Oh…
After a moment, Hayasaka-san understood what I was trying to do.
-I’ll take care of it. I’ll do my best.
-Great. Then I’ll let you take care of it.
I tried to leave quickly. Unfortunately, it wasn’t like that.
-Come on, don’t be so stiff, Kirishima, let’s go for a ride, the three of us.
Yanagi-senpai is preventing my impromptu escape.
-If you want to study, I’ll help you later. Just like in kindergarten.
“Besides,² he says, whispering in my ear.
-Kirishima, you like Hayasaka-chan, don’t you?
-No, not at all.
-Don’t be shy, I’ll take care of it.
I know you’re trying to help me, but the thing is, I already have a secret relationship with Hayasaka-san.
In the end, the three of us decided to take a look at the school building. Hayasaka-san is walking awkwardly in front of us, so Yanagi-senpai walks up to her and whispers to her.
-As far as I’m concerned, Kirishima is the one.
-What makes you think so?
-Hayasaka-chan, you’re so embarrassed. He’s definitely the one you’re attracted to.
Yanagi-senpai. You’re so insensitive. It was the same in high school when we’d go to the convenience store after school to get ice cream, and the girls would stare at you, but you never did anything about it.
-Kirishima, you’re very popular, right?
-Not in a billion years. Unlike you, Senpai, no one notices me every time I walk.
I looked at Hayasaka-san and saw how nervous she was. She probably feels disappointed not to be alone with her senpai…. That, or she feels uncomfortable because all eyes are on her because she is walking next to the most popular guy in town.
The relationship between her and Yanagi is developing so fast that it seems unbelievable.
So I approached her and spoke to her in a low voice.
-Hey, you have my full support.
Hayasaka-san smiles and clenches her fist.
-Thank you, I’ll do my best.
******
—You’re an idiot. You look like a juvenile delinquent.
Sakai says.
I was in the bike yard. I skipped class because I didn’t feel like going inside and she saw me.
-Is this about Akane?
-No, I was looking for Yamanaka-kun. Maki asked me to make the storyboard for the short movie. And I kept thinking about the script.
-The script will be written by Tachibana-san, so don’t worry about it.
I had finished my conversation, but Sakai was still standing in front of me.
-Akane has been so clumsy lately, I can’t stand her.
-That’s not the point.
-I made cookies in cooking class. Since I had some left over, I gave them to Akane. Didn’t she give them to you?
-No.
“I’ll give them to my Senpai,” she said happily. He didn’t seem to care about me at all.
-Does that mean she’s already won him over?
-How should I know? She’s so clumsy that she tripped before she left. It’s getting harder and harder for me to process her attitude.
-Why don’t you try talking to her in the classroom? Or on the way home?
-Impossible. She’s always distracted in class, and when I suggested we walk home together, she ditched me.
-That’s classic Hayasaka-san. You must know how she is, is she so different when she’s with me than when she’s with Senpai?
-I’m standing next to the man who was dumped. What does that tell you?
-Did you come here to make fun of me?
-Not at all. But there’s something else. Akane hasn’t forgotten you.
-She didn’t?
-She was worried about you. Weren’t you the one who made it possible for her to go on a date with her senpai that day at the soccer stadium?
That’s right. I kept it a secret for a long time, but now it turns out that Yanagi and I were really close, so the truth came out.
-Akane talked to herself again. “I made Kirishima-kun do terrible things just because I like his best friend. I feel so guilty… He probably hates me,” she said as she was about to burst into tears.
-I did it because I wanted to. She doesn’t owe me anything.
Even Hayasaka-san helped me by leaving an umbrella when I was alone with Tachibana-san that day. I want her to be really happy with Yanagi-senpai.
—I think Akane is confused.
-Is she? I get the impression that she feels better now that she’s close to the person she loves the most.
-That is because Akane is trying to be considerate of you and is trying to fit into the scenario you have created for her. Feelings manifest from the person you interact with and spend the most time with. And that was you. But now that she sees you and Tachibana getting along, she forces herself to be with her Senpai. After all, this is Akane we’re talking about.
Saki tilted her head and looked at me seriously.
-After all the barbaric things you two have done together, she was this close to falling in love with you, and suddenly your best friend shows up, so she has no choice but to be with him. Do you think a person can change their feelings like that?
-I’m still the second one.
-In Akane’s mind maybe. But in her heart, you’re the first.
-What are you trying to say?
-If you ask Akane to do something, she’ll do it.
-How do you know that?
-Hmm. As long as the rules don’t change, things will take their course.
-What?
-You’re the one who’s always supporting her and insisting that she do something. She will do what you want.
-Tch, let her do what she wants. I won’t regret what happens between them.
******
Sakai’s advice on love had an effect on me after school. I was the last one in class when a smiling Hayasaka-san approached me.
-Senpai asked me out. He said we should go to a new pancake shop together.
-Good for you.
It was probably Sakai who had the courage to influence Yanagi. That girl is really smart.
-I’m glad you’re finally going on a date with him alone.
-Kirishima-kun, let’s go together.
-What?
I don’t understand what she just said. But Hayasaka-san says it with an unmistakable smile.
-I am nothing without you, Kirishima-kun. Please stay by my side forever!
Sakai was right. Hayasaka-san is too confused.
******
-Why do Senpai and Kirishima-kun get along so well?
Hayasaka-san asked, and Senpai replied.
-When I was in kindergarten, there was a camping trip organized by the local government. We had to sleep outdoors and cook our food over a campfire. Kirishima and I happened to be partners.
-I pitched my tent on the sandbank because it looked like fun. But in the middle of the night, I woke up to the sound of the river. There had been a lot of rain, and that caused the water to rise and the river to swell. We were forced to leave the place, but I fell into the water…. Then you saved me.
-Oh, come on, you’re leaving out the most important parts.
-Really?
Hayasaka-san asks matter-of-factly.
At the pancake shop, she was able to have a smoother conversation than usual. Whenever she heard Senpai’s voice, Hayasaka-san looked like a girl in love.
But when my knee collided with Hayasaka-san’s knee under the table, she looked at me and made an embarrassed face. But I remembered that I was with senpai, so I tried to keep my composure.
From time to time, she would look at me with a puzzled expression. She was having a hard time coping with the situation.
-When Kirishima went to sleep, I went outside the tent to get my things.
-When I woke up, I didn’t see you anywhere, so I rushed out. A piece of wood fell from a tree, and that’s how it happened.
-That’s when I jumped into the river to help you. It’s not every day that a man jumps into the river to save someone’s life.
-Well, that’s because Senpai is such an amazing person.
-That’s how Kirishima and I saved each other’s lives. That’s why we were together in high school.
The relationship between Yanagi-senpai and me is very natural, like two brothers who love each other. But the reason I feel uncomfortable is because of my relationship with Hayasaka-san. It’s neither natural nor healthy.
-Well, I have some things to do.
Senpai stands up after saying these words.
-Now it’s up to you two.
That’s all he said, then he paid the bill for us and left. Surely it was in his plans for Hayasaka-san and I to be alone at some point.
-Was your date pleasant? I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more.
Despite my words, Hayasaka-san remains silent with his head bowed.
-What is it?
-I’m sorry too. I’m sorry for bringing Kirishima-kun here when I was with Yanagi-senpai. Now that I think about it, I did something terrible.
-No problem. You’ve done a lot for me, haven’t you, Hayasaka-san?
-I didn’t mean for Kirishima-kun to do this. I’m a bad person.
Hayasaka-san starts to cry.
-Hayasaka-san, you must be very tired.
After a while, Hayasaka-san remained silent, crying softly.
I looked out the window and it was pouring. I leaned my elbows on the table and watched the water pour down on the city.
When the sun broke through the clouds, Hayasaka-san raised her head.
She had a smile on her face that made it hard to look at her.
-I will confess my feelings to Senpai on the last day of school.
*********
A confession or two is a guarantee of failure. It may sound dramatic, but it’s like giving up in the middle of a game.
After the school day ended, she sat alone in the classroom.
Hayasaka-san is now on her way to the third grade classroom to confess her feelings to Yanagi-senpai. A few days ago, we talked about a situation like this again in the cafeteria.
******
-It is very difficult for me.
Hayasaka-san said, taking a sip of her tea.
-When I’m with Senpai, I can’t help but be awkward. But when I’m with Kirishima-kun, I feel like myself.
-How hard can that be?
-In front of Senpai, I pretend that I don’t have a boyfriend. But it’s kind of fake, knowing that I have you. It was easier when senpai was studying at another school, and having him in the same place makes everything more complicated.
The fact that Yanagi-senpai and I are in the same place makes her feel more confused than unusual.
-I’m not cut out to be an actress.
-Well, we can both agree that you’re bad at acting.
From that moment on, Hayasaka-san didn’t listen to me and said a series of words to herself.
-I have to confess my feelings to him. …. I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t… It’s not that I want to do it on a whim, I want to do it because I have to. But that’s why Kirishima-kun hates me, isn’t it?
I can’t say anything about that. Hayasaka-san has a tendency not to budge once she makes up her mind.
*********
The last day of class, I was waiting for the result of Hayasaka-san’s confession. But unfortunately, I was very impatient.
Yanagi-senpai thinks I like Hayasaka-san. So he will never accept her feelings. He’s the kind of man who respects other people’s love lives.
To be honest, it would be more convenient for me if Hayasaka-san was rejected. That way I can be with her if things don’t work out with Tachibana-san.
Hayasaka-san is a perfect insurance policy, and the chance of heartbreak is zero percent.
More importantly, I don’t have to give this cute, sweet, cuddly girl Hayasaka-san to anyone else.
I got up from my seat and walked out of the classroom.
I want Hayasaka-san to be happy. So even if I don’t like it, this confession, which has a near-zero success rate, has to end.
I have to make her tell the truth that she is in love with someone else.
If things don’t work out the way I think they will. The chances of Yanagi-senpai falling in love with Hayasaka-san are high. And the reason I want to do that is because I really like Hayasaka-san.
I don’t know if I would have been cheered up if I had been the first, but I’m a little sad about it. When I got to the third grade classroom, I saw Hayasaka-san.
She was standing in the hallway, holding her hand to her chest and breathing deeply.
-Kirishima-kun, what’s wrong?
That was when Hayasaka-san saw me. Just then, Yanagi-senpai came out of the classroom.
-Huh?
Hayasaka-san and I said in unison.
The reason is that there was an unexpected person behind Yanagi-senpai.
-President.
It was Tachibana-san, who seemed to have returned from her competition. Then she looked between me and Hayasaka-san with a suspicious look.
-What is going on here?
-Nothing is going on, Tachibana-san.
Seeing me in a daze, Yanagi-senpai nodded his head.
-Kirishima, what’s wrong?
-Senpai, do you know Tachibana-san?
-Yes.
Yanagi-senpai scratches his head and looks at Tachibana-san.
-Can I go?
When Senpai asked, Tachibana-san said, “Okay.” Since they don’t use honorifics, you can tell they’ve known each other for a long time.
I have a bad feeling about this. I don’t want to listen to what he says. I just want to leave as soon as possible.
Tachibana-san looks at me, but her gaze drifts diagonally downward with her usual coldness.
A slightly sad attitude convinces me that my hunch is right. I have to mentally prepare myself for the emotional impact.
I turn my head with the intention of drawing my sword, but before I can move my body, my senpai stops me.
-I’m engaged to her.
-What?
-We will be married after graduation.
Yanagi-senpai and Tachibana-san are getting married? How do you react to such situations?
-Oh, um… Congratulations?
-It is too early to say.
My mind can’t keep up with the situation.
What should I do and what could I do? Am I now involved in a love picture that includes Tachibana-san, Hayasaka-san, Yanagi-senpai and me?
I look to my side and see Hayasaka-san smiling calmly.
She can’t think of anything. She has an enlightened look on her face. It would be easier if I could act like her.
-By the way, Maki talked to me. You don’t have enough people to make a short movie, right? I’ll help you. Let’s work together, Hayasaka-chan!
Hayasaka-san nods with a Buddha-like smile on her face.
I’m trying to think of something, but I can’t find my way around the camp. First of all, I have to put the situation into perspective.
At times like this, it’s good to go through repetitive daily motions to calm the mind. I start sharpening pencils when I get home.
By the time I sharpened the eleventh pencil, I should have regained my composure… Or so I thought.
