Supporting Childhood Friends - C9
Chapter 9
After finishing off the last of a
late-night snack, I wrapped up a brief review of today's lesson that I did on
my desk, and stretched out on the spot. Suddenly, my phone rang, so I picked it
up. I wonder who it was?
When I took a look at the screen, I saw it
was a message from Tasuku.
"Sorry I wasn't able to go home
with everyone today."
"Don't worry about it."
"Well, good night then."
"...Fuu. Good night, huh."
As if to answer back to my words, a stamp
of a cat bearing a good night's message was sent.
And with that, I turned off the screen as
well and placed it back on the desk.
――― I'm worn out by a lot of things
today...
I rubbed my eyebrows, closed my eyelids,
and reflected back on today's events. Both Takagaki and Ayane had shaken my
heart.
One was because of what my recent friend
had said, and the other was because of what my best friend did.
I was quite smart myself, but I wouldn't
have any experience in these kinds of things. I wonder if my surroundings had
drastically changed when I became a high school student.
――― No point in worrying about it. I should
switch over to tomorrow.
A sigh was let out unconsciously. Perhaps
because I had closed my eyes, I gradually became sleepy, and so I moved over to
my bed.
☆☆☆☆☆☆
Still drowsy, I ate breakfast that my
mother left for me as usual, brushed my teeth, and changed into my school
uniform. Although it was spring, the mornings were still chilly, so I slipped
into my new navy-blue blazer, put on a red tie, and slinged my school bag over
my shoulder.
"I'm off~."
It was an ordinary, familiar morning.
After walking for a while, I saw the two of
them like usual. And as I would normally do, I ran up to Tasuku.
"Good morning! Both of you!"
"Ugh, aren't you a bit too strong
today? Morning. Hmm?"
"Good morning, Hiro-kun, your bed hair
is standing out more today huh?"
Tasuku looked a bit pained, and when Ayane
pointed out my hair, they let out a wry laugh. I wonder if my hair really
looked that strange. It was a hassle to set my hair up every morning, so even
if it looked awful, I just left it alone.
"My hair isn't important! Other than
that, Tasuku, you were working hard late yesterday, huh."
"We have a practice match in the
future, so we're all doing our best to practice."
"Should I go over and cheer? Along
with Ayane."
"You'd stand out, so don't. Besides,
it's embarrassing."
"Eh, I was refused before I could even
agree..."
Ayane was stunned by Tasuku's slight
refusal. Seeing the two of them, I naturally laughed as well.
This was also just the usual day. The
unchanging scenery filled my heart early in the morning.
――― But there was something missing in
this daily life of ours.
☆☆☆☆☆☆
And so, today as well, at school after a
full day of classes. For the third day in a row, Takagaki and I were together
in a deserted classroom after school.
"So, did my advice work?"
As expected, Takagaki went straight to the
point. Although this had only been ongoing for a short while, I could say it
was already somewhat of a familiar sight. When I thought about that, I laughed
a little.
"Don't laugh so suddenly. It's
gross."
"Hey, that might be true, but my heart
is made of glass. Handle it delicately."
"You'll be fine with this."
As venomous of a tongue from Takagaki as
ever. My heart might have cracked a bit, but for some reason, she was
guaranteed of its toughness. I wonder if I was wrong to think that this method
of her lowering and then raising your feelings seemed somewhat gentle of her.
Now then, about yesterday's advice.
"I didn't understand."
"Hm~m? And then? You must have called
me here because you had something to say."
"Ooh, so Takagaki is starting to
understand me, too."
"No, anyone could tell. Don't get
carried away."
This time, she scolded me. Well, I was sure
she didn't mean it.
So, I did think about it, but in the end, I
still wasn't able to understand. That's why...
"In order to find the answer to that,
this time, I'm going to make a move to get those two together."
No matter what Takagaki said, I was
prepared to not get shaken.
Seeing those two smiles from my two most
precious friends yesterday, I took the liberty of interpreting what those
meant.
"...Well, if that's okay with you,
then why not?"
"...Eh? Huh? I thought you were going
to say something else."
"I did. And there’s a lot."
As opposed to what I was preparing for, I
was taken aback by Takagaki's blunt reply.
It became even more difficult to find out
what Takagaki was thinking.
"Well, I'll help you out. I hope you
find it, that answer."
"Eh...y-yeah!! All right, let's make
it succeed this time."
My suspicions were quickly put to the side,
and I was so ecstatic that I involuntarily reached out to shake hands.
"Happy to be working with you
tomorrow, Takagaki."
"Same as well, Shindou."
I thought Takagaki would reach out to shake
my hand.
――― My hand was slapped away.
Comments
Post a Comment
Remember to refrain from profanities, or if you really can't help it, do try to censor some of the letters. Please keep the comment section civil and be respectful.