MachinedLinguist

Volume 1, Chapter 23 : Friend?     When I entered the classroom, Ayano came up to me.   "Manato, go home with me today." "Why do I have to go home with you?"   I said that and was about to take my seat when a different voice called out to me and Ayano.   "Hey, do you have to talk like that when Sayaka is the one inviting you out?"   When I looked over the direction of that voice, I saw a rather small girl. She was...um, who was she? I had no idea.   "I won't go home with her even if you told me to." "Why? Just go with her. Why don't you want to do that?"   Next to that small girl, Ayano’s eyes were moistening. What was up with that. That look that seemed to incite sympathy. It was irritating.   "Like I said, I don't want to go home with this person."   When I said so clearly, Ayano began to cry. This train of thought that crying would make things better further annoyed me.

Volume 1, Chapter 22 : Next Morning     I felt the house a little early today. Because I had committee work at school. Of course, I didn't join because I wanted to. I had to participate in something, so I had no choice but to sign up for the beautification committee.   The job of the beautification committee was to water the flowerbeds, wax after general cleaning, and replenish soap in the restroom when they ran out. I thought it would be easy work so I joined, but that wasn't the case. If I had known that I had to go to school so early in the morning, I wouldn't have become a beautification committee member.   Well, there was no use in pointing that out. I should go quickly and water the flowerbeds.   I picked up the watering can next to the flowerbed and twisted the faucet on. Cold water came out and soaked my hands. As I was filling up the can, I heard a voice.   "Eh? Really?" "Really, really! That guy's too cool, right?"

Volume 1, Chapter 21 : Visitor     "M-Manato."   When I arrived home from my part-time job, Maki-san spoke to me.   "What is it?"   I replied plainly.   "...A-are you not pushing yourself at your part-time job?" "Yes, it's okay."   I really was okay.   "R-really? You’re not pushing yourself?" "I'm okay."   What did she care so much? I didn't understand.   "...I see." "?"   What's wrong? Was that all she wanted to say?   "Is that all?" "Ah...yeah. Sorry for taking your time." "No, I don't mind, so it's fine."   I said that and went back to my room with the food I brought on my way back.     "...If you say you don’t mind, then it might not have really mattered to you."   Maki had a dry smile on her face.     When I returned to my room to eat my dinner alone, the door to m

Volume 1, Chapter 20 : Hisai Aika   I lost my mother and father when I was little. The cause was a traffic accident. Naturally, I cried and begged for everything to be just a dream. But it wasn't. The remains of my mother and father told me that this was all reality.   From then on, I was entrusted to my mother's parents. And there, I despaired again. I was still recovering from the emotional trauma of my parents' death. That's why I kept on crying, even if I was at my grandparents' house. All the time. Morning until night. I was still a kid at the time, so I cried loudly. I couldn't cry with my voice stifled.   Was this a mistake? One day, my grandmother said that.   "Aika-chan. I know you're sad, but it's time to move on, okay?"   I knew that. I knew I couldn't keep on crying forever. But I couldn't hold it in. My tears flowed endlessly.   "That's enough already!"   My grandmother yelle

Volume 1, Chapter 19 : True Identity     I saw that girl again on my way to school this morning. It wasn't just me who noticed her. She stared in my direction as well.   A complete stranger. When your eyes meet with someone like that, it was normal to look away. And so, I turned my head to the left and did look away. But that girl kept staring at me. What was it? Did I know her? No, that shouldn't be the case. If I knew someone that showy, I would have recognized her immediately.   Next to her was that guy. Ayano's favorite person. ...As expected, those two should be dating, right? That would mean Ayano had an unrequited love. Haha, just like me. It was more difficult for me, though.   Then, what was up with that guy? Even though she had a girlfriend, she was still being suggestive to Ayano.   "That ticks me off."   Those words that came out of my mouth wasn't out of concern for Ayano. It was because I was frustrated instead.