Chapter 3: My Friend's Sense of Distance is Bugged
New Student Guide
"Congratulations on your enrollment. We're handling reception here, so may I ask for your name?"
Hinamori politely bowed her head and smiled at the new student and their parent.
The student she addressed responded with a flustered "H-hi," their reply awkward and halting, while staring blankly at her face.
Their cheeks were faintly flushed, clearly captivated by Hinamori at first sight.
Their thoughts brimmed with noisy admiration and affection.
Well, it's no surprise they'd be spellbound… Hinamori's outer appearance is pure and flawless, after all.
But, behind that flawless exterior, her inner thoughts were—
(Heheh. Another one! Honestly, boys are just so simple, aren't they~)
—as sharp and unwavering as ever.
She never gets tired of this, huh? I can’t say I dislike her unshakable determination, though.
Suppressing my exasperation, I kept my expression neutral and worked alongside Hinamori to handle the reception.
The constant noise reverberated in my ears, making my head spin.
Just a little more to go…
When there was a lull in the flow of people, I glanced up at the sky and let out a small sigh.
To be honest, I didn’t want to come to such a bustling entrance ceremony.
But then, this morning, the assigned receptionist had called in sick, and I’d run into Hinamori at school early.
Naturally, I got roped into helping out.
As soon as the crowd thinned, Hinamori teasingly struck up a conversation.
"Great job, Kaburagi-san. You've been super popular, haven't you?"
"Popular? If anyone’s popular, it’s you, Hinamori. Even the parents were all smiles around you. I was seriously impressed."
"Compliments won’t get you anything from me. I merely fulfilled the duties assigned to me. (Though of course, being captivated by me is a given. It's as natural as breathing. Well… I suppose being praised by Kaburagi-san isn’t entirely unpleasant…)"
"…"
I stifled a laugh at her unfortunate inner monologue.
When I shot her a slightly exasperated look, she must’ve mistaken it for admiration. She gave me a wink and flashed a charming smile.
She really puts her all into exuding charm, but maybe she should be a bit more cautious.
"But hey, Hinamori," I said.
"Yes? (Oh, did my wink work??)"
"…Tone it down with all the friendliness, okay? Love-related trouble always turns into a headache."
"Ehhh… That's a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. You're the one constantly earning favors everywhere, Kaburagi-san."
"I’m fine because I’m the same toward both guys and girls."
"People tend to have a good impression of someone who acts without ulterior motives. You never know which way things might go."
"Fair enough, but I doubt it’ll be an issue."
"And why’s that? (Though Kaburagi-san is popular, you know. Of course, nowhere near as popular as I am.)"
"Well, I have a girlfriend, so nothing’s going to happen."
"I don’t think that’s the point… You’re still leaving people with expectations or feelings of attraction. And besides…"
"Besides what?"
When I asked, Hinamori let out a sigh.
"I’ve heard that people who have partners tend to be even more attractive."
"Wait, seriously?"
"Yes. My guess is that having a partner gives men a sense of security and composure. When they’re more relaxed, they don’t come across as overly eager, which makes them seem kinder and boosts their appeal significantly."
"Hinamori, you sure know a lot about this stuff. I guess it’s because you’re always watching people so closely, with all your acting skills and all."
"I’m not acting, you know?"
"…Yeah, no. You’re not fooling me most of the time."
"That just means Kaburagi-san is special, doesn’t it? (Even if my first attempt fails, I’ve got plenty of strategies to fall back on! One arrow may miss, but the second or third will surely strike true. Hehehe…)"
"Special, huh."
That laugh of hers in her head—it’s straight out of a villain's playbook.
I can practically hear the line from a period drama: ‘You’re quite the schemer yourself, heh heh heh.’
Trying to make me fall for her, confess, and then reject me—all for her own amusement. The sheer vitality she has to keep at it is honestly impressive.
I couldn’t help but chuckle, shrugging my shoulders.
"Anyway, even if you have a girlfriend, you should keep your guard up, or someone might try to take advantage of it."
"Got it. I’ll do my best."
"You definitely don’t get it, do you? (Seriously, you’re such a hopeless person.)"
"I get it. As long as I turn them down in the end, it’s fine."
"Turn them down, huh… Do you really think you can do that?"
"Why wouldn’t I be able to?"
"You’re so naive. It’s easy to say that, but love is blind, you know? When someone truly falls for you, they might decide, ‘Having a girlfriend is no obstacle! I’ll steal him away!’ And once someone resolves to push through, the power they unleash when they’re desperate is incredible. You’d probably feel overwhelmed, unable to make a quick decision on the spot."
"I see. You’re awfully knowledgeable, Hinamori. Have you experienced this kind of thing yourself?"
"When you're someone like me, you get confessed to a lot. Since I have no intention of getting into a relationship, I’ve memorized countless ways to turn people down."
"…Sounds like a lot of work."
"Hehe, I’ve mastered 108 methods for rejecting confessions, you know?"
"Haha, alright then. I’ll keep your advice in mind. Thanks, and let’s both do our best."
"Yes!"
After that, the next group arrived, and Hinamori and I resumed handling the reception.
*
The entrance ceremony had concluded, and clusters of people now gathered around the gymnasium.
Hinamori and I, observing the scene, continued tidying up.
"Seeing all the new students makes me feel like I’ve aged overnight. Don’t you think, Hinamori?"
"Please don’t lump me in with you."
"Still, Hinamori, maybe take things a bit easier. You warned me, but look at yourself."
"I didn’t do anything extraordinary. The speech on stage? That was just me being my usual self."
"And the way the sunlight shone on you like a spotlight was just 'usual,' too?"
"Hehe, it was a bit dazzling, wasn’t it? (…The timing and angle of that sunlight… totally worth all the preparation. Now everyone’s first impression of me is set as 'divine'!)"
"Yeah, sure. Just don’t get caught up in anything troublesome, okay?"
"No problem at all."
The new students exiting the gym kept glancing at me and Hinamori.
It was inevitable with how much attention she drew.
…She’s completely carefree, though. Her lack of caution is honestly worrying.
When I let out a sigh, Hinamori pouted and gave me a dissatisfied look.
"You’re no different, Kaburagi-san."
"No different?"
"Don’t play dumb. What was with that 'prince charming' act earlier? You’re so consistent, it’s almost ridiculous."
"Prince charming? Come on, if I see a student struggling right in front of me, of course I’ll step in. When a new student was standing around, not entering the gym, I just had to ask what was wrong."
"Normally, no one would’ve noticed. They were behind the school building, and their uniform didn’t look particularly new, so most people would’ve assumed they were a returning student."
"Well… I just had a feeling. Maybe the uniform was a hand-me-down or something."
"…Kaburagi-san, you’re like a detective sometimes, aren’t you? You often hit the mark with things like that."
"I’ve got good observational skills… Wait, what do you mean ‘sometimes’?"
"Well, you’re sharp in some ways but oblivious in others. Like, how do you notice that but not this?"
"I’m human, you know. There are things I just don’t pick up on."
"Haah… What kind of answer is that?"
Hinamori furrowed her brow and tilted her head, clearly unimpressed.
But honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
After all—I wasn’t particularly sharp.
The human heart doesn't lie. What I hear is undoubtedly the truth—an unvarnished result.
Normally, when you can't hear someone's true thoughts, you rely on their behavior, words, and other subtle cues to interpret their feelings.
You wonder, "Do they dislike me?" or, "Do they like me?" and you evaluate people based on what they say on the surface.
These judgments are subjective, shaped by personal perception and intuition.
Because of that, relationships often lead to outcomes that deviate from expectations: "They weren’t who I thought they were."
People then react to those outcomes, swaying between elation and disappointment.
But perhaps that's the essence of human connection—the unpredictability, the joy and pain of discovery.
At least, that’s how I understand it on a theoretical level.
For better or worse, I skip over all those uncertain steps and land directly at the truth.
In a way, it’s like I’m cheating. That might be the best way to put it.
But because of that, I might be weaker. I struggle with understanding the process that leads to the result.
It’s like solving a math problem by jumping straight to the answer without writing down any of the intermediate steps.
…Maybe I need to learn, even if just a little.
Annoyed by my own nature as I reflected on it, I sighed deeply.
"I'm oblivious to a lot of things, so if you notice something, let me know."
"Of-of course! (Oh, a straightforward Kaburagi-san… And that unnecessarily refreshing smile. This is quite the…)"
"Hm?"
"N-nothing! L-let’s keep packing these up quickly, okay?"
Hinamori, her cheeks slightly flushed, began stuffing pamphlets and other handouts into cardboard boxes and paper bags.
As she tried to lift an overstuffed box, she lost her balance.
I caught her and took the box from her arms.
"Th-thank you! (Ugh… He got me. This is definitely a heart-throb moment…)"
"Don’t overdo it. These handouts are pretty heavy since they printed so many."
"I can’t just leave everything to you…"
"It’s fine. I’m doing it because I want to. Besides, heavy lifting is traditionally a guy's job, right?"
"Still, I’d feel bad… I should help too."
"Alright, then hold the other side of this paper bag with me."
I handed one side of the paper bag to Hinamori, and she obediently grabbed it as I suggested.
"…It would’ve been fine to just split it evenly. (But holding it like this… it’s like we’re a couple or something. What am I thinking?! No way…)"
"It feels a bit like we’re a couple, doesn’t it? Kind of funny."
"Ko-Ko-Ko..."
"You sound like a chicken. Wait, are you seriously blushing over something this minor, Hinamori?"
"I-I’m not blushing at all!! Totally calm! This kind of thing doesn’t faze me in the slightest!"
"Haha, thought so."
When I laughed, Hinamori's face turned even redder, and she puffed up her cheeks in frustration.
Ignoring her pout, I glanced over my shoulder.
Though I couldn’t hear their voices, a few of the new students seemed to be slumping their shoulders in disappointment.
A faint twinge of guilt crossed my mind, but…
Well, everything’s peaceful today too, and that’s what really matters.
I want to hang out with my friends.
What should I do?
As I mulled it over, I stayed behind in the classroom, jotting down all the places I could think of to hang out in my notebook.
The classroom was already empty, but since Kaburagi-kun had gone to help Hinamori-san, I thought, "Now's my chance to plan places to hang out with my friends."
Shopping that time was fun...
Looking at different clothes, eating various things, chatting a lot... ehe.
While reminiscing about those memories, I searched on my phone for the next spot to spend time with my friends.
But every time I wrote something down, I'd end up crossing it out. Again and again. No progress at all.
...An aquarium, an amusement park... and then, a zoo.
There are so many places I'd like to go.
But which one is the right choice? Where would Kaburagi-kun enjoy the most? I just don't know.
If I had more experience with this kind of thing... would I have been able to come up with something by now?
As I stared at my notebook, deep in thought, the classroom door opened, and another friend walked in.
"Why are you still here?"
[Considering it.]
"Considering it?"
As usual, Kirisaki-san, with her calm and mature demeanor, came over and peered into my notebook.
After staring at it intently for a moment, she tilted her head slightly and looked at me.
...Is there something odd?
When I unconsciously tilted my head too, Kirisaki-san hesitated for a moment, then asked,
"An aquarium, a zoo... Are you planning a date with Ritsu, by any chance?"
I froze, not understanding what she meant.
Did I mishear her?
Thinking that might be the case, I typed on my tablet and asked again.
[A date?]
"Well, they're classic spots, so I just thought maybe. But am I wrong?"
[Wouldn't you go to those places with friends?]
"It's not impossible, but if it's just a guy and a girl going, it would probably count as a date."
I looked again at the places I'd jotted down in my notebook.
Now that she mentioned it, the internet did say 'for a guy and a girl to go together'... but a date?
Me and Kaburagi-kun...?
Just the two of us, having fun…?
Thinking about that made my heart race, and I could feel my face growing warm.
But Kaburagi-kun and I are just friends. We’re not in that kind of relationship—yet. (T/N: Heh)
This time, it’s just because I wanted to hang out with him…
I shook my head side to side to calm myself.
Then, a sudden question popped into my mind, and I decided to ask Kirisaki-san about it.
[The difference between a date and just hanging out?]
“Well, I haven’t really thought about it much, but isn’t it just how you interpret it?”
[??]
“If the people involved say it’s not a date, then it’s not. But from an outsider’s perspective, some might think, ‘That’s totally a date.’ Just like I did earlier. So, if Rurina thinks it’s not, then it’s fine to say it isn’t.”
[That’s complicated.]
“It just means you don’t need to define it so strictly. Who cares what others say? But… since Ritsu has a girlfriend, wouldn’t it be unfortunate if she misunderstood after seeing you two together?”
I understood what she meant and nodded.
Kirisaki-san is so kind. She explained it to me because I didn’t know. Oh, so that’s how others might see it.
So, if Kaburagi-kun and I were seen together, would people think we’re dating?
He’d probably hate being mistaken as my boyfriend… I don’t want to bother him, but I still want to talk to him.
Even though Kirisaki-san said that, if Kaburagi-kun doesn’t actually have a girlfriend, then maybe it’s not something I need to worry about?
Hmm… I should ask him about it next time.
If we hang out, I’ll have to think of a way to do it without being seen by anyone and causing misunderstandings…
…It feels like friends should do something more special, too.
[I want to consult you.]
When I showed that to Kirisaki-san, she smiled and replied, “Of course.”
[What should friends do?]
“Nothing in particular, really.”
Kirisaki-san answered my question without hesitation.
[I want to cherish them.]
“Hmm, if you want to cherish your friends, Rurina, maybe you don’t have to hold back so much.”
[Even among close friends, there’s etiquette.]
“That’s true, just like you said, Rurina. But I think that phrase is meant to say, ‘Being friends doesn’t mean you can do anything.’”
She gave a gentle, affectionate smile and softly lowered her voice.
"Hey, Rurina," she said, her tone kind.
"For example, if you're holding back and can't speak honestly, or if you're always taking a step back... wouldn't that feel lonely?"
It’s true...
I nodded in agreement.
Seeing my reaction, Kirisaki-san continued.
"That's why I think friendships change as you interact with each other."
[They change?]
"Exactly. There’s so much you won’t know until you talk. You might think you're close, but then realize, ‘Huh? Something feels off.’ Or, on the other hand, someone you thought was totally incompatible might actually get along with you surprisingly well."
[I understand.]
"Talking is just the starting line. From there, it's all about whether you can accept the different aspects of your friend or not—that’s what matters."
[As expected from Kirisaki-san. I’ve learned a lot.]
I bowed my head deeply.
Her kind explanations made me happy, and I couldn’t help but hold her hand.
At that, she muttered in a slightly disappointed tone, "Kirisaki-san, huh..."
"Hey, Rurina, do you remember what I said before?"
[Before?]
"Remember when we went shopping? I asked you to call me by my name, but you haven’t done it since, have you?"
Her words made my heart skip a beat.
Since then, Kirisaki-san has been calling me by my name.
But… I still hadn’t said hers.
It’s not that I didn’t want to.
I’d tried many times… but it just didn’t come out the way I wanted.
I kept thinking, Next time, at the perfect moment! But that moment never came…
The more time passed, the harder it became to say it.
…She had made the effort to tell me, and I hadn’t followed through. I felt so bad about it, I didn’t even know how to respond.
"Rurina… may I?"
As I looked down in silence, Kirisaki-san suddenly cupped my cheeks in both hands and started squishing them.
Like a hamster rubbing its cheeks, she moved her hands around, squishing and kneading.
It went on so long that I wanted her to stop, so I looked up—and our eyes met.
"Alright? Rurina, I want you to call me by my name without hesitation. I don’t like people being overly considerate toward me, and I’m not good at being overly considerate myself."
[Okay.]
"Then, call me Suzune. It’s not strange for friends to call each other by their names, and having a wall between us feels lonely, don’t you think?"
She was waiting for me to say it, gazing intently as if to say, Go on, now.
I held my breath and started writing on my tablet.
My hands might have been trembling.
[Suzune.]
"Yes, that’s perfect."
Suzune gave a big thumbs-up and smiled brightly.
…So that’s it. If we’re friends, calling each other by name is normal… Haha.
Calling her name for the first time felt fresh, yet so embarrassing, my face grew warm.
Seeing my reaction, Suzune suddenly smirked mischievously.
"Oh? Are you blushing, by any chance?"
[I’m just nervous.]
"Haha! I see, I see. Rurina, you’re so cute."
[How can I become more like Suzune?]
"That’s a sudden question. Like me, huh…"
She was calm, always gave precise advice, and her thinking felt mature compared to mine. I wanted to know how she could think that way.
I grabbed my notebook, ready to jot down her words like a reporter.
…I wasn’t going to miss a single thing she said.
Watching me, Suzune chuckled, clearly amused.
"Rurina, you’re fine just the way you are. You’re cuter that way."
[You’re joking.]
"Your self-esteem’s pretty low, huh? You need to have more confidence."
Even if she said that, I didn’t feel confident.
There were still so many things I couldn’t do…
"It’s not something to worry about. You’re you. Everyone has things they can’t do, and you can’t become someone else. Whether you make the most of it or not is up to you."
[How are you so calm, Suzune?]
"Hmm. Maybe because I know myself well."
[Know yourself?]
"Oh, right. Let me ask you something in return. Why do you always try so hard, Rurina?"
[Because I want to.]
"A simple answer. That determination of yours… it’s dazzling."
Suzune said this while tilting her head back to gaze at the sky.
I couldn’t see her expression, but her voice sounded wistful.
Before I could dwell on the lingering tone of her words, Suzune clapped her hands loudly, breaking the moment, and spoke to me with her usual cool demeanor.
"Hey, hey, we’re getting off track here. You were trying to figure out what to do for fun, right?"
[How to play. Still deciding. Tag?]
"Well, playing tag once in a while might be fun, but it’s kinda awkward with just a few people, don’t you think?"
[It’s tricky.]
"There are too many options when you have the freedom to choose. You could go out somewhere, hang out at home, or even gather a bigger group."
I jotted down notes, racking my brain.
With zero experience in this, no good ideas came to mind, of course.
Should I ask Suzune…? But… is that okay?
"If you think of me as a friend, I’ll say it again—don’t hold back."
It was like she could see right through me.
No hesitating, no worrying about timing… just act.
Don’t be afraid of rejection…
Resolving myself, I wrote on my tablet and showed her.
[I won’t hold back. But if I’m being weird, please tell me.]
"Got it! Oh, and anytime you want to hang out, feel free to invite me. I’m pretty free most of the time."
…Maybe Suzune noticed how much I wanted to hang out with her.
With a smile, she pointed to the calendar.
[I want to go somewhere!]
"Of course! You’re quick on the draw. So, where should we go?"
As we searched on our phones and chatted, we made our first plan to hang out together.
We decided to go see a movie—something easy for just the two of us.
I drew a heart on the calendar and wrote "movie" inside it.
I was already looking forward to it. My chest felt warm and fuzzy.
I made up my mind. Next time, I’ll invite her myself. I’ll gather my courage.
I’ll be a little more proactive… Yes, and without hesitation.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward. Eii eii oh!
For me, friends.
One day on a day off.
The sound of "beep beep beep" from the alarm clock reached my ears as I was preparing breakfast.
That sound meant it was seven o’clock, the time when my sister, Saya, would wake up.
About five minutes after the alarm went off, Saya came out rubbing her eyes.
"Ritsu~ Breakfast..."
"Good morning. Hey, asking for food without even a greeting?"
"It smells so good, I can’t help it~..."
She spoke in a strangely drawn-out tone, leaning against the wall. She kept repeating the cycle of yawning widely and rubbing her eyes, looking like she was still half-asleep.
I responded with a casual "Yeah, yeah," and cracked an egg over the bacon I was frying.
"It's your day off; why don’t you sleep in? I hear working adults have a hard time shaking off mental fatigue from work."
"Haha... Don’t act like you know everything."
"Well, in my case, I actually do know."
"Ah... yeah, I guess that’s true."
Saya let out a wry smile and flopped onto the sofa.
She scratched her stomach absentmindedly while looking at her phone—a gesture that couldn’t be further from the idea of feminine elegance.
I gave her a sidelong glance, but even when our eyes met, she didn’t seem to care. In fact, she moved around so much that her clothes shifted, leaving her outfit looking sloppy.
With a T-shirt that left her belly exposed and short shorts, there was way too much to see. I couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
She’s got the looks, I’ll admit that... but with this way of talking and her rough personality, it really shows through.
If it weren’t for that, I’m sure she’d be incredibly popular.
Well, people have called her a “disappointing beauty” since forever, and it’s rare for someone to fit that description so perfectly.
"Hey, Ritsu. You were thinking something rude just now, weren’t you?"
"No way. I was just thinking how amazing my sister is as always."
"Haah... Lies, all lies. Can’t you show a bit of the gentlemanly attitude you have at school?"
"I’m off-duty at home, so no can do."
Saya pouted, grumbling “stingy,” and buried her face in a cushion.
She stayed motionless for a few seconds as if she had died, then suddenly sprang to her feet.
"Alright! What a fine morning, little brother."
"...Don’t switch modes like that so suddenly. I honestly thought you were suffocating."
"Sorry, sorry. But you know, when I hold my breath and then take a big gulp of air, it feels like my blood flow kicks into gear and wakes me up."
"That's a bad habit—fix it already."
"If I feel like it, sure. (Habits are called habits because they’re hard to break, you know.)"
She waved her hand dismissively, saying something completely insincere. In her mind, she was just spouting excuses, and I sighed at my sister’s usual behavior.
"For now, if you’re awake, go wash your face and get changed. Spending the whole day in pajamas is just sloppy."
"Yeah, yeah. I get it. You’re such a mom, you know that?"
"Say what you want. Also, about what you wear to sleep… I’ve told you before—wear proper clothes."
"I'm wearing them, aren’t I?"
"That doesn’t count as wearing clothes. A walking R18 warning is bad for a high schooler’s moral development. Don’t underestimate puberty."
Saya, upon hearing my comment, scratched her head with an annoyed expression. Sitting cross-legged on the sofa, she rested her elbows on her knees and shot me a dissatisfied look.
"Who cares? It’s not like anything’s gonna fall off."
"No, but my mental health takes a hit. Imagine waking up to your sister’s body and realizing it’s affecting you… I’d want to die, for real."
"What kind of comment is that? Any high school guy should count himself lucky to catch a glimpse of his beautiful sister’s slightly risqué appearance. You should be grateful, not mentally scarred."
"Seeing my nearly-30-year-old sister in such a pitiful state is mentally scarring!! It just leaves me feeling hollow and empty!"
"What a horrible thing to say…! Well, yeah, I guess it’s so overwhelming you can only put up a brave front. I get it, I get it, young man!"
Saya let out a loud, hearty laugh, completely lacking any trace of femininity.
Seriously, though, her behavior at school isn’t all that different from mine. The "cool, mature teacher" image? Total fantasy.
"Saya, it’s fine if you make fun of me, but you’re setting yourself up for trouble with all the things you say."
"Huh? What do you mean by that…?"
She looked at me blankly, like she had no idea what I was talking about, her expression practically shouting, What are you even saying?
Her brow furrowed, radiating irritation.
For someone her age, the lack of self-awareness is kind of sad. As her younger brother, I guess it’s up to me to point this out.
"I mean, you’re nearly 30 and still single. Honestly, with the way you act, it’s no wonder you’re missing your chance to get mar—OW!?!?"
Before I could finish, Saya stepped forward and grabbed my head in a firm grip.
Her grip on my head was unusually strong...
"...I’ll kill you (...I’ll kill you)."
"Th-That’s actually a line where the person doesn’t die...!"
(Hey, you know this, right? There are certain things you should never say in this world. Like mentioning someone’s age when they’re nearing 30, bringing up marriage, or treating them like a sad case. Got it? You’ll end up seeing blood.)
"Y-Yes, ma’am..."
When I nodded, Saya let go of my head and snorted dismissively.
...Don’t use such a sophisticated yet terrifying way of communicating that only I can hear. And her tone was so serious—it was honestly scary.
I rubbed my head and let out a sigh.
"Violence is not the answer."
"It’s not violence; it’s discipline. I’m teaching my cheeky little brother how harsh the world can be."
"If that’s considered discipline, then the whole world would be full of 'discipline'..."
"Oh? Did you say something... Ritsu-kuun?"
Her exaggerated, sugary tone was somehow even scarier. To top it off, she was cracking her knuckles, already gearing up for a fight.
I quickly averted my gaze from Saya and muttered, "It’s nothing."
—Moving on.
After wrapping up this intense sibling "communication," I set breakfast down in front of Saya, who was now seated at the dining table.
"For now, have some cocoa to start your day right. I made it with soy milk to keep the calories low."
"Oh, you’re thoughtful as always. As expected of Ritsu~. Thanks for the meal."
"Go ahead, enjoy."
Watching her eat with such delight made me happy too.
While I was doing the dishes and glancing at her out of the corner of my eye, Saya spoke up.
"So, Ritsu, are you heading to school again today?"
"I’ll go in the afternoon. The baseball team has a practice game this morning, so it’ll probably be crowded."
"I see. Well... this might sound odd coming from a teacher, but you should take a break once in a while, you know? You don’t need to spend all your time studying or doing service activities."
"I know. I think I’ve got a handle on how to unwind."
"Haah... Says the guy who’s always pushing himself. Try seeing it from my perspective, having to keep finding you overworked and worn out."
"...You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll reflect on that."
"Hmph. Words are easy. Prove it with actions. (Though... I know how stubborn you are, so it’s probably pointless to say this anyway.)"
"........."
Years of living together have completely eroded her trust in me.
Saya glared at me as I stayed silent, her gaze sharp.
She pressed a hand to her forehead and shrugged her shoulders in exasperation.
"...Well, it seems like I won't need to intervene much going forward. (Kurusu seemed pretty motivated, so she'll probably rope you in soon enough.)"
"Ahaha... Yeah, that’s probably true. She’s surprisingly perceptive, even without reading minds."
"It just means she pays close attention. You’ve got a good friend there."
"A friend... a friend, huh..."
"Hm? What's with that unsettled tone? (Here we go again—he’s overthinking something unnecessary, isn’t he...)"
Noticing my hesitation, Saya fixed her gaze on my face. Unable to suppress my discomfort, I forced a vague smile, trying to deflect, which only made Saya sigh.
"There's no point beating around the bush with you, so I'll just ask directly—aren’t you and Kurusu friends now?"
"Well... I think we’ve become friends? Probably."
"Hmm? What’s with that wishy-washy response?"
"Kurusu thinks of me as a friend, but I’m not so sure about myself... I’ve never really categorized anyone as a 'friend' before."
"Ah, I see what you mean. You always use vague phrases like 'we get along' or 'we talk often.' Honestly, for my own brother, I think your way of defining relationships is pretty annoying."
"Haha... You know me too well."
A dry laugh escaped my lips.
I think I’ve become friends with Kurusu. That’s the best way I can put it.
She considers me an equal, a friend. That makes me happy, and I’m grateful for it.
But... what about from my side?
When I try to think about it, there’s always this lingering doubt.
If I define a friend as "someone you can talk to openly and without any ulterior motives," then I can’t call Kurusu my friend.
Actually, I probably couldn’t call anyone a friend.
What would happen if someone knew about this? About the fact that I can hear their thoughts?
Surely, anyone would feel a sense of unease, disgusted by the idea of their mind being read without consent.
The very act of pretending to understand someone, using this unfair advantage, creates a disconnect in what it means to be friends.
So even though I’ve called her a friend... deep down, I find myself holding back.
"I’d never let the word 'friend' slip from my lips. If I said it, knowing I can hear her thoughts... it’d feel unbearably cheap."
That confession escaped me like a sigh.
As long as I can cheat this way, I’ll never be able to call someone a true friend.
"Knowing everything about someone, gaining the upper hand, and manipulating them to act as you want...
It’s practically like being a con artist. And really, I’m deceiving Kurusu, aren’t I?"
Thinking about that sent a sharp pain through my chest.
"You could afford to take things a bit easier, you know," Saya said suddenly, gently ruffling my hair. Her tone was soft, almost uncharacteristically so.
"It’s not that simple," I replied, my voice low.
"You’re free to obsess over it if you want, but... friendships don’t come with a rulebook, you know. Sure, everyone has their own ideal, but the form they take? That’s entirely up to you."
"I get what you’re saying, but... isn’t my situation a bit different?"
"Not really. You’re just a guy who happens to have a unique ability. That’s all."
"I don’t think it’s that simple…"
"Stop sweating the details!" she said, scratching her head in irritation. Then, with a dramatic gesture, she thrust a finger right in front of my face.
Her expression was unusually serious, and it caught me off guard.
"Everyone’s got secrets, things they can’t share, even with close friends. Friendships come in all shapes and sizes, you know? Some are even based entirely on mutual convenience."
"........"
"But there’s one thing that’s always true, no matter what."
"...And what’s that?" I asked.
"Whether you can respect each other and be there for one another. That’s it. And you’ve already got that down, haven’t you? You and Kurusu both."
At first, my connection with her was driven by sympathy and a desire to encourage her efforts. Sure, it started out one-sided, but it’s been shifting bit by bit.
Kurusu and I share certain similarities, and she’s quick to notice the small changes in me.
That moment in the nurse’s office was proof... I’m being given something, too.
I thought I was the one doing the saving, but in reality, I was being saved myself.
As that realization clicked in my mind, warmth spread across my face, and my stubbornness suddenly felt ridiculous.
Saya, watching me intently, let a small smile play across her lips.
"Looks like you’ve sorted some of it out."
"...Yeah, maybe a little."
"That’s enough. One step at a time. Whether you call them friends, buddies, or besties... the label doesn’t matter. What’s important is whether you want to spend time together. Don’t forget that. The connections you make as a student are precious. You’ll understand that all too well when you’re older."
"......I'll think about it."
"Do that. And worry a lot, little brother! (....I’ll be rooting for your growth.)"
"......That stings. But... thanks."
"Heh. Be sure to appreciate my wisdom."
She gave me an unguarded smile.
Then, as usual, she messed up my hair roughly... but, oddly enough, it felt nice.
--- Buzz.
As if to announce the end of the moment, my phone vibrated.
I looked at the screen, and it was a message from Kurusu.
...That’s some impeccable timing.
They say "speak of the devil," but now, having just talked about it, I felt a bit embarrassed.
I scratched my cheek and opened the message. She was inviting me to hang out.
"Hey, Saya. It's from Kurusu..."
"Hmm? What did she say?"
"She asked if I can hang out now."
"Oh, nice! You should go! Playing is a student’s duty!"
"That’s the last thing a teacher should say."
I chuckled softly and looked back at my phone screen.
It felt a bit awkward to meet her with all this on my mind... but I could probably sort it out before we meet.
Even if I don’t have a clear answer, nothing really changes. I’ll still interact with her. As a friend, or just as a good conversation partner, it doesn’t matter much.
I made up my mind and texted Kurusu back, "Sure. Where should we meet?"
"For now, I’ll finish my studying... but, wait, what do we even do for fun—"
--- Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang, cutting off my words.
Probably a delivery, I thought, and headed to the door. Just as my hand touched the doorknob, I heard a familiar voice.
(Greetings, and the basic rule: bring a gift. I got cookies, so I guess I’ll give them to him... Don’t mention I made them, though. If he say they’re good, maybe I’ll admit it... yeah.)
That clear, melodic voice made me smile without realizing it.
"‘Now,’ huh... really?"
I sighed deeply.
Then, I took a deep breath, straightened my expression, and opened the door as usual.
Call me by my name.
"Well then, take your time~."
My sister, with a grin that was outright irritating, guided us into the room, leaving just me and Kurusu alone. She sat right next to me without a shred of hesitation, almost as if glued to my side.
...As always, Kurusu's sense of personal space is totally broken.
It might be because she has zero communication skills, but this isn't the distance of just friends—it's more like how lovers would sit.
That said, if I were to sit farther away now, she'd probably misunderstand and get upset, which is easy to imagine. So, I decided to just accept the situation.
"I didn’t expect you’d already be here at my place."
[It’s basic manners not to make someone wait] (…I can’t leave Kaburagi-kun waiting for a meetup. Considering how considerate he is, there’s a chance he’d arrive two hours early… That’s why, even if I’m visiting, I’ll pick him up instead.)
"Uh, well… that mindset is something more expected of the guy, though."
[Leaving it all to someone else isn’t good.]
"That’s a commendable way of thinking, I’d say."
Not wanting to keep someone waiting, she decides to pick them up instead.
I get it—it’s very Kurusu-like. But honestly, it’s a risky move with a huge emotional downside if it goes wrong.
What would she have done if I said, "I can’t today"?
…No, wait. In Kurusu’s case, she’d probably just think, "It’s something I did on my own, so let’s try again another time."
She doesn’t seem to mind making things harder for herself… just like me.
Thinking about that makes me chuckle a little.
(Kaburagi-kun is laughing. Did something funny happen? Oh, but before that…)
Kurusu took a small package out of her bag and placed it in front of me.
It was wrapped in a cute paper, carefully prepared.
Of course, I already knew what was inside, but I pretended not to.
"What’s this?"
[Please accept this] (…Cookies. They should have come out well…)
"Ah, some sweets? Thanks. Did you make these?"
[From the convenience store.]
"The convenience store, huh… Alright, let’s open it up, then."
[Please do] (…Good, he hasn’t realized.)
No, your lies are terrible!!
Well, I guess she’s just too honest to lie convincingly!
At the very least, she could’ve said it was from a department store or some leftover New Year’s gift… there were so many better ways to phrase it.
Carefully unwrapping the package, I found a cute box inside. Opening that box revealed another smaller box.
A matryoshka-style package!?!
I silently criticized it in my mind, finally reaching the cookies after the successive layers.
Inside were cookies shaped like rabbits, bears, dogs, and cats—adorably made, with not a single one out of shape. She must’ve been really careful.
But still…
"You’re not even trying to hide the fact these are handmade!"
I couldn’t hold it in anymore and finally blurted it out.
Kurusu flinched, her eyes widening in surprise.
[He figured it out] (…As expected of Kaburagi-kun. Impressive deduction.)
"No, no, anyone would figure it out from this! And this must’ve been a lot of work to prepare, right?"
[Pretty boxes. Took some effort] (Cutting and assembling them neatly was tough.)
"That’s what was tough!? I can’t even keep up with all these points to comment on!"
[I paid attention to every detail] (It had to be enjoyable beyond just the cookies.)
"That’s amazing, sure, but… what about the cookies themselves?"
[The ideal taste] (…After trial and error, they’re perfect now. The fridge is full of failed attempts.)
"…You really put a lot of effort into this, huh."
Seeing her proudly explain her efforts, I couldn’t help but give a wry smile.
She’s way too all-in when it comes to giving her best…
Even the handmade box must’ve been the result of countless failed tries.
Good thing I opened it carefully.
[Eat it.]
"Thanks."
Following her prompt, I took a bite.
As I chewed, a faint sweetness spread in my mouth—not overly sweet, and the texture didn’t crumble apart. These cookies were exactly my kind of taste.
"…Not exaggerating, this is seriously delicious."
When I shared my honest opinion, Kurusu beamed with happiness.
(…Good. Analyzing Kaburagi-kun’s preferences based on the chocolates I gave him paid off.)
The chocolates she’d always give me under the guise of "for when you’re tired" had such a deeper meaning…
She really pays attention to people, doesn’t she?
That kind of thoughtfulness is so heartwarming.
[Eat more.]
"Don’t mind if I do. Oh, and… if you have any of the other ones at home, could I try those too?"
[Are you sure? (They’re the failed ones, though…)]
"Yeah, I’d like to, since I can tell how much effort you put into them."
[Got it.] (…There are about twenty dozen, though. Is that okay, Mr. Big Appetite?)
I added, "As long as it’s within reason," to her, who was visibly excited.
Looks like my snacks for the foreseeable future are settled…
As I nibbled on one, she handed me the next cookie.
They were so good that I ended up eating way more than I should have.
"Alright, now that my stomach’s full from the cookies, what should we do next?"
[Up to you.] (…I’m excited. What kinds of things does Kaburagi-kun like to do? I’m curious.)
"Even though we’re talking about playing, I don’t have any ideas right now."
[Not used to playing?]
"Hey, that makes it sound weird. Let’s just say I lack experience, okay?"
[A novice?] (Surprising—you don’t seem to have done much. Oh, but… since you don’t like crowded places, maybe you don’t go out often?)
"Kurusu, where do you even come up with these phrases…?"
Even in her thoughts, her wording was peculiar, and I couldn’t help but laugh wryly.
But more than that, realizing she’d noticed my dislikes made me… oddly happy.
[Let’s stay home today.] (…It’s better not to force ourselves to go out and get tired.)
As if in line with her inner thoughts, Kurusu showed me a suggestion she’d typed on her tablet, clearly considering me.
Feeling my face almost breaking into a grin from embarrassment, I pretended to ponder, looking up at the ceiling instead.
My awkward movements probably made me look suspicious, but Kurusu didn’t seem to question it. She just stared at me intently.
"Um, Kurusu."
[Decided?]
"Unfortunately… well, you’ve been here before, so I think you already know, but there’s nothing to do in my room."
My room was practically empty.
A desk, a bed, the bare minimum furniture, and a bookshelf.
It’s not that I dislike games or entertainment—I simply don’t have the time for them.
…Just keeping my grades up is all I can manage.
I’d never expected anyone to visit, so maybe I should think about getting something for future occasions…
I glanced around my empty room and let out a sigh.
[Good news (…I thought this might happen, so I came prepared.)]
"Huh? You’ve got something good for this?"
[I brought some games.]
"…You’re seriously well-prepared."
What would she have done if I’d decided to go out?
No, knowing Kurusu, she’d probably just quietly carry everything without letting me notice.
She’s so considerate of others, yet dislikes being on the receiving end of that same consideration.
Well… I guess I can’t really criticize her for that, given I’m the same way.
Kurusu began pulling items out of her bag one after another.
Out came an assortment of cute little trinkets, and finally, a large folded piece of poster board.
[I made a board game.] (…It’s my masterpiece.)
"You made it yourself!?"
[Yep, a grand production.] (I spent all day yesterday making it. It’s designed to take a long time to finish, with lots of ‘Back to Start’ spaces.)
"R-really…? That’s, uh, impressive."
She showed it off proudly, but…
Oh no. This reeks of being a total slog of a game.
I could already feel the weight of an endless grind just from looking at it, but not playing it would probably hurt her feelings…
She did spend all day on it, after all.
Still, from what I could see, the board was practically a minefield of suffering.
How many "Back to Start" spaces are there?
Even at a glance, I could count four right off the bat. And what’s this?
"You got caught cheating on your wife. Start life over. Back to Start."
Wait, what? Something’s off here…
"Hey, Kurusu. Don’t you think there are too many ‘Back to Start’ spaces?"
[Life is full of pitfalls.]
"Well, sure, but… uh, it also seems like there aren’t many spaces where you can earn money? Even when you do, it’s stuff like, ‘Worked a part-time job for eight hours. Earned 8,000 yen.’"
[Life isn’t that easy.] (Earning money is hard, which makes it valuable.)
"Yeah, you’re not wrong about that."
[I wanted it to be as realistic as possible. That’s life.]
"That sounds profound, but it’s really not. What else…?"
In the minefield of spaces, one caught my eye.
There was an option to "Gamble or not?" for increasing money, and it looked like the outcome depended on a roulette spin.
Wait a second—this is supposed to be a Life Game, right? But doesn’t it feel like it’s missing the most important part?
"Kurusu, the roulette wheel is...?"
[Not here. But I have a substitute. (I’ve got it all covered.)]
"A substitute?"
[A twenty-sided die.] (I worked hard carving it from wood. I even sanded down the edges to make it smooth.)
"You made this by hand too!?"
Kurusu nodded, puffing out her chest with pride, as if saying, I nailed it.
No wonder it took her an entire day…
Even the gambling spaces have ridiculously low success rates, like 5%.
This is shaping up to be a brutally unforgiving Life Game.
[You don’t want to play?] (…If you hate it, I can think of something else.)
Her face was expressionless, but her inner voice carried a tinge of sadness.
She must have poured a lot of thought into planning this…
It hurt to imagine dismissing something she’d worked so hard on.
But on the other hand, diving into a game that felt like it would never end wasn’t exactly appealing either.
Ah, forget it! Overthinking won’t get me anywhere!
"Alright! Let’s do this, Kurusu!"
(Really? Ehehe… I’m so happy.)
The moment I said that, her expression lit up like a blooming flower.
Well, if the game doesn’t work out… we can brainstorm improvements.
With mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation, I sat down to play Kurusu’s handmade Life Game.
*
──The Life Game finally ended by evening.
After countless returns to the starting point, losing all my money, and having to restart my life multiple times, I somehow managed to reach the goal.
The game progressed so slowly that at some point, sheer stubbornness kicked in, and I lost the timing to call it quits, which is how it ended up taking this long.
"…That was a journey filled with nothing but hardships."
[That’s life.]
"Don’t go making it sound profound."
Kurusu looked quite pleased, clearly satisfied with her own words.
(…I had so much fun playing with Kaburagi-kun.)
It was a tough game, but if Kurusu enjoyed it, I’d say it was worth it.
Besides, if it were something like cards or a strategy game, I probably wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it purely.
It would’ve turned into some kind of calculated, accommodating game on my part.
In that sense, Kurusu’s handmade game was a refreshing change, and honestly, not bad.
"Still, I’ve noticed something—Kurusu, your expressions have gotten a lot softer. I thought so during the game too, but your reactions were fun to watch. I think you’ve really improved."
[The result of practice.] (…I have Kaburagi-kun to thank for it.)
"It’s thanks to your own hard work."
[But I still have a long way to go.] (In front of everyone else, I get nervous and can’t do it well yet… I’ve gotten better than before, but I think I only manage to act naturally in front of Kaburagi-kun. Kaburagi-kun is special…)
"……"
[What’s wrong?] (Your face is a bit red… Are you tired again? Maybe it’s a cold?)
"…It’s nothing. I was just impressed. Hard workers really score points with me."
[Effort is important.]
"Ha, I couldn’t agree more."
I laughed off my embarrassment, trying to cover it up.
…Kurusu’s surprises are seriously unfair.
Her gentle, clear voice resonates directly in my head.
"So, I guess practice is the key, huh?"
Kurusu nodded, raising her thumb in a gesture that said, I’ll do my best.
To improve communication skills, you need experience, courage, and the ability to adapt.
If she wants to make more friends, expanding her range of activities would also be a good idea.
And learning from group dynamics… Oh, right.
"Kurusu, have you thought about joining a club?"
Club activities, while they come with their share of interpersonal challenges, often foster camaraderie through shared goals.
I suggested it, thinking it might be a good fit, but after a moment of hesitation, Kurusu shook her head.
[I’m interested, but I won’t join.] (…It’d be pretty tough starting now.)
"Ah, I see... I won’t push you. But, hey, Kurusu, you like needle felting, right? So, I thought maybe joining the crafts club and making friends there could be nice."
(Clubs… I don’t really understand them. But everyone seems to be having fun, and I envy that. Still, if I joined suddenly, I might ruin the atmosphere and bother them.)
Kurusu thought this and shook her head apologetically.
Well, forcing someone who doesn’t want to join wouldn’t lead to anything good...
When she feels ready to participate in something like that, I’ll support her.
"Joining a club midway through the year does feel a bit awkward."
[Yeah. Kaburagi-kun, aren’t you joining any clubs?] (…Maybe he’s too busy to bother?)
"I don’t think so. There are other things I want to do, so for now, I’m in the go-home club."
[For now? Did you do something before?]
"Kind of. Were you in the go-home club in middle school, Kurusu?"
When I casually asked this, her expression seemed to darken slightly.
[Yeah, the go-home club.] (…I can’t say I wasn’t even going to school. I don’t want him to worry about me…)
As usual, she wrote her words without any change in her blank expression. Her murmured thoughts, however, reached my ears.
Before I realized it, my hand was gently patting her head.
Just to keep her spirits from sinking...
I hate how this is all I can do for her.
When I glanced at her, she looked back at me, her eyes narrowing happily.
(…Kaburagi-kun is kind. He noticed I was feeling down and tried to cheer me up.)
I had no intention of digging into Kurusu’s past.
I wouldn’t want anyone prying into mine, so I won’t do it to others.
So, I’ve tried not to ask... but just a single word reminded me of what Saya had mentioned before: a blank period.
Of course, there’s a reason she can’t talk to me about it…
And it’s not something Saya should casually reveal either. It’s not the kind of thing you can ask lightly.
Only those who’ve been through it could truly understand. I’m sure it was harder than anything I could imagine.
Thinking of how Kurusu overcame that and became who she is now... I just can’t leave her alone.
That’s what I strongly feel.
…Really, she’s so much like me.
I had a period when I didn’t attend school either...
Maybe that’s why I feel a kind of comfort, like finding a kindred spirit.
The atmosphere grew somber, and Kurusu and I silently continued cleaning up.
Partway through, Kurusu started writing something on her tablet, then showed it to me.
[Rather than joining a club, I want to treasure the friends I have now. (…I can’t do too many things at once, so one step at a time. For now, I just want to spend time with Kaburagi-kun.)]
"That’s a good idea."
When I agreed, Kurusu smiled happily.
I see. I must have misunderstood.
She had said she wanted to be like me, but it wasn’t about being a popular, well-liked person who tries to please everyone…
It was about cherishing each relationship and moving forward, one step at a time.
Because she values what’s important, she often steps back to respect others.
She’s always considerate, always cautious.
Trying not to let things break…
I finally understood the reason behind her actions, and I couldn’t help but smile gently at her.
(…It has to be now. If I don’t say it now…)
Her trembling inner voice reached me.
And then—
(With a pure heart, always staying positive… Okay. Time to focus. Eii eii oh!)
Like a chant to psych herself up, I heard her words of encouragement to herself.
Kurusu placed her hand on her chest, took a deep breath, and then, with a serious expression, stuck her thumb out decisively.
[No need to hold back with friends.]
"Kurusu, what kind of proverb is that?"
When I asked, she wrote [Kurusu Rurina] on her tablet, then crossed out the "Kurusu" part with an X.
[I’m dissatisfied with how you address me.] (…I’d prefer you call me something other than ‘Kurusu.’)
"Dissatisfied? Kurusu isn’t okay?"
[If we’re friends, you should use my name.] (Suzune said it too—no need to hold back.)
"R-ru…"
I started to say "Rurina" but quickly shut my mouth.
I don’t know what Kirisaki told her, but it’s probably another one of her usual misinterpretations.
Maybe I could explain it if I tried, but…
Her inner voice told me she wasn’t going to back down.
This sudden, unexpected demand made my heart race, leaving me flustered.
All I could do was pretend to stay calm and try to hide my nerves.
"I’m not very good at calling people by their names."
[Refusal.]
"…You’re so forceful."
[I want you to call me by my name. Is that no good?] (I still feel a wall between us… I want us to get closer. You’re my first real friend…)
Her big eyes looked up at me, glistening slightly… her hands clenched tightly.
She wanted to deepen the relationship between us, breaking down the wall I had built and hesitated to cross. With courage, she voiced her desire.
Her honest, straightforward words pierced straight into my chest.
[Ritsu. I’ll call you by your name.] (…Ritsu. Ritsu~. It has such a nice ring to it, but… it’s embarrassing.)
"………"
Both her words on the tablet and her inner voice hit me with a one-two punch.
Seeing her so earnestly trying to convey her feelings made the line I had been drawing between us seem ridiculously pointless.
…Honestly, I’m pathetic.
With a self-deprecating smile, I let out a small sigh.
"Rurina… Is that okay?"
[Say it again.]
"…Making me say it over and over is a bit…"
[No! Say it again.]
"Uhh… Rurina."
[It’s embarrassing.] (Being called by my name… it’s more embarrassing than I thought. But I’m happy.)
"Then don’t make me say it."
[Ritsu, you’re embarrassed.]
"…You’re one to talk."
When I muttered my complaint, Rurina beamed with joy and kept writing her name repeatedly on the tablet to show me.
──First, I’ll try taking a step forward.
I don’t know what the outcome will be.
I don’t even know what a true friend really is, or what it means to have one.
But I realized I want to find out.
For now, though—right now—I want to cherish this slightly pushy relationship with her.
Chapter 3 END
I don’t know what the outcome will be.
I don’t even know what a true friend really is, or what it means to have one.
But I realized I want to find out.
For now, though—right now—I want to cherish this slightly pushy relationship with her.
Chapter 3 END
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