Epilogue: The Most Special One
"Same meeting spot as always."
I exhaled as I read the message on my screen.
…Did she manage to sort out her feelings?
I just hope she’s looking forward, even if only a little.
Sitting on the usual bench at our meeting place, I stared blankly at the sky, trying to calm my restless thoughts. But the strange tension in my chest made me sigh over and over again.
Since she reached out, I assume there’s no problem… but still.
Hearing only fragmented words from her isn’t enough to understand what’s really going on.
Listening to her heart feels like "looking at the answers while solving a problem."
I can see where she ends up, but not the thought process that led her there.
It’s like endlessly working through a problem book without any explanations. That’s the best way I can describe it.
…If only I could hear more of her actual voice, maybe I could do something to help.
But Kirisaki never asserts herself. What am I supposed to do?
Did what I say help her with her hesitation at all? I have no idea.
Honestly, relying on this unfair ability to hear people’s thoughts has made my improvisation skills nonexistent.
It’s frustrating. Seriously.
"…If only she were as easy to read as Hinamori."
As I sighed and looked up at the sky, a shadow entered my vision.
"Are you talking about me? (For you to mention me out loud, isn't that a sign you're about to fall for me??)"
"Huh?"
The unexpected entrance startled me, and a weird sound escaped my mouth.
"Oh… Hinamori."
"You know, I don’t think it’s very nice to sound so obviously disappointed. (You should be grateful to see me first thing in the morning!)"
When I waved my hand apologetically, she puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction and pinched mine in return.
After tugging them side to side a few times, she pouted and then sat beside me with perfect posture.
"I hope Suzune-chan is feeling better."
"…So you noticed."
"Of course I did. (She suddenly took the day off, and she wasn’t looking well before that. I thought maybe she had a fight with Kaburagi-san… I was worried, so I came.)"
"Hinamori, you're really thoughtful when it comes to your friends. You notice a lot."
"I-It's not like that! I just came early today for student council work, and I happened to stop by here, that's all!"
"Why the sudden tsundere act?"
"I'm not! I'm just stating the facts! (…If they were fighting, I was thinking of stepping in to mediate… but saying that out loud would ruin everything. It has to be a coincidence!)"
She clearly had no intention of admitting it, but I could hear her real thoughts.
…So she thought Kirisaki and I had a fight.
Well, considering how often we're together, it's not unreasonable to assume that.
Hinamori, being someone who acts a lot, is naturally sensitive to emotional shifts like these.
"Do you have anything on your mind, Hinamori?"
"That’s vague. And way too sudden."
"Haha, sorry. Just asking for reference."
Hinamori shrugged in exasperation and let out a deep sigh.
"There’s no such thing as someone without worries. Even if it seems that way, it just means they’re not saying them out loud."
"Yeah… you're right."
In my case, even if someone doesn’t say it, I can still hear it.
As long as they’re not like Kirisaki, who gives up on her worries and refuses to voice them, it’s not a problem…
Finding the best course of action is always the hardest part. What would have been the right thing to do?
As I was lost in thought, Hinamori let out a dramatic sigh.
"Kaburagi-san, I know you’re kind, so you tend to overthink things, but this isn’t something others should be worrying about."
"If I know someone’s struggling, how can I just ignore it?"
"I get where you're coming from, but once one problem disappears, another takes its place. And even if that one gets solved, another follows… It’s an endless game of whack-a-mole."
"Even so, if it’s someone I know, I want to do something to help."
"You're such an idiot. In the end, people have to decide what to do about their own problems themselves."
She had a point.
Even if a problem is solved, a new one will emerge, and whether or not someone can truly accept the solution depends on their own mindset.
I understood that watching over them was sometimes the right thing to do… but that didn’t stop me from wanting to step in.
"Kaburagi-san, I know you're overprotective and a worrier, but listen—being a kind, all-inclusive hero is, in a way, the cruelest thing of all."
"Cruel?"
"Being kind to everyone—this universal love of yours—it means there's no ‘special’ for anyone. That just leads to insecurity. And it makes you feel so distant. (That’s exactly like you, Kaburagi-san.)"
"…You’re not even trying to hide that you’re talking about me, are you?"
"Fufu, good observation. But well, it’s precisely that earnest side of you that draws people in."
She stuck out her tongue slightly, teasing me.
Feeling embarrassed, I tried to play it off by pretending to back away.
"…A confession? Sorry, but that’s a little—"
"It’s NOT! That’s a ridiculous misunderstanding! I was just speaking on behalf of everyone, okay?!"
"So, does that mean you don’t like me, Hinamori?"
"That’s such an extreme take! Ugh, fine! I take back what I said. Instead, I’ll say, ‘Kaburagi-san is only cold to me!’ You should be much nicer to me~~!"
She cupped my face between both hands and squished my cheeks aggressively.
Pouting like a child, she puffed up her cheeks in frustration.
…Hinamori is pretty soft-hearted herself.
"Ow, let go—"
"Nope~~"
As I tried to free myself, I caught sight of a familiar figure approaching.
"Morning."
"Kirisaki."
"Good morning, Suzune-chan."
"Sakura, what are you doing here?"
"Fufufu~ I came early for student council duties."
She finally let go of my face, straightened up, and, for some reason, puffed out her chest proudly.
"Then shouldn’t you be heading back soon?"
"Well, yes, but… I always assumed you two walked to school together. Instead, you’re sneaking off to meet here, huh?"
"If you’re lonely, you can come too, Sakura."
"I am NOT lonely!"
"Don’t cry, Hinamori. Here… a tissue."
"I told you, I’m NOT!"
"Come on, come on."
Kirisaki and I teased her, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Ugh, you two are the worst… I hope you get caught secretly meeting and get scolded by a teacher~~ (…Good. Suzune-chan seems fine. I’ll leave the rest to Kaburagi-san and get back to work.)"
With that, Hinamori left.
She had been glancing at her phone frequently, so she was probably checking the time.
Still, I didn’t miss the concern behind her words.
Once her lively presence was gone, the street fell silent, leaving only the sound of rustling trees.
A breeze lifted the remaining cherry blossoms, creating a fleeting flurry of petals.
The two of us sat side by side, watching the scenery.
After a brief silence, she finally spoke.
"Yesterday, I submitted my career preference form."
"I see. So, you've made your decision."
"Thanks for everything. Talking things out helped me sort out my feelings."
"I'm glad if I could help, even a little."
"Well, I did get a bit exhausted dealing with your ridiculous lies, though."
"That… yeah, my bad."
"It's fine. I just didn’t like feeling that distance between us, that’s all. So, no more stupid lies, okay?"
"I’ll… do my best."
"…That’s just how people dodge responsibility. Seriously."
Seeing Kirisaki back to her usual self, I let out a quiet breath of relief.
…If she’s joking around like this, then I guess everything’s okay.
If this is the ‘normal’ she was talking about, then we’re fine.
As I thought that, I glanced at Kirisaki, only to find her giving me a sidelong stare. Then, as if something had just occurred to her, she clapped her hands together.
Her sudden “I got an idea!” expression gave me a bad feeling.
I could feel sweat forming on my forehead as she stared at me intently.
"Ritsu—"
"…What?"
"You do feel bad about all the lies up until now, right?"
"Well, yeah…"
"But at this point, you can’t just go, ‘It was all a lie!’ And if possible, you’d rather keep up the act to avoid unnecessary trouble… am I right?"
"Ha…haha…"
A dry laugh escaped my lips.
She had me completely figured out.
"I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything."
"Hmm, let’s see. Since Rurina doesn’t seem to be planning on telling anyone, I don’t have any intention of saying anything either."
"Thanks… I owe you one."
"But in exchange, can I ask for a little favor?"
"A favor…?"
"Call me by my name, like you do with Rurina."
As she said that, she grabbed my hand, making sure I couldn’t escape.
"My name?"
"Yep. Call me Suzune."
"Uh… isn’t it kind of embarrassing to suddenly switch to calling you by name?"
"Eh~? You're embarrassed over something like that? Even though you always act so composed, Ritsu? No way~"
She covered her mouth and let out an exaggerated, teasing laugh.
…She was really egging me on.
"Just say it already. Please repeat after me—Suzune. Now, go on!"
"Your pronunciation is weirdly perfect, you know that?"
I scratched my head, looking away from her.
But I could still feel her gaze on me. When I glanced over, our eyes met—perfectly in sync.
She was staring right at me, clearly expecting me to call her name. And judging by her expression, she wasn’t planning on backing down.
"…Suzune. That good enough?"
"Hmm? Didn’t quite catch that~"
"You’re really pushing it… Fine. Suzune!"
"Mhm mhm. Very good, very good."
"What’s with that tone? You really enjoy teasing people, huh?"
Seeing me sigh, Suzune smirked triumphantly, letting out a smug “Hmph.”
"Uh, not ‘Kiri’ but… S-Suzune."
"Pff—Ahaha! What was that?? Don’t tell me… you’re embarrassed?"
"Obviously not. I just messed up because I’m not used to saying it."
"Ohh, sure, sure~"
She tilted her head, studying my expression.
Then, with a wicked grin, she suddenly pressed a hand against my chest.
"…What are you doing?"
"Oh wow, you’re totally nervous."
"…Anyone would react if you suddenly pressed against their chest."
"If you're gonna lie, at least try a little harder~ Your face is red, you know? Should I lend you a mirror?"
"Shut up. I told you, I’m just not used to it yet."
I gave a wry smile, while Suzune looked absolutely delighted.
Her eyes sparkled like she’d just found a new favorite toy.
…But honestly, seeing her like this, I felt relieved.
"Ritsu, I’ve made up my mind. About the future."
"I’m glad you were able to submit your form."
"Yeah. I still don’t know what the future holds, but… I think I’m ready to take the first step forward."
She looked up at the sky as she spoke, her voice filled with quiet determination.
There was no trace of sadness in her expression—only the resolve to move forward.
"This time, I won’t hesitate. I won’t run away. So, Ritsu—watch me, okay?"
"I’m cheering for you. And if you ever feel like giving up, I’ll give you a push."
"Thanks. That’s reassuring."
Suzune stood up and stretched her back with a long "Mmm."
"This is where the real fight begins~."
"A fight?"
"Yeah. A serious fight."
When she said "fight," she carried the same kind of unwavering determination and intensity as an athlete before a match.
She looked calm, but there was something hidden beneath the surface.
Her eyes hinted at something deeper.
As I furrowed my brows in curiosity—
"This time, I’m aiming for first place. Not behind, not side by side… the one and only, special number one seat."
She suddenly poked my cheek with her finger and declared it out of nowhere.
When I tilted my head and repeated, "First place?" she gave me a charming smile.
Taken literally, she meant being number one in academics, but her words carried something more.
Yet—I couldn’t grasp the true meaning.
But I knew she meant it.
Because I could hear her heart, a voice that usually never reaches me, saying, "I’m aiming for first place."
"I’m fine with second place."
I remember when she used to say that.
And that’s why, without thinking, a smile broke across my face at her declaration.
"Hey. What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing, it just makes me happy. It’s nice to witness someone’s change up close, don’t you think?"
"Well, yeah. But this isn’t just someone else’s story, you know?"
"Oh?"
"You’d better be ready, Ritsu. I won’t lose to you."
Suzune pressed her finger against my chest, her gaze filled with challenge.
(Just like Ritsu did for me, this time—I’ll be the one to fill the empty space in your heart.)
Her clear and unwavering declaration stirred my heartbeat violently.
Epilogue END
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