"No, my mom told me to thank people properly in times like these… So, thank you, Maki-kun. For noticing."
"Ah, yeah. In that case, you're welcome… is that right?"
"Yeah!"
Amami-san smiled shyly, as dazzling as ever.
But combined with the morning sun shining through the window, Amami-san's sun-like smile might be a little too bright for me.
"W-well then, I'm heading this way. Sorry, Maki-kun, for stopping you at such a strange place."
"No, not at all… as Umi said earlier, don't push yourself too hard."
"Mou, it's fine… Fufu, it's like there's another Umi."
Amami-san said so and giggled, then joined Yamashita-san and Arae-san's group.
"Yama-chan, Nagisa-chan, good morning~!"
"Amami-san, good morning. Hehe, look, the thing you've been waiting for is done."
"Eh, that thing is…"
"Here, ta-da!"
"! Oh~! C-could this be for the cheering battle…"
"That's right. It's a custom-made school uniform for Arae-san and Amami-san. I made it a little longer, added some frills to the sleeves, and I was thinking of adding a patch on the left shoulder for each of you."
"Let me see, let me see~! …Ah, there's a cute dog on the left shoulder~"
"That one's Amami-san's, and the tiger is Arae-san's. I got two from the leader yesterday, but they weren't very cute, so I did a little demonic remodeling."
"No one calls demonic remodeling 'a little'… and why did you have to go and mess with mine too?"
I'm a little curious about what they're doing, but it feels creepy to eavesdrop on the girls' conversation, so I'll stop here for now.
As long as Amami-san is her usual self, that's fine with me.
The practice is finally in its final stages, and the morning cheerleading practice is gradually getting more heated, with everyone listening intently to the cheerleading leader's words.
"First-years, a little louder! We can't hear you like that!"
"You're late in putting up the panels. If one person makes a mistake, it'll look bad, so memorize the score as if your life depends on it!"
Among the cheerleading squad, who were already shouting with the same spirit as the actual event, one person, Arae-san, with her long blond hair flying, was dancing seriously, catching my eye.
"She's not at all inferior to the other members… or rather, her movements are much sharper than those around her…"
"That girl, she usually looks unmotivated, but she's serious at times like these… Not that I'm looking at her any differently."
Both Umi and I knew about Arae-san's athletic ability, but I think it's honestly amazing that she's almost perfectly mastered the difficult dance choreography that even the upperclassmen are making mistakes with.
Amami-san is also in the cheerleading squad, and their movements are not that different, but because of her good physique, she looks more dynamic.
"Kya~! Nagisa-senpai, you're so cool~!"
"Senpai, please look this way~!"
"…You first-years over there, you're being noisy."
"Yes, we're sorry! '"
With Arae-san's movements that would put the boys to shame, yellow cheers came from the underclassmen girls.
She didn't seem to be very convinced by the current situation, but considering her middle school days, it's not at all unusual for her to have such hidden fans.
Even Arae-san is working so hard and sweating, so I have to learn from her.
After the cheerleading practice of each group, which was held with the assumption of the actual event, the afternoon was finally the rehearsal for the event-specific practice.
The time has finally come to show everyone the results of my and Umi's practice.
"Maki, let's win."
"Yeah. I'll do my best, no matter the result."
Looking at the pairs from the other groups, most of them are from sports clubs—we, who are in the go-home club, are completely unmarked for now.
Personally, I find that much easier to deal with.
"—On your marks, get set…"
The moment the starting pistol echoed in the sky, the first runners, a pair of first-year boys, started. The three-legged race at our high school is a relay format, and it goes from first-years to second-years to mixed-gender (both the normal and three-legged race) to third-years to the anchor.
We're right in the middle, but it's an important position to maintain the lead or close the gap.
Despite losing their balance on the way, the first-year pair ran through to the end and passed the blue sash to the next second-year pair. Their rank is third, but the gap is not that big.
If we do our best from here, a comeback is possible.
"Umi, let's go."
"Alright, let's do this, Maki!"
When we stood up holding each other's hands tightly, a loud cheer came from a part of the blue team's stands—where Amami-san was sitting.
"Maki-kun, Umi, do your best—!"
"You lovebirds over there~ if you get carried away and fall spectacularly, I won't forgive you~!"
Amidst the mixed cheers of each group, the voices of Amami-san and Nitta-san reached our ears clearly.
By the way, as for Nozomu from the red team… even if he's not cheering, he seems to be very concerned about us, so he must be worried deep down.
"Maehara-senpai, Asanagi-senpai, good luck. If anyone passes you, I'll somehow make up for it."
"Of course, I, the student council president, will too. As you know, I'm confident in my ability to run away."
"That's very convincing."
And from Takizawa-kun and Nakamura-san, who are waiting behind us. Takizawa-kun is a first-year, but he's the anchor, and Nakamura-san is one of the members of the three-legged race who will run after us. They are reliable people.
The first and second place runners received the sash almost at the same time, and the blue team came a little late.
"—Sorry, I'm a little late!"
"It's fine… Umi, the sash, please."
"Okay. Alright, then shall we chase them!"
The moment I felt us both take a small breath, we started at the exact same time.
We've already mastered each other's rhythm through practice, so there's no need to call out.
When it comes to teamwork, us lovebirds, are undoubtedly the best.
""Hah—hah—""
We've run about halfway around the ground, and the gap between us and the front is clearly closing.
One step, two steps, and three steps—perhaps they heard our footsteps chasing them, the mixed-gender pair running in second place glanced at us for a moment—
"! Maki, the people in front…"
"Yeah, it's fine."
I nodded at Umi's words and deliberately changed my course to make a wide turn around the curve.
That one moment they were distracted by us, the second-place pair's stride went out of sync and they lost their balance significantly.
They didn't fall, but that was enough for us.
"! Umi! Maki-kun!"
"Oh, they passed them! Not bad!"
At top speed, we brilliantly overtook the pair in front of us and moved into second place. It's difficult to overtake the first-place runner with the remaining distance, so let's leave the rest to our remaining teammates.
"Maehara-shi, Asanagi-chan!"
"Yeah! Here you go, president!"
"Nakamura-san, I'm counting on you."
"Alright!"
Umi passed the sash to Nakamura-san, who was waving and calling for us, and our role was over for now.
As planned, I was able to keep up with Umi's speed with almost no mistakes. We didn't time it, of course, but it must have been our fastest so far.
"Second place, huh. Well, it's a decent start for the real thing."
"Umi, you're as strict as ever at times like these… For me, it was the best I could do."
"Fufu, that's right. Maki, that was your best ever… You were cool."
Umi whispered in my ear so only I could hear, and her words made me happier than anything else.
The results of our special training showed, and I was praised by the Umi I love… My chest was so full of a sense of accomplishment and happiness that I forgot about our rank for a moment.
After that, thanks to the efforts of Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun, blue team finished the race in second place. Our rank was second, but thanks to the fierce running of the first-year anchor Takizawa-kun and the third-year boys' pair, we were just a little short of first place, so depending on the development, we should be able to aim for the top.
When we returned to the stands after finishing the practice race that simulated the real thing, we were greeted with a big round of applause, mainly from the upperclassmen.
It seems that we weren't expected much in the pre-race predictions, so most people seem to be surprised by the better-than-expected result.
"Umi! Welcome back! You were so cool!"
"Wapuh… Mou, Yuu, you never hold back."
"Amami-san, I'm back."
"Maki-kun, welcome back! The results of your practice showed, that's great."
"Class Rep, good work. I might have changed my mind about you, honestly."
"Thanks. But I have to do my best like this sometimes."
As we received congratulations from Amami-san and the others, I casually listened to the voices around me.
"I wasn't expecting much from the three-legged race in terms of participants, but they're surprisingly good."
"Right. The start was so-so, but the flow changed in the middle with the mixed-gender pair."
"Yeah, yeah. The second-year… I don't know his name, but it was like he was running alone."
It seems that my name isn't recognized yet, but I think they've at least remembered my face.
The unpleasant feeling from the other day is almost gone now.
That was the biggest gain for me today.
"Phew~ I'm especially tired today…"
After all the practice for the day was over, I let out a big sigh.
Before middle school, I hardly participated in competitions or cheering, and I just saved my unused stamina in the corner of the group, so even just practice, the feeling of fatigue that weighed heavily on my body was considerable.
"Maki, good work. You did well today."
"Yeah. I worked really hard… so, is there any kind of reward?"
"A reward, you think there is?"
"Another mean way of asking… rather than whether there is or not, I want a reward."
There are still a few days until the real thing, but in order to work hard for the remaining few days, I want to be spoiled by Umi a lot here, and maintain a high level of motivation… well, I just want to flirt with Umi.
"Mou, my boyfriend is as helpless as ever… We have practice early tomorrow morning, and if it's just a massage for the tired parts."
"…Is that okay?"
"It's fine… But only if you massage me properly too."
"I'll do it with all my heart."
"Fufu… Maki, you're so good at this."
Just a moment ago, I was feeling so tired that I thought I had reached my physical limit, but when I think about going home and being lovey-dovey with Umi, I quickly regained my energy.
"Alright. Then, just for today, I'll take a special break from after-school practice and hang out at Maki's house for a bit. I'll contact my mom later, so until about ten at night, I should be able to manage—"
As I was quickly changing my plans for later, thinking that there's no time like the present.
"—Asanagi-chan~… my one and only friend, our class's top idol…"
Suddenly, a voice calling out to Umi came from behind.
"? Nakamura-san, what's wrong? I have an appointment that I can't miss from now on."
"An appointment, you're just going to flirt at Maehara-shi's house after this… no, well, I understand that skinship between lovers is important. You know, I have a boyfriend too. For now."
Just a while ago, she was so timid about love, but once she got over it, she changed so quickly.
Behind Nakamura-san, who was puffing out her chest as if to show off, Takizawa-kun was smiling wryly in embarrassment and bowing his head to us.
It's good that they're both doing well.
"I'm sorry about our president… Well, aside from us, I'd actually like to ask for Asanagi-senpai's cooperation."
"Takizawa-kun too? Could it be that something happened to the student council members?"
"No, we're all healthy, but the work is finally getting out of hand."
"…Ah, I see."
According to Takizawa-kun, the details are still a secret, but it seems that besides the sports festival, plans for an event to be held in autumn or winter has been brought in from another school, and they have to dispatch student council members for a meeting.
It seems that Vice President Takizawa-kun and a first-year student in charge of accounting (I think it was Mochizuki-san) were dispatched to the meeting, but with the two of them temporarily leaving for the progress of another event, there are parts that the remaining members can't handle.
"I thought about asking the former student council president, but the third-years have their entrance exams, right? I'm sure they'd do it if I asked, but I don't want to force them."
"Well, that's true. They have sports festival practice, entrance exam studies, and on top of that, student council work… if it were me, I might refuse."
And so, the arrow was pointed at Umi, who knows a little about the inner workings of the student council.
Personally, we have our own business, and if possible, I'd like to prioritize that… but.
"Maki, what should we do?"
"It's Umi who's being invited, so you can do what you want… Nakamura-san, by the way, is it okay if I help out with Umi…"
"Of course, it's no problem if Maehara-shi comes along. I mean, we can't have too many hands. It's free labor, so it doesn't matter."
"Hmm…"
In that case, we'll have less time alone, but we'll still be spending time together.
"Umi, that's what she said, but what do you want to do?"
"Nn~… what do you want to do, Maki?"
"Me… well, I can't just leave them, I guess."
"I see. Fufu, then you're the same as me."
We're a lovey-dovey couple that everyone acknowledges, but we don't think that we should be the only ones having a good time.
The reason we're still getting along so well now is not just because of our own efforts, but also because of the consideration and cooperation of the people around us, so I think that now is the time to return the favor.
If Umi and I are thinking the same thing, then there's only one answer.
"…I understand. In that case, I'll cooperate as a temporary member until the student council's work settles down. I can probably only do office work and miscellaneous chores, but is that okay?"
"Of course. Thank you, both of you. We welcome you."
"Maehara-senpai, Asanagi-senpai, thank you very much for your cooperation."
And so, it was decided that Umi and I would temporarily join the student council until the end of the sports festival.
In addition to the sports festival practice, there's also the student council activities that require staying late after school—it's unclear whether I, who was already exhausted from practice, will be able to handle it, but since everyone else is working hard, I can't be too coddled.
When I'm really not good enough, I'll honestly declare it and leave before I become a burden.
…Just as I made up my mind.
"Ah, wait a minute. Is it okay if I'm the only one cooperating?"
"…Umi?"
I was stopped by an unexpected person.
"…Asanagi-chan, are you sure? We made sure that we could manage with just you, so if that's the case, we don't mind at all."
"Really? Then, I can't let Maki participate even more."
I thought we were going to participate together, but it seems that Umi has her own ideas.
"Um, Umi-san? I'm fine with it, but…"
"No. Even if you're off today, you have your part-time job from tomorrow onwards, right? I heard from Nakata-san the other day that you took a lot of days off at the beginning of this month, so your shifts are concentrated at the end of the month, right?"
"…Now that you mention it, I think that's right."
I'm leading a surprisingly busy life with holiday trips and school events, but of course, in the meantime, I'm working hard, albeit a little, to earn money for my dates with Umi.
Spending the day under the blazing sun, and from evening to night, working part-time at a familiar pizza place… I'm sure that's what Umi is worried about. If I also get involved in student council activities, I won't have time to rest.
"Maki, I'll be fine on my own. So, you should work hard and earn money for our dates. Got it?"
"Date money, we usually split the bill—"
" Don't sweat the small stuff! "
"Yes, I'm sorry."
Umi can be surprisingly stubborn, so it's difficult to change her mind once she's like this.
Well, there's no doubt that Umi is worried about my physical condition, so it's probably better to just obey her here.
"Fufu, a girlfriend who knows her boyfriend's work schedule in detail… Maehara-shi, you're a really lucky guy. Souji, should we learn from them?"
"That's up to you, Mio-senpai… anyway, Maehara-senpai, in that case, I'm also against you helping. I'm happy, but you shouldn't overdo it."
I feel like I can do it if it's just for a few days until the sports festival… but there's also the possibility that I'll agree to it lightly and end up causing more trouble.
"…I understand. In that case, I'll refrain. Umi, I'm sorry to push it all on you, but do your best with the student council's help."
"Yeah, leave it to me. Ah, it'll be a little late, but I'll definitely come over to your house to 'play', so be prepared."
"Roger. Then, I'll prepare dinner and wait for you."
"Yeah!"
Things went back and forth, but for now, our schedule from today onwards is set.
It's a shame that I'll have a little less time with Umi… but I'll make up for it by spending more quality time together.
I just need to be a little patient until the sports festival is over.
"So that's how it is, so I'll go to the student council room with Nakamura-san and the others. Maki, I know you'll be lonely, but go straight home alone today, okay?"
"I-I'm not a child, so I know that much."
I saw Umi off as she joined Nakamura-san's group, and I went back to my own class to change from my gym clothes to my school uniform.
Now, how should I kill time?
I wiped my body, which was dirty with sweat and sand from the ground, with a clean towel, changed into my school uniform, and sat down at my desk to take a slow breath.
I was held up by Nakamura-san and the others, so most of my classmates had already gone home, and now I'm alone… so if I sit with my legs thrown out in a somewhat sloppy manner, I probably won't be blamed.
"Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've spent time alone after school…"
I had quite a few in my first year, but after I became Umi's boyfriend—especially after I entered my second year, there was always someone next to me, and I don't think I had time to feel lonely.
Umi was next to me, and right beside her were Amami-san and Nitta-san, and although our classes were different, Nozomu would occasionally check on me.
And recently, Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun too.
Of course, it's not just at school. At my part-time job, there's the manager, and the reliable (?) university student, Emi-senpai.
The pace is very slow, and my relationship with my classmates hasn't changed that much, but the relationships around me were gradually changing.
Even if I'm alone in a quiet classroom, I don't feel the loneliness or solitude I used to feel before.
I'm also quite stable mentally.
"I'm thirsty… I've finished the tea in my water bottle, so I guess I'll go buy some juice."
I could have gone straight home as Umi told me to, but I felt like wandering around the school a little more, so I picked up my bag and left the classroom.
On the way to the vending machine installed next to the cafeteria, I watched the students who were busy with after-school practice and preparing props. I can see from the side that it's tough, but the people who are working in groups are all serious, but they also seem to be enjoying themselves while chatting occasionally.
It's tough, but it's fun. It took me a long time to understand that feeling with my own skin, but I'm truly glad that I didn't graduate from high school without knowing anything.
"—Hey, Maki."
"Ah, Nozomu. This is the first time we've run into each other today. …Are you in the middle of cheerleading practice now?"
"Yeah. The senpais in our group are really fired up, so it's not ending anytime soon… Maki, if you're going to buy juice, I'll go with you."
"Yeah, then let's go together."
When I went out to the connecting corridor leading to the cafeteria, Nozomu, who was in the middle of after-school practice, called out to me. He must be working really hard, because the bright red headband he's wearing on his forehead is soaked with a lot of sweat and has been dyed a slightly darker color.
He looks like he's having a tough time, but he looks refreshed, perhaps because he's fulfilled.
…I, who am an indoor person at heart, don't think I can pull that off.
"Hey Maki, um, how are things over there?"
"How are things, well, I think we're pretty united, and we're practicing hard."
"No, that's not what I mean… you know, about Amami-san. You get it, right?"
"Ah, that."
Since he's the only one in a different group among the usual five, he seems to be worried about the person he's in love with.
It was the same during the practice earlier, but Amami-san, who is demonstrating her potential to the fullest, has become so well-known in the other groups, partly because of her looks.
But that's not what Nozomu is worried about.
"…Um, she's popular, but I don't think there are any guys who are actively trying to get involved with her… at least, as far as I can see."
"I-I see… I'm glad."
It's a time when there are many opportunities to interact with other students regardless of grade, but for now, I don't think there are any students who are persistently hitting on Amami-san or making suspicious moves. During practice, she's often with Umi and Nitta-san, and even when she's acting separately, there's her classmate Yamashita-san and Arae-san, who always has an unapproachable aura, so even upperclassmen can't approach her easily.
"No, you see, the people in my group gossip a lot about Amami-san too, and just a while ago, a guy from the same cheerleading squad was persistently asking me to 'introduce them' or 'if she has a boyfriend'… well, I politely refused them all."
"You're having a hard time too, Nozomu… well, we're the only guys who are on good terms with Amami-san."
Even if they happen to hang out by chance on the spur of the moment or as a group, the only guys who can directly contact Amami-san are me and Nozomu for now. Furthermore, as for her phone number, it's just me.
"Anyway, I wonder what Amami-san's type is. I was pretty anxious when Taki appeared, but it was only Nitta who was excited, and Amami-san was her usual self."
"That's true… well, Takizawa-kun's case is a little special."
Since entering high school, she should have interacted with various types of male students, but no one seems to have touched Amami-san's heartstrings.
Guys who are all about looks are out of the question, but it wouldn't be strange for recent Nozomu who is devoted to baseball, or Takizawa-kun who is working hard in the student council to be considered as a romantic interest.
"Anyway, for now, I think it's fine to just wait and see without thinking about anything. Amami-san seems to be having more fun playing with us and her new friends than being in a relationship right now."
"I have no choice but to take it easy and not rush things, huh. As expected."
"Probably."
Even for me, the first thing I could properly call 'love' was in high school… or rather, after I met Umi, so it's probably a little late for most people. And Umi fell in love with me at the same time.
So, I think that Amami-san, who is Umi's best friend, will surely have a time when she falls in love with someone in the not too distant future.
I know because I've experienced it myself that a single trigger can change the situation at once.
It's fine to do nothing and leave it alone.
"So, that's about it for the status report. For both of us."
"Yeah… I was a little anxious because the people around me were being noisy, but I'm glad I talked to you, Maki. Thanks."
"You're welcome… Which kind of juice do you want? Nozomu, you seem to be working hard, so I'll treat you today. I just got my part-time job pay too."
"Are you sure? Then, I'll take you up on it this time—"
I put two hundred yen into the vending machine and bought a pack of Yoguruppe (for me) and one value-sized sports drink (for Nozomu).
[Note: Yoguruppe is a Japanese yogurt‑based lactic acid drink, originally developed in Miyazaki, Kyushu. It's known for its smooth, lightly sweet flavor.]
The sweet and cold juice seeped into my dry throat and hot body.
It might be an exaggeration to say that I'm reviving, but the taste of juice in this season when it's still steamy even in the evening was exceptional for us students.
"Nn—puhah. Phew, refueled. Sorry, Maki, for making you treat me after all."
"No, Nozomu, you're always… maybe not taking care of me, but a bottle juice is fine once in a while. Well then, do your best with your after-school practice."
"Yeah."
After taking a five-minute break on the bench next to the vending machine, Nozomu returned to the red team's practice area one step ahead of me.
Nozomu and I are rivals in the real event, but as friends, it should be fine to praise him individually at a time like this.
"…Well, I've done what I wanted to do, so I guess I'll go home without any detours this time."
When I finished my drink, I slowly stood up. I think I've grown a lot compared to when I was a loner, wandering around the school alone after school like this, but for the current me, this is as far as I can go.
Now, I'll wait at home with my neck stretched out for Umi to come over.
"What should I make for dinner today… I think there's still some chicken in the freezer, so that, and then some leftover side dishes, miso soup, and rice… hmm?"
As I was vaguely thinking about today's menu and about to leave the cafeteria floor, I suddenly caught sight of a girl with beautiful blond hair from behind.
It's Amami-san.
"…Is she working on the backboard until this late?"
When I strained my eyes from a distance, it seemed that she was in the middle of washing the brushes and paint brushes that were dirty from her work in the water area.
The backboard is scheduled to be installed behind the stands on the day of the event, and the work on that should be reaching its climax.
She's working so hard—I was planning to watch her from a distance so as not to disturb her serious expression… but perhaps I was staring at her with too much concern, because Amami-san, who noticed my gaze, looked up at me.
When this happens, I can't just ignore her.
"H-hello… Sorry, for interrupting your work."
"Ah, no! I was about to finish for the day… more importantly, it's rare to see you at school at this time for something other than business, Maki-kun. Umi is at her student council job, right?"
"Yeah. I was planning to go straight home too, but well, I thought I'd have some juice before I go home for a change… Amami-san, you're working on the backboard, right? Is it going well?"
"Um… well, mostly. I think it'll be finished by the day before the event… it's still in the middle, but do you want to take a look?"
"Eh, is that okay? Won't I be in the way of the others?"
"The other members left a while ago, so it's fine~ Besides, I wanted to hear your opinion, Maki-kun… and Umi's, and the others'."
I have plans after this, but I still have plenty of time, so it should be fine to take a quick look.
Besides, it would be a lie to say that I'm not interested in what kind of picture Amami-san drew.
"In that case, just for a little bit."
"Fufu, that's more like it… Well then, I'll show you the way."
Guided by Amami-san, I went to the blue team's work space behind the gym.
And there, was a powerful 'blue' composed of several large wooden boards combined.
"Oh… Amami-san, is this supposed to be a dragon?"
"Yeah. I made a blue dragon in honor of the blue team. By the way, the only paint and colors I used were white and blue."
"So you're expressing it with different shades."
It seems that Amami-san doesn't think it's finished yet, but personally, I think it's powerful enough to be displayed on the stands as it is.
I was simply overwhelmed by the depiction of a blue-scaled dragon rising high into the sky from the water (or rather, the sea?), sending out violent splashes.
As expected of Amami-san, who was in charge of the design.
"So, what do you think?"
"No, to put it mildly, this is amazing… Can I take a picture and send it to Umi?"
"Fufu, it's not finished yet, but if you're okay with that."
Seeing me excitedly taking a picture of the blue dragon that appeared behind the gym on my smartphone, Amami-san smiled gently.
For her, who had been working on it since the beginning of the summer vacation, she must have been relieved to get a good reaction.
Even if you have confidence in your own work, when it comes to showing it to someone, anyone would feel a little anxious or nervous.
Even if it's a close friend.
"But it's not finished yet. What else are you going to do?"
"Um, the texture of the whiskers and scales, and then the detailed expression of the water splashes… the other members told me 'this is enough' and 'you don't have to overdo it', but I just couldn't agree."
"…Are you working on it alone because of that?"
"…E-ehehe."
Seeing her wry smile in embarrassment, it was probably a bullseye.
If this picture were drawn on a canvas, it might not be a problem, but in this case, it's a huge backboard made of several wooden boards combined. Even as a layman, I think it would take an unexpectedly long time to add shadows to each scale to give it more texture, or to express more realistic water splashes.
From the way Amami-san is talking, it sounds like 'just a little more', but when it comes to achieving the level of perfection that Amami-san is satisfied with, it feels like the real work is just beginning.
I'm sure the other members knew that, which is why they said 'it's enough'.
And I agree with that opinion.
There are probably very few people who would have the impression that 'they compromised' with this quality. To ask for more than this is already in the realm of 'Preference' or 'self-satisfaction'.
Amami-san knew that, which is why she was working alone.
"Amami-san, you're quite stubborn, just like Umi."
"Maybe. I've been next to her for so long, so I might have been influenced a little."
Saying so, Amami-san picked up her brush again and went back to the giant dragon alone.
No one would complain if this were the final version. Anyone you ask would say that Amami-san did a great job.
But still, Amami-san didn't accept that.
If you're going to do it, do it with all your might. And that means working to the very limit of your own abilities, not just from the perspective of others.
In that sense, both Umi and Amami-san are living a clumsy life.
And I, who have been greatly influenced by those two, am the same.
"Amami-san, um, can I help too? Even though I'm a complete outsider."
"! Eh… n-no, that's not right. It's something I'm doing because I want to, so I can't get you involved, Maki-kun…"
"So, are you going to stubbornly continue on your own? The event is just around the corner, and you only have so much time."
"Ugh… b-but, it's not fair to Umi either."
"…That's true."
However, I can't just leave her alone.
I don't know about other people, but the two of us, Umi and I.
I immediately took out my phone.
(Maehara) Umi-san
(Asanagi) Y~es?
(Maehara) I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but…"
(Asanagi) Nn-n. I just finished something.
(Asanagi) So, what is it?
(Maehara) This is the backboard we're going to display on the stands for the event.
(Maehara) [Image]
(Maehara) According to Amami-san, the finishing touches are still to come.
(Asanagi) …Ah, Yuu's usual thing.
(Asanagi) Last year's cultural festival, she pulled an all-nighter because of that…
(Maehara) Eh, really?
(Asanagi) Yeah.
(Asanagi) Yuu is quite particular about her paintings.
(Maehara) I see…
(Asanagi) But what about the other members? Don't tell me they're not there?
(Maehara) That's exactly it.
(Asanagi) Geez, our princess is as reckless as ever.
(Asanagi) I see. So, you're going to help with the finishing touches until I'm done, Maki?
(Maehara) …That's why I wanted to ask for your permission, Umi.
(Asanagi) You cheater.
(Maehara) Why does it come to that?
(Asanagi) Fufu, just kidding"
(Asanagi) But this is the last time, so don't forget that.
(Asanagi) Even if it's Yuu, it doesn't change the fact that you're alone with another girl.
(Maehara) …Yeah. I think Nitta-san said something similar to me a while ago.
(Asanagi) Is that so? Well, Nina is surprisingly observant. She's a good girl.
(Maehara) Umi praised Nitta-san…?
(Asanagi) Fufu, it's not like I'm always just giving her headlocks.
(Asanagi) When I'm done, I'll come over there too. Let's go home together.
(Maehara) Thanks, Umi.
(Asanagi) Hehe, no problem.
After a rather long exchange, I picked up a brush that hadn't been used yet.
I don't have any artistic talent, but I can at least follow Amami-san's instructions.
"…You're a fool, Maki-kun."
"Maybe so. Just like Umi and Amami-san."
"Muu… anyway, can I ask you to do the bottom right? Just scatter the white paint with a brush. The pieces are big, so you can be bold with it."
"Roger."
And so, the work with Amami-san began.
Amami-san, who is usually talkative, was silently absorbed in her work this time, and when she spoke to me, it was only for detailed instructions on the finishing touches of the painting.
Time flew by in a flash.
"—Alright, that's about it for today. Maki-kun, thank you so much for your help today. It's thanks to you that I was able to make a lot of progress… How is it? I think it looks a lot better than the one you took a picture of earlier, don't you?"
"…Well, that's true."
There's still work to be done, but when you compare the finished parts with the unfinished parts, the impact is completely different.
At first, even while working, I had the thought 'is it really necessary to go this far?' in the back of my mind, but when it's presented in a visible form, it makes me think '…maybe it was good to do it after all'.
I don't know how many times I've felt this, but… as expected of Amami-san.
I also took a quick look at the other teams' work as a scout, but even from a layman's perspective, I think the quality of the blue team's work is outstanding.
"Well then, we should be heading home soon, so let's clean up. Maki-kun, how's Umi doing now?"
"Um… she said she's finished with her work for today, so she'll come and pick me up in about five minutes."
"I see. Ah, so I don't get in your way, I'll go home alone today, so don't worry, okay?"
"It's a little late to be considerate now… well, I'll leave that up to Amami-san."
"Ehehe, roger that, captain."
"C-captain? You're trying to give me another weird nickname… and don't I feel more like an assistant than a captain today?"
"You think so? Nina always calls you 'Class Rep', so I wanted to use a similar nickname."
"…Rejected."
"Aww~"
"Don't 'aww' me."
It's rare for me to have a conversation with just Amami-san, but surprisingly, I'm able to chat smoothly without getting stuck for words.
My relationship with Amami-san started at almost the same time as my friendship with Umi began, as a 'friend of a friend', but gradually, Amami-san was becoming a person I could be comfortable with in my mind.
…Of course, just as a friend.
After that, we continued to chat about trivial things, and after we finished cleaning up all the tools, the finishing work for the day was over for the time being.
At first, I was wondering how to kill time after school without Umi… but if you look for it on your own, you'll find it surprisingly easily.
"Maki-kun, thank you for your hard work today. I'll ask the other members to work with me from tomorrow onwards."
"Roger… I'm looking forward to the finished version on the day."
"Yeah, look forward to it… Ah, Maki-kun, can you turn your head this way a little?"
"Eh? Um, like this?"
"Yeah, yeah. It looks like you have some of the white paint we were just using on your hair… ah, yeah, it is. Ehehe, I'll get it for you."
"Ah, wai—"
Suddenly, I noticed Amami-san's face getting very close as she tried to touch my hair, and I instinctively took a step back.
I've become able to have a conversation with her without any problems… but as always, I'm troubled by the way Amami-san closes the distance.
"Ah… I-I'm sorry! Umi and Nina have told me so many times, but I did something that could be misunderstood again—"
"No, this time it was my fault for being clumsy… um, thank you for trying to get the paint off my hair."
"Yeah, well, you're welcome…"
Just a moment ago, we were able to interact like normal friends, but because of my blatant distancing, the atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
In a situation like this, I should have been able to refuse the offer more naturally and gently… but it seems that my communication training is still not enough.
"Um… well… then, I'll go home alone as planned. Maki-kun, see you tomorrow."
"Eh? Ah, yeah. See you tomorrow…"
After a clumsy conversation as if we had returned to this time last year, Amami-san left the place as if she were running away from me.
I made things strange because of my actions, but at the same time, I don't think I could have done anything else right now.
Amami-san is my friend and we get along well, but she's a girl, and she's becoming so famous that there's almost no one in school who doesn't know her.
If this were a closed place with only close friends like Umi and Nitta-san, it would be a different story, but this is a school where many people can see us.
"I'd like to think that no one is watching… please don't let any strange rumors start…"
Without any trouble, just peacefully—as the chime indicating that it was almost time to go home echoed through the school, I kept praying in my head.
"—Geez, I finally found it. Don't just leave it in a place like this, honestly."
I picked up the bag that was left all alone on the desk at the very back of the library and cursed under my breath.
It's fine to lend me the latest volume of a manga that just came out… but just because you can't wait for me to finish my business and come back, you don't have to take my whole bag with you.
And after reading what you wanted in the library, you just leave it there as if it's no longer useful, and go home without me.
"Sorry. I was thinking about a lot of things and forgot about your bag."
If you just looked at the message, it looks like he's apologizing, but I can picture my 'friend' on the other side of the screen with a malicious smile on his face.
I immediately knew that I was being used as a punching bag to vent his frustration. I haven't heard the details, but it seems that he was flatly rejected by a first-year girl he became close with (according to him) when we were preparing for the sports festival, and because of that, his mood has been particularly bad for the past few days.
I've been friends with him since middle school, but he hasn't changed at all since then. He just acts like a big shot in the group he always hangs out with because he's physically bigger than the others, and he misunderstands that he might be attractive, so he hits on girls in groups that are out of his league, and gets disgusted and blatantly avoided, over and over again.
And at the very bottom of those hopeless people, was me.
"…!"
I felt miserable changing into my school uniform alone in the dimly lit and quiet library, and the back of my eyes hurt slightly.
Why am I surrounded by people like this? I've never been late or absent from elementary school to now, and my grades have always been closer to the top.
I've been working hard and seriously all this time, and I should be able to communicate to some extent.
…I've never once thought that school was fun. I'm always being subtly made fun of by someone, and being teased in a subtle way that doesn't count as bullying, and while I'm crying inside, I desperately put on a fake smile.
I should cut off such a relationship right away. I understand that in my head.
But… I'm still unable to escape from my current position.
And before I knew it, I just accepted it.
No matter how stupid it was, I wasn't 'alone'.
"…Excuse me."
After bowing politely to the empty library, I headed to the entrance to go home quickly. Since the sports festival is just around the corner, the school building is still quite lively with the shouts of cheerleading practice and other conversations even just before the time to go home.
"I'm thirsty, so I guess I'll buy a juice and go home."
In order to quench my parched throat from walking around looking for my bag, I went to the vending machine next to the cafeteria. There are also some on the way home and in the station, but it's cheapest to buy at school. I don't have a part-time job, so these daily accumulations are surprisingly not to be underestimated.
Besides, at this time, I probably won't stand out even if I'm walking alone.
"…Hmm?"
And the moment I saw the white vending machine at the edge of my vision, I noticed the voices of a man and a woman coming from a distance.
"Maki-kun, thank you for your hard work today… … …"
"Roger… doing."
"That's… Amami-san and, Maehara-kun… I guess."
From the conversation, I'm sure it's my two classmates.
I know that Amami-san said she would stay behind to work alone, but why is he here at this time when he has no work.
"Well, it has nothing to do with me anymore… He's in a different world from me now."
A little while ago, I had jealous thoughts and said blunt and sarcastic things to him, but I felt miserable every time I thought about it, so I stopped thinking about him and tried to keep my distance from the people around him as much as possible.
Why only him?
"…No, I should stop. Any more than this would be too far."
But even if I tell myself that and try to leave, my feet, my gaze, are still firmly directed at the two of them.
"…I wish I could have fun with a cute girl like that too—"
Suddenly, such words slipped out of my mouth.
"Ah, Maki-kun…"
I instinctively took out my smartphone from my pocket and took a picture of the decisive moment.
Amami-san is getting extremely close to Maehara-kun and doing something… I can't see the details because of the distance between us, but it's also true that it's clearly not the distance between 'friends'.
Depending on the angle you look at it, maybe—
The moment a certain imagination crossed my mind, I instinctively hid behind the vending machine and held my breath so that the two of them wouldn't find me.
I took a picture without thinking.
A beautiful girl who everyone in school knows, and a plain-looking classmate with a faint presence.
It's a hidden shot. I know I'm doing something that's not good in terms of common sense.
…But.
"He has a girlfriend named Asanagi-san, but he's also secretly with Amami-san… that's not right, is it?"
In the end, I just couldn't bring myself to delete the image I had just taken.