"Nina told me everything," I said, cutting straight to the chase the moment I entered my best friend's room. "She told me why you two fought."
"…Mm."
"She said you have feelings for Maki. Not as a friend, but…for real."
I'd had my suspicions, of course, but unlike Nina, I'd chosen to wait and see rather than jump to conclusions. But now, watching my best friend nod in quiet resignation, a small sigh escaped my lips.
So, she's finally admitting it.
"…Yuu, what is it about Maki that you like so much?"
"Um… I, I…"
"It's okay," I reassured her. "I'm not going to yell at you or judge you. …Though, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little angry."
"…I'm sorry."
"…Yeah."
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
"…Mm."
I pulled my tearful best friend into a hug, holding her close as she whispered her apologies, waiting for her to calm down. I knew it was partially my fault for letting things get this far.
Why did I have to say that back then?
I knew Yuu might be listening, but when Nina asked, the words 'cut ties' just slipped out. I only thought it for a second, but I said it aloud. I'm such a terrible person.
If only I'd laughed it off and said something like, 'How dare you make a move on my boyfriend! You're the worst! I'll kick your butt for that!' then maybe things wouldn't have gotten so complicated.
A single flick on the forehead—or maybe a hard one—as she apologized… That should have been enough to settle everything.
But that wasn't how it played out.
Then and now, I was too obsessed with Maki to let it go with a simple joke.
I couldn't even stand the thought of him being with another girl.
Logically, I knew there wasn't a one-in-a-million chance he'd fall for anyone else.
But what if that girl was Amami Yuu?
What if it was Yuu, a girl so breathtakingly beautiful she could have stepped out of a fairytale, a true heroine whose smile was as radiant as the sun?
What if Maki ends up falling for her more than he likes me?
As I dwelled on that possibility, the bad feelings I'd harbored for Yuu resurfaced, boiling inside me.
I was the one who should be apologizing, not her.
Once again, I was taking advantage of my best friend's kindness.
"…Hey, Yuu? Maki's super nice, isn't he?"
"Yeah," she sniffled. "He's usually shy and tries to avoid attention, but whenever we're in trouble, he's the first one to rush over and help."
"And when you're feeling lonely, or just need someone by your side, he's always there, isn't he?"
"Exactly… Maki-kun is always worrying about us. Probably more than he worries about himself."
"I know, right? And he's so clumsy because he's not used to it, which makes you worry and feel like you have to watch over him instead."
"…And before I knew it, Maki-kun was the only one I was watching."
"You just can't take your eyes off him, can you?"
Yuu seemed to have calmed down a little and started to open up.
Maybe it was because we were talking about the boy we both loved, but I found myself wanting to share my own stories and complaints.
As I listened, watching the happy expression that graced her face while she spoke of him, I knew without a doubt.
Amami Yuu was truly in love with Maehara Maki.
"So you fell for him too, huh, Yuu?"
"Yeah. I did."
"We're best friends, but we didn't need to have the same taste in guys, you know?"
"Hehe, I know. But it just goes to show how wonderful Maki-kun is."
"Right? Why doesn't anyone else see how amazing he is? Are our classmates blind?"
To us, he was a bundle of potential. His looks could be improved, his personality was outstanding, and he absorbed everything you taught him like a sponge, constantly growing.
For now, it was just us, but I knew that as time went on, more and more people would start to notice his charm.
"So, Yuu."
"…Yes."
"What do you want to do now? Tell me how you honestly feel."
"…"
Her gaze drifted as she fell silent, lost in thought.
Then, with a hand on her chest, Yuu slowly began to lay her true feelings bare.
"I… I love Maki-kun. I tried to forget him, to find someone new, but I just couldn't. …Umi, love is incredible, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is."
But because it was 'incredible,' it was also complicated. The feeling of loving someone could give you immense strength, but it was difficult to control. If it went in the wrong direction, things could become irreversible.
…Just like with us right now.
"But, Umi… I love Maki-kun, but I love you just as much. My own feelings are important, but if you get hurt because of them, then it's all meaningless. If you're not smiling, I can't smile either."
"Even if, hypothetically, Maki became your boyfriend?"
"Yeah. That's why I was so worried. And I still am."
Maki was important, and so was I. There was no number one.
I understood how those two feelings could coexist because I used to feel the same way.
"Umi, let me ask you something instead. When you found out I liked Maki-kun, what did you think? What do you want me to do?"
"I…"
Now it was my turn to be completely honest.
It wasn't fair for me to ask Yuu to open up if I wasn't willing to do the same.
I had to put my hand on my chest and tell my best friend what I wanted, no matter how selfish it sounded.
"Yuu, I need you to get over Maki. I don't want you to stay friends with him while you still have feelings for him. …D-Don't…"
"Umi…"
"Please… don't make me feel any more insecure than I already do…"
I slowly squeezed out what I truly felt.
As her best friend, I was scared precisely because I knew almost everything about her.
A love that had Yuu this conflicted wasn't something she could just throw away.
We could have tried to carry on as if nothing had changed, letting her feelings for him gradually fade into a memory. In a few years, the five of us might have even laughed about it together.
That was probably the best way to resolve this.
But it would have left my heart in a constant state of anxiety.
As long as the thought 'Amami Yuu likes Maehara Maki' existed in my mind, I couldn't see her as my best friend.
So, I needed her to forget about Maki.
I needed her to change "I like him" to a definitive "I liked him."
"So that's how you feel, Umi."
"Yeah. …But that's not all. I also want to help you, Yuu. That's not a lie."
'Don't make me insecure' was my deepest emotion, but I also genuinely wanted Yuu to find a happy resolution to this.
Liking someone isn't a bad thing. I didn't want this love to become a trauma that prevented her from moving on to her next romance.
If Yuu couldn't smile, then I couldn't smile either. I didn't want to force my selfish desires on her alone.
"Yuu."
"Umi."
""…What should we do?""
And so, we were back to where we started.
I didn't know.
How could we satisfy both of our feelings at the same time?
"…Whatever you decide, Umi, I'll follow it. I'm not in a position to be making requests of you."
"Whoa, don't play dirty now. This is a discussion, so you give your opinion too, Yuu. It's just an opinion, so I won't get mad, I promise."
"…N-Not even cut ties?"
"I won't!"
We tried to brainstorm various solutions, but nothing seemed to stick.
We had slipped away during the barbecue and couldn't leave the others hanging forever. We needed to decide on something, at least for now.
It would have been easier to just end it simply with,
'Forget about Maki.'
'Yes, I understand.'
…but both Yuu and I were complicated people.
"—Ah."
"What's wrong, Umi? Did you think of something?"
"Well, I'm not sure if it's a good idea… and it's not something we can decide on our own."
But personally, I didn't think it was a bad idea.
It was a way to reconcile my honest desire for her to be done with him and my selfish wish to respect my best friend's feelings as much as possible.
The solution I came up with was…
"…You know, Yuu."
"What is it? You can tell me anything."
"Yeah. …Don't be surprised, but I want you to hear me out."
I knew this choice would hurt me quite a bit. That it was a stupid suggestion. And Maki would probably be exasperated with me.
…But still.
"What if you and Maki went on a date? Just one."
"…Huh?"
I just couldn't think of any other way to settle everything.
※※※
"—So, that's what happened."
"…"
I understood the general chain of events, but I had no idea how to respond.
I had a vague idea of why Umi had suggested such a thing, even without knowing the details of her intentions.
Umi was probably suggesting the same thing Nitta-san had. She wanted me to stop hiding my feelings and carrying this burden alone. Now that I'd been found out, she wanted me to confess properly, get rejected properly, and finally put an end to my first love.
The suggestion of a one-time date between me and Amami-san was likely born from that idea.
A setup for Amami-san to confess to me and get turned down.
I knew better than anyone what a handful Umi could be.
"So, what do you think? Maki?"
"Even if you say that… Umi, are you really okay with this?"
"I'm fine. I've made up my mind. Yuu has agreed to it too."
Umi was a jealous girl, and she knew it. Even though she should have been confident in my devotion to her, she'd get upset if I so much as talked to another girl, and sometimes it would take all day to coax her back into a good mood. That's why I was so surprised—and confused—when she told me to go on a date with Yuu.
If I had suggested something similar, I'm sure I would have been met with a lecture and a punishment that wouldn't have ended with just a flick on the forehead.
And yet, Umi had deliberately made a choice that was like sacrificing herself.
"Maki, I'll ask you again. …On your next day off, could you go out with Yuu… on a date? You can choose the place, and I won't say anything. I won't get in your way."
So I could handle it my way.
How I would spend the day with Amami-san.
And how I would ultimately answer her feelings.
"…Sorry. Even if it's a request from you, Umi, I can't do that."
I listened carefully to Umi's story, processed it, and then turned down her suggestion.
In that moment, I noticed Umi's eyebrows twitch in displeasure, just for a fraction of a second.
"And why is that?"
"…Because you're the only girl I ever want to do something like that with, Umi."
It was the result of being honest with myself, without any unnecessary complications.
Umi must have agonized over this suggestion. Even if it was just for one day, and even if she had promised Amami-san that this would never happen again.
Another girl. Amami-san, standing next to me where she should be.
She must hate that.
That's why I refused.
"You don't really want this either, do you, Umi? Offering me up to Amami-san like this… Deep down, you're terrified, aren't you?"
"Of course I am! I hate it! I was worried that one date might be enough for Yuu to win you over, that she might actually steal you away from me, Maki! I'm so scared!"
"Then you don't have to do that. You haven't done anything wrong, Umi. You can think more simply."
If I were in Umi's shoes, there's only one thing I should say.
—I'm sorry.
And that would be the end of this story. Just like when Nozomu confessed to Amami-san.
They were managing somehow. Even if there was a bit of an awkward distance at first, friends are friends. We should just follow their example.
"…Maybe so. That's probably what's normal."
"That's right. Normal is fine. So why…"
"Because I won't be satisfied with that. You get it, don't you, Maki? My feelings."
But this time, Umi wouldn't be swayed.
She stubbornly shook her head, "Maki, you have to understand. I've spent my whole life depending on Yuu. When we first became friends, when I ran away from her in middle school, and when we finally made up in high school… Every single time, I prioritized my own feelings. And every single time, kind-hearted Yuu forgave me and took me back. I was always the one who started things, always the one who dragged her into my messes, hiding behind convenient excuses like 'we're friends' or 'we're best friends'."
"You feel bad because Amami-san has always been forgiving you?"
"That's right. Since I was forgiven, I have to forgive her too. Otherwise, we can't be equals. Especially if we're best friends."
Umi said that, but was it really true?
I knew Amami-san was a kind person, but she wasn't a pushover. She was someone who could clearly say when she didn't like something.
So why would a person like Amami-san accept what Umi called her 'selfishness'?
It's because Amami-san felt even more indebted to Umi… no, she felt a great sense of gratitude towards her.
For reaching out a hand to her when she was all alone. For creating a place where she could be herself. For always being her best friend, no matter what.
Meeting Umi must have been that significant for Amami-san, and that's why she was trying to respect Umi's feelings and accept them completely.
Her words, 'I'll follow what Umi says,' seemed to express that.
"…But even after all this, you won't listen to my request, will you, Maki? Even though it's a rare request from your cute girlfriend."
"I don't mind anything else… but sorry, this time I think you're wrong, Umi."
"Tch…!"
I usually affirmed and accepted most of what Umi did, but this request was difficult to comply with.
It wasn't about right or wrong.
If Umi felt even a little bit bad, even if it was something my beloved girlfriend had already agreed to, I would firmly say NO.
And while Amami-san was an important friend, she was ultimately 'just a friend.' I might go out with friends, but it was impossible for me to go out 'alone' with a 'girl' friend.
If I were to go on a date, it would only be with Umi.
"Is it really a no-go? I'm begging you!"
"Yeah. It's a no-go."
"You idiot! You just don't get it, Maki!"
"I'm fine with being an idiot."
"You're so stubborn!"
"That's right. When it comes to you, Umi, I will absolutely not give in."
"…Nghh!"
Usually, our opinions aligned as if our hearts were connected, but this time we were at a stalemate, stubbornly refusing to bend.
This might be the first time since we became a couple.
I didn't want to fight if I could help it. I always wanted to be with Umi… it's embarrassing to say, but I always wanted to be a lovey-dovey couple. I'd rather be all over each other than fight.
But I felt like I couldn't back down now, just this once.
The conversation died down after that, and we both walked down the dark road with our heads down.
"Umi, your hand—"
"…Don't touch me. I… I, I haaaate you, Maki!"
With those words, the hand that had been so tightly intertwined with mine was easily shaken off.
And just like that, our time was up for the day.
"…Anyway, let's just leave it at this for today."
"Yeah. Well, I'm heading this way."
It was customary for me to see Umi home and say hello to Sora-san, but in this state, she'd know at a glance that we were 'fighting,' so I decided to follow Umi's lead.
…Well, the moment I don't come over to her house, she'll probably have a vague idea anyway.
"Umi, well then, see you tomorrow."
"…"
"What about tomorrow morning? Should I come over for a change?"
"…I'll message you when I wake up."
"Got it. …Well, I'll be waiting."
"…Idiot."
Without saying 'see you tomorrow,' Umi quickly went inside.
She said she'd contact me tomorrow, so she'll probably keep her word.
…I guess I should prepare myself to get ready alone tomorrow morning.
"Umi, I'm sorry. …But I want you to understand."
Left alone in front of the Asanagi family's home, I muttered to myself.
Just when Amami-san and Nitta-san had made up, and we were about to start over as a group of five, now my relationship with Umi was getting awkward.
It hadn't even been a year since we became a couple, but when you spend such intense time together, these kinds of disagreements are bound to happen. Even if we have the same hobbies, the same taste in food, and love each other, it doesn't mean we have the same values.
I understood that all too well today.
It was our second fight since Umi and I became friends, and our first since we became a couple.
The first time, I managed to push through without reading the room, but this time, I had a bad feeling that the same approach would be a mistake.
Should I listen to Umi and go on a one-time date with Amami-san?
Or should I stick to my guns and have them reconsider the conclusion they came to together?
It seemed like it was going to take a little more time for the five of us to truly get back to how things were.
The fight with Umi from yesterday dragged on, and after a sleepless night, morning arrived.
I got out of bed earlier than usual, and as I was preparing breakfast for my mom, who leaves for work early, my phone chimed from the table.
It was a message from Umi.
(Asanagi) Good morning.
(Maehara) Good morning.
(Asanagi) I'm walking with Yuu and Nina this morning to make up, so I can't come over.
(Asanagi) Not that you'd miss me anyway.
(Maehara) That's not true. I'm lonely when you're not here, Umi.
(Asanagi) Well, I'm not.
(Maehara) That's cold.
(Asanagi) It's not.
(Asanagi) It's because you're being stubborn, Maki.
(Maehara) That's my line.
Even when I tried to distance myself from Umi and cool my head, as soon as we started talking like this, I got heated up again.
This was just going to be a repeat of yesterday, so I tossed my phone onto the sofa and forced myself not to look at the screen.
Ping, ping, messages or stamps were being sent from Umi one after another, but it was probably better to leave them for now.
I brewed a very hot black coffee and took a sip to calm myself down.
"…"
The morning felt so quiet without Umi here.
The sound of the kettle whistling, the sizzle of the sunny-side-up eggs in the frying pan—it all felt incredibly lonely now.
—Maki, it's boiling.
—Maki, isn't it about done? I like mine runny, by the way.
Just one day without Umi, and I was already so lonely I was hearing her phantom voice.
…It seemed like Umi was going to win this endurance contest.
"—Fwaah… sleepy… Maki, breakfast~"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm making it now, so go wash your face. Are you okay on time today?"
"Somehow… Mmm, but first, the bathroom, the bathroom…"
Just as I was about to give in to an indescribable loneliness, my mom crawled out of her bedroom, and her presence managed to distract me.
Having an existence even more slovenly than my own pathetic, lonely-self right in front of me was a stark reminder that I needed to get my act together.
For the first time in a while, I felt like thanking my mom.
"Morning, Maki. …Huh? Umi-chan isn't here today? Usually at this time, you two are being all lovey-dovey."
"We're not like that all the time. …Looks like she's over at Amami-san's house today. So you'll have to put up with just me this morning."
"…What? Did you get into a fight with Umi-chan?"
"Huh? How did you know… No, no, it's not like that."
"Hmm… So, what happened? Tell your mother all about it."
"Um, could you not proceed with the conversation on the premise that we had a fight?"
I tried my best to deny it, but my mom seemed convinced, staring at my face intently.
Usually, she was all about work and lived a slovenly lifestyle, but at times like this, she properly returned to being a mother to her only son.
"Maki, come on, just tell me already. If you don't tell me, I'll skip work."
"Aren't you just looking for an excuse to skip work… Well, it would be a problem for our household finances if you did, so I'll tell you."
Even if I didn't say anything, she'd probably go to work when the time came, but when she got like this, my mom was persistent, so I had no choice but to give in.
…Maybe Umi was being grilled by Sora-san in the same way.
I could easily imagine Umi's pouting face as Sora-san questioned her, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"…Maki, are you okay? You're not emotionally unstable or anything, are you?"
"I was just thinking bout something… Anyway, it's about yesterday, right?"
I had no choice but to briefly explain yesterday's events to my mom, leaving out the parts related to Amami-san to avoid making things too complicated.
The disheveled figure that had been wandering around the room a moment ago was gone, and now she was listening to my story with a sharp expression.
"Hmph. So that's what happened," she said. "Well, you two have been dating for almost a year, right? It's normal for couples to fight. That man and I used to argue at least once a month back in college."
"And you still managed to get married… But right now, your old stories don't matter. This is about us. …Who do you think is right, Mom?"
"Hmm, let's see…"
After taking a bite of freshly toasted bread and a sip of the black coffee I made, she declared,
"—In any fight, both sides are at fault!"
"! Ow."
She gave my head a light karate chop.
It didn't hurt, but it was so sudden that I yelped reflexively.
"…is what I'd like to say, but that's a difficult question."
"Then what was that for?"
"For making Umi-chan sad."
"That… might be true, but."
But I thought that simply accepting Umi's request would only be a temporary solution and would end up making her sad in a different way.
Knowing Umi's personality, which didn't approve of half-assed things, if she wanted me to go on a date, she would expect me to do it properly, even if it was just for one day. It wasn't about the itinerary or the escorting, but about giving the person in front of you your full attention. That was the minimum courtesy.
I agreed with that, and when I was on a date with Umi, I did my best to do so.
But that was only because I loved Umi.
I could never do the same for Amami-san.
"Anyway, what I can say is, 'talk properly with Umi-chan.' When she doesn't come over like today, you can't just leave it like that. If you distance yourselves because you're fighting, you'll end up like me and your father."
"…Yeah."
Even if it starts with a trivial misunderstanding, if they pile up, even a married couple who have sworn their future to each other can fall apart.
I respected my mom and dad, but I didn't want to be like them.
"Come on, if you understand, then hurry up and get ready and go to Umi-chan's place. I'll take care of everything here."
"Got it. Then, please take care of the kitchen cleanup, laundry, cleaning, and prepping for dinner."
"...…Can't I just do the kitchen area?"
"Please at least do the laundry. There isn't much today."
I decided I'd do the cleaning and the rest when I got back from school. After making myself presentable, I left the house.
She might already be on her way to Amami-san's house, but in that case, I could just go there myself.
It didn't matter if Amami-san and Nitta-san were there. I was supposed to be the guy who didn't read the room, after all.
"Maki, have a good day. Do your best."
"Yeah, I'm off. You too, Mom, good luck with work."
After my mother saw me off at the entrance for the first time in a while, I hurried to the Asanagi house.
I did send a message saying, 'I'm coming to pick you up today after all,' but it was only marked as read.
I briefly considered going straight to Amami-san's house, but first, I had to greet Sora-san.
I arrived at the Asanagi house in about ten minutes and rang the doorbell. As expected, Sora-san answered.
'Yes?'
"Good morning, Sora-san. It's Maehara. Sorry to bother you this early. …Um, is Umi still here?"
'Oh, good morning, Maki-kun. I'm sorry, she was relaxing in the living room until about ten minutes ago, but as soon as she got a message from a certain someone, she rushed to get ready and left.'
"I knew it… I see. Well then, I'll go after her."
'Thank you. Please catch her for me.'
"Of course."
I thanked Sora-san and headed for Amami-san's house as planned. Since she had promised (I assumed) to go to school with Amami-san and Nitta-san, she wouldn't go on her own.
"! Woof, woof!"
"Morning, Rocky. Sorry, I'll play with you properly later, so just bear with me for a little while."
"Whine…"
It wasn't like he understood my words, but perhaps sensing my unusual demeanor, Rocky simply licked my outstretched hand and slowly returned to the yard.
He was usually full of energy and acted silly, but maybe he was surprisingly smart.
I composed myself and rang the doorbell. This time, Amami-san answered.
'Huh? It's Maki-kun. Wh-What's wrong? So early in the morning.'
"Morning, Amami-san. …Um, I heard Umi was over here."
'Huh? Umi? Um… she hasn't come here, though.'
"Huh? Is that true? She's not hiding her breath next to you or anything?"
'There's no way she's doing that~ Aren't you with Umi today, Maki-kun?'
"Yeah. …By the way, Amami-san, you don't have plans to go to school with Umi today?"
'? Yeah. I'm planning to go with Nina-chi, but I figured we'd meet Umi on the way, so… Does that mean she already went to school?'
"…Probably."
I had been expecting Umi to come out of the entrance, but Amami-san's reply was unexpected.
…Right, I remember now.
When Umi wanted to blatantly avoid me, she wasn't above using tactics like this.
She tells me, 'I'm going with Yuu and Nina~,' and even if I ignore that and go to pick her up, she's already escaped to another location.
In this case, it was probably her classroom, or maybe the student council room with Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun.
"That Umi… she lied."
'Maki-kun… Um, it's not good to talk out here, so why don't you come in? I want to hear the details too, and my mom next to me has been so loud—ah, Mom, stop—'
'Maki-kun? You must be tired from walking all the way here. Come on, come on in.'
"Ah, no, I appreciate the thought, but I have to go to school too—"
"Woof!"
"! Ah, hey Rocky, don't pull on my sleeve just because you have the chance…"
'Rocky, nice one. Keep holding onto Maki-kun just like that.'
"Awooo!"
"…I'm done for."
Rocky, who had snuck up beside me, swiftly detained me, and soon after, Eri-san arrived and I was escorted into the Amami house.
Well, even if I chased after Umi now, it would just end up being a game of cat and mouse. It was probably better to calm down and regroup here.
…Besides, it wouldn't be a bad idea to talk properly with Amami-san for once. And I could ask for help from Nitta-san too.
If Umi was going to be like that, then I was prepared to use whatever I could on my end.
"—Here you go. Is tea okay?"
"Yes. Um, thank you."
Pushed along by Eri-san's welcoming mood, I was led into the living room and took a sip of the tea she had brewed.
I was usually a coffee person so I didn't know much about tea, but the moment it entered my mouth, an elegant aroma spread, and I could tell it was high-quality tea leaves without even tasting it carefully.
It was delicious, but I might've felt somewhat restless because of that.
"—Maki-kun, sorry to keep you waiting. Um, is it okay if I sit next to you?"
"Yeah. I mean, it's your house, Amami-san, so feel free."
"R-Right. It's just the first time you've come alone, Maki-kun, so it feels kind of weird."
Amami-san, having changed from her pajamas into her uniform, hesitantly sat down in the chair next to me.
In my haste to chase after Umi, I'd come over early and she hadn't gotten ready properly. Her school uniform's tie was crooked, and a single strand of hair escaped her ponytail at an odd angle, like a stubborn cowlick.
"Yuu, Maki-kun came all this way to pick you up, so you need to look a little more presentable. Here, let me fix it for you, come here."
"I-It's not like Maki-kun came to pick me up… Geez, more importantly, you're in the way, Mom, so go over there! Shoo, shoo!"
"Oh my, you're so cold, Yuu~ So stingy~"
"M-Mom!"
"Yes, yes."
Leaving with a 'take your time,' Eri-san went outside to feed Rocky, who was sitting politely in the yard.
Hayato-san had already left for work, so right now, it was just Amami-san and me in the living room.
I took small sips of the piping hot tea Eri-san brewed for me and told Amami-san about yesterday and this morning.
"So that's what happened…" Yuu said, her voice soft. "I'm so sorry, Maki-kun. This is all my fault, isn't it?"
"You just followed Umi's lead, right, Amami-san? There's no need to apologize."
"But… because I, um, about you, Maki-kun… you know?"
"Well, if you trace it back, I guess that's what it comes down to… But that's over now… ah, no, when I say it's over, I don't mean it in that sense."
"Y-Yeah! It's okay, I get it. Yeah."
Although we hadn't reached a proper conclusion yet, we were effectively in a 'rejector (me)' and 'got rejected (Amami-san)' relationship, so as soon as we became conscious of that, we couldn't help but become distant with each other.
But that was that, and this was this. Nothing would start unless we talked properly.
"Amami-san, can I ask you something straight up?"
"Y-Yes!"
"Amami-san… do you, um, want to go on a date with me?"
"Ugh… um, well, you see…"
After looking around to make sure Eri-san wasn't watching from somewhere, Amami-san gave a small nod to my question.
"So, is that a yes?"
"…To be honest, I think I might be… a little interested."
"And that has nothing to do with Umi telling you to do it?"
"Yeah. I've heard a lot about your dates with Umi from her, so I've definitely felt a little envious, you know? Besides, with you, Maki, I don't think I'd be weirdly nervous."
In other words, Amami was on Umi's side.
She had the official stance of respecting Umi's wishes, but she was also curious about going on a date with a guy (me, in this case), so for her, there was no reason to go against Umi.
And Nitta probably felt the same way. In fact, she'd probably say something like, 'Just go on a date with her, it's not like you'll lose anything.'
So, at this point, the score was 'Umi: 2 vs. Me: 0'—if it were a vote between the five of us, the winner would've been decided right then and there.
"So, personally, I'd be happy if you gave in, Maki. Oh, but if Umi says, 'No dates after all,' I'll follow that. I do think… you're a nice guy, Maki, and if we could go on a date, I'd be happy about that, but… Umi's feelings still come first for me."
"That part never changes, huh."
"Nope. Because Umi is my best friend."
So, I had no choice but to somehow convince Umi.
If I couldn't rely on Amami or Nitta… who else could I talk to about this?
Someone who had the kind of relationship with Umi where she'd listen and change her mind.
"…I see. Well, I'll try to manage on my own for a little longer. Thanks for the tea. And please thank Eri-san for me."
"Eh? You're leaving already, Maki? Since you're here, why don't the three of us hang out with Nina-chi today…?"
"That might be nice, but if Umi saw us, I feel like I'd get more than just an earful, so I'll pass."
"Fufu. You're the same as always, even at a time like this, Maki."
"Well, we're in the middle of a fight, but I still love Umi just as much."
"I see… Aah, Umi's so lucky~ To have someone who loves her so single-mindedly. I want someone like that too~."
"…You'll find someone too, Amami, I'm sure of it."
But one thing was certain: that person would never be Maehara Maki.
I think she probably figured that out from our conversation.
"Well then, it's a bit early, but thanks for having me."
"Take care, Maki. I'll head over once Nina-chi gets here, so I'll see you in class."
"Yeah. In class."
This time, with Amami seeing me off, I hurried back the way I came and headed for school.
It was the time of day when you'd see a few students heading to morning practice for their clubs, but still early for regular students to be arriving, so if I just marched into Class 11, it shouldn't cause too much of a stir.
Before that, I needed to check if she was in the student council room, just in case.
(Maehara) Takizawa, good morning.
(Takizawa) Good morning, senpai.
(Takizawa) What's up? It's so early.
(Maehara) Sorry about that. I'll explain why later, but… where are you right now, Takizawa?
(Takizawa) Me? I just got to the student council room with Mio-senpai.
(Takizawa) We had something urgent to prepare.
(Maehara) Thanks for your hard work. So, Umi's not there, then?
(Takizawa) Asanagi-senpai? Right, it's just me and Mio-senpai right now…
(Maehara) I see. Thanks. Good luck with your work.
(Takizawa) Yes. Thank you for your concern.
Now that I had a pretty good idea of where Umi was, I didn't even glance at my own class, Class 10, and headed straight for Class 11.
Peeking through the window facing the hallway, I saw Umi sitting in her usual seat, chatting happily with her close female classmates (Hayakawa, Shichino, and Kaga).
There were other students, but still very few.
So, with a nonchalant look, I opened the door to Class 11, but…
"—Oops, Maehara, this is as far as you go."
"This is a problem, customer. If you want to talk to our Umi-chan, you'll have to get through us first."
"…Maehara, I think you could at least drop off your bag in your own classroom before coming here, don't you?"
The moment they noticed my intrusion, the three of them immediately stood up to block my path.
Through the gaps between them, I could see Umi looking at me with an exasperated expression.
"Sorry, I want to talk to Umi alone…"
"Nfufu~ we'd love to let you, but our princess here insists that you don't, so what can you do?"
It seemed Umi had calculated this far ahead.
As I puffed out my cheeks in frustration, Umi stuck her tongue out at me cutely.
From an outsider's perspective, it might have looked like a cute, childish squabble, but we were dead serious.
For a moment, I considered forcing my way through, but while Shichino and Kaga were small, Hayakawa (vice-captain of the girls' kendo club) in front of me was too strong, so there was nothing I could do.
"…Alright, I get it. In that case, I'll retreat for now."
"You'll come back at noon? Why not just give up for today?"
"…"
I stared at Hayakawa and the others in silence, letting that be my answer to her question.
I knew I was bad at giving up, but when it came to Umi, I was even more stubborn.
"Umi."
"…What."
"I'll be waiting."
"…Do whatever you want."
"Yeah. I will."
With that declaration to Umi, who had turned away from me with a 'hmph,' I dejectedly left Class 11.
This time I'd been played right into her hands, but as long as Umi didn't leave school early, there would be plenty more opportunities.
At this point, it was a battle of attrition.
But before that…
(Maehara) Umi.
(Asanagi) What.
(Maehara) If you really hate me being so persistent, I want you to tell me.
(Asanagi) Idiot.
(Maehara) Got it.
(Asanagi) You really got it from just that?
(Maehara) That you don't really hate it, at least not yet.
After that, she left me on read, but she was probably muttering "Maki's an idiot" in the classroom.
Thinking that made me feel a little better.
Still, Umi's guard was especially tight today, and in the end, I didn't get a single chance to talk to her all morning.
I'd check on Class 11 every time a class ended, but today there were always at least two people around Umi, so I couldn't find an opening.
However, I was a little surprised that Nakamura, who would normally be the first to get involved in this sort of thing, hadn't joined Umi's circle.
I guess she was too busy with student council work to deal with this, but personally, I was very grateful.
My visits were denied, my messages had been shut out since the morning, and now it was lunchtime.
As expected, my lunch invitation sent to Umi's phone was ignored, and as I was wondering what to do, Amami came over. Right behind her was Nitta.
"Maki."
"Yo, Class Rep. Heard from Yuu-chin, you guys are really goin' at it, huh."
"I'd prefer to settle this peacefully, but… well, this is just how it is."
They were probably worried about us, but I never expected my position to switch with Amami and the others in such a short time.
Last year was the same, but why do things always end up progressing with me and Umi at odds?
Amami and Nitta, who had been in a tense relationship for over a month, were already sticking close together as if nothing had happened.
"We thought you'd be lonely eatin' by yourself, so we, in all our cuteness, came to ya. Or are you gonna distance yourself from everyone like someone we know?"
"Ahaha, Nina-chi, who is this 'someone' you're talking about?"
"Huh? Your classmates are right here, but you really want me to say it? Wouldn't it be bad if Arae-cchi and the others found out?"
"Th-That's not true! Right, Nagisa-chan!"
"…Don't drag me into this."
The tense atmosphere they created, as if remembering last month's fight, made me nervous, but you could also say that Amami and Nitta's relationship had reached a point where they could say whatever they wanted to each other without holding back, so maybe this was fine.
Amami and Nitta were no longer 'just friends.'
"Come on, Maki, let's go. We gotta have a strategy meeting about how to make up with Umi."
"I'd appreciate the help, but… are you sure? I thought you two were on Umi's side this time, Amami, Nitta…"
"We are, but right now, you've got like, zero allies, Class Rep, right? So, well, at least we, your 'friends,' have to back you up or you'll look pretty pathetic. Right, Yuu-chin?"
"That's right. So, let's go to the usual spot! Oh, and it seems Nozomu will be joining us later."
"Ah, yes… hey, okay, I get it, could you please not pull on my uniform so much…?"
Led by Amami, who was back to her usual bright self, the three of us, excluding Umi, headed to our familiar spot in front of the warehouse in the corner of the school grounds.
I did report to Umi, 'We're at the usual spot (all of us),' but I never thought I'd come here without her.
"—Yo, sorry to keep you waiting. …Whoa, she's really not here."
"Is it really that surprising…? Nozomu, thanks for coming, anyway."
"Don't thank me for somethin' like this. So, where should I sit?"
"Seki, you're on the ground."
"Oh, really. Well, I guess I'll just have to put up with sitting next to you. Here Nitta, scoot over, scoot over."
"Hah? Geez, you're such a pain… If you touch me even a little, I won't forgive you."
"Yeah, yeah."
Including the banter between Nitta and Nozomu, the three of them were completely back to normal.
…Now, if only Umi and I could join them.
"I was surprised when I heard from Amami, but… you're in a tough spot, Maki. Even though you didn't even do anything."
"Agh."
"Oh, a critical hit on Yuu-chin. Seki, you've got it when it counts. My opinion of you just went up a little."
"Y-You think? But still, no matter how you look at it, Maki's not at fault here… or rather, if anyone's at fault, it's Amami for falling for him—"
"Gueh…!"
"Nozomu, Amami's taking damage, so let's leave it at that for now."
He was being pretty merciless for Nozomu, but considering what Amami had done to him, it couldn't be helped.
Umi and I are a couple, Amami fell for me, and Nozomu has had a one-sided crush on Amami this whole time—at a glance, we might seem fine, but things are actually a bit complicated under the surface.
It's not a bad thing that we're close, but… from now on, we have to think about our distance and learn from this.
"So, how are we gonna get Asanagi in front of Maki? Knowing her, the direct approach probably won't work."
"Hmm… Maybe we could lure her out with some delicious-looking food, and then have Maki waiting where she shows up…?"
"The only one who'd fall for such a classic trick is you, Yuu-chin."
"I-I wouldn't fall for such an obvious trap!"
"Then it's no good, is it…?"
If I wasn't picky about the method, there were plenty of ways to get close to Umi. I could wait for a moment when she's alone, like before school or after school, or I could have Amami or Nitta call her out.
But with those methods, could I really achieve my original goal of 'talking one-on-one with Umi until we're both satisfied'? If we did meet, but her attitude only hardened, it would be counterproductive.
Not by force, but by having her come to me of her own free will.
How could I bring about such a convenient situation?
As the four of us ate lunch and threw out ideas… none of them were a perfect 'this is it,' and just like that, lunch ended.
"The fifth period is about to start, so let's wrap it up for now. …Thanks, everyone. For taking the time for me."
"It's not for you, Maki. It's for you, and for Umi."
"That's right. We can't rest easy without you two lovebirds around."
"Hurry up and make up so the five of us can fool around again."
"…Yeah. You're right."
Umi and I both feel the same way, so in the end, I have to go with the direct approach.
All I can do is tell her what I honestly feel, say 'I want to make up,' and hope she forgives me.
What I need now is a place for that, and a pretext to get Umi there.
Someone, something, anything.
As I took out my phone with a feeling of desperation, I noticed I had a message.
(Takizawa) Maehara-senpai.
(Takizawa) I'm sorry to contact you right before the fifth period.
(Maehara) It's fine, I don't have to move classrooms or anything, so I still have a little time.
(Maehara) So, what's up?
(Takizawa) Yes. I'll give you the details after school, but…
(Takizawa) There's something I'd like to ask you senpais for advice on.
(Maehara) Senpais… not just me?
(Takizawa) Yes. The president asked me to ask all of you.
(Maehara) Nakamura?
(Takizawa) That's right. Maehara-senpai, Asanagi-senpai, Amami-senpai, Nitta-senpai… Seki-senpai will probably be busy with club activities, so it might be difficult.
Since class was starting, we decided to continue during the break after the fifth period, but I couldn't contain my excitement.
With this, Umi would definitely come. No, she'd probably want to refuse, but knowing her, she shouldn't be able to turn down this request.
Without hesitation, I firmly grasped the hand of salvation that had been extended from an unexpected place.
After that, I somehow managed to get through the fifth and sixth periods, and then came the long-awaited after-school hours.
The first place I headed after leaving the classroom was the student council room.
"—Excuse me."
"We've been waiting for you, Maehara-senpai. We're preparing seats for everyone now, so please wait a moment."
"Ah, I'll help too. I was so excited that I got here way earlier than I'm supposed to."
They had set the meeting time a little later to accommodate us, but I was so happy to finally be able to have a proper conversation with Umi today (or so I planned) that I bolted from the classroom as soon as SHR (short homeroom) ended and came straight here.
By the way, Amami and Nitta were both on duty, and Class 11 with Nakamura and Umi was still in SHR. Nozomu had club activities, so he wouldn't be participating in this discussion.
"I was a little surprised when I heard about it, but… you're doing it again this year, following last year. A Christmas party."
"Yes. It was originally supposed to be a one-time event last year, but we received more requests than expected to hold it again this year… so this year, Tachibana Girls' Academy is taking the lead on planning."
"I see. In that case, our current student council should be enough."
"Yes. They said they'll have enough staff on their end, so it won't be a problem."
"They're really motivated, huh. I wonder if they have someone like last year's Tomoo-senpai over there?"
"Let's see… I've met that person a few times during meetings, and they did have a similar vibe."
The student council members had been busy working in parallel with the sports festival, and this was the reason.
When I looked at the proposal, it seemed that two or three more schools were scheduled to participate this year, and the venue would be moved to an even larger location to accommodate them.
And the reason they wanted our advice was to get our opinions on the management, content, and progression of the joint high school Christmas party with neighboring schools to be held on Christmas Eve in late December, as we had participated as staff last year.
But if that's the case, rather than calling us, who were more like 'helpers' than 'staff,' it would be faster to call last year's organizers, Tomoo-senpai and the other former student council members… well, I guess I shouldn't think too deeply about the personnel selection here.
I just have to do what I was asked to do.
As I carried chairs and long tables for everyone from the resource room next to the student council room and arranged them with Takizawa's help, the others who had finished their errands started arriving one by one.
"Hello~… Ah, there you are, Maki. I told you to wait until my duty was over, but you always run off somewhere."
"Yo, Class Rep. …And Takizawa too."
"Hello, Amami-senpai, Nitta-senpai. Please take the seats across from each other."
The two of them sat down at the U-shaped arrangement of desks, leaving four seats.
The vice president, Takizawa, and the president, Nakamura, would sit at the middle desk, which meant that the two seats arranged to face Amami and the others would be for me and the last person… Umi.
Takizawa and I also took our designated seats, and after a few minutes of waiting…
The two from Class 11, having finished their slightly late SHR, arrived at the student council room.
"Oh, everyone's here already. Impressive, impressive. …Come on, Umi-chan, don't just stand there, hurry up and come in."
"…Excuse me."
As expected, she couldn't refuse a request from Nakamura, and although she looked reluctant, Umi showed up in front of us.
It hasn't even been a full day since our fight, but seeing her up close, she looks even cuter.
"President, everything's ready, so let's get started. Asanagi-senpai, could you please sit next to Maehara-senpai?"
"Ah, yes…"
Since Nakamura quickly took the seat next to Takizawa, she surprisingly sat down next to me without much fuss.
"Umi, um… good morning."
"Good morning? It's almost evening."
"But I haven't had the chance to say it all day. …So, good morning, Umi."
"…'Morning."
She still wouldn't look at me, but the fact that she returned my greeting was a step forward.
Just that alone made my downcast mood much better.
"Nfufu, that's great, Maki."
"Hey Asanagi, I get it, but stop being so stubborn, okay? That's not cool."
"It's fine, whatever. I don't care if I'm not cool."
Umi turned away from Amami and Nitta, who are grinning at our exchange, showing a small act of defiance.
Looking at her hands, it seems like she's busy doing something on her phone… and as I'm thinking that, I get a message from Umi.
(Asanagi) Maehara.
(Maehara) Yes, Asanagi?
(Asanagi) Please do not come within a two-meter radius of me.
(Maehara) Um, can we stop with the physically impossible requests?
(Asanagi) Then, don't touch me so casually.
(Maehara) Can I hold your hand?
(Asanagi) Of course not.
(Maehara) Aww~
(Asanagi) Don't 'aww' me.
I'm partly playing dumb, but I'm just so happy to get an immediate response that I can't help but get carried away.
Since we're right next to each other, we could just talk, but for the two of us right now, this might be an easier way to communicate.
"…Maehara, Asanagi, if you two are that deprived of each other, would you like to use the resource room next door? It's soundproof, so it's okay if you make a little noise."
"Th-That's alright! Geez, Nakamura, you idiot!"
"Ahaha, my bad, my bad. …Souji, please start the explanation."
"Um… well, we don't have much time, so let's just get started. Senpais, please take a look at the materials in front of you."
With Takizawa as the moderator, we started with an overview of the Christmas party. It'll be held on Christmas Eve, December 24th, same as last year, and in addition to our school (Joto High School) and Tachibana Girls' Academy High School Department, several other high schools in the city will be joining. The venue has been moved from last year's citizen's hall to a section of an event hall. It's a venue used for a wide range of purposes, like product exhibitions and music concerts, and the rental fee must be incomparable to last year's, but apparently, the organizers at Tachibana Girls' will handle it.
…It's rude to say, but as expected of a rich girls' school.
"So, as Souji explained, the framework is set, but the content… in other words, what kind of events will entertain everyone during the party, hasn't been decided. With just the two of us, Souji and I, our ideas tend to be a bit biased."
"Please don't drag me into this. You're the one with biased ideas, Mio-senpai."
"Hmm? What was that? You're one to talk, your idea was pretty lewd too."
"What's lewd about everyone in the venue dancing together…? You're letting your weird imagination run wild, Mio-senpai."
I see, it seems it would be better for us to think about this.
By the way, the content of the event will be officially decided at next week's representative meeting, so this is a pretty big responsibility.
"Hmm, I don't think dancing is a bad idea. It's surprisingly fun to dance to a song with everyone, and it could be a good way to get to know people from other schools."
"Yeah. But some people might end up being left out, so in terms of everyone having an equal amount of fun, a bingo tournament is probably the safest bet, don't you think? If we make the prizes luxurious or add a little twist, it could get pretty exciting."
Looking at the materials, it seems the party would be extended from two to three hours, probably due to the increased number of participating schools. So, a bingo tournament is fine, but if we had one more exciting event, we should be able to keep the participants' excited.
"What do you two think, Maehara-senpai and Asanagi-senpai? Anything at all, even something silly, is fine."
"Hmm… maybe a game that everyone participates in, or a quiz competition between schools… but that might be too cliché and unexciting… um, what do you think?"
"? Umi, by 'you,' do you mean me?"
"You're the only one next to me."
"Well, that's true, but…"
Umi's being more tsun-tsun than usual, but she seems to be listening to what I have to say, so I want to give an opinion that she and everyone else will be satisfied with.
Personally, I think the dance idea Amami mentioned earlier is fine. A dance time at a Christmas party would probably involve pairing up with a partner, so I could just enjoy it with Umi.
…If I only think about myself, that would be fine, but…
"Maehara-senpai, what do you think?"
"Same as Umi, I can't really think of a 'this is it' idea… If I could decide the event however I liked, well, I might have something."
"That's perfectly fine. It might even spark a good idea."
"It's called brainstorming, Maehara. Come on, Souji and I threw out a bunch of embarrassing ideas, so you should be embarrassed with us, too."
On the whiteboard behind Nakamura, there were several ideas listed under 'just throwing it out there.' Things like a comedy live show with a professional, or a matching event for boys and girls from each school, things that would likely be rejected due to budget constraints or being too ill-mannered for high schoolers in a public setting.
…If I can give an opinion on the premise that it won't be adopted, there is one thing I'd like to try.
"Alright, I'll give my suggestion then."
As everyone's eyes gathered on me, I stood up from my seat and wrote my wish on the whiteboard.
'Holy Night Shark B-Movie Watch Party'
"…"
The moment they saw my opinion written in modest letters, the air in the student council room froze for a second.
"…See, I knew you'd react like that."
"Eh? Ah, but, I think it's very you, Maki, and I think it's great. Putting aside the sharks, showing a movie might not be a bad idea. Right, Nina-chi?"
"Ugh, don't pass it to me, Yuu-chin… W-Well, a full-length movie would be too long, so maybe a short film would be okay. Like fifteen minutes, or thirty minutes."
"Y-Yes, that's right. And if it's a video we made ourselves, the inside jokes would make it even more exciting. Right, Mio-senpai?"
"Sounds good. Editing software is pretty good these days, and as long as we're not too particular about the content, it won't take too much of our budget or time."
I'm glad that my opinion sparked a lively discussion again, but it's a little sad that the shark element was eliminated so quickly.
…I personally think watching a shark movie while everyone makes comments would be fun, though.
"…Pff, ahaha."
As usual, 'B-movie' and 'shark' didn't resonate with Amami and the others at all, but there was one other person besides me who seemed to agree with my opinion wholeheartedly.
"Umi, you don't have to laugh that much…"
"Sorry, sorry. But no matter how fun it is, you can't just show a shark movie in front of a large crowd. What's fun about being shown a video of a person being swallowed whole by a man-eating shark on Christmas Eve? What kind of punishment game is that?"
Seeing the other four move on with the conversation after quickly dismissing the sharks, she seemed to have found it hilarious.
…I was being pretty serious, though. Of course, I'm very happy about Umi's reaction.
"But I kinda get how you feel, Maki. Shark movies can pretty much meet any demand. Quality is another story, though."
"Yes, that's it. If time is an issue, there are short ones, and if you don't like blood, there are ones without any, and there are even complete comedies."
"Right, right. Shark movies have everything."
"So much that they have nothing, kind of."
"Ahaha, what's that? I don't get it. …But for some reason, I feel like I understand."
Umi laughed at me, but this is the first time today I've been able to have a proper conversation with her.
Of course, it's not a big deal, and it's not like we'll make up because of this.
Still, I was happy that Umi and I could get excited about something together, even for a little while.
I was relieved to be reminded that my relationship with Umi hadn't changed.
"Hey Umi, sorry to interrupt while you two are having so much fun, but does this mean you've made up with Maki?"
"Th-That and this are, um… separate issues…"
"Then why are you laughing and crying at the same time, Umi? Isn't it because you're relieved to be able to talk to Maki like usual?"
"! Huh? No, I didn't mean to…"
"Ah, sorry. I guess I was mistaken. You weren't crying at all, Umi."
"…"
The moment Amami stuck out her tongue and feigned ignorance, Umi's face turned beet red and she was about to pounce… but Nitta stepped in between them just in time.
"Whoa… Asanagi, stop, stop! I get it, but causing a scene in the student council room is a bad idea!"
"Nina, let go! That joke was unforgivable! And hey Yuu, don't hide behind Nakamura! You coward!"
"Eek~ Umi's scary~"
"…Honestly, you guys are as noisy and energetic as ever."
The serious meeting had turned into a chaotic atmosphere that was impossible to control, and even Nakamura sighed in exasperation.
Amami teasingly enjoying my close relationship with Umi, Umi getting defensive when her sore spot was poked, and in those cases, Nitta stepping in to mediate and maintain balance.
I feel like I saw this kind of scene many times before Umi and I became a couple, or right after we started dating.
We've gotten used to being a couple and have been openly affectionate lately, ignoring that kind of teasing.
But this is where it all started for Umi and me, and for the five of us including Amami, Nitta, and Nozomu.
"…Haha, ahaha."
Not caring that Nakamura and the junior, Takizawa, were there, the three girls continued their familiar scene, and a single tear naturally streamed down my cheek.
…I was still a crybaby.
"! Maki…"
"M-Maki, are you okay? Was your stomach hurting from Umi pinching you so much earlier?"
"Yuu-chin, you should stop pushing it, okay? I'm going to get mad too. …Class Rep, if you're tired, you wanna take a little break?"
"No, I'm fine, I just laughed a little too hard. It's just tears from laughing."
Still, I hadn't slept much since last night, and my emotions had been all over the place since early this morning, so I might have been mentally exhausted.
Perhaps out of consideration for that, there were no more major discussions after that, and we decided to continue pick things up on another day.
There will be a continuation. That means, at least for now, I can be with Umi in the same way again.
Leaving the rest to Nakamura and Takizawa, we decided to head home first.
The four of us walked together down the dimly lit corridor as the evening sun had set.
"Hey Umi, let's all go home together today, okay? Please?"
"…Um,"
Umi glanced in my direction, but in the end, she seemed to accept Amami's request and gave a small nod.
"Umi, um…"
"What?"
"I'm sorry about before. For making you worry unnecessarily because of me."
"No… I'm sorry too, for some reason."
We both said 'sorry,' but it wasn't a 'sorry' of reconciliation, so the awkward atmosphere between us remained unchanged.
My beloved girlfriend, my lover, is right next to me, but right now, she feels incredibly far away.
If I reached out, I could touch her. I could hold her hand and feel her warmth.
But if I prioritized my own feelings and she got angry and rejected me… the thought of that made my body freeze up, unable to move.
…This is bad. I just cried, but my eyes and nose are starting to tingle again.
I can't show Umi any more of my pathetic side.
I tensed my face and forced the emotions that were about to spill from my eyes deep down inside my body.
"H-Hey Umi, I'm looking forward to the Christmas party. It looks like more people are coming, so maybe we'll see some of our classmates from middle school."
"Who knows? You might, Yuu, but everyone's probably forgotten about me. I wasn't that noticeable in that group. …Besides, I haven't even decided if I'm going yet."
"Eh? You're not going, Umi?"
"It's not that I've decided not to… but I'm not as into it as last year, I guess."
"Umi… oh, but I see. Even if you don't go to the party, you have Maki. So, are you two going to spend it together this year?"
"…Well, if our schedules line up."
"If our schedules line up… but, on that day, I think…"
As Amami glanced at me with concern, I shouldn't forget that the day of the party, Christmas Eve, is a very important day for me and Umi.
The day I properly confessed to Umi that I 'love' her.
The day Umi accepted those feelings, and we went from 'friends' to 'lovers.'
And the day I had my first kiss with Umi.
No matter what, I plan to spend that day with just the two of us. I've already told my part-time job that I can't work that day, and I've been slowly thinking about what to get her for a Christmas present.
However, Umi didn't give a clear answer and continued to dodge Amami's question.
"Anyway, I still haven't made any plans yet. I do want to go to the party, but my brother and Shizuku-san might come over to my house this year, and my dad might come home."
"I-I see. …Right."
When family matters were brought up, Amami couldn't argue any further, and her tone gradually softened.
I'm sure Umi doesn't want to avoid me or everyone else.
It's been a year since we became friends, and almost a year since we became a couple—she was the one who was more serious about anniversaries than anyone else.
But in our current situation, I can't say 'definitely.'
That's why she can only give a non-committal answer.
"Hey, Umi."
"…What?"
"I'll ask you one more time. …If I go on a date with Amami, you'll let everything go? Everything that's happened until now."
"!"
As if sensing what I was trying to say, Amami's and Nitta's gazes turned to me at almost the same time.
"Maki…"
"Class Rep…"
I feel like they're asking me, 'Are you really okay with that?'
Of course, personally, there's no way I'm okay with it. If I was, I wouldn't have rejected Umi's request from the start.
But I didn't want to make everyone worry anymore, and I didn't want to continue this stubborn standoff with Umi.
I'm sick of this atmosphere.
"Umi, are you really okay with this?"
"…I've been saying that from the beginning. I'm the one who decided. You're fine with it too, right, Yuu?"
"I… yeah. If Umi's okay with it, then I don't mind."
The question of whether this is really the right thing to do still remains. But if I give in, this situation will be settled for now.
On the surface, we can go back to being our usual selves.
Maybe it's not a big deal. Just going out with a girl other than Umi once. Umi knows about it, and I have no reason to be blamed for it.
But even as I tell myself that, the scene that flashes in my mind makes me hesitate to make a decision.
What if our roles were reversed?
If I saw Umi having fun with another guy, just the two of them…
…Even if it's just once, that scar would remain forever.
More than anything, I hated that.
"Maki, what's your answer? Will you grant my wish?"
"I…"
Should I take Umi's outstretched hand and make up for now?
Or should I push that hand away, knowing that the distance between us might grow?
What on earth should I do—
As I stood there, unable to do anything in front of a choice with no right answer…
—Beep, beep!
A goofy-sounding car horn reached us, as if breaking the heavy silence.
"? A light truck at this hour… maybe it's some kind of delivery person?"
"Maybe? But it's coming towards us, not the parking lot…"
A white light truck passed through the school gate and approached us at the entrance.
Amami and Nitta were tilting their heads in confusion, but Umi and I recognized it.
The delivery truck used for deliveries and stocking, with 'Shimizu' written on the door along with a contact number.
Ignoring our confusion, the truck slowly pulled up in front of us.
"—Yo, Maki. Sorry for showing up so suddenly like this. But this was the only time I had free."
"! Riku-san."
"…Big Bro?"
The person who emerged from the truck was Riku, dressed in a chef's uniform.
Umi must be dying to ask why he came all this way.
I was surprised too, but I was the only one who knew why Riku had rushed over here.
Because the one who caused Riku to come here was, in fact, none other than me.