Just when we were having such a nice, clear autumn day, I thought, no way, not now.
I had a bad feeling during lunch break when the air coming in through the classroom window felt damp, and sure enough, the rain that started right after homeroom was already coming down hard enough to soak the ground. According to my phone's weather forecast, it looks like this rain will keep up until at least tonight.
Do I brave the downpour and head home, or wait in the classroom until it lets up? A tough choice, but it didn't concern me this time.
"Um, I think it was around here… Ah, there it is."
Rummaging through a corner of my bag, which was stuffed to the brim with textbooks, notebooks, and other school supplies, I pulled out the folding umbrella I always kept inside.
Since forgetting things is a pain, I tend to keep everything I might possibly need for school in my bag at all times. I know it's lazy, but it really comes in handy on days with sudden rain like today, so I can't quite bring myself to stop.
Well, even if I didn't have an umbrella, I hate staying at school, so I'd just head home quickly, even if it meant getting soaked to the bone. It's not like I have anyone I'm close enough with to borrow an umbrella from, anyway.
…Or at least, 'the me from a little while ago' didn't.
"Whoa, it's really pouring. Umi, what should we do? It's not gonna stop anytime soon, so should we just make a run for it?"
"No way, we'd be soaked in an instant… Nina, you don't know anyone who has an extra umbrella, do you?"
"It was a clear blue sky without a single cloud this morning, who'd be carrying one? What kind of weirdo does that?"
My bad for being a weirdo, I muttered to myself, trying to casually slip past the trio of girls.
They were Amami-san and Nitta-san, two of the most popular girls in our class, and also—
(…Hey.)
(…Yeah.)
While Amami-san and Nitta-san were looking out the window, Asanagi and I exchanged glances.
Asanagi Umi. It was still a secret from the rest of the class, but she was the first, and most precious, friend I'd ever made.
To avoid being noticed by Amami-san and the others, I moved away and opened my phone.
(Maehara) Asanagi, you don't have an umbrella?
(Asanagi) No, I have one.
(Asanagi) My mom made me bring a folding one because she had a feeling it might rain.
(Maehara) Sora-san is amazing…
(Asanagi) But Yuu and Nina don't have one, so we were trying to figure out what to do.
(Maehara) Ah, I see.
Two people could probably manage with one folding umbrella, but adding a third would be tough—or rather, it'd be impossible. They could give up and abandon Nitta-san (hypothetically, of course) so Amami-san could go home, or have someone pick them up… or, they could borrow another umbrella from some kind, good-natured person.
Right. And as it happens, I have one right here.
(Maehara) Asanagi, it's just a folding one, but do you want to borrow it?
(Asanagi) Huh?
(Asanagi) What do you mean, borrow? What'll you do if we use it, Maehara?
(Maehara) Well, if I lend it to you, I obviously won't have it anymore, so I guess I'll get a little wet.
(Asanagi) Idiot.
(Asanagi) There's no way I can let you do that. What if you catch a cold?
(Asanagi) Idiot.
(Maehara) You don't have to call me an idiot so many times.
(Asanagi) I can't help it, it's the truth.
(Maehara) S-Sorry.
(Maehara) But this way, the three of you can go home together.
Even if I get wet, and even if my uniform is still damp the next day, no one's gonna notice. But if that happened to Asanagi and her friends, it'd definitely be a problem.
Since becoming friends with Asanagi, I've learned just how much she cares about her appearance. Her blazer, blouse, skirt, and socks. Since she stands out more than the average person, she pays meticulous attention to every detail from head to toe so she won't feel embarrassed anywhere she goes.
If my one umbrella can prevent that, well, I think it's a fair trade.
(Asanagi) …Geez, you're impossible.
(Asanagi) If you're going to insist, I guess I could use it, but…
(Maehara) Got it. I'll discreetly leave it in the umbrella stand by the entrance.
(Asanagi) No, you don't have to go that far.
(Asanagi) I'll do this instead.
(Maehara) This?
I couldn't help but tilt my head at Asanagi's message, but right after, I heard her voice from the classroom.
"Yuu, there's no point in waiting for the rain to stop, so I'll lend you my umbrella. You and Nina can use it."
"Huh? But then you'll get soaked, Umi."
"It's fine, I'm having my mom come pick me up. I just contacted her and she said she'll come get me by car. Uncle is using the car for work, so that's not an option for you, right, Yuu?"
"Yeah, but…"
"It's fine, it's fine! Besides, look, Nina's right there with a 'Lucky☆' look on her face."
"…Nina-chi~?"
"Ugh… But come on, this seems like the best solution for everyone… right? Let's just do what Asanagi says, okay?"
"Mmm, well, if you insist…"
So, it seemed to be settled that Amami-san and Nitta-san would use the first umbrella. And as for the other one I had—
(Asanagi) Maehara.
(Maehara) Yes?
(Asanagi) I'm gonna find an excuse to get rid of them, so wait somewhere quiet for me.
(Maehara) …Um, Asanagi-san? Are you perhaps thinking of doing something rather bold?
(Asanagi) …Sharing an umbrella between friends isn't that big of a deal, is it?
I knew it. So that's what this was about.
Sure, there was some truth to what Asanagi said, but that only really applied to friends of the same gender.
In any case, it was decided, so I had no choice but to follow her instructions and wait for her in a deserted spot near the school entrance.
After a few minutes of feeling more restless than usual.
"—Maehara, sorry to keep you waiting."
"! Ah, yeah."
"Well then, I'll be in your care today."
"…Here you go."
"…Excuse me."
With those modest words, Asanagi huddled up close right next to me under the umbrella I was holding.
"Um, aren't you a little too close?"
"! I-I can't help it. I'll get wet otherwise. …You idiot, Maehara."
"You called me an idiot again."
"Because you are an idiot. …Idiot. Idiot, idiot."
After that, Asanagi continued to mutter under her breath next to me with a flushed face, but thanks to the heavy rain, I couldn't hear most of it. Was that a good thing, or a bad thing?