It was a certain holiday, early on a Sunday morning, when the faint sunlight filtering through a gap in my curtains roused me from bed.
"…Heheh, I've really gotten used to waking up early, haven't I?"
Since it was a day off, I could have slept in a little longer. Until a few months ago, I would often stay up late and sleep until nearly noon, much to my mother's exasperation. But now, the early-to-bed, early-to-rise lifestyle had completely ingrained itself in me. It was a little before six in the morning… though I went to bed before eleven the previous night, so I'd gotten plenty of sleep. Lately, I've been able to wake up without even using my phone's alarm.
~♪, ~♪
Waking up feeling refreshed and in a good mood, I hummed a tune as I went down the stairs and took a shower in the bathroom. I don't usually have enough time for this on school days, but holidays are special.
…After all, I'm going to spend the whole day at my beloved's house, starting this morning.
After my shower, it was time for my daily morning weigh-in… but this was the one time I dreaded facing the numbers in front of me, just a little.
"…It went up after all, huh."
The weight displayed was about 500g over what I consider my ideal. I told myself that there's no need to worry too much since weight fluctuates daily with water retention and such, but it's been at this level for a week or two, so I have no choice but to accept it.
"I need to try and cut back a little again… But when I'm with Maki, I always have so much fun that I end up eating a lot."
I'm usually careful about maintaining my figure, and I consciously try exercise more according to my calorie intake, but still, various parts of my body get a little plumper every day.
…Could this be what they call "happiness weight gain"? Being happy is a wonderful thing, but I really wish it didn't bring along this unwanted child called fat.
For now, I set aside the thought of the 500g of soft flesh on my belly that I've recently been able to pinch firmly, and headed to the living room for breakfast. I want to lose weight, but skipping breakfast for a diet and messing up my body's condition would be counterproductive.
"Mom, good morning."
"! Oh, good morning, Umi. Breakfast will be ready in a bit, so just wait a moment, okay?"
"Okay~ Oh, I'll make the coffee, so you can handle the rest, Mom."
"Oh, really? In that case, I'll take you up on that."
It's a shame I can't say I'll help with breakfast preparations (in a cooking-skill sense), but I'd like to think that just standing side-by-side with my mom in the kitchen is a big step forward. Right now, I'm still in the stage of learning various things from her.
As I put the kettle on the stove and expertly prepared the filter and coffee grounds while it boiled, I suddenly someone's gaze from beside me.
"…Mhmhm~"
"? What's with the grin?"
"Do you do that at Maki-kun's house too?"
"…I do, so what?"
"Hmm~ Nothin' at all~?"
"Oh, is that so."
"My, how cold. Not too long ago, you would have gotten all red in the face and angry."
"…I'm used to it now."
It might be more accurate to say I've become defiant rather than used to it.
I've been more concerned than usual about my weight, figure, and appearance, and I've been gradually studying to learn things I'm not good at, like cooking, among other things… and there's only one reason for it all.
I love Maki. I love him so much. It's still embarrassing to be teased by my parents and friends for being a lovey-dovey couple, but it doesn't make my feelings waver, and I have no intention of stopping.
So now, I just try to brush it off with a, 'Because I love him. It can't be helped, can it?'
As if reflecting my inner thoughts, the kettle whistled to a boil. I turned off the heat and brewed the coffee just as I always do. I drink it almost every day, but I don't have any particular preference for a specific brand. I'm sure origin and quality are important, but personally, as long as I'm drinking the same thing as Maki and sharing the same taste, I'm happy.
Incidentally, the coffee at the Asanagi house is the same as at the Maehara house, the one on sale from the nearest supermarket. I wanted to use the same things at my house as he has at his, so I switched over when it was time to buy more. My mom prefers tea, like rooibos, over coffee, so she didn't complain.
With breakfast for two and coffee set on the table, the Asanagi family's day began.
"I think I said this yesterday, but Umi, you seem so happy every day."
"Really? I'm just normal, aren't I? Normal."
I think I've changed a lot compared to last year or the year before, but to me now, this is my "normal."
A refreshing morning, the same delicious meal as always. Family and friends who care about me. And, of course, a boyfriend.
…Well, to be honest, as long as I have my "boyfriend," I could manage no matter what, even if things weren't "normal."
Saying that much would be too much of a doting brag, so I'll keep that thought to myself.
"Normal, huh… Oh, by the way, Umi, do you have any plans today? If not, I'd like you to come grocery shopping with me."
"Plans…? Mom, do you really think I'd wake up this early if I didn't have any?"
"I don't, but."
"Right?"
When it comes to my weekend schedule, my calendar is already packed solid a year in advance, maybe even further.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—my schedule book is colored in one thing: "Maki." Of course, I don't actually write "Maki," and sometimes plans with Yuu, Nina, or my family come up, but aside from those irregular events, my weekend spot is a room in the apartment where my boyfriend lives.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I probably spend more time with him on weekends than with my own family.
I think my mom should be able to guess without me saying anything.
"Uhm… so, are you going to Maki-kun's place today too?"
"…Yes, I am. Is there a problem?"
"…But Maki-kun's not home today, is he?"
"Eh?"
"What do you mean, 'Eh?'… You were complaining about it last night, weren't you? That you were planning to go on a shopping date for the first time in a while, but it got cancelled because of a sudden shift change~"
"......Ah."
Seeing me drop the slice of bread I was holding, my mom gave a bitter smile, as if to say, 'You really are a handful.'
I go to Maki's house early in the morning on weekends. That has become such a routine that I completely forgot, but that's right, Maki has his part-time job today and isn't home.
Today a new volume of the rom-com manga we were both looking forward to was releasing, and we had planned to buy it and read it together. I'd been secretly looking forward to it since last week—
It all started on Saturday, the day before.
It was when Maki sent me a message before bed—
※※※
(Maehara) Uhm…
(Maehara) Umi-san, I'm terribly sorry to bother you this late at night.
(Maehara) But would it be all right if I took a moment of your time?
(Asanagi) ? Sure.
(Asanagi) What is it? You sound awfully formal.
(Asanagi) It's something serious, right? Probably.
(Maehara) Well, we talked enough nonsense on the phone earlier.
(Asanagi) Hehe. You were such a pervert earlier, Maki, weren't you?
(Maehara) That's… because you make me say those things.
(Asanagi) But you were interested, weren't you?
(Maehara) ......Yeah.
(Asanagi) Lewd.
(Maehara) Yeah, yeah, I am.
(Maehara) Hey, that's not what I wanted to talk about right now.
(Asanagi) Yeah, yeah.
(Asanagi) So, what is it?
(Maehara) It's about our plans for tomorrow.
(Maehara) Sorry. Is there any way we could cancel them for now?
(Asanagi) No way.
(Maehara) I knew you'd say that…
(Asanagi) Sorry, sorry. It's something serious, right?
(Asanagi) What happened? You wanna tell your big sister all about it?
(Maehara) Thanks, Umi.
(Asanagi) You're welcome.
According to Maki's explanation, after we had engaged in a call so lovey-dovey that we couldn't describe it to anyone else in a loud voice (or even a small one, of course), he received a request from his part-time job manager asking, "Could you come in for an emergency shift tomorrow?"
Apparently, a part-time employee scheduled to work that day had an emergency, and they absolutely needed a replacement.
Tomorrow is Sunday—Maki works at a pizza delivery place, so it's bound to be busy. If someone who's supposed to be there is absent at a time like that—it's not hard to imagine what would happen. The manager surely wants to avoid that if at all possible.
(Asanagi) I see. So that's what happened.
(Maehara) That's what happened.
(Asanagi) And? What did you tell them, Maki?
(Maehara) I told them I'd check my schedule and to give me a moment.
(Asanagi) Mmm. Reporting, contacting, and consulting are important. Good job on that, for now.
(Maehara) Thanks.
(Maehara) So, what should we do?
(Maehara) About tomorrow's plans.
(Asanagi) Our lovey-dovey shopping date, you mean.
(Maehara) We're just going to buy a book and come back, though.
(Asanagi) Still, it's an important plan for us, isn't it?
(Maehara) Yeah.
(Maehara) I was actually kinda looking forward to it.
(Asanagi) Lewd.
(Maehara) Why does it come to that?
(Asanagi) Because, story-wise, the new volume is definitely going to be THAT, isn't it?
(Maehara) Well, the rumors say so.
Just reading the same manga together, huddled close.
That's all it was, but we were both looking forward to it. Laughing together, getting emotional together, and getting into a nice mood. After finishing the manga, we'd lightly discuss our thoughts, and then spend the rest of the time playing games, watching movies, or just being lovey-dovey.
It might not be a big deal to other people, but for the two of us, it's an important day's plan.
That's why, deep down, I want Maki to refuse, and if I said, "I don't want to," I'm sure Maki would politely decline.
…But, you know.
(Asanagi) It's fine. You can go.
(Maehara) Are you sure?
(Asanagi) I don't like it, though.
(Maehara) Which is it?
(Asanagi) I don't like people canceling last minute, okay? But I can't ignore people who are in trouble.
(Asanagi) You didn't answer right away because you thought so too, right, Maki?
(Maehara) Yeah. They actually seemed really troubled.
(Asanagi) Then, we have no choice but to be the adults here.
(Maehara) …Thanks, Umi.
(Maehara) You could have been angry, but you understood.
(Asanagi) Huh? Are you saying I'm the best girlfriend ever for understanding my boyfriend so well?
(Maehara) I wouldn't go that far.
(Asanagi) Huh? For understanding my boyfriend so
(Maehara) I get it. Enough with the broken radio thing.
(Maehara) Uhm.
(Maehara) Umi you're always the best girlfriend.
(Asanagi) So, do you love me?
(Maehara) Yes. Very, very much.
(Asanagi) I wanna hear you say it, Maki~
(Maehara) …Come on, it's the middle of the night.
(Asanagi) Call: Call Duration 5 minutes 01 second
(Maehara) …Was that good enough for you?
(Asanagi) Ehehe, more than enough.
(Maehara) Jeez.
(Maehara) Well then, sorry for the short notice, but I'll do my best tomorrow.
(Asanagi) Yup. Do your best and earn lots of money for our date next week, okay?
(Maehara) Roger that, Boss.
(Asanagi) Attaboy. Work hard.
(Asanagi) Ehehe. Well then, goodnight, Maki.
(Maehara) Yeah. Goodnight, Umi.
※※※
…Even though I had agreed after flirting so much in the middle of the night, I was all set to storm Maki's place before his shift the next day, having fallen asleep in a blissful mood and completely reverting to my usual habits.
…Since when did I become such an airhead?
(Asanagi) Maki.
(Maehara) What is it?
(Asanagi) Do your best at work, okay?
(Maehara) Mmm. Thanks.
(Maehara) Well, I'm off.
(Asanagi) Yup. Be careful of cars.
(Maehara) You sound like my mother again…
(Maehara) Well, I get it.
(Asanagi) As long as you get it.
(Asanagi) See you later.
(Maehara) Yes.
After sending Maki off with a message pretending I never forgot about his shift, I flopped onto my bed.
Usually, even on weekends, his shifts were either just in the morning or just in the afternoon, but this time, since he was filling in for a part-timer, he was working a full day, which was rare.
Which means, it's confirmed that I'll be spending the day alone as well.
"Muu~… Mmuu~…"
Just a moment ago, I was full of energy, having a pleasant morning, but as soon as those plans were suddenly cancelled (my own fault, of course), my spirit deflated in an instant.
"…I'm bored." I muttered to myself as I rolled around on the bed.
It's not that I have nothing to do just because I'm alone. I could study if I have the time, or I could go shopping with my mother as she asked if I have no plans… but I just don't feel motivated.
Studying, shopping… both would surely be fun if Maki were with me.
However, I can't just lie here sloppily, so I decided to go to my brother's room to find something to kill time. My brother moved back to our grandmother's house for work, but he left most of his games, manga, and even some clothes behind, so when Maki comes over to our house, we often make use of them (※without permission).
…But I'm alone today.
"Well, I guess I'll practice in secret and surprise Maki the next time we play."
I chose a fighting game that's popular on streaming sites. It's been adjusted recently so that even beginners can easily pull off special moves and combos, making it enjoyable even for me. I played it a little bit with Maki the other day, and I remember having a lot of fun because the characters are unique, and many of the special moves are flashy and cool.
"............"
I jumped into ranked matches, where I could play against players from all over the country, and played the game in silence. Since I'm a beginner, I kept losing for the first thirty minutes or so, but as I practiced basic combos in training mode, I gradually started to win.
Reading the opponent's attacks, landing a counter, and then hitting them with a combo when there's a big opening… I had been avoiding it out of prejudice, but it might actually suit me.
Fighting games might be pretty good.
…So I thought, but after playing for about an hour, I turned off the game console.
"But I guess this is enough for today."
The game itself was very fun, but I was a little tired, so I went down to the living room on the first floor for a break.
Once I get hooked on something, I can usually play for hours on end, but something is definitely off about me today.
Just in case, I took my temperature with a thermometer… but 36.5 degrees is, by all accounts, a normal temperature. There's nothing wrong anywhere else.
The only thing that's different from usual… is that there's no one next to me today.
After quenching my thirst with a bottle of cola from the fridge, I lay down on the living room sofa.
"…Haaah."
I let out a sigh so big it even surprised me.
Until recently, spending a holiday alone was a fairly normal thing, but now, no matter what I do, it feels like something is missing.
Manga, movies, games.
They're just not quite enough to fill my boredom and loneliness right now.
"I wish Maki's shift would end soon… even though it's still morning."
Before lunch, all I can think about is when my boyfriend's shift will be over.
…There's a limit to how lonely you can be.
"Umi, you know… even if it's a holiday, isn't that a bit too sloppy? Just lying around on the sofa, staring at your phone."
"I-I know, but…"
I'm currently looking at my old texts with Maki saved in my messaging app. All our chats since we became "friends" are saved here, so I sometimes look back at them like this and grin to myself in secret.
Manga, movies, and games are fun, but…
…the time I spend with Maki is what's most precious to me right now.
"If you're that bored, why don't you try contacting Yuu-chan or your other friends? You've been stuck to Maki-kun like glue lately, so I think it's a good opportunity."
"Yuu, and maybe Nina… Well, it might be nice for a change…"
Until last year, I used to hang out with Yuu and Nina all the time, even on holidays, but since I started spending all my time at Maki's house on weekends, that's dropped to once a month, if that.
I feel like I'm making my best friend, Yuu, feel lonely, but maybe out of consideration for me and Maki as a couple, she doesn't invite me out as strongly as she used to, nor does she lean on me as much.
If Yuu is bored and alone, maybe it would be nice for the two of us to hang out for the first time in a while.
Accepting my mom's suggestion, I immediately decided to contact my best friend.
After a few rings, her usual bright and cheerful voice reached my ear.
"Hello, Umi? What's up? Aren't you on a date at Maki-kun's place today?"
"That was the plan… but he suddenly got called in for a shift. And it's from morning till evening."
"Ehh, really? So, does that mean you're alone right now?"
"That's right. I was just lazing around on the sofa and my mom got mad at me… So, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out now~"
"Yeah, of course! If you're inviting me, Umi, I'd be more than happy to! I mean, usually I'd come flying over to your place right away, but…'
"Hm? Yuu, are you busy today by any chance?"
"Yeah. Though, I'm just going out with some friends from class."
"I see… Your friends, you mean, like Yamashita-san, and also, uhm, Arae Nagisa, or something."
"Ehehe, you got it. It's my first time going out with Nagisa-chan, so I'm really excited."
"Ah~… Then it probably wouldn't be good if I was there."
"Eh? You think so? I don't think so, but…"
"No, it would be. Because of her, definitely."
If it were just Sanae, Manaka, or Yamashita-san, it probably wouldn't be a problem if I joined later, but if Arae Nagisa is there, it's a different story.
To be frank, I, Asanagi Umi, and Arae Nagisa do not get along at all personality-wise. Like water and oil, or cats and dogs… In any case, I have a feeling our opinions would clash over the smallest things.
I know she's not that bad of a person. But that doesn't mean I want to actively get involved with her.
Well, I'm sure she thinks the same thing about me.
Anyway, in that case, it's better if I hold back. Besides Arae Nagisa, Yuu's other classmate, Yamashita-san, is also there today. And of course, it would make Yuu worry unnecessarily.
I didn't want to ruin my best friend's precious holiday because of me.
"So, for today, you should go deepen your friendship with your two classmates. As for me, we can hang out some other time, it's totally fine."
"Hmm~… Okay. But let's hang out with Nagisa-chan sometime, okay? Nagisa-chan has a sharp tongue, but she's a really good person who cares about her friends."
"Mmm, okay. I'll think about it."
"…Umi, are you really going to think about it? You're not just saying it, right?"
"…Ehehe~"
"Jeez, Umi~!"
Putting off improving my relationship with Arae Nagisa for another time, I ended the call with my best friend.
It was a shame that Yuu had plans, but it was good to know that she was having fun and not depending on me as much as she used to.
She can do anything on her own even without someone like me. She's building another community with her own strength.
As her best friend, I should be happy about that… but instead, it seems like my place for today has been decided.
"I'm home, my dear sofa. I'll be in your care for the rest of the day—"
"Umi~?"
"Gah, Mom… B-but it can't be helped. I called Yuu, but she turned me down saying she had plans with friends."
It's slightly different from the truth, but it's a fact that Yuu had plans to hang out with friends other than me, so I'll use that to justify my lazing on the sofa as much as possible to my mom.
…Well, seeing my mom's expression now, it doesn't look like she's going to let me.
"Honestly, this child… I'm going shopping now, so why don't you go for a walk outside too? It's much better than just lazing around on the sofa doing nothing, don't you think?"
"A walk, huh… If it were with Maki, I'd gladly wander around."
"I'm telling you to get some exercise. Come on, stop acting like a dad on his day off and get going."
"…Fiiine."
Almost kicked out of the house, I was put outside in my loungewear and sneakers, looking like I was just going to the nearby convenience store.
My mom is heading to a wholesale supermarket a little far away by car, so considering the shopping time and travel time, she won't be back for an hour and a half to two hours.
I saw my mother off as she quickly got into the car and headed to her destination, and I let out a second big sigh.
At the same time, my stomach rumbled.
"Come to think of it, I haven't had lunch yet… Well, I have money, so I can just eat at the usual family restaurant."
And at a family restaurant, if I get the drink bar, it's easy for a student like me to stick around for an hour or two.
…The only problem is that I'm all alone right now.
If I had even one friend with me, I could make an excuse for lingering at the table for a long time.
I have a slight sense of unease, but I can't help feeling hungry, so for now, I headed to the family restaurant in front of the station, a favorite of Joto High students. On weekdays, it's bustling with students after school or after club activities, but since it's a holiday today, the number of customers is relatively sparse.
And most of those customers are families.
I really came to the wrong place, didn't I?
I'll eat lunch and get out of the restaurant as soon as possible—thinking that, I looked for a seat where I could eat quietly.
"Hm? That scrunchie and ponytail is…"
At the edge of my vision, I see a familiar back of a head and a light brown ponytail swaying.
When I casually peeked through the gap in the partition, I saw the girl I had imagined.
"Nina, what are you doing?"
"Wha-!? A-Asanagi… W-what are you doing here? Where's the class rep? Isn't he with you?"
"Maki has work from the morning. And my mom's not home either, so I came here to eat since I had no choice. What about you?"
"Well, I'm… kinda in the same boat…"
Nina stared at my face with a very surprised expression, as if my presence here was unexpected.
It's strange for me to say it, but today's Nina is completely in off-mode. Her hairstyle is the same as usual, but she's not wearing any makeup, and she's wearing a short-sleeved hoodie and half-pants, an outfit like Maki's. Her only stylish touch… I don't know if you can call it that, but she's wearing glasses (probably non-prescription) that I've rarely seen her wear, even on holidays.
It seems she was taking advantage of the lack of customers to occupy a four-person table by herself, snacking on light meals like fries and sandwiches, drinking juice and cafe lattes, and spending her afternoon holiday elegantly (?) while playing smartphone games.
…Well, I'm not one to criticize how she spends her day off. At least, I'm in no position to be acting high and mighty today.
"By the way, Nina, didn't Yuu invite you to hang out? She said she was going out with some kids from class today."
"Ah~… Well, she did invite me yesterday, and I was pretty much planning to go until halfway through, but… Arae-cchi was coming too, which is rare, so… you know?"
"I see, that's definitely the same boat as me."
Nina probably feels a little uncomfortable around Arae Nagisa even if it wasn't to the same extent as me. Or rather, Yuu and Yamashita-san, who have become close enough to hang out with that difficult girl on a holiday, are pretty amazing.
In my opinion, people like that are what you call "extroverts" or "social butterflies." In that sense, Nina and I still have a long way to go.
"Uhmm… wanna sit here for now?"
"It'd be weird to sit alone at a different table now, so yeah, I'll take you up on that. Nina, your glasses are in the way, move them."
"Yeah, yeah~"
I called a waitress over to clear away the glasses Nina had scattered, and ordered a few items from the menu. I often use this place after school or for class event after-parties; it's cheap, reasonably tasty, the portions are decent, and it's easy on the wallet.
"You know, it's pretty rare for you and me to be alone together on a holiday like this, Asanagi. Actually, is this the first time?"
"I think so? Yuu was usually with us before."
Looking back since the spring of my first year of high school when I became classmates with Nina, this is probably the first time we've been one-on-one in this kind of situation.
That in itself is fresh, and it was good that thanks to her, I didn't have to eat alone and lonely at a family restaurant.
"......"
"......"
Now then, how should I pass the time with her until the food arrives?
"Hey, Nina."
"What?"
"What are you doing now? A mobile game?"
"Yeah, something like that. I saw it in a commercial and thought it might be a good way to kill time~ It's boring with all the ads, though."
"H-huh. I see."
"Yeah. …Wanna play too, Asanagi?"
"Nah, I'm not really into that stuff, so I'll pass."
"Oh? Well, if you say so."
"......"
"......"
What is this, the conversation isn't going well at all.
I think it's safe to say Nina and I are "friends," but when we're face-to-face like this, I don't know what to talk about.
About our favorite games or movies… Nina can't really keep up with that, and conversely, I'm not familiar with the male idols she seems to like or the dramas and variety shows they appear in.
Our conversations are more mismatched than I thought.
Until now, the ever-talkative Yuu was always there between us, so I never had to worry about such things.
"Hey, Asanagi. You and I."
"Yeah."
"It's surprising… or maybe not, but we don't have a lot in common, do we?"
"Yeah. …Oh, but maybe there's one."
"Eh? What?"
"Maki."
"! Ah~ the class rep… yeah, that might be true for us. What? You got any complaints about your boyfriend? If you do, I'll listen for an hour, even two."
"Complaints, huh… Hmm, it's weird for me to say it, but I don't really have any right now, I guess. Well, maybe I do, but I even find his flaws endearing and lovable."
"Ah~ yeah, yeah, I get it. Thanks for the usual doting, please be happy forever and ever."
"You ask me yourself and then you just give up like that…"
It's not just us, it also applies to Yuu and Seki who aren't here, but when it comes to Maki, we can talk for hours.
Maki when he introduced himself at the start of high school, Maki who spent a lonely first semester and summer vacation without communicating with anyone, and Maki who grew as a person after becoming "friends" with us.
…His good points, his bad points, and his cute points.
Nina also subtly cares about Maki, so she should be able to pick up on what I'm saying.
Even in a place like this, Maki helps us out.
He's a truly reliable boyfriend.
"Oh, right. Hey, hey, Asanagi."
"?"
"The class rep has work from morning till night today, right? A restaurant on a holiday must be tough, but is he doing his job properly? I can see him doing behind-the-scenes work like cooking and chores, but he has to deal with customers too, right?"
"Yeah. He doesn't have a driver's license yet, so deliveries are left to his seniors or the part-timers, but he says he does everything else."
"Hmph, not bad. For class rep."
"The 'for class rep' part is unnecessary."
He started the part-time job to buy my birthday present and for future date money, but so far he's continued without quitting or slacking off.
I've been to the store a few times to scout… I mean, as a customer, and the work environment is definitely good. The manager seems to be a calm person who teaches him his work gently, and if there's any problem, his senior, Nakata-san, should be there to help.
I asked Maki about it casually before, and he said, "I'm finally getting used to it and it's fun"… so there shouldn't be anything for me to worry about right now.
"…So, why are you suddenly asking about that?"
"Just because. Well, I work part-time at a drugstore nearby, and when you're working, you know, they're there."
"Who is?"
"You know, there are. I run into them very rarely, but some nasty customers… I mean, some slightly mean customers."
"! Ah, I see."
The so-called "customer harassment." I haven't worked yet, so it doesn't really click, but according to my mom who works part-time, there are sometimes people like what Nina is talking about.
"It's a pizza delivery place, but they have a dine-in area, so it's kind of like a restaurant, right? I was just wondering if he's feeling down after being told unreasonable things and getting yelled at unfairly."
"Hmm, that… I think he's fine."
As I said earlier, when Maki has a shift, the manager or Nakata-san is usually nearby, so I don't think it would be a problem even if that kind of situation arose…
Just as I thought that, a loud crash of a plate shattering echoed through the restaurant.
—Hey, you, what are you doing! You got water on my clothes!
—I-I'm terribly sorry! My hand slipped… Uhm, I'll wipe it up right away…
Looking at the waitress, she's probably a student part-timer, a girl about our age, bowing her head desperately.
It was probably the girl's fault, but the customer's tone is so strong that you can see she's completely intimidated.
And the sight of the student part-timer bowing her head alongside the manager-like person who came running over somehow overlapped with Maki.
… I ended up imagining something unnecessary because Nina said something weird.
Sensing my state, Nina gave a wicked smile.
"Asanagi-chan, what's wrong? You seem all fidgety and restless. The restroom's over there, you know."
"Nina, I'm gonna hit you."
"Gah… H-hey, it was just a little joke… Well, to be honest, I'm surprised at the timing of it myself."
Of course, it's hard to imagine Maki ending up in a similar situation, but my personality has the drawback of my mind becoming completely fixated on one thing once I start to worry.
This is especially prominent when it comes to Maki.
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
I wonder if Maki's okay. I wonder if he's doing his job properly. The manager and Nakata-san seem fine, but what about his relationships with the other people? What if he doesn't get along with them and they're bullying him?
Worries I never usually paid attention to started to swell up in my head, one after another, triggered by that one thing.
"Hey, Asanagi-san."
"…What."
"If you're worried, you wanna go check on the class rep?"
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
To be honest, I do want to go check.
Just for a little bit, for ten minutes… no, even just five minutes to see Maki would be enough.
If I can just see my boyfriend's face as he works hard as usual, without any problems, I'll be able to spend the afternoon in peace.
"What'll you do? If you're just gonna check on him secretly from the shadows so you don't get in the way, I can lend you these glasses?"
"Hmm~…"
After thinking for about a minute, I pushed the non-prescription glasses Nina offered right back to her.
"It's okay, I appreciate the thought."
"Are you sure? You have a face that says you want to jump into your boyfriend's arms and be spoiled right now."
"What kind of face is that… Anyway, I'm not going. I'll just kill some time here with Nina and then go home."
I was worried about Maki for a moment, but I'm not the type to go and check on him every time.
It would be a nuisance if the two of us, me and Nina, were loitering around the store during what is likely the busiest time of the day in the first place. I think I could manage to not get caught by Maki, but there's a chance that Nakata-san or someone else might see us.
Today, I'll wait alone for Maki's shift to end. This morning, when I sent Maki off, I said, "See you later." If I said that, then the next thing I should say is surely "Welcome back." Not, "Ehehe, I was worried so I came to see you."
…Well, knowing Maki, he'd probably be happy even with the latter.
But today, I'll go with "Welcome back."
I've decided.
Just as I solidified my resolve, the food I ordered arrived. This conversation is over.
"Well then. It's a shame to let good food get cold, so I should eat. Oh, Nina, if you're going to the drink bar, can you get my mine too? Zero-calorie cola, lots of ice."
"Don't just casually boss me around… Well, I guess this much is fine."
"Thanks, Nina."
"Mmm~"
I watched Nina's back as she put her non-prescription glasses back on and headed to the drink bar, then I started on the food that was giving off a delicious steam and aroma.
Hamburger doria, and a seasonal vegetable salad. And a large serving of french fries that I ordered to share with Nina. My mom gave me extra money, so I could order dessert later if I wanted. It's a bit of a luxury for a student.
Now then, how should I spend the time until Maki finishes work and comes home?
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
So I had thought.
After lunch, I parted ways with Nina and left the family restaurant, and my feet were carrying me to a certain place.
"I'm sorry, Maki. But I was so worried… No, really, I'm so sorry."
In the end, I put on the non-prescription glasses I borrowed from Nina and a hat for a slight disguise, and for now, I hid in the shadow of a building with a view of the Pizza Rocket.
If I'm worried about Maki, I could just be honest and say so, and walk into his workplace through the front door, but… the feeling of not wanting to disturb him also remains somewhere in my heart, which is why it ended up like this.
…I think so myself, but I'm such a troublesome person.
"Let's see, Maki is… looks like he's done cleaning, so he's probably inside the store."
I've never been to the store on a holiday before, but since it's the only pizza place in this area, the parking lot is surprisingly (it might be rude to say so) filled with cars that seem to be here for takeout or dine-in. Of course, they seem to be getting phone and online orders too, as the part-timers are busy going out for deliveries.
As I thought, it was the right decision not to show my face just for fun in this situation.
"I'll just take a quick peek at Maki working hard and then go home… if you just take that out of context, I sound like a total creep…"
Muttering to myself, I pulled my hat down low and approached the store. I peeked into the store from outside the window, as casually as possible so as not to look like a suspicious person.
I was hoping to see Maki at the register serving a customer, but the manager is handling that right now, so I can't see Maki from here.
If I could get into the dine-in space inside the store, I could peek at the kitchen from there… but for that, I'd have to come in as a customer.
"The manager already knows my face, and if Nakata-san were to come out…"
"—Hm? Did you say something about me? Asanagi-chan."
"No, if Nakata-san went out of her way to bring Maki, it would defeat the purpose… Wait,"
I reflexively answered the question that came at the perfect timing… but when I turned around, there was Nakata-san, tilting her head with a smile and a "Hm?" as she looked at my face.
I've been found by the person I least wanted to see right now, so what should I do?
"Nakata-san, what are you doing here?"
"What do you mean, what am I doing? I'm at work, of course. I just got back from a delivery… What about you, Asanagi-chan?"
"I was just having lunch with a friend at the family restaurant nearby… so, I'll be taking my leave—"
"Hey, hey, don't run away."
I tried to make a random excuse and escape from Nakata-san, but I was caught easily.
And it seems she saw me peeking into the store in my half-baked disguise, and she's figured everything out.
Mhmhm~ Nakata-san's face was grinning as she looked at me.
"You came to see your boyfriend's heroic figure at work, didn't you? Since you're here, why don't you watch from up close?"
"No, but that would be a bother to everyone… And I don't want to get in Maki's way."
"It's fine, I'll talk to the others and keep it a secret. …That seems like it would be more interesting anyway."
"…I see, so that's your goal."
I could refuse and go home, but it's a fact that Nakata-san's offer is tempting. I thought so when she helped me out at another place (an arcade) before, but Nakata-san is strangely good at improvising in these situations, so she'll be able to smooth things over without any problems if something happens.
"…If I can just confirm that Maki is safe, I'll leave right away, okay?"
"It's not like I'm holding the kid hostage… Could at least order a drink in return. A cheap one is fine."
"Understood. Then, an iced cafe au lait, please."
"Thank you for your business~"
Having secured her cooperation in exchange for a drink, I was led by Nakata-san to the dine-in space inside the store.
After receiving my drink from Nakata-san at the register, I slipped through the narrow space and sat at a one-person counter at the back of the store.
—Maehara-kun, are you done with the toppings for the group order?
—Yes. Oh, Manager, this is the right amount of extra sauce, right? Two basil sauces, three garlic tomato sauces.
—Yeah. Then, give it to Nakata-kun along with the order slip. Don't forget the wet towels for the number of people.
—Roger. Emi-senpai, delivery please.
—Alrighty~ Jeez, Maki, you've been working your senior pretty hard lately~?
—Sorry. When I get my license and can do deliveries, you can work me as you please.
—You said it, huh? Don't you dare quit even if you get into K University~?
I can't see Maki, but I can clearly hear him. It seems busy in the store, but he seems to have gotten used to the work, as there's a sense of ease in his conversation with the manager and Nakata-san.
…Thank goodness. There was no need for me to worry; Maki was working hard.
Well, I only came to check just in case, just in case, because Nina was teasing me so much, but I knew from the beginning it would be like this.
—Manager, the trash can seems to be full, so I'm going to take it out for a bit.
—Thanks. Oh, in that case, can you restock the supplies too? Here, this is the key to the storeroom out back.
—Understood. I'll be out for a bit then.
"! Oh, I have to make sure Maki doesn't see me…"
The moment Maki came out of the kitchen with trash bags in both hands, I pulled my hat down low again and turned in my chair to face away from the kitchen.
"…Maki."
Muttering my beloved boyfriend's name under my breath, I glanced behind me and saw Maki in his work uniform and an apron for cooking.
The uniform was stained with sauce and oil, and the apron was a bit oversized. I couldn't see his expression clearly because he was wearing his hat pulled down low, but from his slightly upturned lips, I could see that he was enjoying himself for now.
I'm his girlfriend, so I'm extremely biased… but my boyfriend is incredibly cool.
"Heheh… For someone like Maki, you're working hard, aren't you?"
I've loved Maki ever since we were "friends," but I feel like I've fallen for him even more now. I wonder if this is what you call falling in love all over again.
In any case, I was greatly relieved to have confirmed my boyfriend's safety (?).
That alone was more than enough to make me satisfied today.
"It's about time, so I guess I'll slip out before Maki notices me… My mom should be back home by now too."
It didn't really feel like a walk, but I was able to kill time and see Maki, and it was a good change of pace, so in the end, it was good that I was kicked out… well, being kicked out isn't a very good thing, but I'll be sure to thank my mom.
Well, even if I do, she'll probably just tilt her head and say, "What are you talking about?" and that'll be the end of it.
I gulped down the rest of my iced cafe au lait in one go and slowly stood up from my seat.
As for Maki, he was just coming back into the store, carrying a set of supplies in a cardboard box.
—Heave-ho. Phew, this is surprisingly heavy… Manager, uhm, I'll put this in the backyard.
—Yeah, please. You're always so considerate, it's a big help. Thanks.
—No, you always have my back, Manager, so this is the least I can do.
—No, no, you willingly took the shift even though you were supposed to have the day off today. It's been a great help having you here, Maehara-kun.
—That's not… but thank you very much.
(…Hehe, of course. Our Maki is reliable, isn't he?)
When Maki is praised by other adults, I can't help but feel happy too.
Alright, when Maki gets back from his shift, I'll shower him with praise. I'll soothe his heart and body, tired from work.
That's a privilege only I have, as Maki's girlfriend.
I'll thank Nakata-san, who's out on a delivery, later, and I slipped out of the store with the other customers.
I was so absorbed in observing Maki that I stayed a little longer than planned, but I'm sure Maki didn't notice I was at the store.
…I should probably thank Nina for lending me the glasses too. Of course, as for her unnecessary comments that fanned my worries, I'll be sure to give her a proper "warning" separately.
"Well then, do your best with the afternoon shift too, Maki."
I sent a silent cheer to my boyfriend, who is probably still working hard inside the store.
I've killed enough time, so now I'll just go home and continue my game. With one less thing to worry about, I suddenly felt a surge of motivation.
And just as I turned my back on the store,
"…Hm?"
I felt a sense of unease as I saw the face of a customer entering the store almost at the same time as I was leaving.
I only caught a glimpse of him, but judging from his overall atmosphere, he's probably about the same age as my dad (in other words, an old man), and his shoulders were squared, as if his back was radiating with anger.
I had a bad feeling about this, so I immediately turned on my heel and secretly followed him.
Maki is currently handling the register for another customer.
…This looks like it's going to get messy.
"—Hey, you got a minute?"
"Welcome. May I take your order?"
"Huh? As if. Can't you tell by looking at this?"
With that, the old man roughly placed a box in a bag on the counter.
It's a Pizza Rocket bag and box that I'm familiar with… which means he probably has something to say about a product he ordered or had delivered.
Probably a complaint.
Maki's face stiffened for a moment at the old man's words, but he quickly regained his composure.
"I had this delivered earlier, but when I opened the lid, it was different from what I ordered. Can you replace it with a new one?"
"A replacement… Sir, excuse me, but do you have the receipt with you?"
"Huh? Hey kid, are you doubting a customer?"
"That's not my intention… Since you said it was different from your order, please allow me to confirm."
"Tch… Here, it's a little crumpled."
"Thank you."
What he's saying is pretty typical, but what's with the high-and-mighty attitude since before he even entered the store? If what he had delivered was different from what he ordered, he should just explain that and have them deal with it.
He called Maki a kid, but I wonder which one of them is the real kid.
Getting irritated and taking it out on those around you because you're hungry is what little children do. How uncool for someone his age.
Maki, who is responding calmly, is explaining the situation to the manager, who immediately noticed the disturbance at the register and came over.
The manager, for his part, maintained his nonchalant expression of, "Ah, I see," and approached the old man in Maki's place.
"Sir, we apologize for the inconvenience this time. We will remake it for you, so may we take your order again?"
"Jeez, you should have just said that from the beginning… By the way, was the one who took my order the kid shrinking in the back? Looks like a student part-timer, don't let someone like that take calls."
"I or another staff member handle the order-taking, so that is not the case…"
"Hmph. You're lucky, kid. The manager's covering for you."
"…Ah, no."
I glared daggers from under my hat at the old… no, the elderly man who was grinning at Maki's bewildered expression.
Argh! What an irritating old man!
He's talking as if the store is at fault, but there's a possibility that he just made a mistake when he ordered.
The proof is that what the old man claimed to have ordered was as long as a magic spell. The Pizza Rocket system, which allows for free changes to toppings, sauces, cheese, and spices, might also be a problem, but it's so disgusting how he pokes at these areas where both sides could be at fault.
…I never want to become someone like that.
"—Thank you for waiting. This is your order. The payment was received upon delivery, so please take it as is."
"Thanks. I'm never ordering from a store like this again."
"…We apologize for the inconvenience."
"…We apologize."
They're saying that, but I'm sure they're both thinking, "Don't ever come back, you idiot!"
After getting a replacement and even a complimentary drink, the old man left with a triumphant look on his face. I glared at him again, and he took a step back with a startled expression.
"Wh-what is it, missy?"
"…Nothing."
As if fleeing, the old man got into his car parked in the lot and drove away.
I thought I could go home in a good mood, but he ruined it.
Even though it's not about me, I feel like my head is still hot.
It's because I felt like Maki, my beloved, was made a fool of.
Unable to bear it, I revealed myself to the two of them.
I was still wearing my hat and glasses, but the moment he saw me, a light shone in Maki's slightly dim eyes.
"! Umi, what's wrong?"
"Maki, I'm sorry. A few things happened, and I came to see how you were doing. …Uhm, Manager-san, was that really okay with that customer?"
"Eh? Uhm, Maehara-kun, could this girl be…"
"Ah, yes. …She's my girlfriend."
"I see, that explains it… Ah, about your question, well, you just run into customers like that sometimes, so I've given up and chalk it up to bad luck."
"Is that so… even if we're not at fault?"
"If the demands are too excessive or it happens frequently, we'll take appropriate action, of course. Oh, Maehara-kun, when the customers are gone, sprinkle some salt around~"
"Eh? Y-yes, I understand…"
If it's just one pizza, they'll handle it peacefully so as not to make other customers uncomfortable and not to interfere with their own work… that must be the manager's stance.
Weighing the pros and cons, and bowing your head saying you're at fault even if it's unreasonable—I'd heard about it from my parents and thought I understood it, but the adult world as I see it is, after all, not pretty, to put it mildly.
To think that in just a little while, we high school students will be forced to jump into it whether we like it or not.
"By the way, Maehara-kun's girlfriend—"
"Ah, I'm Asanagi. Asanagi Umi."
"I'm the manager, Sakaki. Asanagi-san, if you'd like, you can take a break inside the store. I can get you a drink or something."
"Ah, that's okay. I was actually inside until just now. With Nakata-san's help."
"Nakata-kun? Honestly, that kid, when did she…"
"Heheh, so that's that, so I'll be taking my leave now. Maki, you hang in there for just a little longer, okay?"
"Yeah. Ah, Umi, that…"
"Hm? What is it? What's wrong?"
"Uhm…"
With that, Maki came over to me and handed me "something."
A silver, shining key, faintly warm from Maki's body heat… yes, the key to the Maehara house.
"? What's this?"
"Uhm… I guess I have to say it here, right?"
"Heheh, of course, you do? If you don't tell me, I won't budge an inch from this spot."
"I knew it… Uhm, if you don't mind, at my place…"
"At Maki-kun's place, what is it~?"
I had a feeling from the moment he handed me the key, but I just had to make Maki say the rest, and I ended up being a little mean.
He's shy, but he still tells me his feelings directly, and to me, he's the cutest and most lovable person in the world.
Seeing us like this, the manager, who is standing right next to us, is also smiling wryly.
…I'm truly sorry for being such a lovey-dovey couple.
"I want you to wait for me at my place. Uhm, I want you to welcome me home, Umi…"
"That's easy… Hehe, Maki, you're such a spoiled child, as always."
"Well, you know. A certain someone made me like this."
"We both were, you know."
"Yeah. Oh, and Umi, that hat and glasses suit you too."
"Thanks. Well, the glasses are borrowed from Nina, though."
"I see. But I think it's a nice change of pace from your usual look."
"Hmph. So this is what you like, Maki."
"I feel like I'm being misunderstood in a weird way… but well, whatever."
After chatting for a while like that, I took the key from Maki and left the store for good this time.
I had resigned myself to spending the whole day alone, but… because of Maki, I now have another appointment I can't miss.
(Umi) Mom.
(Sora) Yes?
(Umi) I'm going to be a little late.
(Sora) Alright.
(Sora) Honestly, where on earth have you been wandering around?
(Umi) You're the one who told me to go for a walk.
(Umi) Well, I'll be back before my curfew.
(Sora) With Maki-kun?
(Umi) You get it, don't you?
(Sora) Of course I do.
(Sora) Anyway, don't cause Maki-kun any trouble.
(Umi) Okay~
After properly contacting my mom, I veered off my usual way home and onto another "usual" way home.
Bored, lonely, worried, angry, and laughing.
Until this morning, I had thought it was going to be a rare, leisurely holiday.
"Mhmhm… Now then, how should I welcome Maki home… The usual would be boring, so maybe something like newlyweds… no, that might be too embarrassing… ehehe, I wonder what kind of face Maki will make."
A lot happened, but it was a pretty good holiday… no, the real fun is yet to come, so I can save my final verdict for tonight when I'm in bed.
…Thanks to Maki, my beloved, it looks like today will be another good day.