The night before the long-awaited Golden Week, my bed was covered in a mountain of clothes and accessories.
"Hmm… This should be enough for the trip. No, wait, maybe it's not enough… But if I pack too much, I won't have room for anything else…"
Excluding the smaller bag for my wallet and other valuables, my mom had only allowed me to bring one suitcase. Considering how many days I'd be staying, it didn't feel like nearly enough, but according to her, "it'll be fine."
Anyway, I carefully selected my favorite outfits and packed them neatly into the bag.
"Please, fit… Okay, perfect!"
I stuffed the remaining necessities into every last gap and gave the now-full suitcase a light pat.
All that was left was to wait for tomorrow.
"Yuu, are you done packing? The plane won't wait for you if you're rushing around at the last minute."
"I'm fine. I used the checklist Umi gave me, so I'm all set."
"Honestly, making Umi-chan do that when she isn't even going… Don't you forget to buy her a souvenir."
"Okay~"
I watched my mom leave the room with an exasperated sigh, then flopped onto my bed and called my worrywart of a best friend.
It was nighttime, but still too early to sleep, and 'that time' hadn't come yet, so she should be free.
"──Yuu, all packed for your trip? Didn't forget anything, right?"
"Ehehe, I'm fine. Your checklist was a huge help, Umi."
"Really? The plane won't wait for you if you realize you forgot something at the airport."
"Boo, you sound just like my mom, Umi~"
But I could understand why she was worried.
A travel bag, an airplane, an airport.
The Amami family was going on a trip for Golden Week.
Not just a domestic one, but overseas. Our destination was my grandma's house… which meant my mom's family home. It was a homecoming trip after several years.
We were heading to the airport as soon as my classes ended tomorrow, so I was packing two days before Golden Week even started. I really wanted to bring Rocky, our other family member, but we had arranged for Sanae-chan's family to look after him.
"Still, going overseas… The most we ever do is travel within the country. I'd love to go someday."
"Yeah, let's all go together then. You, Nina-chi… and of course, Maki-kun and Seki-kun too."
"Fufu, maybe when we're adults."
"Are you actually planning on making that happen, Umi~?"
"It's not that I'm not motivated, but even if we had the money, it seems kinda unrealistic, y'know?~"
"I see. Well, in that case, I'll at least bring you and Maki-kun back with me."
"Setting me aside, why is Maki coming along?"
"So you don't want to go with Maki-kun?"
"…I didn't say that."
"See~"
"Gnnn…"
"Ehehe~ Umi, you better remember today's promise, okay?"
"…Well, I'll think about it."
"Jeez, Umi~!"
After a fun chat with my best friend, I ended the call since 'that time' was approaching.
Every single day, without fail, Maki-kun and Umi had their… not a cutesy couple call, but an important pre-bedtime chat as a wonderful couple. Until recently, I had Umi all to myself until right before bed, but I didn't want to get in the way of the time my precious best friend and her boyfriend had together.
…Well, I was still lonely, so I planned on calling Nina-chi next.
Just as I sent Nina-chi a message asking, "Can you talk now?", I got a message from Umi.
(Asanagi) Sorry, Yuu
(Asanagi) Forgot to say something
(Amami) What is it?
(Asanagi) Have fun on your trip
(Amami) I will!
(Amami) Look forward to your souvenir, okay? Is candy okay?
(Asanagi) Yeah. Get me the good stuff.
(Amami) OK!
(Amami) You have fun on your lovey-dovey Golden Week with Maki-kun too!
(Asanagi) The lovey-dovey part is unnecessary
(Amami) Eh~? Are you sure~?
(Amami) Oh, Nina-chi's calling, so I'm gonna go
(Asanagi) Hey, wait… U-uh, Maki's calling me too
(Amami) Alright, this match is a draw!
(Asanagi) Since when was this a match?
(Asanagi) Well, goodnight for now
(Amami) Yeah, goodnight
My ever-sweet best friend showered me with kindness and concern, and I drifted off to sleep feeling warm and happy.
Now then, since my beloved best friend told me to, I had to make sure I enjoyed my first trip abroad in a while.
※※※
In the middle of the night, with my family sound asleep, I quietly got out of bed, careful not to make a sound, and turned on the small light on my desk. Of course, I had no intention of studying at this hour.
I was going to look at a certain photo I kept in my desk drawer.
"…Yuu."
It was taken several years ago when all our relatives had gathered. I should have been in it too, but I'd caught a cold around that time and had to stay home with my mom.
With my grandma and grandpa at the center, my dad, aunt, and uncles were all smiling peacefully.
It was a typical family photo with a very warm atmosphere, but my eyes were fixed on the pretty, blonde-haired girl posing modestly between my aunt and uncle.
"She's so adorable… Ah, I'm so excited, I can't wait for tomorrow. My one and only cousin."
The girl who looked like she'd stepped right out of a fairy tale would be arriving tomorrow.
Her name was Amami Yuu, written as '天海夕' in kanji. I learned Japanese from my grandpa and by studying on my own, so I can handle daily conversations just fine.
She was the daughter of my Aunt Eri, who went to Japan for work and ended up marrying… um, Uncle Hayato. She had a similar air to my grandma, but she was a genuine Japanese girl. Of course, she couldn't speak our country's language, so my dad had asked me to look after her during her stay.
I wonder what the young girl in the photo looks like now. I'm sure she's grown into a beautiful young woman who would turn heads.
She and I are cousins, but this would be the first time we'd properly meet. Apparently, we'd met as babies, but… I don't really want to count that. My dad casually said, "You even slept in the same crib, so it'll be fine, right?" but no matter how we're related, I'm still nervous. I gave my dad a light kick in the butt for that.
"Aunt Eri and the others are coming tomorrow morning… I need to run some simulations before then."
Since they were coming all this way, as the one welcoming them, I wanted them to have a good time.
It's been a while since she's been overseas, so Yuu is probably spending a sleepless night on the plane, a mix of excitement and a little anxiety.
I'll support her and help her relax. I'll help her make the best memories possible.
…If I do that, then surely.
"Even someone like me… you'll be my friend, right…?"
I looked at my reflection in the small mirror on my desk and muttered to myself.
Freckles stood out on my cheeks, and my eyes lacked their usual brightness. In contrast to my gloomy expression, my hair was a beautiful silver-blonde.
My name is Monica. Monica Bright Souma.
I wonder what my cousin will think when she sees me tomorrow.
"I wonder if she'll find me creepy. I hope she's a kind person…"
With that wish in my heart, I crawled back into bed and closed my eyes.
In the end, I couldn't sleep a wink that night.
※※※
We boarded the evening flight and, after a smooth journey of over ten hours with occasional turbulence, we landed.
In the morning, local time, the three of us from the Amami family arrived safely at our destination.
It was my first time overseas in a while and probably my first time sleeping on a plane, but maybe because I'd been so excited preparing for the past few days, I conked out as soon as I got on the plane, completely missing the view from the sky.
By the time I came to, we were about to land. It was a shame I didn't really get that feeling of having traveled far, but since I was full of energy from all the sleep, unlike my sleep-deprived parents, I was ready to go from day one.
Delicious food, sightseeing, and reuniting with my grandma and grandpa… Right now, I was buzzing with excitement.
What should I do first when we get there?
After arriving and finishing up all the necessary procedures, we stepped out into the spacious airport lobby, and a man came towards us, waving with a smile.
He was tall and somehow had a similar air to my mom, but──
[Neesan,──,──,──]
[Shane.───,───────]
"?"
I only understood "Neesan" and "Shane," but I couldn't understand anything else they were saying.
…Maybe I should have studied a little more.
"Mom, who is this…?"
"Oh, sorry, Yuu. Shane, my daughter's here, so speak in Japanese so she can understand."
"! Oh, right. Yuu-chan, do you remember me? I'm Shane Souma. Your uncle, I guess? Eri-neesan's younger brother."
"Uncle… I'm sorry, I was really shy back then, so I don't remember much…"
"I see. But you seem to be doing fine now."
"Yes! It's a pleasure to be in your care, Uncle!"
"Fufu, that's great. It's a pleasure to meet you too."
We both grinned at each other as my uncle and I shook hands firmly.
A few years ago, I definitely would have hidden behind my mom or dad.
Maybe I can say I've grown a little in that sense.
…Though my grades are still the same as ever.
"Well, now that my cute niece remembers me, next is… Ah, looks like she's finally catching up. Hey, over here!"
I followed my uncle's gaze and saw a girl who had noticed us approaching.
I couldn't see her expression because of the crowd, but… my eyes were glued to her silver-blonde hair, which stood out even from a distance.
My first thought was that she was incredibly beautiful.
[...,...…! ────]
"Oh, sorry, sorry. More importantly, Monica, you shouldn't be making such a sullen face in front of our long-awaited guests."
"Eh? …Ah."
The moment my uncle replied in Japanese, the girl seemed to realize something and looked our way.
Behind her glasses, her eyes shone with a pale green light, and her skin was even fairer than mine. She had a few freckles around her nose, but I couldn't have cared less about that.
"Um, Uncle… is this girl"
"Yeah. This is my daughter, Monica. Your cousin. Here, Monica, greet your aunt and uncle."
"Um… H-hello. I'm Monica."
As my uncle introduced her, Monica-chan blushed shyly and bowed her head.
Seeing her look down and fidget with her hands, I figured she was probably a quiet girl.
It was like looking at a younger version of myself, before I met Umi.
"Fufu, it's been a while, Monica-chan. Though you were just a baby back then, so I doubt you remember."
"No… Um, and…"
Monica-chan glanced at me hesitantly.
Does she want to talk to me? If so, I'd be thrilled. In fact, I wanted to monopolize my newfound cousin all to myself.
…But a mischievous part of me decided to surface.
"? What's wrong?"
"Ah, um, well…"
"Yeah, what is it?"
I pretended to be clueless and waited for her to start the conversation.
I knew I was being mean, but Monica-chan looked so adorable when she was nervous that I wanted to watch her a little longer.
…Just like how my best friend Umi treats her boyfriend, Maki-kun.
"Hey, Yuu. Don't tease Monica-chan too much."
"Ugh… Ah, sorry, Monica-chan. Nice to meet you—I mean, properly meet you for the first time, right? I'm Amami Yuu. You can call me Yuu, or Yuu-chan, whichever you prefer."
"Y-yeah… Um, then, nice to meet you, Yuu."
"Ehehe, nice to meet you too, Monica-chan!"
I couldn't hold back anymore and hugged Monica-chan, just like I always do with Umi and Nina-chi.
She smelled really nice, and though it's hard to describe, it was a different kind of charm from Umi and Nina-chi. And above all, her hair was soft, silky, and felt amazing.
"Ah, um, well, Yuu…"
"Aww! Monica-chan is so cute! I want to take you home with me!"
"W-wow… Yuu, I'm happy you feel that way, but, um, everyone's watching… It's embarrassing…"
"! Ah, sorry, sorry. I got carried away… Ehehe~"
Since she was my cousin, I just treated her with my usual friendly affection, but this was our first real meeting.
I should probably apologize for startling her, but… seeing Monica-chan blush to her ears in embarrassment after my sudden hug, I was overcome with an irresistible urge to cling to her.
Living so far away in Japan, I rarely get to interact with relatives my age, so I want to spend every single second with her.
I want to get closer to Monica-chan. I want to talk a lot, have her get to know me, and I want to get to know her too.
…Somehow, I've just decided the purpose of this trip.
"Well, standing around talking isn't getting us anywhere. Let's continue this at home. Mom and Dad are probably waiting."
"You're right. By the way, Shane, how are your parents? Are they well?"
"They're as energetic as ever. They've been out in the garden since this morning, doing some rare gardening just because you guys are coming back. Oh, I'll bring the car around. You guys wait here. Monica, look after them."
"Y-yeah…"
Leaving his daughter behind, my uncle went to the parking lot.
Left alone, Monica-chan looked very lonely.
"Monica-chan, are you okay? If it's my fault… here, you can give me a forehead flick."
"Eh? Forehead… flick…?"
"Yuu, Monica-chan won't have a clue what you mean if you just stick out your forehead like that."
"! Oh, right. Um, Monica-chan, this is something my friends and I do when we mess up──"
After explaining it carefully from the beginning, Monica-chan seemed to understand.
"Dekopin," or a flick on the forehead (as my mom later explained), but since my foreign language skills are terrible, I had to use my whole body to get the point across.
Forehead, "deko," a flick with the middle finger, "pin," so "dekopin"──something like that.
By the way, while I was desperately trying to explain with gestures, my dad and mom just watched with warm smiles.
…They could have helped me.
"Oh, I see, so that's what it is… I understand perfectly, Yuu. …Fufu."
"Mmm, Monica-chan, you're being mean too! I tried my best~!"
"I'm sorry. But you were just moving so frantically to explain one word… Fu, fufufu."
"W-was it that funny…?"
I was a little embarrassed in front of the three of them, but in return, I got to see Monica-chan's smile, so I'll let it slide.
The sight of her covering her mouth with her hand, her body shaking with quiet laughter, was incredibly lovely in its own way.
I feel like my energy is going haywire in front of my cute cousin, but the more I embarrassed myself, the more lively the atmosphere in the car became.
Uncle Shane and my dad were in the driver's and passenger seats, while Monica-chan, my mom, and I were in the back, each lost in our own conversations.
"Monica-chan, look, look. These are the friends I was talking about. Asanagi Umi-chan and Nitta Nina-chan."
"So these are them… Yuu, is that your school's uniform?"
"Yeah. Everyone says it's plain, but I quite like it~ Look, don't we look smart?"
"Well… but, I think the design is really nice. It suits you and the other girls well, Yuu. I'd like to try it on sometime."
"Yeah, of course! By the way, do you have school uniforms in your country, Monica-chan?"
"Hmm… We do, but they're pretty rare. We're basically free to wear what we want."
Monica-chan, who was so distant at first, seemed to have warmed up to us. Her expression was bright and her words flowed smoothly.
And above all, her Japanese is very good. Apparently, she usually speaks her native language at home, but she learned Japanese from her uncle and grandpa, as well as studying it in school and on her own. She can handle daily conversations and even read and write some hiragana and kanji.
…She's cute, a hard worker, and smart too.
Maybe I should take a page out of her book and study a little harder.
"Anyway, Yuu, what's a typical day at your school like? I know you study, but you have other events too, right? I'm curious."
"Oh, you want to know? Jeez, Monica-chan, you're so greedy. So cute!"
"Wafu… Ah, um, Yuu, I get it, so please don't hug me so much…"
"Eh~, then can we hold hands?"
[・・・・・・・・]
"? Monica-chan, did you say something?"
"! N-no, it's nothing… Well, if it's just holding hands."
"Really? Ehehe, thanks~"
"…Yuu, I didn't say you could cling to my arm."
"…Ehehe~"
"Jeez, Yuu… You're hopeless."
Since she gave me permission, I scooted closer to Monica-chan and told her all about my high school life.
About starting high school, the cultural festival, the school-sponsored Christmas party, and the class tournament after we became second-years.
I left out the details about my middle school days, my relationship with Umi that came to a head in high school, and the fight with Nagisa-chan during the class tournament… it all felt a bit too heavy. But now, they're all precious memories to me.
I can't summarize things as well as Umi, but Monica-chan listened intently to my story.
"I see… Yuu, you're living a very fulfilling life."
"Yeah! Umi, Nina-chi, Nagisa-chan, and… well, everyone else is really nice, so every day is super fun. …Though I just can't seem to get into studying."
"That sounds very much like you, Yuu. …Fufufu."
"Monica-chan, just to be clear, you are complimenting me, right?"
"Fufu, I wonder."
"Ah, Monica-chan, you're teasing me too~"
"It's payback for what you did at the airport."
Now that we've gotten to know each other better, I realize that Monica-chan is incredibly cute when she's talking happily with me.
Her silky hair, which is much better cared for than mine, and her jade-green eyes. Her skin is so smooth, she's like a girl who stepped out of a fairy tale.
I finally understand why Umi described me the same way.
"Anyway, that's about it for my school. What's your school like, Monica-chan? I don't know much about schools overseas, so I'm genuinely curious."
"…Mine? It's nothing special. I wake up, go to school, attend classes, and go home. We just repeat that. I guess the holidays are longer than at your school, Yuu."
"Really? I always imagined there'd be lots of lively events like parties and stuff…"
"Oh, there are. But I'm not really interested in that kind of thing. Like I said, the school I go to is pretty laid-back, so they're optional."
"I see…"
I wanted to ask about her school, her friends, her daily life──I wanted to ask so many things, but seeing her expression, I decided not to probe any further.
The moment the topic of her school came up, a shadow fell over her face, which had been smiling happily just a moment ago.
Monica-chan and I are relatives, but we're not at a point where we can call each other 'friends' or 'best friends' yet.
We've only been talking for a few hours, and I'm not foolish enough to carelessly step into what is clearly a sensitive topic for her.
…Of course, it would be a lie to say I'm not curious at all.
About two hours after leaving the airport, our car entered a town with a familiar landscape.
In terms of size, it was probably about the same as where we live. Moderately surrounded by nature, the air was clear, and it was peaceful.
As we passed through the main street lined with tall trees, a nostalgic scent wafted in through the open window.
"It's been a while… Nothing's really changed."
I said the scale was similar to where the Amami family lives, but of course, the townscape was completely different. The alleys were intricately woven like a maze, and there were old brick buildings. A little way from the center of town, there was also a castle that was now a bustling tourist spot (or so Monica-chan told me), which really made me feel the cultural difference.
…Also, probably coming from the street stalls, the smoky aroma of grilling meat and spices stimulated my appetite, and my stomach let out a cute 'kyuu…' sound.
"Ahaha. Yuu-chan, we'll be home in about ten minutes, so hang in there. Mom and Dad are probably waiting with a feast."
"Ehehe… Sorry, my body has a mind of its own."
"Yuu, I have some snacks, want some?"
"Yes, please~ But we're having lunch soon, so just a little."
I nibbled on the biscuits Monica-chan gave me like a squirrel, managing to stave off my hunger for a bit.
A lone house stood quietly in a wooded area on the outskirts of town.
The memorable place where my mom had lived until she came to Japan.
"We're home, Mom."
"Yes, we are. …Hey, Yuu, you say that as if you grew up here too."
"Hehe, is it weird?"
I've only visited this place a handful of times, but it doesn't feel like someone else's house.
When I take a deep breath, old memories come flooding back.
When I was little, I was so shy I couldn't even talk properly to my grandma and grandpa.
I wanted to show them how much I've changed.
Suppressing my excitement, I followed my uncle and mom into the house.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home. I brought my sister and her family."
"Haa, we're finally here. Mom, do you have anything cold to drink?"
"Eri, you haven't changed a bit. …There's mineral water, sparkling water, ginger ale, and apple juice in the fridge. And no alcohol until the sun goes down."
"Fufu, thanks for being prepared, Mom. Dad, you look well too, I'm glad."
"Welcome back, Eri. …And Hayato-san, and of course, Yuu, welcome."
"Thank you for having us, Father-in-law."
"I'm home, Grandpa."
"…Yeah. Welcome back, Yuu."
Greeting us in the living room were my grandmother, Maja-obaachan, and my grandfather, Kanetsugu-ojiichan. My grandpa used to be a diplomat. He had a fateful encounter with my grandma when he visited this country for work, and they got married (or so my mom told me a long time ago).
I couldn't look at my grandpa's face properly before, but looking closely now, I feel like I inherited his eyes and the bridge of his nose.
"Oh my, Yuu, are you only talking to your grandpa? Grandma feels left out."
"! Grandma, I'm home!"
I immediately ran to my grandma, who was bringing drinks for everyone.
She had the exact same hair and eye color as me, and she was one of the most important people to the 'current' me.
"Oh my, you've gotten bigger, but you're still a spoiled child, aren't you?"
"Ehehe… Grandma, I missed you."
"I missed you too, Yuu."
As I hugged her tightly, my grandma gently stroked my head, just like she always did.
No matter how much time passed, the blue eyes that looked at me never changed.
"To be honest, I was worried until just now. I wondered if you still held a grudge against me."
"…!"
I had never said it out loud, and I had been careful not to show it, but it seems my grandma knew.
To be honest, when I was little, I didn't like my grandma very much. It wasn't about her personality, but more of a physical reason.
As you can see, I inherited my grandma's blood strongly. My golden hair that everyone praised as beautiful, and my clear marine-blue eyes.
I can't say it was entirely because of my appearance, but until the lower grades of elementary school, I was an outcast in my class. I was born and raised in the same place as everyone else, yet I was clearly different.
I would have been fine being the same as everyone else, so why was I the one who was different?
Until I moved to the town I live in now and had a fateful encounter with my best friend, Umi, I didn't like myself very much.
…And I didn't like my grandma, who looked so much like me.
"Grandma, um, I…"
"You don't have to say anything, Yuu. Whatever happened in the past, you love me now, right? Then I'm happy enough with that."
"…Grandma."
I whispered a small "thank you" so only my grandma could hear, and buried my face in her chest, letting myself be spoiled.
I think I'm truly happy to be cherished by so many people.
I'm glad to be your granddaughter, Grandma.
"Hey, Grandma, let's talk a lot today, okay? I want you to listen to my stories. About when I was little, and about how I've changed."
"Of course. I'll stay up all night with you if I have to."
"Okay! Thank you, Grandma."
With the slight resentment towards my grandma resolved, and feeling completely at ease, my stomach growled loudly, as if to say, "Don't forget about me."
The excitement of reuniting with my grandpa and grandma made me completely forget that I was hungry.
At the pathetic sound that echoed during the emotional reunion, everyone but me smiled wryly.
"Mom, my granddaughter's stomach agrees, so let's have lunch soon. You finished preparing a while ago, right?"
"Of course. Yuu, I made a lot of your favorite foods, so eat up."
"Okay. Ehehe, I'm looking forward to it."
And so, our Amami family, along with my grandpa and grandma, and Monica-chan's family—a total of eight people—had lunch around a large table.
The dishes my grandparents woke up early to prepare were all delicious. My grandma was in charge of the beef and tomato stew, a whole roasted chicken, pilaf with plenty of seafood, and a mushroom cream pasta, while my grandpa prepared sashimi, salad, fried chicken, and simmered dishes.
Even after six adults and two growing children ate their fill, there was still more than enough food. My stomach, which had been complaining of hunger just a moment ago, now felt like it was pleading, "I'm at my limit."
After lunch, it was finally time for just me and my grandma.
"Grandma, look. This is my best friend, Umi. Isn't she lovely?"
"Yes, she is. She looks smart, has honest eyes, and is very charming. I'd like to talk to her someday too."
"Yeah. So you have to stay healthy until then, Grandma."
My grandma seemed to like Umi at first sight. She asked me many questions about her, and I answered as much as I could.
About when we met, our middle school days, and our current high school life.
And about how I hurt her without realizing it because I was too dependent on her.
"You two have been through a lot… But being able to make up is what true friendship is all about. It's wonderful."
"Ehehe… Well, it's thanks to a certain boy that we were able to work things out."
"Oh? Now this sounds interesting."
And so, the main topic of conversation shifted from Umi to Maki-kun.
After leaving the all-girls school I had attended, he was the first guy friend I made at the co-ed high school I entered.
He has a quiet and shy personality, but he's surprisingly fun to talk to, he's good at his studies, and in a pinch, he rallies us all with his incredible courage.
He's modest about it, but I think it's thanks to Maki-kun's good personality that not only me and Umi, but also Nina-chi and Seki-kun, who we didn't have much contact with before, can all feel comfortable together.
It is because of him that our 'usual group of five' exists now.
"Fufu, I see. I see… Yuu, you're at that age now, aren't you?"
"? What's wrong, Grandma?"
"Oh, don't play dumb. You like this… um, Maki-kun, was it?"
"!? G-Grandma, don't tease me… I do think Maki-kun is a wonderful person, and he's the one who helped me and Umi make up, but… he already has a wonderful girlfriend named Umi."
"Oh, so Umi-chan beat you to it. Yuu, love is first come, first served. From now on, when you find someone wonderful, you have to make them yours right away, okay?"
"N-no, Maki-kun is just a friend… Jeez, Grandma."
She was probably half-joking, but if she said that, I wouldn't know how to act around him at school after the holidays.
Maki-kun is 'just a friend' to me, and he probably thinks of me as 'his girlfriend's best friend'──in other words, just a friend of a friend.
…I'm a little dissatisfied with that, but that's the proper distance between us.
For now, let's just stop talking about this. The more I talk about it, the more I feel like I'm not my usual self.
"! Oh, by the way, Monica-chan, do you have any stories like that? Like someone you're interested in, or a boy you were friends with since childhood?"
"…Yuu, that's a hard question to answer out of the blue."
"You're right. I'm a little curious about Monica's story too."
"M-Maja-obaachan, you too… Dad, stop eavesdropping and go over there."
After kicking Uncle Shane (and her aunt) out of the room, Monica-chan shyly joined our little circle.
This might be a chance to hear an interesting story.
"Um… Grandma, Yuu."
"Yeah."
"Yes."
"This is a secret from my dad. Okay?"
"You can count on me, Monica-chan."
"Of course. It's a secret between the three of us… right? Eri, Hayato-san?"
When Grandma winked at my dad and mom, who were still in the living room, they both smiled wryly and went upstairs with their bags.
By the way, my grandpa had also gone outside at some point and was starting to do some gardening.
"Now, Monica. Tell your life's senior all about it."
"I… might not be as helpful as Grandma, but I'll do my best!"
"…I don't think it's that big of a deal."
With that preface, Monica-chan began to confide in us about her love life.
To put it simply, she currently has someone she's interested in, and that boy is a childhood friend.
A childhood friend who's a boy. I've never had one, so it sounds wonderful to me.
Promising to get married when they were kids, or being too close and afraid to take the next step because it might ruin their current relationship… I love those kinds of bittersweet stories.
She also showed me a photo. He seemed very smart and serious. He liked reading, so he seems to get along well with the equally indoorsy Monica-chan. Since their houses are close, they often visited each other to play when they were little.
"How about recently? If your houses are close, you go to the same school, right?"
"No. Unlike me, he's super smart… so now he's living in a dorm at a school far away. We haven't been able to see each other much lately."
"I see, a long-distance relationship."
"It's not a long-distance relationship… We're not a couple…"
"Really? From what I've heard, it seems like anything could happen… What do you think, Grandma?"
"He's interested. Monica, if you dawdle, another girl will snap him up, just like with Yuu."
"G-Grandma, that's not what happened with me…"
Putting me aside, the important thing right now is Monica-chan.
She's had a good friend since childhood, their relationship has continued even though they've grown a bit distant, and she's properly attracted to him.
In that case, just as Grandma said, I think she should just tell him how she feels and change their relationship from 'childhood friends' to 'lovers'.
But Monica-chan must have her own worries.
I listened intently to her story, not laughing, and taking her worries seriously. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she asked me this question.
"Hey, Yuu."
"? What is it, Monica-chan?"
"You said it when we met at the airport, but… do you think I'm cute?"
"Yeah. Grandma, Monica-chan is really pretty and cute, right?"
"Yes. Especially her beautiful silver hair that she inherited from her mother."
"Thank you, both of you. …But I just can't see myself that way."
"…Monica-chan, are you concerned about your appearance?"
"…"
While worrying about her parents who were outside, and after hesitating for a moment, Monica-chan nodded.
From what I could see, Monica-chan got her silver hair from her mother. It goes without saying that it's beautiful and silky. I can't help but be envious, but contrary to my thoughts, Monica-chan seems to have a complex about it.
"Yuu, you say I'm cute, but my classmates tease me about it. I don't want to say it out loud because I don't want to remember… but, for example, they say things like 'The back of your head is the only pretty thing about you'."
"Th-that's horrible… Monica-chan, you're so cute."
How could they have such an impression when they see her every day?
She should only be praised, never teased or made fun of.
"Thank you, Yuu. But what my classmates say is also true. …Look. This is how I usually look at school."
"! This is…"
"Oh my…"
It was a photo taken with a few classmates, but her figure, standing quietly in the corner with a straight face, was more than enough to surprise us.
While everyone else was smiling brightly, Monica-chan, wearing glasses, was looking down with a gloomy expression, as if trying to erase her own presence.
…Except for one thing: her beautiful silver hair, shining brightly.
I see, so that's why Monica-chan couldn't talk back to her classmates.
I think the photo itself has something to do with it, but now that they mention it, she does look out of place.
"I… I do… like… my childhood friend. But…"
"You think he won't look your way if someone like you confesses to him… is that it?"
"…"
Monica-chan, who had returned to the gloomy expression in the photo, nodded silently.
After being told such heartless things by her classmates, she's lost her self-confidence. She has a charm that is second to none, but she herself hasn't realized it, or has lost sight of it.
"I'm sorry for the gloomy talk. …Well, I'm going to go see my parents. You two can enjoy your time together."
With that, Monica-chan fled the living room, leaving me and my grandma behind.
"…Hey, Grandma."
"What is it, Yuu?"
"Is Monica-chan the type of person who dislikes it when people meddle?"
"Well, I think most people would… But you want to do something for her, don't you, Yuu?"
"…Yeah."
Although we haven't known each other for long, Monica-chan is already a "precious friend" in my heart. If she's worried about something, I want to be there for her, and if she needs help, I want to lend a hand without hesitation.
After talking with her, I'm sure of it. Monica-chan is just like my old self—afraid of being different, caring too much about what others think, pushing people away, and ending up all alone.
I want Monica-chan to be more confident. She doesn't need to worry about the thoughtless comments and insults that come from nowhere. I want her to become a girl who can genuinely say she "likes" herself.
…And that's why.
"Grandma, I'm going out for a bit."
"Have a good time. Just be back before evening."
"Okay, I'm off!"
With Grandma's permission, I immediately left the house.
I was heading to the city center we had just passed by in the car—of course, the language would be a challenge on my own, so I obviously needed a guide.
"Monica-chan!"
"! Yuu… what's wrong? Are you done talking with Grandma?"
"I want to, but that can wait! Right now, you're my top priority, Monica-chan!"
"Huh? What do you mean by that──"
"Come on, let's go, Monica-chan! Let's go out and have some fun in the city, just the two of us, okay? Please?"
"Huh, the city? Right now?"
"Yep, right now. …Is that a no?"
"I didn't… say that."
"Then it's settled! So, Uncle, please take us to the city."
"Hm? Sure thing. Come on, Monica, don't just stand there, get in."
"You too, Dad… Oh, honestly."
"Ehehe, sorry, Monica-chan, for dragging you along with my selfishness."
"Don't worry about it. I've already figured out that's just the kind of person you are."
"Yeah. My best friend gets exasperated with me sometimes, too. Ahem."
"I don't think that's something to be proud of…"
I don't know if everything will work out just because I'm meddling. Her mean classmates might not change, and her feelings for her childhood friend might not be returned.
Still, there's one thing I want to tell Monica-chan, loud and clear, over and over again.
Monica-chan, you're cuter than anyone.
And so, after a sudden change of plans, I decided to go out with Monica-chan, and we headed to the city center with my uncle driving.
The cityscape I saw from the car window was mostly unchanged, but walking through the streets like this, I feel like some parts are different from what I remember.
It seems like there are fewer street stalls, and there are buildings that weren't here before. I can even see signs for fast-food chains that are familiar back home… I can feel the passage of time, even in the little things.
"Yuu, you said you wanted to go out, but is there somewhere specific you want to go? It's a bit embarrassing to say, but this place is pretty rural…"
"I'm used to that, so it's fine. Oh, Monica-chan, that sweets shop over there looks delicious, wanna go?"
"You're full of energy, Yuu, even though we just ate our fill…"
With Monica-chan dutifully accompanying me despite her exasperation, I was lured by the sweet smell to a shop along the main street.
According to Monica-chan, the shop had just opened recently. The storefront was crowded with delicious-looking cakes, elaborate candy crafts, and types of sweets I'd rarely seen in Japan.
For now, I chose a few things that looked good and tried to convey my order to the staff. Of course, since neither of us understood the other's language, we had to rely on gestures.
"What do you call a staff member again…? Ah, whatever. Hey, miss clerk, I'll have this, please, please! And for a drink, some black tea… um, hot tea!"
"…Pfft."
Seeing me desperately trying to communicate, the staff member couldn't hold back a chuckle.
The other customers were also watching with great interest.
"Y-Yuu, I can order for you."
"No way! I'm not going to rely on you for something like this, Monica-chan! Hey, hey, he~y!"
"You're not asking for a pass… Oh, geez, now I'm getting embarrassed, too…"
After somehow managing to get my order through using the menu and my high-school-level English, the kind staff member guided me to a table in the back of the shop.
[─────]
[─────]
"? Hmmm…"
Perhaps our earlier exchange was that amusing, but I feel like the other customers are looking at us (or probably just me) and gossiping.
"Monica-chan, what are those people saying?"
"Um… i-it's nothing important, so don't worry about it."
──"She looks just like us but can't speak the language, hilarious"… something like that?
"!?"
When I muttered that, Monica-chan froze for a moment.
"Y-Yuu, do you… understand what they're saying?"
"You mean, do I get it? Hmmm, not at all. I just had a feeling they were saying something like that. Was I right?"
"…I'm sorry, Yuu. Like I said before, there are extremely few people like you in our town, so you stand out a little."
"It's fine, I don't mind. Besides, it's not your fault, is it, Monica-chan?"
I've had similar experiences many times before, and it almost makes me laugh how everyone who makes me the butt of their jokes has the same mean-looking face.
A mean face must be a universal language──When I get home, I'll tell Umi and Nina-chi all about it and complain to my heart's content.
Some people (mainly the boys in my class) seem to secretly call me an angel or whatever, but that's not true at all.
I'm just a normal person who gets annoyed by nasty behavior and sometimes complains about it to my family and close friends.
"Come on, let's for-get a-bout those si-lly peo-ple~ and enjoy our snack time, shall we?"
"Yuu, you're actually enjoying this because you think they can't understand you, aren't you?"
"Fufun, well, who can say?"
After that, without caring about the stares or the whispers, I fully enjoyed the sweets in front of me. On the way, a staff member came over and quietly placed two servings of gelato on our table, saying, "It's on the house," which helped to soothe my inner frustration a little.
There are bad people, but there are also good people. I think that's how I'm able to enjoy my days.
"Alright, now that we've refueled on sweets, it's time for the main event. Monica-chan, this next part will probably be difficult, so I'll be counting on you to interpret."
"I feel like it's too late for a lot of things, but… where to?"
"A beauty salon! For you and me, Monica-chan!"
"Huh? B-Beauty… I have to go, too? Not just you, Yuu?"
"Nope. I'm the 'chaperone,' and you're the main attraction, Monica-chan."
"M-Me…!?"
"Yep. …Ehehe, you'll come with me, right, Monica-chan?"
"…Um, I'm terribly sorry, but I think I'll be taking my leave here──"
"No-pe!"
I clung tightly to the escaping Monica-chan as we got back into her uncle's car and headed to our next destination. By the way, the sweets from before were just because I wanted to eat them; there was no particular reason. …If Umi were here, she'd probably get mad at me.
Regarding beauty salons, Monica-chan wasn't very knowledgeable due to certain circumstances, so after looking up various reviews on my phone, we headed to a shop that could take us right away.
By the way, Monica-chan's "certain circumstances" were that her hair was usually done by her grandma or her aunt.
Like someone I know, she apparently doesn't like strangers touching her hair (family and relatives are okay)… It's enviable that she can maintain such shiny, silky hair that way.
Mine gets messy right away if I neglect it even a little. That's one thing I got from my mom.
When we entered the shop, the following exchange got us started right away.
Staff: [Hello, what can I do for you today? (Monica-chan interpreting)]
Me: "Make this girl su~per cute! Come on, Monica-chan! Please interpret properly!"
Monica-chan: [Um… the girl next to me is insisting, so I don't really have a choice, but… um, it seems she wants you to make me look cute.]
Staff: [──────! (Monica-chan didn't translate, but she had a really nice smile.)]
We sat side by side, checking our reflections in the mirror as we got our hair done.
"Yuu, your hair is so beautiful, just like Grandma's… I wish I could be like you."
"Ehh~? If you say that, I want to be like you, Monica-chan. Maintaining that quality with just hand-combing most of the time is just cheating, chea~ting."
"R-Really? Well, my hair is easy to manage, so that's the one thing I'm grateful to my mom for… I usually braid it, but now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever had a single split end…"
"See. That's what I'm talking about, Monica-chan. You have a lot of good qualities that you just haven't noticed."
We continued to chat next to each other, leaving the styling completely up to the staff. At my usual salon, my hairstyle is pretty much decided due to school rules, but since I'm in a foreign country now, the stylist in charge suggested various things without a care in the world.
"Yuu, the stylist is saying that an inner color would look cool, what do you want to do?"
"Oh, that's a good idea. But I'll have to dye it back as soon as I return to Japan, so I think I'll pass this time. Oh, I think red would look good on you, Monica-chan."
"So I have to get it… Well, I don't mind. Our school doesn't have as many rules as yours, Yuu."
However, it felt unfair to make only Monica-chan do it, so I decided to get extensions instead.
After changing our hairstyles to make the inner color stand out, getting our makeup done, and adjusting other fine details… the first step of our makeover was complete in about an hour.
"Monica-chan, how was your first time at a beauty salon?"
"It tickled a little when they touched my hair… but since you were chatting next to me the whole time and distracting me, I didn't mind it that much. Thanks for being so considerate, Yuu."
"Ehehe, so you noticed. Anyway, more importantly, Monica-chan, what do you think? Looking at yourself."
After checking her reflection in the full-length mirror, Monica-chan said one thing.
"…I kinda look like one of those show-offs in class."
"What a unique way of putting it~ That's not what I meant, I'm asking if you think you're cute."
"I know that."
"You know!"
It's rare for me to be the straight man, but it feels like I've turned into Umi, and I don't think this is so bad once in a while.
Since she's too shy to say it herself, I'll give my opinion first. As I initially thought, her base is so good that anything looks good on her. The red peeking out from her shining silver-blonde hair is eye-catching, and combined with her originally good figure, she's not just cute but also cool.
She's at a level where I want to take a picture right now and send it to Umi and Nina-chi to brag.
"You look really scary right now, Yuu… You have the eyes of a predator…"
"Because, because, you look so ridiculously good right now, Monica-chan! Hey, hey, take a picture with me right now. Shake my hand, give me your autograph!"
"Dad, help, my cousin's acting weird!"
"Monica, it seems that in their country, this is called 'reaching the limit'."
"That's not what I asked!"
[Note: In Japanese, "reaching the limit" reflects the nuance of 限界 (genkai), meaning the point where one's endurance — physical or emotional — is maxed out. In slice‑of‑life or comedic dialogue, it often conveys someone being "too excited to contain themselves" or "losing composure," rather than a literal physical limit.]
After somehow managing to get a two-shot photo with a slightly creeped-out Monica-chan, we then went to various apparel shops, both brand-name and not, to pick out clothes.
It might be partly because I suddenly invited her to town, but Monica-chan's current casual clothes are incredibly plain. A plaid shirt, a plain pastel-colored short-sleeved T-shirt, baggy jeans, and worn-out sneakers… to put it nicely, it's a casual look, but to be honest… it's a little uncool.
"Monica-chan, here, next is this and this! Oh, and after that, this set, please."
"There's so much, my head is spinning…"
While grumbling, Monica-chan changed clothes one after another as I told her to.
"…Um, what do you… think? I don't really get a chance to wear skirts like this, so I'm not sure if it suits me."
"Uncle Shane, what do you think of your dressed-up daughter?"
"You're asking me, her father?… From your perspective, Yuu-chan, how's my daughter?"
"…"
My uncle and I, almost at the same time, gave a strong thumbs-up.
Considering the compatibility with her silver hair, she wore a short white dress, and we balanced the whole look with earrings and shoes… Monica-chan had become so beautiful and cute, she was almost unrecognizable.
"Monica-chan!"
"Aah… I get it, I get it. You're going to say I'm cute, right?"
"Nope, you're wrong."
"Huh?"
"You're ridiculously cute!"
"I don't think that's any different… Is my Japanese different from what I know…?"
I had a feeling even with her plain clothes on, but Monica-chan has long legs, so short skirts look amazing on her. I tried on a similar outfit, but it definitely suits Monica-chan better.
Her slightly slouched posture is a little concerning, but if she can fix that, she's sure to become a girl that everyone turns to look at.
"Monica-chan, I think you're super cute, but what about you?"
"…I,"
"I… what?"
"I, don't think it's bad…"
"Fufu, I see. Well, I'm glad then."
"Yeah. …It's a little embarrassing, though."
It was a modest comment, typical of Monica-chan, but seeing her constantly checking the mirror with a slight smile on her face, she must have liked it. In the end, we asked her uncle to buy the outfit for her, including the shoes and accessories.
By the way, I also called my mom and begged her, "Can I buy it?" but she flatly refused.
…Stingy mom.
"Well then! Now that Monica-chan's had a complete makeover, it's time to go back to Grandma's house for the finishing touches. Monica-chan, we're almost there, so hang in there, okay?"
"There's still more…? Well, I've come this far, I'll see it through to the end."
"Ehehe, thanks, Monica-chan! I love you!"
"Wah… um, I get it, so please don't suddenly hug me…"
"No~"
"Oh, honestly, Yuu…"
Even with a troubled expression, Monica-chan gently accepts my energetic, puppy-like hug.
At this rate, it won't be long before we go from "just cousins" to "real friends"… or rather, in my mind, we already are.
I'm so glad that Monica-chan is such a kind girl.
After finishing our shopping and returning to Grandma's house, Monica-chan and I continue our lovey-dovey time.
It seems Monica-chan is staying over tonight, and to my delight, we'll be sleeping in the same room.
"…Hey Yuu, can I open my eyes yet?"
"No-pe. I'm almost done."
After dinner, I was teaching Monica-chan all about makeup and skincare.
I didn't see her use that much makeup on her since we met at the airport, but that's because she'd never worn makeup before and was also indifferent to skincare.
If left to nature, some freckles are bound to appear.
"And then a touch of blush so it's not too noticeable… okay, you can open your eyes now, Monica-chan."
"O-Okay…"
As Monica-chan slowly opened her eyelids, I held up a mirror in front of her.
I did her makeup based on my own sense of style, but I wonder if she'll like it.
"Monica-chan, what do you think? I don't think your freckles are that noticeable now."
"You didn't completely hide them… but you're right, I might not need to plaster on foundation."
Monica-chan seems to be bothered by them, but I think her subtle freckles are her charm point, so I went for a natural look instead of a heavy one.
By parting her bangs that covered her eyes and showing off her forehead and expression with confidence, you can change the impression of freckles of Monica-chan's degree in any way you want. It's because she tries to hide them out of embarrassment that they stand out to others.
Just like I used to be.
"Yuu, um…"
"What is it?"
"After our bath, teach me how to do this makeup. And the skincare routine after that."
"Of course! Oh, Monica-chan, since it's a special occasion, let's take a bath together…"
"I'd rather not. It's a bit too embarrassing."
"Really? I wouldn't be embarrassed at all with you, Monica-chan. In fact, want to see now? You can even touch if you want…"
"Huh, can I…? I mean, I'll, pass."
She says that while glancing at my chest, but I think she has a pretty good set herself.
At a glance, just in terms of size, she's probably on par with my best friend, Umi.
! Ah, I see, so being on par with Umi means…
"Y-Yuu, are you thinking something dirty?"
"Huh? O-OfCourseNot?!?!"
"You suddenly started talking so stiltedly…"
And so, after taking separate baths (reluctantly), we used the same lotion together, took care of our skin for tomorrow, and a long day was finally coming to an end.
"…Monica-chan."
"What?"
"Today was fun, wasn't it?"
"Yes. But it was very tiring."
"Sorry, Monica-chan. For making you do so many things you're not used to."
"Well, it's part of my job as a guide."
"Ehehe, thank you very much. My wonderful, beautiful, cute, and lovely guide."
"You're very welcome. I'll take that as a social courtesy."
"…Ehehe."
"…Fufu."
We lay side by side on the double bed prepared in the room, talking while staring at the darkened ceiling.
We naturally held hands, sharing our body heat.
"Hey, Yuu."
"Yeah."
"…I wonder if everyone in class will be surprised to see me now."
"They will be, I'm sure of it."
"My childhood friend, too?"
"Yeah. Grandma and the others praised you earlier, didn't they?"
"That's true… but."
"It's okay."
I turned over to face Monica-chan, and gently placed my hand on her worried cheek as I spoke.
"It's okay. You're super cute, Monica-chan. So, lift your head up. Be confident."
"Yuu… Okay. I'll try to believe you."
Monica-chan's worried expression softened, and I felt a sense of relief.
As if to encourage her, I squeezed her cold hand even tighter.
"Your hand is so warm, Yuu."
"I know, right? Ehehe, Umi tells me that a lot. Though sometimes she tells me to get away because it's too hot."
"I see. …W-Well, in that case, you can stick to me."
"Can I? Then I won't hold back… Hya!"
"Hya… T-This, I think I understand how Umi-san feels. You hug like you're tackling someone, Yuu."
"That's just how much I love the person I'm hugging."
"I see. But in that case, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider the other person's feelings too."
"Ahaha… Umi says the same thing to me."
"…I have a feeling that Umi-san and I would get along really well."
In the house where the whole family was asleep, just the two of us, Monica-chan and I, continued to talk until we both fell asleep.
I was tired from playing, but today was a very fun day.
…And tomorrow will surely be a fun day, too.
For me. And for Monica-chan.
※※※
After a long yet short, fun holiday spent with my cousin, the next morning arrived.
I finished breakfast a little earlier than everyone else and headed to school in my dad's car.
To be honest, going to school this early in the morning is nothing but depressing, but I don't have the guts to skip, so I can only count the days until the next holiday comes.
As for my dear cousin, she was so tired from the long trip two days ago and from playing that she wouldn't wake up no matter how hard I tried, and was sleeping soundly with a happy look on her face.
…Thanks to that, I got to gaze at her cute sleeping face as much as I wanted, and I also got to enjoy her soft, mochi-like cheeks.
By the way, as for today's outfit, Yuu had taught me all about it the night before, so I had no problems. I just stopped wearing baggy clothes and changed to something that shows my body line more, but I feel like that alone has changed my impression quite a bit.
My classmates might not even recognize me at first glance.
["This is fine. Thanks, Dad. I'm off."]
["Okay. Have a good day, Monica."]
Waving goodbye to my dad, I started walking down the main street leading to the school.
I was supposed to have adjusted my time to arrive at the classroom a little early, but I got caught in the morning rush hour on the way and ended up swept in the flood of students heading to class.
My current self is now exposed to a lot of people… The thought of it made my legs freeze a little.
(…It's okay, be confident.)
Last night, my friend's words, who repeatedly encouraged me by my side, echoed over and over in my head.
Yuu praised me. She told me to be confident, that I'm cute, that I'm lovely.
That's what a girl with a smile as bright as a sunflower, a girl that everyone would turn to look at, told me.
I'm still half in doubt myself, but maybe it's okay to believe her, just this once.
Taking a small, deep breath, I lifted my head, straightened my back as much as possible, and started walking again.
Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've walked while looking straight ahead. I was scared of drawing more attention than necessary, I hated even acknowledging that I was being watched, so my morning commute was spent staring at the ground.
However, when I mustered up the courage to look around, I immediately noticed something.
(I guess… people don't really care about others that much…?)
I used to be so scared of being looked at that I didn't notice, but most of the people on the street aren't looking at others and don't seem to care.
They're chatting with friends, listening to music alone, or walking with their phones in hand… There's hardly anyone who shows any interest in me.
(Or rather, that's normal. The ones who nitpick about people's appearances are probably the weird ones.)
Thinking that, I feel the anxiety I've always had fade away.
And what's more.
["…Hey."]
["What's up, staring off into space like that. See a cute girl?"]
["Look, that girl walking over there. The one with the silver hair."]
["Oh, her? …Can't see her face from here, but she does look nice."]
The two boys that just passed by are talking about me. They seem to be whispering so I won't hear them, but… with my sharp hearing, I can hear every single word.
For now, I'm walking with a straight face as if nothing's wrong, but… my heart is pounding.
["But hey, was there a girl like that in our school? With beautiful silver hair and red inner color… With a look that stands out that much, it wouldn't be surprising if there were rumors about her."]
["Yeah. …Hey, you go check out her face."]
["Huh? Why me…? You're the one who saw her first, so you go."]
["No way, it'd be rude to her to go out of my way to just look at her face."]
["Then, talk to her."]
["That's…"]
(…Honestly, so indecisive. What pathetic kids.)
They're probably just shy, but then they shouldn't have brought it up in the first place.
It's not something to be proud of, talking about people's appearances, but… unlike my classmates, they seem to have some basic manners, so if they're that curious, I can show them my side profile.
To be honest, I was also curious about how they would react.
Pretending to have received a call from someone, I slowly turned my face towards them.
["What, it's from Dad… I'll just ignore it. Too much of a hassle."]
Muttering that to myself, I put my phone back in my bag and turned my back to them again, walking away quickly.
I'm curious about their reaction, but the thought of them saying something bad about me won out, and I moved away from them.
["Hey, that girl…"]
["Yeah. …"]
[["…! …!"]]
I could only tell that they were making a fuss behind me, but… at least, I strangely didn't feel the usual unpleasant atmosphere at all.
Everyone's reaction is completely different from usual. That premonition turned into conviction the moment I entered the classroom.
["Good morning, Jessie."]
["Oh, good morning, Moni, ka…"]
["…What, what's wrong?"]
["Huh? Monica… you are Monica, right?"]
["Of course I am. I'm Monica. Monica Bright Souma. And this is my class."]
["R-Right… It's just that your vibe has changed so much from last week, I was a little, you know, surprised."]
My only friend in class that I can have a proper conversation with, Jessica, seems to be observing my change intently, her eyelids wide open behind her glasses.
It can't be helped. After all, the me from just last week and the me now are completely different.
Noticing Jessica's astonishment at my change, the gazes of the other classmates all turned towards me.
["Huh? Is that Monica? Not a different person?"]
["I never noticed before, but was she that tall? And her legs are so long…"]
["I feel like she has gotten prettier, too…"]
["Hey, who was it that cast a spell on Monica?"]
Depending on how you hear it, it's still a terrible thing to say, but they must be that surprised.
What Yuu did to me wasn't magic or a miracle, but… when I've changed this much, I start to want to believe in its existence.
"Monica-chan is cute"──My cousin's──no, my beloved friend's words, who told me that so persistently, give me the confidence and courage I had lost without even realizing it.
I can say it with my head held high. I don't need to listen to the words of rude people who know nothing about me ever again.
…I am cute. Just as Yuu said.
["But Monica, you barely dressed up until just recently, what's with the change of heart? Did your uncle or someone push you?"]
["No way… well, maybe, but I accepted the change of my own will. So I'm fine. …But, thanks for worrying, Jessie."]
When I said that with a smile, the classmate in front of me stared at me with her mouth agape and her cheeks slightly flushed.
["…Jessie? He~y, Jessica-sa~n."]
["Hah…! Oh, sorry. It was just such a wonderful smile."]
["R-Really? Did I make a face like that?"]
["Yeah. You were able to make a face like that, too."]
["I know, right. I'm surprised about that, too."]
Well, it's all thanks to a girl with a smile as bright as the sun, who flew all the way from a small island country in the far east.
※※※
The long weekend that started with a meeting with a cousin of the same age passed in a flash, and before I knew it, I was at the airport to board the plane back home.
It was a trip to a foreign country that lasted for several days, but thanks to my grandma and grandpa, and Uncle Shane's family who welcomed us, I was able to spend very fulfilling days. One day I'd take a walk around the house with Grandma and Grandpa, and on another day the whole family would go shopping for souvenirs. At night, I'd sleep in the same room as Grandma and Grandpa and have them listen to me talk all night.
On the first day, I was still a little reserved with my grandma, but… now on the day of my return, with our misunderstanding cleared up, we've become good friends.
"Yuu, you're leaving already… Grandma, what will I have to look forward to from tomorrow? I'm so lonely."
"I'm lonely too, Grandma. But if I don't go back, my friends and teachers at school… a lot of people will probably worry."
"Fufu, that's right. You are loved by so many people, Yuu. …Yuu, tomorrow, the day after, whenever, come and visit again. For any number of days, any number of months, I'll welcome you."
"Okay, thank you, Grandma. I'll definitely, definitely come again."
In the lobby, waiting for the departure of the flight to Japan, Grandma and I hugged each other tightly, as if reluctant to part.
I firmly imprint the scent that reminds me of my mother, the scent that calms me down, into my memory so that I don't forget it.
I don't know when the next time will be, but… when I miss this scent so much that I can't stand it, I'll come and be selfish to Grandma and Grandpa again.
"Yuu, we have to board soon, what do you want to do? Want to wait a little longer?"
"Yeah. I'll run right over after I say my goodbyes."
"Okay. Then your father and I will go on ahead."
After seeing off my parents who disappeared towards the boarding gate with our luggage, I decided to stay a little longer.
I've said my goodbyes to Grandma, but I still haven't spoken to the most important person.
The lovely silver-haired girl who has changed so much in these few days.
While keeping an eye on the clock, I waited for about ten minutes.
The plane won't wait, so I'll have to hurry to the boarding gate soon… Just then, the voice I'd been waiting for reached my ears.
"Yuu! Sorry, I'm a little late!"
"Monica-chan!"
Seeing my cousin running with her straight, silky hair flowing in the wind, I ran towards her, too.
"Monica-chan! I'm so glad, you made it!"
"Wawa… Yuu, you're the same as always, even at a time like this."
However, Monica-chan must have been fully prepared to receive me, as she easily caught my hug, which is sometimes called a tackle.
I've only known Monica-chan for a few days, but I feel like she's already as skilled at handling me as Umi.
"I'm sorry. I was planning to arrive a little earlier, but things got a little complicated…"
"I see. …By the way, how did it go?"
"…I got rejected. He said he has a girlfriend at his school."
"I see. Even though you're so cute and nice, Monica-chan."
"I know, right. He has no taste, I was instantly turned off. And get this, what do you think he said after hearing me out? 'If you could give me a little more time, I might be able to give you a good answer'… can you believe it? I was sure he was just trying to keep me as a backup, so I was the one who desperately refused."
"Ugh, what the heck… so it's true that you can't judge a book by its cover."
"Right? Just because he's my childhood friend, I had this weird bias that made him seem wonderful. I seriously want the past few years back."
Monica-chan was late because she was settling things with her childhood friend, but… well, from what I heard, it might not have been a bad thing that she completely cut ties with him.
That's what I thought, seeing the refreshed look on Monica-chan's face.
"I can't believe we have to be separated again after getting so close… Hey Yuu, why don't you come to our school as an exchange student? You can study the language, and it'd be a good experience for your future."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but that's a bit… oh, then how about you come over, Monica-chan? You're good at studying, and your Japanese is amazing."
"! I see, I hadn't considered that … I'll check with the school later."
"You're serious about this, Monica-chan…"
However, that's probably how much she cares about me.
Our bond has deepened that much in these few days. During my stay, Monica-chan and I were inseparable; from the moment I woke up until I went to sleep, she was always by my side, taking care of me. Even the bath she gently refused on the first day, she took with me as a special exception because it was our last day, and we even washed each other's bodies.
My memories of Golden Week, which felt long yet short, are always with Monica-chan──it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that there was always a lovely silver sparkle by my side.
"Yuu, thank you again. I was a little nervous when we first met, but I'm sure that becoming your friend will be a treasure for a lifetime."
"Me too, Monica-chan. We'll always be friends, even if we're far apart."
"Yeah. It's a promise, Yuu. Pinky promise."
"Yeah. If you lie, you have to swallow a thousand needles."
And so, we pinky-promised to our future friendship.
I don't know when we'll meet again. A few months, a few years, or maybe longer.
No one knows what the future holds for now.
But as long as we don't forget each other. As long as we think of each other even when we're far apart.
Someday, surely again.
"Yuu, that's the boarding announcement. Aunt Eri and Hayato-san are waiting, so you should probably get going."
"Huh, it's that late already…? Well then, Monica-chan, I'm off."
"Yeah. Take care."
As she said that, Monica-chan leaned in and gently kissed my cheek.
It's not that unusual in this country, but… for the shy Monica-chan to do something like that.
"…I love you, Yuu. My precious magician."
"Huh? Monica-chan, what did you just…"
"…Nothing? I just told you to be careful of the cars."
"Come on, I'm about to get on a plane. You're such a tease, Monica-chan, joking at a time like this."
"Fufu, I must have taken after someone."
After one last lighthearted exchange, we finally parted ways.
""Well then, see you again.""
When I get back to my town, I'll tell everyone all about my trip, along with their souvenirs.
About the foreign city I saw for the first time in a while, and the kind people who live there. About Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Shane and his family.
And most of all, about my wonderful and cute friend with surprisingly beautiful silver hair.
About my Golden Week, draped in silver.