I will kill you… Just kidding♪
“…Phew, we’re done, damn it.”
“You got paint on your cheek, you know?”
“Oh, really.”
As we approached the end of the summer vacation and the completion of the painting to be used for the sports festival, the art club members, who had worked the hardest, were naturally the ones to thank. However, the contribution of classmates who, despite being lazy, never shirked their duties, was also significant. There were still other tasks to be done, but for now, the burden of the main job being completed was lifted.
As everyone admired the finished painting with satisfaction, I walked away from the group, feeling thirsty and headed towards the vending machine to buy juice when Shu and Someya joined me.
“By the way…”
“What’s up?”
“What is it?”
I watch the two who came along. They have become friends who can talk together now, but there was a time when Somya didn’t like Shuu. It’s still fresh in my memory when Somya and I intervened to mediate.
“It’s refreshing to see you two getting along so well.”
When I honestly said that, the two exchanged glances. Shuu smiled wryly, but Somya seemed to have something on his mind, scratching his head apologetically.
“…I really think I was a fool back then. What right did I have to meddle in others’ affairs? It’s really embarrassing to think about it now.”
“hahahaha, I learned about that incident later… It’s all good.”
“Sorry about that.”
And that’s how we have built a good relationship. They must have had many conversations as colleagues doing the same tasks, and I believe it’s also a result of Shuu starting to talk more with classmates. Lately, besides helping Iori as before, they seem to have a good vibe going, going out together occasionally.
“Oh?”
“Oh, Iori-san.”
As we walked like that, Iori happened to pass by. She looked at us in turn, and when Shuu came into view, she smiled happily. Yeah, it’s pretty much certain now.
“Hello, everyone. Seems like the preparations went well?”
“Yes, but there are still other things to do.”
Watching Shuu and Iori chatting away, Somya and I left the scene together. When we reached the vending machine we were heading to, we each bought a juice to quench our thirst.
“It was like a moment for you two.”
“Yeah. Just like you and Ayana.”
“If you say that, you and Kashiwagi-san are similar too.”
Yes, Somya also found a girlfriend after that incident. The girl he started dating is the one who invited Somya to karaoke when Ayana and I intervened, a girl named Kashiwagi. They started talking more frequently after that incident, and apparently, Somya confessed recently, and they started dating.
“Well, Shuu and Sena just started dating, so it’s not quite like that…”
By the way, Sena is Kashiwagi’s name. Somya gives off a somewhat flashy impression, and Kashiwagi has a gal-like appearance, so not only me but also our classmates think they make a good match when they’re together.
“Well then, shall we head back soon?”
“Yeah.”
Shuu… I wonder if he’s still caught up talking to Iori.
There’s nothing urgent for me to do today, so it should be fine to leave them be. I’m heading back to the classroom with Somya, and on the way, we found Ayana and Kashiwagi.
“Sena? And also Nonomiya-san.”
“They seem to be having a conversation.”
The two were talking while looking into the distance from the window… I noticed Somya had a slightly serious expression. It seemed like some sort of consultation was going on, so I slowly approached, with Somya also stopping beside me, intrigued.
“Hey, Ayana, is there something you’re careful about when it comes to being in a relationship with a boyfriend?”
“Careful about… you mean?”
“Yeah.”
In such cases, it might be better to show up immediately, but I think it’s inevitable to pause for a moment. Indeed, Somya also seemed interested, stopping alongside me.
“I’m like this, and I haven’t dated anyone before. I often listen to my friends’ love advice, but I have no actual experience in love… and I’m still a virgin.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“Huh!?”
Somya’s body twitched, then he breathed a sigh as if relieved.
“I accepted Shogo’s confession because I enjoy being with him… but I’m not quite sure what it means to be a girlfriend yet. So I wanted Ayana to teach me what I should do.”
“I see… but it’s a bit surprising. I never expected Sena-san to ask me for advice like this.”
“I-it’s fine, really… He liked me on his own. I want to be a woman he can feel glad to have fallen in love with.”
…To be honest, I found it a bit surprising. Kashiwagi looks flashy, has many friends, and is the kind of person who talks to boys without distinction. Considering her experience in relationships, I thought she had a fair amount, so this was even more unexpected.
“…Sniff… Sena…”
“…She’s crying.”
Somya was crying a little, with tears running down his nose. Well, I can understand his feelings. It must be more than gratifying for a boyfriend to have a girlfriend who thinks of him like this. Somya and I continued to eavesdrop on the two, and Kashiwagi was listening to Ayana’s words as if she were listening to a teacher.
“I see… I see.”
“Well, that’s right. It might be challenging, but isn’t it about avoiding actions that could lead to misunderstandings?”
“Misunderstandings?”
“Yes. Sometimes, small misunderstandings and suspicions can create significant rifts. How would you feel if Kashiwaya-kun went out to have fun with another girl? Of course, assuming it’s just a friendship.”
“No way.”
“That’s right. Just as we women feel, the other side feels the same way. Even if we want to believe, we might end up imagining ‘what if.’ And the worst-case scenario… is not unheard of.”
Not only Kashiwagi but also Somenai beside me nodded vigorously. Maybe you should go there and listen to what they have to say… No, that might be counterproductive.
“Even if you’re careful, there are…?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
I felt Ayana glance over here briefly. Yeah, after years of knowing each other, she probably realized that Somenai and I were listening. Even so, Ayana continued without stopping.
“There are dirty people in the world, and there are lowlifes who infiltrate such relationships between men and women. So, even if you see something unbelievable, first talk and confirm properly. Then make judgments and take action. I think that’s important.”
“Sure, sure, Ayana, that was enlightening!”
“Oh… I’ve learned something too, Onmuna-san!”
…This guy is being too obvious.
“…By the way,”
“Yes. What is it?”
?
“As for mental preparedness or something like that, I got it. Now… about, um, casual relationships, what’s the deal with that—”
The idiot made a loud noise, so I instinctively put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him to my side. Kashiwagi looked over but didn’t seem to find anything. Taking advantage of Kashiwagi looking away, Ayana chuckled.
“s*x?”
“Isn’t that too direct!?”
“hahahaha, I’m sorry. I can’t say anything about that from my side. That realm is up to those people’s pace. Oh, but I’ve prepared in case something like this would be appreciated. For example…”
“For example?”
Ayana whispered something, blushing, and Kashiwagi moved away. What’s this? Is it just my imagination that sparks are flying even to me in this exchange…?
“Despite being a refined beauty, Ayana… seems quite into that kind of thing.”
“I don’t know about being a refined beauty, but being desired by a loved one is a delightful thing. Of course, I also desire it♪”
“Oh…”
Ayana, don’t wink at me.
…I feel exhausted doing this. I head back to the classroom, still holding Somenai by the shoulder. The conversation should be ending soon, and when Ayana returns, let’s go on a date.
“By the way, if someone tries to break up Yukiyo’s relationship—”
“I’ll kill them.”
“…You’re joking, right?”
“Of course, it’s a joke.”
“I-I see, it’s just a joke, hahahahaha… (I can’t say it, your eyes looked serious)”