Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330665542028014/episodes/16818093073609861177
As soon as I got home, I collapsed into bed. At that moment, like a tidal wave, sleepiness and fatigue surged over me.
I took the overnight bus back to my hometown and worked without sleeping until the day of the bazaar. Even someone who worked at a black company would have turned pale at this and gone to the Labor Standards Inspection Office to report it. It was only natural that Wada would be shocked.
It was not only to get the products on time that I went to such lengths. If that were all, I could have done it within the limits of my regular life. But the reason why I pushed myself so hard was because I had to. It was—
“Jinpei kun, are you all right?”
“Itsuki, are you alive?”
“Wake up, Itsuki. You’ll die if you sleep.”
With the sound of the door opening, Kanna, Asakura, and Sasatsuki rushed into the room.
“What’s the matter? Did you finish the party?”
“No, I think everyone has moved to the karaoke bar for the after-party. That’s not important ! What’s important is Jinpei kun’s physical condition !”
“We were going to go to the after-party too, but Wada told us that Itsuki had left earlier. We got worried and came back.”
Instead of a [This is my house, not yours,] I let out a wry smile.
“Did you really think we didn’t notice that Itsuki was working alone at night?”
“Seriously……you all noticed?”
Since it had never happened, I thought it was completely unknown.
“There’s no one among us who won’t notice when the warmth of Itsuki suddenly disappears.”
“Why did you push yourself too hard on your own…?”
Kanna said with a look of sadness and apologies on her face. Asakura is even angry with Sasatsuki. But it’s all a misunderstanding. I lifted my heavy body and got off the bed, and gently patted my childhood friend on the head.
“It’s no one’s fault. I’m certainly aware that I pushed myself a little too hard. I’m sorry that I made you worry. But I did want to make this by myself for everyone.”
As I said this, I took out something I had hidden in my desk drawer. This was the reason for my lack of sleep, and I wanted to get it done by today, no matter what.
“I wanted to give this to you guys. I’d be happy if you could accept it.”
For Kanna, a cherry pink one. For Asakura, it is the blue of the clear sky, and for Sasatsuki, it is the yellow of the stars shining in the night sky. I handed to the three of them a wooden box wrapped with ribbons in colors that matched their moods.
“Beautiful……perhaps Jinpei kun made it?”
Kanna, who immediately opened the box, asked in admiration. The earrings I gave her were pure white deer antlers carved into the shape of wings.
“They are very different from the ones sold at the bazaar…….”
“Theyre truly one-of-a-kind. I can’t believe I’m getting such a beautiful thing.”
Asakura and Sasatsuki, who also opened the box, looked puzzled. Asakura was given a bracelet in the shape of a flower, while Sasatsuki was given a pendant with a star motif.
“Of course. I dug it out using the whitest, prettiest part of the horn, but it’s the first time I’ve made it, so you’ll have to forgive the martial nature of it.”
Because the three of them are young and successful, they will probably face many difficulties in the future. That’s why I wanted to give them this as a good-luck charm to bring them good fortune and ward off evil. I also wanted to express my gratitude for their support.
“I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it here on my own. But thanks to Kanna, Asakura, and Sasatsuki, I haven’t had a single day when I felt lonely, and I’m having fun every day. This is my way of saying thank you.”
I bowed my head as I said.
“No. You’re wrong, Jinpei kun. I received a lot from you. I am who I am today because of you.”
“Kanna is right. I’m always grateful to you, too. Thanks to you, I’m always able to practice in perfect condition.”
“If Itsuki had not found me, I would still be all alone. I can’t thank you enough.”
(Thank you, for understanding us.)
They said it with a smile on their faces, and my eyes heated up.
“Then Jinpei kun. Since we’re here, will you put this earrings on me?”
Kanna pleads with her eyes while keeping her body close to me. Involuntarily, an incoherent scream escapes from my mouth.
As I was confused at Kanna’s surprise attack, Asakura and Sasatsuki immediately grabbed Kanna by the scruff of her neck and tried to rip her off.
“You can’t run around, Kanna.”
“It should be decided fairly by rock-paper-scissors-scissors.”
“……Are you making a decision without me?”
But sadly. My pleas were never heard. As usual, as soon as the battle to decide the order without honor begins, Kanna and the others start to make a fuss, looking like they’re having fun.
At first I thought it was too noisy and I didn’t want my place to be a hangout place, but now I feel comfortable with it. It has become an indispensable part of my life.
“Thank you, everyone.”
I hope this life continues for as long as possible.
I prayed in my heart as I watched the outcome of the battle.
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