Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093075629868223/episodes/16818792437495243355
Perhaps because I suddenly remembered it just now.
Or maybe because too many parts matched my own memories.
Hearing Sakurazaka’s story, my mind froze for an instant.
“I-Is something wrong…?”
“Ah, no… I see. So Sakurazaka had that kind of past. It’s as deep as the Mariana Trench…!”
“I didn’t say anything that deep…”
I dodged the glare from the beautiful junior beside me by simply tilting my head.
After all—
(Me…? Me?)
It’s true, when I was a kid… back when I was helping Yuzuki, Kirishima, and Shiori-san, I stuck my neck out to help others too.
The girl I met on the riverbank was one of them.
I remember wearing a hero mask back then too, and leaving without saying my name.
(No, it’s still too early to say for sure…)
She was crying, I was wearing a hero mask, I got her ball back—I feel like I’ve already made up my mind, but I want to hear a little more of her story.
I have no intention of hiding it or making her feel indebted, but I still think of that time as a bit of an embarrassing chapter.
Besides, considering the possibility of being embarrassed with a “Huh? What are you talking about? That’s not right!”, I’d rather wait for her to bring it up herself. If I’m wrong, it’ll be even more embarrassing.
“Um… well, this is kind of embarrassing to say…”
Just as I was thinking that, Sakurazaka continued before I could ask anything.
“His words made me think I should try a little harder. Little by little… so I could properly fix this personality of mine.”
“I-I see…”
“So someday… I want to properly thank him. I want to tell him that because of him, I can talk to other people better than I could back then, that I can express my own opinions clearly now.”
“……………….”
“If that prince hadn’t been there back then, I probably would’ve stayed shy forever, refusing to connect with anyone. But… I don’t feel like I’m cured yet, so maybe it’s too soon to thank him.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke.
Her eyes seemed to hold a certain intensity.
Was it just my imagination? She looked a bit like Yuzuki did when she talked about the prince earlier…
(Hmm, hmm…)
…Was it really me who said those words?
I don’t honestly remember every single word I said back then.
Did I create the push that got Sakurazaka going, or did someone else just happen to do something similar and give her that push?
(But now that you mention it, she does kind of resemble that girl from back then, or maybe not…)
If that’s the case, maybe I should tell her.
After all, both Yuzuki and Kirishima… were crying.
Even if I’m wrong, even if it means digging up embarrassing memories, I don’t want to make a girl sad.
So—
“Um, Sakurazaka… about that…”
“What are you talking about?”
Just then.
Suddenly, Kirishima, climbing up the embankment, called out to us.
“Ki, Kirishima-senpai!?”
Perhaps because Kirishima was approaching, Sakurazaka beside me let out a flustered voice.
She had said she respected her, so being this close must have her flustered.
Meanwhile, catching sight of Kirishima in different clothes than before and the filming staff in my peripheral vision, I couldn’t help but ask.
“What about the shoot?”
“Changing clothes was fine, but they’re still stuck rethinking the concept and staffing, so it’s paused. Looks like it’ll take a bit longer.”
But more importantly, Kirishima looked at Sakurazaka.
“That’s the new girl, right? She’s incredibly cute… Did you hook her up again?”
Whoa, that’s an accusation unbecoming of a virgin who’s never dated anyone before.
“She’s a junior I met at the last camp. Nothing more than that. Just ran into her by chance.”
“Really?”
“That’s hurtful. There’s absolutely no reason to suspect me, Cherry-san.”
But she should know I’ve never dated anyone.
Why is she looking at me with such suspicious eyes—
“Well, that Cherry-san… you’ve got this prince-like quality you’re not even aware of.”
“……………….”
“Hehe, don’t look away, Prince-san. Look at me.”
Tickle, tickle.
Kirishima playfully pokes my cheek.
I want to say something back, but I can’t say anything. It’s sad. I can’t resist.
“Um, excuse me…”
As Kirishima toys with me, a timid voice reaches my ears.
Kirishima immediately lets go of me and turns toward Sakurazaka.
“H-Hello, I’m Sakurazaka Aira!”
“Nice to meet you too, I’m Kirishima Kurusu.”
Unlike Sakurazaka, who seemed nervous, Kirishima returned the greeting with a dignified, composed air.
As expected of a model with so many fans. She must be used to this kind of interaction.
“I met Irie-senpai at the forest school… and now he helps me with my studies… so, so I’m definitely not some shady person who writes penalty clauses in tiny print in the corner of contracts!”
Was that explanation really necessary?
“I see.”
But, just for a moment.
I thought I saw a shadow pass over Kirishima’s expression.
But it vanished just as quickly.
“Irie is smart, isn’t he? he always gets top marks in tests too.”
Her smile shifted into one that seemed to tease me somehow.
“Well… I mean, Kirishima-senpai… I think you’re amazing! I’ve always admired you!”
“Oh, really? It makes me happy to hear that from such a cute girl.”
Sakurazaka’s voice cracked, probably from nerves.
Seeing her like this really made me think she was genuinely bad at talking to people.
But then, for some reason, Kirishima leaned closer to Sakurazaka and started staring intently at her.
“Um…”
“Hmm… You really are adorable. You’re every bit as cute as Yuzuki and Shiori-san.”
Then, as if she’d made a decision.
Muttering a small “Alright,” Kirishima—
“Would you like to take a photo with me?”
“Huh!?”
—suddenly blurted out such a thing.
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !