My Childhood Friend Kept Taunting Me, Saying, “You Don’t Even Have the Guts to Pin Me Down Anyway,” So We Did the “Asa Chun”

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596386802075 The opening ceremony was over. Everyone filed out of the gym and headed back to their classrooms. Amid the crowd, Mashiro and I were walking side by side. “‘Haa…’” We both yawned at the same time without meaning to. When our eyes met, Mashiro looked away awkwardly. “…What? Are you that happy we … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596360583461 I got out of the bath and sat down on the sofa. Even though time always flows the same way, it felt like it was moving unusually slowly right now. And yet, my heart was pounding way too fast. “S-seriously… No, um… S-seriously…” My already limited vocabulary was in shambles. Right now, Mashiro … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596348686837 I gaze out the window from inside the air-conditioned store. A sky so blue it seems to stretch endlessly, and heat waves shimmering and rising. Seeing this quintessential midsummer scene, I realize once again that we’re right in the middle of summer vacation. “Hey, Kensuke. What are you spacing out for?” Mashiro, who … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596311544995 We arrive at a large shopping mall. By the way, I haven’t been told a single thing about today’s plans—Mashiro is calling all the shots. I follow Mashiro in silence, and the first place we end up at is a movie theater. “Oh, so we’re going to see a movie?” “What, are you … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596288377866 The closing ceremony was over. The teacher standing at the front of the classroom called out listlessly. “Summer vacation starts tomorrow. Have some fun, but don’t go too wild. That’s all.” The after-school bell rang out, and everyone was dismissed. It wasn’t just starting tomorrow—summer vacation had already begun. As everyone’s expressions brightened … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596177119746 ――Morning. “I’m off!” “I’m going.” I stop right after stepping out of the house and glance next door. Because I’ve felt this sensation countless times before, “”……Ah.”” I happened to make eye contact with her as she came out of the house next door. “……Good morning, Kensuke.”“Good morning, Mashiro.” We naturally start walking … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596081778539 The room was bathed in the setting sun. At my words, Mashiro’s face gradually turned bright red, as if the color were being poured onto her. Her eyes were wide open, and her mouth hung agape. “Wh—… wh—…” To be honest, my mind was pretty fuzzy. I didn’t even fully realize that I’d … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596072405088 Mashiro came over to the bed. She was slightly sweaty, and her hair was, unusually, a mess. “Why are you here, Mashiro…?” “…Well, I was bored. I stopped by on my way home. See? I’m so sweet, aren’t I?” “…So you came here in a hurry.” “Huh?! N-no, that’s not—” Realizing her hair … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596035260250 After that, the ambiguous situation with Mashiro continued. Even when I steeled myself to ask her once more what that kiss really meant, she dodged the question and lashed out at me as if to get even. The next time, she lashed out again. No matter how objectively I tried to look at … Read more

Source https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139845923627658/episodes/2912051596008995672 Mariko san’s words echo through the chaotic living room. “You should’ve told me right away when you started dating~ I thought I was cheering you two on from the front lines, you know? Like, being a super fan or something? Hehe, though I guess that’s probably not quite right…” “What are you talking … Read more