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“A get-together?”
Class was over. I had some free time before my next class, so I was thinking about grabbing a drink from a vending machine when Shino brought it up.
“That’s right—a get-together for the German class.”
“Isn’t it a little early for that?”
“What are you talking about? By the time Golden Week is over, the groups will already be set. We have to hold it now.”
Hearing her out, I thought she had a point.
Come to think of it, back in middle and high school, if I didn’t interact with someone before Golden Week started, I never really got close to them afterward unless something happened to bring us together.
“University classes are already like that—we don’t get to see each other outside of required classes, so we’ve got to organize an event like this now. It’d be a waste to just say ‘Nice to meet you’ and leave it at that, wouldn’t it?”
“You’re right… Unlike high school, if you don’t take the initiative, you’ll end up alone.”
I heard a similar conversation at the welcome party for the futsal club I joined the other day.
They said that if you don’t take the initiative, you’ll end up with nothing more than a casual “Hey!” when you pass each other—just a “Hey, there.”
There are no events organized by the university like sports festivals or school trips.
So I was starting to realize firsthand that I really did need to take the initiative.
“Exactly! If you get along with people, it’s handy for things like class info, covering for each other’s absences, and helping out before exams. In other words, hosting a get-together is an investment in the future!”
“That’s just refreshingly calculating.”
Even as I teased her, I thought there was nothing wrong with what Shino was saying.
Being able to speak so bluntly and openly about things like self-interest and calculation—aspects people usually try to hide—is definitely one of Shino’s best qualities.
“So, Rintaro, I have a favor to ask. I’d like you to help me organize it.”
“Me…?”
“Yep. If I handle everything on my own, it’ll make me stand out a bit too much.”
Isn’t it a bit late for that?
She’s already made a huge impact and stood out like a sore thumb from day one—what on earth is she talking about?
“Besides, while it’s easy for me to get the girls to join, I think the guys would be more likely to get involved if Rintaro asked them. You’re talking to Iwami and the others, right?”
“…What’s your real motive?”
“—I’m wondering if I can lure in some people who want to get close to Rintaro for the sake of German.”
“You… little… bastard…”
Even as I said that, I’d already decided to help her.
Shino has helped me out countless times.
When I was about to get weird attention over the German thing, Shino saved me by stealing the spotlight with her usual energy.
If I thought of this as a chance to repay that debt, there was no reason to refuse.
“Alright, if you want me, I’ll help.”
“Awesome, my friend!”
“But no weird drinking parties or anything like that. Just a normal dinner and a chat.”
“Of course. These days, there’s always the risk of photos of underage drinking getting shared on social media. It’s a scary world, really.”
Her concerns seem a bit off the mark.
Though I guess that’s just Shino for you.
“But if Rintaro says he wants to take me home, I might just consider it♡”
“I’ll pass. Shino would definitely get rowdy when she drinks.”
I shooed her away with a look of utter disgust as she approached me, pouting her lips and wriggling her body in a clumsy, girly manner.
It’s just a hunch, but I have a feeling Shino can hold her liquor and gets really annoying when she’s drunk. After all, she’s like this even when she’s sober.
“Joking aside… well, let’s get right to it and find a place.”
“Right now?”
“Momentum is key with this kind of thing. Come on, let’s go to the cafeteria. We’ll sit down, check our phones, and narrow down the options!”
No sooner had she said it than Shino started walking without waiting for my reply.
She’s as pushy as ever.
But I know that even if I resist now, she’ll just drag me along anyway.
I let out a small sigh and followed after Shino.
★ ☆ ★
By the time I got back, it was already getting dark outside.
We were only supposed to look for a place in the cafeteria, but between coming up with options, estimating the number of people, and setting a budget, it took way longer than I expected.
Shino was really fired up about it, and as we were leaving, she suggested, “Since we’re here anyway, let’s grab a bite to eat while we check out the place,” but I had to turn her down, saying, “You don’t have to take it that seriously.”
There’s a limit to everything.
“I’m home.”
“Welcome back, Rintaro.”
When I opened the front door, Elis was there to greet me, just as usual.
It had been a few days since classes started. I’d already gotten pretty used to coming home to find Elis there.
“You’re a little late today.”
“Oh, sorry. I was helping Shino prepare for a social gathering.”
“…Hmm, a social gathering? Just the two of you?”
Elis looks cheerful, but I feel like there’s a bit of a sting in her words.
Even though our eyes are meeting, they don’t really connect. I feel like she’s observing me, trying not to miss a single thing—my words, my expressions, the movements of my hands, and every other subtle change in my body.
“No, that’s not it. It’s just a gathering of people from the same German class. We’re going to have dinner and get to know each other better.”
“Hmm… When?”
“It’s scheduled for this Friday. Sorry, but I’ll be home late that day.”
“Got it.”
She seemed to accept it, and our eyes met again.
It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong, but I can’t help feeling a little guilty about leaving Ellis behind and going out on my own.
With that in mind, I decided to change the subject.
“Does your class have any plans for a get-together?”
“Hmm… I don’t know.”
Elis tilted her head slightly.
It seemed less like she didn’t know and more like she simply wasn’t interested.
Hearing that answer made me a little worried.
I wondered if Elis was managing to fit in at her Japanese university without standing out.
“Is there anyone among your friends who might be the type to organize something?”
“Rintaro, are you thinking I might not have any friends?”
She saw right through me.
I thought she might get angry and tell me not to treat her like a child again, but instead, she looked pleased.
“You’re worried about me.”
“Well, of course I am.”
“I’m fine. I’m doing just fine. I have friends I take classes with, and they’re teaching me all sorts of things about Japan.”
“I see…”
I couldn’t help but feel a weight lift from deep within my chest.
Elis can speak Japanese.
She’ll probably keep up with her classes, and she said she’d contact me if anything came up.
Even so, I was anxious about what would happen if Elis, having just arrived in Japan, were spending her college life without interacting with anyone but me.
What if she was feeling isolated because I’d kept my distance just so I could stay “normal”?
The thought made me feel uneasy.
“That’s a relief.”
The words slipped out before I knew it.
“I’m really glad to hear you’re getting along with everyone.”
“…Yeah.”
Elis’s eyes widened slightly before she interlaced her fingers in front of her chest.
Her expression looked happy, yet somehow troubled as well.
“Rintaro, are you happier when I get along well with my friends?”
“Of course I am. I want you to really enjoy your college life.”
Elis is doing well.
Hearing that, I felt relieved and let the tension in my shoulders ease.
I think, deep down, I just wanted to feel reassured.
Somewhere inside, I wanted confirmation that my decision to keep my distance at college hadn’t been a mistake.
“I see. So, Rintaro, you were worried about me.”
“Of course I was.”
“…Yeah. That makes me happy.”
Elis interlaced her fingers in front of her chest and looked down slightly.
I thought she might be embarrassed.
But when she looked up again, she was smiling—a smile different from the one she’d had just a moment ago.
“Well then, I guess I’ll have to make sure to get along with the people at college, too.”
It was supposed to be an optimistic remark.
And yet, for some reason, it stuck in my throat a little.
At that moment, I still didn’t know.
That those words had given Elis an unnecessary idea—.
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