Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051598917319858
I’ve heard that the School of International Liberal Arts, where I, Ellis Wiegert, attend, has more flashy people than other schools.
It’s true—I feel like there are a lot of people who really care about their appearance and seem confident and poised.
As soon as class ends, they gather to chat, and during free periods, they meet up in cafes or lounges to talk about their weekend plans or club activities.
But I wasn’t at the center of those groups.
“Ellis, the next classroom is this way.”
“Thanks.”
The people I’m with now are relatively quiet.
We sat near each other a few times in the same class, and then we gradually started talking.
They aren’t flashy, but they’re kind.
They let me know when the classroom changes, and they tell me how to use the cafeteria and which times are crowded.
For me, who still doesn’t know much about Japanese universities, that kind of information was very helpful.
At first, I didn’t really mind if I didn’t fit in at university.
After all, as long as Rintaro was there, that was enough for me.
When I get home, Rintaro says, “Welcome back.”
We eat dinner together, spend time in the same living room, and even if I lose my temper and act out a little, he forgives me as long as I apologize properly.
That alone was enough to fill my world.
But having friends would be even better.
After all, if I’m doing well at college, Rintaro will feel at ease.
And I won’t have to shatter the “normal” life he cherishes.
Today, when I get home, I’ll talk a little about college.
Rintaro will surely look relieved.
Thinking about that, I felt a little warmth deep in my heart.
“Hey, hey, Ellis-chan and everyone!”
Class was over.
We had some free time before the next lecture, so we were talking about going to a café off campus when a cheerful voice called out to us.
I looked up to see a group of several guys and girls standing there.
I’d seen them a few times in class. They were always in a big group, laughing a lot.
“We’re planning to have a social gathering soon—would you guys like to come?”
“A social gathering—”
That’s what Rintaro had mentioned.
Apparently, it’s a common event for college students.
“Yeah, since we have some required classes together, let’s get to know each other!”
“We’re inviting the international students too, so you should come, Ellis.”
The way they invited me felt natural.
It didn’t seem like there was any malice behind it.
It’s just that, personally, they weren’t exactly people I wanted to get involved with.
“As for me—”
Just as I was about to decline, I glanced over at the girl next to me.
The girls I was with were watching my reaction.
Did they want to go, or didn’t they?
Or were they waiting to see what I would do before deciding for themselves?
They looked a little hesitant.
“Have you decided on a place yet?”
“We’re looking for one right now. One of the guys knows a good spot near the station.”
One of the boys in the group held up his smartphone with a smug look.
The screen showed a photo of what looked like an izakaya.
“This place is cheap and has a great vibe.”
“Wait, but since we’re freshmen, aren’t some of us still too young to drink?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. They’re pretty lenient about age checks here.”
“Exactly. We’re not high schoolers anymore, you know? It’d be a waste to just eat and talk.”
I let out a tiny sigh, quiet enough that no one could hear it.
I saw the eyes of the guys nearby flash with a bit of a gleam, and I felt a wave of disgust wash over me.
(This is such a hassle.)
I had this almost certain feeling that if I joined them, they’d keep pestering me to talk.
I don’t want to go out of my way to be friends with anyone.
Girls are fine, but guys with ulterior motives are out of the question.
Just like I get jealous of Rintaro’s friend Shino, maybe Rintaro would get jealous if I made a male friend—but even so.
Because all my cuteness is just for Rintaro.
I don’t want anyone else to see it.
So—
“In that case, I’ll pass.”
I was about to say that.
But before I could, I noticed the girl next to me gasp softly.
“They didn’t ask for ID… I wonder if that’s okay…”
“But if we turn them down right away, they might think we’re unfriendly.”
“Is this kind of thing normal in college?”
Their voices were quiet.
The guys and girls who had approached me seemed oblivious because they were trying to persuade me, but I could hear them clearly.
I want to say no. But if I do, it might affect our relationship going forward.
I don’t want to stand out as a weirdo right from the start. That kind of hesitation was written all over their faces.
In that case, maybe it wouldn’t be right for me to be the only one pulling the rug out from under them by saying, “It’s a hassle, so I’m not going.”
Rintaro had said it.
That I should cherish my friends.
That he’d feel more at ease if I was getting along well with everyone.
If that’s the case, I suppose this is something I need to do to prove myself.
Of course, I have no intention of drinking alcohol.
Nor do I plan on getting friendly with men I don’t know.
But turning them down from the start and narrowing the space I’ve finally found for myself just isn’t right.
Besides—
I wonder what kind of face Rintaro would make if I told him about this.
Just thinking about it sent a shiver down my spine.
A social gathering, a bar with no age restrictions, a gathering where guys I don’t know will be there too.
He’ll probably worry about me a lot again.
It makes me so happy and feels so good to really feel like I’m being cared for.
“Ellis-chan?”
Hearing my name called, I snapped back to reality.
All the eyes around me were on me.
I thought for a moment, then smiled.
“Well, I guess I’ll go too.”
At that moment, the expressions of the girls I was with softened slightly.
The people who had invited me got visibly excited.
“Seriously? Awesome!”
“If Ellis-chan’s coming, people are definitely going to show up.”
“I’ll add you to the group chat later, then.”
I nodded.
It’s not like I’m looking forward to the gathering itself.
I don’t want to drink, and I don’t want to get close to them.
There’s only one thing I’m looking forward to.
—I wonder if Rintaro will worry about me again?
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