Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622170980601886
――Asahina, the morning after recovering from a cold.
“…”
“…”
I was brushing Asahina’s hair as usual. No! It was usual, but it wasn’t usual
“Okay, done.”
“Oh, thank you…”
There was no lighthearted conversation as usual. It was awkward. Having returned from the unusual experience of nursing her back to health, we couldn’t look each other in the face anymore, even though we could see each other’s backs.
I looked up the meaning of “boyfriend shirt” on my phone after that.
means—a girlfriend wearing her boyfriend’s clothes.
Technically, it was boyfriend sweatshirt, but it was a simple yet incredibly powerful phrase. There’s no way I can stop thinking about Asahina now!
“I put your favorite sweet omelet in today’s lunch box.”
“Uh, yeah…”
Even the usually lazy high school girl seemed pretty awkward today. Asahina’s eyes kept darting around, and we couldn’t make eye contact at all. This is like going back to the beginning when I said I’d have to start over.
“…”
“…”
I can’t even look at her either! This isn’t going back to the beginning, it’s complete regression!
“Ryo-kun…?”
“Wh-what?”
“Tie…”
“Ah, yeah.”
The awkward exchange continues. This is bad, my hands are shaking. When I touch Asahina, I can’t help but remember her white, soft-looking skin. I saw Asahina half-naked…
“Okay, done.”
“Thanks as always…”
Even though she’s right in front of me, I finish tying the tie without making eye contact.
“Asahina, did you forget anything?”
“I think I’m okay. If I forget something, I’ll borrow it from Ryo-kun.”
“Does it work that conveniently?! I’m not some cat-shaped robot!”
“…”
Ugh, since Asahina didn’t respond, it felt like I completely messed up. Just respond like usual.
In an indescribable atmosphere, we locked the front door and went outside.
“Ryo-kun.”
Let’s calm down for a moment. It’s not good to be too conscious of Asahina. Just act normally and respond normally.
“What’s wrong?”
“Can I hold your hand?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.”
“Hm?”
“Hm.”
Asahina’s slender fingers hesitantly rested on my left hand.
…Huh?
“Isn’t this weird?”
“I don’t think it’s weird…”
Asahina’s fingertips were trembling slightly. I couldn’t grip her hand too tightly, nor could I let go of it. Not knowing what to do, I simply wrapped my palm around hers.
“Ryo-kun’s hands are warm, aren’t they?”
Asahina murmured softly. Her voice was a little hoarse, probably from embarrassment.
“You’re all better now, right?”
“Yeah. I don’t have a fever anymore, and my body feels fine. But…”
“But?”
“Now that the nursing is over, I feel a little lonely.”
The moment I heard those words, my heart tightened. Considering the training plan, saying something like that was a huge mistake.
“Next time, I want to be with you normally, not because of a cold…”
The words stuck in her throat. She was saying something so cute it was unfair.
“Hmph! You don’t have to say that! We’ve been together all the time lately!”
“Ryo-kun’s tsundere mode has activated.”
“Who’s tsundere!”
I shouted loudly to hide my embarrassment. Glancing casually at Asahina, our eyes met. Asahina was looking at me with her eyes slightly raised.
“We’ll be late.”
“Ugh, why am I with Asahina…”
“Come on, let’s go.”
Asahina started walking while holding my hand.
“Asahina.”
“Hmm?”
“Let’s let go of each other’s hands when we get to school…”
“Why?”
“We’ll stand out!”
“Then let’s just go quietly so we don’t stand out.”
“School isn’t a place to go quietly! Let’s go proudly!”
As we laughed and exchanged such words, the awkwardness from earlier gradually melted away. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we had talked about our personal lives the other day. I started to feel a sense of comfort, as if I knew Asahina well.
As we continued talking while walking to school, we arrived at school in no time. I didn’t know what people would say if they saw us, so I quickly let go of her hand.
“Tch.”
She made a deliberate clicking sound with her tongue.
I’ve noticed recently that Asahina gradually becomes expressionless as we approach the school. It’s kind of interesting.
“…Huh?”
When we entered the school building and Asahina opened her locker, a single sheet of paper fluttered to the ground.
“What’s this?”
The white letter landed at Asahina’s feet. No way, could this be…
“That’s something I’m not supposed to see…”
“Huh?”
Asahina stepped on the letter like it was trash!
“Are you crazy?! What kind of girl steps on a love letter?!”
“Oh, this is a love letter. I thought it was trash.”
“Well, I didn’t see it, so I don’t know!”
This girl is doing something outrageous. If I were the sender of that letter, I’d be crying my eyes out right now.
“Well, at least take a look inside.”
“Hmmm..”
With a gloomy expression, Asahina picked up the letter. Sigh, why is she like this? I have a lot to say, but for now, I’ll just change into my slippers.
“Hnn…?”
Something caught my eye, and I reflexively closed the shoe box.
Was there a flashy envelope in my shoe box too? Was my name written on it, or not?
“Ryo kun, is something wrong?”
Oh no, I have a feeling Asahina shouldn’t see this.
“Was there a thumbtack in it?”
“It’s just bullying.”
“If anyone did that to Ryo, I wouldn’t forgive them.”
“Wait!”
Asahina leaned forward and opened my shoe locker.
“Ha?”
“Well, I don’t really know what it is either.”
“Huh? Huh? Haaa!”
Asahina has a very commanding voice. And she has a very scary look on her face. I also have what appears to be a love letter in my shoe locker…
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