Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818023212795389552/episodes/16818093074489546572
“Thank you for the food. It was very delicious.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Kusunoki’s stew was so delicious that I even had another helping.
“I’ll take care of the cleanup—“
“No, no, no, no. This is my thank you.”
“Ow.”
I tried to get up, but Kusunoki pushed me back down. I was gonna make a move first, but I guess it was a bad idea.
“Hm. …..Are you busy after this?”
“I’m not, you can have my time in the world.”
“That’s a lot. Then wait a moment. I’ll wash them right away.
Kusunoki winked at me with a plate in her hand. Is it alright? I wonder if my heart is gone.
◆◆◆
“I have one question for you, Yukito kun !”
When she came back, Kusunoki suddenly asked me that question. She looks enthusiastic. I’m gonna have fun too.
“I’ll answer anything. Do you want to know about my dark history?”
“Nope. I was wondering when was the most memorable live performance of [Sunlight Hope] for you?”
“The Tokyo concert. It was two years ago.”
I answered reflexively. When it comes to Kusunoki, I end up talking through my spinal cord. And also I didn’t mention any dark history.
And Kusunoki was staring at me in surprise. Cute.
“…..I’m sorry, I’m a little surprised. I thought it might bother you.”
“Ah. If it sticks in my mind, then it was the Tokyo concert two years ago. It was the first concert I went to.”
It was my first time. My first live concert. It was also the first time I took the bullet train. I almost got lost.
“I see. But it was a long time ago. It was the first anniversary of [Suh]. You’ve known us since then.”
“I knew about it before that. For various reasons, I couldn’t go to the live shows before…….”
I have some regrets, but it’s something that has passed, so there’s nothing I can do about it.
“Then you must be a really old fan.”
“I’ve been around for a long time. I’m the only one who’s proud of it.”
After all, I was the channel’s first subscriber and first follower on social media.
Even after a few minutes, the number of subscribers and followers remained the same, so there was probably no lag. I won’t say it because I’m afraid my account will be revealed.
It wasn’t until about a month later that [Suh] got the buzz.
“It’s the only one, there’s plenty of other things you can be proud of. Like being nice.”
“Every class, people write something like, [Let’s form groups and write down each other’s strengths.]”
“I’m not trying to flatter you. You’re really kind, Yukito kun.”
…I’d be happy if Kusunoki sees me as a kind person. I will continue to be kind. To anyone.
“I still want to say good things about Yukito kun, but I’ll leave that for another time. I’ll get to know you better first. I’m opening my phone for a bit.”
After politely saying so, Kusunoki took out her smartphone. It seemed to be connected to a TV, and the screen changed.
“I’m a little embarrassed about this, but–I was wondering if you could tell me what you liked about the live show.”
I had goosebumps. It’s unmistakable–it’s the live footage from that time.
The Tokyo concert.
That was the goal that [Sunlight Hope] had been aiming for ever since the group was formed.
The video from that time began to play.
[To all the fans !]
Kusunoki’s words brought cheers. I raised mine too at that time.
[The reason we could come here is because of everyone’s support ! Thank you so, so much !]
Kusunoki bowed deeply. The two members also bowed deeply.
[Thank you so much, everyone. ….That’s why we’ll make everyone happy today !]
[We’re gonna get you all pumped up !]
[Then let’s go to the first song, [Welcome Sunlight] !]
Unknown emotions were bottled up inside.
The first song, [Welcome Sunlight] is gonna be the first song.
“…I love this place.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s the place where my favorite idol’s dream came true.”
I’ve watched it over and over on video. Still, there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t cried.
“I cried at Nanami chan’s first words. I cried a lot. I was really happy. …..But once the song started, I couldn’t help but cry.”
My body trembled.
Truly, no matter how many times I watch it, it never fades.
In fact….you could say that it makes my memories even more vivid.
“My seat was far from the stage, but I could clearly see it.”
It may be an illusion. Maybe it was just supplemented by the footage I saw later.
Still—
“I can vividly remember. Nanami chan’s image. She was so sparkling that I couldn’t believe she was the same age as me,……and yet she had a glistening greed that was looking ahead to the [next] stage of her dream come true.”
I was thrilled. The fact that this girl is the same age as me. The way she shines forever.
That’s why I felt I had to see it through to the end or I would die.
And then I remembered that I had not mentioned the other members at all.
“Of course, Kasumi chan and Tsumiki chan aslo–“
“–No. For now, just look at me.”
But my words are interrupted by her. ….I had no choice but to do so when my favorite idol told me so.
“Okay. Then I’ll just look at Nanami chan.”
As I said this, my consciousness was drawn to the video.
Oh, what should I say?
“During the concert, I could feel all the passion of [Kusunoki Nanami]. The feeling of gratitude. The thought of doing my best from now on. Maybe I’m just overthinking it, but….I love how powerful your voice is.”
A powerful voice that shakes the soul.
The heat that came through the screen reminded me of that day.
“I also like the interlude dance. I love it all. I love it. …..I love the climax of the song from the last chorus, I love it so much I think my brain is melting.”
My forehead began to sweat from the excitement.
When I was over there, I remember I was sweating at this point because I was waving a lightstick and the venue was so hot.
When the last chorus started, I fell silent.
Everything here was so good that I could tell by looking at it. I didn’t have enough time and mouth. I end up having to pause and repeat.
But if I do that, the meaning that Kusunoki showed me will be lost, so I have to say something. I’m not sure which goodness I should talk about.
“Let’s see. I like that place because I feel Nanami chan is the leader. There, Nanami chan pulls up the charm of all the members of [Sunlight Hope]—“
“……It’s enough. It’s okay.”
I close my mouth at her words. I look in her direction for a moment—-
–I see a gentle, happy smile on her face.
“When I look at you, I can tell everything.”
“……I see.”
I returned my attention to the screen and stared at her reflection behind it. I didn’t even want to blink.
◆◆◆
“……I think we should stop here for now.”
About halfway through the show, Kusunoki stopped the video.
“Why?”
“I-it’s getting a little unbearable for me……well, I’m just so happy.”
Kusunoki looked away and covered her red cheeks with her hands. Her gesture was so cute that my heart pounded so loudly.
“…T-thank you. Yeah, I was really happy.”
“Y-yeah, I’m glad you were happy.”
I was at a loss for words, so I cleared my throat.
“Oh, now that I think about it, why did you suddenly decide to watch it?”
“it’s……”
Kusunoki’s eyes swam unusually.
“…..I was hoping to get some compliments on.”
“I can’t say anything other than cute.”
In other words, it’s probably an extension of what we usually do after school.
Once there, I looked at the clock propped up on the wall.
“It’s about time. I know you meant to thank me, but is there anything else you’d like to do?”
“Well, you know,….um, yeah, I’m fine now.”
Good. My heart would have exploded if it went any further.
If that was decided, I would have to prepare for my return trip. Kusunoki suddenly raised her voice.
“I’m sorry, I just have one last thing to say. It’s not something I wanna do, but something I wanna ask you…….”
After saying that, Kusunoki looked straight at me. As if—she had made up her mind.
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