Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330662140414210/episodes/16817330663397826398
High school life is full of events. I really appreciate it, but it can be a problem if you don’t coordinate your schedule properly.
“The school trip is coming up.”
The day after I took care of Rika.
On the way to school, Rika showed me the schedule on her phone.
It was only a week or so after the school festival. There was no time to bask in the afterglow of the festival, as new events were rushing in one after another.
“Big event, part two. After this, it’s going to be a very lonely life in the second year of high school.”
“Two weeks after the school trip, there will be tests, and then school inter-class ball-game competition.”
“I hope they’ll find a balance in their schedules.”
“I agree.”
Rika and I are in different classes.
We can’t be together in the same group like we did in elementary school.
If we want to tour together, what should we do?
This is our only chance during free time.
“Masatoshi, you want to tour with me?”
“Well, of course.”
I had no reason to refuse. These days, being with Rika is what makes me happy. This is becoming more and more the case day by day.
“Masatoshi never disappoints me, does he? I feel at ease.”
“I borrowed your words, Rika, [childhood friends never betray expectations].”
“I hope so, and I hope you will continue to do so.
I could see that her steps became lighter.
“You were that happy?”
“Yeah. Am I crazy?”
“No way. You’re in such a good mood, I was curious.”
“Lately, the importance of spending time with Masatoshi has been sinking in. Just having a small conversation with you makes me happy, the thought of you being next to me makes me feel satisfied, and just thinking about Masatoshi is enough–it’s a little scary, isn’t it? I shouldn’t say that.”
Rika didn’t seem to be able to see me when she was talking in an endless stream of words. She had entered her world, and was content with herself within the closed walls.
“Are you afraid of me?”
“I’m not. But you were a little different from usual, Rika. It’s strange.”
“I’m no good. I have to be my normal self. Keep my composure.”
We were divided into our respective classrooms.
There was a strange atmosphere in my class. There was a mixture of molecules that were not normal. I knew intuitively.
“A……ah……”
A broken robot was slumped over.
No, it was not a real robot. It was Kisaki.
Her face was more gaunt than before, and she was mumbling to herself.
I didn’t feel like calling out. I felt like she deserved it, that’s half of it. The other half was fear of the being that had driven Kisaki this far.
It’s strange. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. She should have had a wonderful time with Kisaragi at the after-party. Since then, she seems to have fallen off a cliff.
Of course, it is strange that her appearance had changed, with her make-up looking shabby and the luster of her hair almost gone.
It wasn’t just her appearance. The phone in her hand was beeping incessantly.
It seemed they were being sent continuously. Each time it rings, a quiet scream rises from Kisaki. Her breathing becomes ragged.
Some of her friends run up to her and ask what’s wrong, but she brushes them off.
“I’m fine, no problem. Nothing’s changed. There is nothing wrong.”
With such statements, she refuses to accept the support of those around her.
It’s obvious that she’s not alright. Kisaki just doesn’t want to admit it. What is it that is driving her to do this? I have no way of knowing.
Sure enough, in the middle of class, she was sent to the infirmary again.
[Is Kisaki okay?] [She’s been acting a little strange〜] [I wonder if there is something wrong with her.]
The days flowed on without Kisaki in the classroom. After class, I met up with Rinka.
“Masatoshi, you don’t look happy, do you?”
“A little bit.”
While changing my shoes in the shoe box, I began to organize my words.
“Kisaki’s acting funny.”
I answered in a very simple way.
“I’m surprised that you’re interested in your ex. Are you always like that?”
The words were like a cold knife. It passed right through the side of my face.
“I can’t help but notice it. The ringing calls, the expressions on her face that are losing day by day, and the broken emotions……it’s just too much to look at. I think, but.”
“But?”
“I feel like something is wrong. It’s not like I was asking for this much.”
“You’re wrong, Masatoshi.”
Those words seemed to clear up my confusion. I felt like I was repeatedly jumping sideways over a line that I wasn’t allowed to cross, but I shouldn’t be thinking about it right now.
After all, I was listening to Rika’s words. No need for unnecessary thoughts. I don’t need to think about it.
After leaving the shoe box, I went out to a street with few pedestrians. It’s a place like the back of the gymnasium, where the sun doesn’t shine so brightly.
I follow Rika. When we reached our destination, she turned around and looked at me.
“Kisaki Saki has committed a terrible sin. Arrogance, greed, and lust. At least three of them. What is far more serious is that she has disturbed Masatoshi’s peace of mind.”
“I’m already getting over it.”
“It doesn’t matter whether you get over it or not. When you commit a crime, you have to be judged. The punishment must be commensurate with the severity of the crime. It’s just a coincidence that she’s the one who has the misfortune. There is nothing to worry about.”
Rika tried to put her hand on my head with a thump.
But it was an attempt.
Her hand trembled just before she touched it, and she gently pulled it back.
“Why did you stop?”
“Because I thought I shouldn’t.”
“No. You should do it.”
I don’t really understand, but I couldn’t help but think that a pat on the head was the greatest thing that could ever happen to me.
If it was the case, I should enjoy the warmth of a warm palm.
Such a thought came naturally to me. It was a conditioned reflex, just like a programmed machine, prior to my own will.
“Maybe. But not today.”
“Eh?”
“Masatoshi, you’re a greedy man.”
“When’s the next time?”
“—The night of the school trip?”
About a week from now.
“We have separate rooms for men and women, but is that possible?”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s possible or not. If you want to do it, everything will be fine. Of course, you have to be prepared to walk a tightrope.”
“I don’t have a problem with it. I have nothing but determination.”
“I don’t have a problem either. Just make sure you’re ready.”
“That’s threatening.”
“If this doesn’t work out, no more head-tapping for a while.”
“I have to make sure I get it done !”
“Well said.”
A finger poked me on the cheek.
I felt light-headed. I wondered when was the last time someone had done something like this to me. I had a similar feeling when I was in elementary school.
When was that—.
“I still remember Masatoshi’s body.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Something Masatoshi doesn’t need to know.”
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