Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176550308690/episodes/16818622177264405175
After school. I had just finished practicing with the classical guitar club when I was approached by my third-year senior, Sasaki, while cleaning up.
“Fujisaki san, what’s going on with you today? You seemed to make a lot of mistakes during the rehearsal, which is unusual for you.”
“Um…I’m sorry for holding everyone back…”
“That’s okay. But Fujisaki san, you didn’t seem to be concentrating. Were you feeling unwell?”
Saying that, the senior looked at me with concern.
“I-I’m fine. I’m really sorry…”
“Really? Well, if something’s wrong, tell me. I can at least offer some advice as a senior.”
“…Yes. Thank you.”
I smiled back and left the empty classroom, saying, “Excuse me.”
Well, I should go home. …..Akito went home early again today.
I couldn’t help but sigh. For the past few days, I’ve been thinking about him all the time. Because of that, I haven’t been able to concentrate on club activities or my studies.
Then, my smartphone in my bag beeped.
“…Sena?”
I opened the app and checked the chat screen.
[(Sena) At the usual family restaurant.]
[(Sena) Renka, I’m waiting for you.]
Along with a cute panda character stamp with its arms crossed, such a message arrived.
…The exaggerated wording made me chuckle. If she just wanted to eat sweets, she could have just said so like usual.
◇◇◇
When I arrived at the family restaurant, Sena was already seated.
Hideke and Yuri were there too, which surprised me a little.
“…Oh, Hideki and Yuri are here too.”
“Hey. Evening, Renka. What’s the matter? Was it a problem that we were here?”
Hideki said with his usual cheerful smile.
Yuri, sitting next to him, was…as expected, studying at the table. Business as usual.
But with all four of us childhood friends gathered here—where was Akito?
Yuri pushed up his glasses and said,
“I invited Akito, but he turned me down. He said he wanted to study at home.”
“Oh, I see. That’s good, Akito…”
I think he’s admirable.
But…I also wonder why.
If he wanted to study, I wish he had relied on me like he usually does. Then I could have taught him in my own way. The place could have been…um, my house, or something.
“Alright, Sena. Now that everyone’s here, can we get to the main topic quickly?”
Hideki continues speaking while sipping orange juice through a straw.
“Why did you bother gathering us all at a family restaurant? There must be something you want from us, right?”
“You’re sharp, Hideki ! You really know me well.”
“It’s about time. How long do you think we’ve been friends?”
…..Hideki is amazing.
I still don’t understand Akito.
Not only that, but I don’t even understand how I feel about Akito, or even myself.
I couldn’t help but sigh again. Then Sena, poked my cheek and said,
“Fufu. Renka’s cheek is so smooth and soft.”
“Hey, Sena. What are you doing all of a sudden…?”
“Your face looks gloomy. Are you still worried about Akito?”
“Well, that’s…”
I couldn’t help but look down.
However, Sena seemed to have expected my reaction and said proudly,
“For Renka, I’ve prepared a special plan !”
“Huh? A plan?”
“This weekend is Golden Week, right? So let’s go out and have fun together as a group of five !”
“That’s a great idea ! I’m all for it !”
Hideki smiles happily.
Then, Sena nods and says,
“…To be honest, I’m also concerned about Akito’s behavior. But I don’t think it’s as serious as you think, Renka.”
“I said I don’t care about Akito…”
When I say that, Hideki puts his finger to his lips and says,
“Renka, stop. Your tsundere attitude is just making things complicated right now.”
“…I’m not tsundere !”
“Ugh, Renka, you’re so cute ! But Hideki’s right, let’s hear my plan first, okay?”
Sena smiled softly and interjected, “Let’s continue.”
“I understand that it’s hard to talk to Akito at school. But if we’re all out playing together, maybe you could just casually ask him while we’re hanging out?”
“…Ask him what?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? ‘Why did you suddenly start avoiding me? Something like that'”
Oh, right…so Akito really is avoiding me.
I wasn’t completely unaware of it. But I think I just didn’t want to admit it.
I didn’t want to face the possibility that Akito hated me.
“Don’t make that face, Renka. As Akito’s best friend, I think you’ll be fine.”
“I agree with Hideki. At least, I don’t think Akito dislikes you. It just seems to me that there’s been some kind of misunderstanding between you two.”
Hideki and Yuri supported me like that.
In response, I…
(…Yeah, that’s right. If I keep running away, I’ll just feel uneasy forever.)
Even now, Akito’s face is always in the back of my mind.
Every little thing he does to distance himself from me makes my heart ache over and over again.
But I really don’t want to stay like this forever. So,
“…Yeah, I get it. I also want to know what Akito is thinking…”
When I said that, Sena exchanged glances with Hideki and nodded, then said,
“Fufufu. My cute Renka, you’ve finally admitted your feelings for Akito kun, haven’t you?”
“Eh…no, wait ! That’s not it ! I just meant that I’m curious about him as a childhood friend…”
“It’s okay, Renka. Just be a little more honest with yourself, okay?”
Sena smiled brightly and energetically.
Under the glow of my best friend’s dazzling smile…the fog in my heart seemed to clear just a little.
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Akito thinks you hate him.
so, he’s giving you space.
it all started because he heard you talking to your friends and rather than being honest you said you hated him and he’s a loser.
you insulted him on a daily basis is also what contributed to his misunderstanding.