Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176550308690/episodes/16818792436946215514
Today—I got to see Akito’s face from the very morning.
For the first time in days, I walked to school with him. The kids in class were surprised. They teased me a bit too… but somehow, it didn’t feel unpleasant.
Before homeroom, I helped Akito with his studies. It had been a while since he’d relied on me like that. I wanted to live up to his expectations, so I tried to teach him as gently as possible. I hoped I was doing it right.
At lunch, he ate my bento. I packed it full of his favorite meat dishes. I wanted him to enjoy the vegetables too, so I cut them into bite-sized pieces and seasoned them carefully. Then, Akito told me, “It was delicious.” Deep inside, I felt incredibly warm.
I was happy. I was having fun. So happy.
I couldn’t help but wish that tomorrow could be just like today.
After school that day.
After classical guitar club practice ended, my eyes met Sasaki-senpai’s.
I gave a small bow, then said,
“Sasaki-senpai, I’ll be heading out first. Thanks for today!”
“Yeah, thanks for today. Speaking of which, Fujisaki-san, looks like you’re finally getting back into the swing of things.”
“…I’m sorry. I’ve been causing trouble all this time.”
It started about two months ago. Ever since that day I felt a distance growing between me and Akito, I’d been struggling to focus on club activities.
But today, I was able to concentrate surprisingly well, even by my own standards.
My mind was completely filled with thoughts of Akito—but somehow, I think that’s why I played so well.
(…The upcoming recital. If I invited Akito, would he come…?)
If he did come… I think I’d be really happy.
But still, inviting him out of the blue might be a bother. Akito’s been studying really hard lately. I absolutely don’t want to get in the way of that.
Even during class today, I found myself staring at his profile. I’m sure it disrupted his concentration. …Sorry, Akito.
But he was just that cool.
Seeing someone you like look that serious… Of course you’d get lost in it.
“Hehe. Fujisaki-san, did something good happen?”
“Huh? Wh-why would you say that…?”
“Because your playing today was more lively than before. That happy vibe was practically radiating off you.”
She could tell something like that. Sasaki-senpai is amazing.
It felt like she was reading my mind, making me feel embarrassed. As a small act of resistance, I twirled a strand of my side hair and said,
“…Yes. School has been really fun lately.”
“I see. That’s wonderful. I’m counting on you for the next recital, okay?”
“Yes!”
I bowed to my senior one last time and left the empty classroom.
It was past 6:30 PM. I slowly started walking down the hallway, colored by the sunset streaming through the windows.
(…Come to think of it, I left my hand cream in the classroom.)
The sound of the brass band’s practice echoed throughout the school building. They were extending their practice time specially since the contest was coming up soon.
But my heart was beating so loudly it could drown out even that sound.
Every time I was alone like this, his face would pop into my mind. And without fail, my heart would start pounding.
(…Akito. Hehe, Akito, Akito…)
Ah—I felt so happy.
Today, I got to talk to Akito a lot. We walked to school together. I got to take care of him, fixing his bedhead and his tie.
I decided not to invite him to lunch. …Because I felt bad for Suzukita-san.
But. Just today, I got to talk to him for over half an hour. I got to hear his voice so much.
That made me so incredibly happy, I couldn’t help it.
Hehe. My cheeks just kept curving upward.
(Akito… I wonder if he’d wait for me like he used to…?)
…I know. This is all just my selfishness.
Even this morning, I just barged into his house. I think he only indulged my selfishness because he’s kind.
Truthfully—I shouldn’t be with Akito.
Because I’ve hurt him so many times before. I made excuses about not being honest and said so many cruel things to him.
As his childhood friend, I’m a failure.
But…
(…Please, Akito. I’ll be good. So…)
—Just a little longer, please don’t abandon me.
Maybe he already hates me by now.
Maybe spending time with me is nothing but pure agony for him.
But… I’m sorry, Akito.
I want to stay with Akito from now on. I couldn’t bear being separated from him.
I promise I’ll never say cruel things to Akito again. I swear I’ll be honest with him.
So please.
I… want to stay by Akito’s side forever.
(…It’ll be okay, right? Surely days like today will keep coming…?)
My chest tightens painfully.
I can’t remember when it was. I once said something like this to Akito.
[Seriously. Akito, you really can’t do anything without me, can you?]
But that wasn’t true.
The truth was the opposite.
The one who couldn’t do without Akito was me.
And yet… I kept saying cruel things to him.
Hiding my true feelings, I hurt him so many times.
That’s why.
I’m sure… this is my punishment.
From the classroom we eventually reached.
A familiar bright voice drifted out into the hallway where I stood.
“Hey, Ayatacchi—”
Outside the window, the setting sun had been swallowed by gray clouds.
My feet were gradually swallowed by the deepening shadows. And then,
“—I like you. Please go out with me.”
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !