Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176550308690/episodes/16818622176997812980
After class, it was after school.
Usually, I would play smartphone games in the classroom and wait for Renka to finish her club activities.
But from today on, I won’t have to do that anymore.
As the bell rang continuously, I hurriedly gathered my belongings and prepared to go home. Then…
“Hey, wait.”
Renka, sitting next to me, spoke up.
“Huh? What’s up, Renka?”
“What’s up? Well…”
Renka averted her gaze from me and fidgeted with her lips.
But even after a few seconds, she didn’t say anything.
“If there’s nothing, I’m going home.”
“Eh? Ah…yeah. See you, stupid Akito…”
…What the hell. So she just wanted to insult me after all.
Well, whatever. I just replied, “See you” , picked up my bag, and left the classroom.
◇◇◇
Walking home alone felt somehow refreshing.
I suddenly noticed that the cherry trees lining the roadside had already shed most of their blossoms. …Until now, I had been walking home with Renka every day. I enjoyed chatting with her about trivial things, so I hadn’t paid any attention to the scenery around me.
(The way these cherry blossoms are falling feels like it represents my broken heart… or something.)
Oops. I got a little sentimental there. I feel kind of embarrassed.
Just then—I sensed someone running toward me from behind.
“—-Hey, Akito ! Wait up !”
It was a familiar, cheerful voice.
My fair-haired, handsome childhood friend with a refreshing face—Yuzuka Hideki—was apparently chasing after me.
“Hideki? What about club activities?”
“Today’s a day off. So, let’s go home together for a change.”
Hideki smiled, showing his white teeth.
Hideki is a member of the track and field club. He’s not only handsome but also has exceptional athletic ability, and despite being a second-year student, he’s already the team’s ace.
“Anyway, what’s up with you today, Akito? Are you sure you don’t want to wait for Renka?”
“Well, yeah. We’ve decided to go home separately from now on.”
“That’s a historic moment. So, you’re finally growing up, huh?”
“Stop treating me like I’m Renka’s kid…”
I sighed, but Hideki smiled as usual and said,
“Hey, Akito. Just between us, what happened between you and Renka?”
…Hideki is sharp, as always.
Still, I didn’t intend to tell him the truth about yesterday.
For Renka’s sake, I should keep quiet about her gossiping behind my back.
“…There’s really nothing going on. I think I’ve said it a few times, but I suddenly realized that I can’t keep bothering Renka forever.”
“That’s a good attitude, but isn’t it a bit sudden?”
“That’s how it goes. Everyday life can change suddenly.”
…Oops. I got sentimental again.
I cleared my throat to cover up my slightly embarrassing remark.
“Don’t worry about it too much. It’s not like I had a fight with Renka or anything.”
“…I get it. If you say so, I’ll just leave it at that.”
“Sigh” Hideki shrugged,
“But at least let me confirm this one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Akito, you—have you stopped liking Renka?”
His tone was serious. I couldn’t help but stop for a moment.
But I quickly resumed walking and replied to Hideki.
“…….That’s not it either. I still like Renka.”
We’ve been friends since childhood, so it’s natural, but Hidkei and I have known each other for a long time.
And he’s pretty perceptive. My feelings for Renka have been obvious to him for a long time.
Hideki gave a wry smile, as if exasperated, and said,
“…Haa. You guys are really stupid, aren’t you?”
“Hey, what’s with that sudden change? Are you imitating Renka?”
Stupid. That’s the number one word Renka uses to insult me. By the way, number two is “useless human being.”
Wait…didn’t Hideki just say “you guys” in the plural form?
Well, either way is fine. It might just be a slip of the tongue.
“Akito. Just to be sure, let me say one thing.”
Hideki placed his hand on my shoulder in a serious manner and said,
“I’ll always be on your side, no matter what. So if anything happens, talk to me right away.”
He stared intently at my face.
I suddenly looked away from Hideki and asked,
“…Hidkei. Do you like me?”
“Don’t be stupid ! ! I’m normal, normal ! !”
As we had this noisy conversation, Hideki and I made our way home.
…It was a fun time, I honestly felt that way.
But, even though I felt that way, I also felt a sense of emptiness that was just as strong as the joy.
This must be the aftermath of a broken heart. I need to get over it soon, I thought.
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