Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176550308690/episodes/16818792437734923785
After playing in the pool with Akito, we split into boys and girls and headed to the baths.
I talked a lot not just with Sena, but also with Suzukita-san and Maeda-san. Suzukita-san and I are rivals over Akito… but we had so many fun conversations that I completely forgot about that.
After that, we all ate dinner together at the buffet. Due to the reservation, we ended up at separate tables from Suzukita-san and the others.
The boys were competing over how much steak they could eat. I thought it was silly, but watching Akito like that made my chest feel all warm and fuzzy. It made me realize again that I really do like him.
Yuri’s father had prepared two rooms for us.
Of course, we split by gender. I said “Good night” to Akito and the others, who looked painfully stuffed.
I felt lonely. The trip I’d looked forward to so much was already halfway over.
“Renka. Hey, don’t make that face. You’ve got me, right?”
On the way back to our rooms, Sena called out to me like that.
…Yeah, you’re right. It’s only 8 PM. I might not see Akito again tonight, but I’ll make up for it by hanging out with Sena.
“Hehehe. Getting to spend the night alone with that school idol? I’m one lucky girl, aren’t I?”
“Ugh, Sena. Stop teasing me.”
“Hmm, no way, Renka? Tonight I get to have all of cute, cute Renka to myself, you know? I’m gonna spoil you rotten, okay?”
She grinned, her hands wiggling excitedly.
Ah—this is so much fun, I thought.
Sena was here, Akito was here, Hideki was here, Yuri was here.
The relationships were a bit complicated, but I’d also made new friends: Suzukita-san and Maeda-san.
Even after this trip ends, I wish every day could be this much fun.
I couldn’t help but let my thoughts drift to that sweet notion.
◇◇◇
The moment we got back to the room, Sena dove onto the futon the staff had laid out.
“Hyaaah!” She let out a happy scream, kicking her legs wildly.
“The futon’s so fluffy! I’m sure I’ll have sweet dreams, Renka.”
“Hey, Sena. Your yukata’s coming undone!”
“Eh? Whatever. Or are you gonna attack me, Renka?”
“Hehe, what’s that supposed to mean? Is that what you want, Sena?”
“Kyaa! Renka, you’re so naughty!”
As we bantered like that, I found myself laughing.
Sena was giggling softly too.
We talked about all sorts of things like that. Who liked who, how that teacher’s gaze was creepy. Spending time with Sena really was fun—I felt it deep in my heart.
“Hehe. Hey, Renka?”
Then Sena called my name, suddenly serious.
“—Thanks. For being my best friend.”
Suddenly, Sena looked straight into my eyes.
…My face flushed hot all at once. How could she say something like that so casually? I felt a tiny bit envious.
“S-stop it, Sena. Out of nowhere… What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“N-no, nothing at all! I just… suddenly felt like saying it.”
I, too… am glad Sena is here.
Sena is bright and always pulls me along. If Sena hadn’t been there, I, being so timid, probably wouldn’t have been able to make friends. It was thanks to Sena that I could become close with the Akito group.
Just the other day, she did so much for me after I hurt Akito. She supported me so devotedly.
To someone like Sena… I can never thank her enough.
That’s why I felt I had to put it into words.
“Hey. Sena—”
Just as I started to say that.
Suddenly. My phone in my pocket buzzed, bzzz.
“Hmm… Who could it be?”
I looked—and on the screen was a notification from Maeda-san, who I’d just exchanged RING IDs with moments ago.
『(Maeda) Renka-chan!』
『(Maeda) Miyuki-chan says she wants to talk to you!』
『(Maeda) And she wants it to be just the two of you!』
After reading the messages, I tilted my head, wondering what it meant.
The reason Suzukita-san wants to talk to me alone—I could guess. It was probably about Akito.
But if that was the case, why didn’t Suzukita-san just message me directly?
“What’s up, Renka? Who’s that from?”
“Um… Suzukita-san wants to talk to me. You know, just the two of us…”
“Muu, Suzukita-chan?”
Sena furrowed her brow, deep in thought.
After a moment, she let out a sigh of understanding.
“Mouu, Renka, you’re so popular. It’s fine, Renka. You should go.”
“But I’m with Sena right now…”
“If it’s from Suzukita-chan, it’s probably about Akito-kun, right? If so, don’t worry about me. Go on, go?”
“Well… okay, I understand. If you say so, Sena.”
It was odd that Maeda-san had specifically contacted me about this.
But I couldn’t just ignore Suzukita-san’s summons.
“Alright then, I’ll be lounging around waiting here. Have a nice long chat, Renka.”
“Yeah, thanks. See you later.”
Turning my back on Sena, who waved cheerfully with a smile, I left the room.
…What kind of talk does Suzukita-san have in mind?
My chest felt uneasy.
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