Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330649624871134/episodes/16817330650812594216
♠
“Hey Sendai, you’ve been flirting for quite a while.”
When I returned to the classroom, Kaneko teased me first.
“I knew you would say that. But while I was nursing her, I fell asleep too.”
“Heh. But I hear that Taniguchi, the nurse, is pretty scary.”
“Well, I think she is. But I heard that Senpai often went to the infirmary because she was ill to begin with, so she was very understanding about that.”
“Hmm. You got a plus point for nursing Senpai.”
“Shut up. I don’t have any ulterior motives.”
Well, that’s an exaggeration.
I also had high hopes that my likability might have increased a little since I was there all day to take care of her.
Besides, I think there was a lot of progress in my relationship with Senpai.
“Hey, Kaneko, what do you think about marriage?”
“What the hell, have you become a menhera too?”
“No, I’m not. I’m talking in general.”
“Well, I think marriage is still a long road. I don’t even know if I can get married.”
“Well, thought so. But being with the person you love all the time is probably a happy thing, isn’t it?”
“I wonder. But, if you look at my parents, I don’t have any yearning for marriage. They fight over dinner every night.”
“It’s like that everywhere. My parents don’t fight, but they’re not lovey-dovey either.”
“You’re starting to sound like an adult, Sendai. Did something happen between you and Senpai?”
“Nothing. But I have to be firm too, that’s all.”
“Hmmm.”
I had never thought about marriage until I heard about it from Senpai.
I had never even had a girlfriend.
There’s no way I would want to have a child, and I’m still a kid.
But I’m sure that Senpai is thinking much further ahead in life than I am.
Maybe she learned how to cook so that she can meet someone new whenever she wants to.
I’m sure she can envision herself after marriage.
Having the person I love there every day when I return home, eating meals prepared by the person I love, sleeping with the person I love….
What a heavenly life.
Should I do that too…..hm?
“Hm?”
“What’s wrong Sendai, class starts soon.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. Nothing.”
I suddenly realized something when I imagined myself these days.
If I think about it, didn’t we do something like a married couple?
Every day Senpai cooks me a meal, yesterday we slept together.
When I wake up in the morning, she’s there, and she’ll probably be there today too.
…I’m so happy that it’s scary.
When I became aware of it, I realized that I was living an extraordinary day.
“……”
I wonder what Senpai thinks about these days.
I wonder if she is practicing for the married life that will come one day.
It really is a mystery.
It’s a mystery, but, well.
I’m okay with it for now.
Whatever the reason may be, Senpai is with me.
I just pray that I can be with her even a day longer.
◇
After school.
Kaneko grinned and asked me, [What are you going to do after this?]
“Nothing much, but I think I’m going home today.”
“What, you don’t have a date with Senpai?”
“What do you care if it’s a date?”
“You’re so cold. Let’s be nice to each other.”
“Ah.”
Kaneko immediately went to Takaya san’s place.
And today, Takaya san, Miyama san left the classroom together.
I wonder if I would have been in that circle if things haven’t gone wrong.
But I have more important things to do than that right now.
“Erm, Senpai…..ah, there she is.”
I left the classroom and immediately looked for Senpai and found her standing at the main gate.
“Good work. Are you done with your friends?”
“Yes, I don’t have any special plans. Do you want to go straight home, too?”
“Yeah. I have to prepare dinner.”
I was relieved to see her looking so healthy.
But I was afraid that if I let myself get carried away and forced myself on her again, I might put a burden on her.
“I’ll help you with something when we get back. Well, it’s kind of strange for me to help you when it’s my job.”
“No, it’s okay. Housework is my job. But today, I’ll take you at your word and just ask you to clean the bathroom.”
“Yes, with pleasure. I’ll do it as soon as I get home.”
“Yeah, please. And also, do you mind……if I go to your room today as well?”
“Eh? O-of course I don’t mind.”
“When I’m alone, I tend to think about a lot of things. I’m sorry for being so selfish.”
“W-what are you talking about? Rather, I would like to……no, nothing. Anyway, it’s totally fine.”
Senpai is coming to my room today too.
When I think about that, my body gets hot.
No matter how much time we spend in the same house, it’s still a different story when we end up in the same room.
But I guess she wants to be with someone because she’s not feeling well and mentally she’s in a bit of a slump.
She’s relying on me at a time like that.
I should be there for her.
“Are you okay with the train?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. But…”
She was about to say something, when she gently took my hand in hers.
“Ah.”
“No?”
“W-well. Does this make you feel safe?”
“Yeah. I’m still a little tired. I’d like some support.”
“O-okay. Hold on tight.”
“Yeah.”
Holding her hand, I walk through the station’s ticket gate.
Then we waited for the train together on the platform.
We were at the end of the line, and people were lined up behind us.
As more and more people arrive, Senpai’s grip tightens, perhaps out of nervousness or fear.
I guess she doesn’t like to be around so many people.
The train commute alone is quite stressful for Senpai.
…..I think it’s cute that she’s so stressed out about it.
A dignified senior with an attitude of not giving in to anything but her weak side.
I can’t help but find that endearing.
“The train is coming soon. I’ll manage to get us seats.”
“Okay.”
The train is entering the platform.
The people waiting for the train gradually lean forward to be the first to board.
I leaned toward her as if to protect her from the pressure of the crowd.
Senpai, too, leans toward me.
I can feel the vibration of her shoulders, which are shaking a little.
I stop hesitating.
I want to tell her I love her.
I don’t care what she thinks.
I want to support her.
Let’s talk about that when we get back to Akaitohama.
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