As I Know Anything About You, I'll Be The One To Your Girlfriend, Aren't I? - Volume 1 Chapter 2.8

I Hope You Understand 8

We walked on in silence for a while, then passed through the school gates.

Then, Suika started talking.

“Do you know? Kuuya, you’re occasionally the talk of the school too.”

“Me? Ah, about my paintings? I did win a big award, even if it was a fluke.”

“Not just about the paintings. …’He has a good vibe, doesn’t he?’ that kind of talk.”

“A good vibe? What’s that about?”

“Some people seem to wear a special aura over their clothes, don’t they? I can’t quite put it into words.”

“Hmm…”

It’s a somewhat understandable, yet not quite clear explanation.

“Girls tend to be a bit weak for that kind of thing.”

“If you say so, I guess so. …But do I have that kind of vibe?”

“Who knows, from my perspective.”

“I see.”

To someone who’s been together since as long as one can remember, vibe or anything of the sort wouldn’t likely be apparent.

“So, I’ve been wanting to ask… Have you been approached by anyone?”

“You worry too much. …Thanks, though.”

Knowing my situation, she must be concerned.

“From my perspective, there’s nothing. Just hanging out with the guys, a peaceful school life.”

“Really?”

“Really. No such eccentric exists. Sure, I talk to girls, but if it comes down to it, I can “see” to check. So,”

It’s okay. I was about to say that when the image of a girl came to mind.

When I checked, she always returned a result of red.

“Kuuya?”

That’s… But it’s Kujo-san?

A beauty on almost a mistaken level, and above all, a hardcore misanthrope, …she wouldn’t bother with someone like me.

“Kuuya…? What’s wrong, Kuuya?”

But… it’s definitely red. Seen through my eyes that have never been wrong before, and it’s red… How should I interpret that──

“Kuuya!”

“Ah, sorry, sorry.”

Pulled back to reality by Suika tugging on my sleeve.

“What’s wrong? You made a strange face and went silent. …I feel like something similar happened recently…”

“Ah, no. …Just recently, I’ve started talking a bit with someone. That’s all.”

“…Is there anything troubling you?”

I know what she’s worried about.

Just the other day, I “saw” Kujo-san’s red up close and my whole body chilled.

I managed to snap out of it quickly, but if not, I might have slightly lost my mental or physical balance.

But saying that now would make it sound like Kujo-san’s presence is a bother. So, I shook my head.

“No, not at all. She’s a good person, a bit quirky, but talking to her is really fun.”

I knew that wasn’t what Suika was getting at.

She looked at me intently and said,

“If you’re happy and having fun, that’s all that matters. I don’t think you should keep it to yourself or anything like that.”

Her voice reached me directly, clear and strong, as Suika continued,

“But, …if you ever run into any trouble, please make sure to tell me. This is my selfish request.”

“Thanks, always.”

“No, …it’s just my selfishness.”

Taking it as Suika’s way of being shy, I decided not to say anything.

I really do feel lucky. Just being childhood friends, yet she treats me so kindly. I’m always grateful for Suika’s deep friendship.

While we were talking, we reached the entrance. Since the shoe lockers are separated by grade, this is where Suika and I always part ways.

“See you, Suika.”

“…Wait, Kuuya.”

“Hm?”

“Your tie is a bit crooked.”

“Is it? Oh, …sorry.”

Suika smoothly approached me in one breath, reaching for my neck. With gentle yet firm hands, she readjusted my tie.

Tightly.

“…There, fixed. Perfect.”

As she moved away, Suika’s fingers lightly grazed my chest. I strangely felt the warmth of her fingertips distinctly.

“Thanks, that helps. I’ll make sure to do it properly next time.”

“No problem. …See you after school!”

Leaving behind her usual radiant smile, Suika headed towards her grade’s shoe lockers.

I changed my shoes and headed up the stairs to my classroom. I’ve always liked this mix of calmness and languor in the school’s morning air.

──But, I wonder if Suika really has no interest in getting a boyfriend.

Even without my biased view as a childhood friend, Suika is an exceptional girl.

Overflowing with thoughtfulness and kindness, warmth and brightness like sunshine. Her looks alone could turn heads, male or female, while walking down the street.

She could have her pick of partners.

No, but maybe there’s no one good enough for Suika. Perhaps thinking this way makes me a biased childhood friend.

“Hey, Miyashiro, good morning~”

“Morning~”

I opened the classroom door with a swing, greeted my classmates, and proceeded to my seat. Only about a third of the seats around were filled.

However, the seat next to mine was already taken.

Kujo-san, always early.

She rested her elbows on the desk, chin on her hands, gazing out the window.

Since becoming classmates in April, there hasn’t been a day when Kujo-san arrived at school after me. Whenever I enter the class, she’s already there.

She must be a morning person.

Contrary to my assumption of her, a person skilled in programming, being a night owl, it was a surprise.

Even as I hung my bag on the desk and sat down, Kujo-san kept looking outside, without directing a single glance my way.

Although we’ve had several opportunities to talk lately, this is her usual demeanor. Uninterested in those around her, lost in her thoughts while gazing outside.

That’s the standard image I have of Kujo Kurenai.

And often, she sighs deeply, troubled. I’ve also seen her biting her lips, her face set in a harsh expression.

With her brilliant mind, she’s probably pondering over things far beyond my comprehension.

I shouldn’t disturb her. I swallowed the “good morning” I was about to say.

Maybe we’ll talk again in ten days.

Such thoughts crossed my mind as Yuuji entered the classroom.

“Hey, Yuuji, morning~”

“Morning! Hey, Kuuya, listen, …I gotta tell you this!”

Just another ordinary day begins.