Chapter 1: What Lovers Do Together

It’s been two and a half months since I started dating Sagara Souhei, my neighbor, seminar buddy, and former high school classmate. Our relationship is going very well.

We haven’t had any serious fights, and Sagara-kun always goes along with my “things I want to do with my wonderful boyfriend,” even if he grumbles a bit.

Meeting up to go home together, having lunch at the campus cafeteria, shopping together, taking the Randen to Arashiyama, swinging side by side at the park, going to the convenience store to buy ice cream, watching TV dramas and chatting about random things.

To others, these might not seem like a big deal, but to me, each one is sparkling, fresh, and fun.

…My recent university life is feeling pretty good…!

I’ve made friends and gotten a boyfriend. The “rosy university life” I aimed for might be just within reach.

When the fourth-period seminar on Friday ended, the research lab suddenly became noisy. Next to me, Sacchan stretched and said, “Ah, tomorrow’s finally a day off!”

Even as second-years, most of the seminar members hadn’t changed. Some students occasionally switch seminars, but it didn’t seem like anyone did this year. After spending a year together, I had gotten used to the seminar members, which made me happy.

It’s late April, and in about a week, it will be Golden Week. As I packed my textbooks into my bag, I said to Sacchan,

“Let’s all go out during Golden Week. I’m not going home this year.”

I’ve gotten quite good at naturally inviting friends to hang out. Sacchan responded to my suggestion with, “Sounds good! Let’s go!”

At that moment, I saw Sagara-kun quickly leaving the research lab. I told Sacchan, “Wait a sec,” and then chased after him.

“Sagara-kun!”

When I called out, Sagara-kun stopped and turned around. Though he always has a grumpy face, I like how his eyes soften just a bit when he sees me.

“Sagara-kun, do you have work after this?”

“Yeah.”

“Really? You’ve been busy lately.”

Recently, it feels like Sagara-kun has been working all the time. It’s not unusual for him to be busy with work, but since we started dating, he hadn’t crammed his shifts this tightly.

“…Uh…well, kinda.”

Sagara-kun’s vague response made me a bit uneasy, but I chose not to press him. He doesn’t touch his allowance, so he might be having a tough time. If that’s the case, I want to help him as much as I can.

“Do you want to have dinner together tonight? I was thinking of making omurice.”

“No, it’s going to be late, so it’s fine.”

“I see…”

It’s because of work, but…we haven’t been able to spend much time together lately, which makes me lonely.

As I lowered my eyebrows in disappointment, Sagara-kun cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Oh, by the way…do you have plans on May 3rd?”

“Huh? No, I don’t have anything planned.”

“Then, keep it free. Let’s…go somewhere together.”

Sagara-kun mumbled in a small voice. In that moment, all my sadness vanished. I nodded enthusiastically, “Yes!”

“I’ll head home first. See you.”

“Okay. Good luck.”

After Sagara-kun disappeared from sight, I couldn’t help but do a little happy dance on the spot. A passing student gave me a strange look, and I quickly composed myself.

I’m so happy! It’s been a while since our last date!

As I thought about what to wear, it suddenly hit me.

…Wait a minute. May 3rd is my…

After chatting with Sacchan in the research lab for a while, I headed back to my apartment.

It’s about a thirty-minute bike ride from the university to my apartment. Sacchan always says, “Why do you live so far? You should move closer to the university!” but I have no plans to move for now. Though it’s old, the rent is cheap, the landlord is nice, and most importantly, Sagara-kun lives next door. However, if I see another cockroach, I might consider moving.

As I got off my red bicycle, I saw an unfamiliar girl standing in front of the apartment.

She looked like a high school girl, wearing a sailor uniform with a pink cardigan over it. She was glaring at her smartphone with a stern expression and looking around nervously. Maybe she’s lost.

I hesitated to approach her because she seemed like the type I’m not good with. Bright red lipstick and eyeshadow, multiple piercings in her ears. If we were in the same class in high school, I wouldn’t have been able to make eye contact with such a flashy girl.

…But…if she’s in trouble, I should talk to her.

Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and spoke up.

“…Excuse me. Is something wrong?”

She looked startled and turned towards me.

“…No, it’s nothing.”

She quickly said and walked away as if fleeing.

Her suspicious behavior worried me a bit, but it wasn’t worth chasing after her. I reluctantly climbed the stairs to my apartment.