Chapter 2: The Omen of a Storm

Is there any way to erase the memory of everyone who was in that room?

I threw off my jacket behind the school building, crouching down with my head in my hands. As I writhed in shame and regret, I heard Nanase’s voice.

“Sagara-kun! So this is where you were!”

I looked up to see Nanase running towards me. “Here, this is for you,” she said, handing me a bottle of tea.

“…Thanks.”

After opening the cap and drinking, I realized my throat was much drier than I thought. I quickly emptied the 500ml bottle.

“Good job, Sagara-kun! You did great!”

Nanase smiled encouragingly, but her kindness only made it harder for me.

“…It’s fine… you don’t have to force yourself to comfort me…”

The kinder Nanase was, the more miserable I felt. I really am pathetic. I didn’t want her to see me being so uncool…

“I’m really no good… it’s embarrassing…”

“What? Not at all! You were so confident!”

Nanase crouched beside me, looking into my face and gently patting my head. The sensation of her hand sliding through my hair was soothing, and I let her continue.

“I don’t know what others thought, but… I could tell you were trying your best, and that you were speaking earnestly with your own words. I thought it was good.”

Being comforted by my girlfriend after failing was pathetic. But in my weakened state, I couldn’t help but lean into her kindness.

“…Sagara-kun.”

When she called my name, I looked up to find Nanase’s face very close.

Her large eyes, filled with uncertainty, stared into mine. She cupped my cheeks with both hands, and with a determined look, leaned in and kissed me lightly.

“…!?”

Though we had kissed before, it was the first time Nanase initiated it. My mind froze, unable to process the situation.

Nanase, seemingly surprised by her own actions, blushed deeply and panicked.

“Oh… I-It’s not what you think…! It’s like a charm to make you feel better…! Nami-chan said a kiss could cheer up a boyfriend… so… I didn’t mean to…”

“I-I understand. It’s okay, really.”

As Nanase panicked, I started to calm down. While thinking of how to reassure her, I heard a voice from behind.

“…Um, excuse me.”

It wasn’t Nanase’s voice. Startled, my heart nearly stopped.

Turning towards the voice, I saw a high school girl with a ponytail in a sailor uniform looking at us.

…Crap, did she see that?

Feeling a cold sweat, the girl smiled pleasantly.

“You were the one giving the presentation earlier in the Economics department, right?”

“Oh, uh, yes.”

“Wow, I knew it! Your presentation was great. Thank you!”

The high school girl clasped her hands in front of her chest and said so. Whether it was flattery or not, I felt slightly relieved. At least one person listened to me.

…But her face… seems familiar…

She had black hair tied in a ponytail and looked earnest. Though not as plain as Nanase without makeup, she had a relatively understated appearance. I felt like I had seen her somewhere before, but I couldn’t recall. I didn’t know any high school girls, so maybe it was just my imagination.

She looked at Nanase and me alternately with interest and asked,

“I heard we’ll be getting a campus tour next. Where’s the meeting spot?”

Smiling, she inquired. Before I could respond, Nanase answered,

“Um… it’s in front of the lawn plaza over there. I’ll be guiding, so shall we go together?”

Nanase smiled like a dependable senpai, and the girl’s face lit up, “Sure.”

I felt like I’d seen her somewhere before… As I tried to recall, she turned towards me. She stared at my face with a curious expression, then whispered in my ear.

“Um… you’ve got something on your face.”

“Huh?”

“Lipstick.”

Realizing what she meant, I quickly covered my mouth. The kiss earlier must have left Nanase’s lipstick on me. Nanase looked embarrassed, her cheeks turning red as she averted her gaze.

The girl smiled mischievously, “Well then, see you later,” and walked away. Nanase mouthed “sorry” to me before following her. Left alone, I hung my head in shame.

…From now on, no more PDA on campus.

(tln : A public display of affection (PDA) is any act of intimacy between a couple that is in view of others. Hugging, kissing, or holding your partner’s hand in public are some examples of PDA )