Chapter 3: Perfect Lipstick Gets Messy with Love?

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As summer vacation approached, it seemed like every class dumped a mountain of midterm report assignments on us, leaving students overwhelmed. I was no exception, desperately working on my assignments. Last year, I felt like I had more time, so why does it feel different now?

I was holed up in my room, tapping away at my keyboard. I wrote diligently, but around 11 PM, I stopped.

…I want something sweet.

Chocolate has always been my go-to study companion. Eating sweets at this hour isn’t ideal, but consuming some sugar helps my brain function better.

I got up and checked the kitchen shelves and fridge, but found no snacks. I should have bought some ice cream at the supermarket. Today was a 30% off day too.

Going to the convenience store wasn’t an option; I was in my high school gym clothes and glasses, completely barefaced. Stepping outside like this was out of the question. I had no choice but to give up…

Having lost focus, I flopped down on the floor. Outside the closed window, I could faintly hear the cicadas chirping. Despite it being July, it was still uncomfortably warm at night. Thinking about the intense heat continuing was exhausting.

I wonder what Sagara-kun is doing.

There was no sign of anyone in the room next door. Given the time, he was probably at work. The thought of seeing him made my chest tighten.

…No, I need to focus on my report… but I keep thinking about Sagara-kun.

Since starting to date Sagara-kun, I’ve felt my “honor student” self waver for the first time.

I’ve been able to be an honor student for twenty years because I dedicated more time to studying than anyone else. Sacchan often says, “Haruko, it’s great that you’re smart,” but that’s not true. My grades are better than others because I repeatedly review until I understand.

In the past, studying alone wasn’t a burden for me. The more I studied, the better I got, and I enjoyed it because it was all I had to do.

But now it’s different. I’ve learned that there are many things more enjoyable than studying. To say that I don’t want to abandon my studies and go see him would be a lie.

“…No, I can’t! Focus! I need to concentrate!”

I shook my head vigorously and slapped my cheeks hard with both hands. I turned back to my laptop and resumed writing my report.

Saturday, after finally finishing my report, Sacchan invited me out, saying, “Let’s go buy swimsuits!” and I immediately agreed.

We planned to go to Lake Biwa during summer vacation. I had been unsure, but with Sacchan’s encouragement—”It looks great! So cute!”—I chose a slightly daring bikini for myself.

After some window shopping, we went to grab dinner.

Sacchan took me to a relatively calm izakaya on Kiyamachi Street. Since it had private rooms, we could chat without worrying about others.

“I’ll have a draft beer. What about you, Haruko?”

“U-Um… what should I get…”

Seeing Sacchan order alcohol without hesitation made me a bit nervous.

I turned twenty in May, but I hadn’t tried alcohol yet. I didn’t know if I had a tolerance for it. Imagining what might happen if I drank made me a bit anxious.

But Sacchan and the others always seemed to have fun drinking, and I did want to experience a drinking party at least once. It might be good to know my alcohol tolerance now.

“Don’t feel pressured to match me. The food here is good too.”

“Hmm, maybe I’ll try a little… I’ll have the same, please.”

Soon, our table was filled with beer and appetizers. Holding the frothy beer with both hands, I cautiously clinked glasses with Sacchan and took a few sips.

The foam bubbles burst in my mouth. It was bitter, but I could somewhat understand the appeal of the smoothness. Unfortunately, I didn’t think it tasted good.

“Can you drink it?”

“Hmm… I can, but… it’s bitter…”

“Then I’ll take it. Order something sweet.”

My next order was a cassis cocktail mixed with orange juice. I didn’t get the appeal of beer, but this sweet drink was delicious. I could manage this.

As the food arrived, Sacchan kept emptying her beer glasses. We chatted about various things while eating yakitori and fries. With alcohol, I seemed a bit more talkative.

“By the way, Hikaru got confessed to by a junior in the club recently.”

After taking a sip of her beer, Sacchan pouted her lips. Her casual revelation surprised me.

“Huh? Really!?”

“I didn’t hear it from him, but Yusuke told me. Apparently, he turned her down.”

Sacchan didn’t seem bothered as she said this. Drinking Sacchan exuded a more mature vibe than usual.

“Sacchan, aren’t you worried about dating Hojo-kun?”

“…Well, if I got jealous over everything, there’d be no end to it.”

That made sense. It must be tough dating someone so popular. I’d probably be too insecure to last three days.

“Besides, no matter what others say, Hikaru likes me.”

Sacchan said firmly.

Sacchan is strong, confident, and cool. I wish I could trust Sagara-kun that way.

Lately, I’ve been trying my best to make Sagara-kun happy, but… it doesn’t seem to be working. Sighing, I admitted,

“Sacchan, you’re so composed… it’s amazing.”

“…Really?”

“I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m a university debutante. I’ve never dated anyone, so I don’t know what’s right as a girlfriend.”

If it were a test, I could correct my mistakes, but human relationships don’t work that way. Having never built good relationships with others, I still don’t know the right answers and can’t correct my mistakes.

“I’m already behind compared to others… Sacchan, do you have any tips for a successful relationship?”

I hoped for advice from Sacchan, who had much more experience than me. When I looked at her expectantly, she gazed into the distance.

“…Maybe try being more affectionate sometimes? They say a good woman is good at showing affection.”

“How do I show affection?”

“…That’s…”

Sacchan downed the rest of her beer and pressed the call button on the table. She loudly ordered, “One large draft beer, please!” when the waiter arrived.

“…I’d really like to know that too!!”

Sacchan slammed the empty glass down, her voice raised. Her cheeks were redder than usual, and her eyes seemed unfocused.

Come to think of it, Sacchan had been drinking quite quickly from the start. She might be quite drunk. As she ordered another beer, I felt a bit overwhelmed.

“What’s the secret to a successful relationship? I don’t know how to show affection to my boyfriend! Yes, yes, I’m just an unlovable woman!”

“I-I never said that…”

“Girls who say they’re drunk and act affectionately aren’t really drunk! They’re doing it on purpose! Are you listening, Haruko!?”

“Y-Yes, I’m listening.”

Feeling pressured by her intensity, I nodded repeatedly. I think I understood a bit how Sagara-kun felt when he sometimes used polite language with Sacchan…

“And what’s with girls confessing to guys who already have girlfriends? They act like they know their place, but they’re totally trying to get a chance!”

Maybe Sacchan isn’t as composed as I thought…

Following her lead, I finished my glass. My face felt hot, and my head started to feel light and fuzzy. My vision began to warp and blur. Wait, how many drinks have I had…

“I don’t know what Sagara-kun is thinking, but Haruko, you should just hug him tight and say ‘I love you!’ Just do it!”

“Yeah, you’re right! Sacchan, I’ll do it!”

Raising my fist with enthusiasm, I felt like I could do anything!